International College Program

[minnie56]

Long time indeed and not that I don't think of you and the girls so often and wonder how the new school year is moving along for them.

Shanan is settling in to her large workload as usual and life goes on! She lives with only one other girl and they have got along famously always...until this year Not sure what is up??? The other girl is from Dryden, Ont. and is seeming to be depressed, very moody (though she always was somewhat??) and will go days without talking which makes it pretty lonely and stressful to live with! Shanan said in the past this has happened, unbeknownst to me, but resolves in a few days. This time it has not so you can imagine, Mum is pretty stressed about the whole thing! It's a loooong way till May! The girl seems pretty intent upon implying that 'Shanan has perhaps changed' that's when she of course is implying at all, and I think feels that Shanan had such a wondeful Disney experience and met so many new friends that she can't get over it?!?!?!?! I have talked to Shanan about it all and she says that is NOT the case. She was ready to come home and did indeed have the best of times, but if anything..the whole thing has lightened her spirits and her work and agenda don't get on top of her as much as before?? I think, therein perhaps lay the problem! This girl is very intense and really questioning her career choices and it gets to her. She wants it to get to Shanan too and have someone to wallow with and Shanan isn't getting there with her this year.... I don't know...it's just all a bit of a mess and Shanan being in Kingston, well...she's pretty far away to just get her out of it all here and there for a few hours!!!

Shanan will come home the Friday before Thanksgiving, likely early evening..and will go back on the Monday which is the same night I fly to Athens for my Med cruise that now I really wish I were not going on!!!! BTW Marjorie, have you and Brynna been on your cruise yet?I can't recall the dates....what a nice litttle escape!


Sorry to have rambled on ...I know you both understand though exactly what it's like when your baby isn't happy!

How is it working for Shayna Bonnie with all those roomies? Shelby lives with 3 other girls and so far, so good..a few little 'blips'..but overall, they are living in harmony!! Does Shayna come home weekends often? I have had Shelby back and forth a fair bit these past couple of weeks as she has been under the weather and is in fact home at the moment. She wants to go back this evening but we have a b'day party so it may be yet another early morning run to Guelph to get her there for her first class! The parties have quietened thank goodness which is I think why she got run down and sik in the first place!!!!

Is Brynna settling in Marjorie?? How go the moves to get back down the WDW? I heard Kevin had a little job as his school year began after our girls with the city? He was a cutie...
I don't know of the other girl that you mentioned but I am sure that when the troops began to pull out, it was a whole different place and the time changed for those left. T'is a shame...

I just booked my neighbour on a nice little package to WDW at the Animal Kingdom Lodge over New Years and I am sooo envious! I want to go now too! I find it extra hard to book Disney and get it in my head that I don't get to go!

Well...My doggie plods on and sits here cross legged so I best get her walking!
Hope this finds you all well and settling into Fall..it was a wild summer wasn't it?

Keep in touch, K

 

[madge62]

Hey ladies, nice to hear from you both!

Sounds like your girls are settling in okay at their respective schools. Hard to believe that Thanksgiving is in a couple of weeks too!

Bonnie, Brynna knows Jei, she had actually met up with her before they both left BC. She hasn't heard from her lately though but had heard at one point she wasn't very happy.

Brynna has her hands busy with school. She lives at home (yeah for me). My DH and I had an RESP for her that would pay tuition for the 4 years (and books are on us) but couldn't fund her living expenses. She decided that she didn't want student loans behind her and that she would stay at home and go to school. She's only got 4 courses this term but they're keeping her quite busy.

She also dropped off a resume at Chapters a week ago and within 3 hours received a phone call for an interview! I knew that Disney on her resume would be a plus. Anyways they offered her a job and she starts early next month.

She's also sent off her resume/cover letter to Eric at Cast-a-Way and there are still discussions going on between her university, Cast-a-Way and Disney. So we're not sure if she'll be able to go on the J-1 Visa but they're definitely trying for her.

Karen, we actually got back from our wee cruise today! Brynna and I went off to Vancouver on Friday to see John Mayer/Sheryl Crow and it was an excellent and very long concert. That was a late night, followed by little sleep as we were to be picked up by a bus to Seattle before 7 the next morning. Got on the ship around noon (CSC got on first, VIPS!), had some good food for lunch followed by a few hours at a seminar done by NCL and CSC, then a cocktail party. Then a sailaway party, karaoke (Brynna did 2 songs), dinner, comedy show followed by shopping and the casino which didn't open til after 11! We fit a lot into a little cruise! Got 5 hours of sleep last night before waking up for brekkie this morning and then we were off the ship by 9. Now I'm exhausted! Don't think sleeping should have been an option.

Anways, the ship was great. Large, lots of public space, pretty nicely kept, good staff. I'm still not keen on freestyle dining but I can see where people would like it. Great pool area, lots of specialty restaurants. We had been upgraded from an inside to an oceanview. Our cabin was a decent size, refrig, nice loo, couldn't complain. If you have any specific questions, let me know.

Last week we toured the Radiance of the Seas while it was in Nanaimo harbour and I very much decided this was the class of ship for me. Just loved it. They did an awesome lunch for us too, and too much wine! Next week our rally is actually on the Mercury as it also in Nanaimo harbour so I'm looking forward to seeing it. (Hey, that's 3 cruise ships in 3 weekends, gotta love it!).

Anyways, hope you both have wonderful weeks, don't work too hard!


Marjorie

 

[minnie56]

Hey Marjorie...sounds like a whirlwind of a weekend!!! Certainly not relaxing but you did well and managed to gets lots in indeed!! What was the actual ship like? That's the one I have some clients (former neighbours actually) on next Sept in Hawaii so I am interested. Was the crew nice? I hear the ones that have US crews leave a 'bit' to be desired!!! I am curious about the Mercury as well as these same people are off on her on the 20th of October so any info is wonderful! I have been on 'Brilliance OTS' and it's my favourite class of ship as well...LOVE it over all the others! How is Freestyle dining different than the Personal Choice of Princess? I quite enjoyed that? How handy that you are so close to all the 'comings and goings' of these ships!
Did you see the Disney College training in Dec?? I am eyeing it still...

My girls would love to see John Mayer/Sheryl Crow...but seems not to coincide with their school schedule or where they both are! That's a real perk about have Brynna at home and Shayna not so far either as well Bonnie...for Shanan, it's 3+ hours each way! Though I DID just complete yet another run to Guelph and barely made that 9:30 class yet again! EEEK!!!!! Too much stress..Sunday nights from here on when she comes home!

I am sure if Disney and the Visa is 'do able' it will happen! When you want something badly enough, ususally does!

Well girls, nice to catch up a bit...let's keep it up!!!

See you later, Karen

 

[madge62]

Hey Karen, just thought I'd give you a quickie report on the ships I was on recently. NCL's Sun was a very large, well serviced ship. The staff was definitely nice, the ship was nicely kept up and there were lots of places to just chill. I'm not terribly keen on freestyle dining, I very much like the traditional dining kind of thing but I'm sure lots of people would appreciate it, in order to accommodate all the shows and things to do in the evenings. I, too, have heard about the US staff doing the Hawaii cruises but apparently things are getting better, at least that's what NCL's DSM said!

Had our rally on the Mercury today. I imagine you'll get some of the same people at yours? The corporate staff is a lot of fun, Fred, Andrew, Diana, even saw Dan Webster (had met him on the Vision in May) out from your end of the country. Even said hey to Mike D. (head honcho) as he was on the ship as well (it was a corporate retreat as well) and his sister works in our office and I was sitting with her at lunch. The rally was pretty streamlined, enjoyed it more than the one in the spring.

The Mercury, although I'm told is a smaller and older ship, is beautiful! I haven't seen much of the Celebrity ships (only toured Infinity briefly before) but I really like them. Very sleek and sophisticated. The luncheon was awesome, I think we had 7 courses! That's the most of any cruise I've been on. The ship certainly doesn't show any wear. There are so many shops, lots of pool area and places to just take a seat and people watch. The staff was terribly gracious, very friendly. I think your clients will have a wonderful cruise on her.

Any other questions, please ask!

How's life going for you? Still as busy as ever? Now that "launch" season has quieted down, I'm off to Jenny Craig, trying to get my eating and weight in order! Can't handle all these meals on cruise ships! Yes, I did see the training at WDW in December, unfortunately won't work for me since we leave for Florida on the 14th anyways. But, I sure hope they do it again next June, that might work for me!

Brynna still hasn't heard anything further on her attempt to get to WDW but she has heard that interviews are in mid-November in Vancouver.

Hey Bonnie, wanted to say hi too! How's Shanan?

Well, off to get some rest, it's been a busy weekend!

Take care.

Marjorie

 

[Bonnie40]

Good morning!

Boy Marjorie...your whirlwind cruise work sounds like fun! My lonely bookkeeping work feels pretty drab compared to what you get to do!

Hey Karen...I'm not exactly sure about the details, but Shayna was home this weekend and she was so happy to hear that she and Shanan will be seeing each other on Friday! I'm guessing that you're running up to get her and is Shanan coming to Guelph to pick up Shelby? Shayna has been telling me that a number of times she will realize that Shanan has posted the identical thought on the same day, and also something about flip flops in the cold. Shayna gets kinda freaked about how they are thinking the same things at the same time!

Take care! Talk soon!

Bonnie

 

[minnie56]

Hey ladies!!

Thanks for all the info Marjorie, that sure helps a lot when you have little knowledge about one ship or another! I have sailed on the 'Century' before she was refurbished but that's the only Celebrity one. I really liked it..great food and lovely service. Cabins were roomy too...
I won't be going to our Rally as it's when we're away...Do you mean Dan Wheeler? He's nuts isn't he? I want some of what he's on!
I will pass along the ship details to my clients as they are the kind that want to know EVERYTHING!

It won't be long before you are off to WDW again and yet another cruise! Lots to look forward to..I bet Brynna can't wait!

Shanan will take the train or bus home Thursday evening...I think Bonnie? I have to get Shelby in Guelph, her last class finishes at 4:20 on Friday soooo I am not sure what time Shayna is home? I had thought that perhaps we would go earlier and Shanan could meet up with Shayna and maybe I'd stay at Shelby's place and do laundry! FUN.. but less to haul home here! Anyways..we can fine tune that once we know Shayna's arrival home time! I am flexible..I know Shanan is pretty excited about seeing Shayna!
Shanan misses her friends that she made this summer a lot...

I leave on Thanksgiving Monday evening for my cruise so we have to work out the logistics of getting the girls back to school. I am sure Shanan will bus/train it back...and I am hoping one of Shelby's roomies that also lives here in Oakville can take her back to save mad scrambles on leaving day! I am already muddled thinking of packing, cleaning, shopping so Terry has food, girls coming home and Thanksgiving all in a few days! I just need to take a deep breath and do it right?

Well..thanks again Marjorie for all the great help and I will pop back before I leave to say bye!

TTFN
Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Hey!

I'm picking Shayna up right after her mid-term at 12:30 on Friday, so she's open for the afternoon...

I'm sure the girls will touch base, but I thought it would help you with your planning. I can't imagine how crazy busy you must be feeling! Are you doing your turkey on Sunday?

 

[minnie56]

Hey Bonnie...

Well that works perfectly!
I could get to Guelph...maybe around 1:30-2:00 and they could meet or I could drop Shanan somewhere and they can spend some time catching up? They can work out the logistics...whatever suits.

Thank goodness..my friend is doing Thanksgiving Dinner on Sunday and we mostly always spend the day with her and her family so that's one less thing for me to have to do! I will do something here for just the 4 of us perhaps Sat night? My plan is to be all packed before Thursday...well, I HAVE to be as most of my clothes are laid out on Shanan's bed!

Better get bak to procrastinating about what I SHOULD be doing!!

Thanks for getting back to me Bonnie!
Talk soon, Karen

 

[madge62]

Hi Karen. Yes, I meant Dan Wheeler, don't know what I was thinking of!

Anyway, I know you mentioned you were cruising long ago, where are you going as I've forgotten. And I'm envious!

So glad Shanan and Shayna are able to get together when possible. I'm sure they have lots to catch up on.

I made it to Jenny Craig tonite, picked up all my food, tomorrow is a new day! Hoping to get into some smaller clothes come December cruising time!

Take care ladies.

Marjorie

 

[minnie56]

Hey, I'm lucky when I get a name right these days! The memory sure isn't what it used to be!!

I am going on the Oceania-Insignia doing the Med. Leaving from Athens and returning to Barcelona. We visit mostly Italy, France and Monaco. It's a pretty great trip and the timing is awful with my kitchen reno still ongoing but when else will I get a chance like this?

It is nice that S&S can see each other..a nice plus!

Good for you with Jenny! Let us know how you do! I am toying with JC after this cruise...I have heard the food is good and having it prepped sounds the perfect solution. Much of the hard part is making the meals for one only. Can't be bothered and therein lies the problem! Or part of it...

Well..have a good day ladies!
Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Hey Karen!

Thanks for bringing Shanan to Guelph this afternoon! Shayna just got back and she was so happy to spend a few hours with Shanan!

Hope you have a wonderful cruise...you'll have to let us know how it was when you get home. I guess the girls are talking about trying to go to Buffalo to shop...I couldn't help but laugh...Stone Road Mall is a sad runner-up to the kind of shopping they enjoyed in Orlando!

Marjorie...hope all is well with you and Brynna. I would imagine everyone's getting busy with Thanksgiving preparations. Around here, it's the calm before the storm!

I don't know if Brynna spent much time with Jei (1 year CP program) but I got a note from her mom yesterday and she's self-terming and coming home sometime this month! Quite frankly, Disney should really be examining the living arrangements these kids have to deal with...they're losing way too many good CM's...

Anyway...take care. Safe trip Karen! Thanks again for pretty much giving up your afternoon so the girls could get together!

Bonnie

 

[madge62]

Hey Bonnie. Glad to hear from you. Sounds like the girls had a good time seeing each other.

Yes, Brynna knows Jei, hung out with quite a bit and she had heard that she might be coming home but that was quite a while back. This is one of the reasons that Brynna doesn't want to do the Cultural Rep. program, sounds like it's just a gong show at the residences. I'm sure Jei might have found she didn't fit in with the whole partying network. It's a shame she's coming home as she was having such a great time once she got to Florida.

Well, Brynna heard from her uni-college that it would likely be a year before they could get the J-1 Academic up and running so it may be a while yet for her. It's so nice that the college adviser is willing to go ahead and create this affiliation for her though, he loves Disney apparently and has been approached several times to work for Disney recruiting! So, Brynna is not sure if she should still try for the H2B program or wait for the year long visa. Guess she'll have to make a decision cause the interviews are in Vancouver next month.

We're off to my sister's (in Vancouver) for the weekend where I'll try to stick to Jenny Craig and not eat absolutely everything that's out there for the taking (no more gravy for me!).

Karen, hope you have a wonderful cruise! I'll be thinking of you and waiting for a report as I'd love to do the Med soon.

Happy Thanksgiving ladies!


Marjorie

 

[minnie56]

It was my pleasure Bonnie to facilitate the get together! Shanan was sad it was somewhat brief..but as it was Shelby was almost an hour late for her babysitting job back here in Oakville!! I told Shanan, she should have asked Shayna to come back here overnight and I would take her back tomorrow but she knows it is Thanksgiving and family time so didn't like to...perhaps over the Christmas holidays! I was just in Buffalo this week.. could have/should have waited and the girls could have come along! Oh well..lots of other times for that.

That is a shame about that girl at Diz..they are losing lots of promising young people that's for sure!! I must ask Shanan if she knows her? I am sure she must...it is a bit of a zoo down there!

We are going to my friends for Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday so I am only doing a veggie and a dessert. Sure saves me the lions share and I am grateful. This friend just had her poor old doggie put to sleep today so I am sure there will be heavy hearts all around.

So Brynna has a decision to make it seems Marjorie? Long time or short time? That's a toughie...I wish her luck with her options!!

I will be back on Oct 21st with my report! I wish the girls and Terry were coming...maybe next time...It will be a busy cruise but I am sure wonderful all the same!!

Once again, please tell Shayna I am sorry I kinda whisked Shanan out of there Bonnie...I was in the doghouse already! Next time, they'll have more time I promise!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!

Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Hey ladies!

We slipped to page 3!

I was wondering when you were home Karen, and then I saw your post saying you're home today!

Can't wait to hear all about your cruise!

How are you doing Marjorie?

Talk soon!

Bonnie

 

[minnie56]

Sorry for the long pause in replying...I am soo jetlagged..I feel like I am just putting one foot in front of the other these days! Not getting much of anything accomplished I am afraid!

The Cruise was simply wonderful. We left from Athens and ended up in Barcelona, Spain. We visited Malta, Monaco, Marseille, and a few ports in Italy. Went to the Vatican, the Amalfi Coast including Sorrento, Positano then onto Florence and Tuscany...sigh...every bend in the road was more beautiful than the one before. We hired drivers as we were 6 altogether and that made it pretty reasonable in cost of course. We saw many, many beautiful villages and some pretty hairy mountain roads getting to them! At the end,, we overnighted in Barcelona before heading home and all in all it was a wonderful trip. Next up..I want to rent a Villa in Tuscany and just see and do more of that and surrounding regions. We sailed on 'Oceania' and though a smaller ship than I have sailed before along with an older crowd...it was really quite lovely. The extra bonus was walking right off the ship in the teeny ports when the biggies were anchored and the people from them being tossed around whilst tendering to the docks! It all ended much too soon and now I am plotting and scheming what I might want to do next...apart from the Villa that is. So many places, so little time (or is it money?? haha) I am going on a cruise in January to the Caribbean...seems rather un-exciting after this one alas..

So, what's doing girls?? What have you been up to??

I hear S and S are getting together this weekend Bonnie? Total bonus for us, we have never seen Shanan as often as this year! I am sure they'll have many giggles..

You must be starting to think about your Christmas plans Marjorie? Time will fly once Halloween is over. Any news on the Diz front for Brynna?

Well...think I might see if there's any sleep to be had for me! This napping is for the birds!!
Talk soon, Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Hey Karen! Sounds like your trip was amazing!

Shayna is really excited to spend some time with Shanan this weekend. I just hope that Shanan's not feeling pressured to come back home after just being home last weekend? I hear she also got her dress? Please tell Shanan to let Shayna know if it's too much for her to come home again so soon okay? If plans stick (and I haven't heard any details yet), I will probably let Shayna drive to Oakville, but I'm not sure if I want her driving all around Oakville or Toronto...I'll let you in on a little secret...we're a little nervous about her driving abilities... lol Toronto driving makes me nervous!

Anyway - I'm sure we'll touch base at some point.

Marjorie...dyin' to hear how things are shaping up for Brynna. I got another email from Jei's mom and Jei arrived home on the weekend. I guess she's taken a 2 week leave of absence and isn't sure whether she will stay home or maybe go back. She sounds terribly confused about what to do. Poor kid!

Keep in touch. Talk soon! Back to work for me!

Bonnie

 

[minnie56]

Wild horses wouldn't keep Shanan away and we're delighted that there's something putting a 'spring in her step' these days given the complications with her roomie at Queens! She is so looking forward to seeing Shayna and spending some time...I think they are shopping (what else??) on Saturday and Shayna is overnighting last I heard which is great! I have no problem dropping them at the Mall or wherever they want to go so no worries...there's no need for her to be driving all over! lol..at least she drives unlike Miss Shanan!!!!!!!!!

She can take Hwy 6 all the way South then I take the 403 and then the QEW to Dorval where we are but I know there's another quieter way that Terry took me once that perhaps you know? It was Hwy 6 to a certain point then a sideroad all along to Oakville..maybe familiar to you? I can ask Terry too..

That's a shame about Jei though I cannot say I know much about her. To be torn is not fun. Hopefully being at home will help make the decision.

Sure is cold here today..how is it in BC Marjorie? I am sure much nicer than this!

Okay, time to make something passable for dinner..ick...I sure miss those fabulous menus being put under my nose!!

Bye girls..
K

 

[madge62]

Hullo! Welcome home Karen and heya to you Bonnie. Things were quite quiet on the boards for a time.

Glad to hear you had an awesome trip Karen, I would sooooo love to do Europe by cruise. That's in the future some time I hope. My sister is trying to talk me into a Transatlantic from Barcelona to Florida in December 2008, we'll see.......

So nice that the girls get a chance to get together and I hear that shopping is one of their favourite pasttimes!

Yes we're at 50 sleeps and counting. Actually we're starting our vacation a day earlier by heading over to the mainland to see Aerosmith in concert. Brynna was beside herself when she heard they were touring and since she learned all of their songs frontwards and backwards while working at RRC, well she's ecstatic about it.

She actually heard from Cast-a-Way today, Eric emailed her and offered her a 6-month Cult. Rep. position starting in early December. Well, that wouldn't work for her because her exams won't be over, she's heading away on holidays for 3 weeks and she just doesn't want to be part of the wildness that that particular program seems to offer. Anyways, he emailed her right back and said not a problem and that they might be setting up a phone interview for her re the J1 or the H2B. So she's happier since something seems to be happening and of course since she'll be seeing her peeps pretty soon!

As for myself, well I'm enjoying a horrible bout of cold/flu right this moment and can't wait to get well again. I'm plugging along with Jenny Craig, lost 4.6 lbs. so far, not too much but I was out for my birthday last weekend and those darn bellinis sabotaged me!

Anyways, I'm off to bundle up in my quilt again and get warm. Take care ladies, I'm sure we'll talk soon.


Marjorie

 

[minnie56]

Oh Marjorie, you have my total empathy for your cold/flu. I have a doozie cold as well..been battling it all week and now it has peaked..so hopefully on it's way out! One of my travel buddies got it on the cruise and it has spread around us all now.The joys of travel! Hope you feel much better soon!

The cruise was wonderful...I think a cruise merely gives you a taste of where you want to go back to though and is definetly not the best way to see Europe! So many places you want to linger and of course you can't. I am not sure about Trans-Atlantic crossings having some pretty nasty memories of the 2 I did as a child! That being said, there are 2 girls on the QM2 at the moment and they sent an e-mail raving about everything with no mention of rocky seas so maybe things are better now! I had the chance to do this as well but figured Terry would do away with me if I left him again so soon!

That's great that things are moving along for Brynna...I have a feeling that next summer will see her there again Mom! It's so good that Cast-a-way are amiable and working hard to accomodate her!

I guess listening to Aerosmith constantly would either make you love them or hate them! Good thing it went the way it did for Brynna and what better reason to begin a holiday even sooner. I bet she can't wait to hit Disney again..I know Shanan made the 'suggestion' the other day that we do Disney over the holidays but it's very hard when one daughter LOVES the place and the other can't stand it! Chalk and cheese those two...

I am watching the weather Bonnie and keeping it all crossed that it complies with the girls plans!! Gets tricky this time of year! I am picking Shelby up today at 4:20 so if Shayna wants to come a day early...?


Shanan has 2 midterms today then will take the bus right from Campus after the 2nd one at 6:30 and will get into Union around 9:40 tonight. She's pretty pumped to say the least! Shop till you drop seems to be the consensus!

Belated Happy Birthday Marjorie! Good for you and your weight loss! I have a weakness for Bellini's as well...and wine and Martinis and and and...
Sigh

Okay ladies!
Time for me to do something around here!
See you later!
Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Hey Karen!

Thanks for offering Shayna a ride...unfortunately I didn't get your message...my internet has been down all day and I've just been able to get it working...

We had a nice dinner tonight anyway and she's looking forward to the drive tomorrow morning. All I keep hearing about is shopping and ice cream!

Talk soon!

Bonnie