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 ^-^

Lent xx - 5:30am Days - Dadgum!

Thought someone was up this morning. Heard someone in the bathroom, and thought I heard Misako/Shalom's door open, but was interested in cereal and reading a mail ad booklet for Sony products. Got Bubble again today. Was also the only person (in the group of Kim, Robyn, and Alice) to work. Where is everyone? Ginny gave me a mini "moving stuff around" project. Nothing bad at all, just switching some tops and shorts. She did say the people down in the tunnels were cranky today. I think it's just the coupon. The doors leading to Bubble were unlocked. A moth managed to get into the store. No idea where it went. Also got to see the moon hanging over what I believe is the side of "Honey, I Shrunk The Audience". Kind of cool. Had seen the moon on Monday as I was heading home. Big and pale and beautiful, it was rising up over the horizon. Got to get a nice look at it while stopped at the light by the Hess at the intersection of International Drive and World Center. And there it was this morning, hanging in the sky, going to bed while I was going to work. Hat wall was redone today too. Looks a little overwhelming, but also kind of nice. Didn't get my break until late again, meaning I got to eat at least seven hours after "breakfast" this morning (is there a meal before breakfast? Cause that's what it is really). Kept busy trying to stock. Wasn't doing the greatest of jobs, but things looked...ok. Neat...ish anyway. Left the doors to Bubble open today. So nice to see the people and feel the breeze. Plus, heard fountain today. It makes funny little popping noises. Neat ^-^ Had a woman describe a hat to me ("Walt Disney World written on the side of the bill, and a metal medalion in the center. Brown and khaki") and I managed to find just the right one. Woo! Helped a ten year old out, writing his name (Brian Allen, first and last!) on his birthday button. I told him it was cool that he had hit the double digits, and that now he was "seasoned". Took my second break around 1:15pm. Headed up to the managers' office area. Heard news of popcorn. There was! Probably stuff left over from Christmas tins. Three kinds, but I stuck with a handful or two of carmel. Also (finally) had a hot chocolate. Headed to breakroom to sit. Decided, at the last minute, that Bubble needed some more work, and extended an extra hour. Managed to straighten more, made a list, nearly ran out of time. At the last minute, a woman asked me to take her to the hats, since we didn't have a shirt/hat combo in the size she was looking for, and wanted a medium size in the doggie shirt. First time finding those things. Now I know where they are! Thought I had lost my cart after that. Searched everywhere for it. Found it in jewlery, not too far from where it should've been, I think, but now it had a couple extra t-shirts and items people didn't want. Well...nice of them to put the items in there. Met Coordinator Miguel in Costuming. He was going in while I was leaving. Said he was going to have to work seven days in a row. That sucks. Called (and got another number to call) to find out info about Professional Internships. No longer staying 45 minutes away, but if I can't work at Mouse Gear between the end of my college program and the beginning of the professional internship, I gotta take my stuff home. No early moving in. Ah, more fun. Seriously debated a Chick-Fil-A shake. Also found out there's a Chick-Fil-A coming to Chicago, woo!! Had a little munch-fest when I got back to the apartment. Tried new Banana Nut Granola. Tasted good. Still waiting on the "final results". "It's The Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown" was on tonight too. Happy to see it ^-^ Believe it or not, tried calling a couple of people to see if they could work Easter for me. Usha works until 11:00pm tonight. Barbara Diaz is not a girl, but a guy, and he's working at Blizzard Beach all week since he's seasonal. I had such wonderful hopes for being able to find someone, to get it approved (quickly), and to be able to fly home tomorrow night. I still do...

Windows keeps asking to restart to make changes. Leave me alone, I've got pictures of "Mator" the UFO from one of the Car Toons to find. And stuff to prepare for tomorrow.

After watching Easter Beagle, I'm still really, REALLY hoping for some Easter goodness.

Dadgum >.<

Lent xx - 5:30am Days - I need to be cuddled

Checked cds this morning: Easter Sunday - 5:30- 14:00.

...

Assigned to home dec today. Originally had a partner, but then she got moved to kids. Need to learn how to fold towels. Manager Rob was asking what sections we like. Kind of really didn't say anything, when I should've. Had also asked which ones we didn't like. Figured if I told him this, then if I screwed up, he'd put me there. Probably should have spoken up, ne? New plush named...P...uh...don't know. Nicknamed Pluto "Ninja Pluto". Met little girl in Tiana dress. Really cute, really nice. British accent? Scraped her knee on the side of a pool. Got a little Figment to kiss it to see if it made it better. Figment kissed her cheek too. She said it didn't help :P Asked if Donald was up in the office. Said he was, but busy because he was dealing with his nephews. Tried to put out Fab 5 display frame. Wrestled with the box for a few minutes, ended ripping it to get at frame, then struggled to put frame together (Minnie separate piece that helps hold photo display), and finally, after getting it, lifted it up to check for price and price tag...and dropped it. Minnie's arms and nose popped off. Off to damages...lesson learned. Went on first break a little late, but went instead of going to register. Needed food and a break. Never got to my second break. Considered extending. Decided against. Did find $5 though! And gave it to the manager x.x I really need to learn... Nicknamed Alice and Robyn the Tweedle Twins. Started to rain as I got to my car. Got to apartment, chatted with Mom on phone, and got into apartment just as rain started really coming down. Almost like snow. Outlines of things were all fuzzy and white. Little lightning and thunder too. Got to watch Dumbo (finally) when I got back. Good movie. Haven't seen it since I was a kid, which was weird, because I remembered some parts. Ah Dumbo. Related a lot to him in more than one way. "Baby Mine" sequence got me sniffly. At 64 minutes, decided to watch again with audio commentary. Was learning some neat stuff, but had to go to Church and so had to shut it off halfway through. Palm Sunday Mass - long, but enjoyable. 6:00pm Mass, ended at 7:30pm. Got me kind of down too. Partially because I kept thinking about Baby Mine. Also because of lack of Easter Headed to Vista to drop off Dumbo and Jurassic Park (really wanted to watch the rest of Dumbo and actually watch Jurassic Park). Picked up Great Mouse Detective and 101 Dalmations. Actually watched an episode of Jonas on Disney Channel. I know!! Wtf?? Also chatted with Mom again. Feeling down about Easter. Feel I can't really go anywhere, because it's spring break, everyone's here for vacation and Easter, and since I'm working Easter, not really much of a "vacation" or holiday for me. Mom suggested visiting the tourist traps. Good idea. Delayed in getting to bed when I wanted to, so I should probably go now.

Why is everything I want on iTunes $1.29?

Also, I forgot to mention yesterday that I learned how to hand hug. If I give my right hand, you give your right, so we're palm-to-palm with thumbs on opposite sides. Then, move thumb around side of other person's hand. It's a hug!

Dumbo taught me you don't need wings to fly.

Lent xx - 5:30am Days - Connecting people by (tele)communications

Today was my Friday. So excited! Got assigned to Spider. One of the busiest sections in the store, especially because of 20% coupon and predicted rain. Oh boy. Stocked what I could, then found a bunch of what I was missing packed up, sitting in the tunnel, waiting to be opened. Managed to unwrap and hang on hangers some of the pj tops I needed. Jeri, stocker lady, took over, and did all the rest. Discovered Kim was at work during the morning meeting. Traded shifts, so she got to start at 9:00am. The Wave was fun this morning. Little girl spotted me and immediately wanted to pin trade. Her sister came over and traded with Brian. So early and right off the bat! Went back, stocked fancy white rain jackets and finished 2/3 of the hats. Deemed it "decent" and went to break. Must say, maybe they stocked Spider really well last night. If so, I absolutely appreciated it. Did not have anything caffinated while on break. Realized on my way back onstage that that was probably not the smartest idea. Got pulled back and forth between working register, directing Guests, and trying to straighten. Didn't get to give that much attention to spider actually. Met a woman from around Elgin. Special Ed assistant on spring break. Talked a little bit about all the education layoffs happening in that area. Later, met a stressed out Dad who was buying all sorts of items for his family. Worked through his pile of items as quickly as I could. Though stressed, he still had a bit of a friendly tone. Hope all's well for him and his family. Biggest event of the day was couple I met who wanted a cloth (soft? Not fleece) zip jacket in navy blue in XL. Tried calling stockroom. Must've not had my radio connected properly, never got a response. Went down and checked. Only had medium and 3x. Woman, annoyed, wrote down the sku number from the jackets, saying she could never get what she wanted at any of the stores. I offered to call World of Disney to see if jacket was there. Had to head to jewlery to get a phone. Soon as I reached it, stopped by the other two Cast Members there. One, older British-sounding guy, wanted to know if we had extra links for a certain watch. Other had a question about batteries being included in the watches and how to start them. I had no answers; it was my first time in jewlery. It was their first times too. Called operator to connect to World of Disney. Had to go through a little phone menu. Pressed key to talk to Cast Member. Phone went silent. Not dead, no ring tone, but nothing was going on. Tried again. Same thing. Tried again, got a little further, then phone went silent. Kept trying, alternating with Mail Order (apparently closed on weekends, thanks a lot), and trying to figure out how to dial the World of Disney number directly so I didn't have to keep using the operators. Got someone's private voicemail, and when I finally figured it out, twice got the message that Merchandise was closed on weekends. I pressed number to talk to Cast Member, how'd I get there? Meanwhile, continued to get asked a couple of questions from jewelry Cast Members, still trying to help their Guests. Couple said they had to meet someone (eventually revealed it was for a Fast Pass). Would come back to find out whether or not World of Disney had jacket. Woman's name was Denise, that's all I got, and then they left. FINALLY reached live person at World of Disney. Was asked to hold as they had a substantial line. Must work really, really quickly, because not too long after, they were back. Explained what I needed. Said they needed to walk the floor. Came back after a bit and said no. Thanked them profusely. Decided to go on break. Just coming up on 1:00pm and figured if couple would be back, I should be there for them. Jewerly was a little better. Meag stopped by and helped sort things out with the links Guest, although they also wanted to do a return, and Meag directed her over to the other Cast Member (busy helping start the watch) to wait even longer, rather than just doing it and getting Guest on her way. On my way to break, recalled what I had learned in the morning regarding white rain jackets and pj tops (and salmon-colored Minnie pants and black patch peace jackets!) and checked with stockers unloading tubs. Jeri had just hung up an XL navy jacket. Thrilled, though didn't show it. Ran back up to get back and Guest hold form, put the jacket on hold, and went to break. Cut break early by 7 minutes. Felt couple would've been back by then. With less than half hour to go, decided to try straightening. Was asked by random Guest if we carried Hollywood Studios shirts. Meag found me and asked to go to register, since Guests were coming in from rain. Explained I was waiting for Guests and had to leave in 15 minutes, but agreed. Got register in Bubble and helped Kim out by cutting down the line. Luckily, in 15 minutes, another Cast Member (possibly Alice?) took over. Finished taking care of packages being shipped out, returned my radio, and clocked out. Never saw couple. Mentioned to woman named Karen (staying until midnight) about the Guests, should they come back. Cleaned up my cart and inktags and left. Took bus to keep out of the rain. Didn't help in parking lot. Right foot feeling pretty wet. Rain coming down at different speeds and angles prompted me to have some crackers and chill out. Managed to take a bit of a nap. Woke up just as the rain was letting up a bit, yay! Started car and was headed out, when noticed the entrance to backstage had big puddle of water people were driving through. Decided to exit by health services. Got back to apartment and ate two bowls of Cinnamon Chex (new, just opened, and quite good). Took care of an e-mail, learned some Disney trivia on The Hub, and fell asleep. Had planned to be up to watch first episode of "Life" on Discovery Channel. Woke up half way through. Said screw it, went back to bed. Woke up again after midnight. Decided to take care of little mess I'd made with my impromptu nap. Clothes away, teeth brushed, ect. Soyoung asleep on couch, so decided to update here. Stacy came back, waking her up, so Soyoung moved in here. Stacy now unnecessarily on computer on couch. Sorry, probably still tired. Much to do, but going back to bed.

This week Wednesday I start at 10:45am (or something like that, maybe 10:00am). Otherwise, all 5:30am days. No Monday or Tuesday off, working those days straight through until Friday, whch was requested off for Easter. All 5:30am days except for one. Still don't know if I'm working Easter. Working Tuesday means I can't go to Kennedy Space Center. Got to change that, yessiree.

Also, while at work, Democrats only needed 2 more votes to reach 216 needed for their healthcare bill.Looking up "yessiree" on Yahoo! just now, looks like they got it. Woo hoo!

Lent xx - A quick update with less than two months to go

Last two 5:30am days kind of blew by. Sorry about not updating x.x Went to Church today, then to Vista to return biography movie about Walt, then to Magic Kingdom where I hoped to have gotten a hair cut. No good, they were booked. Went to Magic Kingdom, got cinnamon almonds (delcious, but expensive), rode train. Held up by parade at Toontown Station. Wandered a bit, very busy all around. Got on People Mover with annoying teen boys behind me. "I'm on the blue line!" "Where the ladies at?" "I'm scared of the dark!" "Someone touched my butt, I feel violated!". Long journey. Gave me a bit of a headache. Walmart after, and then a pleasant walk around the complex. Dinner, ST: TNG/NCIS, and a shower.

Trying to work things out for my future. Need to update resume, apply for jobs, figure out next step. Unfortunately, seems like my trip back home for Easter isn't going to happen. Costs somewhere between $244 and mid-$300s for a ticket. I understand, but am not happy at all about it. Much to do. Gotta get to bed though. More 5:30am days ahead.

Walt was really like us...really normal...wasn't he? Crazy to think like that, but watching that movie, well, wow. What a life.

Oh, and it's officially less than two months until my program's over.

Lent 07 - A journey or two on a day of beautiful weather

Second day off. Decided to celebrate by sleeping in until nearly eleven. Tired from last night's tears. Got to work finishing Valentine's Day cards and package. Misako found my card from Ralph. Asked if it was for her. Misako/Miyako = oops. Asked what he'd written in there, wanted to know if it was in Japanese. Said he said I have a cute butt. Drew Dad a sucky Bob Ross-esque picture in his card. In Sharpie. Yeah... Took photo. Cards finished, proceeded to wrap and scotch tape the heck out of the package. Weather seemed absolutely gorgeous. Decided it was a day to bring my cds. Misako had some stuff to be mailed too. Finally got out to car, just to have Mom call. Found out Kristi's involved with intramural volleyball and made Busia an 85th birthday card she loved so much she framed it. I need a career. And some talent. Demonstratable talent. Headed out to Crossroads, where I know I've seen a sign for the post office. Found the sign. Found the Comfort Inn my family and I stayed in in 2006. Found where Palm Parkway meets Lake Street. Did not find Post Office. Kept looking. Had listened to Lake Shore Drive on the way to Crossroads. Enjoyed the song, but got a little teary with thoughts of missing home. Driving and searching meant more music from Darjeeling Limited Soundtrack. Typewriter song sounds like something to hear in queue for Jungle Cruise. Eventually found post office in small grouping of stores. Found out I should not use scotch tape on packages as it shreds in the machines. Got packages, cards, and Misako's stuff sent out. Decided to celebrate by going to Animal Kingdom Lodge. Finally got to have African Stew. Yum. VERY filling. Visited "Mental Health Services" by eating stew (in a breadbowl!) and watching old Disney cartoons. "Saw" (couldn't hear sound) Mickey's trailer. Finally got to see almost all of Steamboat Willie all the way through. Very cool. Very happy. Introduced Mom to "lmao". Wandered around Lodge. Went out into savannah area. Cast Members standing around in groups unnerved me. Got to see feeding time. Animals just knew and started following the truck. Guy tried to load branches into feeder in a tree. Giraffe was hungry and started pulling and nibbling from the truck pile and the guy's hands. Other guy tried to push Giraffe away. I think Giraffe's called Miles. Saw an Ankola Cattle with head tilted to one side. Big horn way too heavy? Other Guests said that was cruel and something should be done. One Guest (with Perry the Platypus shirt) said horns have blood flow in them, couldn't be cut. Cattle has better chance of surviving in preserve than in nature. True, but said. "That's nature", as one Guest said. Back into Lodge to explore a little. Found an overlook with rocking chairs. No one else there. Sat for a while, enjoying the view of the savannah, early risen moon, listening to other Guests and kids on hotel room balconies. "Mas Que Nada" from MJJ popped into head. Thought I could go see parade. Turns out, DAK closed at 5:00pm today. Had arrived about 20 minutes beforehand. Decided to go to Epcot. Gas stop first. Pumps all very busy! Went in front way of Epcot. Found a 5-pointed star on Spaceship Earth as I did! Topiary giraffes, Rafiki lifting Simba/Mufasa/Sarabi, and Zazu in the back. Also spotted Timon and Pumbaa. VERY cool! Went into Mouse Gear. Ran into a manager who recognized me. Asked for Sandra and told to go upstairs. Found her and explained Easter situation. Told (bluntly) that there's certain amount of slots for people to take off. Am going to have to do the legwork to see if someone will take my shift. Placed my name on a list telling people my shift could be taken. Need to make a note to put up there as well. Occurred to me later on that I don't know what shift I'll be working. How am I to have someone take it then? Got out and just sat near Universe of Energy. Finally got up and took a walk. Flowers along lakes are really pretty! Decided maybe to visit American Adventure pavillion. Aladdin in Morocco was hot. Passed by America, since next show was 30 minutes away. Tried Italy for Italian Soda. No luck. Apparently there's World Showcase performers there? Heard them "casually talking" about benches. In woman's country, I think she said there's no sitting? Then they were announced. Went to Outpost. Checked prices on ice cream. Debated float. Started heading back. Aladdin still hot. Headache. Realized there were dolphins in the lake flower designs. Checked prices at Fountainview Ice Cream. Reasonable. Went and got free little cup of China Coke instead. Naturally went on Spaceship Earth. Reviewed Hidden Mickeys. Missed more theming and storytelling as opposed to interactive screen ending. Decided to take a monorail ride. Monorail waiting for a while, even after I got on. This was after I saw one passing overhead on loop around park. Got to Magic Kingdom and decided to try to see Spectro. Got in and found out Spectro wasn't happening tonight. My timing really rocked today. Decided to take boat back. Watched Castle as I left. Mom told two children (boy and girl) to say goodbye to Magic Kingdom. They waved. That, and the beauty of the Castle at night from across the lake sparked some magic in me. I don't want to miss that feeling. Got off the boat just in time to see fireworks. Boat driver kept telling people to move towards exit. Easy to ignore ^-^; Fireworks beautiful from across the lake. Understand lighting at boat entrance is necessary, but a pity at that moment. Hopped monorail back. Had texted Anthony earlier in the day about Block Party at Commons. Had gotten back to me much later saying he'd be free after 10pm. Had some time to eat some cocoa mochi, chocolate, and green apple. Misako trying to apply for flight attendant at a company based in Dubai. Found out I have 5:30am-4:00pm shift next week x.x Time just about up. Debated about wearing earrings (went with green) and jacket (went with black knit - uncertain about having shirt hang below its length). Arrived to go with Anthony and Clay. Clay taking a shot of something in memory of an old roommate. Met by two other girls in apartment, fancy club dressed. Had seen other people dressed in that style. Wondered what I was getting into. They were coming too. Both work in Adventureland/Liberty Square. One was full time. Awkwardly walked with, listening to them chat and Clay and Anthony chat. Anthony told me I had his sunglasses. So THAT'S who those belong to. Thought they were Soyoung's. Wasn't feeling well. Think it was combination awkwardness and apple perhaps. African Stew? Hope not. Got to Commons. Block Party? This is a rave! People all crowded into one area. Loud music. Glow items. People all carrying drinks. Granted, they were soda, but still. Girls got stuck trying to get past Guard because of the full timer. Needed someone to sign her in. Clay, Anthony, and I went in. Anthony remarked this was the stuff he tried to stay away from. Clay disappeared into crowd. I followed Anthony through it, followed him past soda, around to the back of the building. Felt like a set up. Said I was ready to go (didn't see food anywhere, bummer). Left together. Anthony apologized for awkwardness with two girls and for not being in a great mood. Considering leaving program. Said he commuted in college. Wanted to live life. Said this wasn't living life. Taking $3 less an hour to work Jungle Cruise. In debt back at home too? Did say that he knew as soon as he left, he would miss Disney like crazy. Also said two girls appeared very nice, but mess with your mind. Apparently he's been txt flirting with one. Other txted, saying girl was freaked out. Txting girl said it was all right, keep going. Anthony wondered why they play mind games. Also said they need instant text response. Had gotten a couple of texts while sleeping, one of which was "why are you ignoring me?" Thought to myself about my feelings of lack of response from him earlier. As we walked, Katelyn (?) texted asking where he was. Replied that he'd left. She replied "Why? You could dance with me". "Maybe later" was his response (I think). Interesting. Walked back to his apartment. Said he was tired. Got up early to work and then hang out with Val. Said she'd been really flirty and that nothing had happened between them. Yet. Headed on my own back to my apartment. Called Mom and told her of situation. Caregiver in me wanted to help, but what to do? Determined, eventually, to return glasses, and see if he wanted to talk. Anthony said I could return glasses and that Kim was over. Walking over, saw Clay and two girls coming back. Yeah, my timing was awesome today. Waited a little, then arrived at apartment. Door was not shut completely. Knocked anyway and heard "Come in, come in". Anthony got the glasses...and that was it. Headed back to apartment for cup of squash soup and some Olympic watching. Thought tonight would make a good set up to a "screw you over without even knowing it" plot. Was paranoid and wary, especially with alcohol. Girl had asked Anthony if he'd wanted a cigarette. He'd said no, but it made me wonder. Did just the briefest of research on sound recording. Need to know electronics and how to work things/set things up. Maybe? Need to think about it some more. Need to do some research too. Also Facebook stalked a bit. Nick Blasucci might have jail time?? Also (re)learned how to search names in friends. Still getting used to new Facebook layout. Time to get some sleep. Work tomorrow. Imagination just started playing.

The weather really was beautiful today.

What about being a part-time sound recorder?