I have to say this–I saw both the Beach Ball and Pinata on my actual 37″ flat screen plasma TV in my den yesterday, and they did come across much better than as a little box on my computer.

So much for “global warming!” Loved the coat/tag story.

See, if you moved to Florida you’d be warm without a coat and close to The Heat (go to games…which I know you love to do…instead of watching on TV). Plus, you’d have lots of “homes away from home” to visit in your “spare” time.

Take care of the blood pressure if the doctor says…you must not fall victim to anything you can control. Good luck on the diet.

Sorry to hear about Wedgewood and Waterford who both evoke all sorts of glamorous images. Hopefully, someone will come to their rescue.

Give my best wishes, and a hug, to Heidi and Thingy.

Your Pal, Myra

PS: Thanks to you, and Jim, for the interview.

I loved the blog today. I understand the “white coat syndrome” because it actually happened to me. I got really angry because I waited almost an hour past my appointment time, and then they used this weird automated BP cuff that cut off the circulation in my arm. I think smoke was coming out of my ears, I was so annoyed. Then they informed me that it was some astronomical number, which made me more angry. “That’s impossible!” I snapped. Then the doctor appeared, and was very nice, and calmed me down immediately. (I was on my lunch hour, and would have to make up the time. That’s why I was so upset.)

The interview with Jim was really interesting, and also encouraging. The Blogger’s Cruise next month will be our 9th, so we will finally be Platinum on our next Carnival cruise after that! BTW, the Blogger’s Cruise will be our shortest CCL cruise, so I agree with everyone who said they should factor in the length of the cruise. This is done on Holland America and Princess, why not on Carnival? I also know that Princess has a tiered loyalty program, so that you start getting perks after your 5th cruise. You don’t have to wait until your 10th. As a travel agent who has passed all of the necessary courses to be a Princess Commodore, I can tell you that their Elite level is amazing! Free laundry, dry cleaning, and shoe polishing, a generous amount of free internet, afternoon tea served in your stateroom if you want, priority embarkation and debarkation, AND one free minibar setup per cruise, including the beer and booze! These are a few of my favorite things that the Elites get.
I was very sad to hear about Waterford and Wedgewood. Like the others, I’m praying that they can avert that sad fate.
Cheryl D.

I agree with southerndreams about the VIP. A loyalty program VIP should get something more then a first time cruiser in a suite. I like the early cabin entry. It would be so easy and not cost anything to red flag these cabins for early cleaning and allow entry to them right away. I loved the days when we could go right to our cabins and if done go into it. I even like that I could tip/bribe my steward to do my cabin next if it wasn’t already done.

BIG ED

PS. The old way if your room was not done you could at least put your carry-ons in the cabin and not have to carry them all over the Lido deck while you wait for your cabin or as now approx 1 PM.

The Flying (channeling Minnie Pearl) Dutchman

Why not have Big Tex discuss how he was successful in loosing so much weight. It will be great to see the not so Big Tex on the bloggers cruise next month.

Being on a cruise ship 24/7 has to be very difficult to someone trying to loose weight. I know that when I cruise it is a chore just to not gain weight. We try to take the stairs more often to counter the great food.

1. enough already with the thermoses (we now have 14)
2. count sea days instead of cruises, it is much more fair
3. tell them to stop delivering the canapes after dinner!
4. things that are free mean alot! like treatment on arrival. we get the same as suite passengers on their first cruise. we are not the same. we are the LOYAL ones. maybe our cabins could be ready earlier? or something like that that costs carnival nothing but makes us feed good.

thanks for listening!

smiles, bonnie and prince charlie

First congrats to you and Heidi on the “thingy”. We were told with our first child about a sign of Downs on the ultrasound ( enlarged kidneys), started to worry, but turned out the baby just had to pee. Good Luck.

The coat story is great. I have, numerous times, walked around with the XL sticker left on my new t-shirts.

As I was reading this blog and watching the morning news I seen at the bottom of the television ( that scrolling line of info). Burger king has come out with a cologne!!! I started thinking about how you said the doc wants you to lose weight and came up with this idea. I am thinking of trying this out as a diet to try and curb my appetite. Ill keep you posted how it goes and how much weight I lose. Or if I just end up with flame broiled lines across my chest.

I will keep in my prayers the family and friends of the overboard employee.

Thanks John

Tonight I celebrate with Roast Beef, Yourshire Pudding, roasted brussel sprouts, potatoes, and King’s Cake with the sixpence baked into it!!!

Thank you Jim!!! The commercials are DELIGHTFUL!!! FUN FUN FUN… I expect you’ll win awards!! Truly. Growing up with an Ad Exec for a Daddy… BRANDING FUN FUN FUN to CARNIVAL is outstanding!!!

John… Truly have a SPLENDID day!!!
Bless you,
Lambie

PS… Sissie-Dear from Holland arrives here next week… Then we celebrate the holidays all over again!!!