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.

The Sherman Brothers receive window on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland

A Window to Remember

They've written some of the most memorable songs in Disney theme park—and motion picture—history, and on March 11, 2010, the Academy Award®-winning composers of the music from it's a small world and Enchanted Tiki Room attractions, as well as the film Mary Poppins, will receive the highest honor that the Disneyland Resort bestows. The Sherman brothers, Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, will receive a tribute window on Main Street, U.S.A.

Among the Shermans' more than 150 Disney songs are such familiar Disney theme park compositions as "The Tiki Tiki Tiki Room" (theme from the Enchanted Tiki Room), "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow" (theme from Carousel of Progress) and "It's a Small World," one of the most translated and performed songs on Earth. All three are still performed in their attractions at Disney theme parks around the world, making the music as contemporary today as when it was composed.

"Richard and Robert Sherman's contribution to Disney spans 50 years and has touched virtually every aspect of our company," Robert A. Iger, president and CEO, says. "By dedicating a window on Main Street, U.S.A. inside Disneyland we are pleased to recognize them with one of the highest honors our company bestows."

"The music of the Sherman brothers has left an indelible mark on the Walt Disney Company and still resonates in Disney parks around the world," Tom Staggs, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman, says. "Their songs—particularly 'It's a Small World' and the score of Mary Poppins—are not just touchstones of Disney but of American culture as a whole. The whole world sang these songs when they were new and they still sing them today almost five decades later. Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman are honored members of the Disney family."

The tradition of honoring individuals with a personalized decorative window was started on Main Street, U.S.A. by Walt Disney and has continued at Disney parks worldwide. A Disneyland window is considered the ultimate honor anyone can receive from "The Happiest Place on Earth."

The careers of Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman span almost 50 years and include two Academy Awards for Mary Poppins—Best Score, and Best Song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee." The Sherman brothers gained recognition in popular music with several Top Ten hits, among them "Let's Get Together," sung in The Parent Trap by Hayley Mills; "Tall Paul," Annette Funicello's first Top 10 single; and "You're Sixteen," which made the Top Ten twice: sung by Johnny Burnette in 1960 and by Ringo Starr in 1974. In 1960, they began a phenomenal 10-year association with Walt Disney, during which time they composed more than 150 songs for Disneyland Park, other Disney parks, and Disney films and television shows.

Their Disney credits include The Jungle Book, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, The Sword in the Stone, The Aristocats, The Happiest Millionaire, the Winnie the Pooh series and, of course, Mary Poppins. The theatrical version of Mary Poppins is consistently among Broadway's top-grossing shows and is in its fourth highly successful year at the New Amsterdam Theatre. The North America tour continues to be a hit, and the show's popularity is growing around the globe with international productions opening in Australia and Holland later this year.

The Sherman brothers went on to compose other song scores for Snoopy Come Home, Charlotte's Web, the Broadway musical Over Here, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (later brought to the stage in London and New York), Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, The Slipper and the Rose, The Magic of Lassie (which earned their ninth Academy Award nomination for Best Song), The Tigger Movie, the stage musical Busker Alley and Beverly Hills Cop 3.

Among the Sherman brothers' honors are three Grammy Awards, 24 gold and platinum albums and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They have also been named Disney Legends, a designation that acknowledges the many individuals whose imagination, talents and dreams have created the Disney magic.




Copyright Disney (yeah, yeah)

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?

Lent ::coughmuttermuffle::

Got up late. Went to Church. Felt more familiar and like a place I'd want to be. Wendy's. Got called "Miss" by guy at drive-through window. Ate Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger. Caribbean Beach. Tried to eat Ceaser Side Salad. Top popped off. Then lost hold. Managed to pin top against door. Lost about 3/4 of salad in door, on floor. Spent next 10-15 min cleaning. Ate rest. Visited Customs House. Took internal resort bus. Port Royal/Royale. Driver told me people turning to food for comfort. Also 400+ calories in Double Cheeseburger. Mentioned Guests say Beaches and Cream has the best milk shakes. Decided to go there. Explored Port Royale. Wandered around outside. Caribbean Cay has need hidden alcoves, hammocks, places to sit. Wandered around rest of resort. Explored Aruba. Nice that parts are pavement, parts are boardwalks. Went to southern end. Saw bowling pins from Pop. Neat. Decided to go for milkshake. Next park bus that comes, I'll take it. Epcot. Had to transfer to Hollywood Studios bus once arrived. At Hollywood, decided to walk on pathway instead of taking Friendship. Visited pool area of Boardwalk. Saw Keister Coaster. Cute ^-^ Yacht Club looks sterile from outisde. Pool for Yacht and Beach Clubs in full swing. Bunch of life guards doing Cupid Shuffle. Thought B&C (like BC = Beach Club?) had a wait to sit down. Had To-Go area. Asked what flavors there were. Didn't notice they were posted on sign x.x Apologized to CM. Heard my name called. Misako sitting with some women from work. Small world after all o.o. Got Chocolate Mint Shake, complete with whipped cream, cherry, sprinkles. Woo!! Sat outside and drank. People-watched. Watched guy at seating table. Drank ice cream and ate chocolate. Heard Spice Girls song and thought of Rebecca. Chatted via text. Headed inside to explore. Cold ice cream + lack of sun = not the smartest. A little chilly. Determined I like lobbies and outdoor theming more than hallway theming. Beach Club, Yacht Club. Walked to Dolphin. Higher-class hotel. Fancier. Running water in many places. Went up central elevators. Crazy fast. Guy off before me. Thought I saw light from window. Got off floor 17. No window. Went to another level. Window! BEAUTIFUL view of North/West Walt Disney World. Spotted Contemporary, Castle, Space Mountain, peaks of Grand Floridian, World Center Drive, and, really cool too, Expedition Everest, Cell Tree, and Tree of Life. Could see far and wide. Absolutely need pictures. Went all the way up, came all way down. Explored east elevators. Discovered they were connected to west elevators. No views, sadly. Decided to visit Downtown Disney. Missed bus. Wandered by basketball court and pools while waiting. Pool is beautiful o.o Headed back to bus stop. WDW Promo video playing. Focus on Swan and Dolphin, but mixed in with much WDW. Kept saying "You will remember". Made me think about what it'll be like when I leave. Another Downtown Disney bus. Bit of alternative route. By Boardwalk. Eventually arrived. Checked depature bus. Visited Shalom and made plans to buy some Christmas ornaments. Stopped in a couple of stores. Seeing if what I told Guests at Mouse Gear was accurate. Chocolate at Ghiradelli. Back to bus. Bit of wait. Arrived pretty soon and headed back to resort, with brief stop at West Side. Jeez = Jews for Rebecca's phone? Bus passed by Custom House. Got off and waited for internal resort bus. Driver having to announce stops. Reached Custom House and car. Headed to Vista to rent movies. Much debating. Decided on The Three Caballeros and The Rescuers Down Under. Walmart visit. Back at apartment, found leftover chicken and onions in skillet. There go my original plans for dinner. Finished chicken nugget anytizers instead. Watched tv. Roseanne episodes powerful ones - Darlene married and Dan not feeling well followed by Darlene having baby. TV's going in and out from static now. Maybe better. Aiming to catch end of ST:TNG.

Lent 08 - Do you work here?

This'll be quick. Not feeling well. Test Track broke down as I was walking to work. Saw people in curve right before they go back into building, yelling "Help!" Waved to them. Heard spiel that Track Technician would be by to assist, or something like that. That was new. Heard it officially when going by line at front. Cast Member making announcement; said all Fast Passes would be honored for the rest of the day. Spotted star in Spaceship Earth. Heard my name called. Misako hanging out in park. Was headed to Test Track with friends. Warned her it had broken down. Got to work Runner for second time tonight. Learned a little more about paperwork. Did "Last Call" all on my own. Maybe started to get the hang of it. Slow pace helped. Saw Misako again briefly while on a hanger run. Rainy weather during the early afternoon. Rainly again, apparently, later at night. Tried to stock adult ponchos and wound up behind on hangers. Was supposed to take break at 8:00pm. Finally got around to it at 9:21pm. Didn't take full break. Wrote note to post to 2nd floor board asking someone to take my Easter shift. Only six-and-a-half hour shift. Not bad. Kim told me I should give her my schedule so we could work out my talking with her brother. Ironically, remembered about that while sitting in car before work today. Crazy. At end of night, Sandra told me I did a good job. I told her wait and see until I was done, but thank you. With a little under 30 minutes to go, ran into guy named Brian. Asked if I needed any help. Had seen some backpacks on floor that needed restocking. Explained where backpacks were located. Explained they needed to be tagged (should've said ink tag; he thought I meant price tag at first). Said it was easy. He said no. Sounded complicated and he might poke himself.

...

Managed to get some backpacks out there AND put home delivery forms at register one AND pop a roll of giami (spelling? that stuff we use to wrap things to make them look sort of like recycled paper pineapples) into one of the kids areas. First time too! Started not feeling well at end of the night. Had planned to drop costumes off at Animal Kingdom. Decided to go to McDonalds instead. Less rain, more wind. Buffalo Wild Wings sounded busy as I drove by. Got a medium Coke and a cheeseburger. Had said double cheeseburger. Guy didn't hear me. Ah well. Drove up International Drive, over by Barnes and Noble, and back. Coke helped a little. Cheeseburger was good. Missed a text from my Dad around 1:30am. Apparently there's powder snow back home? Want to talk tomorrow. Still not feeling all that great. Going to read for a little while.

In book, Guest asked fully-costumed + name tag Cast Member if they worked there. I've had people ask me that too O.O

Also, thought up an equation:

Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln + it's a small world = Pirates of the Caribbean

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?

Lent 06 - Watchin' and Waitin'

First day off today. Happily woke up late. Lazed around for a bit. Watched ST:TNG. Kirk as a Romulan? Flipped through 5 in 10 cookbook. Took a walk and called Mom. Was reminded I needed to do tax forms. Went to computer lab to print out pages. To fax, cost $3. Asked if I had a package. No. Decided to make food. Went to Walmart. Realized on the way I still need to send Valentine's Day stuff, d'oh x.x Wandered around Walmart. Cart veered to right constantly. Couldn't find frozen squash. Only frozen squash I found was cut into slices. Not what I needed. Couldn't find pine nuts. Couldn't find zucchini or avocados. Egg plants didn't look so good. Found pine nuts. They're really pricey o.o Had a cashier who bagged my groceries so they were very organized. Cool. Went to Publix. Found zucchini. Organic, individually wrapped, and pricey. Found good egg plant. Debated over ripeness of avocado. Also found correct frozen squash. Hooray! After phone discussion with Mom, decided on a "I think it's ripe" avocado. Paid and headed out. Helicopter hanging low over building. Saw car with "Just Married" written on it. Going back, near shrine, saw a lot of emergency vehicles and cars pulled over by side of I-4. Saw car, flipped over and smashed, in ditch. Hope everything's ok. Got back and prepared to make food. Phone rang. I have a package. Also reminded the front desk closes at 5:00pm. Went to get package. Broke into big smile when saw "from" label reading "3:00". Decided to wait on opening package. Designated avocodo's ripeness as a ticking time bomb. Making "Baked Stuffed Avocados". Rice not hard. Wondered why receipe didn't mention to take it off flame. Opened avocado ok. Little "juicy", but I did it. Got the pit out nicely too. Mashing avocado different story. Slippery. Fork didn't work. Tried spoon. Not much more successful. Eventually ok. Piled insides of avocado skins high. Cleaned while baking. Got some avocado on book x.x Final dinner verdict once they cooled - delicious! Opened package: tootsie Roll Pop pjs, sweet and funny card, and, my favorite, Cunis chocolate in a heart box with TIGER striped fur on the top. Right up my alley! And so nice to taste home. Left Ralph a voicemail of thanks. Forgot today's Monday and he's in class. Decided to tackle "Almond Squash Soup" next. Had a sample cup once finished - delicious! Txted Dan to announce my eating of real food. Happily have leftovers - we'll see how the soup is tomorrow. Then came dishes. Lots to do. Had Sweeney Todd songs in my head while doing them. Left Dan a voicemail to express my thanks. He called back. Chatted for a bit. Afterwards, peaked outside at sound of fireworks. Despite rain, Magic Kingdom still had Wishes. Awesome. Still more dishes. Dan called back. Talked a little more. Dishes finally done, time for internet. Ralph called back. Chatted for bit. Mindful of Stacy and Maria out in main room. Decided better to talk online. Opened window once the rain had stopped. Had intended to sort music, write Valentine's Day cards, get organized. Instead, had mind opened and blown away by two videos David sent. [See previous post]. Cried, honestly. Emotional reaction, yes, but made some good sense too. Made me feel like it's better if the creative work isn't all me, a bit of a relief actually, but at the same time, felt bad that it wouldn't be me that could take the credit, wouldn't be me who was, well, the genius. Chatted with Ralph, Dan, David. Told Ralph I'm a toon fan. Pondered Anthony's night. Bird chirping this late at night?? Looked up little bit of Phineas and Ferb music on YouTube. Found steampunk group thanks to LiveJournal, and from there, found steampunk merchandise. Facebook stalked a little bit too. Still find it...weird...that Kristi speaks of having a boyfriend. She seems to be doing really well. Creative things with shirts and pins? Have Ralph's package almost done. Need to finish card, wrap, and label it. Need to work on family's cards too, but am tired. Emotionally overwhelmed. Plus it's nearly 2am. Annoyed by Facebook. Friend chat feature blocks new drop down menu to log off.

Have Watchin' and Waitin' song stuck in my head.

Learned a lot today. Didn't do tons, but am proud of the things I did manage to do.