Ok, we have finially secured a hotel and the contract was signed and accepted on Monday. :D

Double Tree Club, Lake Buena Vista
Orlando, Florida

here is a link to the hotel if you'd like to check it out

www.doubletreeclublbv.com

Also, this hotel is at the entrance of downtown disney which is loaded with restaurants, clubs, bars and a ton of sight seeing and shopping. There will be free time to enjoy this aswell :D.
There is no charge to enter downtown disney and it is walking distance from the hotel. (approximately 1 block) They also provide shuttle service if needed.
here is a link to downtown disney:

www.downtowndisney.com

The rates are as follows and are per room NOT per person. The rates are also for the entire conference NOT per night. The rate includes:
2 hotel nights
Breakfast on Sat.
Conference fee
Use of the conference room and hotel ammenities
Tax and gratuities

*Please note that should you desire to order room service, use the room phone, order movies or use internet access from the room you will be responsible for the charges.

March 19-21

Note* The 'Main' day of the conference will be Saturday, March 20th, 2004. (Speakers, etc)

Rate per room is $240

This means if there are 4 people in a room the cost is $60 per person for the entire weekend.
3 people = $80
2 people = 120
etc.
The max is 4 people per room.

Deposits are due by Januaury 15th, 2004.
The deposit is 1/2 of the total room fee or $120. If you are sharing a room please work out the payment details with each other and send only 1 deposit per room. In other words, if there are 4 of you sharing have 3 send money to the 4th person and that person mail the funds to the below address.
Please include a note with your deposit stating who you will be sharing a room with (who the deposit covers) and if you'd like a smoking or non-smoking room.
Finial payments are due by Feb. 10th, 2004
Rooms will be secured by deposits only.

ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE BY MONEY ORDER. NO PERSONAL CHECKS OR CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED AND WILL BE RETURNED TO THE SENDER.

Please mail deposits/payments to:

MARCH
c/o Michelle K
2105 Fluorshire Drive
Brandon, Florida 33511

Please make payments out to Michelle K. and place MARCH in the "for" space on the $ order.

Check in time on Friday is 3PM. We will have our first event on Fri about about 4 or 4:30.
Check out time on Sunday is noon, however we will have access to the conference room for the afternoon. If you would like to stay at the hotel for another day or if you are planning on comming early please PM me. We have also secured discounted rates for 3 days before and 3 days after the conference.

*shuttle service from the airport cost about $20 round trip. I will post the details in regard to this soon. It is much cheaper to use the shuttle bus rather than a taxi.

If you plan on attending the conference but will not be staying at the hotel the conference fee is $25 per person for the weekend. These payments are due no later than Januaury 15th, 2004. Please include a note with the payment stating you will be attending the conference but not using a room.

I am so excited to see you all! We have a lot of great stuff in store for you all including some great speakers.

See you all in MARCH :D

Gosh Bella, I thought you would never finish writing this post !!! :D I was waiting and waiting and thought you maybe fell asleep on your keyboard !! :D

Everything sounds good to me, Teb and I do want a suite with a view on the ocean !! And don't argue the ocean is too far or whatever, we all know you can do wonders and provide us with an ocean view !!! :p

I also noticed there's a french bakery !!!! "Au bon pain" !!!!! WOW !!! After my visit with Joey, I will go crying there while eating freshly baked croissants and chocolate rolls !!

Thank you for all the good work you did for the conference sweet Bella, you're just the best !! :)

Now I must go check where exactly is Buena Vista Lake on a map.

I will contact Teb, but I guess I will send you the total amount very soon, while your US dollar is sooooo cheap compare to the Euro.

Love ya
Phil

Phil, we had the hotel put in the french bakery just for you. They just completed the construction :D

I Promise you a veiw of the ocean. I am on my way to the poster store right now to see if I can find a nice picture of the ocean to tape to the window in your room ;)

Ok am i stupid or what??? what are the dates on the conference???
March 19-21?????

I can't wait! I got my vacation time approved yesterday!

FINALLY!! woo-hoo!!! The price is GREEEEEEEEEEEEEAT!
tHANKS
:DANCE:
:HEE:

Great job Bella!!! :D

Wow, I was wistfully wanting to go and thinking I could never afford it, but maybe I can! good going!!!

Great job there gal!!

Now, who is planning getting there before or stay after or both?

I'm thinking since it's so far, I might do a week, and it would be more fun if there are others.

Great job!

Deb

EXCELLENT! I love Double Tree hotels!!!!! :D :D :D

Yay Bella! :D

Do they have free high speed internet access? The site didn't say anything about it...

Deb

no they do not have it and actually none of the hotels had high speed for free. I think they will have it installed by Jan. For mow it's dial up and there is a charge for it. I can find out how much per room for our group if you like.

Installed by January? Is that Jan 2004? So it'll be up and running or are you talking 2005? Yeah, that'd be great if we knew how much it is if we have to pay for dial up. Gosh, they're slow though....

Deb

Bella ... who is/are the speaker(s) you have lined up?


no bar :(

Phil ... I will join you for the chocolate rolls :) and gently wipe your tears away ...

DSL should be in by 1/04. I will call my contact at the hotel and find out the deals about the dial up and high speed.

As for the speakers
MBJStuff will be there (if you aren't sure who he is, he's awesome and spoke last year. Do a search here and you'll find out a bunch of info about him)

Richard from telenet- to answer and explain everything about prison phone systems and calls

We are currently talking with Federal cure and Flroida cure as well as a few others. I will post when they confirm they will be attending, don't want to jump the gun just yet.

Bella, do you know if we are able to get discounted park rates, and also approx how long are we anticipating the conferences to be on those 3 days? :D

Everything sounds wonderful...

Hey B-Ray... I'm still trying to figure out wether or not I'll be able to attend this year's conference, (believe me, i'm gonna try really hard).
But if I do... I plan on staying about a week or so....
That would be great if several of us could hang out for longer than just the conference.

Jodygirl

The conference will be Frid until about 8 or 9 om. All day Saturday (majority of events will be held this day) and Sunday until the early afternoon.
As for park discounts. I am sure I can work something out with the hotel as they offer discounts to the parks. They also have free transfers to and from all the parks :) I will get a response and post back in regard to this.

I will be attending also but only for 2 days since i leave for calfornia. Im not sure who to send the money to. I wont be needing a hotel as i live 10 miles away.

IM CONFUSED. TO WHOM DO WE SEND PAYMENT TO IF WE DONT NEED A HOTEL? ALSO ITS A GREAT PRICE FOR THE WEEKEND.

All payments go to the same address listed in the prior post. Regardless if you are staying a thte hotel or not.

Just wanted to let you all know that I have spoken to a few other people in regard to speaking/presenting at the conference....looks like we'll have some very interesting lectures for sure :D/ Once they committ I will post all the details.

As for the ?'s asked, I will be speaking to the hotel rep. tomorrow or Wed. and will definately get answers to all your questions then.

Thanks Bella! We really do appreciate all of your hard work!

Bella,

You are SUPER--never believed that kind of rate could be found in Orlando! Sounds like a grand event you're planning and I'm SO in hopes I can come!

What is the bed situation in each room? Is it 2 doubles, 2 queens, 1 king, etc??


"Mom" (David's!) :)

HI mom!!!
The rooms have 2 double beds. I surly hope you'll be there!!!

Gosh David's Mom !!! You better be there !!! I'll be crossing half the planet to have the pleasure to meet the wonderful lady who gave birth to such an amazing son !!! :)

I DO hope I'll meet you there !! :)
Love
Phil

I am new and would like to consider coming. I'm just not sure how our personal situation will be yet. However, I would like to start a donation say $10 to a room for maybe those who might have a difficult time paying. The room would be available for 4 people I guess. What do you think Bella? Is this helpful? Is there a need?

Please PM me. I have no idea what our financial situation will be 5 months from now but I can spare $10 to help reserve a room.

Now there "Mom (David's!)", I shall be pleased to meet ya too! :D

Now lets say there's enough comes in to cover the cost of a room, (that's very possible).

The question that arise's is, how or better said, "who" desides which 4 gets the deal out of the possible 100's?

If it's a drawing and one doesn't come, then someone is left out that could.

Anybody got an idea that would make it work? It's a wonderful idea!

I have a ton of Sheraton points so I've made reservations across the street.......Just need to get a flight from Boston and one for my sister in NY.......wish us luck!!!

Hi, Phil & B-Ray & Bella!

Thanks for making me feel so good and really welcome at the PTO conference! You definitely make me want to try VERY hard to be in Florida come March. I have to admit, it seems kinda lame to be making excuses when Phil is coming from so far away!!! :)

You all are definitely part of the warmth of PTO and I applaud you for your dedication. Have a great weekend coming up!

"Mom"

I wish I would have knowin about this before It would have helped but it will help know. My brother has been in lima for 12 yrs it been hard we visit him often but it is hard to leave he went up for peroll and they denided it that was the hardest
thing for us.

HeHee (that was fun)

Phil's not the only one with a long flight since I'm in the upper 1/4 of California. On the clock (forget time change) it's 11 1/2 hrs :D

I can do it~~ i just have to clear one more hurdle but i am going.. i can not wait.. i am looking into flights now.. leaving from boston or manchester nh.. anyone.. else??

Thank you BELLA.. magnifico

:))) Donna

Bella, I am new to PTO so I need to know more about this conference. What organization is sponsoring it? What topics will be discussed? What expectations are for participants? Etc. I live in Florida so it would be wonderful to meet so many who I have been reading about the past few days.

I hope you don't mind me jumping in here. Bella is a busy gril with this conference thingie! :D

"What organization is sponsoring it?" This is a PTO members sponcored event, at least by those that show up and those that work behind the sceen by PTO staff members.

Leon'sSister, the last I heard, the speaker's list is still being compilled and will be posted when completed.

Welcome to PTO

Thanks B-ray much appreciated :D

Oh my I am only about an hour from there so I will be attending this too. I had no idea this was even going on. If I am really lucky Jake will be home by then and can come with me. I will have to get the money sent in before I run out of time though. I can't wait to meet everyone.

Linda and I just mailed our payment for the conference fee today!

We will see you all down there, cannot wait!

Patti

WOOOHOOO!!! Can't wait to meet you both!

Just a reminder all deposits are due one 1/15 in order to secure a room.

B-Ray and Bella,
Thanks for responding to my inquiry. I have been out of the state for a couple weeks and have just gotten back in to check on the conference. For those of us who are locals (Floridians), will we be able to pay our dues at the door? I do hope to be there. If I can be of any help, don't hesitate to let me know.

I'm hoping my brother's appeal will have been finalized by March and we will have some idea what his future holds.

Thanks for everything you have done to make life for those of us on the outside easier while our loved ones are imprisoned.

Unfortunately payment will not be able to be made at the door. We need to reserve a certain number of seating in the conference room. The charge for the seating is based on the number of people who will attend and muct be paid to the hotel in full and in advance. With out prior payment seats will not be avalible. Therefor all payments must be mail as posted in the above thread.

Thanks Bella,
I've taken down all the details so I can make my reservation.

Hi Bella, I will be mailing in my money order this week. Barb from California said she was attenting. I hope other moms from california can attend. If so, hopefully we can fly together. Mary

Glad to hear you both will be comming. I'm not sure how many mom's from Cali. will be there but either way it will be a wonderful time and an opportunity to meet MANY who share the feeling of this hard road.

so if you want to drop in for just the conference the day of the conference you can't pay then and attend? if i am reading this right,would someone please clarify for me. thank you

I think everything has to be paid up front so they will know how many they have comming so they can make sure they have enough seating

yeah i just read the whole thing, oh well.

What about if someone wouldn't know til not too long before the conferance if they could come or not because of appeals proceedings/decisons and/or work potential conflicts? Couldn't they just be required to pay a higher rate like most conferances do? If not, if they paid way ahead of time and then couldn't come what percentage would they get back or would they forfeit the total amount paid?

Deb

as stated before all paid rooms are non refundable. That is because we have to secure the rooms and pay for them upfront. If we returned the $ they PTO would have to apy for the room out of pocket and PTO does not have any $ to do this. So no, your $ could not be returned if you couldn't attend. Now if you find out that you can come after the final payment period then PM me and I'll see if I can work it out with the hotel. My contact person is very reasonable and may be able to do something. The main issue would be room avalibility not necessarily price.

Thanks Bella...

Deb

Bella ... have you secured any other speakers? Or have a schedule of events during the conference?

The actual schedule or itinerary will not be posted, it will probably not be finialized until the week of the conference due to schedule changes of speakers, last minute add on etc. The itinerary will be handed out at the conference on Friday night. As for the speakers I am currently in the works with a few, including one of our new members Scott Free, CURE as well as A man named Gorski who is known for clinical studies on the effects of incarceration.
As soon as I have definate confirmations from them as well as some others I have spoken to I'll let you all know.
Again, Saturday will be the "main" day of the conference where most if not all of the speakers will present.

Bella ... I called the hotel earlier to see about staying additional days and was told all the rooms for the conference were gone ... are you going to block more rooms ... unless I read wrong or you have changed the cut-off date we were supposed to have till Wed. to reserve, is that correct?

Your reservations for the hotel MUST go through me and not the hotel directly that is why they told you all of the rooms were booked because we have a contract with them and they will not book reservations for the PTO conference on an individual basis. The contract is directly with PTO and not with individuals. If you'd like to make your own reservations you are subject to thier prices and not the ones obtained through our contract and you are free to do that. We have no problem with room avalibility for the conference days or for the days before or after the conference if you need a room for longer than that let me know and I'll work it out with them. As stated in the prior post all deposits are to be sent to me c/o PTO and not the hotel.

I beg to differ with you Bella ... the woman I spoke to in reservations was very clear in the fact that all the blocked rooms were gone and stating that you would need to block more! My inquiry was for my additional days! As to the mailing of the deposit ... I mentioned nothing of mailing money to hotel, I was and am, well aware of the fact that the money was to go to you.

Thanks for the info.but, the reservation department is a computer center that has a generated list of the blocked room reserved for each group/organization that secures a contract with the hotel. When an individual calls for reservations they are transferred by the hotel front desk to a central reservation office. The call is not handled by on site hotel staff. So, therefore they are unaware of the nature of the contract and/or the avalibility of the rooms. They view a computer screen which shows all the rooms are gone because PTO has secured the rooms, hence, we are responsible for the payment whether or not the rooms are used. Again, there are PLENTY of rooms avalible and my contact person is willing to get PTO as many as are needed at a discounted rate.

Okay then ... what can you, through your contact, get a room for from the 17th to the 22nd or 23rd per night?

The rate for additional days if booked through PTO is $74 per room per night plus tax (11.5%). As per the hotel the lowest rate that an individual could get for those days is $119 plus tax which is about $140. That is if the rooms that are that rate are avalible. In general the average room cost $170 or so and they go as high as $250 per night.


As for the speakers, again I wish I had more info. and updates to give you all. Please keep in mind that most people who speak at these type conferences charge a fee. I have gotten quotes from $500 to $3000 for the presentations. In order to keeps your costs of attending down, since PTO is not a profit making place and we not only have no funds but are in quite a bit of debt, all of the speakers we have comming will be doing so out of the kindness of their heart. Not only are they attending and not charging for their services, they are also paying for rooms. So, with that said, I will assume that you guys understand why it is not that easy and takes a bit of negotiations when securing these speakers.

Updates to come

Thanks Michelle! I know that Jessie sent you a check to cover us four and we're staying though the 22nd and the rates are AWESOME!

Terrific work there!! We sure APPRECIATE all your time and work to get us the best rates possible! The first drink (of your choice is one me:)) that is...coffee, tea, coke, etc...! ;)

Thanks for the update Michelle sweety !!! :) You've done once again a GREAT job !!! No wonder why those speaker would come for free, you're so cute :)

Thanks Michelle! I know that Jessie sent you a check to cover us four and we're staying though the 22nd and the rates are AWESOME!

Michelle, I didn't know Jessie also paid for me, so you can send me back the money I wired you last tuesday !!!! Thank you and thank you Jessie !!!! :D

Phil :p

Bella, I really appreciate all the work that you and the others have put into this conference. Just wanted to make that known.

Thanks guy :)

Michelle, I didn't know Jessie also paid for me, so you can send me back the money I wired you last tuesday !!!! Thank you and thank you Jessie !!!! :D

Phil :pThat's right Phil... and all this time you thought you were rooming with Teb! :D

Michelle, you have done a GREAT job coordinating all of this... I know it's a lot of work and all your efforts are appreciated VERY MUCH!!! :)

Bella, were you ever able to find out anything about discount park rates?

OK guys, sorry it has taken me a bit but here are the updates.

There is no fee for parking at the hotel whether or not you're staying at the hotel. SO if your comming for the day I would just park and let someone inside know that your attending the conference and parked in the lot.

As for the discounted tickets. Disney just raised their rates but the hotel still has some "old rate" tickets.
There are no 1 day discounted tickets but you can get a 1/2 day ticket (2pm until close) for $42

Here is a quote from my contact in an e-mail. FYI park hopper means that you can hop between all of the parks if you like.

2 DAY PARK HOPPER PASS AT $108 and 3 DAY AT $156 PRICES ARE PER TICKET. MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCED LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU DECIDE.

If anyone is interested let me know cause as she said it has to be purchased in advance.

Wow !!! Disney is twice as expensive as in France !!! How can a family afford such prices ??? :(

I'm not interested, not enough time, and besides, I have a free entrance ticket to Florida State Prison Park !!! :p

Phil

I'm glad to hear that it's cheaper at Euro dosney as we have a date there Phil!
I agree it is very expensive and these are discounted rates and on top of that everything in the park is a fortune. Large soda is like 5 bucks.

Bella,

I live in CA but plan to be in Florida for the conference if I can still pay now. I do not need a hotel room as I will be staying with close friends in the Orlando area. Is it $25 or $50 and can I still pay now?

judy

OK guys, sorry it has taken me a bit but here are the updates.

There is no fee for parking at the hotel whether or not you're staying at the hotel. SO if your comming for the day I would just park and let someone inside know that your attending the conference and parked in the lot.

As for the discounted tickets. Disney just raised their rates but the hotel still has some "old rate" tickets.
There are no 1 day discounted tickets but you can get a 1/2 day ticket (2pm until close) for $42

Here is a quote from my contact in an e-mail. FYI park hopper means that you can hop between all of the parks if you like.

2 DAY PARK HOPPER PASS AT $108 and 3 DAY AT $156 PRICES ARE PER TICKET. MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCED LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU DECIDE.

If anyone is interested let me know cause as she said it has to be purchased in advance.

Absolutely you can still pay!!!! It is $25 per person so if it's just you please send the $25 as soon as possible. I will reserve a seat for you now since you let me know your comming. Just send the money order to the address in the first post.
Can't wait to meet ya there!!!!

To whom and to where do I send my money? Do you want money orders or is a check OK or are you set up for Visa?

All of the details of where to send it to are in the first post of this thread.
I'll post it again here though since this thread has gotten so long ;)

Send Money orders (no personal checks) to:

Michelle K.
c/o MARCH
2105 Fluorshire Drive
Brandon, Florida 33511

Thanks for the info and can't wait to meet everybody. I think we ought to wear something on our airplane flights in case there are people aboard who don't realize other PTO's may be onboard too so we could introduce ourselves. What do you think?

Sweethang,
Please include a note with your real name and screen name.
Can't wait to see you there :D

:dance: WOW! Time really flies, I can't believe it is almost conference time! WEll, I was hoping to be able to come but plane tickets are just TOO much $$$ so I hope to see you all next year! I know you all are gonna have a great time..I think we should all give bella a round of applause for all she has been doing!!!! :ha: clap!clap!clap!clap!

Jet Blue is charging $194 round trip to Orlando via Long Beach or San Diego.

My flight from Sacremento, CA to Orlando FL is $242.00 with American Airlines.

If you want to know the person I worked with, PM me.

I am trying to book my tickets but it looks like there are 2 airport in orlando? which one should I fly into? Barb
My flight from Sacremento, CA to Orlando FL is $242.00 with American Airlines.

If you want to know the person I worked with, PM me.

Barb... the major airport in Orlando is MCO

Jess :)

Thank you Jess I didn't want to land in a cow pasture LOL. Love Barb
Barb... the major airport in Orlando is MCO

Jess :)

Hey Barb,

MCO is what's happening and, trust me, it's a very happening airport!

Sweetthang, are you going and if you are when and where are you going from? Love Barb
[
QUOTE=sweetthang]Hey Barb,

MCO is what's happening and, trust me, it's a very happening airport![/QUOTE]

Thank you Jess I didn't want to land in a cow pasture LOL. Love Barb

Ah sucks Barb, just put on your boot and it don't make no mind if ya step in somethang. :D

I just booked my girlfriends flight and thats how I knew the prices. That was seven day advance notice also. I am going, staying with friends in Mims, a little hop, skip and jump from the big O. I am planning on leaving Thursday, the 18th on the 6:30 a.m. flight and returning the 23rd. I will go ahead and book mine and see what turns up later and let you know. I do FL at least once a year, usually twice. The only problem is that those people I'm going to stay with sometimes kidnap me and make me stay longer...LOL That usually happens after a couple pitchers of Alabama Slammers and when I sober up I'm on Alligator Alley on my way to the Keys... its just awful...

Barb, I also need a Pug Dog sitter if you know anyone in SJC who has tons of time to devote to a very handsome fellow named Leroy while I'm gone to FL He will amuse, daze and amaze them with his stupid dog tricks and stunning personality. I'm serious, I don't kennel my little man and my previous sitter went and got a real job and ruined everything.

sweetthang I haven't gotten your conference fee. Please PM me about this. Thanks

I work for Doubletree/Hilton reservations and just 'cause I was curious I looked up the conference on my computer at work...couldn't see much, just that it was in the system for a room block for those dates...but it made me wish I could go even more!! :( Hopefully next year it will be closer to (or IN--hint hint!;)) TX. I couldn't afford the airfare, but everyone have fun, and hopefully next year I can go! :)
Celene

Randy's
I was told that reservation agents could not see any details cause it was an organization/group booking that was contracted directly with in management who handles that at the location.
Wish you could come too!!!! :(

Bella, yeah, I couldn't see any details--the groups we CAN book, I can see more info...this one didn't say any details, just the name of it, PTO Annual Conference. Wish I could come, but maybe next year! ;)

Hi girls okay im usually on top of things but I just became a member of PTO and i would love to go to the conference but ive missed all deadlines can anyone help me please

Hi and welcome to PTO, why don't you send Bella a PM and ask her what you can do. Love Barb

not a problem you can still come just PM me if you are interested :D

Mears Bus Company offers a shuttle from the Orlando airport to the hotel. The charge is $29 round trip.

When you arrive at the airport and get you baggage at the 2nd level "Baggage Claim level" there will be a MEARS bus company booth. I assume it is outside. They run every 15 minutes or so and will give you a return ticket from the hotel back to the airport when you purchase a roundtrip ticket from them.
If you can't find them ask any airport employee or call them at 407-423-5566


A cab is about 50 dollars each way so if there are a few (4-5) of you going together you may want to consider taking a cab. If not it is cheaper this way.

You're so cute !! :) You're just a sweet mama hen for all of us !! You try your best to make things easy for all your chickens !!! :)

Is there an online catalogue so that we can choose the bus driver ??? :D :D

Phil who needs a cold shower... :p

Mears Bus Company offers a shuttle from the Orlando airport to the hotel. The charge is $29 round trip.

Thank you Bella! Good to know and I will probably take advantage of it since it now looks like I will be flying in most likely!! Perfect! Now I just hope I (A) don't forget the name of the company or (B) remember to print this and take it with me... :D

I have a question about what time will the conference start this coming Saturday? What about Friday? I am not sure I will make it on Friday but I will be there Saturday. Unless someone gives me an estimated time, I can be there brite and early to wake up the snoozing PTOers in there hotel rooms. lol :hee: :p ;)

JamesGirl, it would be wonderful to have you join us on Saturday. I'm not quite sure myself what time the 'events' and speakers will start, but I'm sure Bella will be along shortly to let you know. Also you can send her a pm, but I'm sure if you are there by 9 - 9:30, you'll be on time for everything!!

I'm GEEKED right out... just peel me off the ceiling and call me happy!!

The suitcases are in the truck, the cats are fed, the heats turned down and I'm just waiting on the mail man. I tried to lay down twice to take a nap - I've been up almost 24 hours now... but NOPE, Can't sleep :)

I'm going to pick up my kidlet at her dads, we are going to her house and I'm going to TRY to sleep then. She's only 20 minutes from the airport so that's the bestest plan... My plane leaves at 7 am and I want to be at the airport shortly after 5... more than likely I'll get there at 4 am!

I'll see ya'll in Orlando!!!

mrs

hehehehe.... this site is full of giggly happy people who are headed to FL.... 48 hours from now I'll be watching Phil pull off his 14 trunks from the baggage claim conveyor belt while relaxing with Pammie and SherryF!!! :D

Of course, I'm not even close to being packed, have way too much to do in the little time that's left, there's a snowstorm on the way, a line of people outside my office, but I don't care cuz at 6 a.m. Thursday my chariot, er... taxi..., will arrive to whisk me away to Logan Airport! WOOOO-HOOOOOOOOO!!!!

I JUST packed my stuff this morning..... I went down the basement to get my suitcase and found a pair of shorts and a top I've been looking for since last summer ;) I hurried and washed them and packed. I've switched suitcases 3 times... I have 2 packed plus my computer tote. They are all JAMMED :) I'll have my daughter go thru them and pack them a little better for me... I'm tooooo nervous :)

Sally

I haven't packed yet, BUT I eventually found my passport back in a jacket !! :D

My bed is covered with clothes, and my roomy, who came back early from work tonight, was being sarcastic saying things like: are you leaving for 5 or 50 days ??? :D

I managed to wash dry and iron THE jeans I wanna wear on the flight tomorrow, and which of course were dirty. I also managed to pay all my bills so that I won't have bad "surprises" when I come back home.

While ironing I was watching the weather on cable TV, and noticed that it's damn cold in NYC, and warm in Florida !! This makes my life more complicated !!! I really think I'll end up with those 14 trunks Jessie spoke about !! :D

I can't wait to meet all of you, wonderful PTO family !!! :)

Tomorrow evening I'll celebrate St Patrick in NYC with Ivory and Chrispro !!! Woohhoo !!! :D

Phil

it's raining right now and over cast....i hope the sun gods smile on us for the week end....:(
christine from florida

I'm excited for everyone that is going to the Conference...Have lots of FUN!

For those who were there last year you guys know what I'm talking about ;)
(I got crowned by David and yes I am literally wearing it as I type this). Tomorrow morning bright and early, or should I say later this morning as it is already 2 am...Shawna and I will get up, get ready, pack the car, run a couple of last minute errands and head to Orlando. We should be there around lunch time....We'll be at the pool for all those who can't find us, LOL

I want to apologize to everyone that I haven't been around much these last few weeks. With work, mid-terms and the conference I haven't had time to breath. Again I apologize and will be back in full force once this is all over.

I know this years conference will be a BLAST...for all those who couldn't make it you will be greatly missed!!!!

Ken,
we got another shopping date soon anyway right???


(((HUGS))) to everyone and I'll post next from the
2nd ANNUAL PTO CONFERENCE
:fb: :hee:

Yee-ha! I am running around like a crazed madwoman trying to get everything (and me) ready to be on the plane at 5 in the morning! I should be at the hotel around noonish-oneish. Not going to bed tonight - anyone up for napping by the pool this afternoon? :D

(Like I am going to get ANY sleep anytime today, yeahsureright!) :D

See you SOON Ma Belle & La Shawna...!!! :D

You all are gonna have a blast....and we will be waiting for pictures and to hear how things are going!

Send a pic across of our Bella with the Crown on!

Have fun...and use sunscreen! Can't have you all burnt up!

Diane

OK Bella it's 4:22 and I am on my way, see you soon :) Love Barb

OMG I am sooooooo jittery!!! I will not be coming down until tomorrow since I am driving, but I will be leaving bright and early!!!

ORLAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNDOOOOOOOOOO HERE I COME!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to be hanging out by the pool!! And meeting everyone!!

I think we should all meet by the pool in the afternoon on friday!

Oh please, have a drink for me by that pool :) I so badly wish I was there.

Well they should all be there by now and i just know they are having fun! Barb have a drink for me K?

Where are the pictures?? :) We need pictures!!! :fb: :fb:

I know...they are holding us in limbo here!

Come on.....after "social hour" last night.....there must have been a trip to the beach or something!

lol.. I'm shooting video right now. I will get some stuff uploaded here shortly. :)

WooooHoooo FINALLY Fed ya'll are slow this year....I know ya'll miss me ;)

I want to thank all that made this conference happen. I applaud you for your time and effort that you put into it. im not going to mention names because well for one i can remember sh*t..lol and 2 you know who you are.

The speakers were wonderful and informative.I know alot about Florida prisons but i learned more in the last 3 days then ive known in 7 yrs and for that i thank you.

I want to also appluad FriscoLady for her courage and determination and strength.And her better half what a woman!!!!. I enjoyed our talks and will always remember the kindness you showed.

Missing Joe have you found a Florida Restarant to light up yet...lol...just a little joke there.

I hope you can make it to the next conference in California. I know i plan on being there and would love to bring my son who will be out by then.Hes spent 2 yrs in county and 7 yrs in state . He would make a great speaker on medical issues!

In closing Thank You again for making this possible you know who you are