Greetings once aga-was that a yellow butterfly??
Oooh, I think it was!!
Spring is starting to get into full swing here. The weather's getting nicer, although it's still kind of chilly, and everywhere the grass is starting to turn green and thick. On Sunday, just a few days ago, the temperature was actually in the low 80s! That was pretty crazy. Sitting in the car with my Dad, I discovered I wanted the air conditioner on. Haven't had to do that in a while, lol.
As promised, I'm back to write about the little bits of Disney experiences in my life. Looking back over the past couple of entries, it's kind of sad to see that, after coming back home, my writing just kind of fell off. I didn't even really write about the day that I got home! I've been pondering the notion of going back to the beginning, and filling in any holes or any missing information that I can (and remember accurately, so you know that won't be tons lol). I mean, that was my Disney experience, right? It only seems proper to write it down.
But enough of this chit-chat, yip-yap, and flim-flam, let's get on with the stories!
The first thing I want to write about happened exactly six months ago to the day. No, I don't have some super amazing memory. Yes, I have a planner with a note written in it, lol. Regretfully, because I don't have that super amazing memory, I'm not 1,000% sure on the details, but here's what I got:
Six months ago, it was October, and I was outside in my car on my lunch break. I had been working as a temp at my office for about a month-and-a-half at this time, and I was getting worried because initially, I had been told that it was only a 2-3 month job. That meant that either at the end of October or the end of November, I was going to have to look for another job. This made me a little worried, because I had done no research into any other jobs, or a career like I really wanted. If I recall correctly, I happened to notice there was a voicemail on my phone. I listened to it, and from the few lines of notes I had written down, this is what I think happened -
I got a call from Anitra from the Casting Center telling me that my seasonal transfer had been approved. I was going to be transfered to Fantasyland(!) merchandise. I would need to be at Disney starting November 7th, and would have to stay for the full period of the season, until January 22nd. And if I can remember right, I don't think they absolutely needed me to have full availability, but I pretty much had to be available days, nights, weekends, and holidays.
The first part of that phone call THRILLED me. Oh boy did it ever. Transfered to Fantasyland? No more Mouse Gear? I could just picture myself, standing in the Dwarves' Mine (or whatever it's called), gazing with all the people as the LOUD fireworks from the castle shot off overhead. Imagine! Working in the Magic Kingdom and finally knocking off working in all four parks! And I'd be right across from the Fantasyland expansion construction! I could watch them work, and if they weren't doing anything I could see over the walls, well I could always look backstage too as I took the bus back to Westclock.
But then, the other part hit me. November 7th through January 22nd? What did they mean by that? My current seasonal situation said I come down when I can, work when I can, and there ya go - still with the company! Did this mean I'd have to go down to Florida all that time?
Luckily, Anitra had left her number, and so, with lunch minutes ticking away, I called her back to find out what was going on. It turns out, according to her, the seasonal requirements for each location are different. So while Mouse Gear has their set of requirements, a merchandise role in Fantasyland would in fact require me to be free for over two whole months. I was trying to picture this in my mind - having to move back down to Florida, needing to find SOMEWHERE I could stay for just two months (and that I could afford too). Working in Fantasyland during the holiday season (especially Christmas and New Year). Suddenly, this job opportunity wasn't seeming so much like the solution to the end of my temp job. In fact, November 7th, depending on when my temp job was over, I might actually have to leave that job earlier than expected so I could make it to Florida.
It was all so thrilling and hopeful, and crazy too. But one thing seemed pretty clear: much as I loved Disney, I didn't think it was right to be forced into a two month TEMPORARY work situation with them. But did I have a choice in the matter? I asked Anitra, and she said that I could decline the transfer, no problem. However, in doing so, I would be using up my one transfer opportunity for the next six months. I'd have to wait that long before I could try to transfer again.
And so, I declined. She pretty much said "Ok" and ended the call. And I had to rush to get back inside to work.
It was depressing, just a little bit. I mean, not that there were tons of hourly roles I wanted in the first place, but it had been so cool to think that I might be working in the Magic Kingdom, and that I might be switching locations. But to be forced down there for two months? That wouldn't have worked for me, not at that time.
I was also confused, and honestly, I still am today. When I went to Casting, near the end of my program, I had applied for jobs at Disney, but I had applied for FULL-TIME jobs, not seasonal. I was looking to get into attractions or merchandise or that haha-no floral job. Sure, I had to drop attractions in favor of floral, since I could only apply for two jobs at one time, but they were all permanent, they were all full time. So why the heck did Anitra say my transfer was approved for a seasonal job? I still don't know.
But after everything was done, I flipped ahead six months in my planner and wrote a reminder that I was now able to apply to transfer again. I really have to think about it, as now I know there are the surprise different requirements for each location, and probably role, but I'm happy to have the option again, I really am.
Oh, and in looking at my planner from back in October, just a week later it was October 20th and I was marking my two-year anniversary since I took my first vacation to Walt Disney World. And apparently, this was also the first day I was getting trained to do mail. What a day that was! But wow, two years? It's amazing what's happened, and what I've done Disney-wise since then.
That's my first Disney story. I've still got a few more updates in store, but I've got plenty of other things that require my attention. I'll try to get back here again within the next week or two to do another round of updates. But in the meantime, join me in celebrating being able to finally Disney-job hunt again.
Hourly and full-time jobs, weee!!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
It's---ALIVE!!
Hi!
No, really, hi! Hi there! How are you? Remember me?
I'm pretty sure I'm getting the "...and you are?" stare.
Yep, well, hello anyway. It's Katie80, and I've recently remembered that I have blogging to do.
I know, I know, it's been, what, ages since I've written? Since last August? Yeah...
Well, let's keep this simple then.
Hello. I'm very sorry I haven't written in the longest time. After leaving Disney, I came home, sat around for a couple of months trying to figure things out in my life. I worked for free on a movie, and later, for free on a music video. A temp company I joined a few years ago called me out of the blue and offered me a data entry job. I took it, and have since been hired on as a permanent employee.
But who cares about that? That's boring right? Except for the movie/music video part. This blog's about me going to Disney, and Disney in my life in general. So how about some of that?
Since I last wrote, I did end up going back to WDW to work for a couple of days as a seasonal Cast Member. And that trip, well that had some special surprises to it.
But wouldn't you know it, it took me a while to get back to this blog (needed log-in information, can you believe it? How sad), and unfortunately, I've got to head to work now. But, hopefully, within the next week or so, I'll be able to rustle up a little free time for blogging, and share with you the tale of my return to WDW.
But, I am here, I am still attempting to figure out things in my life, and I still love Disney :P
Oh, and in case you were wondering, I've been thinking about getting back to this blog for the past couple of days, but I finally managed to be convinced to do so when iTunes played "Down" by Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne, and I remembered that a guy from Sunset had sung this. I realized that, sadly, though I talked to the guy a lot, I can't quite remember his name right now x.x It's just a few feet from the tip of my tongue, but it's just not coming to me right now.
Oscar?
No...
Anyway, I figured I could come onto the blog and try to look it up. But then I realized I had to go to work, and more importantly, that I really, REALLY need to update this with Disney awesomeness.
But that comes later. Work now.
See ya in a week (or two, knowing me, lol)
No, really, hi! Hi there! How are you? Remember me?
I'm pretty sure I'm getting the "...and you are?" stare.
Yep, well, hello anyway. It's Katie80, and I've recently remembered that I have blogging to do.
I know, I know, it's been, what, ages since I've written? Since last August? Yeah...
Well, let's keep this simple then.
Hello. I'm very sorry I haven't written in the longest time. After leaving Disney, I came home, sat around for a couple of months trying to figure things out in my life. I worked for free on a movie, and later, for free on a music video. A temp company I joined a few years ago called me out of the blue and offered me a data entry job. I took it, and have since been hired on as a permanent employee.
But who cares about that? That's boring right? Except for the movie/music video part. This blog's about me going to Disney, and Disney in my life in general. So how about some of that?
Since I last wrote, I did end up going back to WDW to work for a couple of days as a seasonal Cast Member. And that trip, well that had some special surprises to it.
But wouldn't you know it, it took me a while to get back to this blog (needed log-in information, can you believe it? How sad), and unfortunately, I've got to head to work now. But, hopefully, within the next week or so, I'll be able to rustle up a little free time for blogging, and share with you the tale of my return to WDW.
But, I am here, I am still attempting to figure out things in my life, and I still love Disney :P
Oh, and in case you were wondering, I've been thinking about getting back to this blog for the past couple of days, but I finally managed to be convinced to do so when iTunes played "Down" by Jay Sean ft. Lil Wayne, and I remembered that a guy from Sunset had sung this. I realized that, sadly, though I talked to the guy a lot, I can't quite remember his name right now x.x It's just a few feet from the tip of my tongue, but it's just not coming to me right now.
Oscar?
No...
Anyway, I figured I could come onto the blog and try to look it up. But then I realized I had to go to work, and more importantly, that I really, REALLY need to update this with Disney awesomeness.
But that comes later. Work now.
See ya in a week (or two, knowing me, lol)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Arrival + One Year
Can you believe it? Can you actually believe it?
I certainly can't, and I'm the one living it.
So I know it's been a little while since I've written on here. To be honest, there hasn't been too much going on on the Disney front. Well, let me rephrase that. There has been stuff going on on the Disney front, like the Fantasyland expansion continuing, Harry Potter looking amazing, and Disney raising their one day, one park price to $82 (crazy).
But on a personal note, nothing much has been happening. Oh sure, I'm seeing Disney practically everywhere I go. I find antenna toppers or see Disney characters on clothing or on toys. For Christmas in July, my Dad got my Mom, sister, and I Disney window hangers. I've gotta find some time to paint Ariel. We also watched the December tape, and that was fun, and sort of sad, especially since I know I was feeling SO depressed the day my family had to go back home.
But have I heard from Disney regarding any job opportunities? No.
Have I looked into getting a job at Disney, either at the parks or somewhere on the west coast (or Canada, if I applyed for a position at Club Penguin)? No.
Besides watching the Disney Channel, surfing Disney stuff online, talking to Mail Order about my broken ornament (Lynn from the Christmas Shoppe in the Magic Kingdom called me today, asking me to leave a voicemail description of the ornament that broke and that they no longer carry - I appreciate them trying), and thinking about trying to get back to Disney for a vacation...there really hasn't been too much Disney stuff going on in my life.
Which is why today, and yesterday, and the day before that, and tomorrow, and two days from today, are super important.
Why?
Well today, exactly one year ago, I arrived in Orlando, Florida, with my family and two cars full of my crap. One year ago. Crazy, isn't it?
Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my family and I leaving to go to Florida. I'm still amazed at how quickly we made it down there, especially considering we didn't leave until after 11:00am, and still had to go to Meera's house to pick up my shoes. Randomly, I thought it was funny that I looked at my clock when I was leaving yesterday, and it said it was a little after 11:00am (maybe 11:30am?) and one year ago I had turned back and gone to the right of my house towards Gary to start on my way, while this time, I was going left of my house towards County Farm, all around the same time. Then later I realized my clock was still set on Eastern time, and that I was a little off, time-wise.
The day before that, the 9th, was Anjali and Orion's first anniversary. I still want to give them their ornament, but since Jill's not back in town, and Meera's is still MIA, well...it'll get there.
But this blog, however short it may be, is just about that day that I finally arrived at WDW. The day I first met Alex Scurlock and went to Planet Hollywood to eat with a bunch of other CPs.
I totally mentioned this on Alex's facebook btw.
I don't know, it's weird. I mean, the memory of that day is still pretty fresh in my mind, at least the Downtown Disney and Planet Hollywood portions of it. I remember, thinking about it now, about the drive down there and, I think, passing Dad when he turned off I-4 at one point. Was that also when we ate at that awesome Chick-Fil-A in Gainesville? Has to be.
I guess the thing that really strikes me right now is how, in thinking about those places, how new things seemed to be. And yet, months later, I'd be wandering around the hotels across the lake from Downtown Disney. Or I'd be driving up and down I-4, picking people up, getting my phone fixed, or just seeing what's around. Or that I'd be working at that really, really, really big World of Disney store for a week. Or having a delicious Ghiradelli sundae, or getting free chocolate, or eating at Earl of Sandwich. Or going to Earl of Sandwich AND Disney Quest for the first time with a guy that I'd meet on my first program.
I mean, thinking about that, it's so...weird. Like, I remember how new things seemed. How I was happy to be at World of Disney and seeing Disney stuff around me. And now I think about all the stuff I did there, how I went to Downtown Disney and worked there and drove those roads and parked by there, and got coffee creamer and a candy bar from the Hess across the street, that I KNEW those roads, both around Downtown Disney and Crossroads and multiple ways to get to Magic Kingdom, both on-property and not.
It's just weird. Like, and yeah, I know I'm saying like a lot, but like, if I was able to tell myself that day that this would all seem familiar, that I would know and do so much stuff in just this area (and that doesn't even compare to what I'd be doing on the rest of the property!), well, I kind of have to wonder what I would've thought of it. Because as I recall, my concerns that night were meeting Alex, seeing what she was like, trying to adjust to the other CPs, trying to figure out what I'd want to eat at Planet Hollywood, trying to figure out what time I could leave and how I could leave to go meet my family.
Maybe it would've been a little much to know I was going to explore that area a bit. That I was going to work at World of Disney. That I was going to be staying longer than the 4 1/2 months I though I was facing at the time.
It probably also would have been a little much to meet a slightly older version of myself. The after-the-college-program version of myself.
But it is funny, in a non-haha-but-still-haha sort of way, that back then, things were new and I was adjusting and facing all of these new feelings and locations and little challenges (what to order that isn't friggen expensive?? How loud does it really have to be in here?? Did that guy say he's Goofy? How do I get to know him??). And to think that I'd be doing all sorts of stuff in and around that area within the next nine months. And that, one year later, I'd be sitting at my Mom's computer, having lost weight and gotten almost all of it back, having tried a DQ blue-raspberry-dipped ice cream cone, having my Uncle Kenny in the hospital for a bleeding ulcer, and enjoying a day off from working on the first 3D live action film shot in Illinois.
Yeah, all that knowledge might've been a little much for that night.
But to be honest, thinking about this stuff makes me feel sort of sad too. Sad because I know that, back then, my family was going to be heading back home, and I wouldn't be going with them. Not for a little while.
But it makes me sad also because I'm thinking about Disney, thinking about what I did there, thinking about being on the college program. I keep telling my family that I don't want to go back, at least, not to work, at least, not to work there full time and permanently. And I know that going back, if I get the chance to over the next couple of months, it won't be the same as it was. For one thing, I'll have to rent a car. It's like I've already reached the point where all the stress and craziness and shit of being a Disney CP has become a little glossed over in my mind. Like, I know about the "fun" I had, trying to go seasonal for example, but now the whole experience is reflected in my mind as something I enjoyed...something I miss.
But, well, we'll see.
Meanwhile, some things never change, and Mom wants to get on the computer, so off I go.
I will say this, though. It's good to have these memories. It's good to think about these things. And I'm glad I'm celebrating this anniversary, and the anniversary of the other days as well.
And, on a fun side note, I downloaded a couple songs from iTunes yesterday. I got the "Hey Hey Mickey" song, the Mickey Mouse Club March piano song, and the remix of Topsy Turvy. In short, I've got a little bit of Mouse Gear on my computer now.
Awesome.
My Mom got to hear the "Hey Hey Mickey" song today. She's not a big fan :P
And she's telling me that some woman is suing Disney because she feels Donald groped her.
Yep, there's not a lot of Disney in my life, but I'm glad when there is.
Though I still think I don't want to go back there and work full time :P
Happy Arrival (day before CP arrival) Anniversary ^-^
P.S. - when tagging this entry, I realized, I never did get to a movie at Downtown Disney. Well, that's got to be taken care of!
I certainly can't, and I'm the one living it.
So I know it's been a little while since I've written on here. To be honest, there hasn't been too much going on on the Disney front. Well, let me rephrase that. There has been stuff going on on the Disney front, like the Fantasyland expansion continuing, Harry Potter looking amazing, and Disney raising their one day, one park price to $82 (crazy).
But on a personal note, nothing much has been happening. Oh sure, I'm seeing Disney practically everywhere I go. I find antenna toppers or see Disney characters on clothing or on toys. For Christmas in July, my Dad got my Mom, sister, and I Disney window hangers. I've gotta find some time to paint Ariel. We also watched the December tape, and that was fun, and sort of sad, especially since I know I was feeling SO depressed the day my family had to go back home.
But have I heard from Disney regarding any job opportunities? No.
Have I looked into getting a job at Disney, either at the parks or somewhere on the west coast (or Canada, if I applyed for a position at Club Penguin)? No.
Besides watching the Disney Channel, surfing Disney stuff online, talking to Mail Order about my broken ornament (Lynn from the Christmas Shoppe in the Magic Kingdom called me today, asking me to leave a voicemail description of the ornament that broke and that they no longer carry - I appreciate them trying), and thinking about trying to get back to Disney for a vacation...there really hasn't been too much Disney stuff going on in my life.
Which is why today, and yesterday, and the day before that, and tomorrow, and two days from today, are super important.
Why?
Well today, exactly one year ago, I arrived in Orlando, Florida, with my family and two cars full of my crap. One year ago. Crazy, isn't it?
Yesterday was the one year anniversary of my family and I leaving to go to Florida. I'm still amazed at how quickly we made it down there, especially considering we didn't leave until after 11:00am, and still had to go to Meera's house to pick up my shoes. Randomly, I thought it was funny that I looked at my clock when I was leaving yesterday, and it said it was a little after 11:00am (maybe 11:30am?) and one year ago I had turned back and gone to the right of my house towards Gary to start on my way, while this time, I was going left of my house towards County Farm, all around the same time. Then later I realized my clock was still set on Eastern time, and that I was a little off, time-wise.
The day before that, the 9th, was Anjali and Orion's first anniversary. I still want to give them their ornament, but since Jill's not back in town, and Meera's is still MIA, well...it'll get there.
But this blog, however short it may be, is just about that day that I finally arrived at WDW. The day I first met Alex Scurlock and went to Planet Hollywood to eat with a bunch of other CPs.
I totally mentioned this on Alex's facebook btw.
I don't know, it's weird. I mean, the memory of that day is still pretty fresh in my mind, at least the Downtown Disney and Planet Hollywood portions of it. I remember, thinking about it now, about the drive down there and, I think, passing Dad when he turned off I-4 at one point. Was that also when we ate at that awesome Chick-Fil-A in Gainesville? Has to be.
I guess the thing that really strikes me right now is how, in thinking about those places, how new things seemed to be. And yet, months later, I'd be wandering around the hotels across the lake from Downtown Disney. Or I'd be driving up and down I-4, picking people up, getting my phone fixed, or just seeing what's around. Or that I'd be working at that really, really, really big World of Disney store for a week. Or having a delicious Ghiradelli sundae, or getting free chocolate, or eating at Earl of Sandwich. Or going to Earl of Sandwich AND Disney Quest for the first time with a guy that I'd meet on my first program.
I mean, thinking about that, it's so...weird. Like, I remember how new things seemed. How I was happy to be at World of Disney and seeing Disney stuff around me. And now I think about all the stuff I did there, how I went to Downtown Disney and worked there and drove those roads and parked by there, and got coffee creamer and a candy bar from the Hess across the street, that I KNEW those roads, both around Downtown Disney and Crossroads and multiple ways to get to Magic Kingdom, both on-property and not.
It's just weird. Like, and yeah, I know I'm saying like a lot, but like, if I was able to tell myself that day that this would all seem familiar, that I would know and do so much stuff in just this area (and that doesn't even compare to what I'd be doing on the rest of the property!), well, I kind of have to wonder what I would've thought of it. Because as I recall, my concerns that night were meeting Alex, seeing what she was like, trying to adjust to the other CPs, trying to figure out what I'd want to eat at Planet Hollywood, trying to figure out what time I could leave and how I could leave to go meet my family.
Maybe it would've been a little much to know I was going to explore that area a bit. That I was going to work at World of Disney. That I was going to be staying longer than the 4 1/2 months I though I was facing at the time.
It probably also would have been a little much to meet a slightly older version of myself. The after-the-college-program version of myself.
But it is funny, in a non-haha-but-still-haha sort of way, that back then, things were new and I was adjusting and facing all of these new feelings and locations and little challenges (what to order that isn't friggen expensive?? How loud does it really have to be in here?? Did that guy say he's Goofy? How do I get to know him??). And to think that I'd be doing all sorts of stuff in and around that area within the next nine months. And that, one year later, I'd be sitting at my Mom's computer, having lost weight and gotten almost all of it back, having tried a DQ blue-raspberry-dipped ice cream cone, having my Uncle Kenny in the hospital for a bleeding ulcer, and enjoying a day off from working on the first 3D live action film shot in Illinois.
Yeah, all that knowledge might've been a little much for that night.
But to be honest, thinking about this stuff makes me feel sort of sad too. Sad because I know that, back then, my family was going to be heading back home, and I wouldn't be going with them. Not for a little while.
But it makes me sad also because I'm thinking about Disney, thinking about what I did there, thinking about being on the college program. I keep telling my family that I don't want to go back, at least, not to work, at least, not to work there full time and permanently. And I know that going back, if I get the chance to over the next couple of months, it won't be the same as it was. For one thing, I'll have to rent a car. It's like I've already reached the point where all the stress and craziness and shit of being a Disney CP has become a little glossed over in my mind. Like, I know about the "fun" I had, trying to go seasonal for example, but now the whole experience is reflected in my mind as something I enjoyed...something I miss.
But, well, we'll see.
Meanwhile, some things never change, and Mom wants to get on the computer, so off I go.
I will say this, though. It's good to have these memories. It's good to think about these things. And I'm glad I'm celebrating this anniversary, and the anniversary of the other days as well.
And, on a fun side note, I downloaded a couple songs from iTunes yesterday. I got the "Hey Hey Mickey" song, the Mickey Mouse Club March piano song, and the remix of Topsy Turvy. In short, I've got a little bit of Mouse Gear on my computer now.
Awesome.
My Mom got to hear the "Hey Hey Mickey" song today. She's not a big fan :P
And she's telling me that some woman is suing Disney because she feels Donald groped her.
Yep, there's not a lot of Disney in my life, but I'm glad when there is.
Though I still think I don't want to go back there and work full time :P
Happy Arrival (day before CP arrival) Anniversary ^-^
P.S. - when tagging this entry, I realized, I never did get to a movie at Downtown Disney. Well, that's got to be taken care of!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
I can't believe I'm quoting this but...
"Do or do not. There is no try."
---Yoda
Lol, it's been another couple of days since I've posted on here, hasn't it?
I know, I know, I need to update. I'm getting there. I'm actually planning to write a little more when I'm not online, and then just posting it here when I can get on. It's hard getting used to no wireless, having to take turns to get online on one computer. But, honestly, I'm probably also going to update offline because I'm lazy. It's easier to be lazy and still update offline rather than sitting online and wasting time not updating. Wait, that doesn't make sense.
Anyway, let's update. Today's been, what, the third day I've been back at home? The first day I was back, I ended up going up to my room and falling asleep, but the two nights since then, I've fallen asleep on the couch downstairs. Much like I did when I was visiting here back in October. Being home hasn't necessarily been a huge adjustment, but the best way to describe it, for me anyway, is to say it's like having just gotten out of the military. And not that I know what it's like to actually be in the military, nor do I mean any offense to those who are. But that's how it feels to me. I came from this "do it yourself" world where I had to take care of myself and do my Disney duty, acting a certain way, looking a certain way, and now it's like all of that has disappeared. There's food being bought for me. Meals being made for me. Dishes being washed for me, or, well, for the family, but not being washed by me. I don't have to get up early. I can go to bed whenever, go to sleep wherever (for that matter), and basically do whatever I please.
And it's wonderful. I mean, I enjoy not having the stress of getting places, of going crazy trying to cram all sorts of stuff into one day. I enjoy being able to slow down and enjoy myself. But, honestly, it worries me too. I won't say that the Disney College Program was the most amazingly amazing thing in the whole world. I mean, maybe in the future I'll look at it and recognize it for how cool it really is. But I will say that it did teach me more than a little bit about being on my own and fending for myself. I came back a stronger, better person, honestly (and not to sound like a plug for the Program, cause that's really not what this is supposed to be), and I really don't want to lose that.
It's not that I WANT to shop for my own groceries, or do my own laundry, or take care of my own dishes. But I feel that I need to do something of this sort to keep me, well, strong. Coming back here, I found myself struck at how much things hadn't changed. And inside, I worried that I, too, hadn't changed. That in needing a job, I would (and may) settle for another retail job. I'd rely on my parents to get the food and make it and to take care of my domestic needs. That I'd end up lying around in front of the tv growing fat and lazy and, essentially, destroying all that I had become.
Not to say that I didn't appreciate someone else cooking and laying around in front of the tv at Disney :P
But it's just that, for once, I actually took a step towards a better me. I want to keep stepping in that direction. Disney made it "easy" in a sense, because I HAD to do it, I had to rely on myself. But now, well, home is like a test. Can I still keep up the discipline, can I still hold on to the lessons I've learned, without falling back into who I was? Again, it's not that I don't appreciate the food and the clothing and being back with my family. I'm happy to be home. But, for once, my family seemed really proud of me. And, in a way, I was really proud of myself. I don't want to lose that. I want my friends to see how strong(er) I've become. I want them to be proud too. And I just don't want to go back to lazy, retail hell.
This isn't my wanting to be the "independant" twenty-something girl either, although I'm sure it sounds like it. This is just me wanting to still be the good person I've become, to not lose the knowledge and power that I've gained.
I guess this is also me facing a tougher challenge, since, like I said, Disney made it easy since surviving on my own was something I had to do. Here, it's all on me. It's an actual test of my inner strength and will power.
Oh boy.
I ended up going on a walk with my parents today. It was enjoyable. The weather's really nice, and since we're not in Florida, it's not humid, hooray! I couldn't help but think, as I walked, about how I used to walk all around the parks. That my exercise came from rushing to the next big ride, exploring the next resort, or more commonly, running around at work. I found myself missing the exploration of the resorts, and thinking about how Disney keeps people moving by having so many interesting things to explore in the parks, you can't help but just keep continuing forward.
But it was nice being out with my parents. We stopped at a park and I got to hear large bunches of trees rustling in the breeze. I got to hear dogs barking and see some of them playing with each other. It's all so familiar, and yet how weird to think I was without it all for a little over nine months.
Now, of course, I'm onto the projects. This is in my typical fashion. I get inspired to do something, in this case cleaning, and I attempt to tackle it and make it happen. Normally, however, I peter out. This is where I've got to try harder, where I've got to make it happen. Not that I didn't do the same exact thing at Disney, cause I did. I tried to clean and I ended up putting things in boxes and then just stopping. But since I was a little more organized and disciplined at Disney, my stopping mattered, it just wouldn't matter as much as it does here, where I've got to stick to it all on my own.
I'm still unpacking, by the way. I, with some early-morning help from my Mom, managed to tackle most of my laundry. I've still got the fancier clothes in a suitcase, but those'll have to wait until I can reach my closet. I've heard that before. Now I've got to make it happen. But yeah, I'm still trying to find places for things and, today, separating out what items will be packed in my "apartment boxes" - those boxes containing essential-for-living-on-your-own items like my garbage can, or silverware, or towels.
However, I've also been toying with the idea of watching a movie tonight :P
In short, it's great to be home. But now, I've got to keep up with the lessons that I've learned, and help myself take that next big step: a career.
Yeah, that's the big one. And that's what I've got to do.
---Yoda
Lol, it's been another couple of days since I've posted on here, hasn't it?
I know, I know, I need to update. I'm getting there. I'm actually planning to write a little more when I'm not online, and then just posting it here when I can get on. It's hard getting used to no wireless, having to take turns to get online on one computer. But, honestly, I'm probably also going to update offline because I'm lazy. It's easier to be lazy and still update offline rather than sitting online and wasting time not updating. Wait, that doesn't make sense.
Anyway, let's update. Today's been, what, the third day I've been back at home? The first day I was back, I ended up going up to my room and falling asleep, but the two nights since then, I've fallen asleep on the couch downstairs. Much like I did when I was visiting here back in October. Being home hasn't necessarily been a huge adjustment, but the best way to describe it, for me anyway, is to say it's like having just gotten out of the military. And not that I know what it's like to actually be in the military, nor do I mean any offense to those who are. But that's how it feels to me. I came from this "do it yourself" world where I had to take care of myself and do my Disney duty, acting a certain way, looking a certain way, and now it's like all of that has disappeared. There's food being bought for me. Meals being made for me. Dishes being washed for me, or, well, for the family, but not being washed by me. I don't have to get up early. I can go to bed whenever, go to sleep wherever (for that matter), and basically do whatever I please.
And it's wonderful. I mean, I enjoy not having the stress of getting places, of going crazy trying to cram all sorts of stuff into one day. I enjoy being able to slow down and enjoy myself. But, honestly, it worries me too. I won't say that the Disney College Program was the most amazingly amazing thing in the whole world. I mean, maybe in the future I'll look at it and recognize it for how cool it really is. But I will say that it did teach me more than a little bit about being on my own and fending for myself. I came back a stronger, better person, honestly (and not to sound like a plug for the Program, cause that's really not what this is supposed to be), and I really don't want to lose that.
It's not that I WANT to shop for my own groceries, or do my own laundry, or take care of my own dishes. But I feel that I need to do something of this sort to keep me, well, strong. Coming back here, I found myself struck at how much things hadn't changed. And inside, I worried that I, too, hadn't changed. That in needing a job, I would (and may) settle for another retail job. I'd rely on my parents to get the food and make it and to take care of my domestic needs. That I'd end up lying around in front of the tv growing fat and lazy and, essentially, destroying all that I had become.
Not to say that I didn't appreciate someone else cooking and laying around in front of the tv at Disney :P
But it's just that, for once, I actually took a step towards a better me. I want to keep stepping in that direction. Disney made it "easy" in a sense, because I HAD to do it, I had to rely on myself. But now, well, home is like a test. Can I still keep up the discipline, can I still hold on to the lessons I've learned, without falling back into who I was? Again, it's not that I don't appreciate the food and the clothing and being back with my family. I'm happy to be home. But, for once, my family seemed really proud of me. And, in a way, I was really proud of myself. I don't want to lose that. I want my friends to see how strong(er) I've become. I want them to be proud too. And I just don't want to go back to lazy, retail hell.
This isn't my wanting to be the "independant" twenty-something girl either, although I'm sure it sounds like it. This is just me wanting to still be the good person I've become, to not lose the knowledge and power that I've gained.
I guess this is also me facing a tougher challenge, since, like I said, Disney made it easy since surviving on my own was something I had to do. Here, it's all on me. It's an actual test of my inner strength and will power.
Oh boy.
I ended up going on a walk with my parents today. It was enjoyable. The weather's really nice, and since we're not in Florida, it's not humid, hooray! I couldn't help but think, as I walked, about how I used to walk all around the parks. That my exercise came from rushing to the next big ride, exploring the next resort, or more commonly, running around at work. I found myself missing the exploration of the resorts, and thinking about how Disney keeps people moving by having so many interesting things to explore in the parks, you can't help but just keep continuing forward.
But it was nice being out with my parents. We stopped at a park and I got to hear large bunches of trees rustling in the breeze. I got to hear dogs barking and see some of them playing with each other. It's all so familiar, and yet how weird to think I was without it all for a little over nine months.
Now, of course, I'm onto the projects. This is in my typical fashion. I get inspired to do something, in this case cleaning, and I attempt to tackle it and make it happen. Normally, however, I peter out. This is where I've got to try harder, where I've got to make it happen. Not that I didn't do the same exact thing at Disney, cause I did. I tried to clean and I ended up putting things in boxes and then just stopping. But since I was a little more organized and disciplined at Disney, my stopping mattered, it just wouldn't matter as much as it does here, where I've got to stick to it all on my own.
I'm still unpacking, by the way. I, with some early-morning help from my Mom, managed to tackle most of my laundry. I've still got the fancier clothes in a suitcase, but those'll have to wait until I can reach my closet. I've heard that before. Now I've got to make it happen. But yeah, I'm still trying to find places for things and, today, separating out what items will be packed in my "apartment boxes" - those boxes containing essential-for-living-on-your-own items like my garbage can, or silverware, or towels.
However, I've also been toying with the idea of watching a movie tonight :P
In short, it's great to be home. But now, I've got to keep up with the lessons that I've learned, and help myself take that next big step: a career.
Yeah, that's the big one. And that's what I've got to do.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Internet? Oh yeah...I remember that
The sky looks different.
I noticed this about 4:30pm (Central!) time today. It's just not that Floridian blue, obviously, and the clouds are smaller. Still, it's pretty, and that's what matters.
I know I've been meaning to update for a little while. Traveling has been kind of crazy. Long hours of driving can get to you, or at least make you really tired when you finally reach the hotel for the night. Plus, somehow, I caught a cold or something of the sort. I keep coughing and now my nose has started to run. Awkward during Church ;)
Speaking of Church, this morning, since we were in Macon, my family and I found a Church that still does things kind of traditionally. Incense around the alter, stained glass windows and ornamentation covering every wall, bits of Latin, and I even saw a woman with a hat and a woman with a shawl. Crazy...but cool, honestly. I enjoy going to Masses in Churches like that. The traditional feeling really connects with me. Plus, they had a choir from Russia named "Lyra", which I had to smile at since I've read all three (four) of the "His Dark Materials" series.
I plan to do a big update in the next couple of days, but for now, I could really use a shower.
We reached central time around 3:00pm today. I realized it in the bathroom at a rest stop, lol.
Also, "Something, something, something, Dark Side" is awesome.
Haha, and we were eating Pizza Hut (Pizza the Hut) tonight for dinner.
Ok, time for that shower now.
The tv is showing a time-lapse of the Chicago coast for the weather segment.
Beautiful.
I noticed this about 4:30pm (Central!) time today. It's just not that Floridian blue, obviously, and the clouds are smaller. Still, it's pretty, and that's what matters.
I know I've been meaning to update for a little while. Traveling has been kind of crazy. Long hours of driving can get to you, or at least make you really tired when you finally reach the hotel for the night. Plus, somehow, I caught a cold or something of the sort. I keep coughing and now my nose has started to run. Awkward during Church ;)
Speaking of Church, this morning, since we were in Macon, my family and I found a Church that still does things kind of traditionally. Incense around the alter, stained glass windows and ornamentation covering every wall, bits of Latin, and I even saw a woman with a hat and a woman with a shawl. Crazy...but cool, honestly. I enjoy going to Masses in Churches like that. The traditional feeling really connects with me. Plus, they had a choir from Russia named "Lyra", which I had to smile at since I've read all three (four) of the "His Dark Materials" series.
I plan to do a big update in the next couple of days, but for now, I could really use a shower.
We reached central time around 3:00pm today. I realized it in the bathroom at a rest stop, lol.
Also, "Something, something, something, Dark Side" is awesome.
Haha, and we were eating Pizza Hut (Pizza the Hut) tonight for dinner.
Ok, time for that shower now.
The tv is showing a time-lapse of the Chicago coast for the weather segment.
Beautiful.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Interview Day
McDonald's for breakfast.
Got to go to Animal Kingdom with my family today. It was only for an hour, due to when we got up and when my interview was scheduled. Mom and Kristi rode Expedition Everest four times in a row. Dad and I went to go see Festival of The Lion King. Amazing ^-^ Can't believe the last time I saw it was 1999. We were the lions. Simba was cool ^-^ Despite Mom getting Fast Passes for Dinosaur, we headed back to the hotel so I could get ready for my floral interview. "Honey, I Shrunk The Kids" was on tv. Awesome to see that movie again. I went to Casting for my interview. Filled out a little paperwork (had to get the white-out, forgot to list that I'm seasonal in my work experience, oops) and then waited. And waited. And waited. Watched a video about being a Disney Cast Member a couple of times. Picked up a "Real Simple" magazine. Learned I'm right down the middle between left brain and right brain, at least in regards to organization. Also learned new hair styles and picked up job tips. After an hour and a half, Carlos called me. We went to his office, he checked over my information, I told him about applying for floral, he asked me what experience I had in floral, I replied I had none...and that was pretty much it. He said I was still on the list for Merchandise and Attractions.
Hooray?
Drove back. Maid was in room. Went down to pool and met family while in interview clothes. Changed and hopped in pool for a bit. So nice ^-^ Decided on Cici's for dinner. Saw a sign they were hiring. Considered it...just for a moment. Kristi saw a guy that looked almost exactly like her boyfriend Kyle. She kept trying to get photos of him. Finally, I walked up to him with her, explained to him we wanted a picture, showed him Kyle to prove it, and got the photo. Apparently his girlfriend was very curious as to what was going on. I got to have pizza with random ranch dressing on it. Also finally got to try the macaroni pizza. Delicious!
Went to Magic Kingdom. Dad drove, but I still got to flash my id. Parked in Minnie and walked. Did Fast Pass for Pooh, went on Small World, Philharmagic, Peter Pan, Snow White (family had never done it before - they agreed it really IS scary) and Pooh. Family went to watch fireworks. I tried to catch Tink backstage. Too windy for her to fly tonight I guess. Hoofed it back to Fantasyland to be in the middle of the firework action. Met family in Tomorrowland and waited around for the crowds to leave. Discovered Tomorrowland neon turns red at night. Saw final castle sparkles and colors and heard last announcement around 10:40pm. Got a photopass shot in front of castle. Wandered through shops and headed out. Waited by flower Mickey for a bit. Line for Express monorail crazy. Decided to take resort monorail, but that ended up taking longer than the resort. Headed for a brief stop at McDonald's, then back to hotel. I had to transfer my camera photos.
Definitely time for sleep. Just trying to charge various items.
Very happy to be seasonal.
Got to go to Animal Kingdom with my family today. It was only for an hour, due to when we got up and when my interview was scheduled. Mom and Kristi rode Expedition Everest four times in a row. Dad and I went to go see Festival of The Lion King. Amazing ^-^ Can't believe the last time I saw it was 1999. We were the lions. Simba was cool ^-^ Despite Mom getting Fast Passes for Dinosaur, we headed back to the hotel so I could get ready for my floral interview. "Honey, I Shrunk The Kids" was on tv. Awesome to see that movie again. I went to Casting for my interview. Filled out a little paperwork (had to get the white-out, forgot to list that I'm seasonal in my work experience, oops) and then waited. And waited. And waited. Watched a video about being a Disney Cast Member a couple of times. Picked up a "Real Simple" magazine. Learned I'm right down the middle between left brain and right brain, at least in regards to organization. Also learned new hair styles and picked up job tips. After an hour and a half, Carlos called me. We went to his office, he checked over my information, I told him about applying for floral, he asked me what experience I had in floral, I replied I had none...and that was pretty much it. He said I was still on the list for Merchandise and Attractions.
Hooray?
Drove back. Maid was in room. Went down to pool and met family while in interview clothes. Changed and hopped in pool for a bit. So nice ^-^ Decided on Cici's for dinner. Saw a sign they were hiring. Considered it...just for a moment. Kristi saw a guy that looked almost exactly like her boyfriend Kyle. She kept trying to get photos of him. Finally, I walked up to him with her, explained to him we wanted a picture, showed him Kyle to prove it, and got the photo. Apparently his girlfriend was very curious as to what was going on. I got to have pizza with random ranch dressing on it. Also finally got to try the macaroni pizza. Delicious!
Went to Magic Kingdom. Dad drove, but I still got to flash my id. Parked in Minnie and walked. Did Fast Pass for Pooh, went on Small World, Philharmagic, Peter Pan, Snow White (family had never done it before - they agreed it really IS scary) and Pooh. Family went to watch fireworks. I tried to catch Tink backstage. Too windy for her to fly tonight I guess. Hoofed it back to Fantasyland to be in the middle of the firework action. Met family in Tomorrowland and waited around for the crowds to leave. Discovered Tomorrowland neon turns red at night. Saw final castle sparkles and colors and heard last announcement around 10:40pm. Got a photopass shot in front of castle. Wandered through shops and headed out. Waited by flower Mickey for a bit. Line for Express monorail crazy. Decided to take resort monorail, but that ended up taking longer than the resort. Headed for a brief stop at McDonald's, then back to hotel. I had to transfer my camera photos.
Definitely time for sleep. Just trying to charge various items.
Very happy to be seasonal.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
CP digivolve to...
I only got three and a half hours of sleep last night and today's been a crazybusy day. I'll summarize with this:
Three years ago I graduated college, and now, I've had a Disney baby!
I've officially graduated the Disney College Program, and now I'm...well I would be seasonal, if my status had changed.
I miss Acen.
I have a lot of crap!
It's time for sleep.
Three years ago I graduated college, and now, I've had a Disney baby!
I've officially graduated the Disney College Program, and now I'm...well I would be seasonal, if my status had changed.
I miss Acen.
I have a lot of crap!
It's time for sleep.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Four...
Today was my last 5:30am day. For the time being anyway. I got assigned to Door 3 (hanging clothes). Kim got assigned to Door 6, and wasn't thrilled. Another girl (forgot her name, sorry) was assigned to Spider, and since it was her first time doing the 5:30am shift, she didn't know what to do. Kim asked Rob if they could trade. Rob said no. I tried to help Kim as best as I could, at least in terms of finding the "door" area and wondering with her if Door 8 (which was listed on the same sign) was her responsibility or someone else's. Turns out, it was her's.
Jerri, one of the stock women, officially celebrated 5 years with the Company today. It was actually earlier in the week, and Manager Ginny had brought her flowers, but today was official. The stockers all gathered in the managers' offices area, where they gave her a pin, a card, and Manager Meag brought out Munchkin donuts. I had two covered in small, multicolored, round sprinkles. Awesome ^-^
Back in the tunnel, however, I found out from Terri (working the other half of Door 3 with me) that 5 years used to be celebrated with a breakfast. They'd have it over in World Showcase before it opened, and there'd be a slideshow and the managers would all be there. Plus, Terri said she was trying to help Jerri put the five year pin on her name tag, and realized the pin was plastic! Apparently two people have 25 year pins, and one's different (cheaper?) than the other.
Spent some time letting my imagination go while in the tunnel ^-^
Today I also got my Public Storage unit. Found out the woman I left a message with actually LIVES at PS, which seemed kind of interesting. She showed me around, told me about the things she'd be fixing and what she planned to do, and gave me a whirlwind of information and paperwork. It cost...about the price of a hotel room for the night, but honestly, I thought it was kind of neat. I've got one box there now, and really need to get to packing things up a little more.
Finally, while trying to find out when I work tomorrow, I discovered that I'm scheduled for next week Sunday through Wednesday. I'm sure this is from when I talked to Sandra about going seasonal and she told me to put my availability in The Hub. But as the schedule's still temporary, who knows? We'll have to see about it all.
One last thing I want to mention before I go, even though it may not have been my last forever, today was my last Wave as a CP. That was always one of my favorite parts of the 5:30am shifts. It was so nice to take a break from stocking (unless I was way behind), go and sit and listen to the store updates, and then fun trying to find the right right-handed Mickey mitt to wear while standing outside in the Breezeway. Sometimes, like today, the weather would be just absolutely wonderful, and that breath of fresh air would be so rewarding. Of course I'd watch the Fab Five as they made their way around by the people. And then the "First Family" Test Track car would drive by and we'd all cheer and wave. Finally, the Guests would be let in, and sometimes it would be nothing short of a sea of people (or a little group if the weather was meh). It was always so cool to see that many people headed straight towards you, and fun watching Attractions people try to keep them in line. And more fun to watch the random stragglers from the morning's Princess Breakfast try to get out of the way. Ah and then the waving and the "Good morning"ing and the high four-ing too, all these people rushing past on their way to Test Track and Mission Space. It wasn't hard to give a geniune smile to these people.
And some would pin trade too, that I loved.
I'm also going to miss being in Epcot in the early hours of the morning. With the Flower and Garden festival going on, the air always smelled so sweet in the mornings. It would be so cool to skirt around the trucks and pargos driving on the paths and avoiding getting sprayed by the high-pressure hoses 3rd shift was using (or the watering system the park employs). Secretly, my favorite part was being able to see Spaceship Earth. It hasn't really been lit up in the mornings, "conserving energy" I guess, but today it had a bit of its nighttime glow and then some reflected white light from goodness-knows-what project was being worked on that required bright lights. Walking down the (nearly) empty pathways, seeing people work or just enjoying the quiet peace, that's something to be savored, for sure.
And walking by Test Track maintenance in the morning and peaking in to see what the guys were doing! It was always awkward when they'd say good morning to me. Polite, but then I'd feel like I should be staring. But it was still neat. Especially when I could look into the back of Test Track, right off the end of the ride, and see the sign hanging that says "Test Track, opening Spring 1997". It's nice when they keep stuff like that.
Oh my, I've got to get to bed! Here's hoping that things'll be ok, since the next couple of days are just going to be crazy. I've got lots of fun packing and organizing to do, not to mention wanting to get some laundry done (believe it or not). But sleep is good too :P
Jerri, one of the stock women, officially celebrated 5 years with the Company today. It was actually earlier in the week, and Manager Ginny had brought her flowers, but today was official. The stockers all gathered in the managers' offices area, where they gave her a pin, a card, and Manager Meag brought out Munchkin donuts. I had two covered in small, multicolored, round sprinkles. Awesome ^-^
Back in the tunnel, however, I found out from Terri (working the other half of Door 3 with me) that 5 years used to be celebrated with a breakfast. They'd have it over in World Showcase before it opened, and there'd be a slideshow and the managers would all be there. Plus, Terri said she was trying to help Jerri put the five year pin on her name tag, and realized the pin was plastic! Apparently two people have 25 year pins, and one's different (cheaper?) than the other.
Spent some time letting my imagination go while in the tunnel ^-^
Today I also got my Public Storage unit. Found out the woman I left a message with actually LIVES at PS, which seemed kind of interesting. She showed me around, told me about the things she'd be fixing and what she planned to do, and gave me a whirlwind of information and paperwork. It cost...about the price of a hotel room for the night, but honestly, I thought it was kind of neat. I've got one box there now, and really need to get to packing things up a little more.
Finally, while trying to find out when I work tomorrow, I discovered that I'm scheduled for next week Sunday through Wednesday. I'm sure this is from when I talked to Sandra about going seasonal and she told me to put my availability in The Hub. But as the schedule's still temporary, who knows? We'll have to see about it all.
One last thing I want to mention before I go, even though it may not have been my last forever, today was my last Wave as a CP. That was always one of my favorite parts of the 5:30am shifts. It was so nice to take a break from stocking (unless I was way behind), go and sit and listen to the store updates, and then fun trying to find the right right-handed Mickey mitt to wear while standing outside in the Breezeway. Sometimes, like today, the weather would be just absolutely wonderful, and that breath of fresh air would be so rewarding. Of course I'd watch the Fab Five as they made their way around by the people. And then the "First Family" Test Track car would drive by and we'd all cheer and wave. Finally, the Guests would be let in, and sometimes it would be nothing short of a sea of people (or a little group if the weather was meh). It was always so cool to see that many people headed straight towards you, and fun watching Attractions people try to keep them in line. And more fun to watch the random stragglers from the morning's Princess Breakfast try to get out of the way. Ah and then the waving and the "Good morning"ing and the high four-ing too, all these people rushing past on their way to Test Track and Mission Space. It wasn't hard to give a geniune smile to these people.
And some would pin trade too, that I loved.
I'm also going to miss being in Epcot in the early hours of the morning. With the Flower and Garden festival going on, the air always smelled so sweet in the mornings. It would be so cool to skirt around the trucks and pargos driving on the paths and avoiding getting sprayed by the high-pressure hoses 3rd shift was using (or the watering system the park employs). Secretly, my favorite part was being able to see Spaceship Earth. It hasn't really been lit up in the mornings, "conserving energy" I guess, but today it had a bit of its nighttime glow and then some reflected white light from goodness-knows-what project was being worked on that required bright lights. Walking down the (nearly) empty pathways, seeing people work or just enjoying the quiet peace, that's something to be savored, for sure.
And walking by Test Track maintenance in the morning and peaking in to see what the guys were doing! It was always awkward when they'd say good morning to me. Polite, but then I'd feel like I should be staring. But it was still neat. Especially when I could look into the back of Test Track, right off the end of the ride, and see the sign hanging that says "Test Track, opening Spring 1997". It's nice when they keep stuff like that.
Oh my, I've got to get to bed! Here's hoping that things'll be ok, since the next couple of days are just going to be crazy. I've got lots of fun packing and organizing to do, not to mention wanting to get some laundry done (believe it or not). But sleep is good too :P
Friday, May 7, 2010
Seven Days...
I've only got about five minutes to write. Really, I don't even have that, since I should've been in bed already (5:30am day tomorrow, yay), and I've still got stuff to do. But I figured that today was definitely a day to update, if anything just because I've got a week left to go.
Yesterday, there was a little boy who ran through the men's pj pants. When he came out, he said "I was pretending to be a dress". Awesome ^-^
Today, I got a voicemail from one of my guy friends. The only problem is, I couldn't tell which one it was. It was random enough to be from David, but it almost sounded like Dan, saying he'd gone home and grown a beard. But when I txted Dan later to ask for a photo, he said he hadn't grown a beard. I tried David next, so let's see if he responds.
Tonight I've been busy trying to find a hotel to stay in once my program ends. It's difficult, since I have to factor in needing a fridge and microwave, needing internet (gotta have that internet), and a breakfast (continental or otherwise) would be nice. Not to mention proximity to WDW in case I can work, and also in case I can still get into the parks.
I'm just...amazed...I guess...that my college program's winding down. I've been txting Rebecca and she remarked that I've been trying my damnest not to come back. That's not the case, I DO want to go home, but I must confess there's definitely a sense of regret in leaving. There's still so much I wanted to do. And to have a job right now would be a very, VERY good thing. But I've always felt down about leaving Disney.
Finally, today I got the tasking assignment of cleaning all the mirrors in the store. It wasn't too bad, although I had to use wipes instead of a cleaning spray, and then follow up with a paper towel. I discovered (though I already had known) that the hat trees have little mirrors on them too. Doing the work reminded me of wiping the doors at Blockbuster. I don't think I want to do that. Again. But I need to get a good solid hold on my future, and that's been a little difficult.
I even briefly considered taking up my Dad's offer of going to x-ray school, if just to have a job. But to miss out on all the possibilities of a creative job...no. Maybe for a little bit it would be interesting to do x-ray, but that's not for me.
I want to be able to sit down and actually update about all the craziness that's gone on. Going to World of Disney, my struggles with trying to figure out how to go seasonal, my trying to get my GSF on my card, trying to pack up and figure out how to get things organized and ready to go. Lots to write about, but it's been a little busy lately.
But I did just want to commemorate this day. In one week's time, I'll no longer be on the college program.
I can't believe it.
But for now, I think it's time to get to bed.
And maybe tomorrow I'll listen to that voicemail again ^-^;
Yesterday, there was a little boy who ran through the men's pj pants. When he came out, he said "I was pretending to be a dress". Awesome ^-^
Today, I got a voicemail from one of my guy friends. The only problem is, I couldn't tell which one it was. It was random enough to be from David, but it almost sounded like Dan, saying he'd gone home and grown a beard. But when I txted Dan later to ask for a photo, he said he hadn't grown a beard. I tried David next, so let's see if he responds.
Tonight I've been busy trying to find a hotel to stay in once my program ends. It's difficult, since I have to factor in needing a fridge and microwave, needing internet (gotta have that internet), and a breakfast (continental or otherwise) would be nice. Not to mention proximity to WDW in case I can work, and also in case I can still get into the parks.
I'm just...amazed...I guess...that my college program's winding down. I've been txting Rebecca and she remarked that I've been trying my damnest not to come back. That's not the case, I DO want to go home, but I must confess there's definitely a sense of regret in leaving. There's still so much I wanted to do. And to have a job right now would be a very, VERY good thing. But I've always felt down about leaving Disney.
Finally, today I got the tasking assignment of cleaning all the mirrors in the store. It wasn't too bad, although I had to use wipes instead of a cleaning spray, and then follow up with a paper towel. I discovered (though I already had known) that the hat trees have little mirrors on them too. Doing the work reminded me of wiping the doors at Blockbuster. I don't think I want to do that. Again. But I need to get a good solid hold on my future, and that's been a little difficult.
I even briefly considered taking up my Dad's offer of going to x-ray school, if just to have a job. But to miss out on all the possibilities of a creative job...no. Maybe for a little bit it would be interesting to do x-ray, but that's not for me.
I want to be able to sit down and actually update about all the craziness that's gone on. Going to World of Disney, my struggles with trying to figure out how to go seasonal, my trying to get my GSF on my card, trying to pack up and figure out how to get things organized and ready to go. Lots to write about, but it's been a little busy lately.
But I did just want to commemorate this day. In one week's time, I'll no longer be on the college program.
I can't believe it.
But for now, I think it's time to get to bed.
And maybe tomorrow I'll listen to that voicemail again ^-^;
Friday, April 30, 2010
"Gosh we've missed you"
I know, I know, I know, it's been a while since I've updated on here. And it's going to be a little longer. Sorry, but I've got lots to do tonight: graduation photopass, thank you notes, making food for tomorrow. I will sum it up by saying: week at World of Disney, Shalom suspended, and now (sadly), terminated, David and Jill visiting, lack of sleep, visiting Casting. How's that for a start?
Oh, and the title comes from a Disney promotional e-mail I got. Awww ^-^
Soon(ish) ok?
One other thing. Today is/was approximately two weeks until I have to leave. Technically it's less than two weeks that I have to work, since the 14th is the day that they want us out of the apartment, but still.
Two weeks left until I'm a(n official) college program alumni.
Today was also a 5:30am day, and I got Breezeway. Nobody got Bubble (apparently) because we were shorthanded.
I can't believe it. Two weeks left.
Man...
Oh, and the title comes from a Disney promotional e-mail I got. Awww ^-^
Soon(ish) ok?
One other thing. Today is/was approximately two weeks until I have to leave. Technically it's less than two weeks that I have to work, since the 14th is the day that they want us out of the apartment, but still.
Two weeks left until I'm a(n official) college program alumni.
Today was also a 5:30am day, and I got Breezeway. Nobody got Bubble (apparently) because we were shorthanded.
I can't believe it. Two weeks left.
Man...
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Professional Internship E-mail
Katherine,
Thank you for taking the time to submit your resume for the position listed below.
Unfortunately, we have identified other candidates whose background and experience more closely meet the requirements for this position.
You are welcome to continue reviewing our employment opportunities and to apply for those positions for which you feel you qualify.
Again, thank you for your time and the interest you have expressed in our Company.
We wish you well in your endeavors.
Disney Professional Internship Recruiting Team
Position Title: WDW Professional Internship (College Program Alumni Only) - Fall 2010
Requisition ID: 227612
Thank you for taking the time to submit your resume for the position listed below.
Unfortunately, we have identified other candidates whose background and experience more closely meet the requirements for this position.
You are welcome to continue reviewing our employment opportunities and to apply for those positions for which you feel you qualify.
Again, thank you for your time and the interest you have expressed in our Company.
We wish you well in your endeavors.
Disney Professional Internship Recruiting Team
Position Title: WDW Professional Internship (College Program Alumni Only) - Fall 2010
Requisition ID: 227612
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The actual non-register day! (with a dustpan and broom)
Non-5:30am day today. Got on register for an hour. Told by Gary to take dust pan and broom around store. Did that for a while (not sure if I was supposed to). On break, found I had an Anniversary voicemail from Ralph. Aww ^-^ ERs offered today. Didn't take it, probably should have. While on bathroom break, heard Disney's name mentioned in the news. Something about a guy, a stroke, and the Tower of Terror. Talked to Manager Dev on the way out about going part/full time. Said I needed to go to Casting. Probably hiring for Attractions now. Realized on way home, if that's true, and I would've just put "Attractions" down on my extension application, I wouldn't necessarily be in this mess. Saw a rainbow. Florida rain = sunny in one half of the sky, heavy rains coming from the other half.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
5:30am Days - One Month Left To Go
Beginning of a crazy six-day week. Today 5:30am - 4:00pm. Tomorrow 11:00am - 6:00pm on register. Another 5:30am - 4:00pm after that. Then normal day of 5:30am - 2:00pm. Then I'm deployed to World of Disney. Sunday register. Monday stock from 3:30pm - midnight. Shifts are all until late at night. It's going to be fun.
Woke up today not feeling all that great. Managed to get to work and was put in Bubble. Found out General Manager of something from California was doing a walk of store from 3-5pm. Met woman looking for black visor. Didn't have one out on display, offered to check stockroom really quick. "Really, really quick" she said. Had to meet someone, didn't tell them she was stopping. Raced downstairs, skimmed hats, took stairs two at a time to get up, opened door to find Cast Member standing where woman was now rolling away (wheelchair? ECV?). Other Cast Member told me the woman had said I was taking too long.
...
Coolest thing happened while I was working on shoes. Family came in, looking at shoes and chatting. Thought it would be polite to acknowledge them. One of the young adult daughters was wearing wedding headband ears. Said they looked nice. Dad told me I looked like one of the people he went on the Keys To The Kingdom tour with yesterday. He looked familiar. Asked him what time his tour was at. 9:00am he responded. "Wait..." I said, "Alabama? With the Wrigley Field shirt?" It was him! He was surprised to see me, especially to find out I was a Cast Member. "Ta Da" I said weakly, commenting it would've been nice to have transformed into something a little better looking (Mouse Gear costume's kind of cool). Said it was nice to meet him again.
Also met up with Holly from Sunset later in the day. Was there with her former roommate, who had extended and works in Dinoland now. Holly's living at home with her parents. Doesn't know what to do with her life. Is thinking about going to grad school as a result.
Not the most productive day in Bubble. Finished and walked back to Cast Services. Quick costume stop and clothing change, and I was on my way to get gas. Then it was over to Walmart to get a new pair of work shoes. After much back-and-forth, chose same brand and style ("Captain") as before, just larger. Then back to apartment to try to make Pasta Primavera. Lots of work, hard to keep track of the two different items. Managed it anyway. Food was delicious, although not feeling well now. Possibly just because not having felt well this morning?
Had chat on phone with Mom (Dad in background) about next steps. Really feeling uncertain. Waiting on Professional Internship, but no idea whether or not I'll get it. Had sent e-mail yesterday, asking why I had been denied. Generic e-mail response: too many requests, not enough roles. I understand why my parents say there's more opportunity here, but I don't feel ready to get involved in getting an apartment, at least, not in Florida, not for a minimum wage job, and not without a focused future.
Not happy with the way I act sometimes, especially when my family's trying to help me.
I know I should have looked at jobs, or read "Parachute" book. But sometimes, you just gotta watch Ed, Edd, n' Eddy.
Just watched South Park's 200th episode. Dramatic and funny, nicely done. Definitely time for bed now. Lots to focus on, lots to think about.
Happy One-Month-Left. One month from now, I'll officially no longer be a CP. Whether I'm here at that point, working, driving, or at Acen, I don't know. I wonder where I'll be. But, I've got to say, I can't believe there's just one month left. Crazy to think about, especially when I think about the journey I've taken since that March day (March 17th maybe? 12th?) last year, when I decided to go for the Disney College Program. And now, here I am, trying to get a hold on my future.
Amazing.
Woke up today not feeling all that great. Managed to get to work and was put in Bubble. Found out General Manager of something from California was doing a walk of store from 3-5pm. Met woman looking for black visor. Didn't have one out on display, offered to check stockroom really quick. "Really, really quick" she said. Had to meet someone, didn't tell them she was stopping. Raced downstairs, skimmed hats, took stairs two at a time to get up, opened door to find Cast Member standing where woman was now rolling away (wheelchair? ECV?). Other Cast Member told me the woman had said I was taking too long.
...
Coolest thing happened while I was working on shoes. Family came in, looking at shoes and chatting. Thought it would be polite to acknowledge them. One of the young adult daughters was wearing wedding headband ears. Said they looked nice. Dad told me I looked like one of the people he went on the Keys To The Kingdom tour with yesterday. He looked familiar. Asked him what time his tour was at. 9:00am he responded. "Wait..." I said, "Alabama? With the Wrigley Field shirt?" It was him! He was surprised to see me, especially to find out I was a Cast Member. "Ta Da" I said weakly, commenting it would've been nice to have transformed into something a little better looking (Mouse Gear costume's kind of cool). Said it was nice to meet him again.
Also met up with Holly from Sunset later in the day. Was there with her former roommate, who had extended and works in Dinoland now. Holly's living at home with her parents. Doesn't know what to do with her life. Is thinking about going to grad school as a result.
Not the most productive day in Bubble. Finished and walked back to Cast Services. Quick costume stop and clothing change, and I was on my way to get gas. Then it was over to Walmart to get a new pair of work shoes. After much back-and-forth, chose same brand and style ("Captain") as before, just larger. Then back to apartment to try to make Pasta Primavera. Lots of work, hard to keep track of the two different items. Managed it anyway. Food was delicious, although not feeling well now. Possibly just because not having felt well this morning?
Had chat on phone with Mom (Dad in background) about next steps. Really feeling uncertain. Waiting on Professional Internship, but no idea whether or not I'll get it. Had sent e-mail yesterday, asking why I had been denied. Generic e-mail response: too many requests, not enough roles. I understand why my parents say there's more opportunity here, but I don't feel ready to get involved in getting an apartment, at least, not in Florida, not for a minimum wage job, and not without a focused future.
Not happy with the way I act sometimes, especially when my family's trying to help me.
I know I should have looked at jobs, or read "Parachute" book. But sometimes, you just gotta watch Ed, Edd, n' Eddy.
Just watched South Park's 200th episode. Dramatic and funny, nicely done. Definitely time for bed now. Lots to focus on, lots to think about.
Happy One-Month-Left. One month from now, I'll officially no longer be a CP. Whether I'm here at that point, working, driving, or at Acen, I don't know. I wonder where I'll be. But, I've got to say, I can't believe there's just one month left. Crazy to think about, especially when I think about the journey I've taken since that March day (March 17th maybe? 12th?) last year, when I decided to go for the Disney College Program. And now, here I am, trying to get a hold on my future.
Amazing.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Keys To The Kingdom
Went on "Keys To The Kingdom" tour today. Had previously gone on this, but shorter version offered by Disney University for Cast Members. Accidentally woke up Soyoung with my alarm. Quick breakfast, got ready, on my way. Tour was for 9:00am, with my having to be there 15 minutes early to check in. Thought I had plenty of time. Arrived about 8:15am, parked in Minnie, and walked to TTC. Got in line for monorail. Monorail Gold (yay!) was sitting in station, but wasn't going. Doors were opening, and Monorail was "snorting" like the trains at Big Thunder, but nothing happening. PA announcement - going through safety checks. Took a little while. Clock kept ticking. Gold eventually ready. People went in, I moved up. Saw Transportation Cast Member's name tag said he was from Chicago. Said he was from the North West side. I said where I was from. Said he knew where it was.
"60187, right?"
"Right!"
Kids excited, waiting for next monorail. Monorail Red pulled into station. Doors opened...gates did not. Another Transportation Cast Member began going through the cabins, opening the hatches for the phones and picking them up to make sure they were working. Doors made "bing-bong" noises you hear on subways and the L. Red started snorting too. Were they doing safety checks? WERE THEY DOING SAFETY CHECKS?!?! Yes. PA Announcement told me twice. Finally, at 8:53am, we were ready to go. Missed check-in time; thought I could still make tour. Got through ride, moving to entrance, bag check (security didn't know where to enter for tours, but by then, people were going inside), and tickets. Entered park 9:01am. Found check-in at City Hall. Asked if I was Cast Member on tour. Said yes, was directed to sign in paper. Thought it was odd. Saw "DU" for Disney University at time. Told them I was on actual, actual tour. Got to pick up name tag, ordered "Anchors Away" tuna sandwich and Coke from Columbia Harbour House. Offered free water and coffee. Sweet! Directed outside. Tour Guide - Gregg from upstate New York. Handed headset, tuned to Channel 2. Had a bit of trouble getting earpiece on my ear. Finally managed it. Waited a little bit more for other Guests, then set off. Walked up Main Street, down side (Center?) street as trolley show was coming. Introductions - name, where from, role you'd want at Disney. Older couple next to me said they were from Homer Glen. Said Carol Stream (hoped they'd recognize it) and said I wanted to be in Holiday Services. Gregg surprised, said it was very specific. Explained Holiday Services to rest of group. Some wanted to be in Guest Relations, one head of horticulture, one wanted to be Mickey, one wanted to meet the owner of the place. Window gazed. Went up to Hub. Headed to Adventureland. At Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, Gregg mentioned renaming of Disneyland's to Tarzan. Said he had a brother in the animation department. When trying to figure out what Tarzan should look like, decided to try and figure out what he looked like as a baby. Had a young niece at the time (maybe animator's daughter and Gregg's niece?). Used her as reference. True story. Way cool!! Went to Jungle Cruise. Gregg got us our own boat. Had a skipper drive while he told us secrets about Jungle Cruise. Hidden Mickey, sensors, guy at bottom of rhino pole has same face as watchman in Haunted Mansion. Very cool experience. Bathroom break at Pirate and Parrot, which appeared to be open, damn! Talked to girl named Katharine. Also named after Katharine Hepburn. Middle name Joy. Sometimes called Katie Joy, since people didn't really like Katharine Joy. Sister's middle name is Elizabeth. Went on Pirates. Got to sit with Gregg. Had mentioned before he started as CP at front gate. Wanted to ask him more, but he answered other Guest questions. Fun ride, no splash this time. Wandered to Frontierland. Time to go backstage. Went past Woody and Jessie (apparently one couple really liked this characters - husband pointing out Woody to wife, saying she got a rumbly in her tumbly seeing him) and to parade step off. Gregg said past yellow line, out of site of Guests. No clothes off until beyond fence/gate. Paused before heading back there. Reminder - no pictures. Continued on. "Pretty glamorous, huh?" Headed to float storage. Cast Member working back there flipped on the lights to the fish. Made it seem as if she was just doing her job, but I wonder if she did it for us. Some of us said thank you anyway. Turned to see Woody and Jessie without their heads going to swap out point. Laughter and giggly goodness from group. Got to see water pumps for Splash. That's a lot of water! And a lot of power! Shoe floating in water. Said they'd found a prosthetic leg? Talked about trash too. Only park to have the A.V.A.C. (spelling?) system. Too expensive. Back out onstage. Told once we cross the yellow line, we'll forget all we've seen. Through Frontierland. Paused by Christmas shop. Bunch of little kids wandered by shouting "Tinker Bell! Tinker Bell!" Informed part of a family tour. Had a cloth scroll with clues and everything, ooh. Moved to carriage house by Haunted Mansion (which we were told we'd be going on after lunch). After a few minutes, Gregg went to Columbia Harbour House to check what's up. Enjoyed weather in meantime. Greeted by lunch coordinator. Escorted inside, up stairs, into VIP room. Meals set out for us. Find place card. Found mine and sat down. Got a bag of chips in addition to meal and drink, sweet! Another tour guide came in. Said she was there so Gregg could rest his voice. Guy sat down across from me. Wearing Wrigley Field t-shirt. Asked him if he was from Chicago. Alabama, but had visited Chicago. Chatted a bit about it. Guy found our key pin was on the inside of the name card. Cool ^-^ Gregg asked if he could join us. Ate salad that had been sitting next to me. Thought placard had another name on it. Maybe Guest didn't show? Alabama asked Gregg if he'd ever been Mickey. Then asked who his brother's favorite animator was. Probably Ward Kimball? Had a light discussion about Ward's stuff being sold on eBay. Felt bad for Gregg, being asked all about his brother (though I was curious too). Asked Alabama about driving or flying, and tried asking Gregg more about his job, whether easy to move around in Company. Said used to be, in 2007, but now, not hiring so much because of economy and people not coming. Asked also if true Tour Guides had to be in Guest Relations for a certain period of time and had audition. Said it was. Asked if I was going to go out for Guest Relations. Said no. Maybe wouldn't have the patience to deal with people. Something like that. Probably not the best thing to say x.x Gregg said Guest Relations means having to take the good with the bad, handling complaints, which they actually get. Told him I knew, trust me. Left to go to bathroom. Met up with Katharine and sister. Was asked if I was staying on property. Trying to hide Cast Member roots (surprisingly difficult on a DISNEY TOUR). Said family was out in park, I was taking tour. Staying at Pop Century. Woman behind them said her too. 80s building for them. I saw I was in 70s. Asked Katharine. Turns out, woman was her Mom. Bathroom busy because downstairs one was closed. Adding in changing station. Made joke about standing in line being what you're supposed to do at Disney. Waiting for great bathroom ride. Came back, took another bite of sandwich, another sip of Coke, saved chips in purse, tossed everything else but water from the morning.
Gotta get to bed. Another 5:30am day tomorrow. But notes for next update:
"Keys" to the kingdom
Haunted Mansion
Servants quarters
Finally spotting Hidden Mickey
Paul Frees - I'm just a fan
Alas - no tour
Liberty Square "brown river"
Pause
Imagineering - English Literature
Washington Irving - Headless Horseman/Rip Van Winkle
Hub
Flower vacuum
Hidden Mickey ring
Bathroom break again
Same backstage entry from DU - Keys To The Kingdom
Goofy!
Bricks painted on wall - firehouse
Jungle Cruise boats
Down into the tunnels
(Woman worried about clausterphobia in tunnel)
Guest reaction - smiles and big eyes
Vice President Phil (and earlier)
Band members
Alice
Kingdom Kutters?
Video
No wall display?
Back up "my" staircase
Tinker Bell landing
Back onto Center (?) street - where's the yellow line?
Roy and Minnie
End of tour - hand the stuff in
Linger, just taking it easy
Haunted Mansion favorite ride? - Book, theming
Jungle Cruise movie?
Called Mom
Oops, name tag
Carousel
Big Thunder
Come back to make phone call
Soyoung left!
E-mail
Nibbles and food planning
Vista, Walmart, food making
Call again
What's my next steps?
"60187, right?"
"Right!"
Kids excited, waiting for next monorail. Monorail Red pulled into station. Doors opened...gates did not. Another Transportation Cast Member began going through the cabins, opening the hatches for the phones and picking them up to make sure they were working. Doors made "bing-bong" noises you hear on subways and the L. Red started snorting too. Were they doing safety checks? WERE THEY DOING SAFETY CHECKS?!?! Yes. PA Announcement told me twice. Finally, at 8:53am, we were ready to go. Missed check-in time; thought I could still make tour. Got through ride, moving to entrance, bag check (security didn't know where to enter for tours, but by then, people were going inside), and tickets. Entered park 9:01am. Found check-in at City Hall. Asked if I was Cast Member on tour. Said yes, was directed to sign in paper. Thought it was odd. Saw "DU" for Disney University at time. Told them I was on actual, actual tour. Got to pick up name tag, ordered "Anchors Away" tuna sandwich and Coke from Columbia Harbour House. Offered free water and coffee. Sweet! Directed outside. Tour Guide - Gregg from upstate New York. Handed headset, tuned to Channel 2. Had a bit of trouble getting earpiece on my ear. Finally managed it. Waited a little bit more for other Guests, then set off. Walked up Main Street, down side (Center?) street as trolley show was coming. Introductions - name, where from, role you'd want at Disney. Older couple next to me said they were from Homer Glen. Said Carol Stream (hoped they'd recognize it) and said I wanted to be in Holiday Services. Gregg surprised, said it was very specific. Explained Holiday Services to rest of group. Some wanted to be in Guest Relations, one head of horticulture, one wanted to be Mickey, one wanted to meet the owner of the place. Window gazed. Went up to Hub. Headed to Adventureland. At Swiss Family Robinson Tree House, Gregg mentioned renaming of Disneyland's to Tarzan. Said he had a brother in the animation department. When trying to figure out what Tarzan should look like, decided to try and figure out what he looked like as a baby. Had a young niece at the time (maybe animator's daughter and Gregg's niece?). Used her as reference. True story. Way cool!! Went to Jungle Cruise. Gregg got us our own boat. Had a skipper drive while he told us secrets about Jungle Cruise. Hidden Mickey, sensors, guy at bottom of rhino pole has same face as watchman in Haunted Mansion. Very cool experience. Bathroom break at Pirate and Parrot, which appeared to be open, damn! Talked to girl named Katharine. Also named after Katharine Hepburn. Middle name Joy. Sometimes called Katie Joy, since people didn't really like Katharine Joy. Sister's middle name is Elizabeth. Went on Pirates. Got to sit with Gregg. Had mentioned before he started as CP at front gate. Wanted to ask him more, but he answered other Guest questions. Fun ride, no splash this time. Wandered to Frontierland. Time to go backstage. Went past Woody and Jessie (apparently one couple really liked this characters - husband pointing out Woody to wife, saying she got a rumbly in her tumbly seeing him) and to parade step off. Gregg said past yellow line, out of site of Guests. No clothes off until beyond fence/gate. Paused before heading back there. Reminder - no pictures. Continued on. "Pretty glamorous, huh?" Headed to float storage. Cast Member working back there flipped on the lights to the fish. Made it seem as if she was just doing her job, but I wonder if she did it for us. Some of us said thank you anyway. Turned to see Woody and Jessie without their heads going to swap out point. Laughter and giggly goodness from group. Got to see water pumps for Splash. That's a lot of water! And a lot of power! Shoe floating in water. Said they'd found a prosthetic leg? Talked about trash too. Only park to have the A.V.A.C. (spelling?) system. Too expensive. Back out onstage. Told once we cross the yellow line, we'll forget all we've seen. Through Frontierland. Paused by Christmas shop. Bunch of little kids wandered by shouting "Tinker Bell! Tinker Bell!" Informed part of a family tour. Had a cloth scroll with clues and everything, ooh. Moved to carriage house by Haunted Mansion (which we were told we'd be going on after lunch). After a few minutes, Gregg went to Columbia Harbour House to check what's up. Enjoyed weather in meantime. Greeted by lunch coordinator. Escorted inside, up stairs, into VIP room. Meals set out for us. Find place card. Found mine and sat down. Got a bag of chips in addition to meal and drink, sweet! Another tour guide came in. Said she was there so Gregg could rest his voice. Guy sat down across from me. Wearing Wrigley Field t-shirt. Asked him if he was from Chicago. Alabama, but had visited Chicago. Chatted a bit about it. Guy found our key pin was on the inside of the name card. Cool ^-^ Gregg asked if he could join us. Ate salad that had been sitting next to me. Thought placard had another name on it. Maybe Guest didn't show? Alabama asked Gregg if he'd ever been Mickey. Then asked who his brother's favorite animator was. Probably Ward Kimball? Had a light discussion about Ward's stuff being sold on eBay. Felt bad for Gregg, being asked all about his brother (though I was curious too). Asked Alabama about driving or flying, and tried asking Gregg more about his job, whether easy to move around in Company. Said used to be, in 2007, but now, not hiring so much because of economy and people not coming. Asked also if true Tour Guides had to be in Guest Relations for a certain period of time and had audition. Said it was. Asked if I was going to go out for Guest Relations. Said no. Maybe wouldn't have the patience to deal with people. Something like that. Probably not the best thing to say x.x Gregg said Guest Relations means having to take the good with the bad, handling complaints, which they actually get. Told him I knew, trust me. Left to go to bathroom. Met up with Katharine and sister. Was asked if I was staying on property. Trying to hide Cast Member roots (surprisingly difficult on a DISNEY TOUR). Said family was out in park, I was taking tour. Staying at Pop Century. Woman behind them said her too. 80s building for them. I saw I was in 70s. Asked Katharine. Turns out, woman was her Mom. Bathroom busy because downstairs one was closed. Adding in changing station. Made joke about standing in line being what you're supposed to do at Disney. Waiting for great bathroom ride. Came back, took another bite of sandwich, another sip of Coke, saved chips in purse, tossed everything else but water from the morning.
Gotta get to bed. Another 5:30am day tomorrow. But notes for next update:
"Keys" to the kingdom
Haunted Mansion
Servants quarters
Finally spotting Hidden Mickey
Paul Frees - I'm just a fan
Alas - no tour
Liberty Square "brown river"
Pause
Imagineering - English Literature
Washington Irving - Headless Horseman/Rip Van Winkle
Hub
Flower vacuum
Hidden Mickey ring
Bathroom break again
Same backstage entry from DU - Keys To The Kingdom
Goofy!
Bricks painted on wall - firehouse
Jungle Cruise boats
Down into the tunnels
(Woman worried about clausterphobia in tunnel)
Guest reaction - smiles and big eyes
Vice President Phil (and earlier)
Band members
Alice
Kingdom Kutters?
Video
No wall display?
Back up "my" staircase
Tinker Bell landing
Back onto Center (?) street - where's the yellow line?
Roy and Minnie
End of tour - hand the stuff in
Linger, just taking it easy
Haunted Mansion favorite ride? - Book, theming
Jungle Cruise movie?
Called Mom
Oops, name tag
Carousel
Big Thunder
Come back to make phone call
Soyoung left!
Nibbles and food planning
Vista, Walmart, food making
Call again
What's my next steps?
Monday, April 12, 2010
College Program Extension
Thank you for submitting an extension request. At this time, we are unable to approve your request for a program extension.
There are a number of reasons why extension requests would be denied. The Cast member may not meet the eligibility requirements for extensions.
Cast Members can participate in consecutive programs as long as the overall term does not surpass one year in length. This process is open only to College and CareerStart Program Cast.
Culinary Cast Members should contact the College Recruiting Culinary Coordinator at 407-934-6656.
College Program Cast Members should contact International Recruiting at 407-934-7470.
Due to housing capacity, we've been unable to grant extension requests for certain Cast Members who met the basic requirements. In these situations, requests were denied based on the information below:
The Cast Member may have excessive points on his/her record card. This season, Cast Members were denied their request to extend if their record card included a high number of points and/or reprimands, regardless of whether they wanted to remain in their current location or transfer.
The Cast Member may have selected roles that have a limited number of positions available. Some lines of business have a greater labor need than others, so we made decisions based on what would ensure appropriate staffing across all lines of business.
If you have questions about why your extension request was declined, please contact the College & CareerStart Recruiting office at wdw.college.recruiting@disney.com
You may be eligible to continue in a seasonal (CT) capacity in your current work location.
Speak with your local management team for more information.
Disney College Recruiting
1-800-722-2930
Please close your browser window.
There are a number of reasons why extension requests would be denied. The Cast member may not meet the eligibility requirements for extensions.
Cast Members can participate in consecutive programs as long as the overall term does not surpass one year in length. This process is open only to College and CareerStart Program Cast.
Culinary Cast Members should contact the College Recruiting Culinary Coordinator at 407-934-6656.
College Program Cast Members should contact International Recruiting at 407-934-7470.
Due to housing capacity, we've been unable to grant extension requests for certain Cast Members who met the basic requirements. In these situations, requests were denied based on the information below:
The Cast Member may have excessive points on his/her record card. This season, Cast Members were denied their request to extend if their record card included a high number of points and/or reprimands, regardless of whether they wanted to remain in their current location or transfer.
The Cast Member may have selected roles that have a limited number of positions available. Some lines of business have a greater labor need than others, so we made decisions based on what would ensure appropriate staffing across all lines of business.
If you have questions about why your extension request was declined, please contact the College & CareerStart Recruiting office at wdw.college.recruiting@disney.com
You may be eligible to continue in a seasonal (CT) capacity in your current work location.
Speak with your local management team for more information.
Disney College Recruiting
1-800-722-2930
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Friday, April 9, 2010
5:30am Days - Is there a spider in my nuts?
Title comes from something my Dad asked my Mom tonight. He's referring to a can of nuts (I hope). Mary Carmen was MOD this morning. First time. Brought in bagels from Panera for us. Cinnamon-Crunch is delicious! Talked a bit about where we're from, how long we've been with Disney. Then, off to work. Assigned to Bubble. No assistance from an accessories person. Tried to do what I could. Shoes just always a pain in the butt e.e Looked like rain for this morning (it did last night maybe?) but cleared up and got sunny, yay! Was still told to go get ponchos. Also had to check sizes on all Hoodies In A Bag. Pain in the butt, but gave me a little project to do. Really hungry all day for some reason. Finished work with a race to get last pair of large black Crocs onto shelf (didn't have any in cart). Weather really nice this afternoon. Got back to apartment and nibbled on S'mores Goldfish while reading Haunted Mansion book on the couch. Eventually moved outside onto balcony. Brought chair out to sit and read. Was a little bit in sunbeam. Watched it slowly move away as sun set. Finished Haunted Mansion book. 2/3s was good, last part about movie was blah. Got a txt from Misako. She's arrived in Chicago. Good to hear, glad to know she got there ok. Anthony called to say hi. Was on phone with Mom at the time. Called back afterwards. Told me it was 80 degrees one day, and then snowing the next. Also said worked 9 (9 1/2?) hours on Easter, got holiday pay for all of it. Big news - Charlene called him to say she's gotten a full time job with Disney. Will be working Spaceship Earth, woo! Must get over to Sunset to congratulate her. Things still up in the air for me. Need to get it sorted out. Need to make a list. Need to get to bed first. Excited about Baby-Sitters Club post. Although, I think they added in extra characters near the end. Not so great, but those first books were awesome. Makes me want to pick them up again, especially originals with original references. But for now, sleep. Gotta keep one thing in mind though...
Today, April 5, 2010, is approximately FIVE WEEKS until my College Program ends.
Gotta get doing stuff...
Today, April 5, 2010, is approximately FIVE WEEKS until my College Program ends.
Gotta get doing stuff...
Say Hello to Your Friends -- The Baby-Sitters Club Books Are Back!
Apr 9th 2010 By Erin Scottberg
There's really only one thing that gets ladies of our generation more nostalgic than Jesse Spano's caffeine pill addiction: the Baby-Sitters Club.
Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia and Stacey guided us through adolescence. They taught us that it's OK to have diabetes. Or a deadbeat dad who ran out on your family. Or a single father who's waaay overprotective. Or even to wear two different earrings at the same time.
We grew up with these ladies -- even though they stayed in the eighth grade -- and that's why we were super-excited that Scholastic is re-releasing the books (by Ann M. Martin), complete with a Claudia Kishi–approved cover makeover.
Oh, but there's more. Ann M. Martin wrote a prequel called "The Summer Before." And unlike "Dumb and Dumberer" or "Hannibal Rising," this is a prequel worthy of the dynasty.
Lemondrop sat down with Martin to talk about the series.
Lemondrop: What do you think it is about the Baby-Sitters Club that captured a generation?
Ann: The characters were very relatable. They were kids that you could easily know in your school, or in your neighborhood. They were everygirl.
We all liked to play the "Which Babysitter Are You?" game -- then and now. How do you think today's generation is going to relate to those girls?
They faced the same problems that a lot of kids face, and those kinds of things haven't changed between 1986 and today. Friendships, fitting in, boys, school, families ... The characters were all such close friends, even though they fought occasionally. I think having a close-knit group of friends like that was maybe something that readers aspired to.
You can't help but notice the lack of cell phones and Facebook in the books. How do you think new readers will react?
My nephew is 12, has a cell phone, computer ... all that. But his passion is baseball, and from that respect, he could be any 12-year-old boy in time. He can be a kid in 1940, it doesn't really matter. I think they'll be concentrating on other aspects of the book, like the babysitting or the things that, thank goodness, haven't changed, like friendship. Or even some of the scarier topics that kids experience, like the death of a grandparent, bullying or racism. It will be more about the issues than the fact that there's no mention of cell phones.
Is there anything you did change to modernize the story?
Yes, when we re-issued, we made very minor changes. We took out outdated references like VCRs and cassette players. We also updated some of the info about Stacey and her diabetes because so much new information is available [ed note: for the unfamiliar, Stacey has a severe case of diabetes that the books don't shy away from discussing.] For example, in terms of treatment, instead of saying specifically how she tests her insulin levels, we changed it from "fingerprick" to the more general "she took a reading." This way, it will still hold true 25 years from now, and we won't have to update again. But, no, we didn't make any changes like giving the characters cell phones.
Reading "The Summer Before," which instantly took me back to Stonybrook, Conn., I was surprised by the maturity of the sixth graders. They deal with some heavy stuff. I don't remember thinking, Wow, these girls are so mature! when I read the books as a kid, but rather, Wow, I know what she means. How are you able to put yourself in their mindset?
That's just the voice that seems to come most naturally to me whenever I sit down to create new characters or write a book. I have a lot of memories of myself when I was that age that I pull from. Kristy and Mary Anne are loosely based on me and my best friend Beth growing up. I pull things from my childhood -- if not actual events, then certain emotions, memories. I don't have any difficulty putting myself back in that same spot. And I did an awful lot of babysitting growing up.
Did you ever look back at your journals from that age?
My mother kept diaries for herself, me and my younger sister. I can remember these vividly -- she'd lie on her bed and write in all three of the diaries every night. They were those five-year diaries, so there wasn't much room, just four or five lines per day. She did it for the first 15 years of my life. The first diary is blank from January 1 through August 11, 1955; it starts on August 12 -- my birthday. My sister is doing the same thing for her son. Sometimes, I'll flip through and see what I was doing on a particular day in 1954.
When I was young, I couldn't wait to start babysitting and earning my own money. Thinking back, a lot of my eagerness was fueled by the BSC. But a WSJ article about the new books brought up how fewer teenagers are babysitting these days -- not only because parents don't trust their children with a teen, but because as colleges get more competitive, teens are spending more time at school and with extracurriculars and less time working. How has babysitting changed since the days of the BSC?
Well, there aren't as many 11-year-olds babysitting now. I based the books on my own childhood. I started working as a mother's helper when I was 10. Yes, that was the '60s. Things have changed. For adult readers who are thinking, I would never let a 13-year-old babysit for my kids, there has to be a little bit of willing suspension of disbelief.
Your books spawned countless home-grown babysitters clubs across the country. How would a club of today be organized? Would it be all online?
I think one of the most appealing aspects of the club was the way that it was organized. It was a change for all the girls to get together and spend time as friends, be independent and run a business. You could do it as a Web site, but you'd lose the personal aspect, the interactive aspect.
How do you think the BSC books will compare to the "Twilight"s and "Harry Potter"s of today's generation?
It's a different kind of writing. There's room for both kinds. When I was a kid I was a really eclectic reader. I read fantasy, Mary Poppins, Doctor Dolittle and realistic fiction, and I'm hoping that kids today are readers who will be just as eclectic. They'll get something out of these books that they don't get from fantasy, and they'll find things in these books to relate to and aspire to.
What's your favorite reader story?
It's great today to hear from adult fans who read the books and then grown up to become writers, editors, teachers, librarians. The other thing that has been incredibly meaningful is the number of kids who contacted me through Make-a-Wish and the Starlight Children's Foundation to meet me. I've gotten to meet quite a few incredible kids, many of whom I'm still in touch with today. And I really want to say thank you to everybody -- and to the adult readers fondly remembering the books who are eager to introduce their own kids.
Finally, one of our favorite questions here at Lemondrop: If you were a Golden Girl, who would you be?
I'd be Rose, Betty White. She cracks me up. I do particularly like that show, so it's hard to choose a single one, but her story line used to make me laugh very loud. And she's involved with animal rescue, something that's very near and dear to my heart.
And, of course, we had to give readers a chance to ask Ann some questions.
@thisisthebang: Do you think the trend for overseas adoption started with Watson, putting ideas into Angelina Jolie's head?
(laughs) I don't think so. I have absolutely no idea, but that would be awesome.
@LoriFradkin: Where would Claudia shop today?
Probably smaller boutiques where she could find unusual things she couldn't find at stores. She'd want to look for vintage, or things that you couldn't find anywhere else.
@damiella: Which of the Baby-Sitters Club characters are you most like?
Mary Anne -- she's the shy one. But my favorite babysitter is Kristy. I'd love to be that outgoing and open and loud-mouthed. She's my alter-ego.
While researching this article, we learned something: Zach Braff was in an episode of the 1990 BSC TV show. True story.
There's really only one thing that gets ladies of our generation more nostalgic than Jesse Spano's caffeine pill addiction: the Baby-Sitters Club.
Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia and Stacey guided us through adolescence. They taught us that it's OK to have diabetes. Or a deadbeat dad who ran out on your family. Or a single father who's waaay overprotective. Or even to wear two different earrings at the same time.
We grew up with these ladies -- even though they stayed in the eighth grade -- and that's why we were super-excited that Scholastic is re-releasing the books (by Ann M. Martin), complete with a Claudia Kishi–approved cover makeover.
Oh, but there's more. Ann M. Martin wrote a prequel called "The Summer Before." And unlike "Dumb and Dumberer" or "Hannibal Rising," this is a prequel worthy of the dynasty.
Lemondrop sat down with Martin to talk about the series.
Lemondrop: What do you think it is about the Baby-Sitters Club that captured a generation?
Ann: The characters were very relatable. They were kids that you could easily know in your school, or in your neighborhood. They were everygirl.
We all liked to play the "Which Babysitter Are You?" game -- then and now. How do you think today's generation is going to relate to those girls?
They faced the same problems that a lot of kids face, and those kinds of things haven't changed between 1986 and today. Friendships, fitting in, boys, school, families ... The characters were all such close friends, even though they fought occasionally. I think having a close-knit group of friends like that was maybe something that readers aspired to.
You can't help but notice the lack of cell phones and Facebook in the books. How do you think new readers will react?
My nephew is 12, has a cell phone, computer ... all that. But his passion is baseball, and from that respect, he could be any 12-year-old boy in time. He can be a kid in 1940, it doesn't really matter. I think they'll be concentrating on other aspects of the book, like the babysitting or the things that, thank goodness, haven't changed, like friendship. Or even some of the scarier topics that kids experience, like the death of a grandparent, bullying or racism. It will be more about the issues than the fact that there's no mention of cell phones.
Is there anything you did change to modernize the story?
Yes, when we re-issued, we made very minor changes. We took out outdated references like VCRs and cassette players. We also updated some of the info about Stacey and her diabetes because so much new information is available [ed note: for the unfamiliar, Stacey has a severe case of diabetes that the books don't shy away from discussing.] For example, in terms of treatment, instead of saying specifically how she tests her insulin levels, we changed it from "fingerprick" to the more general "she took a reading." This way, it will still hold true 25 years from now, and we won't have to update again. But, no, we didn't make any changes like giving the characters cell phones.
Reading "The Summer Before," which instantly took me back to Stonybrook, Conn., I was surprised by the maturity of the sixth graders. They deal with some heavy stuff. I don't remember thinking, Wow, these girls are so mature! when I read the books as a kid, but rather, Wow, I know what she means. How are you able to put yourself in their mindset?
That's just the voice that seems to come most naturally to me whenever I sit down to create new characters or write a book. I have a lot of memories of myself when I was that age that I pull from. Kristy and Mary Anne are loosely based on me and my best friend Beth growing up. I pull things from my childhood -- if not actual events, then certain emotions, memories. I don't have any difficulty putting myself back in that same spot. And I did an awful lot of babysitting growing up.
Did you ever look back at your journals from that age?
My mother kept diaries for herself, me and my younger sister. I can remember these vividly -- she'd lie on her bed and write in all three of the diaries every night. They were those five-year diaries, so there wasn't much room, just four or five lines per day. She did it for the first 15 years of my life. The first diary is blank from January 1 through August 11, 1955; it starts on August 12 -- my birthday. My sister is doing the same thing for her son. Sometimes, I'll flip through and see what I was doing on a particular day in 1954.
When I was young, I couldn't wait to start babysitting and earning my own money. Thinking back, a lot of my eagerness was fueled by the BSC. But a WSJ article about the new books brought up how fewer teenagers are babysitting these days -- not only because parents don't trust their children with a teen, but because as colleges get more competitive, teens are spending more time at school and with extracurriculars and less time working. How has babysitting changed since the days of the BSC?
Well, there aren't as many 11-year-olds babysitting now. I based the books on my own childhood. I started working as a mother's helper when I was 10. Yes, that was the '60s. Things have changed. For adult readers who are thinking, I would never let a 13-year-old babysit for my kids, there has to be a little bit of willing suspension of disbelief.
Your books spawned countless home-grown babysitters clubs across the country. How would a club of today be organized? Would it be all online?
I think one of the most appealing aspects of the club was the way that it was organized. It was a change for all the girls to get together and spend time as friends, be independent and run a business. You could do it as a Web site, but you'd lose the personal aspect, the interactive aspect.
How do you think the BSC books will compare to the "Twilight"s and "Harry Potter"s of today's generation?
It's a different kind of writing. There's room for both kinds. When I was a kid I was a really eclectic reader. I read fantasy, Mary Poppins, Doctor Dolittle and realistic fiction, and I'm hoping that kids today are readers who will be just as eclectic. They'll get something out of these books that they don't get from fantasy, and they'll find things in these books to relate to and aspire to.
What's your favorite reader story?
It's great today to hear from adult fans who read the books and then grown up to become writers, editors, teachers, librarians. The other thing that has been incredibly meaningful is the number of kids who contacted me through Make-a-Wish and the Starlight Children's Foundation to meet me. I've gotten to meet quite a few incredible kids, many of whom I'm still in touch with today. And I really want to say thank you to everybody -- and to the adult readers fondly remembering the books who are eager to introduce their own kids.
Finally, one of our favorite questions here at Lemondrop: If you were a Golden Girl, who would you be?
I'd be Rose, Betty White. She cracks me up. I do particularly like that show, so it's hard to choose a single one, but her story line used to make me laugh very loud. And she's involved with animal rescue, something that's very near and dear to my heart.
And, of course, we had to give readers a chance to ask Ann some questions.
@thisisthebang: Do you think the trend for overseas adoption started with Watson, putting ideas into Angelina Jolie's head?
(laughs) I don't think so. I have absolutely no idea, but that would be awesome.
@LoriFradkin: Where would Claudia shop today?
Probably smaller boutiques where she could find unusual things she couldn't find at stores. She'd want to look for vintage, or things that you couldn't find anywhere else.
@damiella: Which of the Baby-Sitters Club characters are you most like?
Mary Anne -- she's the shy one. But my favorite babysitter is Kristy. I'd love to be that outgoing and open and loud-mouthed. She's my alter-ego.
While researching this article, we learned something: Zach Braff was in an episode of the 1990 BSC TV show. True story.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Merchantaining
Gotta keep this short. Got a 5:30am day tomorrow. Today was a non-5:30am day, amazing! Thought I'd be on register. Got to trade with Karen to be a Merchantainer. Met a young, eleven-year-old, aspiring actor named Sebastian. Met a 3D animator wearing an Imagination shirt. Remembered all the old rides and how things used to be. His daughter was one inch too short to ride on Soarin', so they'd be back next year. Got to sing the Mouse Gear birthday song. Merchantaining was interesting. Weird to leave when it was dark(er). Plesant evening weather though ^-^
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
5:30am Days - C-C-C-C-Changes
Today 5:30am-4:00pm shift. Not very thrilled. Especially after lack of being able to go home for Easter. Got assigned to accessories (slightly better). No other CPs this morning. Announced that Magic Kingdom got some toy monorails with purple color. Purple's retired because of accident. Were told to check ours and be on the lookout. Manager Ginny asked me if I'd done accessories before. Allowed me to ask questions. Had a slice of Cuban (not French) bread with butter. Had one more, plain, later on. Helped guy named Kevin in Bubble. Only second time on 5:30am shift for him. Gave a little advice and help, went on my way. Phone can now play music. Made good use of that this morning until Epcot music came on. Kept volume low though, polite to others. Found out author was doing booksigning in Bubble today. Ridley Pearson, author of Kingdom Keepers series. Book three out today. Instructed by Manager Ginny to stack and arrange book display. Kind of fun. Suggested to Manager Ginny that some of the books should be displayed at registers. Was told that was a good idea. Spent most of day working on books and shoes, occasionally making it to other areas. Occasionally helped Guests too. Ran around looking for sharpie for woman celebrating 14yr Anniversary, but had only been given "I'm Celebrating" button. Need to get more markers and sharpies. While working on books, teen girl (with birthday button) and her parents (with anniversary buttons) came in. Said they wanted to get autographed book, but author signing only from 4-6 and they had dinner reservations at Hoop De Doo for 5:00pm. Have to be at location at 4:15pm. Wanted to know if they could leave book to get signed. Said I'd seek out manager. Found Coordinator Gwen instead. She said no, went to see Guests anyway. Told them that Pearson's time relaly restricted. Wristbands being given to only 150 people. Family wasn't very happy to hear this. "Happy birthday" the Mom sighed, and picked up book to purchase as gift for daughter. Later, on second break, thought that maybe, if Pearson was worth his salt as a writer, he could sign just one copy of book. I could take copy over to Hoop De Doo, find family, make swap. Would maybe even be willing to have manager come along, if they thought I might do something fishy. That's Disney magic right there. Finished break and went to find manager. All standing around on stage, waiting for Pearson to show. Not doing anything, just standing and talking. Finally Manager Ginny was free. Told her about family, asked if Pearson could do any signing. Was told he had been set to sign a bunch of extras. Due to time, never happened. Wanted to explain rest of my plan, stalled by young boy who wanted to pin trade. By time I traded, Manager Ginny was chatting with another manager. No good to interrupt there. I'm sorry, Celebrating Family. You may never read this, but I heard your problem, and had a solution. I'm very sorry it didn't go through. Finished work day and walked long way backstage, chatting with Mom on phone about not being able to finish telling Manager Ginny what I planned to do. Changed in car and headed to Hess across from MGM to get my car a carwash. Tried to pay at wash. No way to do so. Drove through, parked along random curving curb. Went inside. Waited in line. Paid. Went back to wash. Started entering code. Notice displayed: Carwash broken, please tell manager. Drove through. Parked along curb again. Think I spotted Ketty from Sunset (in Sunset clothing and holding a hot dog) heading towards store. Went inside. Waited in line. Guy went to go reset. I pondered 99 cent Coke slush. Guy returned, said it was a go. Went back to carwash. Laserwash, just like at home, only with chirping beeps to tell me to stop and to drive. Happy dryers pass overhead instead of my having to drive beneath them. Left. Was about to merge onto World Center. Remembered Soyoung saying she was working today. Soyoung getting new role - moving to full service food and beverage at Polynesian at the Luau. Thought it might be nice to visit her in qsr. Turned around at Shades of Green entry road. Tried to get into Boardwalk parking lot at stop light just a little down the road from main entrance. This entrance used by buses. Waited. Tried id. No good, arm wouldn't go up. Had to make awkward turn around and go in proper entrance. Parked in self-park. Walked onto Boardwalk (funnel cakes smell delicious). Played a little phone tag with Mom. Made my way to Yacht and Beach Clubs. Determined weather was good ice cream weather. Got to Periwig Salon/Beaches and Cream area at Beach Club when thought Soyoung's costume looked more like something found at Yacht Club. Turned around. Hunted a little for store at Yacht Club (got just a little turned around at lobby). Found store. Wrong place. Had to go back to Beach Club. Once there, found store, but no Soyoung. Waited and wandered, still nothing. Decided to get a Dole Whip. Walked around a bit, looking for bus stop. Found signs and followed, enjoying walking by fountain and pleasant summer-like night air. Found bus stop and sat. Listened to family plan food at Magic Kingdom. Guy's phone had menus - cool. Just sitting made me feel like I was on vacation. Bus finally came. Encouraged couple to get on before me, despite his logic "It's not gonna leave without me". Seeing ad for mobile magic (updates sent to phone) also made it seem like vacation for some reason. Saw monorail Gold. Laughed to myself - saw Gold this morning when setting up books and getting things ready for Guests. Arrived and headed into Magic Kingdom (semi-thorough lady Guard). Walked left side of Main Street, headed into Adventureland. Saw people could walk through Castle. Was happy. Little line at Aloha Isle, but no worries. Guy behind me asked if this was ice cream. Was asking wife/girlfriend, but I answered. Said sort of, had pineapple and orange flavors. He wanted ice cream. I recommonded the plaza. Said he wanted soft serve, like at Animal Kingdom. Realized it would be helpful to have tell-a-cast for that. Woman in front of me passed flavor information back to him. He wanted to know if there would be cones. Said I was unsure. Got a Dole Whip float. Haven't had one since my Disney vacation in October. Still delicious. Sat down on rockbench facing land entrance. Took in some details, and annoying sound of "Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It" parade. Enjoyed, then walked to Hub and aimed to go through crowd to castle and beyond. Saw Mad Hatter dancing atop one of the floats. Whoopie? Walked through. Couldn't remember which Imagineers are in murals. Wondered which door leads to "Castle Elevator". Wandered Fantasyland. Took in some of the beautiful details of where the Skyway used to be. Lots of lush greenry and levels. There's a clock there too?? Wanted to ride a ride. Lines long all around. Figured parade was over and was getting late. Back to front of park and buses. Boardwalk and Yatch and Beach Clubs buses pulling away as I arrived. Boardwalk had another one come soon after. Drivers changed, first one telling me he'd had a long day. A long day? Two families got on bus. One went to back. Dad and daughter (son?) sat more in middle. Then Dad said "Let's go to the back". Sitting at front of bus, not really showered, wearing "Painting/Pain" t-shirt. Was it me? Enjoyed ride. Drove back to apartment. Saw lovely colors of evening sky (and star) in parking lot. At door, noticed next door had notice in their door. Inside, saw little bags of cookies. We passed inspection! Found Soyoung. She'd called in. Was supposed to work at Yacht and Beach today too x.x Went to change, saw moving notice on dresser for Soyoung. Talks of May move already? Turns out, no. She's got to move this Monday. Monday - Wednesday to be exact. No idea where she's moving to either. And role change not next week, but the week after. Chatted with her a little about Luau area of Polynesian, maybe living with person next door (Soyoung said Korean girl lives there, maybe same depature date, would explain the notice). Made me wonder if I'm going to be getting new roommate. Showered, decided on leftover Hamburger Helper Italian Lasagna. Scooped out from container, looked like cat food example you don't want from a commercial. Still delicious. Ate while reading Shalom's borrowed Haunted Mansion book. Finished with a little salad and V8 Raspberry Goji drink. Delcious. Had nibbled on cookies a bit :P
Need to update on things, like Easter. Tired now though.
Oh, also, got denied my request off for May yesterday. First one denied - can't give time off during final week of program. Second - program ends on the 14th, can't give time off.
...awesome.
Weather was hot today, apparently. But the night time was very nice. Reminded me of the summers of home.
I miss home.
But I really got to get my act together.
Sleep first :P
Need to update on things, like Easter. Tired now though.
Oh, also, got denied my request off for May yesterday. First one denied - can't give time off during final week of program. Second - program ends on the 14th, can't give time off.
...awesome.
Weather was hot today, apparently. But the night time was very nice. Reminded me of the summers of home.
I miss home.
But I really got to get my act together.
Sleep first :P
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Happy Easter!!
Happy Easter!!
Yes, the big day has arrived (and practically gone at the time of this writing). Kind of fell off the Lentan (Lentian?) bandwagon a little near the end. Gotta keep trying. HOpefully I can do a better entry tomorrow as, believe it or not, it's 11:04pm and I'm tired. I've got a couple of things to do tomorrow that simply must get done, but otherwise, I'm gonna try to take care of things on here. Much writing to do, and not all of it in the blogging style.
I will say this though: I am more than a little disappointed that I couldn't be home for Easter. I don't think there was too much I could've done in regards to getting these exact days off, but I'm still a little bummed that I missed yet another holiday. That being said, yay for having a bunny in my pocket and for being assigned to Accessories after being assigned to Bubble (yep, it was a 5:30am shift today too).
Also, Easter candy is awesome, Easter phone calls and relaxing, more awesome..er.
And as a little side note, since today is Sunday, I got to take a look at my schedule for next week. Mostly 5:30am days once again, but next Wednesday, I had a shift from 5:00pm - midnight. Which, while different, isn't terrible. Until I figured out that I'd have to work at 5:30am the next day. That doesn't fly with me. Hopefully it'll be fixed :P
Happy Easter to everyone once again ^-^
Yes, the big day has arrived (and practically gone at the time of this writing). Kind of fell off the Lentan (Lentian?) bandwagon a little near the end. Gotta keep trying. HOpefully I can do a better entry tomorrow as, believe it or not, it's 11:04pm and I'm tired. I've got a couple of things to do tomorrow that simply must get done, but otherwise, I'm gonna try to take care of things on here. Much writing to do, and not all of it in the blogging style.
I will say this though: I am more than a little disappointed that I couldn't be home for Easter. I don't think there was too much I could've done in regards to getting these exact days off, but I'm still a little bummed that I missed yet another holiday. That being said, yay for having a bunny in my pocket and for being assigned to Accessories after being assigned to Bubble (yep, it was a 5:30am shift today too).
Also, Easter candy is awesome, Easter phone calls and relaxing, more awesome..er.
And as a little side note, since today is Sunday, I got to take a look at my schedule for next week. Mostly 5:30am days once again, but next Wednesday, I had a shift from 5:00pm - midnight. Which, while different, isn't terrible. Until I figured out that I'd have to work at 5:30am the next day. That doesn't fly with me. Hopefully it'll be fixed :P
Happy Easter to everyone once again ^-^
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