During the last few days I have been reading in newspapers, watching on the tele and listening to friends and family as they all talk about the same subject…………..New Year’s Resolutions. Obviously the most common denominator is the will to lose weight and I indeed need to join that band wagon pretty quickly and return to my no carb diet. I have put weight on over the last two months and this was noticeable when I looked at myself in the mirror this morning and realized as my friend Al would say that I did indeed……..I looked like the letter Q. So, a diet is definitely going to be part of my new year’s resolution starting once I walk back onboard. Where as most people find that taking a cruise is a guarantee of gaining extra pounds and profanity as you try and do that favorite pair of jeans up for me, it is a little different. When you are busy and have no comfort time then eating three basic meals makes it easier to shed the pounds………………so…………….that’s something to look forward to then. OH, sorry, I forgot to say good morning by the way on this Sunday morning. Now, don’t worry, this blog is not going to be dedicated to my weight loss program but it is a nice segue into the subject of New Year’s resolutions. As I have said you hear so many with topics such as weight loss, getting fit, stopping smoking and putting the toilet seat down toping the list. However, do you ever hear anyone say that their resolution for the New Year is……………..”to have fun.”……………………..nope, me neither but you know what, as well as trying to lose the equivalent weight of a hippopotamus’s left buttock ………is……….to have fun.
What does that mean?…………….I really don’t know……………but I do know that I am going to dedicate more time to laughter and not worrying about the small things and enjoy every day of my life to the full.
You know when I was young I wanted to run away and join the circus. I had dreams of standing in the center ring dressed in my red suit and top hat (very English) and introducing daring trapeze acts, hilarious clowns and dodging the huge piles of Elephant poo. Yes, I wanted to be a Ringmaster……………………I always thought that might be fun and in a strange way I guess I am a Ringmaster and although I do not get to introduce Trapeze Acts and Clowns I do get to introduce the finest shows in the world ……………….there is no sign of the Elephant poo although after I have eaten an Indian Curry……………….well………you know.
This reminiscence of fun was brought back to me when I heard that aboard the spectacular new P & O ship Ventura a Circus company will indeed teach guests the art of Trapeze, Clowning and other circus skills during your cruise……………….what a fantastic idea and I am sure that will be very popular. How many of us would love to learn the art of clowning. Dad’s, Granddad’s, imagine treating the kids and grandkids to a circus show held live in your living room……………….you certainly would be the most popular dad and Granddad in the world.
I heard they will also be teaching Trapeze. I would love to have a go at that. Imagine looking up in the Grand Lobby and seeing me swinging from a trapeze dressed in a violet spandex suit……………………OK, don’t think about that but congratulations to P & O for this wonderful idea and another example of how to put a bit of fun into your life.
Fun, it comes in many different ways but we all need more, especially these days when we are deluged with doom and gloom news 24 hours a day. However, its kids that seem to have fun in different ways than we were their age. This was brought home to me when I sat watching a friends 11 and 13 year old kids yesterday when we when visited their house. It was a beautiful day with a light splattering of snow that back in my day would have guaranteed snowball fights and the building of a snowman complete with a carrot used not for his nose but for his……well……..you know.
However as I watched the kids or teens as they are called today I realized that indeed times have changed as both sat in front of the big screen TV with their Playstation, X Box, Wee Game only pausing to surf You Tube, My Space and something called Faces Book and checking their e mail and texting their friends who are no doubt doing the same……………………indeed as the snow lay ready for kids to have fun in……………..they remained empty………………….what a shame.
These are two kids and there are millions like them who need to runaway and join the circus……….learn to be a clown……………..now they can…………..on the Ventura.
I must admit that it is not always easy to find “fun” in everyday situations as proved on Thursday as I shopped for a new mobile phone……………………because, I lost mine, yep, I lost mine on Wednesday night. I had gone to dinner with Heidi and somewhere between The Boatyard Restaurant and home my phone disappeared into hyperspace never to be seen again. I tried calling the number hoping some fine example of the human race had discovered it but it just rang and rang leaving me to think it was lying in the middle of a road somewhere. Anyway, I had no choice but to call Vodaphone and inform them in case someone had found it and was now calling their Great Aunt Betty in Willabongo, Australia.
Now, the number to call Vodaphone is a local number but once I had pressed the various numbers and hash keys to finally speak to someone from the human race I was transferred to their service center…………………..in Bombay, India. Now, I know its cheaper etc etc etc but I just wanted to report my phone was missing and to cancel the number………….did I really need to speak to Mr. Patel in Bombay to do this……………. pparently I did and after he asked me enough security questions to allow me to join the CIA or MI5 I was told the number would be deactivated until I went to a Vodaphone store, bought a new phone and then a new SIM card would be given to me. This operation to over 20 minutes. It’s not just Vodaphone of course that have moved their service centers abroad……………it is cheaper, I understand that but using the words “service” is like using the words “deodorant” and “French” in the same sentence.
Anyway, I headed off to the nearest Vodaphone shop to buy a new mobile. I have to say that I had my old phone for 3 years or more. It was a Samsung and the reason I liked it was that it was………….a phone. However, as the 12 year old salesperson showed me various phones telling me how many pixies lived in the camera and that it had 1 billion ring tones and blueteeth and that if I pressed this button it would make a cappuccino. I felt like screaming…………..I wanted a phone………………a phone that has a battery that allows you to say more than “Hello” before it turns itself off (something that happened to me when I looked at myself naked in the mirror today)…………… a phone that did not require you to be a NASA scientist just to turn it on.
The 12 year old then went on show me various models with companies mission statements proudly displayed on the box …………..Nokia, Connecting People. etc etc. I saw something called a Razer, a new phone buy a company called LG with the words “Life Is Good” on the box. After a while, I just gave up and chose a phone by Sony Erikson, not because of the features or the kids sales pitch……………..I bought the phone because there was a poster of Uma Thurman advertising it………………… and she has a nice bottom……………..therefore I found something to smile about and the fun returned.
Carnival Cruise Lines has always proudly called itself “the Fun Ships and as the incomparable Mr. Ted Arison brought cruising to the masses he also delivered “fun” to them as well. The ways we have fun onboard may have changed but even with all the new and exciting additions to the onboard experience the basis of Carnival’s Fun has not changed… However, we are going to rejuvenate the word Fun and this will start with Carnival Cruise Lines new advertising campaign which you will all start to see on national T.V these coming weeks. They are brilliant and all have the rally cry of………………….LET THE FUN BEGIN.
This will I have no doubt have you reaching for your phone or your mouse and booking your feast of fun. Enjoy the commercials and what ever you do this year …………….make a promise to yourself and ……………………have fun. Click here to see the commercial.
Just before I go I have to report that I am back in the doghouse and it’s all the fault of my Raspberry e mail thingy. Last night I was getting e mails thick and fast from Miami and was so involved in reading them and typing my replies I had not heard Heidi who apparently talking to me without receiving an answer. Heidi had told me a few days before that “ever since you got that raspberry all you ever say to me is…..Mmmm.”
As I typed an e mail I realized that Heidi had been asking me a question and was getting frustrated that I had not answered…………..so trying to have FUN I let out a long and extended Mmmmmmmm………………………..the bruise from the TV remote control which landed on my head should be gone soon and Heidi has informed me that my raspberry will be unusable as where she intends to shove it…………..there will be no signal.
Have Fun
Your friends
John and Heidi
Filed under: Catherine Zeta Jones, Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Splendor Godmother
I just started reading your blog and am trying to catch up on the past ones. I was wondering who “Alan” is that is mentioned often. I realize from what I have read that he is a close friend or relative of yours and he has been very sick.
So far I have really enjoyed your blog and having been on 6 Carnival Cruises so far can really relate with some of your comments. I love to criuse and can’t get enough info about them.
oh john, i lost the night before our christmas cruise, dec.16th. all the grandchildren were there for the event. i went back to the airport, the restaurant, finally i said someone call me so i can see if it’s in the car here somewhere. suddenly i heard a ring. john, it was in my bra. sigh…
see you soon!
bonnie and prince charlie
oh john, i lost my phone the night before our christmas cruise, dec.16th. all the grandchildren were there for the event. i went back to the airport, the restaurant, finally i said someone call me so i can see if it’s in the car here somewhere. suddenly i heard a ring. john, it was in my bra. sigh…
see you soon!
bonnie and prince charlie
John, your not the only one getting the uuummmmmssss. I’ve been deleting over 400 emails a day after I read them. All from MY EVIL CREW. I warn you John they are crazy. Pat will be happy in 13 more days when this laptop will not be setting in front of me all day. It’s so bad I warn new members of My Crew that their Email box will now be getting full since I added them to the Crew Email list. The next day they reply “what have I got myself into”.
Well I’m off to see what evil they are up to this morning.
“BIG” ED
13 days till I release MY EVIL CREW on the Freedom.
Hey John its Jake (jr.fan club pres..) : )
Once again the Fascination was BUETIFUL!
I met Trever Brooks , David Tacncock ( who says hello )
And id like to know if you know Todd Witimer,and chris pruadax?
Also I met Captain Vapoli.
And a captain that I realy miss was Captain Marco Negaro.
The crew was all very nice …speacialy David T.
And a few officers knew you.
I want to know , becauese I am sailing aboard the Victory in March if ther has been a sea side theater installed , beacuse if heard rumers.
Your , Friend Jake
John, Can you hear me now?
Looking forward tot he “Fun Ship” ( are you walking ok, yet?
Yours,
Kap
Hi John: I can tell you are ready to return to work. HA! I just got done chatting with Nanette in P.R. thru email and she is excited that she will visit you on the Freedom on 1/14, but she has not heard from you or Roberto, I told her not to wait too long to contact you as a reminder, since I know you will be leaving soon for meetings in Miami before re-embarking the Freedom. So, has Heidi started packing yet? I know what you mean about cell phones, when I got a new one last year I find the newer ones so confusing so I stuck to an older model of Nokia which I am used to. I got it for FREE since it isn’t the newer more sophisticated models that do everything but flush the toilet for you! HA! Us Older generation don’t like “new and improved” we like “old and easy”, HA! HA! How is your ankle, you didn’t mention it so I guess you are getting along ok. I am sure if it weren’t better Heidi would have gotten you to a dr. by now. I guess with the schedule you keep on the ship it might be easier for you to lose weight, but don’t forget being diabetic you need to keep a schedule of eating at certain times also. Well, I can’t wait till you return to work, as then the blog will get very interesting with your everyday antics on the ships. John-PLEASE REPLY-can you post the CD schedules for this year on all the ships? Thanks! Your friends, Mike & Linda P.S. My New Years resolution is to try and stay healthy, as I spent the first 3 days of the New Year in bed with food poisoning – NOT FUN!
Hi John, and a GREAT NEW ‘O8 to you & Heidi,
We had a terrific time on the cruise, and all 20 of us really enjoyed it. We had 13 adults and a mix of another 7 that thought of themselves as adults also (ages 10 to 18).
All I could keep on thinking is that boy did I wish that you would have been aboard. YOU AND YOUR HUMOUR & YOUR SPECIAL WAYS WERE TRULY MISSED!!!
The ship is magnificent, and very, very briefly met Todd. But again, all I could say is: “BOY WERE YOU MISSED!!!!!!”
XOXO,
Neny
Happy New Year John and Heidi!
Wow there must have been something in the air this weekend… I laughed (sorry!) when I read about your phone, but I felt your pain. I lost mine this weekend too! Twice! Fortunately for me, I found it both times. On Friday night we went out to dinner, the phone slipped out of my pocket as I was getting out of the car (pockets in women’s pants are too shallow!) and fell into the little pocket in the door. Then on Saturday morning when we went out for diner breakfast it slipped out of my jacket pocket and slid under the car seat. The worse part was it was set on vibrate so it was hard to hear when I called it.
Thank goodness I found it, I would hate to have to recreate all those contacts!
I’m glad you had a nice New Year’s in Holland. It’s less than two weeks until the Blogger’s Cruise! So much to do! Next Sunday I’m going up on the Palisades in Weehawken to check out the 3 Queens in port in NYC together during the day, but I’ll probably watch the fireworks when they leave from the Hoboken waterfront. I’ll take pictures!
See you soon!
Cheers mate,
Laura
It’s funny you mention how kids don’t know how to have fun with electronics. I am currently editing some old slides my father took on a CD. There is an entire series of me playing–in a box with a bunch of kitchen implements. And I looked like I was having a great time doing it. Oh, and by the way, if you need the blackberry removed from you know where, I have experience doing it, as the remote longer causes bruises on my husband’s head but had advanced to the area where Heidi would like to shove it.
Oh, by the way, Happy New Year, and if you really do find a phone that makes a cappucino, let me know!
John,
As far as losing weight goes, it would be really hard aboard a ship full of really good food, hang in there though. I am also working on losing weight, however, the only thing I am losing from working out so much is the ability to lift my arms above my head.
-BigMike
John & Heidi
Fun, fun, fun is what this year is all about. Once I get through all these scary treatments for the big “C” I will take your advice and have fun. I don’t know how many cruises I will be able to take, but I have promised myself that I will be on at least 2 this year doing all that I can do!!
The people at work call me their “cruises director” because so far I have helped 4 of them to take a cruises and 4 more to start thinking about taking one. My boss even jokes about taking a working cruise. That would be great but not practical since we work for the U.S. Government and they kind of frown on that kind of thing for a bunch of lawyers.
I have to go but I will always be one of your faithful readers!! Can’t wait until the 2009 Blogger Cruise, because come he– or high water I will be on it. Love your blog and can’t wait to meet Heidi.
CarolAnn the CruisinGrandma
LOL You are soooo funny. Love this blog.
Oh John prepared yourself for the fun you are going to have on that Bloogers cruise.If you want to have fun you are going to have it . This week I was taking a look at my Holiday pics back on 1990 and yes I notice how much the activities have change but one thing havent change.
Carnival’s got the fun!!
Have a safe trip and see you soon
Nani
Well, John, I once made a vocal announcement of my New Year’s Resolution to have more fun — and proceeded to have one of the most un-fun years of my life. No death, disease, or destruction (thankfully!), just plain misery for many reasons.
I still make a silent resolution (dang, does this negate that???), because I truly believe that finding the fun in things is what life is all about.
That’s what has made your blog so popular — you find the fun in the foibles, flops, and foolishness of your life.
Cheers to you!
hello RINGMASTER,,
john you are the greatest,,,,,I love your blogs,
can”t wait til the 19th,,,,
we are very ready,,,,to LET THE FUN BEGIN,,
hugs to all
tom & jane
p.s. aston martin
My good friend John,
A victim of raspberry rash, eh? I gave up using mine when a friend mentioned that I looked like a demented squirrel with a nut fetish as I was hunched over typing madly away with my thumbs. Convenient, yes… helpful… yes… worthwhile… no. It’s all about the fun! I can’t find any fun in thumb typing…
No doubt the new batch of commercials will be hits. No one is better at fun than Carnival. I just hope that there will be room left on board for we past guests with the influx of new cruisers!!
Is the Cruise Director list for 2008 available yet? I’d love to see who’s going to be my host when I board the ships this year.
Speak to us of Alan’s progress! How is he doing these days? Has he gotten any better looking or has that status not changed?
Oh, the ‘09 Blogger’s Cruise! Any word? I’m afraid that you’ll have to make it two cruises this time round as that seems to be a huge subject of conversation.
I’ll take my leave now and allow you to ice your bruised noggin.
Take care, my friend. Offer my best wishes to Heidi and the always remarkable Roberto!
Adiós for now!
Greg
Hello, John & Heidi!
Scott and I just returned from a family weekend…including my uncle’s 80th birthday party and watching the Jaguars beat the Steelers on TV last night. The Jags aren’t called the Cardiac Cats for nothing. They led the game until the second half, then with something like a minute 40 seconds left in the game were down 29-28. Miracle of miracles, our wonderful new (previously second string behind Byran “so glad he’s gone” Leftwich) quarterback, David Garrard, ran on fourth and two, made it to the Steelers’ 10 yard line. Then Josh Scobee (our incomparable kicker) made a field goal, so we won 31-29. Now on to Indiana or New England. Go Jags!!!! Wear your Jaguars hat for me John. I’m sure you’ll find it somewhere in the pile of all the stuff in the box Chris sent from Miami.
My uncle’s party was fun. His son’s rock and roll band played for all us old folks (mostly 40-80) and we danced the night away. Well, until the football game started at 8pm anyway. But the Margarita Machine worked great, the wines flowed and the food was yummy…provided by my uncle’s other son who owns a Bono’s Barbeque restaurant.
Wish we were going to be on the bloggers’ cruise. I know you guys will have so much of that “fun” you have espoused today in your blog. Be sure lots of pictures and videos are taken of all the events and post them for us poor left-at-homes to drool over when you get back. What is it…18 days to go??? So all you lucky bloggers, I can’t wait to read all the tales you’ll have to tell when it’s over.
Bon Voyage to you all!
Myra B
How is your ankle?
John, your humor is infectious! I’m sitting here at work reading your blog and laughing out loud such that my co-workers are asking what is so funny. So, of course I read out loud some of your choicer comments which had all of us laughing. You never cease to amaze me!! Just the thought of you swinging on a trapeze high above all of us in your violet spandex has me in stitches! OMG!! Maybe I should be up there with you in a hot pink one! Or maybe Big Ed??? What a way to greet the bloggers eh? You could wear the extra large size bathrobes to the top of the grand lobby and disrobe and jump on the trapeze.
Well, I hope Heidi is done with the packing! Thanks again for all the laughs!
Sheryl
Hey John,
Hell hath no fury like a woman ignored. I’d better duck when I say that…….never know who’s watching me type this.
I, too am a slave to technology but I learned a valuable lesson last Sept. while on our cruise…..I went the entire week without my laptop and PDA and I SURVIVED!!!! The world did not collapse and the stupid things were there when I returned home.
Don’t be afraid to just put the phone and PDA down and as you so perfectly put it…..” HAVE FUN”
Can’t wait to see the new ads for Carnival.
Don’t forget to cheer for the NFC Eastern Division Champion Dallas Cowboys this coming Sunday as they host the NY Giants. I’ll be enjoying the game just south of Cancun after arriving in Mexico to attend a sales meeting for our company.
All the best to Heidi, Roberto and of course…..Alan.
Hope he’s AOK and feeling better.
If I don’t write before you leave for the USA…..Have a “FUN ” time with Big Ed and the gang on the bloggers cruise. Wish we could be there with you all.
Over and out from rainy and wet Canada.
B&D from Canada.
John, I feel your pain in having lost your phone. The battery on my Sony Ericson phone is starting to lose its juice but when checking for a replacement phone I’d need a PhD to work the newer models. Why can’t they have plain phones for the few non-techies that would only like to say “hello” and not reach Neil Armstrong on the moon???
Companies think that everyone needs all the bells and whisles in these phones and we’ve forgotten what the basic objective of this piece of equipment was really for. Hopefully by the time I need to change mine (and trust me I’m eeking every drop out of it) maybe I’ll be able to find something that’s easy to use and doesn’t cost the earth either.
Yes my new year’s resolution is to lose weight as well. I did have two cruises back to back within two weeks of each other so I didn’t have much time to drop the pounds from the first one before I added more during the second!!!! Anyway back to normal now and need to lose it before I see you in July on the Splendor. Both my husband and I are looking forward to re-acquainting ourselves with you.
Will you be holding a gathering on every cruise for bloggers so that they can meet up with you at the beginning of a cruise??? Would be a nice idea to get everyone together.
Take care and say hi to Heidi and tell her to kiss your bruise from the TV remote control better.
Eva
Again your post is delightful and funny It’s great medicine for those of us who read it!!
Take care of your lovely wife and treat her well!!! I know you do, but life can get out of hand, sometimes, and that’s when you have to stop and look around for any casualities, like an ignored wife!
You’re getting close to leaving on the Blogger’s cruise… We’re waiting to hear about the next one in ‘09… And I’m getting excited about my Feb 4th cruise on the Ecstasy… and life is busy, but well!
Take care of yourself and your body!! If you chose to lose, you will! But be sensible and be good to yourself!!!
Best regards to you, the beautiful Heidi, the magnificent Roberto, and wonderful Alan!!!
Kirsten
Oh my dearest John, we only have to log on to your blog to have “Fun”and a great laugh or 2 or 3. You are so right about the cell phone and all the gadgets, bells and whistles.
I am very anxious to see the new Carnival commercials but having already booked the July 23 cruise on the Splendor, B2B on the Freedom leaving Oct 24 and the 3 South American cruises on the Splendor my fun funds will need some time to replenish themselves.
Ah new snow…….love it!
Hope your ankle is doing better. I too took a spill that same day on an icy patch in my driveway while trying to chase down the snow shovel being blown by strong winds. My only injury however was to my dignity and my clothes got very wet as it was pouring rain.
May your stay in the dog house be short lived and may your Blackberry thingy still work when next it sees the light of day.
You and Heidi have a safe trip across the Pond to Miami and the warmer weather.
Kersplott
John, my wife and I were on the Freedom for the east and west Med cruise last summer with you. I was one who sent you the large bag of sugar-free jelly beans from Canada.
I am a fitness instructor and running coach (thus the e-mail tag); if you are truly interested in losing weight, I will send you our weekly program.
It is not that hard a program as I work mainly with overweight middle-aged women who are looking for a change in their lives.
Motivation and an appreciation of life are the main goals of becoming a little more fit. A little bit now is more important than wishing you could have done more later.
Good luck and I will talk to you later, Jeff.
John
You must be careful and not ignore Heidi. I think she will put your remote and raspberry in a place where there is no signal, except for maybe the sounds of fog horns. It would take a double dose of jelly beans to recover those items.
I hope you are better and that Heidi is well. I wish we could go on the blogger’s cruise, but I guess the Pride will have to do.
I intend to lose some weight this year also, but with 5 cruises booked it may impossible. Thank God Carnival has the SPA fare diet, although that isn’t very exciting.
Have a safe journey to this side of the pond. I hope everyone has a great time on the blogger’s cruise. I want everyone to have a drink for me. (Man how stinkled I would be after that?)
Give my best to Heidi and hopefully we will see you again soon!
Sue
Hello John & Heidi:
Happy New Year…. how is your ankle? Hope is better. How is Alan? Is he going to the bloggers cruise? Hope so. Get ready to have fun. Like you said let the fun beging!!!!. See you soon in Miami.
Mary & Moe
John,
I always get a laugh out of reading your blog. If I were a better person I’d feel guilty laughing at your pain. Fortunately, I’m not.
Can’t wait for the Bloggers Cruise!
Pat
InMN253
John, one small piece of advice… I’d try to stay out of the doghouse…LOL!
See ya soon!
My boss feels the same way you do about the complicated new phones. I called our cell phone carrier to get his old cell phone replaced. I ordered the phone that was most like his old phone. There was a pause and the salesperson said, “Does he realize this is just a phone? It doesn’t do anything but make phone calls.” She sounded horrified. I assured her that my boss only wanted a phone, not a device that he would have to have a teenager explain to him. After a while she said, “Well in that case I will just give him the phone for free. We have a huge supply of them, as no one wants a phone that just makes calls.” I should have ordered an extra one, as I am sure they won’t be in existence much longer!
John and Heidi,
Have a safe trip back to the US !! We look forward to seeing you in a few short days now… John will you be doing your “stories”for the bloggers on this cruise? I’ve perfected my Howl and Tinkle and Bang,Bang……..and Amanda has had me down on one knee all month practicing (and giving)…..
Your friends,
Mark,Amanda and Catie Bug
Lois hopesjohngetsoutofthedoghouseski,
I think during the Bloggers Cruise John would be safer in the dog house. It might save him from some Evil Bloggers, you know the ones I’m talking about.
“BIG” ED
Captain Evil
Only 12 more days
Good morning Mr. Heald. Hope that you are well and preparing for having FUN. I’m ready for my cruise on February 2nd and finally having the chance to meet you.. I’ve been excited for a long time. See you than. Ciao.
Paul F. Pietrangelo
John, since we’re friends, well not really friends, umm since we’re acquaintances, well not really, (we did shake hands), umm since I read your Thingy, yea that’s it…I had to share very important information I just received from Miami. A well placed source (my brother-in-laws next door neighbor ex-wife’s 2nd cousin) works inside the National Hurricane Center. They are monitoring three distinct upper level disturbances in the atmosphere all predicted to converge in the Western Caribbean beginning January 19. Early computer models show this storm stalling over the area for approximately seven days, a storm so EVIL, Weather Channel spokesmen claims, Jim Cantore and crew have refused to put their lives on the line to cover. John my friend, Godspeed. Ray
Thank you (again) for a wonderful blog. Reading it is usually the most fun part of my day. Hope your ankle is healed, Alan is getting better/stronger every day and Heidi is packed and ready to go. Can’t wait….we are at 5 days and counting. Oh….and I have no idea what Big Ed is talking about. Evil Crew? We just chat…no evil to be found. Take care.
Hi John & Heidi,
I do feel for you John. My husband says I don’t listen to a thing he says when I am on the net checking out our cruise. It is hard to listen to him when I am having visions of our Med cruise on May 22. This will be our 40th wedding anniversary so I am just trying to make it the best trip for him!!!
I have heard so many good things about you both that I can’t wait to meet you
Addy
CruisinGrandma (Carol Ann)
Best of luck with your health issues. You know the bloggers will be praying for you!
Regards,
Myra
Hi John/Heidi:
Sorry about the phone issue. Hopefully it will turn up, but at least you have a new toy to play with even though you don’t view it that way.
I think it would be interesting to learn trapeze on a ship. I sure hope that they have a lot of safety nets in place and lord help them if they hit some rough waters.
Great hearing from you today and keep your head up
David
Hi my name is km and i started reading your blogs as my 20 yr old daughter is on your boat and i cant get ahold of her. Way to make me go crazy not having the sattelite not working to call their cells!! But you make me laugh and kbow she is in good hands. AS long as you dont hurt yourself. I love to watch where your boat is on the webcam. Wish the cam was workng better!! If u see heathe Goudy , a classy brunette 20 yrs of age walking around with her 6 ft 6 boyfriend and friends and family members tell her that the last text she sent me was leaving miami on sat and it said PLEASE CALL . That was it and i havent heard anything else!! What a way to make me have worries! When she got of n coz wouldnt u think she would have the brains to charge her phone and call, nope not yet!!!
worried mom!!!
Please respond John:
I was away from the blog for a little while John, so I read back to try and catch up on some old news. I noticed there wasn’t any response regarding the replacing of Britney Spears in the legends show. It was so bad on our Freedom cruise 11/24 no one wanted to be her, they got someone to do it, that even with the lyrics in her hand she couldn’t sing the song. I would like to know if there has been a decision on who will replace her. And also any news on when the fleetwide laser tag will be rolled out? I was dissapointed that it wasn’t on our cruise in November.
Also, Todd was a great CD and I had a lot of fun on our cruise. But I look forward to sailing with you some day in the future.
-Marc G
Dear John,
HA HA HA…have you ever gotten a dear John letter? ok…to set the record straight with what Big Ed was saying, I am not the one filling everybody’s inbox, I really don’t talk to anybody, and I mind my own business!!! But this is going to be a lot of fun!!!
Susan
ps…is Alan well enough to come on the cruise?
John, my phone is just that – a phone. It doesn’t do e-mail, text messages, take pictures – it just makes and receives calls. I don’t even have number programmed into the phone – I just dial numbers. My son thinks I’m somewhere in the Dark Ages. This phone is about a year old; I had to get a new one because our service provider advised that they would no longer support my old phone. At least now I know how to get voicemail messages out of the new phone; with the old phone, everyone knew better than to leave me a message because they knew I didn’t know how to retrieve it!
Hi John & Heidi,
The new commercial is just outstanding. What a great job. Can’t wait to see more.
Ah yes, resolutions. I made a resolution not to make them anymore, but to have more fun sounds really good. I became committed to making myself healthier in Oct 2007, without the New Year’s resolution pressure, and have lost 20 some pounds so far. I plan on walking everyday while on the cruise so I won’t put it back on. I know it probably sounds crazy but are there scales in the gym so a guest can weigh in daily if they choose to?
I can’t believe the bloggers cruise is soooo close! I have so much still to do and not much time, but I can’t wait!!!
No idea what that Big Ed guy is talking about!! Evil?……..Us? Honestly, we’re just a bunch of sweet, innocent, respectable people!!!
Bwah ha ha ha!!!!
Mary C.
PS Thanks making me laugh out loud again. Hope your ankle is better.
John,
Hope all is well. I’m certain that your accident was the result of you being on land–it never would have happened on deck where you are so used to the gentle swaying.
As a member of Captain Bligh’s, excuse me, “Big Ed’s” crew, let me assure you that we are the most obedient, subservient and focused sailors you would ever want to meet. Any resemblance to real brigands, living or dead, is purely coincidental, and please rest assured that no CDs have been harmed in the creation of this cruise, thus far.
Rus “One Eye” Franklin
Hi John & Heidi,
Bonnie – your phone story is priceless.
Linda H. – I hope you’re feeling better. Food poisoning is definitely not my idea of how to spend a holiday. And you’re right about us “older generation”. Which may explain why I still haven’t set up the printer for my digital camera and printed the photos of my last cruise.
Laura, I’m glad you reminded me about the 3 Queens on Sunday. The QM2 will be docked at her homeport in Brooklyn, while the Victoria and QE2 will be on the Hudson River. Then at about 6:30 they will all be in the harbor and fireworks will be set off near the Statue of Liberty. If I can get one of my nephews to drive me, I really want to see it.
Regards to all,
Carol
P.S. Big Ed – sounds like your Evil Crew is getting feisty. Wait until the next one when I get to play – ho, ho, ho!
You ARE ringmaster, John. And my pick for the best aboard a floating circus
Myra,
Thank you. The more help I get the faster it will go away.
CarolAnn
JOHN PLEASE RESPOND!
As we are getting close to the date of departure for the Blogger’s Cruise, I think you really need to explain what is involved with the Blogger’s Bash excursion in Ocho Rios that Carnival is offering on their website. There is a lot of confusion about what’s included and how long and excursion it is. There is a lot of balking at the price because of this confusion.
Thanks mate.
Good luck and safe travels!
Laura
Cheers
Please respond:
John: What can you tell us about the Carnival Dream which I hear will sail in late 2009? Will you be CD of that ship? I understand it’s the first in the 130 thousand ton class.
Hi John. How’s it going? I’m so bummed out that I can’t be on the bloggers cruise with you, big Ed, and all my fellow bloggers. I hope you have a blast and I’ll be waiting for all the reports from the ship. Only 25 days until I get to sail on The Carnival Liberty! I’m going to take your advice and do the swim with the dolphins in Jamaica. I don’t know about climbing the falls because of my sight problem but I can’t wait to do the swim. Anyway try to stay out of the dog house. Geoff does that thing you do and he has some bumps on his head too! Hahahaha! Anyway I can’t wait for the next blog. Take care of you and Heidi.
Leasa
John and Heidi,
Have a safe flight to Miami! I hope you are not flying on Easy Jet again!! I don’t know that it comes to the US anyway, so hopefully not! Looking forward to daily blogs again and especially photos and stories from the bloggers cruise! Wish I could be there with all of you!
Sheryl
John,
. Kidding but if possible 
. Have a great trip to miami where I think you are by now. And I look forward to the onboard blogs with the bloggers.
Hope the ankle is feeling better by now. My new years resolution is to go to the gym again and get back to fighting weight so the ladies find me attractive enough finally. Any advise want to come with me. I can use the company thats for sure. Maybe a bloggers weight loss competition might need to be started. Crew opinions? Anyway still sad i’m not going to get to sail with you in a few days but I await the 2009 cruise details with bated breath. Soon please ok. I want to get a cheap price for a great cabin. unless of course I can get one for free
Kevin
Mr. Aston who isn’t sailing in jan 08 but will be in 09
This message is for Kim Goudy. I’m sure the moderator or person that screens these messages has already e-mailed you and told you, but you can contact the ship directly. If you are worried and want to call the ship directly to check on your daughter, you may do so using the Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN) shore-to-ship telephone service by calling 1-877-CCLSHIP (1-877-225-7447) or 1-732-335-3284. There will be a per minute charge. I got this info from the Carnival Welcome Aboard brochure, page 31. I hope it is just that her battery is dead and you have heard from her by now and all is well.
Ahhhhh, cell phones! I hate mine! I can run a computer, I can use my PDA with ease, but put a cell phone in my hands and I am clueless! It rings and I panic trying to answer it. My kids think it is hysterical for Mom to be intimidated by a phone.
Onto other things…How is Alan doing?
I so wish I was going on the blogger’s cruise, so I am waiting patiently about info on the one for 2009. Definitely wouldn’t mind trying to make it work for our next cruise. I would love to be able to spend time with all the people from this blog thingy!
Well John, give my regards to Heidi. Can’t wait for you to be back at work and giving us regular blogs about life on board the ship!
Karen
Hey John – looking forward to seeing you on the Freedom on 1/19. Hope you got some new jokes for us – Dick Wooden has gotten old. But we love you and enjoy you tremendously. See you on the blog cruise. Later Big Guy.
I wrote this twice – what is going on? Hey see you on the blog cruise on 1/19 aboard the Freedom. We’re bringing friends – do us proud big guy. See you soon. Hope you aren’t still using “Dick Wooden”. Been there – done that one.
Roberto not for publication
Roberto I have not received confirmation for my supper club request even though I sent 2 requests.
Booking # 2V3J79
Carnival Pride
1/20/2008—1/27/2008
Cabin 6285
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Martha Ledford
mdledford@bellsouth.net
It is amazing that you basically grew up to be what you wanted to be. You ran away to join a Carnival and became the ringmaster!
Hi John & Heidi,
One week. One week. One week. I am SO ready to “let the fun begin”. When I booked back in July, I expressed concerns about cruising solo, well all those concerns have been completely wiped away. I’ve met such a great group of people from your blog and I’m already having so much fun before I even set foot on the ship! And the advantage to cruising solo? I’m only responsible for me and my fun!
I plan on leaving my stress at the gangway, letting my hair and having a wonderful time on this Blogger’s Cruise. The curiosity about all your plans is killing me! But I actually sat on the bus into work this morning with a little smile on my face and it hasn’t gone away yet.
So I just have to make it through this next week…
See you soon.
Cheerios,
Laura