Monday, November 24th, 2008...6:19 pm
Looking Through the Porthole
It’s a good job Heidi got pregnant. That’s because this morning I received a letter from the British Adoption service we had registered with a few months ago. Unfortunately, despite the fact that Heidi and I would have loved the child beyond measure and having big coal fires to keep everyone warm at night, I would not be deemed suitable, because men with beards and tofu-eating women have determined that it’s bad to place a child in the care of someone who is fat and who smokes the occasional cigar and works away from home ………. yep……………..forget the fact that we have a nice home and lots of family support ………..we are not “suitable candidates”……………………….what a load of bollocks.
However, if I weighed 50 pounds less and worked regular shifts at some random job I could adopt a child…………..I have no words.
Still, I guess I should be happy that Heidi is now pregnant and adoption is not needed………but I am still very angry that if we hadn’t been blessed with a child then ………..well…………..it’s not worth getting myself all worked up about is it?
Anyway, Heidi is doing well. She gets tired very quickly which is why we went out for dinner the other night rather than Heidi have to cook a big meal. I am doing everything I can to help and at the same time try and understand her “emotions” which are ummmmm……a little fragile at times.
Yep, this pregnancy thing is really showing me the difference between male genes and the female ones.
Understanding them takes superhero strength. I think men have a superhero gene in them which enables them to get through times like this. Women have different strengths but not that superhero one. You see, growing up men had Spiderman, Batman and Superman as role models………..women had ……….. well Wonder Woman who, lets face it had super bosoms ……….and apart from being able to spin in a circle her biggest assets were her …… ummmm ……….. thingies.
However, as I call upon my superhero powers to get through these trying times I am also realizing that my worship of the caped crusader and his mates may well be the reason me and my fellow man have relationship problems. You see, as I sit here and just write what’s in my head while calling myself superman to be able to get through Heidi’s pregnancy emotions I realize that no superhero has ever been any good with women. Spiderman lived with his aunty …………… and as for Superman………….well if I had been him I would have walked around wearing a T-shirt saying “I’m Superman” and used my powers to get rumpy pumpy with any woman I wanted…………the only thing that could have stopped me would have been a condom made of kryptonite. I would have used my X- ray vision to look at bottoms and my eye lasers to burn “Fun For All and All For Fun” on the hull of the “Something of the Seas.”……………….yep, that’s my kind of superhero.
As for Batman…………..well he preferred to walk around in lycra with his friend Robin …………they lived in constant fear that they would be found out ………. not that they were Super Heroes…………but that they were ummmm …………. planning to move the Bat Cave from Gotham City to San Francisco
The last time I saw Heidi’s emotions like this was when we were planning our wedding…………….she became Bridezilla and my superhero strengths were called upon yet again. The wedding gene is one only women possess……..a gene to actually enjoy weddings. I think this gene is already active when they are born………..within just a few hours of entering the world the female of the species is already looking around the delivery room thinking how nice those sunflowers will look at her wedding. A man will just concern himself with how much the wedding will cost and what time to turn up at the church in a reasonably clean suit.
And as I write I seem to be drawn into the differences between men and women …………….. Here’s another one I noticed today. The last few days I seem to have accumulated a lot of change. Yet due to the presence of the “loose change” gene I will always pay with a crisp note rather than mince around trying to find the right change.
I fear being one of those poor sods that the rest of the people in line at the Publix stare and mutter nasty words at under their breath…………or if you are in Miami they say to your face…………in Spanish. You’re at the cash register fumbling around with your coinage trying to separate the quarters and pennies from the bits of snot-ridden tissues which have been put through the washing machine and have solidified into an off green lump. Loose change is not manly………….it is not for men.
Women and Heidi in particular will stand at the cash register and count out $7.43 exactly, oblivious to the fact that the line now has 39 people standing it………. Two of whom have died while waiting.
Yep………….we are different creatures and as life with Heidi and the Thingy continues this is becoming more and more obvious each and every day.
OK, let’s do some replies to your questions. Here we go.
Maria Asked:
Hi John, Heidi and thingy,
(please reply)
Wow, in 8 days my hubby and I will be on the Splendor, can’t wait. As for AIG, and all the other companies and banks that are part of the big “bail out,” let their CEOs, CFOs, UFOs (unidentifiable financial outcasts) take the heat. Make them pay back all those millions spent on “goodies” and perks. Let them sweat at the thought of “losing it all.” Enough venting. You are a breath of fresh air. Thanks to Chris for the tour info, I have a question, we are taking the Altos de Chavon tour in La Romana, is there anywhere interesting that we could go on our return? I speak Spanish, telling cab drivers were to go is no problem. Thanks in advance. MariaJohn Says:
Hello Maria
Thanks for taking the time to write and for your support of the blog thingy. I spoke to Chris who recommends that after the tour you explore the duty-free area that makes up the downtown area. Apparently, the shopping is excellent and if that’s not your cup of tea then there are plenty of places for swimming and snorkeling. Being able to speak Spanish will really help but always remember to fix the price with the driver before you take a taxi anywhere. I hope you all have fun and please pass on my regards to the Captain and crew of the great Carnival Splendor.
Cheers
JohnKarl Asked:
Hi John, sorry to disturbed you twice in such a short period of time…
But I was thinking, since you are on the Inaugural Dream cruise anyway. Why don’t we make it the Inaugural Carnival Dream Bloggers Cruise… for all those blogging people on board that already have booked? We would love to have all the extra special gifts etc. And since we are extra special for being on the Inaugural … why not… Or maybe we can’t officially call it a bloggers cruise, then it would be the Unofficial Carnival Dream’s Office Inaugural Cruise (UCDOIC). But maybe that’s to complicated Hope you agree and will reply on your blog!John Says:
Hello Karl
Great idea. While it won’t be an official bloggers cruise I will certainly make sure we have some private bloggers inaugural gatherings…………..I may even buy you a few drinks. It is going to be a wonderful cruise and I am so happy that you will get to experience this amazing voyage. See you there and remember if you have any questions about ports, etc please let me know.
Cheers
JohnShawn Granberg Asked:
Please reply:
Hey John,
My Friend & I were on the CARNIVAL TRIUMPH about 10 years ago, out of Miami and you were our CD on that voyage… Now were are to set sail again, but this time on the CARNIVAL SPLENDOR on the Oct.18 2009 sailing…
We are just wondering if we might get to sail again with us. I am wondering what Shore tours I would be able to do, I have a disability but I am not in a Wheel Chair…. I wish you and Heidi the best.
Also just thought I let you know this is my first blog to you and yes I do view the you tube clips and love your funny comments about us Americans and you Brits.
Thank you,
Shawn G.John Says:
Hello Shawn
The Carnival Triumph seems such a long time ago but I have wonderful memories of what will always be one of my favorite ships. I won’t be the cruise director on the Carnival Splendor but I will be onboard with you writing about this brilliant ship and of course we will get to spend some time together. You asked for advice about the ports…………….well………..I will be honored to be your guide so why not list the ports you want to ask about plus tell me a little about yourself. By this I mean what you and your family like to do and what, if any, walking challenges you may have. Please write to me when you can and I will devise a list of recommendations of what to do in the ports of call. I hope you will keep reading the blog thingy and I will look forward to hearing from you soon.
Cheers
JohnShirley Cales Asked:
John please reply.
Okay now I have researched my facts and discovered my mistake. When you told me you would be with us for our Carnival Dream TA next year, you didn’t say that it would be a bloggers cruise. I wrongly inferred that. My bad. So I apologize for the mistake. Once you replied to all the other disappointed people who thought the bloggers cruise was to be theirs, I looked back and all you said was that you would be along for the 16 day TA, not as CD, and get to spend lots of time with us. So if this is still the case, I am still very happy. Actually, I’ve enjoyed every cruise I’ve ever been on and I’m sure my sister will enjoy her first cruise no matter what. How could we not love sixteen days on a fabulous ship?
So now I am thinking that you will be taking the TA in order to go stateside for the subsequent bloggers cruises, right? Sixteen days of fun and relaxation sure beats the faster but tedious flight across the pond. And I have ten grandchildren and can get letters of recommendation if there’s any babysitting needed during this trip.John Says:
Shirley
Please do not feel the need to apologize – that is definitely not neccessary. It was all my fault and I got very confused as to which cruises I would be sailing on aboard the Carnival Dream. I will be on the TA and, although I will not be cruise director, I will be there hopefully with Heidi and the Thingy as we head to America …………it will be wonderful to write about this experience for the blog. Thanks for the offer of babysitting…………we may very well take you up on this. See you soon and thank you once again for taking the time to write
Cheers
JohnPeg Dunbar Asked:
Dear John, I too have never watched 24, and according to my dear friend in Boston, I am nuts for not watching it. But I am in good company as Mach seems to not watch the show either. I hope you are enjoying your time off, you are so deserving of it. I know how much you must miss being a CD on any Carnival ship, but you truly must be missed on the Splendor. You truly are what a CD should be like. You are so caring with the pax, you want to make them as happy as possible and you want them to have fun and come back for another cruise. If there is a problem, you take care of it or make sure it is. I hope every CD is like you that works for Carnival, and if not that they take lessons from you on what they need to do.AIG, well, I can only sympathize with you. We are very blessed to have our home paid for BUT the stock market is playing havoc with our money, the money we saved for so many years to travel. But I pray we do not have to use whatever money is left for other things since we are now retired.
And speaking of travel, John can you please Reply. Do you know if and or when Carnival may have plans to sail to Ireland and beyond (whatever that means
). My husband has finally gotten the “travel bug,” limited at best, but he does finally have it. And Ireland is one of the places he wants to go. I would love to see many more places in Europe, but with the economy in the toilet I can only imagine that Carnival may want to put off plans of this kind until it settles down. But any information you may have would be appreciated.
Keep smiling John, my very best to Heidi and the baby.John Says:
Peg
What wonderful words and ones we both treasure. I do really miss being a CD and I hope I can sustain the blog thingy until I get back. Being a cruise director and now Brand Ambassador means I have the best two jobs in the industry but in my heart being a CD is something I want to keep doing for as long as I can.In 2002 the Carnival Legend sailed around the British Isles and obviously for me it was one of the most memorable cruises of my career and I can understand why you and so many others would like a chance to do this. County Cork in Ireland was the highlight and never say never……….I hope that we may be doing this again one day soon. If we do………….I hope we will do it together. My best to you and your family
JohnLorraine & Mom Susan Asked:
John (please reply)
How does a British person take advantage of the Blogger cruise codes you posted on your “Thingy”?
Can we get the same prices without flights as our US friends can?
I love to cruise Carnival & now it’s now longer cruising in Europe I want to keep getting my Carnival fix without the “Pond divide price crunch”?? Help required please.
Lorraine & Mom, Susan, Splendor Cruise, Aug 30 2008John Says:
Hello you two.
It’s great to hear from you………….bloody hell its cold today………….did you have snow yesterday like us? I am going to ask Stephanie to send you details of the bloggers cruise fair codes so that you can take full advantage of this great voyage. You can also join Big Ed, Cruise Critic or Cruise Mates groups and I am sure all these chaps will send you details. I hope the credit crunch calms down and we will see you and Mum again very soon.
Cheers
JohnJulie Gantt Asked:
JOHN PLEASE REPLY
I am booked on the HOLIDAY departing Mobile Alabama Jan 31, 2009.
Could you please tell me who the cruise director and Captain will be?
Thank You!
I am so glad you’re getting some time at home; you deserve it, and give my
best to Heidi and Thingy.
Happy Birthday to Tex, he’s a hunk!
As always, Stephanie, you are an awesome blogmaster!
Hi everyone, any fellow bloggers going to be on the HOLIDAY 1/31/09? Drop me a note and we’ll say hi julkg@yahoo.com
Happy (early) Thanksgiving to all who enjoy the holiday!
Julie GanttJohn Says:
Hello Julie
Thanks for taking the time to say thanks to Stephanie who works so hard to make sure this blog stays as popular as it is. Have a wonderful cruise on the Holiday. The Captain will be Carmelo Marino and the cruise director will be a brilliant young lady called Tori Secoy. The ship will be leaving us soon and as I probably won’t get a chance to say goodbye I wonder if you could say goodbye for me.
Have a wonderful cruise
Cheers
JohnTheresa Asked:
Heidi is so lucky to have you and Thingy’s lucky to have you and Heidi. Enjoy your short R&R. Be nice to Heidi over the next few months. By the way, if you think your sleep schedule is rough now, just wait. I just found out from someone the true meaning of sleep like a baby…. you sleep for two hours and are up for two hours, you sleep for two hours and are up for two hours…….Now for a blog topic: Guys and the Dentist. I’ve been married almost 31 years and my husband HATES the dentist but it’s now of dire importance that he get there or else, from a monetary perspective, I will have: 1) thrown down the hopper a quarter of the US $1800 I spend for family dental coverage; and 2) $4,000 worth of coverage he is entitled to use by December 31st!! When I heard this evening that he had broken molars that he hadn’t taken care of, I flipped, and out of my mouth came “I didn’t marry a redneck”…. you know those guys who walk around with no teeth, hunt (which he does do) and his idea of dressed up is a golf shirt and jeans (that part I’m ok with)! He’s only 51! He got up from the dinner table and didn’t speak to me the rest of tonight. I’d love for you to do a blog about men and their “fears” and then you wonder why God made women! Tee hee!!!
PS: my phobia about taking care of your teeth is really a health issue – men have died of heart attacks because they had an infected tooth (Google Dr. G – the forensic lady coroner on TLC or Discovery and maybe you can find the episode). Heart attacks are an absolute fear of mine – I lost my dad at 57. Cheers, John, and thanks for passing my other note about my Destiny cabin dilemma on. Hopefully Stephanie will be able to help me.
John Says:
Theresa
Thanks for the “teeth” warning. I have heard this before and I know that even though I would rather blow torch my nipples off then go to the dentist its something I must do. I was glad to be able to try and help with the cabin situation. Can you confirm that someone from carnival has been in touch?
I remain at your service and hope you and the family are well.
CheersJohn
Irish Sharon Asked:
Hello, John! (Please reply, if possible),
I am a rather new to your blog, having found it after our first cruise in April – but have been an avid fan since. I look forward to your stories daily, and my husband is often drawn to my home office upon hearing me laugh while reading them – so thank you! I am treating my husband to a surprise second honeymoon cruise on the Conquest on 12/14/08, and wondered if you had any suggestions for a romantic excursion at any of the ports of call? We fell in love with the Conquest (and Ralph/Wee Jimmy) on our first cruise in April, and took most of the “touristy” excursions then (Tulum, Stingray City, etc.); but I am not sure what to book this time. Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have, and enjoy your time at home with Heidi & the thingy!!
SharonJohn Says:
Top of the morning to you Irish SharonI am so glad you have discovered the blog thingy and I hope the laughs continue for many months to come. I am not surprised you “fell in love with Wee Jimmy” because many other guests feel the same way. He is by far the best of the short Cruise Directors we have. How wonderful that you have booked a surprise vacation for your husband on the Carnival Conquest. I will write to Wee Jimmy to ask for his immediate response as to what excursions he recommends as I have not been to these ports for some time. So, stand by and I will send you wee Jimmy’s report ASAP. Until then please keep reading and my best to you and your husband
Cheers
JohnFlip Flop Cruise Queen Asked:
John, Please Respond,
Are you still thinking about doing a bloggers cruise on the Trans Atlantic sailing of the Dream in October 2009? And, if not, are you still going to be on there? That is when we are doing the Celebrate the Heroes cruise. I hope your answer yes.
SherylJohn Says:
Hello Sheryl
I will be there. It won’t be an official bloggers cruise but I shall wear the shirts with pride and assist you in anyway I can. Let’s chat before the voyage so we can make this extra special
Cheers
John
That’s it for now. I will reply to the next lot on Friday so if there is anything I can do for you please let me know. Also………and on behalf of Heidi and the Thingy …………. thank you for letting me have a day off yesterday …………I felt very strange not writing to you and if the truth be told I felt quite guilty………hope it was OK and thanks again.
Let’s check in with Big Texas who if he loses anymore weight we have to start calling Rhode Island
11/22/08
Hello everyone. It’s a beautiful day in Cozumel and while the guests are off the ship enjoying all the things this tropical paradise has to offer, I’m stuck onboard, but I’m going to use this time wisely.
I’ve had football on the TV all day, which in itself, is nothing spectacular. Anytime that a football game is being played, I’ve got the TV tuned to the game. However, today I’ve been overwhelmed, by a deluge of Christmas commercials. It wasn’t until the 70th or 80th commercial, that I realized the Holiday Season is officially upon us.
Now admittedly, I might be a little late in my realization. For goodness sake, the holiday decorations were put up here on the Fantasy November 10. The dancers started rehearsing for the Christmas Show last week. Every Mega-Lo Mart you walk into has ‘White Christmas” or any number of holiday tunes playing loudly over the PA system. I fought it as long as I could, not because I don’t like the holidays. It’s just that to me, Christmas is another chance to fail miserably while buying my wife a gift.
“Tex, it can’t be that bad,” you’re undoubtedly saying to yourself – but my friends, it is.
One year, I bought lingerie. It seemed sexy and romantic. It was quickly pointed out that lingerie is a gift for me, not her. This wasn’t pointed out by my wife mind you, she’s far too kind to address my shortcomings. No, it was pointed out by every female friend she had and a few of my male friends as well (perhaps they had experienced my shame before). My mistake was compounded by the fact that I didn’t know the difference between an A cup, a C cup, or a fruit cup for that matter. If you must buy lingerie, don’t by a bra two cup sizes too small.
Thinking that I would correct my mistake the next year, I went for something that would definitely not be a “gift” for me. I wanted my wife to be comfortable when she was lounging around our cabin. So I bought her this soft, satiny robe. It had embroidery on the sleeves and collar. It was covered in a large floral print and was accented with pink pineapples and blue palm trees. It wasn’t the most attractive thing I’ve ever seen, but I knew it would be “comfortable.” This time Kimberley was nice enough to point out my mistake. She said the “robe” was actually a muumuu. Apparently, it’s not something a 27 year old woman wears.
So last year, I was pretty sure I had it figured out. Instead of buying her a gift, I bought her a card. Inside the card I wrote “Kimberley, since you’re so hard to buy for, I didn’t get you anything, but I’ll take you shopping when you’re ready. Merry Christmas, Me”
I thought it was a pretty good plan. It was a bad, bad plan. We did go shopping, and she got what she wanted. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for me. It was at least a month before I got what I wanted.
The new Carnival pier in Cozumel – Puerta Maya.
A Mexican sunset next to the Carnival Ecstasy.Until tomorrow,
Tex
Thanks mate. We have two more Carnival Fantasy blogs to look forward to and we all agree I am sure that Tex is a great writer and we thank him for his brilliant contributions.
Speaking of the Carnival Fantasy……………………Very recently, Carnival Cruise Lines won some great awards from one of the industry’s top magazines …………….. Porthole. This included best entertainment, Best Megaship (Carnival Freedom), Best Children’s Programs, Best Value-for-the-Money, Best Short-Duration Cruise, Best Shore Excursions, Best Web Site, Best Main Dining Room Cuisine, and Best Mexican Itineraries
We are very, very proud that they honored us with these. The editor of Porthole Magazine is a great mate of mine and a former Carnival Cruise Director, Mr. Bill Panoff………………he of the Tom Jones impression which was the best I have ever heard. Anyway, if you were undecided about the Bloggers Cruise onboard the Carnival Fantasy in 2009 then this may be your incentive you have been looking forward to.
Have a look at this
www.porthole.com/html/BloggersContest.htm
Wow………how brilliant is that? If you have already booked a cabin and win we can sort that out for you (maybe you can bring a friend?)……………if you haven’t booked and win, then me and hundreds of other people who love to cruise will see you on the Carnival Fantasy in February.
Now, as for the contest……….what would you do if you were me for a day………….lose weight and have my hemorrhoids seen will I am sure be popular answers ……………. however,……..think about what you would do if you were a cruise director ……..what activities would you host, how would you spend the day at sea ……… I can’t wait to read your answers.
My sincere thanks to Porthole magazine. It should be on every cruise lover’s mailbox every month…………….don’t forget your copy and…………..good luck.
Since being home many of my friends seem to be a little shocked that we are “squeezing out a last-minute baby.” I can understand why………..I can understand that our lifestyle of traveling and my age may not be the norm and I can therefore understand their surprise when we tell them. As the days go by I sit and remember how I reacted when Alan, Danny and my other friends all had children.
There are two things you must remember when someone calls you to say they’ve just produced an offspring. First, and for no obvious reason, you must ask how much it weighs, and second, you must try not to drop the phone when they tell you what name’s they are thinking of. “Porsche, Mercedes or Honda?” you have to say in measured tones. “How very, ummmm, lovely.”
And so, for the first ever time since Heidi got the Thingy……we have spoken about names….apparently my suggestion of “Desk ” is not going to happen. The annual list of most popular names shows that the Bible is still a source of inspiration for most, and that the two names at No 1 are the super-traditional James and Mary. But look beneath the top 10 and it’s a dollop of lunacy where working-class children are named after pop stars, actors and actresses and, in fact, anyone who is in the public eye…
And the middle classes are no better, going for increasingly ludicrous names. I mean, what kind of a name is Apple……..Apple Paltrow…………sounds like a foot cream? We grew up laughing at Frank Zappa for calling his daughter Moon Unit, but today we’re naming our kids after remote African villages and exotic fruit.
People have always named their children to reflect their aspirations. This is no bad thing, being named after a prime minister or an actress your parents admired. But in North America and here in the UK people aspire to goods and services, and that’s resulted in a surge in popularity for names such as Prada, Timbaland, L’Oréal and Lexus …………. sometimes it seems parents regularly choose a child’s name by picking letters out of a Scrabble bag. ……… Lakweesha …….. Shantialis ….. Dwanynetelellauyhvbfrtlkiuyhgtraukncvxrethg .
Before naming a child Sprite or Viagra, it’s important to remember that the name that Heidi and I will choose will have a huge impact on how the Thingy’s life will turn out.
One of my friends was deeply concerned about this. Paul Hunter who used to work as a Food & Beverage Manager with us originally wanted to call his new boy child Jack, because he said Jack Hunter sounded like a rogue CIA agent and he liked the idea of his son being endlessly lowered from helicopters into nuclear submarines. “Ah yes,” I pointed out, “but I can also see ‘Jack Hunter’ written down the side of a pest control truck.”
So he’s gone for Quentin, an old-fashioned name which means the boy will almost certainly grow up listening to Cher and Liza Minnelli. I am dull and unimaginative because when I was seven I had two gold fish called “one and two”………because when one died I still had two.
This is why I admire the Icelandic system so much. Up there, your surname is your father’s Christian name with either “son” or “dottir” tagged on the end. So George W Bush would have been George Georgeson.
And so the name game continues. Every time we think of a name we write it down on a piece of paper, fold it up and put it in a little pot……..we have been doing this for a few days now and there is quite a pile.
I can’t tell you the favorites because that is according to my wife unlucky…………..she wants something that sounds good with our last name ………..Harry Heald or Harriet Heald……………it’s going to take a lot of preparation getting this right………………hold on ………… preparation……………….preparation H ………………… Hemorrhoid………… Hemorrhoid Heald……………that’s a good one and Hemorrhoid Heald goes on the pile.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and the Thingy
47 Comments
November 24th, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Dear John & Heidi,
Hemorrhoid Heald will not do! I don’t know the custom in the U.K. of having Jr.’s but somehow I do like the name John! Girl—Susan and I will have to think!
I think that we just figured out that Big Tex is from the small town next to ours. It will be a pleasure to meet him in February.
Enjoy your time off!
John and Susan in Frisco, Tx.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
It is sad and unfair. You are not suitable candidates? OMG! It is a shame they are denying a child of such wonderful parents. It makes me wonder were some stars got their adopted children……
Anyway I disagree with you in this:
men super heros because they have to keep up with their pregnant wife’s?? ha!! no no LOL
I’ll show a super woman when Heidi becomes a mom. We have to do every job on earth and keep you men happy. I’ll show you super powers…
Another thing; we woman count the change because we are saving you money.
JOHN!!!!!!
We all went to Old San Juan to welcome for the first time to PR the Carnival Splendor and meet Empress Bee and Linda Hernacki. We had a great time!! You really have joined a group of wonderful people here. We couldn’t help thinking about you We missed you!! I have pics on my blog.
Next week I’ll be there again to welcome Carolyn and Don and Gloria aka Sue
Hi Heidi!! We love you!!
Nanni
November 24th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Blogger Cruise Question
John, thank-you ever so much for your most enjoyable blog. We are relatively new to cruising and even newer to reading blogs and I must say we look forward to each of your daily posts.
My question, good sir, is in regards to Blogger Cruises. Are said cruises only for individuals who have their own blog or are those of us who simply enjoy reading your blog also allowed to join the festivities?
November 24th, 2008 at 7:25 pm
Please Respond
Hi John… My best friend and I are sailing the splendor next year on the Oct.18th sailing date to the MEXICAN RIVIERA and we are wondering if you might be on the cruise or who might be the CD of the cruise director and any suggetions on what types of shore tours we should do for fun?
November 24th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
Top o’ the morning to you too!
Thank you very much for contacting Wee Jimmy to get ideas for romantic excursions for our cruise. This cruise departs on our anniversary (12/14 – what better time for a second honeymoon!!), and I am keeping it secret from my husband until the last minute. All he knows is we’re off on vacation for a week.
Hemorrhoid Heald!! I love it – but you are going to be in so much trouble if Heidi pulls that one out of the pot!! heehee
Thanks again, and just remember, if Heidi doesn’t like Desk or Hemorrhoid, there’s always Hermione or Heathcliff!!
Sharon
November 24th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
John, I was so worried that you had dropped off the face of the earth, but you are here as promised. I am glad you had a great day off.
Names for babies, we had to come up with four names. Have you considered John Heald Jr. if you have a boy? You could call him Johnny or when he gets older, JR or Jack. I love the name Katherine for a girl, it just sounds so very very English. Oh wait, you did not ask for baby names, you asked what we would do if we were a CD, duh.
I would last a minute in a half, if that, if I were a CD. I have no patience unless every single pax had a good attitude, had a smile on their face and was very happy with everything. The chances of that? Slim to none. But if I could make it to the top of the heap, so to speak, I would want the pax to play games that they actually enjoyed playing. I think you have to look at the age of most of the pax and see what just may interest them. The younger pax that sail in the summer are very different than the older pax that sail in the fall when school is in session. The trivia games are a lot of fun, but if 90% of the pax have no clue to the answer, it is not any fun. I remember years ago Carnival had a “If I were not upon the sea” skit. I loved that. I loved it when your “crew” on the Splendor had a “Who is telling the truth”, or something like that. Anything with the Entertainment crew is always fun. They all have such a great sense of humor and when you get the pax involved in the mix, some very interesting things can happen. OK, I am sure I have said all the wrong things, so I will be quiet until the next time you need some unsolicited advice on being a CD.
Keep smiling John, my best to Heidi and the baby
November 24th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
I’d love to win that Blogger’s Contest. Unfortunately, I live in Canada!!
Oh well. Maybe I can talk my wife into booking one of the Blogger’s Cruises. She’s got some silly idea about going to Hawaii for our next vacation. Maybe the Spirit re-positioning next fall… hmmm.
Remember that Superhero gene when it comes time for the delivery. Superman or the Caped Crusader wouldn’t pass out so neither should you!!!
November 24th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Dear john
me and my wife our going on the carnival triumph
dec 7th to the eastern caribbean and it is our 8th year anniversery do they do anything special for that special occasion
your friend
Denver & Janice Hartman
November 24th, 2008 at 8:03 pm
Hello John,
Sorry to hear about the adoption process but glad that you don’t need it now. I think it’s ridiculous that kids that are abused are still kept in the home because it’s supposed to be better for them to be with the parents. But it’s not. Then adoption agencies become so picky and eliminate potential great parents. It’s really not fair.
You have to be careful when picking out a child’s name. Make sure the initials when put together don’t spell something bad. I’ve read articles that a child’s name can help or hurt him/her in school. Teachers unintentionally and unconsciously can make initial judgments about the child depending on the name.
Anyway, I know the two of you will choose a name that “Thingy” will be proud of.
Glad you took Sunday off. We really didn’t suffer too much withdrawal.
Linda
November 24th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Chuck is a nice name…
Chuck Barney
November 24th, 2008 at 9:26 pm
John, my friend, I’m thrilled to know that Thingy will not go through life with some trendy, new age mumbo jumbo name. I’m betting that Thingy will have a far more traditional name, perhaps biblical, perhaps Pythonesque…
I’m glad that I’m not the only person who wondered about Batman and Robin’s relationship and I’ll leave it at that…
Tex is doing a wonderful job! I swear that he’s a chip off the Heald block as are many of the best cruise directors Carnival has. Excellent job, my friend.
Please direct me to the nearest office of the British Adoption Service. I’d love to give them a piece of my mind regarding their criteria for adoption. In fact, I’d rather give them a size eleven boot in the posterior. Cretins…
Please tell Heidi and Thingy that I send my love and tell the over zealous Stephanie thank you.
Ciao!!
Host Mach
November 24th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
John:
Apparently men can become pregnant and carry the baby themselves now a days! I watched a man be interviewed by Barbara Walters and he had a baby and was pregnant with #2. Google it or YouTube it if you find it hard to believe…like I did!
Perhaps the next Heald baby you can help Heidi in ways previously unimaginable by men? (tee hee!)
November 24th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Hi John, Heidi, and JB (Jack Bauer)?
Great blog today.
Loved Tex’s King of the Hill reference. Another great letter from him.
Quite a list of awards from Porthole. Bill Panoff is a legend and I fondly recall cruising with him many years ago.
I hope doctor visit went well today.
Thanks for posting and stay warm.
Take care!
David
November 24th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
Hi John, Heidi, & future Heald,
Is’s me, PennyB from New Orleans.
As a retired teacher, I have seen all kinds of names on all kinds of kids, some good, some bad. Some of the previous posters gave some good hints. Please don’t let the initials spell anything -good or bad and try and pick a name that is obviously girl or boy. Remember the Naples problem? Well, it works the same with names. Another hint – spell the name in a normal way or you’ll never find it on any cup, pen, necklace, or cheap trinket that kids love – like Hidee or Jauhn would be hard names to find and always spelled wrong. MOST IMPORTANT ! Name baby Heald what you and Heidi decide on. Hope this helps a little.
I delivered two families to the Fantasy today for a Thanksgiving Cruise. I asked them to warn Lesser Tex that we would be coming soon. I do have a question for him – Tex, please respond. How in the world of cruising do you loose so much weight and basically live on a ship. Do you eat any of the meals or do you have a private chef? I gain weight just planning a cruise. I know walking 20 miles a day helps and being 31 and 6′3”makes a big difference but golly…… You look great!!!
PennyB from New Orleans
November 24th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
Hi John!
We met in Phila – I was on Big Sexy’s cruise!! Am glad you are back in England with Heidi and thingy! Enjoy your time. I think the adoption agency is crazy for turning you down.
My niece is pregnant and I got her a t-shirt that you (…er…or Heidi) might enjoy. It reads:
I GROW PEOPLE
WHAT’S YOUR SUPER POWER?
Take care and hang in there!
November 24th, 2008 at 11:36 pm
Hello John,
I feel so bad about the adoption thing. You and Heidi are going to be such great, loving parents. Any child would be lucky to have you and Heidi for parents. And the wee little “Thingy” is truley a miracle for the two of you. Just enjoy every moment with your little gift from Heaven.
Now as far as that superhero gene…. Heidi’s superhero gene will kick in when the sweet little thingy is born and will go into full blown “Super Mom” when the Thingy starts walking! So be prepared your super hero status will be on call as well!
When my children were born, I chose names that represented strength and in the case of my daughters, beauty as well. My son was named (biblical names) after both of my grandfathers. Get a book of names with the meanings, that will give you some great ideas.
Glad to hear you enjoyed your Sunday off…. and please don’t feel guilty about taking time to spend with your family. In fact get used to it!
Hugs!
Princess Barb
PS…. I agree, you will be in the doghouse, again(and it might be cold out there this time of year), if Heidi picks Hemorroid out of the pile! LOL
November 24th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
I’ve always liked the name Michael for a boy and I agree with Peg Dunbar that Katherine sounds like a great name for a girl.
Hope you enjoyed your day off. Missed you and the withdrawal wasn’t too bad..(just checked about every hour or so today for the update..lol) but you work so hard that you really deserved it and so did Heidi and the Thingy. Family first John!
November 25th, 2008 at 1:18 am
Hi John,
it seems like ages since we sailed with you on Splendor in September but we have kept up with all your antics via the blog since coming home and were delighted to hear the great news of your and Heidi’s impending parenthood. My advice to you both is to stick with the good old -fashioned names like Peter (goes well with Heidi) or failing that, how about a Kylie, Nicole, Rolf or Hugh to keep on good terms with those of us far far away in Oz.
Speaking of being far away, I wanted to reiterate what was said by another blogger last week. Unlike our US cousins we are unable to make the many regular short cruises (which would in fact suit us better) because of the distance we have to travel to reach our preferred Carnival ship. We therefore can’t rack up the necessary loyalty kudos and may never achieve platinum status before we pop our clogs. Could you suggest to the powers- that- be that they consider days spent at sea rather than voyages may be a fairer way of working this out.
Still hoping to see a Carnival ship enter Sydney Harbour one of these days!
When I told Richard that you will be travelling on the TA cruise on Dream next October with Heidi and the Thingy ( we were thinking of joining this trip) he cursed you long and hard for ensuring he spends another $10,000 +, such is your profile as a travelling companion Downunder.
Keep up the good work with the blog but make sure you enjoy this time with Heidi and her hormones, nothing will ever be the same once the babe arrives. (not that it will be bad just different.)
Give her our regards and we hope to see you all once again on the high seas.
Wendy George
Sydney
November 25th, 2008 at 1:30 am
John,
I don’t write in much, but today I was moved to respond. As a regular reader of the blog thingie, I feel I have come to know you, and I am simply befuddled to find out that the powers that be don’t think you are a suitable candidate to adopt. Unbelieveable!
Whatever, when young Hemorrhoid Held grows up to be attractive, (she/he will get that from Heidi) intellegent, (again, Heidi) successful, and most importantly, happy, you can call up these so-called experts and give them the rasberry
Give my best to Heidi and keep doing what you are doing. Thank you so much.
Codfish
November 25th, 2008 at 1:31 am
I had to laugh when you mentioned the name Porsche, since my hubby threw that one out for our girl. He loves cars so he also tried Carrera and Aston Martin (I kid you not) but with that suggestion I reminded him we were having a girl. We ended up with a beautiful name, one of his suggestions, and I got the name I wanted as her middle name. It turned out that Hubby got his car name also, little one’s initials are BMW.
Luckily, when we were deciding on names he hadn’t been introduced to the Ariel Atom mega fast sportscar or I’m sure Ariel would have also been on the list.
Don’t feel guilty about taking off yesterday, you need the time with Heidi and completely deserve a day of rest!!
November 25th, 2008 at 2:36 am
Hello John – We are so looking forward to the Transatlantic Cruise 10/27/2009 on the brand new “Carnival Dream” ship!!! We are thrilled that you too will be “vacationing” with us as we “Celebrate Our Heroes” — firefighters, police officers, EMTs, medical personnel and friends & family. You can lead the conga line and bask in the sun with the rest of us!!!
‘Looking forward to fun filled days and an excessive number of belly laughs!! (We got to enjoy your humor on the Carnival Freedom 9/2007 in the Mediterranean. I was with Flip Flop Cruise Queen and you created a lot of memories … some we just can’t get out of our heads!!!! LOL!!!)
Anyone else want to join our group?? Contact Tami @ http://www.flyingdutchmentravel.com or 800-248-7471 and ask for the “Hero Cruise”.
MX Mom & Dad
(Larry & Angie Pelton)
November 25th, 2008 at 8:19 am
John…
I’m sorry… I can’t believe that letter… that news… There are so many families who have working parents… I’m glad God has confidence in you both!!! And all of Heidi’s hard work paid off!!! :p
You’re pregnant, you’re expecting, you’re PARENTS!!!! WOO HOO!!! You have bunches of bloggers out here loving and supporting you both!!!!
Men and Women… Ain’t differences GRAND!!! Wouldn’t it be boring if we were created equal and the same. Darn right it would be!!!! I can’t believe the folks that shout we’re both the same… We need equality… everything should be equal… SORRY FOLKS… we’re different and let’s enjoy that!!! Girls are better at some things and boys are better at others… You stand, we sit… You grew chest hairs, we try not to… WOO HOO… on the Lido Deck in five minutes… The Hairy Person Contest!!! Let’s not go there… (Yes, I apologize right now to the ones who believe differently… I know I’m not speaking for all womankind!!!)
Tex… again… you’re doing a great job building EXCITEMENT!!!! I’m looking forward to grabbing that neck of yours for a huge hug!!!!
Be John Heald for a day… WOW!!! I’m going there….
John, Heidi, wonderful and talented Stephanie… THANK YOU!!! God Bless each of you!!!
Lambie
November 25th, 2008 at 8:43 am
Hi John,
That adoption agency is full of crap!!!! It sounds so typical of a bureaucratic social services agency. They make all these “Polyanna” rules & never, ever, do they let common sense get in their way. I suppose if you were a Mafia don, working out of your home office, bouncing a little kid on each knee while you ordered mob hits, you would have been approved. We live in a sometimes sad & crazy world. Am sooooooo happy that you & Heidi solved your problem on your own.
November 25th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Dear John (the Superhero) & Heidi,
I’m sorry they turned you down for an adoption – boy was that dumb!
I’ll have to think a little to come up with some really great names, besides John Jr., but whatever you do – don’t follow Ashlee Simpson’s lead. Jessica’s little sister just had a little boy and named him “Bronx”. Now I love my hometown as much as the next person, and especially love the Sports Bar on the Valor, but there is no way I would inflict that name on a poor helpless baby.
Apple sounds good in comparison
I just saw that the Glory will be coming to NY in 2010 to do the Canadian cruises. A chance to try another Fun Ship.
Hugs to you both,
Carol
November 25th, 2008 at 9:32 am
I think “Doc” would be a good name for your offspringy thingy… Doc Heald… Or simply “The Boy” or “The Girl.”
Jeff
November 25th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Hi, Back from our cruise on the Splendor and it is truly a beautiful ship.
It’s hard to believe that you and Heidi did not qualify for the adoption. What a farce! Oh well, you will make great parents for your biological child. Rest up and enjoy being home. Jeri
November 25th, 2008 at 11:44 am
John and Heidi, Well we are partial to names since yes we are James and Mary but I am sure you will as we found with naming our own children that it is tough. We named our first child, a girl, Tina Lorraine after both of her grandmothers, and our second, yes a girl again, Jamie Ann since it does come close to James and Ann seemed so cute. Yes they are both a joy now that one has just recently wed and her younger sister next year.
Have a great holiday,
Jim and Mary
November 25th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
I’m so glad you aren’t having to depend on the beaucracy to become parents and were able to accomplish what the government wasn’t going to help you become. Your child will have a million “aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents” and will be so spoiled by all of us. Lucky baby.
My granddaughter and Will Smith’s son both have the same name – Jaden. My granddaughter is a killer soccer player, and is also a gorgeous 13-year old musician and singer, and look at the talent that Jaden Smith has. Something to consider. I went with the traditional names for my sons – none of these far-out, weird names – but my older son and wife named their sons Rowan Wolf, and Elijah Crowchild – go figure.
Take care and hang in there. Life will never be the same.
November 25th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Hi John!
Its funny that you are thinking about baby names and people just picking out scrabble tiles – I got this email this morning and thought you would get a kick out of it!
OKAY. How would you pronounce this child’s name: “Le-a” ???
Leah?? NO
Lee – A?? NOPE
Lay – a?? NO
Lei?? Guess Again.
It’s pronounced “Ledasha” Oh yes…you read it right.
This child attends a school in Livingston Parish, LA. Her mother is irate because everyone is getting her name wrong. SO, if you see something come across your desk like this please remember to pronounce it correctly.
When the mother was asked about the pronunciation of the name, she said “the dash don’t be silent.”
Good luck picking out the name! Hugs to Heidi and the Thingy!
Vane
November 25th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Hello John, Heidi and Thingy 2, oh! and Stephanie
Too bad about the Adoption thingy, but you now have your own bundle of joy to look forward to, all the best with that.
Just a hello and John please reply!!
We are traveling on the Splendor, and I know you will not be there, bugger!! I hope I can meet Jaime at least? We are traveling on 12/13/08 17DAYS!!!
we have 9 cabins between us, it’s my Sister in-laws Anniversary cruise 25 years yahoo!! I have been to the Carnival web page and I see that the full List of Shore Eursions ..Excursions,…Oh bugger, you know what I mean ;-P are not there yet, I called them and they say they are in the process of getting them up but that was 4 days ago. Can you please check into this for us. I would also like to do something nice for my Sister any sugestions? I’m not sure if here Husband is going to have the Cabin decorated or not and I don’t want to ask him as this would ruin the suprise if I did, you know what I mean. My Father will be joining us and this will be his first ever Cruise and he is excited.
I can provide the Cabin numbers if you would like, let me know.
All that aside the Blog Thingy 1 is great!!! always interesting to read about CCL and the behind the seans,… senes,… oh not again bugger, stuff.
Tex sounds like a great guy, looking forward to meeting Duck?…. Malard?… Chicken?… Swan?… Oh right!!! Goose!! on the 12/13/08 Cruise.
Till we read again.
All the best to you and Heidi and Thingy 2 (soon to be Thingy 1) and of course to the Spectacular Stephanie, and the rest of the Blog team and the other Bloggers out there.
James from Georgetown ON, Canada, getting cold out there, snow is here, …bugger! need a Cruise.
November 25th, 2008 at 2:07 pm
Good Afternoon,Maitie (or is it Maytee)!
Congrats on the new Heald “Thingy” from Puerto Limon,Costa Rica, where Noah seems to have found a new place for 40 days and 40 nights of rain (only kidding).
Suggestions from the “Home of the Caribbeans”.
Boy: Andrew (Good British Name)
Girl: Heather (Good Irish Name)
Kisses and hugs to the new future parents and the Thingy, our heroes of Carnival Cruises, from your friends in Costa Rica!
DAVID
November 25th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Keeping it nautical………..
How about Horatio Hornblower Heald?
Has a nice ring don’t you think?
November 25th, 2008 at 3:23 pm
hello john got a ? if u could anser before sun when we leave for our cruise. will i be able to use my cell phone on the ship.its sprint.
November 25th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
Good Afternoon John,
Do not despair about the adoption. I was Deputy Probate Registrar/Adoption Tech for years and I can tell you the guidelines (rules cast in stone) can be pretty stringent. Most are in place for obvious reasons but others really need some common sense applied. When the adoption code was changed in this state to allow natural parents and/or the adoptees to find each other that’s when I decided it was time for me to change careers. I know that this will be met, by some, with indignation but you only hear about the good reunions and nothing about the awful ones. Believe me there are more bad ones than good. I don’t think most adoptive parents would like some stranger knocking on their door saying ” yoo hoo guess who!”after X number of years . I should also tell you I was adopted so I am in a pretty good position to tell you that adopting a child is a wonderful experience but I can also tell you in most cases after the adoption, couples would find themselves expecting an addition. So please don’t take the decision as an insult because it’s not. Unfortunately “the men with beards and tofu eating women” have others to answer to and rules and laws to base their decisions on. It’s “the men with beards and tofu eating women” who have to deliver the news not those in the “Ivory Towers”. Take heart you and Heidi are truly blessed, enjoy this time and cherish it, you both will be wonderful parents and I am very proud to call you a friend.
Joan
November 25th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
To truly embrace the fervor of which people name their offspring with unique names….and since Heidi has boycotted “Desk” one is forced the think creatively ….
A subtle variation yields new potential names for The Thingy…. And hey the “esq” has a British panache to it even…
Boys: Desqsean/ Desquardo/Desqmondo/Desquane/Desqmiroquai/Desqzwan
Girls: Desquisha/Desqwanda/Desqiny /Desqshauna/Desqotec/Desqmantha
The Flying (high as a kite I just might) Dutchman
November 25th, 2008 at 11:07 pm
When it comes to buying something, husband is the one that counts out the pennies and bills out rather than hand over a bigger one and get change. I break down $20’s as fast as I can. I guess this goes back to sending the kid to the store for milk and whatever bill you give them, you will not see the change. Ever.
When we travel in countries with the euros on vacation, this gets worse. You need the one, two, five euro coins to tip with. We’ll be on a tour and at the end the driver needs a couple of euros, the guide five euros, whatever, and all he will have is a 10 or 50 euro note. I spend a lot of time buying a postcard with a 20 euro note (getting nasty looks from the vendor) just to get change.
Tucker in Texas
November 26th, 2008 at 3:15 am
no reply to this…. You are such a good person with a most incredible jovial personality. Take it from someone who dropped 50lbs herself and has maintained that loss for almost seven years now even if I am still trying to get to my WW goal and please don’t be offended. I was newly married, just 21 and my father died suddenly of a massive coronary at 57, leaving his best friend, my mom, my 16 year old brother, my two older brothers and my oldest sister. He never got to see his first grandchild born (my sister was six months pregnant) or any of the other 19 grandchildren and now almost three great-grandchildren. I miss him every day especially when I’m cruising. According to my mother, my dad and me were the only ones who did not get seasick crossing the Pacific coming back from Hawaii in the early 60’s when my dad, a career Marine, got transferred back to California. We would be world traveling companions today. He’s my angel on my shoulder everywhere I go. John, Thingy needs you to be there almost forever. I thank myself for losing the weight when I did now that we have custody of our three year old granddaughter. I never would have been able to keep up with her before.
November 26th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
HELP! I was told the recipe to the Chocolate Melting Cake….which I am now addicted to was on your website but I can’t find it! I wanted to make it sometime over the Thanksgiving weekend so others may also become addicted! haha
Hi John,
We took a 2 week cruise with you aboard the Splendor in October. It was the second time we have had you as our cruise director and you were just as funny this time as you were the first!
Although I think its absurd about the adoption, I am happy to hear that you will have a little “Thingy” anyway! They are blessings……and the mood swings you see now are just to prepare you for whats to come when your little Thingy turns two! =)
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Blessings,
Leisa
November 29th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
We just came off the special 8 night cruise on the Carnival Splendor. The ship was absolutely beautiful. Our Wait staff while dining in the Black Pearl both Bianca and Johnny were outstanding. The food was wonderful each night. Johnny knew I liked to have 2 glasses of water. Also Constantine the Maitre D’ everynight made sure dinner was entertaining. There was a song from him everynight plus there was a Song belted out by the waiter.Also our Steward Alberto was also fantastic. Now the Bad side. There was never any sailaway parties to speak of from any of the ports we went to. The roof for the ship was inoperable & was never opened during the whole cruise. One of the things my wife wanted to do was watch a movie on the big screen under the stars but..no open roof & the movie selection was horrible. In Grand Turk we watched the P&O Ventura pull out of port and it had a HUGE Sail Away party for which many of US were at the railing & were watching. The hot tubs also all closed to early usually by 09:00pm. Needless to say we had a wonderful cruise and will be back on Carnival real soon. you can’t beat the value.
December 31st, 2008 at 9:36 am
I like David, which means Beloved Son. We have several Davids in our family. Michael is fine and strong for a first or middle name and so is Patrick and Christopher. Girls’ names with class that can be shortened to several nice nicknames are Elizabeth, Catherine and Patricia. Marie makes for a nice middle name too. Do not make the mistake of naming him/her a nickname such as Tommy instead of Thomas or Patsy instead of Patricia.
I have not read you for quite a while. When is the baby due? Do you know whether the baby will be a boy or girl?
Larry and I had a wonderful time cruising Hawaii on the Spirit, except for the dreadful ending going through Ensenada. I especially missed being able to take my gorgeous lei home, and we especially hated the loathsome bus ride to San Diego on the dreadful bus. Also hated having to pay extra to check all our luggage to keep from missing the flight home. They broke the leg off my suitcase too. A dreadful ending to a lovely cruise. Carnival apoligized for that and promised us a special Bon Voyage gift next time we sail with them-probably a towel animal or a mug. Now we are planning an Alaska cruise for 2010. We want to spend a couple days in Seattle and tour Denali Park. Any suggestions, John and readers? Pat
April 4th, 2009 at 9:46 am
John,
I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog. I do hope to sail with you one day. However with hubby being a CPA the Feb Bloggers cruise is always out of the question.
I think the adoption letter you received is total and utter crapola. Wouldn’t it be absolutely terrible for a child to grow up with the world as his playground/classroom. Oh I could go on and on since adoption is something I am passionate about. I have 4 kids- 3 bio boys and my beautiful daughter born from my heart and not my body. (who by the way is seriously in love with Funship Freddy)
But I digress, I will continue to read and be amused by your blog as we count down our May 3 departure on the Valor.
Cheers,
Jamie
April 9th, 2009 at 8:43 pm
John and Heidi: I apologize I didn’t sign off on my blog. Just wanted to end by saying God bless you, Heidi and Li’l Ephraim.
Rosalind Batson
August 8th, 2009 at 11:51 pm
John
I enjoy reading your blog, and am utterly dismayed by the response you got from the adoption agency you applied to use. As the adoptive mom of 2(we have a suprise bio kiddo as well) I am rather “pooh sized” and always have been. How silly…
Blessings on your wife’s pregnancy, and enjoy parenthood…it is an adventure no matter how you build your family!
Mary Anne
August 19th, 2009 at 8:11 pm
John,
My wife and I are going to be on the Carnival Legend on October 4th celebrating our 27th wedding anniversary. We celebrated our 25th on the same cruise back in 07. My question is why don’t they take request for dinner. We’d like a table for 2 one would think it could make Carnival dining planning easier if Carnival knew their customers request. We look forward to seeing you on the cruise. We loved our first cruise and can’t wait until October 4th 2009
Mike & Cindy Hill
September 21st, 2009 at 10:20 am
John,
My wife and I are sailing on our sixth cruise on the Elation out of Mobile 10/2010. I was wondering if you knew when the 2010 CD schedule was going to be out. We took a trip on the holiday and had a great CD that always said “Hee Ha Ha” and for the life of me I cannot remember his name.
September 22nd, 2009 at 9:54 am
Matt Booth is a Ledge
October 25th, 2009 at 9:46 am
John, do you know if there will be a Military Friends and Family sale this November? Thank You
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