Laptop Crop in Surfers Paradise Queensland Australia May 9th! Official details here!

[Margie]

Join DSP Designers Lauren Bavin, Robyn Gough, and Erica Belton, DSP Photography Moderator Karen Johnson, DSP CEO Margie Lundy (all the way from USA!), plus lots of other scrappers from Australia and New Zealand on the Gold Coast for a LAPTOP CROP!

Saturday May 9, 2009 Laptop Crop from 10am to 10pm
Crop Cost: $40 US
Cost includes morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea as well as wireless internet.
Space is limited, so register now!

***Click here to register now (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=85&products_id=9704)!***

Watermark Hotel & Spa
Atlantis Conference Room #3
3032 Surfers Paradise Boulevard
Surfers Paradise, Queensland 4217 Australia - Map (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=3032+Surfers+Paradise+Boulevard,+Surfers+Paradis e,+Queensland+4217+AUSTRALIA&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=33.29802,79.101563&ie=UTF8&ll=-28.006129,153.431089&spn=0.009056,0.019312&t=h&z=16)
Phone (07) 5588 8333
Fax (07) 5588 8350
www.hotelwatermarkgoldcoast.com.au (http://www.hotelwatermarkgoldcoast.com.au)

Hotel Room Options:
Call to book your rooms and use the attached form to get these rates. See bottom of post for attached pdf form.
Prices are per room, per night.


$140.00 Room only, Standard Twin (2 Double Beds)
$172.00 Bed & breakfast, Standard Twin(2 Double Beds)
$150.00 Room only, Superior Twin(1 Queen or 2 Double Beds)
$182.00 Bed & breakfast, Superior Twin(1 Queen or 2 Double Beds)
$168.00 Room only, Club Room Twin (1 King or 2 Double Beds)
$200.00 Bed & breakfast, Club Room Twin (1 King or 2 Double Beds)
$240.00 Club Premier Package** Club Room Twin (1 King or 2 Double Beds)

** An upgrade to the Club Premier Package or suites entitles the occupant to full use of the Club Lounge for complimentary breakfast and evening beverages.

A few things about the hotel:


Wireless internet
Restaurants on site and many others close by
Check-in time is from 2pm & Check-out time is 10am
Tea and coffee making facilities
2 heated swimming pools and spa
Fully equipped gymnasium
L'Aqua Health & Beauty Day Spa (http://www.hotelwatermarkgoldcoast.com.au/spa.html)
See more here: www.hotelwatermarkgoldcoast.com.au (http://www.hotelwatermarkgoldcoast.com.au)

***Click here to register now (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=85&products_id=9704)!***


DSP Laptop Crop shirts available too!
A limited supply are available so order quick if you're interested. (Optional of course!)
Quantities available: Small: 1, Medium: 2, Large: 6, XL: 9, XXL: 3
$19.99 with free delivery to the crop in May!
Order by Friday, April 17!

Buy a Laptop Crop shirt here (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_91_92)!


http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/images/ware/Ware_AdobeCrop.jpg (http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_91_92)

Click on the attached pdf file below to book your rooms!

[Margie]

I'm so there! I'm already booked and can't wait to get there!

[sammdc]

heheh I am registered woohoo

[Erica]

I'm booked and got my bags packed ready to hop on that plane - well almost :lol:

[cowboy]

I have registered for myself and Maggie Wojak (landofoz). Maggie is overseas and has told me to book the room so I am doing her registration as well. Hope that is ok.

I have sent to fax off to book the room for us both and await a reply. I'm so excited!

Maggie, if you check in, watch this space for further details from me.

Enjoy your trip!

[PacificTonz]

I'm about to book the crop but undecided on the hotel as I live about an hour away. I see it is scheduled until 10pm, is that correct, it will go on into the evening? or do you think we might organise a group dinner?

[Robyn Gough]

Happy Happy Joy Joy! I am SO excited!!!! CAN'T WAIT!!!!!

I will let Lauren answer about the crop times etc as she has done it before... ;-)

[Leslie]

Anyone else making it into a fun family holiday around the crop? My youngest (18) is going to explore the theme parks. He had a blast in Dubai at the big Wet n Wild park there. I am hoping to have some special bonding time again with him like we had on our last holiday together to Italy and Dubai.

[dagwood]

I have just got in from the Country Musical Festival in Tamworth...once the smoke settles down on my credit card I will be booking my spot for the crop.....I plan to be in the Gold Coast for about a week as I am going to take my grandson up with me (dropping him off at this dads place for the weekend) Leslie your boys are going to love the theme parks....especial Wet and Wild, note to self, don't forget bathers, sunscreen and sunnies

[essee]

Anyone else making it into a fun family holiday around the crop? My youngest (18) is going to explore the theme parks. He had a blast in Dubai at the big Wet n Wild park there. I am hoping to have some special bonding time again with him like we had on our last holiday together to Italy and Dubai.

Mmmmmmm ........ methinks Leslie is going to be naughty and take some time off school!!!!!!!!!!!!! What are your travel plans Leslie?

[judereid]

I have registered for two people - my daughter Deb and myself in the one order - hope that is ok....

[Margie]

got my bags packed ready to hop on that plane - well almost
me too! nah, i think i'll do like always and wait til the last minute and throw things in the suitcase!

I see it is scheduled until 10pm, is that correct, it will go on into the evening? or do you think we might organise a group dinner?
we'll need to clear out at 10, though anyone's welcome to hang out afterwards. i'd guess we'll go off to dinner in groups during the crop before 10 though.

Anyone else making it into a fun family holiday around the crop?
i am! but NOT the whole fam, just dh, who's way excited about the trip!

don't forget bathers, sunscreen and sunnies
i really, really need to learn your language... :D

I have registered for two people - my daughter Deb and myself in the one order - hope that is ok....
that's just fine! see you soon! :)

[yvspeck]

I have just got in from the Country Musical Festival in Tamworth...once the smoke settles down on my credit card I will be booking my spot for the crop.....I plan to be in the Gold Coast for about a week as I am going to take my grandson up with me (dropping him off at this dads place for the weekend) Leslie your boys are going to love the theme parks....especial Wet and Wild, note to self, don't forget bathers, sunscreen and sunnies


Will it be warm enough for wet and wild? I thought May was your autumn and would be on the cooler side?


Booked my spot, still considering hotel...

[Leslie]

Will it be warm enough for wet and wild? I thought May was your autumn and would be on the cooler side?

I read up on it, and they heat it from April. It's not my scene, but then, I'm not just turned 18! :rofl: And he can always go to Movie World instead.

[PacificTonz]

Will it be warm enough for wet and wild? I thought May was your autumn and would be on the cooler side?


Booked my spot, still considering hotel...

A lot of tourists do enjoy the water based theme parks in Autumn and even winter, in May you'd be looking at temperatures ranging from a low of 15 to a high of around 25c so would depend probably on where you have come from and what you are used to.

[yvspeck]

Wet & Wild doesn't sound like this grammy's thing without my little ones around.....LOL.. I was just questioning the weather.. It is around 15 c here today and I am in long sleeves, pants and shoes. If I headed outside I would be wearing a light jacket so don't think you will be seeing me with togs and sunnies even with heated water..

[ChrisM]

DONE! I have registered, so it is Gold Coast, here I come!! :yippee::yippee:

Now I just need to scrounge the $$$$ for airfares and hotel

[PacificTonz]

Wet & Wild doesn't sound like this grammy's thing without my little ones around.....LOL.. I was just questioning the weather.. It is around 15 c here today and I am in long sleeves, pants and shoes. If I headed outside I would be wearing a light jacket so don't think you will be seeing me with togs and sunnies even with heated water..

Just to clarify the 15 is the average overnight low in May - so about 2 in the morning - not prime time for swimmers. You'd definitely want to pack a some long sleeves but you'll also want something that you are comfortable in at the warmer end of the range.

[cowboy]

Watermark, here we come!

Have received confirmation from Watermark for our accommodation (Maggie-LandOfOz and myself) - arriving Friday and departing Monday

Bring it on!

[MeredithM]

I am there too. I will book my room to-morrow morning by phone. I am so looking foward to meeting everyone

[Robyn Gough]

I am there too. I will book my room to-morrow morning by phone. I am so looking foward to meeting everyone

Cool Meredith, I will x you in as well. ;-)

[Leslie]

Hey Meredith. :)

I called to book our room and they wouldn't accept the DSP booking (we are getting a really good rate) over the phone. You have to use the PDF form with the DSP name on it. You can print it, then fax it to them. I don't have a fax so they asked me to print it, fill it in and sign it, then scan it and email it to them at:

res@watermarkhotelgc.com.au

The form is here:

http://www.digitalscrapbookplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=36399

- underneath the Laptop Crop t-shirt ad. That's how I booked.

[Ineke]

I have registered for the crop - Gold Coast here I come!!!!!:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

[Robyn Gough]

I have registered for the crop - Gold Coast here I come!!!!!:yahoo::yahoo::yahoo::yahoo:

Yay Ineke! I have x'd you in! ;-)

[yvspeck]

Just to clarify the 15 is the average overnight low in May - so about 2 in the morning - not prime time for swimmers. You'd definitely want to pack a some long sleeves but you'll also want something that you are comfortable in at the warmer end of the range.


Ahhh that sounds better....Nice days slightly cooler eves...

[MeredithM]

Thanks for the info about phone booking. I now have the paperwork and I will fax it off to-morrow. Is anyone looking to share a bed and breakfast room?

[JanP]

I wouldn't mind sharing with someone, but my husband says I snore sometimes, so it had better be someone with a hearing problem. :lol:

[Ineke]

I wouldn't mind sharing with someone, but my husband says I snore sometimes, so it had better be someone with a hearing problem. :lol:

Ha ha that is funny so do I - even though I cant hear myself:lol::lol::lol::lol:
I was even looking up remedies for snoring today so my unfortunate room mate wont have to be wearing ear muffs!!!:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[JanP]

It's possible that two snorers would be OK together - if your own snoring doesn't wake you, perhaps someone else's wouldn't either! :lol:
I'm happy to share - I'll be there Thursday to Monday - 4 nights, so if anyone is serious about sharing, pm me so I can book for us. It doesn't have to be for all four nights, although that would be best for me, obviously. :)
Jan

[Ineke]

I will only be there for 2 nights Jan and Dagwood is investing in a set of ear plugs so she cant hear me - but it sounds like a good idea to put the snorers together!:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Angela]

Oh, this sounds so exciting... is it too late to put my name down? I'm still trying to organize a few things... like a laptop ;)

[bethliz]

oh could you please add me to the list...my dh is driving me and him to the gold coast..but we can only stay until sunday then he needs to be back in maryborough for work...does anybody need a lift from maryborough or surrounding areas or wants us to pick them up on the way???...cheers liz

[Erica]

Angela and Bethliz, I'll pop your names on the list now :D

[bethliz]

ooh been and registered and will organise and book a room tomorrow this is soo exciting!!!!...cheers liz....oh is there anything else we need to bring with us such as ehd???? etc etc ooh and i will be swimming....fat and all..i just love the water and it is good exercise too!!!

[Robyn Gough]

Oh, this sounds so exciting... is it too late to put my name down? I'm still trying to organize a few things... like a laptop ;)

Oooh how exciting Angela! It will be wonderful to meet you! YAY!!!

ooh been and registered and will organise and book a room tomorrow this is soo exciting!!!!...cheers liz....oh is there anything else we need to bring with us such as ehd???? etc etc ooh and i will be swimming....fat and all..i just love the water and it is good exercise too!!!

So exciting Bethliz! I can't believe how fast the list is growing it is going to be SO much fun! I can't wait! ;-)

[essee]

Robyn, how many people do you now have registered on the list? Seems like it is going to be quite a party!!

[Leslie]

Would the pools be heated? I don't think I've been in a pool for about five years. I am going to see if one of the boys has a pair of board shorts that will fit me. They might be bigger than me.

[Robyn Gough]

Robyn, how many people do you now have registered on the list? Seems like it is going to be quite a party!!

Not sure how many are registered through the store, but there are about 35 I think who have said they are coming so far.

Would the pools be heated? I don't think I've been in a pool for about five years. I am going to see if one of the boys has a pair of board shorts that will fit me. They might be bigger than me.

There are not one, but TWO heated pools! :yahoo: I can't say that I am planning on bearing my generous flesh tho! LOL :rofl:

[Leslie]

Great to hear they are heated. I saw there were two - I'm sure Alessandro will be in the pools a lot. I have had a ball with Google street view, and looking to see where Maccers is... Stop laughing at me, I like Maccers. Especially their pancakes. Maccers is .7 of a K away, it's about 5 blocks and it's next to a Hungry J's.

[Lauren]

It sure looks like we are going to have a great group. Welcome to Angela and Bethliz! I look forward to meeting you

[bethliz]

Not sure how many are registered through the store, but there are about 35 I think who have said they are coming so far.



There are not one, but TWO heated pools! :yahoo: I can't say that I am planning on bearing my generous flesh tho! LOL :rofl:

oh come on i have enough generous flesh for everybodeeee....my nephew loves to hug me cause i am warm all the time....much like a well insulated house...heaps of padding..i go to our local pool to exercise when i can....i don't really care what i look like...can't help it but i do try...a good sarong hides lots of horrors...LOL..LOL..LOL..LOL...cheers liz...oh and that said no pics!!!!!!!!!!

[bethliz]

I will only be there for 2 nights Jan and Dagwood is investing in a set of ear plugs so she cant hear me - but it sounds like a good idea to put the snorers together!:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

talking about snoring..i reckon hubby could beat anyone...he literally shakes the walls..funnee thing though is that i cannot sleep without the darn noise..oh and i think i snore too...LOL..LOL..LOL....so there are plenty of us snorers to keep each other company!!...:rofl::rofl:..cheers liz

[JanP]

It's so embarassing being the 'loud' snorer in the house! :lol: My DH used to snore but it was always so gentle and actually helped me get to sleep! Doesn't snore much now - just snorts loudly on occassion! :lol:
I'm going to book my room in the next few days (Thu - Sun nights) so if anyone wants to share, pm me.
Jan

[Vallie]

I just registered! :yippee:

Can someone tell me about the t-shirt sizes please?
What does medium and large size mean? As in bust size (inch or cm). Are they tight fitting? I would like to order a t-shirt.
Is everyone getting one? They look great.

[Leslie]

I just registered! :yippee:
YAY!!! :yahoo:

[Lauren]

Vallie I got a large and Im a 16.

[Lauren]

Oh and they arent that stretchy so they arent " fitting" - - I would say a medium would be a 12 - 14 and a large would bge 14 - 16 - xl would be 18 ( I originally ordered one of those but it was quite loose and because they arent fitting it wasnt very flattering!!)

[Erica]

Woohoo awesome Vallie - So you want a tight fitting T-shirt, that right??? :D I'd like to know the sizing too, perhaps Lauren has bought one and can tell us?

[Erica]

I knew you'd have the answer to that one

[bethliz]

[QUOTE=Vallie;606603]I just registered! :yippee:

oh i am soo glad you are coming vallie..it will be soo nice to meet you in person!!...cheers liz

[Vallie]

Thanks for the tshirt info! I prefere loose fitting so I can hide! :lol:
I will be so looking forward to meeting everyone! That includes you Miss Lizzie! :lol:

[bethliz]

Thanks for the tshirt info! I prefere loose fitting so I can hide! :lol:
I will be so looking forward to meeting everyone! That includes you Miss Lizzie! :lol:

oh well vallie...just look for the short round person with the red hair...thats me!!cheers liz

[Vallie]

oh come on i have enough generous flesh for everybodeeee....my nephew loves to hug me cause i am warm all the time....much like a well insulated house...heaps of padding..i go to our local pool to exercise when i can....i don't really care what i look like...can't help it but i do try...a good sarong hides lots of horrors...LOL..LOL..LOL..LOL...cheers liz...oh and that said no pics!!!!!!!!!!

Looking forward to squishing you! :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Vallie]

I just ordered a medium T-shirt! I am glad it is black, my fave colour! :lol:

[bethliz]

Looking forward to squishing you! :rofl::rofl::rofl:

squish away!!!!!...love it...gee vallie i suspect you are going to make al blush...he blushes sooo nicely!!..cheers liz:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Vallie]

:lol: :lol: I am really quite demure!:rolleyes:;):D

[bethliz]

:lol: :lol: I am really quite demure!:rolleyes:;):D

yeah sure...pull the other one!!!:yikes::yikes:cheers liz

[dagwood]

I would love to squish Mr Beth, (I just love a man in overalls)...hope this allowed;) seeing as he is going to the Gold Coast too, so is my OB, just waiting on confirmation from his boss, as we are hoping to spend four or five days on the gold coast...hey Beth, we could swap, you can squish mine and I can squish yours:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[bethliz]

I would love to squish Mr Beth, (I just love a man in overalls)...hope this allowed;) seeing as he is going to the Gold Coast too, so is my OB, just waiting on confirmation from his boss, as we are hoping to spend four or five days on the gold coast...hey Beth, we could swap, you can squish mine and I can squish yours:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:


o daggie i am sitting here having a major leaking moment...LOL..LOL..LOL..of course you can squish him...he will blush..i just love that blushing he does...oh goodie so we can get all the other halves and put them in their own creche whilst we scrap and get up to no good...yay!!!..i was wondering what to do with him whilst i was in the crop!!!..yeah well i am good at squishing so no probs...... does your OB blush too???..that is soooo much fun!!...cheers liz:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[MeredithM]

My husband has just decided to come with me for the weekend. So I now have someone to share LOL. Who else has a husband tagging along for the ride? Just curious.

[Leslie]

I have my 18 year old son. :) Nice to be able to make a family holiday out of it. :) And someone to travel with too.

[dagwood]

love the idea of getting a creche going for all the hanger-oners... I am taking: one hubby, one grandson, one sister, two nieces and one nephew!!!!! think I need to book out a whole floor just for us:o:o:o they are so looking forward to doing all the themes parks, and dolphin spotting..me: I am just gonna crop till I drop:D

[Vallie]

OB is coming with our son Tim who is 18. They are hitting the theme parks! While I hit the bar! :lol:

[Vallie]

Errrrrrrrrrrrr......... I meant the crop! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[bethliz]

Errrrrrrrrrrrr......... I meant the crop! :lol: :lol: :lol:

yeah sure sure.....one tequila, two tequila, three tequila floor!!!!!:rofl::rofl::rofl:...cheers liz or whichever alcoholic beverage you like!!!...hope they have good coffee..gotta have good coffee!!!!

[bethliz]

okay seriously we can put them all together for that day....plan a schedule...like first thing in the morning feed them....make sure they are dressed appropriately....joggers socks hats water sun cream back pack camera snacks etc etc...pop them on the bus and let them go to say dream world as a group...forget about them all for the day!!!..which i will be doing wether or not he goes to a theme park or not!!...LOL..LOL..LOL..cheers liz

[Lauren]

yeah sure sure.....one tequila, two tequila, three tequila floor!!!!!:rofl::rofl::rofl:...cheers liz or whichever alcoholic beverage you like!!!...hope they have good coffee..gotta have good coffee!!!!

Good Coffee - good tequila and good wine in fact!!!:pray::pray:- fingers crossed :lol::lol:

[cowboy]

Hey you girls, don't forget the purpose of this trip to the Gold Coast. Sounds like an orgy to me, lol

[Lauren]

Purpose..............?????????? there is a purpose????????????

[bethliz]

Hey you girls, don't forget the purpose of this trip to the Gold Coast. Sounds like an orgy to me, lol

like the RACQ advertisement on tv....charter boat what charter boat...:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:..oh pam does squishing mean orgy...whoops better not do any of that then...we might get kicked out!!!...:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:cheers liz..it also occurred to me that people might see all of us woman congregating together eating chocky and sipping cappucinos and wonder what the hell is going on...maybe a witches conference????? bubble bubble toil and trouble!!!!:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[cowboy]

Ok! Ok! So we don't need a purpose to have fun! I get it. Silly me. Still think Bandy Alexanders will be my drip of choice in the Nursing Home.

[Vallie]

What's in a Brandy Alexander? I guess I should google it ........

[Vallie]

I got this from taste.com.au
When I read it first I didnt see the serves 4 bit. I thought, gee I'd be under the table if I drank 3/4 cup of brandy! :lol:

Ingredients (serves 4)

* 185ml (3/4 cup) brandy
* 185ml (3/4 cup) dark creme de cacao
* 185ml (3/4 cup) thin cream
* 1 cup crushed ice
* Ground nutmeg, to garnish

Method

1. Place the brandy, creme de cacao, cream and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake until well combined. Strain through a sieve into serving glasses. Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve immediately.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm, sounds delish!!!!!!

[PacificTonz]

...hope they have good coffee..gotta have good coffee!!!!

Lauren chose the venue - I'm pretty sure we can rely on her to ensure the coffee, and other beverages of choice are good ... and nearby

[Vallie]

I looked at the hotel using google maps street view and there is a bistro just next to it Amalfi Bistro, now I bet they have coffee!

[essee]

You ladies are starting to worry me with all this talk of alcoholic beverages. Am I going away with a group of "lushes"???:rofl::rofl::rofl:

I don't drink at all, don't even drink tea or coffee, only water, so I think I am going to be left FAR behind!!!:lol::lol::lol:

[Vallie]

Probably! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Actually I dont drink much, might have one glass of wine a month! Love coffee and tea though and coca cola. And chocolate!!!! Maybe I am addicted to caffeine and sugar! :lol:

[Ineke]

Thanks for the tshirt info! I prefere loose fitting so I can hide! :lol:
I will be so looking forward to meeting everyone! That includes you Miss Lizzie! :lol:


I have seen photos of you Vallie - if you get a large we wont be able to find you in it!!:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Ineke]

I would love to squish Mr Beth, (I just love a man in overalls)...hope this allowed;) seeing as he is going to the Gold Coast too, so is my OB, just waiting on confirmation from his boss, as we are hoping to spend four or five days on the gold coast...hey Beth, we could swap, you can squish mine and I can squish yours:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

Who's hubby am I going to squish then if mine isnt coming?????

[Ineke]

I would love to squish Mr Beth, (I just love a man in overalls)...hope this allowed;) seeing as he is going to the Gold Coast too, so is my OB, just waiting on confirmation from his boss, as we are hoping to spend four or five days on the gold coast...hey Beth, we could swap, you can squish mine and I can squish yours:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:


Dags does that mean you are not sharing with me anymore???:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry: I know I snore but I am sure so does your hubby

[yvspeck]

Oh :shocked:My :shocked:Word.. Making men blush, sharing hubbies, drinking tequila till ya fall on the floor, nursing home drips of Brandy Alexanders, witches conferences :shocked::shocked::shocked:... WHAT in the Sam H@#$ have I gotten myself into :lol::lol::lol:....

Oh and what is a creche?


:yippee::yippee::yippee: Vallie's going to be in the DSP Lappie house!!!!!!!


My DH is coming with and will need a squish and some nudging as he is a quiet one till ya get a few brews in him :lol::lol::lol:

[Leslie]

A creche is a baby sitting facility. *chortle*

[Lauren]

Lauren chose the venue - I'm pretty sure we can rely on her to ensure the coffee, and other beverages of choice are good ... and nearby

Well Ive never BEEN there to taste test - I may feel the wrath of all the Aussies here when I say that Ive never really had a decent coffee in my ( several) trips to the Gold Coast - Ive had decent coffee in Sydney and Melbourne tho - mind you even what Ive had in the Gold Coast is certainly better than the coffee Ive had on my many trips to the US!!!

[Leslie]

Right, am packing the filter papers and some Vittoria Espresso.

[Lauren]

I should mention that Im a self confessed coffee snob too!!!

[Ineke]

I should mention that Im a self confessed coffee snob too!!!

A woman after my own heart - so am I Lauren!!:lol::lol:

[cowboy]

Who cares what we drink, as long as we are together and have fun. I don't drink that much these days - must come with age. But, I am definitely at tea drinker with some coffee occasionally.

[MeredithM]

I am suprised that no one has mentioned the pamper side of things yet LOL

Who will be lining up for a body scrub and massage???

[evergreen100]

Here I am wondering why I havent been getting email notifications of new posts to this thread and cussing about all the fun Ive been missing, only to discover that I havent ever posted in this particular thread!!!:doh::doh::doh:

Im booked, registered, and accommodated at the Watermark:yippee::yippee:I will be arriving at 4pm Friday, the only option for me since I have to drive 3.5 hours to get a flight, leaving GC 4.30pm sunday...I guess I will miss the photowalk:cry:. Looking forward to meeting everyone...I wonder how many people I will recognise instantly...Daggs, Inks, Vallie (cos Ive already met them:D), Lauren, Margie, Kim, Caro, Leslie, Erica, Robyn, Maggie .......it will be interesting:D

You ladies are starting to worry me with all this talk of alcoholic beverages. Am I going away with a group of "lushes"???:rofl::rofl::rofl:
I don't drink at all, don't even drink tea or coffee, only water, so I think I am going to be left FAR behind!!!:lol::lol::lol:
I dont drink alcohol, you just would not want to see what happens to me after just a sip of wine at a wedding toast:D:D..uncontrollable giggling, knees that wont hold me, red face........, I do drink coffee and tea, mostly tea, but not fussy..instant coffee is all we have at our house:o:o

oh well vallie...just look for the short round person with the red hair...thats me!!cheers liz
AND I WILL BE THE SHORT ROUND PERSON WITH LIGHT BROWN HAIR:yippee::yippee:

I just registered! :yippee:
:yippee::yippee: :party::party: :tup:

Ha ha that is funny so do I - even though I cant hear myself:lol::lol::lol::lol:
I was even looking up remedies for snoring today so my unfortunate room mate wont have to be wearing ear muffs!!!:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
Ummmmmm, that would be ME:rofl::rofl:, I snore too so we can work on our harmonies:D

[Lauren]

I am suprised that no one has mentioned the pamper side of things yet LOL

Who will be lining up for a body scrub and massage???

Ive never had one and cant see myself having time this time but ooooooooooh wouldnt it be nice.......

[Lauren]

Here I am wondering why I havent been getting email notifications of new posts to this thread and cussing about all the fun Ive been missing, only to discover that I havent ever posted in this particular thread!!!:doh::doh::doh:

Im booked, registered, and accommodated at the Watermark:yippee::yippee:I will be arriving at 4pm Friday, the only option for me since I have to drive 3.5 hours to get a flight, leaving GC 4.30pm sunday...I guess I will miss the photowalk:cry:.

If you get in at 4 is that Brisbane or Gold Coast?????- if its gold coast then you can just phone me and meet us whereever we are - and it wont be very far down the track by the time you get there .....( I know this cause Ive run several DSP photowalks and they NEVER go to plan and we NEVER get everything in that I plan................ - Ive often thought that handcuffs and chains would be a good accessory for photo walks = esp ones with Grannies involved. ...............

[Lauren]

AND I WILL BE THE SHORT ROUND PERSON WITH LIGHT BROWN HAIR:yippee::yippee:



And I am the short round person with the blonde hair - we will make a good Trio!!!!!!:rofl::rofl::rofl:

[evergreen100]

4pm Gold Coast Lauren:) That would be terrific...hope the plane will be on time, I guess with luggage to collect, I could potentially be out of the airport by 4.30, we'll see what happens:)!! Handcuffs and chains huh???:D:D

[evergreen100]

All we need is a short round person with dark hair for the perfect quartet:D

[Ineke]

4pm Gold Coast Lauren:) That would be terrific...hope the plane will be on time, I guess with luggage to collect, I could potentially be out of the airport by 4.30, we'll see what happens:)!! Handcuffs and chains huh???:D:D

I am just going to be taking carry on luggage Jill - that way you dont have to wait for your baggage.

I am a bit worried about these handcuffs and chains - this weekend is just starting to sound way too kinky for me!!

[Vallie]

I am getting the 12 noon flight from Sydney to Gold Coast by Jet Star, so should arrive in plenty of time for the walk. I guess we will have to find some place for dinner that night too. I wanted the flight before that but it was booked out already! Everyone is coming to the chat! :lol: Maybe everyone is going to Qld to visit their retired mothers on mothers day.

[Ineke]

I am catching a 10am flight so that should get me to the Coolangatta by 12 noon - I will definitely be bringing my walking shoes - looking forward to the photowalk

[evergreen100]

You must be a clever packer to fit everythng into the maximum carry on luggage size Inks.

[JanP]

All we need is a short round person with dark hair for the perfect quartet:D

Would a tall round person do? :lol:

[MeredithM]

Gosh I can just see us on the photo walk - 30 or so short round people LOL - looking for good (exceptionally good) coffee AND a wine bar - maybe together so we can cater for all of us OH and is there anyone else who likes reasonably early nights GOSH what happens to us when we hit the 60's

[Ineke]

You must be a clever packer to fit everythng into the maximum carry on luggage size Inks.


No not really Jill but the flight I have is only for carry on luggage it will cost me more again to check in baggage so I figure I can stuff 3 days worth of clothes into an overnight bag no worries

[Robyn Gough]

Gosh I can just see us on the photo walk - 30 or so short round people LOL - looking for good (exceptionally good) coffee AND a wine bar - maybe together so we can cater for all of us OH and is there anyone else who likes reasonably early nights GOSH what happens to us when we hit the 60's

Oh another tall round person here. Giggle. ;-)

[chantillylace]

What does one do at a crop?

When I worked in Surfers back in 2000, the Watermark was a daily lunch spot for the locals and the buffet very good value. I don't recall the coffee being bad.

[essee]

What does one do at a crop?



I asked the same question as I have never been to one either. The answer I received was ................ eat chocolate, talk, eat chocolate, drink coffee, eat chocolate, make new friends, eat chocolate, take photos, eat chocolate ............. Do you get the idea? And if you have time maybe do a little bit of scrapping.

Sounds like a fun place to be!!!

[Lauren]

Yes thats pretty much it - its an excuse for a get together of like minded digital scrapbookers - and there is NOTHING better than meeting up with people who share your passion I can tell you from experience.
Each crop runs differently according to what the people attending want. - We keep things very informal, but we do usually have some short lessons during the day for those who want to watch . We have experts on hand to help people out individually too - I am rarely sitting at my laptop - I like to circulate and see what everyone else is doing. We love it when people bring their albums with them too so we can all ooh and ahh over each others layouts.
Basically we do a lot of laughing and a lot of talking and often quite a bit of eating chocolate!!- The 2 down under crops are catered so we will also do a bit of eating other food

[bethliz]

Who's hubby am I going to squish then if mine isnt coming?????

oh sweet you can squish mine if you like...he will probably blush for you too...:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:..cheers liz

[bethliz]

oh and would anyone like me to make some spiders???...talking about chocky!!...cheers liz

[chantillylace]

We love it when people bring their albums with them too so we can all ooh and ahh over each others layouts.


I'll have to steal a shopping cart from the local supermarket if I were to bring mine along.

I'd better get to work. The boss here is a real hag. :lol:

[blackstilletos]

It's all so exciting and I'm seriously contemplating coming along. I'm just wondering what happens if my laptop doesn't have my scrapping program on it? I do my scrapping at work where I have CS3 (installed b the company - I dont actually have the program myself).

As much as I'd love to come along and just meet like-minded people, with a limited budget I'd like to think I'd get more out of than just a great break. Will there be any mini-tutorials or informal talks I could attend? Lauren, I know you said there would probably be such things, but I'm just wanting to double check before I commit the credit card to another bashing.

[Lauren]

You can install a trial version of cs4 just before you leave - you get it for 30 days before it expires so you will have something to use while you are there which wont cost you anything

[blackstilletos]

Wow, that's fabulous. Guess I have no excuse not to sign up now :)

[Lauren]

Guess not - I look forward to seeing you!!!!!!!

[Erica]

Another short round person here, used to have dark hair, does that count :D What an understanding boss you have blackstiletto, but as Lauren says, just download Photoshop for the trial version. Looking forward to meeting you all. :yahoo:

[Suzyanneau]

Cool I am so thinking of signing up. It would be nice to meet a lot of you in person. I don't use my laptop, so would have to dust it off. Is there a list of people that are already booked or thinking of coming?

I have never spent a mother's day away from my kids. I dare say they wouldn't be too happy, but it would be a cool excuse for gift for me.

Those shirts look pretty cool as well.

[essee]

Suz, yes come. Would be good to catch up with you again. Not that you need to learn much about PS!!!! But you would have a relaxing fun time, and the kids can always spoil you the weekend after. Leave them with Tyler and COME!!

Sandra

[Suzyanneau]

T is still in the giving me a hard time so that I suck up a little longer stage lol.

He's too scared to let me go in case he gets roped into processing orders or heaven forbid, make a photobook. I might just bring Erin with me and then he would really freak out. She takes charge of everything when I'm not around. She just started to learn digi scrapping, so would get heaps out of the crop with hardcore digiscrappers :)

When are you going Sandra? Maybe I could get the same flight. Any other WA girls going?

Suz

[essee]

Nah, he won't have to make the books because they will all be done for Mother's Day by then!! To my knowledge there are only two other WA girls here. They are both going on the Thursday night red eye to Brisbane. I have not booked a flight yet as we are trying to sell our house and move back to Melbourne, so don't know whether I will be coming from Perth or Melbourne. I am giving it another week and will then book. Probably just be there Fri and Sat nights.

[Suzyanneau]

Hmmm I hadn't thought about the Mother's day rush, but you are right. It will be a done deal and I will be ready for a break by then.

Good luck with selling your house. Hopfully there will be a buyer very soon.

Might go and check out the flights.

[Robyn Gough]

Cool I am so thinking of signing up. It would be nice to meet a lot of you in person. I don't use my laptop, so would have to dust it off. Is there a list of people that are already booked or thinking of coming?

I have never spent a mother's day away from my kids. I dare say they wouldn't be too happy, but it would be a cool excuse for gift for me.

Those shirts look pretty cool as well.

Oh Suzy you so have to come!! Would love to see you there and finally meet you in person!!! ;-)

[Lauren]

I look forward to meeting you hopefully Suzy

[Suzyanneau]

Yeah it would be great to meet you girls.

Lauren, gosh we met back in 2002 and were probably among the first Kiwi scrappers back when SBB was probably the only place to go.

Robyn, I could bring your book to give you. We retired it ages ago, but I still keep coming across it.

Suz

[Lauren]

Suzy - that seems like a lifetime ago doesnt it!!- Back in those days who would have envisaged it would become as huge as this!!

[Robyn Gough]

Yeah it would be great to meet you girls.

Lauren, gosh we met back in 2002 and were probably among the first Kiwi scrappers back when SBB was probably the only place to go.

Robyn, I could bring your book to give you. We retired it ages ago, but I still keep coming across it.

Suz

Ooh that would be great Suz! My Mum would LOVE a copy of that book. I still have to make some more with my more recent layouts.. will get there one of these days! LOL I never seem to be able to keep up with printing my layouts.

[Suzyanneau]

Yeah it does seem like a lifetme ago. I was slim and didn't have to dye my hair back then lol.

It's interesting that we still do what we were doing back then. You were digi designing and I was printing and offering print advice. My dream was to have a business offering printing for digi scrappers. We celebrate 3 years doing that on the 9th of May.

Suz

[Lauren]

LOL well I cant say I was slim back then but still dream to be !!!!!!- and yes I still love doing this just as much now as I did back then, only now it pays the bills which is a big bonus!!!!

[Redrose]

I only just found this duh!!
I'd be mad not to go as I live on the Gold Coast!!
It would be sooo cool to meet everyone :yippee:

[Lauren]

Really look forward to meeting you Kim

[Suzyanneau]

Robyn, pm me or email me your (not so new) address and I will stick it in an envelope for you and post it. May is ages away and I haven't bitten the bullet and booked a ticket yet. I have a stupid phobia of getting lost, so it takes all my time getting in the car, let alone going to a strange city.

Suz

[Lauren]

Just letting you know ladies that there are only 10 spaces left at each crop. ( We are going to see if we can fit in more people in Queensland but we may not be able to so hurry hurry if you are coming - please register soon and guarantee your spot!!

For Auckland we can NOT increase the numbers so once those 10 spots are gone we will be closing registration

[dagwood]

We love it when people bring their albums with them too so we can all ooh and ahh over each others layouts.


thanks for the reminder re the albums...think they might throw my excess luggage allowance up through:annoyed::annoyed:

can't wait to meet everyone going:yippee::yippee::yippee:

[dagwood]

If you get in at 4 is that Brisbane or Gold Coast?????- if its gold coast then you can just phone me and meet us whereever we are - and it wont be very far down the track by the time you get there .....( I know this cause Ive run several DSP photowalks and they NEVER go to plan and we NEVER get everything in that I plan................ - Ive often thought that handcuffs and chains would be a good accessory for photo walks = esp ones with Grannies involved. ...............

:yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes:: yikes: got lots of grannies attending Lauren, hope you can keep them all in control

[sammdc]

hehehehe it sounds like such a great weekend I am really looking forward too it

[quanita]

erm is anyone thinking about going on a pre-crop diet, or is that just me??!!
LOL!
I'm such an idiot :)

[Margie]

erm is anyone thinking about going on a pre-crop diet, or is that just me??!!

i am! because i always eat junk food on trips! and our first flight is 13 hrs, so that's a lot of twizzlers!! :D

[quanita]

what on earth are twizzlers Margie?

[essee]

erm is anyone thinking about going on a pre-crop diet, or is that just me??!!
LOL!
I'm such an idiot :)

You mean you haven't started yet????????????? :rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Margie]

what on earth are twizzlers Margie?
hahaha! i see you have to learn some of MY language too! :D red licorice?

[Lauren]

quanita they are red liquorice - although personally from a liquorice lover how you can even CALL that red stuff liquorice I dont know.............

[Margie]

liquorice

oh my word, you even spell THAT differently?? man i need a private tutor!!! :D

[Lauren]

:yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes::yikes:: yikes: got lots of grannies attending Lauren, hope you can keep them all in control

Im getting better at it with practice!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have teenage children so I have some great experience behind me with keeping unruly people under control!!!!!!!!!!

[Lauren]

oh my word, you even spell THAT differently?? man i need a private tutor!!! :D

You have one !!!!!!!- we need to have some crash lessons!!!!

[Robyn Gough]

erm is anyone thinking about going on a pre-crop diet, or is that just me??!!
LOL!
I'm such an idiot :)

I have started one, tho not really for the crop, dh convinced me to start because he is worried about my health. :shocked: He choofed me off to Toni Ferguson which I am not very happy about, I really don't believe in that kind of dieting as I think you just put it all back on when you stop. I would rather just watch portions, eat healthy and exercise.

Of course I have no idea how well I am doing (although I must admit I am cheating a little) because I keep having flare up's of my mystery autoimmune disease which makes me retain TONS of fluid. Gawd I hope that is under control before the crop!!! I don't really feel like looking like a blowfish while I am there. :rofl:

[Lauren]

Ive been on one since September - well ------- not so much the diet cause I realllllllllllllly dont eat that badly - but I started at the gym - 4 days a week - but i tell you its been SLOW progress. - Up till Christmas I had lost only 2.5kg - - but then I have had this weird indigestion issue which I think is gall bladder- well to be honest Robyn thinks its gallbladder cause she had the same symptoms ) for the last couple of weeks ( still under investigation by the doctor - hopefully the tests will be back on Monday)- and the good thing about that is that Ive lost another 2 kg without even trying!!!!!!-- Long may THAT continue !!!!!!!!!!- well not the pain but the weight loss!!!!!

[bethliz]

yeah me too..but i figure life is too short to be too strict with it..i just watch the sugar and fat and carb intake and try to eat good foods and cut back on portion size too..but nobody and i mean nobody is going to make me give up my coffee...LOL..LOL..LOL..so sweetners it is and low fat milk...oh and the exercise thing is real hard cause i would rather be scrapping and designing...which means of course lots of time spent on my bum..no wonder it is sooo broad...does anyone know how to digi scrap and exercise at the same time??????...LOL..LOL..LOL..oh and again if there is anyone who wants a lift to the gold coast between maryborough and the gold coast please let us know and if it is not too far off the highway we can pick you up....hubby and i are only staying fri and sat night though...we have to be back on sunday for his work on monday....but there are two seats in the back if anyone wants them...cheers liz...oh i have a big car with leather seats and air con and a sun roof too..plenty of room!!

[evergreen100]

erm is anyone thinking about going on a pre-crop diet, or is that just me??!! :)

Nope. not me...Ive already warned everyone that I am short and round so no one would recognise me if I suddenly became short and not round:D (well that's my excuse anyway:D:D)

Lauren sorry about the suspected gall bladder, that pain is NO fun!!! They say the typical body type for gall bladder issues is Fair, Fat, Forty, Female, Flatulent (this was mostly true for me but Im not admitting to the flatulent bit:D:D). Hope they get you sorted out soon:)

[Lauren]

Oh yeah - all of those F's and Im sure its the gall bladder thats caused the last F.- cause thats not something I would admit to either

[Vallie]

I heard Fertile too as it hits a lot of women in their forties! :lol: I didnt hear the flatulent bit! :lol:

[Lauren]

ahhhhhhh well tahts not me - I had those bits removed a few years ago!!!!!!!!!!

[sammdc]

Nope. not me...Ive already warned everyone that I am short and round so no one would recognise me if I suddenly became short and not round:D (well that's my excuse anyway:D:D)

Lauren sorry about the suspected gall bladder, that pain is NO fun!!! They say the typical body type for gall bladder issues is Fair, Fat, Forty, Female, Flatulent (this was mostly true for me but Im not admitting to the flatulent bit:D:D). Hope they get you sorted out soon:)

sounds like your in great shape EG hehehe round is a shape and I have promised myself to try lose some weight between now and then.

[Vallie]

EG is very cuddly and fluffy, a skinny EG is not an option!!!!!!!!!:no:

I HAVE SPOKEN!!!!!!:yes:

[bethliz]

EG is very cuddly and fluffy, a skinny EG is not an option!!!!!!!!!:no:

I HAVE SPOKEN!!!!!!:yes:

well vallie thats it...i too will be still round and short and squishy too!!...but perhaps just a tad healthier!!!...LOL...LOL..LOL...cheers liz:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl: oh and you are just gorgeous!!..i love my grannies!!!

[Robyn Gough]

Ive been on one since September - well ------- not so much the diet cause I realllllllllllllly dont eat that badly - but I started at the gym - 4 days a week - but i tell you its been SLOW progress. - Up till Christmas I had lost only 2.5kg - - but then I have had this weird indigestion issue which I think is gall bladder- well to be honest Robyn thinks its gallbladder cause she had the same symptoms ) for the last couple of weeks ( still under investigation by the doctor - hopefully the tests will be back on Monday)- and the good thing about that is that Ive lost another 2 kg without even trying!!!!!!-- Long may THAT continue !!!!!!!!!!- well not the pain but the weight loss!!!!!

I hope they get it sorted out for you soon Lauren!

Nope. not me...Ive already warned everyone that I am short and round so no one would recognise me if I suddenly became short and not round:D (well that's my excuse anyway:D:D)

Lauren sorry about the suspected gall bladder, that pain is NO fun!!! They say the typical body type for gall bladder issues is Fair, Fat, Forty, Female, Flatulent (this was mostly true for me but Im not admitting to the flatulent bit:D:D). Hope they get you sorted out soon:)

Well I was 12 years off forty when I had mine out, but the rest did apply... sadly! I had mine out 8wks after having my daughter. I was told that pregnancy can bring it on also.

EG is very cuddly and fluffy, a skinny EG is not an option!!!!!!!!!:no:

I HAVE SPOKEN!!!!!!:yes:

Psst. Does that go for me too? He he...

Mind you, there is no way I will loose enough to be skinny between now and then no matter how hard I try! LOL And I am not really trying all that hard....LOL

[Ineke]

EG is very cuddly and fluffy, a skinny EG is not an option!!!!!!!!!:no:

I HAVE SPOKEN!!!!!!:yes:


Well said Vallie - I think we should all just come as we are - she says whilst chomping on an ice cream:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

[evergreen100]

EG is very cuddly and fluffy, a skinny EG is not an option!!!!!!!!!:no:

I HAVE SPOKEN!!!!!!:yes:

:hug::hug:Love ya, Vallie:D

[Vallie]

Good! :lol: Now reaching for another Mars bar ........... :lol:

[Margie]

oh you girls, remind me next time to start a SEPARATE thread for chatter so i can promote these threads to companies, vendors, sponsors and such, without worrying about a good customer of ours raising HIS eyebrows at you people!! :D :p

[MeredithM]

How about we all come along Healthy and Happy. I had a phone call from a girlfriend 3 years ago and she said to me "don't every worry about your weight again, because from where I am now it really dosn't matter". She died 2 months later at the age of 51. It is a good lesson to learn. We are all "normal" what ever that is.

Live - Love & be Happy

Looking forward to seeing everyone whatevery shape.

:love3::yahoo::tup::yippee:

[yvspeck]

erm is anyone thinking about going on a pre-crop diet, or is that just me??!!
LOL!
I'm such an idiot :)

:lol::lol::lol: I was thinking about it!

i am! because i always eat junk food on trips! and our first flight is 13 hrs, so that's a lot of twizzlers!! :D

:rofl:

what on earth are twizzlers Margie?
:rofl:

quanita they are red liquorice - although personally from a liquorice lover how you can even CALL that red stuff liquorice I dont know.............

:tup: Agree :D.

Im getting better at it with practice!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have teenage children so I have some great experience behind me with keeping unruly people under control!!!!!!!!!!

:rofl:

Toni Ferguson

:confused: Toni who? :rolleyes:

Nope. not me...Ive already warned everyone that I am short and round so no one would recognise me if I suddenly became short and not round:D (well that's my excuse anyway:D:D)

EG is very cuddly and fluffy, a skinny EG is not an option!!!!!!!!!:no:

I HAVE SPOKEN!!!!!!:yes:

Round, fluffy, short, cuddle and loved it is then :lol::lol::lol:


oh you girls, remind me next time to start a SEPARATE thread for chatter so i can promote these threads to companies, vendors, sponsors and such, without worrying about a good customer of ours raising HIS eyebrows at you people!! :D :p

They all are on a pretty good roll aren't they :lol::lol::lol:



Live - Love & be Happy

Looking forward to seeing everyone what ever shape.

:love3::yahoo::tup::yippee:

Me toooooo....


I'll be the not round and short, not round and tall, not thin and short, not thin and tall, but the average, sagging and a bit lumpy one (Sigh)... I am also considered a bit on the quiet side but I love being around and laughing with those who are not:D
And I am pretty sure I will be at the right place :lol::lol::lol::lol:

[Robyn Gough]

:confused: Toni who? :rolleyes:

A weight loss chain here in Australia, in lots and lots of chemists. They have meal replacement shakes for two meals a day and are basically low carb eating.



I'll be the not round and short, not round and tall, not thin and short, not thin and tall, but the average, sagging and a bit lumpy one (Sigh)... I am also considered a bit on the quiet side but I love being around and laughing with those who are not:D
And I am pretty sure I will be at the right place :lol::lol::lol::lol:

I am usually quiet too, and also love being around and laughing in good company. I think it is going to be loads of fun! ;-)

[sammdc]

well I demand that none of you lose weight as whats that little prayer

Dear God if I cant be thin at least make my friends fat.... hehehehehehe

actually my 22 yr old daughter is dragging me walking a few mornings a weeks so maybe I can be slightly less round by May.

[Lauren]

[QUOTE=Robyn Gough;611235





I am usually quiet too, [/QUOTE]

Im not - well not since I joined DSP - I think I used to be quiet back in the old days................ maybe................ but i cant remember back that far

[Robyn Gough]

Im not - well not since I joined DSP - I think I used to be quiet back in the old days................ maybe................ but i cant remember back that far

He he, I LOVE it when other people are chatty! It puts me at ease and I find it a lot easier to speak up then. :-)

Must be why I ended up with DH, he doesn't shut up! ROFL :rofl:

[Robyn Gough]

Oooh ooh and I just realised I passed the 2000 post mark oh about 20 posts ago! ROFL

[MeredithM]

I think I might fit in after all, I tend to be a bit quiet for a while too.

[bethliz]

I think I might fit in after all, I tend to be a bit quiet for a while too.

yeah this is going to be soo exciting...what am i talking about it is exciting...i just can't wait...what a blast we are going to have...how the heck am i going to wait that long!!...i am already driving dh mad with my chatter on scrapping..i have literally worn out all the letters on my keyboard..i have little stickers on there so that i know which letter is which...actually i am onto my second lot of stickers..the first lot came off...lol..lol..lol..lol..paper scrapping alphabets sure come in handy for something..:rofl::rofl::rofl:cheers liz

oh oh and i can't wait to get vallies autograph!!!!!

[yvspeck]

yeah this is going to be soo exciting...what am i talking about it is exciting...i just can't wait...what a blast we are going to have...how the heck am i going to wait that long!!...i am already driving dh mad with my chatter on scrapping..i have literally worn out all the letters on my keyboard..i have little stickers on there so that i know which letter is which...actually i am onto my second lot of stickers..the first lot came off...lol..lol..lol..lol..paper scrapping alphabets sure come in handy for something..:rofl::rofl::rofl:cheers liz

oh oh and i can't wait to get vallies autograph!!!!!


:lol::lol::lol: You are a scream Liz!

[Vallie]

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[dagwood]

wonder what sights we will see???


Two chimps and a Blonde

A blonde lady motorist was about two hours from the Gold Coast when she
was flagged down by a man whose truck had broken down.
The man walked up to the car and asked, 'Are you going to the Gold Coast?'
'Sure,' answered the blonde, 'do you need a lift ?'
'Not for me. I'll be spending the next three hours fixing my truck! My problem is I've got two chimpanzees in the back which have to be taken to the Gold Coast Zoo. They're a bit stressed already so I don't want to keep them on the road all day. Could you possibly take them to the zoo for me ? I' ll give you $100 for your
trouble..'
'I'd be happy to,' said the blonde. So the two chimpanzees were ushered into the back seat of the blonde's car and carefully strapped into their seat belts. Off they went.
Five hours later, the truck driver was driving through the heart of the Gold Coast when suddenly he was horrified!!

There was the blonde walking down the street and holding hands with the two chimps, much to the amusement of a big crowd.
With a screech of brakes he pulled off the road and ran over to the blonde.

'What the heck are you doing here ?' he demanded, 'I gave you $100 to take
these chimpanzees to the zoo.'

'Yes, I know you did,' said the blonde,' but we had money left over
so now we're going to SeaWorld!

[Lauren]

wonder what sights we will see???


Two chimps and a Blonde

A blonde lady motorist was about two hours from the Gold Coast when she
was flagged down by a man whose truck had broken down.
The man walked up to the car and asked, 'Are you going to the Gold Coast?'
'Sure,' answered the blonde, 'do you need a lift ?'
'Not for me. I'll be spending the next three hours fixing my truck! My problem is I've got two chimpanzees in the back which have to be taken to the Gold Coast Zoo. They're a bit stressed already so I don't want to keep them on the road all day. Could you possibly take them to the zoo for me ? I' ll give you $100 for your
trouble..'
'I'd be happy to,' said the blonde. So the two chimpanzees were ushered into the back seat of the blonde's car and carefully strapped into their seat belts. Off they went.
Five hours later, the truck driver was driving through the heart of the Gold Coast when suddenly he was horrified!!

There was the blonde walking down the street and holding hands with the two chimps, much to the amusement of a big crowd.
With a screech of brakes he pulled off the road and ran over to the blonde.

'What the heck are you doing here ?' he demanded, 'I gave you $100 to take
these chimpanzees to the zoo.'

'Yes, I know you did,' said the blonde,' but we had money left over
so now we're going to SeaWorld!
:applause::applause::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol: :applause::applause::lol::lol::lol::rofl::rofl::ro fl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Lauren]

Well I put my camera in to have the sensor cleaned today so that I would have a nice clean camera for all the photos we will be taking. EEEEEK - $170 is the estimate for a sensor clean - WTH??????????- still i tried blowing the spots off and they wouldnt come - they must be spots of damp or something...........

[Vallie]

Yikes, that is a lot. I notice some dots on my photos too. I dont know where they are coming from, somewhere inside. That is a lot of money, wonder if it can be done at home with a bit of googling?

[Lauren]

well i tried a blower - didnt work - I think if you get them early on then it might work - but maybe mine got cooked on - theyve been there a while now
There is a liquid sensor cleaning kit you can buy but it sounds scary to do - and it was ovwer $100 so I decided to bite the bullet and get it done properly

[Erica]

what a hoot Daggs - :lol::lol::lol::rofl::rofl::rofl:

[Vallie]

I had a look on youtube and there are lots of videos on cleaning nikon camera sensors but it does looks like something I would hesitate to try! Here's one on the blower method:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=huOdzpl534k

[yvspeck]

I have cleaned my sensor with dust aid. I had read about it in one of the photography mags. Was scary but seemed to do the trick. I have a canon though. Not sure about Nikons.

[Lauren]

I just looked that up - it costs $76 here for dust aid - I think if i was going to clean my sensor regularly I would get it - I just got a call and my camera is ready and it was $158.30 - at least they were fast!!

[Lauren]

OH eek - that page i just opened was from 2007 - seems like its now over $120 - guess theres not much advantage in doing it yourself at that price!!!- the joys of living in NZ !!-things cost big $ sometimes

[yvspeck]

OH eek - that page i just opened was from 2007 - seems like its now over $120 - guess theres not much advantage in doing it yourself at that price!!!- the joys of living in NZ !!-things cost big $ sometimes


Ouch.. Definitely pricey in NZ but it can be used many times over as there are 12 foam tapes in a can. I bought mine with my first SLR as it came with bits already present. I could have shipped it back to Canon but opted to try the dust aid instead. My DD has it now and we've cleaned it once more and all went well. Haven't had to use it on my newer camera but I won't hesitate to if it needs it.

[yvspeck]

I asked for help with this over in the granny thread and didn't get much so I am coming here with hopes.

I am trying to figure out an inexpensive way of having a global cell phone while in OZ and NZ. A friend of mine has two unlocked (global) phones she is loaning us. Her Mom lives in OZ and is sending us 2 Sim cards from Vodafone. She also sent us the link to Vodafone website to activate the cards. She says we will have to charge the phones with minute via a recharging station once we get to OZ... Ok this is so foreign to anything I know... Are these station common and easily found? When I look at the website I can't find anything that tells me and everything I read mentions contracts.. I just want a week of use and some minutes to call home and be available for mine to call me. Any input here would be so great... We are leaving behind our 12 year old for this trip and really want the peace of mind a cell phone offers...

[Lauren]

I dont know about vodaphone in aussie but i do in nz and you can buy credit for your perpaid cellphone just about everywhere - corner store, supermarket, etc etc electronics stores etc - you should be fine doing that - the cost per minute is more expensive ( and will be a shock to you in the USA) but I used prepay cellphones for years and years . Even if you didnt have the phones you can buy relativley cheap prepay phones here . In the end thats what i did in the US - just bought a prepay phone and topped it up with credit as I needed it.- It was cheaper than having my own phone roaming and paying via my provider.

[Lauren]

Oh - one thing Im not sure about is if a vodaphone sim card from australia will work in New Zealand - you may need to buy a new sim card when you get here. ( from memory they are about $30 ) I am not with the vodaphone network so not sure on that one but I can find out for you if you want.

[Lauren]

Ouch.. Definitely pricey in NZ but it can be used many times over as there are 12 foam tapes in a can. I bought mine with my first SLR as it came with bits already present. I could have shipped it back to Canon but opted to try the dust aid instead. My DD has it now and we've cleaned it once more and all went well. Haven't had to use it on my newer camera but I won't hesitate to if it needs it.

next time my camera needs doing I think it will be time for a new one anyway ( really wanted a new one now but had to be very strong willed and not do it!!)

[yvspeck]

Oh - one thing Im not sure about is if a vodaphone sim card from australia will work in New Zealand - you may need to buy a new sim card when you get here. ( from memory they are about $30 ) I am not with the vodaphone network so not sure on that one but I can find out for you if you want.

I am pretty sure you are right about the sim card Lauren. Would need a new one for NZ. I guess I am not very prepaid savy and am still totally clueless as to how it all works. When I check out the website I find the info on prepay but it still says there is a 12 month contract involved... I know I have to be missing something... Grrrrrrrr this is very frustrating.

[Margie]

hmm, haven't pondered cell phones yet! maybe i'll just borrow lauren's when she's not looking and run up her bill! :D

[yvspeck]

hmm, haven't pondered cell phones yet! maybe i'll just borrow lauren's when she's not looking and run up her bill! :D



Sounds like a fun plan Margie :lol::lol::lol:.


Ok I found info on another
http://www.telestial.com/sim_regional.php?ID=AU

It's suppose to be for travelers and says with the Passport sim I can use it in both Australia and New Zealand. No contract and it can be recharged.
Anyone ever used it or heard of it?

[Lauren]

Basically there are only 2 options for cell phone providers in NZ - Telecom and Vodaphone - Telecom dont use sim card so thats out ( thats what I use but my kids are all on the vodaphone network ) - and looking at that website that telestial company uses vodaphone sim cards - and there is no contract on a prepaid phone here with vodaphone so no worries there.

One thing thats different here is that you dont pay for incoming calls - so if you have a plan on your home phone in the US that allows cheap international calling thats definitely the best option - to have them call you - that way it costs you nothing on your cellphone.

The vodaphone website in NZ is nortoriously horrific in its complexity but Im looking now to see what you need to do both countries.

Hnmm after reading Im no wiser - It looks like the same sim card will work in both countries but you will pay roaming charges in the other country so I think the best option is to buy a sim card here when you arrive in NZ -

Or here is your other alternative
http://www.vodarent.co.nz/
There is also a link to an equivalent australian website there on that page - and they are right at the airport so you can pick it up there and drop it off - and book it so that you know the number in advance


Alternatively if you have the phone and just want to swap the sim card - there is a vodaphone stockist in a small shopping centre just as you leave the airport .
I have a friend who works for them so Im going to give him a call and get some advice for you

[Lauren]

hmm, haven't pondered cell phones yet! maybe i'll just borrow lauren's when she's not looking and run up her bill! :D

Yeah I will sort you out Margie........

[Lauren]

Ok a bit more research - buying a sim card costs $35
http://www.vodafone.co.nz/shop/planPrepay.jsp?plantype=mobile&billingMethod=prepay&menuKey=mnit100011 - this shows you the costs per call etc.

[yvspeck]

:hug: Lauren you are the sweetest... Great info... I am breathing much easier about it all now. Just need to decide which direction to go with it all. Extra York's for you my dear :D .

We have our own phone (global ready), so ideal would be to buy or rent prepaid sim cards in each country. I like that we can get them at the airport. Don't want to go chasing around for them.

Another question. My friends Mom is sending us an ACE calling card from Australia. She suggests we use it to call home so we can talk cheeply. I am not familiar with these ether. Will I be able to use it in New Zealand as well?

I think you all are going to get sick of all my travel questions before this is over..

[yvspeck]

I am kind of shying away from the telestial as someone,in a review, said dialing out with them is a PAIN...

[Lauren]

I am not familiar with ace calling cards but I would imagine they wouldn't work in NZ. My friend who works for a cellphone company confirmed your best plan is to buy a new card in each country then you can even top them up online. You can buy them online too apparently.:hug: Lauren you are the sweetest... Great info... I am breathing much easier about it all now. Just need to decide which direction to go with it all. Extra York's for you my dear :D .

We have our own phone (global ready), so ideal would be to buy or rent prepaid sim cards in each country. I like that we can get them at the airport. Don't want to go chasing around for them.

Another question. My friends Mom is sending us an ACE calling card from Australia. She suggests we use it to call home so we can talk cheeply. I am not familiar with these ether. Will I be able to use it in New Zealand as well?

I think you all are going to get sick of all my travel questions before this is over..

[Lauren]

Oh you can also top up over the phone using your credit card too

[sammdc]

Kim I always use phone cards they are so cheap and easy to use and you can use them from any hotel or public phone so for example I would buy a $10 one and then use it to call Donn in America would cost me like half a cent a minute. Then when i was in America I would buy a phone card there to call my family here in Aust. Just do a google search on phone cards. I used one called GPS you can buy them from any newsagency or even from the airports. When I went to Indonesia 2 yrs ago Donn bought one online that he could call me from Texas for like 7 cents a min I just gave him the hotel phone number.

[yvspeck]

Thanks Carolyn. I will definitely buy phone cards for our calls home.

[Lauren]

We are VERY close to full on this crop so if you havent registered yet - please do it soon - would hate for you to miss out

[Joferguson]

Please forgive my ignorance, but what happens at a laptop crop, and do you need a laptop to attend.

As you can tell I have never been to one, and don't post much or have much time to read the message boards either for that matter.

The Gold Coast is so close to home that I thought I would love to attend.

Jo in hot steamy Brisbane

[Leslie]

Hi Jo - I was talking to my mother up In Brisbane this afternoon and she told me how awfully hot it was today. My son is up there at the moment playing pool over at Milton.

I'm taking my laptop but I know several of the members who are going for the "experience" and to particpate in the photowalk on the Friday afternoon and to hopefully pick up some tips. :)

[Lauren]

Yes Jo - while its great if you have a laptop - its more social than anything and just coming along to see whats going on is really fun. I tend to do very little scrapbooking myself as Im too much into the social side !!!!!!!

[landofoz]

I have started one, tho not really for the crop, dh convinced me to start because he is worried about my health. :shocked: He choofed me off to Toni Ferguson which I am not very happy about, I really don't believe in that kind of dieting as I think you just put it all back on when you stop. I would rather just watch portions, eat healthy and exercise.

Of course I have no idea how well I am doing (although I must admit I am cheating a little) because I keep having flare up's of my mystery autoimmune disease which makes me retain TONS of fluid. Gawd I hope that is under control before the crop!!! I don't really feel like looking like a blowfish while I am there. :rofl:

hiRoybn,just back from my trip,I used to go to Toni Ferguson and losy 17 kgs,as soon as i stopped and went back to normal food ......Back on again.:eek:

[yvspeck]

Hi all you Aussie and Kiwi gals…. So our passports came, all our flights are booked, hotels too. Paid for my crop spots. Have the whole trip planned out even bought maps and this sweet rolling laptop carry on that has 2 sides to it. One side for your lappie and the other for some over night essentials. My laptop weighs a ton and the just the thought of lugging it over my should in and out of airports, hotels and crops was making me hurt… Have the cell phone thing all figured out ( I think ) and bought the needed electrical adapters ( I hope) … Feeling much better about DH having to drive on the other side from the other side of the car, thanks to all the positive feed back on that subject…. I should be nothing but excited right??? Well mostly I am but I also keep getting these little niggles of panic and fear and “What the heck are you doing traveling half way around the world” and will I feel like the odd man out at the crops amongst all the Aussies and Kiwis being the only “Foreign Granny“… DH and I have never done this kind of thing… Maybe that’s all it is… First time jitter….. Oh I wince every time I think of what this is costing us…Even though we got some awesome rates on everything, which is the main reason we could even think about doing something like this…. Oh and the guilt of leaving our 12 year old behind for 3 weeks.. Acccckkkkk! Well I guess you all are getting the picture here… Some times coming here and reading through the post help get rid of my crappy little niggles but today they just keep niggling...I have a huge knot in my neck and am close to tears on and off and need you all to tell me I am going to have a blast and love Australia and Australians and New Zealand and New Zealanders and that I am just being a big old granny baby . Or you can just tell me to shut up already…..(Sigh)

[Lauren]

Ack!! well first off you arent the only foreigner so that little thought can just disappear and HELLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOO you are talking to Kiwis and Aussies here - we are just about the friendliest people on EARTH!!- so yeah you are being a big old granny baby and shut up already!!- ok well I just cant say that myself because I remember too well my first ever trip to the US for a crop - BY MYSELF!!- Id travelled alone in my 20s quite a bit but hey that was definitely another lifetime - and 20+ years later it was VERY scary for me - to be flying half way around the world to meet these people I knowly new thru the INTERNET of all places - I mean help you know what people you meet on the internet can be like - MONSTERS !!!!!!!!- - and hey it was the start of something so special - so special in fact that I had to make another 5 trips in the next 2 years!!!!!- so be prepared to be hooked and be poor for life now ---- - but honestly you are going to have a SUPER time!! Tell us a bit about your schedule apart from the crops - where else are you planning on going ??

[yvspeck]

:lol::lol::lol: Thanks Lauren... If you were here or I was there I would give you a hug that would probally squeeze the breathe right out of you...Just what I needed to hear.. Going to print it out and slap it on my fridge..And as far as what are trip plans are like well after our 4 days at the Gold Coast and with all of you we are flying up to Cairns. Jenny (Dagwood) very kindly gave me some very helpful info on where to stay and what to see while we are there so will be staying in the Trinity Beach area and heading out to the Reefs one day, the Daintree Rainforest the next, and the Kurranda the last as well wiggling our toes in some fine Australian sand... Then it's off to New Zealand for another 10 days. Auckland crop, Auckland adventure, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, and then a nice visit with Pam in the Gulf Harbor are before we fly home...



DGD yelling for me to come wipe her bottom :lol::lol::lol: so need to run... Seems like I have said this before :D... Thank you , thank you, thank you Lauren...:hug:

[Margie]

we should really get together and chat about our side trips! we're headed to cairns after the crop as well. and of course new zealand and a bunch of places that i don't even know yet!
i have this anti-anxiety gene i think, when i get overwhelmed, my nerves just calm and my heartrate slows to the point where people wonder if i'm alive. better than being stressed and worried i guess, but it doesn't encourage me to plan ahead very well! :D

[evergreen100]

Kim :hug::hug:, most of us Aussies dont bite:D. I understand your anxiety though, especially re the crop. I am always nervous when meeting new people, not good in a crowd, quiet and shy out of my comfort zone etc etc., and I have no laptop, and even if I did, there's no way I could produce a LO in a day anyway, especially with people watching me...so I have lots of anxieties too:). It will all be OK!! We will have a grand time...You will love Australia and Australians and New Zealand and New Zealanders and stop being a big Granny baby:D:D

[Robyn Gough]

I promise you will be just fine! ;-) Aussies are super friendly and I am sure Lauren can vouch for NZ'ers being the same. You will get a good giggle at our accents and wierd words and vice versa. ;-)

You WILL have a blast and there is absolutely nothing to worry about. ;-)

You are going to have an AWESOME TIME!

Sorry I was no help with the mobile thing.. I know nothing about them since I haven't travelled overseas since I was 18yrs old! How sad is that!!

The way our car is going however, I may be hiring one to get to the crop!! LOL

It is getting water in the engine and our mechanic has done a stop gap measure as we don't want to spend the fortune it is going to cost to fix it. Probably the head gasket. We have decided to try and keep it running without spending the big bucks, till we sell the house in hopefully May.. and then buy a new car.. but it will be unlikely that happens before the crop. Mind you I did a highway drive yesterday and it seemed to cope ok.. so fingers crossed.

[Lauren]

we should really get together and chat about our side trips! we're headed to cairns after the crop as well. and of course new zealand and a bunch of places that i don't even know yet!
i have this anti-anxiety gene i think, when i get overwhelmed, my nerves just calm and my heartrate slows to the point where people wonder if i'm alive. better than being stressed and worried i guess, but it doesn't encourage me to plan ahead very well! :D

Good thing you have me to do the planning for you or you would be stuck in my house for 3 weeks!!

[Lauren]

Well you will have a great time - sounds like a nice trip and not too rushed - All of those places you are visiting in NZ are within 5 hours drive - - The Bay of Islands are 3 hours north of Auckland , Rotorua is about 2 .5 - 3 hours south east of Auckland - Rotorua and Taupo are an hour apart and Waitomo is another hour away to the west .-
I hope the weather behaves for you - one thing about NZ is that it does tend to rain a lot!!- but usually not for very long - so if you wait an hour the weather usually will change....Thats especially true of Auckland!!

I can give you a list of my personal must sees in all those areas as we have visited many many times. Just holler if you want me to let you know.


:lol::lol::lol: Thanks Lauren... If you were here or I was there I would give you a hug that would probally squeeze the breathe right out of you...Just what I needed to hear.. Going to print it out and slap it on my fridge..And as far as what are trip plans are like well after our 4 days at the Gold Coast and with all of you we are flying up to Cairns. Jenny (Dagwood) very kindly gave me some very helpful info on where to stay and what to see while we are there so will be staying in the Trinity Beach area and heading out to the Reefs one day, the Daintree Rainforest the next, and the Kurranda the last as well wiggling our toes in some fine Australian sand... Then it's off to New Zealand for another 10 days. Auckland crop, Auckland adventure, Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Taupo, Waitomo, and then a nice visit with Pam in the Gulf Harbor are before we fly home...



DGD yelling for me to come wipe her bottom :lol::lol::lol: so need to run... Seems like I have said this before :D... Thank you , thank you, thank you Lauren...:hug:

[yvspeck]

we should really get together and chat about our side trips! we're headed to cairns after the crop as well. and of course new zealand and a bunch of places that i don't even know yet!
i have this anti-anxiety gene i think, when i get overwhelmed, my nerves just calm and my heartrate slows to the point where people wonder if i'm alive. better than being stressed and worried i guess, but it doesn't encourage me to plan ahead very well! :D


Must be nice.. Me I have to have it all planned out and double checked... I usually relaxs though onces it all set but this time not so much... But then like I said, this is a whole new kind of adventure... I think too it all started off on such a high note and then the fires and floods kind of took things in a different direction...

Let me know if you want any of the info I have gathered as far as Cairns goes.... Jenny, as well as some of the others here, were really, really helpful with it all.

[yvspeck]

Kim :hug::hug:, most of us Aussies dont bite:D. I understand your anxiety though, especially re the crop. I am always nervous when meeting new people, not good in a crowd, quiet and shy out of my comfort zone etc etc., and I have no laptop, and even if I did, there's no way I could produce a LO in a day anyway, especially with people watching me...so I have lots of anxieties too:). It will all be OK!! We will have a grand time...You will love Australia and Australians and New Zealand and New Zealanders and stop being a big Granny baby:D:D


:lol::lol::lol: Good to know about the biting thing Jill... I only have to stay out of your oceans then :D.... I was really nervous before the Anahiem Crop 2 years ago but turned out it was a big waste of my time to be as I had the most wonderful time with everyone.... Even if I was one of the quieter ones I reallly enjoyed laughing along with all who were not..And everyone was very friendly. I am sure this time will be as much fun.. And remember I would be happy to let you play on my lappie... Even if you don't want to scrap you can sit and look through my small group of LO and massive collection of photos.. Mostly Grandies and my Maddy though :D

Thanks for the pep talk....I will stop being a big granny baby :D

[yvspeck]

Thanks Robyn.. I hope your car troubles get all sorted out by May...

And yes please Lauren... Any of your must see and do would be more than welcome...I have tried very hard to take the bad weather posibilities into consideration when making plans... We get so little rain here in the desert that if we do get it while in NZ I think it will be enjoyed... Thanks again everyone for helping to settleing my jitters a bit more..

[Donut]

Well you will have a great time - sounds like a nice trip and not too rushed - All of those places you are visiting in NZ are within 5 hours drive - - The Bay of Islands are 3 hours north of Auckland , Rotorua is about 2 .5 - 3 hours south east of Auckland - Rotorua and Taupo are an hour apart and Waitomo is another hour away to the west .-
.

Well, Lauren obviously drives a little faster than me! lol!!:lol:

[Lauren]

LOl well its Steve that does the driving( and hes no snail) but its never taken us more than 3 and a bit hours to get to Rotorua!!-- and we usuall stop for coffee somewhere along the way - and have children so toilet stops ................

[Lauren]

LOl well its Steve that does the driving( and hes no snail) but its never taken us more than 3 and a bit hours to get to Rotorua!!-- and we usuall stop for coffee somewhere along the way - and have children so toilet stops ................

[Lauren]

just an fyi - just to check I google mapped it!!
Paihia to AUckland ( thats the bay of islands to Auckland) -
Driving directions to Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
233 km – about 3 hours 26 mins

Auckland to Rotorua
Driving directions to Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
233 km – about 3 hours 9 min
Rotorua to Taupo
Driving directions to Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand
81.2 km – about 1 hour 4 mins
Taupo to Waitomo
Driving directions to Waitomo Caves, Waikato, New Zealand
149 km – about 2 hours 2 mins

Hope thats of some help to you. ( I love google maps)

[Lauren]

just an fyi - just to check I google mapped it!!
Paihia to AUckland ( thats the bay of islands to Auckland) -
Driving directions to Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
233 km – about 3 hours 26 mins

Auckland to Rotorua
Driving directions to Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
233 km – about 3 hours 9 min
Rotorua to Taupo
Driving directions to Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand
81.2 km – about 1 hour 4 mins
Taupo to Waitomo
Driving directions to Waitomo Caves, Waikato, New Zealand
149 km – about 2 hours 2 mins

Hope thats of some help to you. ( I love google maps)

[Barnbrook]

How do I book in for the auckland crop

[Lauren]

How do I book in for the auckland crop

Just register in the store here - http://store.digitalscrapbookplace.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=85&products_id=9701

[Ineke]

I am going to be borrowing a laptop which will have some sort of version of Photoshop on it- what I would like to know - how many kits should and photos should I upload to bring along with me - I am so used to having all my kits on my computer it will be hard to choose which ones to bring along and the same with photos - is there going to be a format to what kind of layout we will be scrapping when at the crop?

[Lauren]

What you scrap is completely up to you - we dont have any sort of format for that - any time you actually scrap you are completely free to scrap whatever you want!!!
If you have a portable external drive then thats a great option for storing your kits on in a portable format

[yvspeck]

Well, Lauren obviously drives a little faster than me! lol!!:lol:

:wave: Hi Pam, I drive like the granny I am but DH likes to bump it up a bit.. Not sure how he will be on the other side so we will give it the extra time just to be on the safe side..:)

just an fyi - just to check I google mapped it!!
Paihia to AUckland ( thats the bay of islands to Auckland) -
Driving directions to Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
233 km – about 3 hours 26 mins

Auckland to Rotorua
Driving directions to Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
233 km – about 3 hours 9 min
Rotorua to Taupo
Driving directions to Taupo, Waikato, New Zealand
81.2 km – about 1 hour 4 mins
Taupo to Waitomo
Driving directions to Waitomo Caves, Waikato, New Zealand
149 km – about 2 hours 2 mins

Hope thats of some help to you. ( I love google maps)

This is about what DH came up with from the map we bought. Looks like each stop off should be an easy trip... Would be nice if BOI and Rotorua were a bit closer but think we can do it..

[Lauren]

Yes you should do it easily expecially if you start fairly early in the day and can avoid rush hour in Auckland ( 6.30 - 9.30 am ) - and from one having driven on US and NZ roads and expecting US roads to be much nicer than ours - I was surprised to find that actually our roads here are pretty good in comparison - I think its because you have so many big trucks using your roads compared to here.

[yvspeck]

Ineke, like Lauren said a portable hardrive is nice way to bring along lots. I didn't have a very big hard drive on my old laptop so I had to use a portable hardrives for all my kits and photos.. Not sure how expensive they are in Australia but they are pretty handy to have. I still use mine as a back up for kits and photos.

[yvspeck]

Yes you should do it easily expecially if you start fairly early in the day and can avoid rush hour in Auckland ( 6.30 - 9.30 am ) - and from one having driven on US and NZ roads and expecting US roads to be much nicer than ours - I was surprised to find that actually our roads here are pretty good in comparison - I think its because you have so many big trucks using your roads compared to here.

It's funny that you should mention this as I think Sharon had mentioned better roads in the US and I was kind of shocked as our roads, especially in So.California, are awful.. Yes big rig really mess them up... Glad to hear yours are in better condition.

[Donut]

LOl well its Steve that does the driving( and hes no snail) but its never taken us more than 3 and a bit hours to get to Rotorua!!-- and we usuall stop for coffee somewhere along the way - and have children so toilet stops ................

I was only teasing Lauren!:love2: My BIL always says I have to take a picnic with me to go anywhere as it takes me so long! lol!

[Margie]

Must be nice.. Me I have to have it all planned out and double checked... I usually relaxs though onces it all set but this time not so much... But then like I said, this is a whole new kind of adventure... I think too it all started off on such a high note and then the fires and floods kind of took things in a different direction...

Let me know if you want any of the info I have gathered as far as Cairns goes.... Jenny, as well as some of the others here, were really, really helpful with it all.
oh it's nice for me, but not so much for those traveling with me! (the poor saps!) probably why we usually put lauren in charge of sightseeing!
i'm just glad this trip will be (mostly) english-speaking (though i really don't think it's english!) :D the last trip was all russian, so it was a bit tougher to understand what we were doing. although we just stumbled along just fine there too. :)
i'll definitely pm you for more info. as obvious now, i've not gotten to the reef trip planning yet! :yikes:

[Lauren]

oh it's nice for me, but not so much for those traveling with me! (the poor saps!) probably why we usually put lauren in charge of sightseeing!
i'

Yeah she does too - hey plan a photo walk in a city youve never been to - easy peasy !!- Yeah right!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Margie]

Yeah she does too - hey plan a photo walk in a city youve never been to - easy peasy !!- Yeah right!!!!!!!!!!!!

ah, but they're always great right? and much better than i would do! :applause:

[Margie]

btw, i don't think i'll actually get jet lag since i'm pretty much on your schedule now anyway, geesh!

[yvspeck]

oh it's nice for me, but not so much for those traveling with me! (the poor saps!) probably why we usually put lauren in charge of sightseeing!
i'm just glad this trip will be (mostly) english-speaking (though i really don't think it's english!) :D the last trip was all russian, so it was a bit tougher to understand what we were doing. although we just stumbled along just fine there too. :)
i'll definitely pm you for more info. as obvious now, i've not gotten to the reef trip planning yet! :yikes:

I just sent you some of what I stumbled onto and you just answered one of my question.. Russian.. Oh my:eek:.. Make me stressed just imagining it!

Yeah she does too - hey plan a photo walk in a city youve never been to - easy peasy !!- Yeah right!!!!!!!!!!!!

:lol::lol::lol: Oh I can't wait to hang out with you two.. :lol::lol::lol:

[Lauren]

btw, i don't think i'll actually get jet lag since i'm pretty much on your schedule now anyway, geesh!

Yeah right!!!!!!!!!- Actually I always find it worse coming home- I dont tend to suffer from jetlag too much when Im in the US after the trip over. - but coming home I feel it for a few days after - Im not sure whether thats because youve completely worn me out when Im over there or because of the direction of travel - guess you can be the guinea pig for that theory!!- -- anyway Im FAR older than you ( claim to be ) so its bound to affect me more and you in your youthful state wont be able to use it as an excuse !!!

[dagwood]

Hi all you Aussie and Kiwi gals…. So our passports came, all our flights are booked, hotels too. Paid for my crop spots. Have the whole trip planned out even bought maps and this sweet rolling laptop carry on that has 2 sides to it. One side for your lappie and the other for some over night essentials. My laptop weighs a ton and the just the thought of lugging it over my should in and out of airports, hotels and crops was making me hurt… Have the cell phone thing all figured out ( I think ) and bought the needed electrical adapters ( I hope) … Feeling much better about DH having to drive on the other side from the other side of the car, thanks to all the positive feed back on that subject…. I should be nothing but excited right??? Well mostly I am but I also keep getting these little niggles of panic and fear and “What the heck are you doing traveling half way around the world” and will I feel like the odd man out at the crops amongst all the Aussies and Kiwis being the only “Foreign Granny“… DH and I have never done this kind of thing… Maybe that’s all it is… First time jitter….. Oh I wince every time I think of what this is costing us…Even though we got some awesome rates on everything, which is the main reason we could even think about doing something like this…. Oh and the guilt of leaving our 12 year old behind for 3 weeks.. Acccckkkkk! Well I guess you all are getting the picture here… Some times coming here and reading through the post help get rid of my crappy little niggles but today they just keep niggling...I have a huge knot in my neck and am close to tears on and off and need you all to tell me I am going to have a blast and love Australia and Australians and New Zealand and New Zealanders and that I am just being a big old granny baby . Or you can just tell me to shut up already…..(Sigh)

welcome to the world of travellers.....guess what, your now acting like a human, not a cyberperson, I would be more worried about you if you didn't have these thoughts.....many a time as I walk down the long isle of a plane (I am always sitting down the back in the cheap seats) I have felt like yelling out "wait! I have made a mistake, I don't really want to go half way round the world" your just going to have a ball...believe me, once that plane takes off the knot in your tummy slowly goes (as you fill up on wine) and watch the same movie for the fourth time.
I leave elderly parents at home so know those little niggles of doubt very well, I just give them a big kiss before I go and tell them, thanks for a great life!!:yes::yes::yes::yes:

so looking forward to seeing you...doesn't feel real yet:wave::wave:

[Lauren]

welcome to the world of travellers.....guess what, your now acting like a human, not a cyberperson, I would be more worried about you if you didn't have these thoughts.....many a time as I walk down the long isle of a plane (I am always sitting down the back in the cheap seats) I have felt like yelling out "wait! I have made a mistake, I don't really want to go half way round the world" your just going to have a ball...believe me, once that plane takes off the knot in your tummy slowly goes (as you fill up on wine) and watch the same movie for the fourth time.
I leave elderly parents at home so know those little niggles of doubt very well, I just give them a big kiss before I go and tell them, thanks for a great life!!:yes::yes::yes::yes:

so looking forward to seeing you...doesn't feel real yet:wave::wave:

At least if you are flying Air NZ you wont have to watch the same movie 4 times - the entertainment system is great - over 500 hours of movies and tv shows to keep you occupied

[Margie]

we got our electronic visas! apparently australia is a tad more nervous than new zealand for us to enter their country. (i'd be afraid!) :D

[Lauren]

Yay - I was just going to remind you about those - and yeah I find it quite amusing that Australia who is one of the US's strongest allies requires a visa but we dont!!- - esp as you dont require a visa of either Australians or NZers if you are coming just for a short time!!

[yvspeck]

welcome to the world of travellers.....guess what, your now acting like a human, not a cyberperson, I would be more worried about you if you didn't have these thoughts.....many a time as I walk down the long isle of a plane (I am always sitting down the back in the cheap seats) I have felt like yelling out "wait! I have made a mistake, I don't really want to go half way round the world" your just going to have a ball...believe me, once that plane takes off the knot in your tummy slowly goes (as you fill up on wine) and watch the same movie for the fourth time.
I leave elderly parents at home so know those little niggles of doubt very well, I just give them a big kiss before I go and tell them, thanks for a great life!!:yes::yes::yes::yes:

so looking forward to seeing you...doesn't feel real yet:wave::wave:


Ahha thanks Daggie :hug::hug::hug:.. That's just the kind of stuff I need to hear... Isn't funny how everything feels better when you know what your feeling is absolutely normal ...

At least if you are flying Air NZ you wont have to watch the same movie 4 times - the entertainment system is great - over 500 hours of movies and tv shows to keep you occupied

:yippee: We are! Qantas tried to smooth talking us in but in the end NZ air won us over :).....

we got our electronic visas! apparently australia is a tad more nervous than new zealand for us to enter their country. (i'd be afraid!) :D

:eek::eek: Electronic Visa! Please tell me that is the same as a Passport! Ours just arrived... It says it has an electronic thingie in it..:eek::eek::eek: Breathing in,,, Slowly breath out.. Don't panic :eek::eek::eek:

Yay - I was just going to remind you about those - and yeah I find it quite amusing that Australia who is one of the US's strongest allies requires a visa but we dont!!- - esp as you dont require a visa of either Australians or NZers if you are coming just for a short time!!

:eek::eek::eek: Visa, visa, visa....Off to google...

[yvspeck]

Ok please tell me this is what I need to do...

http://www.eta.immi.gov.au/index.html


Crap.. I had no idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What else am I clueless about? I thought I was being so careful... Crossing all my T's dotting all my i's and here I am missing a major, key, most important piece... It's bloody 6:30 am and I feel like I need a drink :shocked:....

Help Mr Wizard!!!!!!!!!

[yvspeck]

Nz doesn't require a Visa? Does it require anything other than a Passport? That dang knots back in my neck again... $%^, *&^%, *&%$...

[yvspeck]

Happy Birthday Robyn :party: :party: :party:

[yvspeck]

I was just thinking how lucky I am to have this whole group of wonderful ladies to help this very international travel challenged (Clueless) Granny manage this trip :D...

Even If I have to wait another few hours for you all to wake up while I sit here in super duper panic mode :eek:

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:


Can you all tell I am a blah, blah, blah'er when I am stressed :D... Sorry! I like chocolate too when I am stressed but there is none in the house at the moment:cry: cause I am trying to be good and get all trim and slim for my OZ and Nz pals..Stupid, stupid, stupid... I am going to the store today and buying CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!! I can't do this without :cry::cry::cry:



Oh look Jill baby granny tears again.... Puddles! :cry::cry::cry::cry:



Ok... I feel better.... WAKE UP Australia!!!!!!

[yvspeck]

Be back in a few hours... With chocolate in hand :D

[Lauren]

Nz doesn't require a Visa? Does it require anything other than a Passport? That dang knots back in my neck again... $%^, *&^%, *&%$...

No you dont need a visa for NZ - just your passport....we make it easy on you!!
- but yes you do need the electronic visa for Australia.

[Lauren]

Ok... I feel better.... WAKE UP Australia!!!!!!

Yeah they sleep in over there!!- lolol well its 6am here in NZ so its only 4 am on the east coast of Australia - 3am in Queensland and even way earlier on the west coast so you will be waiting a while for them to wake up unless we have some night owls!!

[yvspeck]

Yeah they sleep in over there!!- lolol well its 6am here in NZ so its only 4 am on the east coast of Australia - 3am in Queensland and even way earlier on the west coast so you will be waiting a while for them to wake up unless we have some night owls!!


Oh I have it all backwards then.. I thought Australia and Queensland was ahead of New Zealand... More confusion... I am going to like a can of mixed nuts by the time this is all set...

Lauren did you see the link I posted a few back? Do you know if that is the right place to apply for a Visa... Duh.. I should probably be asking Margie this...Hello she already got hers done... See what panic does to your brain:D

[Lauren]

Yes that looks like the right place to me.

[yvspeck]

Just wanted to say thanks Lauren, Margie and Pam for Visa info....


Today I laugh in the face of stress :p... Chocolate back in the house:D!

[dagwood]

I was just thinking how lucky I am to have this whole group of wonderful ladies to help this very international travel challenged (Clueless) Granny manage this trip :D...

Even If I have to wait another few hours for you all to wake up while I sit here in super duper panic mode :eek:

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:


Can you all tell I am a blah, blah, blah'er when I am stressed :D... Sorry! I like chocolate too when I am stressed but there is none in the house at the moment:cry: cause I am trying to be good and get all trim and slim for my OZ and Nz pals..Stupid, stupid, stupid... I am going to the store today and buying CHOCOLATE!!!!!!!! I can't do this without :cry::cry::cry:



Oh look Jill baby granny tears again.... Puddles! :cry::cry::cry::cry:



Ok... I feel better.... WAKE UP Australia!!!!!!

stop yelling at me Kim..its a public holiday here today and I am trying to sleep in;);)

[dagwood]

Be back in a few hours... With chocolate in hand :D

I work for Nestle and hubby for Cadbury so I will bring the chocolate for the crop...keeping in mind that I only have 15kgs of luggage allowance....

now what would you like

kit kats
cherry ripes
boost bars
fruit and nut blocks
polly waffles
violet crumbles

name your poision:lol::lol::lol:

[Robyn Gough]

I work for Nestle and hubby for Cadbury so I will bring the chocolate for the crop...keeping in mind that I only have 15kgs of luggage allowance....

now what would you like

kit kats
cherry ripes
boost bars
fruit and nut blocks
polly waffles
violet crumbles

name your poision:lol::lol::lol:

OMG OMG OMG!!!! Polly WAFFLES! I haven't had them since I was a kid.. LOVE them and I also have a major weakness for Boost bars. Pretty much any chocolate will satisfy me tho! ;-) My current addiction is peanut M&Ms.... mmmm

[Leslie]

I'm speechless - make the most of it.

[Ineke]

I work for Nestle and hubby for Cadbury so I will bring the chocolate for the crop...keeping in mind that I only have 15kgs of luggage allowance....

now what would you like

kit kats
cherry ripes
boost bars
fruit and nut blocks
polly waffles
violet crumbles

name your poision:lol::lol::lol:

Hey Dags I thought all your chocolate was gone - or are you just telling me it is, so that I wont be tempted to put those 3 kilos back on that I lost??