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 - 5:30 days - Day 2 - 5:30am - 2:00pm

Raining this morning. Little thunder and lightning too. Shoes still wet from yesterday. Parked closer to front to try to avoid more rain. Saw bus and wanted to get on it. Driver said it was going west. Met Kim, who was waiting for east bus. Dropped shirts off at costuming while waiting. Determined maybe east bus didn't run so early in morning. Walked to Mouse Gear. Tried drying inside of my shoes with paper towels before clocking in. Not much help, but a little better. Got assigned to Bubble. Spent morning stocking and watching lots of rain fall. Were supposed to have meeting a little earlier. Rope was going to be dropped a little earlier so Guests could get in and out of the rain. Helped Kim stock "Mine" toothpick holders in Breezeway while the meeting went on. Helped her move mugs she'd replaced and rest of holders into stockroom and tried to move my clothing rack into stockroom too so it wouldn't be out on floor when Guests came in. Made it to the wave, just a moment or two behind schedule. Something like 10 people passed us by the whole time we were out there. Went on break a little late, trying to gather remaining shirts I needed. On break, Kim worried a great deal about not checking what time she was supposed to take break and how long she was supposed to be on it. People kept asking for closed shoes. Felt bad we really didn't have anything to offer. Had Manager Brad explain the new stocking procedures. We can stock until first break/10:30am. Then it's out to help Guests. If something really needs to be stocked (not just like two pairs of socks missing), stockers have to call a manager, have them come, explain what needs to be done, and have manager decide on whether to let the stocker stock. Right... Guest asked for a white hat with a pink Mickey silhouette on it. Didn't have any in stock. Called Brad. He said it was ok to take one down from the display...if I could reach it. Thought about stepstool. Then thought about grabbers that managers usually have. Apparently Food and Beverage and outdoor managers get them, but maybe not in Merchandise? Woman named Frances had a hook, however. She came over to the hat wall and managed to knock the desired hat off one of the stands at the top of the display. A little dusty, but ok. Brad found me when I was chatting with a couple of teen girls. Looked like he wanted to talk to me, but became involved in the conversation with the Guests. Managed to sneak off and straighten. Eventually found me again. Had little project for me. Some of the large Vinylmation out on shelf were supposed to come out next Friday. Wanted me to put them back and bring back the ones originally there. Did so. Midway through, he came around and said that some of the ones going back that looked like bowling pins were ok to stay out. Apologized for giving me more work to do. Said it wasn't a problem, I'm a CP and here to serve. He replied I'm not just a CP, I'm a Cast Member. Said, ok, I'm a Cast Member, and here to serve, wasn't a problem. Told me that I shouldn't let anyone say I'm JUST a CP. Thought that was pretty cool., sort of inspiring. Told him so. Told him that's why he gets to wear the normal clothes. He laughed. I finished project. Became a coat-hanger for a couple of Guests trying on wind breakers. Ponchos maybe not working so well? Were out of a lot of sizes on wind breakers, but the couple finally found ones that worked for them. This was in Breezeway. Manager Rob saw me in Breezeway, asked me to get him the Breezeway rings. I had no idea what he was talking about, which he was surprised (and not in a good way) at. Told him I don't often stock Breezeway. Was told it's a ring with pictures on it showing how things should be stocked. Knew what he wanted and got it. After he used it, was told to put it back and find him. He had another project for me, but when he found out I was in Bubble, sent me on my way. Met a guy from Schaumburg (neat) and two ladies who LOVE Kenny Chesney. One had some lovely photos of him on her phone. The other had encountered a stroller and her KC poncho had ripped under the arm. Had asked someone on register to staple it closed. Took Cast bus to go back to Cast Services. Had to wait a bit, but sort of peaceful. Only person waiting for bus. Only person taking bus back. Found a five-pointed star on Spaceship Earth as we pulled away. Shoes still got a little wet during walk to car. Maria was home when I got home. Spent afternoon hanging out in room, eating food, watching tv. Got phone call from Brian, which I didn't pick up. Voicemail said to call him when I got the message. Called back. He and a girl from Ireland named Karen had been in an accident. Rear-ended someone. Both were fine, her hand was bleeding though, so she'd gone to hospital. Brian needed ride. Said I could help him out. He said he'd call with address of Toyota dealship his car would be towed to. Time passed a bit, still no call. Managed to get to Vista to return Saludios Amigos/The Three Caballeros and The Rescuers Down Under. Picked up documentary on Walt. Apopka/Vineland super crowded. Brian called back once I was driving back. Told him I'd call back. Got to apartment to Mapquest. Off Colonial Drive. Heard of, never visited. Wrote directions. Said it'd be about a half hour. Tried taking International Drive to avoid Apopka/Vineland traffic. Some how ended up on Osceloa parkway. Got onto John Young and followed it north to Colonial. North-South streets connect with East-West streets - Amazing! Passed by the dealership, had to turn around to reach it. Once arrived (with bad parking job - sorry), tried calling Brian a couple of times. No answer. Called Mom to be sure signal worked, then, accidentally rejecting his phone call, tried again. Eventually met up. He set up his GPS as a backup, and back we went. Apparently had to wait for cop for over two hours. Firetruck and ambulance had arrived quickly. Couldn't get ahold of Karen. Turns out, other person, who only had a dented bumper as opposed to bit of a crunch and air bag deployment of Brian's car, works on Illuminations. Said he could get Brian and Karen good seats for the show. Crazy. Dropped off Brian and headed back to apartment. Called Mom and chatted for a little bit. Decided sleep might be good. Had a cup of cereal once I got things a little more organized. Hope Karen's ok. Said she hadn't been feeling well earlier. Hope Brian's doing ok too. Weather's supposed to be better tomorrow too.

Lent xx - 5:30am Days - Day One - 5:30am - 4:00pm

First day of 5:30 weeks. Woke Soyoung so she could catch bus. Brian offered ride since we both worked same hours. He was at front of Patterson 3 minutes early. Asked me if I wanted to see Alice In Wonderland tonight. Had to see how I felt after work and also cash. Arrived at Epcot. and parked very near front. Met guy we work with. Guy wants to transfer to cruise line. Used to do professional lighting. Girl friend in China. First time 5:30am. Hung out in breakroom watching news. Brian went back to car to get ipod. Little boy hid with sister and called police when house got broken into. Asked for lots of cops and soldiers. Thieves found him. Called him "fool". But ran off. Everyone safe. Whoa. Brave and very smart kid. Got assigned to Kids Clothing. Briefly met girl who's been on a month of 5:30am. Met stocker by the name of Linda. Infants area being reworked. Worked on boys instead. In girls, started getting really tired. Was suprised to see people in park at 8:00am. Realized it was for Princess breakfast. Managed to get through most of girls before meeting. Meeting in bubble. 20% off f&b coupon returning. Crap. Entrance countdown began while still chatting. Managed to get a glove and wave to people for a few minutes. Back to girls to finish up a couple of things. Happily went on 45 break. Rain started early. Not bad. Kept coming and going and was cloudy all day. Tried to work on clothing in center. Was told of new stocker policy. After 10:30am (first break?), no more stocking. Be out for Guest assistance and straightening. Mostly Guests. Began lots of Guest greeting. Got two requests for size "3" - between 2 and 4. We don't have, do we? Rain brought in more people. Store began to get busy. Had been asked earlier for Mad Hatter Hat from new Alice In Wonderland movie. Been out of it for a while. Went to check. Turns out we just got some in. Asked Manager Rob to make sure I could bring them out. Did so, Guest waiting was very happy, I was happy. Went to go tag others. Was informed by Rob that tag needed to go through stitching, not through hat material (not best part of day), but opened them from plastic, tagged them, and got them ready to go out. Also met a seamstress. Neat!

Best part of day - two parents and young boy (9/10/11ish?) came in looking for Mad Hatter Hat. Ran to other side of store to get it. Brought it back. Family was absolutely thrilled. They'd been looking everywhere for it. Was told I just made boy's first trip. Mom gave me rainy half-hug.

Awesome.

Got super busy with people coming in and hiding from rain. Got to go home ^-^

Met Brian in breakroom. He wanted to wait out rain a bit, see if it slowed. Didn't have a rain poncho or a jacket or anything. Waited five or ten minutes. Watching weather on tv. Said tornado warning for Orange County and showed more rain coming. Brian asked if I wanted to hit up a park on my day off. Decided to head up to see how rain was. Coming down, and heavy at that. Stayed in breezeway with Guests for a little bit. Saw some of them take a chance and run. Decided to do the same. Got to pretzel cart. Then to Test Track. By this point, my pants and shoes were absolutely soaked. Little bit of lightning. Little bit of wind. Tried to make it to back of Test Track, maybe dry under track? Rain lightened a bit. Under tracks not dry. Got to Cast Services. Realized we could've tried for the bus. Oops. Met Custodial guy named Matt from Washington. He had fun smacking Brian's wet clothes, first with hand, then a bit with broom. He and Brian displayed their Stitch voices. Matt was very amused. Asked Brian and I to be facebook friends. Matt took random picture of me (not very good one). Told him he should've gotten a picture of my soaked pants. He proceeded to pat my lower leg, as he'd done with Brian. Uh? Kind of laughed. Told him I felt like horse. Off to the stable! Matt told me I'd be a filly. Neat nickname? Brian and I headed to Costuming to check about a rain coat for him. He passed and we headed to car. Thankfully he'd parked so close this morning. Apologized about wet pants on seat. Decided against movie, due to rain. Slight traffic jam on way back to apartments. Got dropped off and headed instead. Pants and socks hung up. Toweled off. Paper toweled shoes. No laundry today I guess. Made garlic shrimp skillet on spinach leaves. Delicious! Watched about extreme roller coaster and water park drops. Indiana Beach, Orlando, and Wisconsin Dells featured! Fell asleep a couple of times. Woke up to The Incredibles and stayed awake to watch. Just as good as I remembered. No school like the old school. Prepped for tomorrow. Misako met Dan Cockrel today as he was walking the park. Said he was gorgeous! Soyoung opened little bag of Famous Amos cookies possibly left by the people from our inspection. Passed, btw. Been nibbling. So good to have some cookies. Need to sleep.

Decided after the new changes and talking to some of the people that've been here awhile that maybe it's best I work for a smaller company, so my work and contributions will be recognized. Either that or a small department. And need to be really good at whatever it is that I do. Just want recognition? Mom said I need to figure out the type of work I want to do first.

Why do I still have the tv on the Lifetime Movie Network?

Postcard from the edge of sleepiness

--- Wireless issues prevented my being able to post this at the original time. Time and date are accurate ---


Went to Hollywood Studios today to learn about the park and my area for assessment. Spent part of the morning in costuming. Hope I found things that fit ok. Traveled out to park to learn. Finally know where Guest Relations and Tip Board are. Don’t understand why first aid is hidden behind a truck. Almost went on Rockin’ Rollercoaster. Chickened out. Next time? Had a chocolate muffin from Starring Rolls. Recommended, with napkin. Photo with Donald. Was going to get Goofy, but line got cut off right before me x.x Rained, but was in queue for Voyage of the Little Mermaid and sheltered. First time seeing it. Water effects and opening puppetry the best of Mermaid. Ok, Ursula too. Watched Block Party Bash. Amazing amounts of energy. Lots of time looking at animation stuffs and The Princess and The Frog material. Got to see Carl, Russel, and eventually Dug the dog from Up. No picture though. Toy Story Midway Mania is AMAZING! 140,000 points. I got a Beaver prize. Was gonna travel my area again. Alex called to go to Magic Kingdom. Said I didn’t think I would. Went anyway. Rode monorail to Epcot and back. Arrived in park and went to Tomorrowland. Rode Stitch’s Great Escape for first time. Chili dog smell seemed to follow me. Carousel of Progress is still awesome. FINALLY HAD TURKEY LEG. Rained again. Waited for Alex. She arrived and we both watched Egret choke/swallow huge piece of left-over turkey meat. Wandered into Toontown. Alex rode Barnstormer. Need to go on that. I had umbrella. She had to buy poncho. Her first cast discount. Stopped raining. Wandered to Splash Mountain. Found it was out of fast passes. Went to Country Bears instead. Rather enjoyable. Would like to go again ^-^ Headed out and chatted with Mom on phone in parking lot. Kristi moved in to her dorm today. Went to Wal-mart for crew socks and sandwich bags. Showered. Decided I have a crapload of things to do tomorrow, including work. Have “Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow” still playing in head.