Wednesday May, 13 and no sign of the Thingy. Heidi is calm……….where as I am available for the remake of One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Heidi has a little pain “downstairs” and spends most of her day sitting on her birthing ball but apart from that she is …….well…….just Heidi. Her back is aching a bit though and that means yours truly has to massage her.
Now, some readers of this blog thingy will no doubt know from older postings that me and massages are not great friends……….I tried one remember when I had Bells Palsy and that resulted in pure and utter embarrassment as the Spa Carnival lady pressed down on my back so hard I farted ……..very loudly ……….and had to spend the rest of the contract putting up with giggles and farting noises made by staff members from every department whenever they saw me.
The first person ever to give me a massage was a ummmm…….”man” back when we had male massage therapists onboard. I went because I was young……I was the cruise director ………..and it was a cool thing to do. I hated it very much, and after an hour ended up more rigid than the table on which I was lying.
Many years later, I gave it another try. This time, I was attended to by a German crew member who looked a bit like a woman, except she had claws. And what’s more, she had very obviously learned everything she knew about massages from the “Das Man Est Bastards” book of massage. I emerged from the experience in great pain and vowed never to go near a massage parlor again.
However, a few years later, I was in Thailand on vacation with Heidi and, as we all know, what you get there is a nudge-nudge, wink-wink massage. There’s a lot of baby oil and pretty soon, the only evidence that you’re in the room is one leg sticking out from a writhing tangle of Lucy Lui lookalikes. This, I figured, would be extremely enjoyable, and so I was very keen to give it bash. I was, in fact, very keen to give it several bashes.
The first attempt didn’t go well. I was presented with an old woman who looked like Lucy Lui’s great grandmother.
She began by rubbing gravel into the soles of my feet, and, at one point, I swear to God she actually tried to pull my toes off.
I was beginning to think things couldn’t get any worse. But they did. She was rubbing oil into my legs – I think it was from Exxon – and with each deft upward stroke, she always managed to stop just before she reached anything interesting. I was marvelling at this ability when suddenly she started coming up my legs, doing that karate chop thing. And this time, she got it slightly wrong. Instead of stopping, she went for one last slice and slammed the side of her bony little hand into my left testicle.
The next day, I was offered a head massage, which sounded appealing. I thought it might help uncross my eyes, but all I got for $30, was a woman sticking her fingers in my nostrils. It was odd. I have seen Debbie Does Dallas and at no point did Debbie pick anyone’s’ nose.
Plainly, then, massage is something that everyone in the world likes, apart from me. A bit like Seinfeld and Friends.
Our spa treatments though are quite extraordinary onboard from the hot stones massage to the one the rich and famous all have called “The Four Hands Massage” which is where two ladies massage you ……it’s heaven……….allegedly.
I just can’t do it…….I mean the Steiner spa’s we have onboard are the most professional and best trained at sea for sure but I just can’t be mostly naked in front of them on the basis that although the therapist might be able to hold out for five minutes, anyone asked to look at my unclothed body for a period of time will eventually vomit.
Unfortunately, as I said just now the last time I had a massage and before I had a chance to fully descend into a lower state of consciousness, I was gripped with a devastating need to break wind. I know that to let go is considered polite in Belgium and Arkansas. But it is not in the Cloud Nine Spa. And so, for nearly 50 minutes, I had to lie there, in insufferable agony………..until I could not hold out any longer and my life onboard was never the same again.
Lets answer some questions…………here we go.
Oh, just before I do I want to mention the cruise director schedule. I do have the new schedule here which Chris Prideaux has almost finished. You will be happy to know that he is well enough to work part time from home and so the schedule is mostly complete. I cannot post it yet though as there are some last-minute changes that need to be done. However, for the most part I should be able to tell you who will be the CD on your cruise up until December 2009 but I do not have anything yet for 2010.
So, if you need to know I should be able to help………remember though please that occasionally we do need to make last minute changes.
OK……now ………..here we go with today’s questions.
Rosemary Williams Asked:
JOHN PLEASE REPLY: I now better understand about the CD schedule and thanks for explaining it to me. I spent my birthday on the Glory with Butch last year and wanted to do the same again this year and after reading some more of the blog comments it seems that he is moving to the Liberty? I want to take the sept 5th voyage on the Liberty and was wondering if Butch will be there then.John Says:
Hello Rosemary
That’s perfect timing considering what I have just written about the cruise directors. I have been so proud of Butch this past year. He worked with me for some time and I always new he would be a star. It was difficult to let him go but now I sit here like a proud big brother. Anyway, Butch will not be joining the Carnival Liberty until September 9. The cruise director until then will be Kevin Noonan. He is one of our new chaps but received glowing reports from many of the bloggers. I hope this helps and if you have any other questions I will be here to answer them.
Best wishes
John
Juan & Maria Santana Asked:
John, please reply….
John, a few blogs ago you asked us that you wanted to know more about the wonderful picnic at Half Moon Cay. Pls. keep in mind that we needed tenders to get off/on…Well, the ever hard-working crew (this includes cooks, servers, etc.) were up early a.m. to bring ashore all the food/drinks for the thousands of us! There is a pavilion (roofed, but open all around) where there are grills where they cook & serve the hamburgers/cheeseburgers/chicken/hotdogs. There are tables with salads, vegetables, & desserts. There is a smaller place where they have the self-service machines for ice tea, lemonade, etc. There are enough eating areas with picnic tables/benches, all covered, so the guests don’t have to be eating under the sun/rain, etc. They started serving lunch early, maybe even before 12 noon. Everything was delicious!
There are clean bathrooms/changing rooms for the guests…. that’s very important.
There are cabins that you can rent to spend the day, and there is a big above ground wooden terrace type bar facing the ocean with lounge chairs… Everybody wants to be in that place! It even has a name: “I wish I can stay here forever!” By the way, the famous Men’s Hairy Chest Competition took place in front of this terrace type bar… the competitors came down the steps one by one and mingling with the female judges that were waiting to touch them & check the merchandise! You can get a copy of the video taken by the Carnival photographers so you can see how much fun everybody had.
There were several tours, water sports and several other things that you could do all day long, but believe us, the very best was swimming in that magnificent beach… clean turquoise water and white sand!
Ah, if anybody felt like praying/thanking God for that paradise… there was a small wooden chapel surrounded by flowers…facing the beach!
Well, I hope this wets your appetite as well as Heidi’s, so you can beg your bosses to send you on a CD mission to that paradise called Half Moon Cay! (Don’t forget to take Baby Heald too!)
The Santanas of Miami BeachJohn Says:
Hello Juan and Maria
Thanks for the information on the food and service provided by the ship’s crew during your stay at Half Moon Cay. It is a big operation to tender the personnel, equipment and food ashore to get this done. None of the provisions come from the island and all the food and beverage items are provided by the ship. It’s quite an experience for the crew, especially the bar staff who spend the day barefoot walking the beach serving ice cold beers and freshly made cocktails. They all do a wonderful job so thanks again for mentioning them.I hope the photos I posted of Half Moon Cay a few days ago reminded you of your superb day there and I for one cannot wait to spend more time there. It is truly paradise.
Thanks for the great posting and my best wishes to you both
JohnDebbie Asked:
John, Please reply:
Thank you for your response to my earlier post on my comments on the Carnival Freedom. Your responses explain a lot about what we saw. We did have an exceptional time on the Freedom and would recommend Carnival and especially the Freedom and its eight-day Eastern itinerary. Our room steward Delia not only told us to return to Carnival but told us she hoped we would stay in one of her rooms again. This meant a lot to us. We ran into one of the ships photographers on deck our last day who offered to take our photo on our camera for us and gave us some tips on taking photos. My husband ran into one of the band members on deck one morning and had a very nice conversation with him. We found the crew on this ship to be extremely nice and plan to sail on the Freedom again.John Says:
Hello Debbie
No need to thank me, that’s what I am here for and I shall remain so should you need anything. Thank you for the wonderful comments on the crew of the Carnival Freedom. I will make sure Delia gets to see your kind words and also make sure the hotel director sees them as well. I am excited to be spending six weeks or so onboard the Carnival Freedom in the summer. She has always been one of my favorite ships. I hope it is not too long before you walk up the gangway of another Carnival fun ship.
My best to you and the family
JohnFrank & Bridie Asked:
Hi John Please reply
Thanks for replying,
If your not on board the dream for our cruise we at least hope to meet you ashore for lunch or something on a Saturday Seeing we live 15 minutes from the port we also shop at the same mall that all the carnival employees go to on Saturdays. Frank promises that he will defuse his head first or put duct tape around it. Oh how do we send you photos if we want too?
We Hope to meet you soon,
Big Fans as Always,
Frank and Bridie
John Says:
Hello Frank and Bridie
I am still hoping that we will see each other. I will now my dates for the Carnival Dream today so hopefully by the end of this blog I will be able to post them……….see you soon with or without duct tape
Best wishes to you both
JohnBill Heck Asked:
Dear John:
Please Reply:
There is a blog by a fellow called Jeff who is on the 2008 Rotterdam World Voyage who has been posting some wonderful pictures and limited commentary about each day. The wildlife pictures in Africa are exceptional.
Why I mention this is because he has been on at least two engine room tours of the Rotterdam’s private parts and has posted pictures of same. Apparently this may be a violation of Maritime Law. Hmmmmm.
Other folks on the same world voyage have posted on cruise critic about their tour of the engine room.
I would settle for a nice little talk in one of the lounges with a slideshow and one of the officers from the engineering side of your business. I understand the engine room is hot and loud, and umbrella drinks are not handy.
Not long now Buckaroo, quell your desires, not long and you will be doing your duty. Keep the faith.
What was that about a closet and a key?
Best wishes to the Healds!
your friend
Bill HeckJohn Says:
Hello Bill
I have been trying to find this chap’s blog but to no avail. Can you kindly send me the link please? I was surprised to see that they were allowing guests to see the engine room over there on the Rotterdam. I really can’t comment on how or why they are doing that but I can say that your idea of a presentation and Q & A session by the captain and chief engineer moderated by the CD would be a fantastic addition to the cruise. I will talk with someone about this and let’s see if we cannot put your idea into practice. I know it may not happen on all ships as some captains and chief engineers are more comfortable on the microphone and in front of an audience than others ……….but I know some who will relish the chance. The captain who is setting the pace for this is Captain Scala who is currently the master of the Carnival Destiny. He already holds a regular Q & A and maybe we can use slides and film as you suggested.
Certainly it is an idea worthy of looking seriously at and thanks again mate for letting me know.
Thanks also for the kind words and my best to you and the family
JohnFLIP FLOP CRUISE QUEEN Asked:
John, PLEASE REPLY,
Heidi is right–rumpy pumpy can bring on the start of labor–it is totally safe as long as her bag of water has not broken. Another thing that can start it is a good case of diarrhea; hence years ago some doctors would prescribe a dose of castor oil–yuck! So, put your rocket to work and see if anything happens–it can’t hurt to try. Another thing that can start labor is nipple stimulation–either you or Heidi can do the stimulating.
PREVIOUSLY YOU HAD STATED THAT YOU WERE GOING TO BE ON THE DREAM SAILING FOR THE TRANS-ATLANTIC CROSSING ON 10/27, BUT LOOKING AT THE SCHEDULE YOU POSTED A COUPLE DAYS AGO, I DIDN’T SEE THAT LISTED. ARE YOU NO LONGER GOING TO BE ON BOARD? That is the sailing when we are honouring police, firemen, doctors, nurses, paramedics, emt’s, and their family and friends. We are hoping the schedule you posted is wrong and that you will actually be there with us. Please let us know.
Thanks,
SherylJohn Says:
Hello Sheryl
Well, rumpy pumpy is now the last thing on Heidi’s mind as I think she is now getting very uncomfortable. Anyway, you asked about the trans-Atlantic crossing and although I will not be on the entire voyage I do intend to join in Bermuda and sail into New York. That way I can help honor your amazing group of heroes.
Please let me know if you need any help in organizing anything special for the group
Best wishes to you and the family
JohnCruizininVA Asked:
Hi John! Please reply – only if you have the time. My question is silly and frivolous and I know you have more important things to worry about right now!
My husband lives for trivia games onboard and always manages to win one of the infamous gold plastic ships on a stick. We have one from each ship we’ve sailed except our first cruise and it’s become his mission to win one from each ship. But I’ve read several trip reviews lately on various sites that say Carnival isn’t giving out ships on a stick any more for trivia games and just the little medals with no ship name?!? Please say it ain’t so!!! We sail this Sunday, 5/17 on the Pride and I will need to break the news to my husband gently if this is the case.
In any case, we can’t wait to be onboard. My friends and family think I’m nuts for all the cruises we’ve taken in the past few years, but stepping onboard a Carnival ship feels like coming home and once the ship sails I am completely at peace out there on the sea. It’s great medicine for the soul.
The thingy will get here when it wants to so try and rest until then and get over your man-flu! If Heidi holds out until Saturday the thingy can share a birthday with me. Blessings to all three of you and can’t wait to hear whether it is a boy or girl. I was lucky enough to witness the birth of my nephew a few years ago and it was the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced. Hopefully it will be the same for you.
John Says:
Hello CruizininVA
It’s great to read that the trivia games our entertainment staff host onboard are popular. Usually these events are attended by a small selection of guests yet they are not just about the questions and answers. They are in fact a wonderful way to meet your fellow guests and get to know the staff member hosting the event. I promise that despite what you have read we still give the solid gold plastic trophies away on every ship at most events. We also have the medallions which we use if we are waiting for a supply of trophies.
However, we know how popular the trophies are and even though we may make fun of them they are only given to people who take part or win a contest or activity. I am copying Jaime, the assistant cruise director, on this and therefore am going to send your husband a trivia question just for him. He must give his answer directly to Jaime and if he gets it right………..she will give him a trophy
Here is the question
Which is the name of Jaime’s previous boyfriend
A. PIETRO
B DIEGO
C KIRK
D LAWRENCE
E DUNCAN
F ROBERT
G KEN
H GUSTAV
I ALL OF THE ABOVE“I” will give you a clue.
Have fun onboard and thanks for the kind words for Heidi and I.
Please send us the review of your cruise when you get home
Best Wishes
John
kjunea Asked:
Dear John, Heidi, and Thingy, (please respond if you get a chance!)
Thank you so much for the wonderful pictures of Half Moon Cay! It is so great that you put them in the blog today, because we leave on the Liberty on May 23, cabins — and —!! Our first stop is HMC and my job, since I have chosen to accept it, is to get in line the minute we get on the ship and get a cabana! Which brings up a question: Why can’t you book the cabanas on Carnival, but you can on Holland America? It seems like it would be a simple thing to put it on the website.
Also, my mother-in-law is travelling on her first cruise, at the age of 70-something (I’ll never tell!) and it would be great if you could do a little something special for her. Her name is Judina Stevens and she is in —. I’ve sent her chocolate covered strawberries already, so that will score me good daughter-in-law points, I hope. Personally, I just want to finish this school year with my lovely 8th graders on May 21st, get on a plane on May 22nd for Miami, and then get on the Liberty May 23rd and hopefully, by 12:30 pm; I’ll have a cabana rented and a Fun ship special in my hand! After taking care of 160 8th graders all year, winning Teacher of the Year at my school, and having 2 kids win a National Award this week, I think I deserve a vacation! I wish you lots of luck with your adventure, whenever thingy makes his/her appearance this week!
June Stevens (ps… My cabin is —, just in case…)John Says:
Hello June
It seems you are very excited about your forthcoming Carnival Liberty cruise and I am so glad I posted the photos of Half Moon Cay just to whet your appetite a bit more. You ask a very good question. Why can’t you book the cabanas on line? I don’t know the answer but I can find out for sure. I am positive there must be a reason though so let me make some enquires for you. Just to make sure visit the shore excursion manager once onboard. His or her desk is on deck 3 in the main lobby and they will open at noon.
It seems like you have a lot to celebrate and as the so of a teacher I send you special congratulations on winning your teaching award. I will be happy to send Mum something and please write a review when you get home so we can read all about your experiences onboard and your beautiful day at Half Moon Cay.
Have a brilliant time and my best to you and all your family
JohnEllen Hansen Asked:
Dear John (Please reply),
Have been enjoying your blog so much and thingy will be here when he/she is ready!
A question, bur first a bit of info. My daughter Robyn and I (Carnival virgins, but not cruise virgins…our first was in 1993, a high school graduation gift for Robyn on the Regal Dumpstress, er Empress, and we’ve since been on RCL, Norwegian, HAL, Disney and [be still my heart] the Radisson Seven Seas Navigator) are taking my granddaughter, Ella, who is just 2 years old, on the June 7th sailing of the Triumph, (Booking number — room —), her first cruise. We’re waitlisted for the earlier dinner seating, which we would really like to obtain. Second seating is currently her bedtime, and while her jammies are cute, not proper attire for the dining room! Would you be able to stick out your neck and pull some strings (too many metaphore thingies) and see if we can get a table for 2, with highchair? This way people can admire Ella from afar, and we can make a quick getaway, if necessary. (She’s 2 and VERY good at it.)
Can hardly wait until we hear the news about Thingy, and then I’ll know which color yarn to bring with me for my cruise knitting project! I wouldn’t dream of sailing without a project.
Be calm, my friend, and please give Heidi all our best wishes.John Says:
Hello Ellen
I am glad you have been enjoying the blog and I hope you do so for a long time to come. I am so happy that you are going to take a Carnival cruise. I promise that we will all do our best to make this your best ever voyage and make your beating heart even more excited than your time on the Seven Seas thingy.
I will be happy to request your early sitting for you and I am sure the wonderful Maitre D on board will make sure your time in the dining room is some of the most fun you have ever had. Please send us your review when you get home and my very best wishes to you all
JohnSandra Asked:
John,
I was onboard the Carnival Ecstasy at the time the swine flu panic was at a peak. I understand that there had to be a port change due to the severity of the illness. What I did not understand was that we were led to believe for 3 days that we would be making a stop somewhere only to be told at the end of the week, “sorry, we’re heading home”. Why could we have not gone to Jamaica, Grand Cayman, or some other nearby port? Our captain was not heard from after day 2 of the 5 day cruise. He was a no show at both captain’s parties and all updates were given by the cd. This cruise was number 7 for me and I can honestly say had I been a first timer, I would never sail with Carnival again. This entire situation was handled about as unprofessionally as I have seen, not to mention the obvious “dishonesty” shown midweek. I visited with passengers who called Carnival on Monday before they boarded and were guaranteed that there would be a port change and the ship would be stopping somewhere. The final blow came when we arrived back at Galveston and the local newspaper reported that the ship had to head home early due to an ill passenger. More deception!! There was indeed an ill passenger, but that passenger could have been airlifted off the ship earlier in the week if she was critical at that time. Why take a chance of traveling 20 miles per hour to rush someone to the hospital? By the way, what an insult to our intelligence to “graciously refund our port fees”. HA! Come on Carnival, own up to blowing it and make it right by offering a deeply discounted cruise for those interested in giving it another try.John Says:
Hello Sandra
Obviously I can see you’re upset and for that I certainly apologize. All the cruise lines do print in the ticket information that the itinerary is subject to change and unfortunately the sudden restrictions due to H1N1 virus. The situation affected all Mexican ports and every cruise line was trying to find alternative ports of call. I am once again sorry that on this occasion we were unable to find one during your cruise.
I was not onboard and certainly at the time of writing this I do not have all the facts. I can say this though. Having spent 20 years at sea and having been involved in many medical emergencies I can promise you that a medical evacuation by helicopter is not always possible. Apart from the availability of an aircraft and the distance from land, the physical act of the airlift may in fact be far too strenuous for the guest who needs medical attention. I can assure you also that these choices are made by the ship’s doctors and the life of the sick guest must come before anything else and that includes reaching the ports of call on time or at all. I am sure that if it was a member of your family whose life depended on such actions that you would agree. So, with this regard I promise you there was no dishonesty only correct decisions that had to be made in order to hopefully save a life ……nothing else is more important.
John
That’s all for now.
Calm down John………slow deep breaths……think of happy things………hold on………I just need to pop over to www.latvianwomeningstrings.com………..back in a minute.
THAT’S BETTER
Sorry for the rant and I remain here to answer your questions. And these include the ones that maybe include something that we as a company did not do as well as we might have and I promise to answer them respectfully.
I would like to welcome a new blogger to our bestblogsatsea.com family. His name is Justin Cohen and he is far too good looking. Anyway, he is currently serving onboard P&O’s
Also while you are looking at www.bestblogsatsea.com, please check out the families blogs which include the latest photos from the sea trials of the uber luxurious Seabourn Odyssey. I must say it’s great to see Captain Albert’s blog back. He is the captain of Holland America Line’s Prinsendam. For those of you who love the technical and operational sides of cruising than the captain’s blog should be something you will totally enjoy. Here is the direct link to his blog……….
www.hollandamericablog.com/captain-alberts-blog/
During the past weeks I have done quite a lot of interviews on radio, for magazines and for TV. Here is one I did on the Carnival Splendor in LA for a channel called California Life. It’s short and sweet but I thought you may like to see it. The direct link…
www.californialifehd.com
Oh, by the way………..for those of you who know my long time friend and Assistant Cruise Director Stephanie, you will be glad to know that she is being given a chance to cover the Carnival Destiny as cruise director. She starts in 10 days time and I wish her all the best as I am sure will those that know her.
Heidi is as I said calm about the late arrival of the Thingy. Unfortunately she is feeling very big, very tired and very grumpy especially with me and I’ve tempted fate more than once today. Judging by her moods, if I’m not careful, I could end up unable to father any further children…
There are times when I think I am prepared for this and then there are times when I am in a state of sheer and utter panic. Two weeks ago we had a tour of the hospital.
This is just to make sure that you know where you are going when you arrive and what to expect once there. As we entered the labor ward we could smell toast and were reliably informed by the midwife that a baby must have just been born. I knew babies are supposed to have a unique smell but I didn’t know it was of toast!
The first thing we noticed was that the labor ward was boiling hot – as you walked in it was like getting out of an air conditioned car in the middle of the desert, and it felt like all the air was being sucked out of your lungs. The hospital was air-conditioned said the nurse leading us around but the temperature had to be just right for the newborns. I looked at her and said “How is the air being delivered. Do you have an asthmatic hamster in the room blowing down a straw?”…….she was not amused and neither was Heidi.
There were four other couples with us and we were shown around the various rooms and equipment that would come into play during the labor and birth. I actually felt quite comforted by the apparent efficiency of how things get done and all the machinery available to monitor every stage…of course it made me equally as terrified. The one bonus was seeing the other men in the group looking like spare parts; there was a palpable air of male panic and every now and then the smell of fear usually coming from one of our bottoms.
Upon arrival at the birthing pool room, there was suddenly a loud piercing cry of a newborn child. Instantly the expression on every face changed. The midwife continued talking but I swear that no-one was listening to a word she was saying. It was like when the teacher spoke to Charlie Brown in the Peanuts cartoon…Mwah mwah mwah mwah.
Most of the questions and comments came from the men. Questions ranged from “do you have to pay for car parking?” to “maternity towels – wings or no wings?” I know …why would you ask a question like that? The women on the other hand just seemed to sit there and absorb it all. Perhaps they were stunned into silence.
It was a really informative couple of hours, and I came away with an understanding of what Heidi will go through, what to watch out for and how I will need to support her. Suddenly I realized how much things were going to change – I also had a renewed spark of excitement on meeting my new child.
The men did get lots of advice which was great. Gems included what not to say (“does it hurt?”) and that while it was a marathon event for her, for you it would be large amounts of boredom punctuated with small sections of high stress.
Stress my arse……..stress is the captain telling you that you are going to miss Grand Cayman because the sea is too rough to tender……stress is doing the adventure talk for St. Petersburg for the first time……..stress is writing a blog……..in your underpants ……. staring at a blank screen because you can’t think of bugger all to say. I can handle stress.
This is a whole new level. My wife will be spread eagled on a bed as strange men and women look up her lady garden while she screams in agony blaming me for the pain and telling the entire medical staff what a bastard I am and how she always has to wash the skid marks out of my underwear…….that’s stress………..and as much as I cannot wait to hold the Thingy in my arms……I don’t mind admitting………..I am absolutely terrified.
Goodnight
Your friends
John, Heidi and the Thingy
Look, friends — there are a few things you should remember before you comment. The space below is for you to post your comments about the post I've just written above. If it is something that's unrelated, please use the Ask John tab above. Now, while I may not be able to reply to your comment below, I do sit in my underpants almost every morning and read everything that is here. So feel free to comment on the comments and then if someone wants to comment on the comment to the comment then go ahead as well. Please be courteous unless the poster is French...........then you can say whatever you want.
John,
Hang in there for just a bit longer! After Thingy makes his/her appearance, you will be an old pro.
Florence
Please Reply.
John…Relax. Having twice been through what you are going through now, I can tell you that everything will be fine. After all, when the time comes, if you faint, you will be in a hospital surrounded by doctors and nurses. Remember to breathe (important for Dad too). If you hear ringing in your ears, raise your hand. Now that my boys are 11 and 13 years old, I can barely remember my hair falling out from the stress of the days before birth. The hair grows back. A lot more gray, but it grows back.
Last time I wrote I asked if you were on the Holiday in April 1990. I know you have a lot going right now, but I am still curious about that.
Remember, if you can’t get to the market for more TABASCO, let me know and I will make sure you are well-stocked.
Hi John,
You poor dear! This will all turn out wonderfully – don’t worry. It will be an amazing experience. Just make sure, as someone said before, make sure your left hand with the ring is not being squeezed. Heidi will not be the only one in pain. And did you say she was having lower back pains? Hmm, could the little Thingy’s appearance be imminent? Will I come to work tomorrow morning & find out there’s a new little Heald among us? Hope so.
Congratulations new CD Stephanie.
Good nite,
Hugs,
Carol
P.S. From looking at Heidi’s last picture, I think it will be a boy! She is radiant.
Tick… tick… tick…
I’m starting to believe it’s all a conspiracy… just a basketball from Dwayne Wade…
Wow… I think Heidi has everyone fooled! Stitch was convinced that The Thingy would be here sometime last week. I figured it was a function of the phase of the moon or something of that nature… Here’s hoping The Thingy doesn’t keep us waiting much longer!!
WONDERFUL news for Stephanie!! She’ll do GREAT as a Cruise Director!! If she can keep up with you she and handle 3000 passengers!! Congrats, Stephanie!!!
All my best to Heidi and The Thingy… and you too, John!!!
Ciao!!
Host Mach
Hmm, discomfort and pain in Heidi’s back. Sounds like the beginning stages of the thingy’s appearance. Best of luck to you, Heidi and a happy, healthy baby.
Hi John!
Stay optomistic and keep your head up. You will handle the stress fine. You have come this far so what is just a little bit more?
Massages can be quite interesting but i do fondly recall your Cloud 9 massage as well as your lovely experience with Fatma.
Good luck and send my regards to Heidi.
Take care!
David
I can’t wait to hear how the birth goes, for all your terror I think you will be just fine. Once you see that sweet little baby everything that happened before is *almost* forgotten, it is the most amazing thing.
Hang in there. When the apple is ripe, it will fall from the tree. Every birth is an amazing experience and a true miracle. I am an RN with 10 years labor and delivery experience and every birth I have attended has brought a tear of joy to my eye. Best wishes to Heidi for a fast and easy delivery.
John please reply.
Who will the CD on the Destiny be in July? My father and brother are taking their first cruise and I’ve got them booked on the Destiny for July 13. I would love it if Stephanie will still be CD when they are on board!
Anyway, my best to you, Heidi and the Thingy. I’m anxiously waiting with you!
Melissa
Oh dear, four days late. It really is hard when you are waiting for something to happen and that baby seems more content to stay put and Momma wants him/her to come into the world.
I will only say one tiny thing about the one post, sorry.
You are one of the good guys John, never forget that. Keep smiling
My best to Heidi and the thingy (I said I would never call your baby that) and sending good thoughts to all of you that it will be very very soon
Heidi ,watch that back ache, thats how my labor started with my first born and water did not break on it’s own.
John please relax and take it easy. I think we are all getting very worried about the stress you are under. Don’t have a heart attack on us.
CONGRATULATIONS Stephanie. The Carnival Destiny will be in good hands. Will you be with us and John on the BC4 though or is it that too far in advance to know?
Good luck hope tonight is the night for the labor room
Countess Carolyn………. still the lame one
It will be the most awesome moment in your life! The waiting is the worst part but soon you will be talking of all these things with your pal Alan like an old pro!
I am growing weary as I know you are of reading the complaints about the itinerary changes that couldn’t be helped. What is wrong with people? Never mind, I know there is a lot wrong with them obviously.
Maybe tonight…
I have to agree with the “back pain = imminent birth” crowd. Happened to me!
Predicting that tomorrow you’ll be giving us the good news. (Although I’m NOT sure enough to bet $$$.)
Waiting is grueling, eh?
Hugs to all,
Your pal, Myra
John,
You’ll do great. I rememeber when our son was born I was so nervous I couldn’t even sign any of the paper work and was constantly asking whats going on. You will be fine.
John Please respond
So John what are your dates for the dream while you’re here in the Port Canaveral area which is are back yard?
Thanks
Big Fans as allways Frank and Bridie
We’re so excited for you both and looking forward to the big day. Thank you so much for sharing your lives with us!
Hi John,
More and more often I am reading the angry comments about the H1N1 virus and its unpleasant disruptions. You so patiently comment and attempt to calm these people, yet I doubt it does any good. Let me give you another opinion about the unfortunate situation. Maybe this one won’t sound so much like an ass with his bits being pulled off…
I was on the Splendor that fateful week all hell broke loose. It has taken me this long to come to terms with the fact that the vacation I worked so terribly hard for wasn’t meant to be. I heard the chants…”we want Brad! we want Brad!” and walked by on my way. I saw the line for the pursers’ desk, coiled like an angry snake. I saw the tears, from disappointed a woman sluggishly making her way to her cabin. Myself, I was upset, devastated, somebody took something from me that frankly CAN be replaced, but just not in the near future. That however did not give me an excuse to treat the crew like crap like those rowdy people did. They make me sick just thinking about it, looking down at the stupid mob embarrassing themselves. I was not accepting the changes gracefully, but had to understand the decision made. While I understood Brad trying to make the ship our vacation destination, it is a mindset I was not prepared to accept. I didn’t choose the cruise just for the ship, I chose it for the destinations. I chose to debark early that week. I made my way off the ship as fast as possible. I just wanted to go home. I wanted my money back, I didn’t want to go to San Francisco because I live just south of there, after all they had more cases of the flu than any of our ports, I…………….well I was being terribly selfish.
To Captain Cupisti, Brad, the poor girl from Romania in the gift shop who was working a 15 hour shift on her day off when she should have been sunbathing in Puerto, and all of the other crew members (except the grouchy night pizza guy)…I thank you, for doing everything you can to make a disaster something pleasant. Your hard work did not go completely unnoticed. It may be a while before I can cruise again, but I will.
I hope I didn’t anger you by bringing this up yet again. I feel like you deserve to hear something positive about it. I just really got tired of reading this and that about what somebody thinks Carnival should have done. Get over it, suck it up, you win some you lose some. Chalk that one up for the other team.
Can’t wait so see some new family pictures with your baby.
Thank you and best wishes,
Sarah Blacklock
John (Please Reply)
I just posted a comment today on yesterdays blog, however there were a couple of things in todays blog that I wanted to comment on.
As I mentioned, I was on the Imagination last week. They said they were offering a ship tour which is new, and had not been availiable for some time now. I asked about it at the Shore Excursions Desk and was told it includes the Bridge and Engine Room as well as many other behind the scenes areas of the ship. If I heard the announcement correct, it is being offered on a couple of ships now with more to follow in the future.
My first Carnival Cruise was on the Ecstacy, with Captain Scala. The Q&A session was great. You can tell that he really enjoys being out around the guests. Captain Scala, Goose, and the rest of the crew seemed to be having a great time working together, which made for a great guest experience. I also thought his “cigars under the stars” was a lot of fun as well.
Is it possible to find out in advance which ship a Captain is currently on, as it is with the Cruise Directors? All of Captains I have sailed with have been great, however I would love to sail with Captain Scala again, maby next summer.
As always, thanks John for all you do!
Doug
Hi John and Heidi,
Sorry there is not Thingy yet – but all good thingys come to those who wait and wait and wait
..
John, I’m sitting in my cabin on the PRIDE and we love being back on board Carnival!! I want to give you a HUGE thank you for sending a basket of goodies to my Parents for their 60th Wedding Anniversary – THANK YOU for your kindness.
I met someone on this cruise who doesn’t think you write your own material….LOL Kurt made me write that – teehee..
Kurt and Jamie have been most kind and what great people!! We just left Grand Turk and we are heading to Half Moon Cay…
I am so glad to hear that you will be joining the TA Dream in Bermuda.. I will be on that cruise with my girlfriend Pam and several other friends we met on the 2007 Freedom Cruise..They are going to be so happy to know that you will be on board, if only the last part…Will Heidi and Thingy be joining you?
Well that’s it from the Pride -
All my best and God Bless you, Heidi and Thingy to be…very soon!!
Debs
Awww John! You will do perfect! I know you are scared and nervous but at the end you will be so happy. Just try to think of seeing the Thingy for the first time. I am not a mom but I think that may help!
Thanks for the beautiful pictures of HMC! We can’t wait to go back! (129 more days til we set sail…. I’m still counting down the days) I want to live there. Our offer still stands…. if we can live there for free will will work cleaning bathrooms, horse stalls… whatever you want! It is soooo beautiful!
Congrats to Stephanie…. altho I’ve never met here I am sure she will be awesome!
I said the Thingy would be born on the 13th… that’s today… HE better hurry up! =)
Have a good day…. maybe when and if you read this…. maybe that will be the day!
Stef
John you have been trying to get in there for years so why should HE be in a hurry to get out of there. HE’S got the best cabin, HE’S got a 24 hour buffet, HE’S got his own private pool so why would HE be in a hurry to get off this ship. HE’S the Captain in there.
BIG ED
John,
Had to correct a mistake in my post – Meant to say KIRK not kirt – don’t tell him
Since he bought me drinks on your card – LOL Just kidding!!!
Debs
Here is the link to Jeff’s world cruise blog.
http://amazingvoyages.blogspot.com/
Hey john
Im looking for a good military family deal for a week cruise around the end of september. Can you find me anything?
John:
Even though I am a lady and most of my lady friends LOVE massages….massages are just not for me.
I have had one at one here in the US. It was done well. No complaints…it just isn’t my thing. That is what I LOVE about the Splendor (and soon to be Dream) Spa cabins. That Thalasso pool and Relaxation rooms are very much MY THING!!!
John (this is cruise Mom speaking)…
it is time to invoke the Cruise Director’s Serenity Prayer that I sent you last year.
I, for one, believe the Swine Flu cruises have been thoroughly vetted. You have done your best and it is time to move on. You have more important things to attend to over the next few weeks.
Unfortunately, the “bus riders” on cruises today do not realize that you don’t just “go to another port” … especially on a 5 day cruise. Yes, there was Tampa and Key West within cruising range…but guess what folks, Uncle Sam says NO.
It is a federal law. If you don’t like it, then get your representatives to change the old outdated regulation.
You would think that they would get a small hint of what is involved, when Carnival had to take the extreme action of making the Fantasy and Ecstasy into 7 days cruises during this time. Hmmmm….
If there was another port to go to, Carnival would have. They are are not a bunch of cigar smoking, poker playing folks sitting around Corporate office saying….”how can we mess up these people’s vacations?”
geez, as Billy Cosby says “Come on people!”
You can not make people happy who are “giving advice” about a life and death health emergency that they know nothing about. They don’t even know the name of the person who was ill, let alone how serious it was. To make a generalized judgment about how Carnival should have handled a medical emergency, when they know absolutely nothing about it? How stupid is that?
These are not people who want a reasonable answer. These are the bus riders who want to whine. Well, I say enough!!
Is Carnival perfect? Absolutely not.
But I know without a doubt that they are doing the very best they can under the circumstances and if the bus riders don’t understand that… (as Travis Tritt would say) “Here’s A Quarter Call Someone Who Cares.”
Linda (Mom of your friend ~ getting ready for his cruise on Saturday disputed like everyone else’s and acting mature about it~ DJ)
Hi John,
Be patient…. The Thingy will come when it’s ready and all of this will be behind you. Just relax! Cuddle up with Heidi and watch a good movie…. er…. chick flick of Heidi’s choice and enjoy the time together. The Thingy will be here before you know it!
To Stephanie; CONGRATULATIONS!!! And big Hugs!!! We will make a point to sail with you, again. This time as CD! You have worked hard and deserve the promotion.
Hi John, ( please reply)
1st off, i would like to congratulate you on the soon to be expansion of the family! Family is the most wonderful thing!
This is my 1st time to respond to a blog.. so please be patient. I have been on the carnival website researching what to expect on a cruise in 2009. The last time i was on a cruise was 15 years ago ( carnival of course). While on the site, i came across your blog. With too many posts and comments, i was not able to read it all so i decided to write my own. Luckily i came across it, who better to ask than you. So here i am…
We are having a family reunion on the Splendor with a sail date of 6/14/09 out of Long Beach. With over 20 family members in my group, i would like to ask for your recommendation on how to maximize our trip with such a large group in which most are 1st timers. ( Please suggest FREE ideas as we are on a budget!)
thanks, looking forward to your response.
Diana
Not to worry, John, you will be fine (eventually). I’m so surprised Thingy is not here yet. When Heidi had her crying, cleaning episode I was sure it would be just a few days. But, Thingy will come when it’s time and not much can be done to hurry him/her along! But what does the doctor say?
Congrats to Stephanie. Wonderful news for her! I wish her Good Luck!
Anxiously waiting,
Stitch
Hi John,
Have to agree with your comment about Captain Scala. He is the best captain we have had and we appreciate his Q&A sessions.
Hang in there John the Thingy will come soon.
Hi Heidi!
George and Linda
I will get that person a trophy… but only if they get the right answer… WHICH IS NOT I!!!
I have no idea who Diego or Pietro is =).
Can’t wait to see you soon.
Jaime and Kirk
Hello John:
You asked for the url for the Rotterdam World Voyage Blog. This should lead you to one of the pages that has some pictures of the engine room. The other group is day 77 on the blog.
http://amazingvoyages.blogspot.com/2009/04/day-88-at-sea.html
If you have the time, browse through these pictures, this fellow Jeff has some talent with the camera and sure went to some excellent destinations.
John, trust me, hard to be calm in your situation, but you have no control over it, Thingy does. You are there to provide support for Heidi, and I promise you, she will do the work, so just keep her entertained and it will all work out fine.
Here in Arkansas, we expect the women to take a few minutes out from the field work, have the baby, and get back to it, where’s my supper woman?
Some of the things you mention about Heidi’s disposition, and discomfort in the nether regions reminds me of my sweetie getting ready to birth number one son. The unknown can be more distressing than the actual work of getting the baby out into the air. Billions have gone before. That is when I get smacked.
I have been in the baby center when mothers are brought in, in the wheel chair and one said, honey, skip the labor room, I can feel his head between my legs. And other babies that seem to be happy in the tummy and it takes a while. Oh well, it will be a memory before you know it.
I suspect the engine room presentation would be well attended if you put it in the Caper. I bet you could entertain if they put you and the video dude loose in the engine room. I can see you now, “can you hear me now?” No John, that eleventy seven cylinder gen set is making so much racket, we can’t hear you now.
I was there for your first St Petersburg talk, it was great, the two day Grand Tour you recommended was great, and we can’t find anything close on our June Baltic Cruise on the Rotterdam. I will think of you when we are in Warnemunde, we still need to enjoy the deck party with the shnitzel and the lederhosen.
Hang in there Heald! My family is good, two found new employment after the bubbles popped, one went back to school which is good at this time.
Your Friend
Bill Heck
Good luck, the baby is a coming.I can feel it in my bones.and I have headache. Oops, that happens when it rains. Sorry John. A little laughter just for you. It sounds like you really need it now.
After the little Heald enters the world. you will forget about all the troubles that you’ve had and only think about the troubles that will be coming. Oops, another type of laughter. I’m so funny tonight.
Good luck and have a good clock. you’ll need it.
Ha,ha,ha. I just can’t stop thinking about funny statements for you.
Rest,think of only good times and the love you have for Heidi because when she is in labour and has that pain, the love she has for you will become angry and she’ll telling others, that is the arse who caused this. Funny isn’t it.
That’s it, I done being funny. I can only truthfully say that yes, there will be pain and suffering for the both of you but the beauty of that child, your child will make the pain disappear. Love you.
Paul & Marylou Pietrangelo
John,
Tell Heidi to hang in there. I know how she feels. AJ was 7 days late. I hope all goes well and we are thinking of all 3 of you.
Stephanie
Deep Breaths……Deep Breaths……. Think of your happy place……. You know, the place with the Latvian women! And when she squeezes your hand, do not complain about the pain. Just look in her eyes….. maintain eye contact…. Hubby says you don’t want to look anywhere else! Me, I don’t remember much about it until they put that little bundle with the cutest, sweetest face in my arms. Then it all memory of any pain melted away. I still have to channel that sweet face everytime the monster shows up in the form of my 6 year old, destroying a clean house, making demands for Happy meals and new videos. sigh….. It was so easy back then!
Stephanie…
I tried using the link to go to Captain Albert’s blog but I got a error message stating….
Easy, tiger. This is a 404 page.
You are totally in the wrong place.
Do not pass GO; do not collect $200.
Instead, hit that “back” button on your browser, and get it right next time, eh?
That is the BEST error message! I love it!
John
just tell Heidi that a little rumpy pumpy will get things going ….
John,
First let me say I can’t wait until the baby arrives, I think with the back pain it will be soon. It could be back labor. I race home every day, try to do the Wii and then log on to see if the baby has made their grand entrance.
Now as for Arkansas, I currently live here. Not ALL the stereotypes are true. Some of us still have SOME of our own teeth.
As for massages, I love them. I do fear the passing of gas, but haven’t yet while getting a massage. If you ever come and visit Arkansas, I will treat you to one with the best massuese ever.
Now take deep breaths and go rub Heidi’s back.
Best wishes for a speedy delivery and healthy Heald.
Bobbi
I forgot to say 116 days until I sail the Conquest again. You are right John, waiting is tough.
The back pain is a great sign. I think labour will come in the next 24 hours for sure.
Keep your nerve now as it will be all over in a flash. You are soon to feel love and happiness on a scale neither of you have ever known before.
Best to You, Heidi and Thingy who shall soon have a proper name.
John, I love to read this blog each day, and I am wishing all the best for your little family. Can we stop with the farts and the skid marks, though?
Hey john, just letting you know that CNN is reporting a possible swine flu case now on a Chargeyaforasteak international in alaska.
Big Fans as allways,
Frank and Bridie
Congratulations Stephanie!! I’m sure you will make a great CD. John is a great teacher.
John – Stop second guessing yourself. You will be a great father!
Roxi
John Please Reply
Dear John and Heidi
The back pain and the “‘bottom pressure” is agood sign that labour might be imminent. Your posts from this week show that you are hanging in there pretty well, when it is all over you will wonder why you were nervous at all. Be carefull mixing that alcohol and valium in your father;s bag” you might miss the whole birth,,,
Your line about the asthmatic hamster brought me back to the time I did CPR on a Guine Pig for my son’s pet pig. and NO I did not put my lips to the Guinea pigs face, I stuffed a soda straw inbetween his lil lips and blew while I pumped 2 fingers to his little chest…..
My question is a repeat, you asked for us to resubmit if we never got an answer. We never did find out what happened to the availability of the video/DVD of the Bloggers Cruise from the Fantasy in Feb out of NOLA. You were going to check on it and I never saw an answer so I am bringing it up again. do they exist? Can we still get one?
Hugs to you and Heidi
from two of the stork watchers
Take Care & relax
The Tuckers
Elizbeth & Arnold
back pain is a good sign! anytime now!
during my labor my hubby’s job was to get me ice water and sometimes i used him to lean on. he also was the fetcher for the midwife.
you’ll do great.
Now that the little thingy is taking time entering this world, it must be a boy as they just hate to give up their cozy home in the womb nor do they want to wake up and “work” their way into the real world.
This is what I decided when my son was 19 days late. I hope Heidi doesn’t get as tired as I did of everyone checking in each day and asking if he was here yet. Hang in there, both of you, it won’t be long now and enjoy being able to sleep through the night. This, too, shall pass.
Nothing but the best to both of you and the sweet little thingy.
John:
Btw, to the person who was questioning engine room tours and Maritime Law…the answer is probably best described as “The Captain”.
When in International Waters…he is the Master of the Vessel. He is “the law” … so to speak and he can take anyone on the ship anywhere he wants to.
However, he can not be “instructed” (or made) by someone else (not even Carnival Corporation) to do so….because of Maritime Law.
Linda
I’ve got a good feeling about today John!! The good feeling I had yesterday… not as good as the good feeling I’ve got today!
John,
This is priceless about your 2 favorite people. It seems that the London times is reporting that French workers are moving to India to keep their jobs.
Now when we call for technical help or customer support the person on the other end will be unintelligable with an attitude.
Hope this made your day. Hope all is well with Heidi and the thingy.
It will be just fine, once thingy makes it’s grand entrance all that stuff will leave your mind.
HI John…Hey thingy….are you done yet??????????Isn’t it amazing how many people are waiting for this arrival? John,everything will be okay. It’s wonderful how you can adapt to a new situation without thinking about it. I know you will be beaming at the first sight of this little person and the rest of the world is waiting for the big announcement of the arrival…..We’ll be on the TA on the Dream and first I was excited to know Ken would be there and then to read that you will be joining us in Bermuda……….like Malcolm would say..”WOO HOO”.. By the way how is the guy doing…We’re waiting..waiting…waiting…waiting..regards from Da-Beast..
John,
Back pain is a good sign. I had a lot of that during my first pregnancy. John, relax and breathe!
Stephanie,
I AM VERY HAPPY FOR YOU AND WISH YOU ALL THE BEST.
I just wanted to say that I am amazed at how you always find something hilarious to entertain me with every day. I tried to start a blog, I barely made it a week!
Here’s to hoping the Thingy makes his/her appearance soon!
John,
When Thingy finally arrives, you will forget all the stress, worry, and anxiety and you will just enjoy your little one! Hope it’s later today!
Mike & Lori
Hi again Heidi and John and Thingy,
Anyway,
I hope, little Thingy, you will be born today which is Jack’s birthday. So we are both still so anxiously waiting to hear when you arrive. Take care and have a good safe journey. Thank you both John and Heidi for sending such a fun loving blog our way. We really enjoy it. It is so light hearted and we love the responses from the other posters especially the ‘rocket’ posters LOL! Keep us posted.
Cheers everyone!
We are approaching our platinum level soon. B2B Dream cruise in Nov.09.
We are both as old as dirt
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK xoxo
Hi John,
2 of my sisters have birthdays May 13 and May 14.
Baby Heald missed May 13th.
I’m hoping for May 14!
And I’m sure the two of you are hoping more than any of us!
Kathy
Dear John,
Regarding the post from the woman on the Ecstasy that had to cancel both ports….
I was there. Yes, it was a little disappointing to miss ports and I did feel sorry for the wedding parties onboard but, for the most part, I was so
sick of the complaining of the passengers who didn’t give a care for the ill passenger (we knew about her for most of the cruise, not just in the papers at home! Some even cornered Steve Cassell after his debarkation talk and ranted at him for a solid 15-20 minutes without really giving him a chance to say anything! He handled it extrememly well by the way. In my honest opinion, Carnival and the staff of the Ecstasy did everything in their power to make the most out of a very difficult situation and they should all be commended.
Oddly enough, one of the biggest whiners on the ship was a woman who had told me on the first day that all she wanted to do for the whole 5 days was lay in the sun, relax, and do nothing! hmmmm I guess there was just too much fun going on for that to happen! lol
Hoping your next blog is a Raspberry Blog from the delivery room!
BELC
Maribeth
Hi John (please reply) – I read in a thread in the Carnival Connections that Captain Nogara sailed his last cruise on the Liberty a week ago. The comment made it sound like he was not coming back. Is he just taking his break or moving to another ship, or possibly retiring?
I’ve cruised the Liberty twice and have found him to be a very accommodating Captain. The last trip, April 18, 2009, I found him looking a little gaunt and just wanted to make sure that he was not ill.
Thanks for your response.
I’ll offer early congrats on the birth of thingy because I’m sure it will be happening any hour now
UPDATE –Carnival is AWESOME.
OK…after my last post I got a new email from Carnival. Apparently, Mr. Cahill has decided that the best thing to do as far as the Ecstasy sailing was to give us a 50% discount on any sailing of our choice (3-5 day) as long as it’s before Dec. 2010 to make up for our troubles. I had a great time and didn’t expect anything as it does state that itineraries are subject to change.
I had a great time….go again? What a stupid question….OF COURSE! too bad I can’t apply it to the BC4..
hmmmm….how long til that tax return gets here????
CARNIVAL ROCKS!!!!
Dear John and Heidi, If the “thingy” has not arrived as we write this note to you both, we would be very surpised. By your comments of Heidi’s aches, she is very ready!! John, it’s a piece of cake seeing the birth of your first child. Clam Down!! Our best to You and Heidi and “God Bless “The Thingy” into your world!! We looking forward to the new pics. Your friends, Paula and Nelson Baker in North Carolina
I said that the Thingy was going to be born on the 13th…. I guess I was sorta close… a friend of mine’s sister had her baby yesterday….. the 13th!
Close but no cigar!
Splendor cruisers are starting to report getting the email also for 50% off a 3-7 day. WTG Carnival! Now just wish I’d hurry up and get mine!
Hmmmm, usually by now there is a new blog thingy posting. Is Little Thingy Heald about to make his or her entrance? Any news Stephanie?
Carol
John, Thank you for your interpretation of the message, I was laughing so hard it hurt.
Best wishes for the safe and healthy arrival of the Thingy.
Cheers,
Butch
You should warn preggo’s before a funny one like that I swear I had some pee drops come out.
hi john heidi i was away for a few days and i read ur blog wow congras on kye.very prety baby she looks like both of u.
Congrats on your thingy!
Give us back our past guest pins. Free, charge us, who cares, do not discontinue. Thanks