52 and a wakeup!

I'm mentally packing!!

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Oh that wakeup is a killer Elaine. Ya know I've been doing the same thing when I go to bed------thinking of what I will put in the damn bag---then, out comes the scale. I keep thinking I should get a storage box----but what happens with my 'stuff' if I don't return?????? Funny, huh? We have to start thinking of chickees (our least favorite topic).

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Elaine: What is it with this mentally packing? Get started on the real thing. It's never too early. Besides, once the holidays are over, your count-down will speed by. But anyway you look at it, your 52 sounds a lot better than my 94.
Tom

Aruba Mary: I have to strongly disagree with you here. I have found that the older I get, the daily wakeup is a blessing, not a killer. As far as storage boxes go, I have one. I don't keep it in Aruba though, it's right here at home. I keep all my "beach-worthy" clothes and other stuff like a cooler, a lockable beach bag, etc, in a large plastic storage container I bought at Target. It takes a lot of the thinking out of the packing process, and as my friend MaryJane constantly reminds me, the less thinking I do the better off I am.
Tom

Mary - I'm not sure I'll be "playing" the chicki war game this time around so I haven't even thought about it. Last year when I quit, it was kinda nice strolling down "whenever," getting a chaise, and laying out by the pool. No hassle... a good night's sleep, and life was beautiful!

Tom - I do have a storage bin that I leave on island, but still haven't figured out how to cut down on packing. Part of the anticipation is the packing and unpacking BEFORE I go!

Oh, I have an Aruba bureau, and during the year when I buy things I'll need for the following year, that's where everything's stored... but, it doesn't tend to make it any easier for me! The older I get, the dimmer the thinking process becomes!!

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Have you started your grocery list? When I start writing grocery items I'll really feel like I'm going to Aruba.

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Tom, I am always happy to awaken and go to work, but the wakeup I refer to is the day that I get up at 3 to get to the airport, etc. Needless to say, I don't sleep well (if at all) the night preceding the flight day. As far as packing goes-----I use my bathing suits, etc. at my summer home, but when I leave the beach in October I take my summer clothes and bathing suits to my main house. The packing begins when I take down the Christmas decorations January 8. Then it's pack, unpack, pack, weigh, repack.

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so happy for you lady's..enjoy the excitement.

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I lead with my Heart and my Body follows

Dan & Sweet Georgene

Dan, it will not be the same without you and Georgene. Elaine and I would love to start our day with "Dan and Georgene are coming over to have some fun." AND we always had fun with you.

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Elaine, I hear you. Perhaps we four can share a chickee. It really akes sense.

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Elaine & Mary - I am really happy for the two of you. Envious, but happy!!

Thanks so much Donnie.

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Time's marching on - 39 and a wake up!!

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Great that you and I share the same countdown Elaine.

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One month from today, and it's happy hour time!! arty:

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Let's have two!!!!!

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Only 2 more days till Jan 6th.Then 3 weeks at Costa Linda.Will miss the cold and possible snow in the Boston area.Yea Right

Safe travels, Paul. Have a blast!!

On February 4th, I'll be right down the road at ABC for a month!

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Mary.... It's hard to count 'cause we have a concurrent happy hour!! lol

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It's scary how quickly that the year has past and now you guys are down to 30 days!!

I don't need to say it but I am going to anyway, have another great time ladies!

So first I need to thank Elaine for helping me get back on this website. I have missed all the funny stuff.
Second I would like to say to all leaving in the near future, have a safe trip and a fantastic time.
And third, Elaine and Mary, I WILL be seeing you soon!!!
Elaine, need any packing advise????

Or is that me that needs the packing advise? I think I do pretty well with the help of timesharestorage where I leave behind clean tops and capri pants and swimsuits. Luggage weighed 43 lbs. for 2 weeks in Dec. going and 32 lbs.. coming home. Of course I had some food items going, you know snacks I always bring and few gifts for my Aruba friends.

Gina.... it's soooooooooo good to see you posting again!!

I was looking at my suitcases this morning, but they haven't made the move from my basement to the second floor yet! As usual, I have good intentions of light packing, but you know me long enough... probably ain't gonna happen.

My carry on's the one with the food... two checked - one with food snacks, and the other with clothes and shoes. And, my timeshare storage crate's got all the bathing suits, cover ups, some sandals, etc., etc. At least last year I condensed, and went from two crates to one! That's a start!!

Can't wait to see you!!

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Elaine my dear, "looking" at your luggage does not count as starting to do some packing. First things first, you HAVE to get that luggage up those stairs. And, a few less pair of sandals will cut down on weight.
Your countdown has begun, now is the time for the "packing has begun."

Elaine I've been working on putting the decorations away---yesterday and today. Finally done. Now I can get the suitcases down. I brought my summer clothes home from the beach and they're hanging in the downstairs closet. Next year I'm going to start an Aruba bureau like you have. That's a good idea. Anne and Gary arrived in Aruba yesterday. I told her I want a daily report on all that is new, etc. They bought extra time and now will be in Aruba two months. She's ecstatic.

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Gina, I echo Elaine's sentiments-----thrilled to see you back with us. It's been lonely.

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Hi Donnie,
Thanks for the good wishes. I think the year has gone by slowly, and it's just sinking in-----"I'm going to Aruba in 27 days!!!!!!"

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Mary, thanks for the "welcome back". I have missed the comical goings on.
Be seeing you soon.

Good morning Gina,
It's great opening this site and finding you there with us. Slowly we will build it back. Thanks Elaine. I'm off to school for another day---getting tiring and it's only Tuesday. Yesterday was a busy day----I leave for school at 7, teach till 1 and went to friends' house for a delicious lunch---rack of lamb, potato pancake, asparagus wrapped in bacon and tiramasu. Then it was off to the beach to pick up my grandchildren and we were off to meet their parents in Newburyport for birthday dinner. It was my oldest's 13th birthday. Needless to say, I had a light salad. Then back to this house, one hour and to bed. Have a good day to all.

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24 and a wake up, and only 14 more work days! Bring it on!!

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Mary, what are you doing, trying to wear yourself out totally before your trip? Slow down woman!!! You'll be to tired to get up and save a chickie hut!!
Elaine,
Bring it on!!!! YES!!!
Packed anything yet? I mean besides shoes?

Nothing's "really" packed, but ready to be packed. Have a little snack shopping to do this weekend for things I can't get there, and eventually a little "weighing in" trial run."

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My "weighing in" ritual is jump on the scale, then pick up my suitcase and make sure I don't go over that 50 lb mark.

Elaine, I can feel your excitment! So look forward to your countdowns. Mine is still aways off...

But I am holding off my excitment, I didn't make it down last year, but can hardly wait till June!

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Aruba, no other place like it!

Suzie.. I used to do the "weigh myself - weigh myself holding suitcase" thing. A few years ago I bought a luggage scale which makes life easier. I even keep one in my timeshare crate.

Yep, even after all these years, I'm still totally excited, and can't wait to get back to our island.

Glad you're going back in June!! I always think about you when I walk passed your units, and wish you and I were there at the same time.

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Elaine, the suitcases are downstairs in the living room. I can get more done down here. As always I will be packing, unpacking, packing, unpacking and then the final packing the night prior to leaving. The weather has been fabulous. I speak with Anne via email every day. If you have any questions, let me know and I will ask. I told my new boss that I would be leaving in three weeks. I know it isn't fair to all, but it's gonna happen anyway. Time for retirement again!!!!!

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Elaine and Mary, it is good to see you both are making some progress toward your approaching trip. It's about time!!!
I have checked my "Aruba Drawers" and yup, everything is there and ready to pack. Soon I will be getting out the suitcase.
Mary, are you really going to RETIRE this time???? Or just going to retire for Aruba time?
Elaine, I am again cutting down on the number of pair of sandals I bring. In Dec. I brought 4 pair and only wore 2 and my flip-flops. I have discovered that no one even looks at my shoes!!!

Gina, I hope to be "allowed" back in when I return from Aruba. Although I have a double Master's degree, I retired and then returned as "Extra Duty" teacher---hourly rate. I feel they get a big bang for the buck as I am conscientious, first one at school every day, etc. I work 8-1 every day. However, taking three weeks out of school (the fourth is vacation week) is not fair to the students, the staff, etc. We have a building based sub who can fill in for me, but he is used throughout the program. If he is taken away from my class that would mean my two colleagues would have to split my classes, and that created havoc last year (complaints right to the union). I also have a new boss this year. Our school system has been taken over by a State Receiver (first ever in Massachusetts.) That makes everyone uptight (especially the administrators.) I have told my boss I'm leaving, and if she so chooses to not bring me back after Aruba I will consider it a sign that I need to retire for good. If she said "Mary, make a choice-----work or Aruba" you know what I would choose. Life is short.

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Mary on choice new boss could give, work or Aruba, ARUBA!!!! I am totally sure of that response. You are right, life is just too short. Time to give it up, relax, travel and have fun without having to worry about getting back to school on Monday morning. And don't think you will run out of things to do once you REALLY retire. There are always closets and drawers and cupboards to re-arrange and clean.

Brrrrrrrrrr.... it's cold. I'm warmed by the fact that in three weeks from this very moment, I'll be up, up and away. 20 and a wakeup!!

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Gina, I make those lists---clean cupboards, closets, and during the week I'm just too tired after work to accomplish much of anything---superficial cleaning---sure---but big stuff will have to wait till later. I'm such a procrastinator.

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Elaine, I feel as you----three weeks from this moment we'll have finished unpacking, returned from Ling's, had dinner, and---------who knows what lies ahead for the first night!!!!

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Hello all,

Long time since I been around....I've missed everyone. Life has just gotten really busy it seems. Elaine, Mary, and Gina.....so excited for you all. This is always the best time .... the anticipation...the excitement... the frantic planning and packing....all part of the great experience. Our trip this year will be a little shorter....our son is getting married in October.....so we cut the trip to 11 days instead of 14 (doesn't seem like much...but it really is...LOL) cause as you all remember.... the reality of a 14 day trip is only 12 actual vacation days............so an 11 day trip is really only 9 days of vacation. But we are happy to give up some of our time on the island to witness this wonderful occasion. And then our kids will be going honeymooning on our paradise. He has been before...she has never been. But his experience this time will be much different. He was a single young boy when he went with his aunt and uncle...not very impressed with the whole thing. This time he will be married to a wonderful girl...and they will be able to do so much more stuff.
Didn't mean to derail this thread....(some things never change do they?)....again ladies, have a wonderful trip....keep the countdown going.................FULL STEAM AHEAD...

p.s. gonna go change my ticker....woohoo

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Only happy people allowed!

Hi Alnora!!

We've missed you, and it's great seeing you again.

Congrats on your son's upcoming marriage. Cutting vacation short should only be for good things..

You know that every year I always say how much I love the anticipation because once you set foot on the island, the time seems to fly by.

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We had a high here today of 23! See you on the beach soon, red!!

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Alnora!!!!!! It is so good to see you again. How wonderful that your son is getting married. I can see in your writing that you are happy with his choice. I wish them all the best. We'll hear all about the wedding plans I hope. You can start a thread about the plans, etc. Elaine and I will both write from Aruba in 3 weeks. Wow, does that sound good!!!!! When I went to the store this morning it was 2 degrees. Sure will feel great being in warm, sunny Aruba.

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Hi ladies....I told you I would be back!! Thank you for missing me...I missed you all too!

I actually was here yesterday and typed a whole long paragraph...and with one wrong move...poof..it was gone!! I hate when I do that.

As far as the wedding...it seems like yesterday they got engaged...and it was two years until the wedding. Now here we are less than 9 months to go. The time is flying. Our Katelyn is a wonderful girl...loves family..and is just sweet. I have become fast friends with her mom...we actually share the same birthday...just different years....(she is younger). I have my dress that I got for a steal...and I mean a steal. It needs a hemming...but in all it's great. The reception will be held at a beautiful golf club, because our Justin is like his daddy.....they love to golf....so there was just no question that pictures on a golf course were a must...LOL. Our Kailey will be flower girl....she will be 6 by then and should be just adorable. We're hoping she won't decide to be shy when it comes to walking down the aisle...hahaaa. It should be a wonderful affair.

Speaking of Kailey....she lost her other grandmother MaryAnn on Saturday. A wonderful woman who was way too young to die. I feel so bad because Kailey spent alot of her life with MaryAnn. I feel bad for my son-in-law Josh and his younger brother (he's 19) because they are too young to be orphans. Their father passed away about 10 years ago. Our Kailey was pretty much MaryAnn's life, after her own kids that is. But Josh being married, and Isaiah being out of high school she needed something to devote her life too. She was afflicted with Lupus..and suffered with it since I've known her. I do believe that is what caused her death. She contracted GAS...or Group A Streptococcal infection that entered her blood stream. After looking it up, I found that most healthy people can survive this with a round of antibiotics. But given that Lupus is an autoimmune disease and her immune system was so comprimised, she was unable to fight it. I will miss her. Josh will now have alot more on his shoulders. Thank goodness that he has a great big family that will be there for him and Isaiah....a wonderful support system to get them through this. My babygirl...and their babygirl will also be there to help him. Thank you for letting me unload some of this....I knew I could come here where it is comfortable and safe. I've missed it.
ruba

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Only happy people allowed!

Alnora... I'm thrilled with all the good, and sorry for the bad. My heart goes out to Josh and Isaiah. Wasn't it Isiah who had very serious brain surgery not terribly long ago? Sad.

I can't believe Kailey's going to be 6!!! Holy cow... it was just yesterday when we were talking about Corinne being pregnant!!

Sending comfort your way, and I'm glad you came here to "talk." I know exactly what you mean about feeling comfortable and safe here. It will always be "home" to me.

Hugs.

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Ruba, my condolances to you, Corrine, her husband and Kailey in their loss. So very sad to hear this news.
So I can't believe that grandchild is going to be 6. Where does the time go? I bet she is a "grammies" girl!!!! I remember when she was born and how very excited you were and that you went to visit her every single chance you got.
No doubt about it, they are precious beings.
It is good to be "back", I have missed the good, the bad and the ugly.

Gina...Elaine...and Mary.....thank you for welcoming me back. And for understanding my need to unload. And yep..our little Kailey will be six in July...still a little ways to go...but I still can't believe she is 5 already and in kindergarten. But hell, I can't believe my daughter is 32 years old......good grief!!!! Mary....yes we couldn't be happier with Justin's choice of a wife. I will be waiting to hear your reports from the island....I hope the trip is wonderful....like it wouldn't be...duh!!!

Elaine..yes it was Isaiah that had the brain tumor last year. He has done very well with his recovery. Now Josh and Corinne will try to fill the void left by the loss of their mother. He still lived at home with his mom....I'm sure he will be lost for a long time.

I am so glad to be back here.....let's make some happy memories again...
ruba

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Only happy people allowed!

OK, the title of this thread is "The Countdown's Begun", so I need to know has the "packing begun"? Let's get going girls!!!! And you know who you are.