Official Free Republic Network "Freeps Ahoy" Cruise After Action Report (WHOTCSOTC)

NA ^ | June 8, 2003 | Seeking the Truth

[Seeking the truth]

The FRN "Freeps Ahoy" Cruise aboard the Carnival Cruise Triumph arrived back in Miami this morning.

No SARS, No Norwalk, No Terrorism - just a hell of a lot of fun, food and sun!

As the first cruiser back at his computer, I have the honor of starting this thread and posting the above pic, which was taken at the foot of the staircase descending into the "London Room", which was the dining room each evening for our Freeper Contingent.

Front Row (left to right): Judy (Qwert's wife), Jean (friend of Bush_Democrat), Eileen (BobFromNJ's wife), MinuteGal, Bahbah, Hoosiermama

Second Row: Lisa, Utah Girl, Bush_Democrat, Apple Pan Dowdy, Bizzy Bugz

Third Row: Verily, The Shrew, FRBI (STT's wife), diotima, Strela

Fourth Row: Edomaden, Dennis (friend of Bush_Democrat), Colonel Jim, Seeking the Truth, BobJ, Sheryl (Dale Reed's wife), Sarah (Interesting Times' wife)

Top Row: Mike (Bush_Democrat's husband), BobFromNJ, Dale Reed, Interesting Times

Missing From Photo: Qwert, Sharktrager, Mycroft Holmes & spouse Marisa, Principle Over Politics & spouse Judy and lurkers Elaine & Cindy, Sharktrager's brother John & Win.

I've gone over the name tag list and the notes of this group photo. I hope I didn't leave anyone out.

[LurkerNoMore!]

I've been sitting here munching on some of The Shrew's excellent beef jerky, but when I read that line I had to give myself the Heimlich Maneuver.

*ROTFL*

[strela]

Well, I just found out what all those urgent phone messages from my company left while I was on the cruise were all about.

I've been laid off.

They're cutting headcount and canning all the "older" employees making over a certain amount, and I fall within that category. Nothing personal, they're just bringing in young kids who make a lot less money to try to do the job.

Nothing "official" yet (my secretary was kind enough to call and warn me), but it sure looks like I'm out the door. She says there is a "generous" severance package; I guess we'll see.

The cruise came at the right time for me - I've got some of the greatest memories I've ever had in my lifetime at a point where I'll surely need 'em.

More info on a new vanity thread later. I must keep the phone lines open to get my "surprise" from my boss today.

[hoosiermama]

That's rotten! Sorry to hear it. Look for opening window very soon! There'll be something out there just right for you!

[strela]

Thanks for the reply. I'm still in a bit of shock, but feel confident that something will come along. Although to be honest, I've been looking for an excuse to sell this place for months and become lightersmallermoremobile, and I just might have it.

I initially thought this came at the worst possible time for me. As it turns out, the timing just might be a blessing. I hated what the job had become, it was wearing me down physically, and the company is pretty much spiraling down the memory hole anyway. So, this might just be the biggest opportunity of my lifetime. Who knows?

Thanks again for your support.

[abner]

What's your flight schedule for August and September? Are you still looking at Vail, CO?

Schedule so far: June 21- AIR & SPACE DAY 2003 in Tewksbury, Mass.

June 27-29th Northwest Connecticut Balloon Festival & Craft Fair, America One & Patriot

*Spiediefest- Binghamton, NY- America One & Patriot(not sure of dates at this point and still tentative)

August 15-17Great Falls Balloon Festival- Lewiston/Auburn, Maine- America One & Patriot

July 25-27 Quick Chek New Jersey Festival of Ballooning- Readington, NJ- America One

July 3-4 Pottstown Balloon Festival- Pottstown, PA. Patriot on the 3rd, America One on the 4th.

July 18-20 Hot Air Jubilee- Jackson, Michigan- America One & Patriot

October 9-10th Albuquerque Balloon Festival, America One & Patriot

We will be in Albuquerque from the 8th through the 14th. We are going to stay for some of the festivities...

As for Colorado, we haven't heard any more from them. If we do, you will be the first to know!

[sharktrager]

OK...now I have sleep and can give some details. Well, some anyway.

One question, does what happened in Cozumel stay in Cozumel?

Yes, we enjoyed the piano bar, and karaoke was fun too. For some reason my willingness to sing fluctuates with the amount of alcohol I've had that day. That would explain the lack of singing Tuesday and Wednesday.

And to those freepers who think the cruises are for old folks...get over it. I'm 32, my brother 34. We had a blast. Fun with the freepers...fun in the Hollywood Disco. And did I mention Cozumel, and Carlos n' Charlies...and the shot girl? Between the snorkeling, sailing, riding the scooters they told us not to ride, propping up the Castro regieme a little, the hot tub, the gym...oh, and there were these shot girls in Cozumel.

I made a few friends, and I even got their names. Will anything come of it, who knows? But it was a hell of alot of fun.

Trust me guys, there was something for everyone.

Especially if you like shot girls.

[strela]

For some reason my willingness to sing fluctuates with the amount of alcohol I've had that day.

In my case, I like to think of the delay as preparation time for my audience to prepare rotten tomatoes and vegetables for throwing ;)

[sharktrager]

Now...you did see my 2 performances, didn't you?

[strela]

you did see my 2 performances, didn't you?

I sure as heck did (I was one of the ones giving you the Standing O). And, I noticed no veggie splatter on your shirt as a result. I on the other hand have broken my dry cleaner's heart as a result of the mess he now needs to clean up ;)

[The Shrew]

I've been laid off.

Wow! That is really tough! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help! With your ability as a writer maybe it's time to explore the great Freeper novel or some such. I know you'll do well. Network, network, network! And what better place is there to do that than on FR?

Regards,

TS

[hoosiermama]

And to those freepers who think the cruises are for old folks...get over it!

Hey I resemble that remark! I was born the exact day that Laura Bush was, does that make me an old folk?

But you are correct there was something for everyone and usually someone else to join doing it. (You could have come without your brother and still had a great time) For those of us who came by themselves it was the perfect environment---almost like a family reunion ----always someone to talk to that you sort of knew, always lots of laughs and a good time.

Yes, I did enjoy your performances.

[hoosiermama]

Could the NY Times use your writing talents!?!?! (They could certainly use your conservative viewpoint.)

[strela]

That is really tough! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help!

Your support and good wishes are help enough for me, and all I deserve. Remember, we are conservatives, and opportunities can bloom from the oddest of situations. One might be blooming even now - only time will tell.

With your ability as a writer maybe it's time to explore the great Freeper novel or some such. I know you'll do well. Network, network, network! And what better place is there to do that than on FR?

Too true, too true (except the part about my alleged skills - I'm merely a poor but honest technical writer who produces material that 95 percent of the population throws out with yesterday's Taco Bell wrappers). I am optimistic and I have family in the area to support me though, which makes the process immeasurably easier.

Thanks again!

[strela]

Could the NY Times use your writing talents!?!?!

Would you want to work in an open sewer?

;)

[Seeking the truth]

OK, found my power cord and downloaded some of the pictures from the cruise. I am now auctioning off 1 photo of the "poodles", all four, from one of the formal nights. (I copped a picture of their photo, so the quality isn't first rate, but then neither was theirs!!) First one who says they can post it, I will email it to them for everyone's enjoyment (I'm photo-posting challenged)

As per your request, madam. (I can't see their adam's apples or lack thereof.)

[Seeking the truth]

Man, so sorry to hear about the job loss. Stay positive, work every day and batten down the hatches. (a little nautical lingo for a navy man)....hang in there - most of us have gone through the same thing!

[strela]

ROFL! That's the group I remember!

Third From The Left definitely has some inappropriate bulging (and I don't mean "her" decolletage). Methinks that one sprang from the womb as a pointer and not a setter.

[strela]

Stay positive, work every day and batten down the hatches. (a little nautical lingo for a navy man)...

Indeed, I was that for a long time. And, I thank you for your good wishes. The Employment g*ds have no idea what they have unleashed upon the working world ;)

[diotima]

I did not need THAT this morning.

UGH!

[The Shrew]

I knew I went to Singapore 20 years ago to make me wise in the ways of men.

Makes me glad that there was no shipboard romance!

Regards,

TS