Quickie!

It is so bizarre seeing that countdown at 1 day!!!  From the looks of facebook it seems a few of the other people I know of arriving the same day as me have already landed in Orlando and checked some things out.  I'm currently in the airport waiting for my flight to Houston where I have a wee layover before flying to Orlando. All I can think about is how much I love my family.  They are such incredibly amazing people and I'm going to miss them so much.  Of course I'm excited for Disney and it still doesn't feel totally real that it's happening.

The last week has been a whirlwind of emotions, fun, laughter, love and wonderfulness.

Kim and Gareth's wedding was like a fairytale.  The entire day was so full of love, excitement, happiness, dancing and fun. It was incredible.  There aren't really words for how great the whole time was. I'm so incredibly happy for my sister and brother in law. Much more to come on this event

I have a feeling Gar's family isn't like all other brother-in-law's families. It doesn't feel like I've just gained a brother, it feels like I've gained a whole new addition to the family, cousins included. It was awesome getting to see my own cousins/aunts/uncles as well!! So much fun!!!

I haven't uploaded photos yet but will do when I get a chance.

I'm in the middle of moving to Disneyworld...who woulda thought ;)

2 Weeks!!!

To be honest when I think of the term "2 weeks!" I think of Canadian Throw Ins at Disney.  If you've been there before you know what I'm talking about.  If you haven't you should hope someone in your arrival group isn't single. haha.

I actually leave in just under 2 weeks!! 2 weeks from now I will be at my apartment in the Commons or Patterson, probably unpacking! So crazy! My flight actually leaves Monday evening (wooooo Red Eyes!) and I need to start packing!

I'm leaving home next Wednesday morning to head to Vancouver for my sister's wedding! I can't believe it's finally here! I'm so excited for them and know that they are absolutely right for one another.  Lately I've been trying to write my speech for their wedding, and although lots of jokes were made along the way, (Growing up Kim was 6 years older than me, she still is!  I thought this was absolutely hilarious and we laughed for a longggg time about it, mainly because it is something that I would just say without thinking. Whooops!) in the end I'm just so honoured to be a part of the day.  I'm also super nervous. Giving speeches really freaks me out, and if I'm following the speech giving tips, I'm not allowed to get drunk first! Maybe one or two to calm the nerves though eh ;)

This last week at home also has me thinking a lot about my family.  They are so unbelievable.  The more I go out into the world, the more I see that not everyone has the close knit relationship with their family that I do.  I know sometimes I get insanely corny and sappy, but I'm going to miss them so much!

I'm also going to miss my friends here.  I do have many friends all over the globe it seems and I love them of course, but my friends that I've grown up with have a special little nook in my heart.  They got to live through my awkward phase with me! (and still are ;) ).  I love love love these girls and it's going to be such a long time before I see their beautiful faces again! As we grow up and move out into our different ends of the earth it's not always easy to stay in touch and keep up with everything going.  Two of my closest friends have long term boyfriends I've never met and I wouldn't be surprised if they both marry them one day.  I hate to say it, but thank goodness for Facebook, the internet and email - it makes staying connected a little bit easier.  Flying or driving to Orlando to visit me also helps :D

Speaking of visitors! Man o Man! It seems like every other day someone new is telling me they booked a flight to Orlando! Cale is the first visitor, (he was in my arrival group on my first program!!) he arrives September 4th, then Matt and his girlfriend, then Jill, then Emma, then hopefully Maria. All in a row. I know I'm forgetting someone too! haha  And then everyone in the next year! It's nice with the old cast members coming down they know other friends there as well so it's not as stressy making sure I have days off to hang out.   I'm so excited for Emma's visit because I haven't seen her since March 2009 and she's coming all the way from Australia! The only problem is it's within my first 90 days so technically I can't book days off! I'm hoping it'll be somewhat like last time where you're able to switch shifts a bit.  Plus Emma is so bubbly and fantastic after meeting some friends once she'll be able to hang out with them while I work no problem! haha.

I can't believe it's almost here!!!

Top 5/Top 10/Canada Day Eve!

Top 5 Things I will Miss about Orlando:

5. My own space! I’m not going to lie, it’s hard going from living alone (or with roommates) to living with your parents again. I love them to death and am so excited to see them, but it is an adjustment.

4. Earl of Sandwich, Panera Bread & Café Tu Tu Tango! I didn’t go often, but having the chance to go if I really wanted to made me happy! They’re soooo good!

3. Sunshine! I know it’s going to be warm eventually in BC (it’s warmish, just cloudy) but I will miss walking out the door and feeling the intense warmth on my skin

2. School! I loved going to Rosen College so much and I cannot wait to return!

1. Disney! Could number one be anything else? I cannot wait to start again! I love love love my Mouse boss!

Top 5 Things I won’t Miss about Orlando:

5. Humidity! When you walk outside and automatically look like a hot sweaty mess

4. Thunderstorms! Mainly while wearing white

3. Tourists! It’s nice having a little break from some certain tourists who overwhelm Orlando in the summer

2. Thin Walls! Yelly noisy music at 9am isn’t my opportune wake up call

1. Skype! It’s an incredible creation, but I’m so excited to get to see my friends and family IN PERSON!!

Top 10 Things I’m excited about in Courtenay:

10. Being in Canada! I’m so excited to not have every time I say ‘eh’ pointed out to me and not have to explain to people that Canada is NOT always cold!

9. Running Outdoors! It has been way too hot in Orlando, so I’m very eager to hit the pavement in Courtenay because treadmills just don’t cut it.

8. Farmer’s Market! Courtenay has a fantastic farmer’s market that I absolutely love!

7. Weddings! 3 weddings in 4 weeks? Yeeeyahhh buddy!!

6. Canada Day Weekend!! My family plus some family friends will all be together for the whole weekend to hang out, swim, laugh, drink and have a merry ole time!

5. Wedding Planning! I’m so excited to get waist deep in planning, organizing, and creating for Kimmy!

4. Relaxation! I’m so exited to lay out by the pool, bake, cook and read.

3. Kona and Lily! A German Shepard and a Pug walk into a room – Kate’s heart melts.

2. Friends! I have the most amazing friends, the more I travel and live far away the more I realize just how incredibly rare a connection like ours is from a young age.

1. Family! Oh course!! These people make my life complete <3

It’s my goal to also try and learn the Canadian Anthem in French while I’m home, and try to put together some ‘Canadian’ things for when I’m down south.  Here’s hoping for some mad huge Canadian garb discounts after July 1^st! This is my first time in 3 years not celebrating the Fourth of July.  Last year I got to set off fireworks with my fantastic cousins in Muskoka which was fun! I also just recieved this email from Kristen at Yummy Jobs: 

Greetings!

We here at Yummy Jobs would like to wish you a wonderful Canada Day tomorrow! 

And just think… next year you will be able to join in the celebrations at the Canadian Pavilion on this special day for Canada.

We hope you have a great holiday and are looking forward to being your country’s ambassador for Walt Disney World and being able to share with the guests of Disney why Canada Day is special!

Happy Canada Day Eve Everyone!!

I'm going strawberry picking :D

50 Days!

Hippogriff at Universal!!!

It feels like a week ago I was so excited there were only 100 days until I start at Disney again.  Well now there are only 50 days and it's crazy!  Today is also the day that I fly home to Canada for 6 weeks of family, friends, happiness and fun (well and maybe work! I'll keep you posted)!! I am super excited.  I clearly love it down here in Sunny Florida, but my family will always be the most important thing to me, and any time I get to spend time with them I'm super stoked! What is that saying, distance makes the heart grow fonder? Something like that :)

Out for Yelitza's Birthday!

I will back it up a bit though and return to last week when I was a little stress cadet.

We can all take a collective exhale as everything worked out with my presentations and exams! Somehow things always do turn out, we just can't always see that when we're in the thick of it.  After going in and talking to my accounting teacher, we fixed the miss-posted presentation (the girl in my group I guess somehow had a wrong extra couple letters at the end of the link so it wouldn't open, she sent it to me and I posted it). My accounting teacher let me sweat all day though by not responding to my email about posting it, or making it, until 12 hours later! Man did I celebrate when I saw that it was graded!

Beautiful Rosen College

So Wednesday (the big test day!) we started with our presentation for Entertainment, Arts & Events.  We had to create a gala for NACAS (the National Association of College Auxiliary Services) in October.  Ours was a reDiscovering Florida theme where guests would be able to go between the thrill of South Beach, the relaxing Space Coast and the Everglades! We worked pretty hard on the project, and although groups can be frustrating, we ended up with a great product.  Our professor agreed as we got 100% on the project! (Myself and a great girl Stephanie were the team leaders so we actually got 105%...yup I'm a keener! haha).

Next up was my financial accounting final.  We had 89 questions and some people were finished in 15 minutes! I couldn't even click through all the answers (it was on the computer) in 15 minutes, let alone read the questions! I ended up doing alright though so that's good! Our professor is pretty good at marking (minus that presentation problem) so we got our grades the next day which was awesome! I don't think I will become any kind of accountant, but I have a lot of respect for them.  It's a tough tedious job! The slightest error, or misreading of a figure can lead to a whole trail of mistakes that can lead to big issues. I did enjoy journalizing though, it was kind of peaceful haha.

Port Orleans: French Quarters! 

Next up was my Human Resource Exam! (Busy day eh?) It was harder than the other two exams we've had in that class, however I did all the extra credit assignments in the class so I feel like it's all okay.  Although Human Resources is another area that I don't see myself heading into (except maybe Disney college/international recruiting!) I also garnered a huge respect for Human Resource employees. You need a bit of knowledge about a ton of different things, and policies aren't the most thrilling read.

I AM running Disney in 2011! Getting into food running gift? (eventually, hopefully!)

Next up was my meeting with the visa advisor!! She was actually SO nice and SO helpful!! I found a lot of the people I've asked for help throughout the school process haven't always given the best answers or advice, but Daren Caine was incredible!!! If you're an international student and need help, talk to her!! She's funny, thoughtful and fully informed about everything!!! Being able to sit and talk to someone who knows the answers to all your questions is amazing and made me feel so much better about returning to school after my CRP. YAY!

Let the Memories Begin!

Wednesday night I studied with my roommate Emily for our Entertainment, Arts and Events exam on Thursday morning. We also baked! Emily's boyfriend is moving back to town so she made him a chocolate cake and I had been itching to create something, and made Margarita cupcakes!! With a home made lime tequila buttercream icing! I'm not going to lie, these were amazing! I'm usually not a fan of cupcakes as they're too cakey (I know I'm weird) but the flavour was perfect on these! They weren't dried out at all and the icing was incredible.  I'm definitely tooting my own horn here, but they're the best cupcakes I've had in about as long as I can remember.

Margarita Cupcakes!

Thursday morning came and went so quickly! My exam took half an hour tops and I was done my first semester back at university!! Going back I was really scared of how it would be, but I absolutely love Rosen College, I love being a part of UCF, and I'm so excited to return to school and finish my degree here.

The rest of Thursday was spent in the true Floridian summer spirit - suntanning and reading by the pool :D

I'm so not a fan. Although I would definitely be happy to
photograph someone wearing this shirt and eating a Turkey Leg.
So odd.

Friday was fun! I caught the Lynx Bus to Downtown Disney and from there resort hopped! Even before going to work at Walt Disney World the first time I always through Port Orleans was the exact resort I wanted to stay at! The pictures always looked so pretty and I throughout my contract I wanted to stay there, but just never did! So it was fun finally getting to go around and check the place out! I also went to Old Key West.  I was going to go to Animal Kingdom Lodge but there was a huge storm on the way and I was getting hungry.  As a celebration for doing so well at school, I treated myself to one of my favourite restaurants ever - Earl Of Sandwich! This place is SO GOOD! If you haven't been immediately google your closest EofS and GO! You're doing yourself a favour, I promise! They have the most delicious sandwiches and their Earl Grey Lemonade is just better than everyone elses! After dinner it really started to downpour and I hoped from store to store when it let up for a bit.

I LOVE that they actually have a shirt of this!
This question gets asked so often!

My friend Poldi is in Orlando on vacation with his Mum from Germany! Poldi was a cast member during my first contract and I haven't seen him in over a year so it was nice to get to hang out! We decided to go to the movies.  The only problem was the extreme downpour that wasn't letting up and the distance between myself and the theatre.

I was at the long yellow trimmed building to the right of the big boat, and had to get to the large brown building by the fountain and blue globe to the left of center.  So I got to run through Downtown Disney without shoes (I had flip flops and would have died!) in a white t shirt in pouring rain.  It's an ongoing theme in my Disney life that everytime I wear white it pours.  Every. single. time.  I looked like a drowned rat by the time I got there! But the movie was hilarious (though I still liked Bridesmaids more!!) and it was fun seeing Poldi.  I had been planning on going to Disney the next day as my fantastic friend Yelitza said she would let me and Poldi in!

It's raining, it's pouring

How cool are these!! Ipod/Ipad/Iphone covers!

Lego Woody!!!

Saturday morning Poldi and his Mum picked me up and we headed to the Boardwalk as Yelitza was meeting us as the World Showcase entrance.  Being the only one who didn't speak Spanish I apparently missed out on a hilarious conversation between Poldi, Yelitza and the security guard checking bags.  I need Rosetta Stone!!! We headed to Soarin' first and then Mission Space! Poldi's old manager Nicholas is now the area manager in Canada so we went to see if he was working, but alas, he was off! We headed over to Hollywood Studios and rode the Tower of Terror and Rockin Roller Coaster! We tried to get a fast pass for Toy Story Mania but at 1230pm they were sold out for the day! I know it's a popular ride, but the park was open until 9 or 10! We also watched an American Idol show which was really fun.  I like seeing them sing - they're usually pretty good!

Kate. Belle. Poldi

We headed back to Epcot and travelled around the world a bit! We watched the show in the Beirgarden and rode the Mexico Boat Ride, which is and will always be my favourite Epcot ride! It's SO fun! haha. We also got to meet Belle, Goofy and Duffy! We decided to watch the UK players tell the story of King Arthur which was fine and good until they made me be in the Show!!! I was the witch who turned herself into a pretty lady and had the holy grail they were looking for.  I had to say some interesting lines and couldn't stop laughing.  It was a little embarrassing but fun to be in the show! They gave us 'honourary World Showcase players' pins but mine fell off at some point later in the day and I didn't notice!! It was pretty sad!

Beer/Cider Sampler at the UK Pub

We had dinner in Germany because Poldi really wanted to.  It was pretty delicious and we got to have hilarious conversation with the two American families at our table. And the food was yummy! All the Germans kept coming to talk to Poldi so I got to meet some girls that will be there when I arrive in a month and a half. The band leader also came over for a chat, and as I find him to be quite the celebrity it was exciting!

After dinner we watched Illuminations and headed for the Monorail to the Magic Kingdom.  I'd never down it before, but we arrived right near the end of Magic, Memories and You and then watched Wishes! It was so cool seeing Illuminations and Wishes in the same night! Then we rode Big Thunder Mountain and The Haunted Mansion before watching the Main Street Electrical Parade!

Yay!

How incredible was that day!!!

We took the lynx bus back to I-drive, where Poldi's Mum said I couldn't walk 2 miles home alone (thank goodness!) so invited me to stay at their hotel suite with them! I got my own big comfy double bed, brand new clean jammies and fell asleep right away! It was sooooo nice! My apartment mattress is the same as the Commons ones - plasticy blue uncomfortableness! A real bed was such a treat! Then in the morning they got a free continental breakfast so I got to have waffles!!! Man o' Man! Could life get any better? Then Poldi's Mum was reading/teaching me some German language and about what is going on in their country through magazines she had brought for the plane!! So much fun!!! The scandals are fantastic over there!

Goofy's Candy Co. Rice Krispie Cake!

The Mickey Counterpart!

Yesterday (Sunday) was a pretty relaxing day! I packed everything up, took a final stroll around the school and did more packing.  I was suppose to go out to Howl at the Moon with some friends however it didn't work out. Ashley had some crazy bank issues arise (plus had the longest day known to man) so we didn't go out but we had a great catch up chat.  She is storing a bag for me while I'm at home so I can pack more!! (Friend award!) So she came over to grab my things and we had a great chat about our weekends. I can't wait to be able to work everyday with her again, and all my other Disney friends - and all the new ones I'll make! Fun!!

Baby Ducky in Canada (Pavilion)!

Today is Monday, aka flight home to Canada Day!!  My friend Nick is driving me to the airport and hopefully everything will go smoothly.  I'm flying through Houston and arrive in Vancouver at 1130pm...so 2:30am my time.  Amy is picking me up in Vancouver and it will be sooo great to see her!! I'm excited!

Random people trying to brake into the Cottage in Canada!
You aren't allowed to hop fences :)

There will be some changes to the blog happening soon! I start my marathon training on July 1st (Canada Day! Yay!) and will be tracking workouts and posting training tips etc on a separate page.  Also I have been getting a ton of questions on the blog as well as in person about how as an international student, and specifically as a Canadian, how the process of getting into and coming to Rosen College went.  I'm going to create a separate page all about Rosen as well to try and help answer those questions and help people out who also want to go to school down here!! So stay tuned! I'm always willing to answer questions and do whatever I can so let me know if you have any questions about me, working for Disney, attending Rosen College or UCF or on Disney/Orlando vacation planning! The email is katewdw@live.ca !!

On a random note, my purse has finally met it's end.  I got this purse at a throw out from Miss. Alysha Adcock a reallly long time ago.  Like in May or so of 2009.  I have used it religiously and it started to fall apart...a bit.  It got to the point where some friends said they wouldn't hang out with me if I didn't get a new purse.  So, I finally gave in and it met it's demise! RIP Purse!!

You can see about half of the outer layer had fallen off...

Until next time!!

We interupt regular programming to bring you this...

Little known fact about Kate: When I get stressed out, it's no good. haha. Usually I handle everything pretty darn well (in my own humble opinion) and can juggle (literally) super well. But sometimes, that extra straw of hay makes me hit: Stress Level 94!
That is where I am currently residing. I was fine with having an assignment, a class presentation, 2 two hour final exams and a meeting with a visa advisor tomorrow all before studying for another final exam the following morning, but it's the incorrect submission of a group project leading to me currently having no marks for it (even though I finished my part 4 days early) that is making me teeter on the edge.

Me in my Fun and Fancy Free days of joyous stress free living :D

When I was 14 I had my first job interview at a Wendy's and the manager asked me how I handle stress. I answered that "I drink tea." Yup, actually said that. Then I probably giggled, and corrected my answer talking about taking a step back, organizing everything by priority in my head, taking a deep breath, and going at it.  (The manager called and hired me before I even got home by the way! Yeeyah first job!)

So following my 14 year old self's very wise advise, I first made myself a steamy cup of Chai Tea (which is also nice because air conditioning is INSANE in Florida) and then I sat down, took a deep breath and organized everything in order of importance/things I can fix now.  I can't make my teacher mark our assignment, or email me back, so I just have to give it a bit more time.  I can however study my little life away and ace my finals tomorrow.  I have to give up a little control on our presentation and believe my group can do the tasks laid out for them, and I pretty much know exactly what I need to tell the visa advisor. I can do the final assignment (he only told us about it yesterday, it's extra credit and not due until Thursday at 2pm) on Thursday after my 8am exam.  See....stress level back down to a 52 :D

Stress isn't what you all want to read about...and I have to get back to analyzing financial statements and figuring out the purpose of cash flow statements per each group of interested investors and creditors, but here are so great links that I love to check out, oh you know, daily:

Peanut Butter Fingers: Julie Fagon is a realistic healthy food blogger, Orlando-ite, and writes my favourite blog!!

Oh She Glows: Angela Liddon makes the most incredible vegan cooking/baking and I want to make every recipe!

Disney Things: If you have Disney friends on facebook, you've probably seen one of these pictures.  They are all the 'simple' things about Disney we love

The Wonderful World Of Disney: Louisa was on her second UK pavilion contract when I went on my first contract.  She has done a J1 program (as a Jungle Cruise Skipper!), 2 CRPs and currently works on the Disney Cruise Line. Pretty much she knows everything!

Another Amazing Summer at Disney: Devon works at the Magic Kingdom turnstiles and the Town Square Theater where you can meet Mickey (and Co) & the Princesses! I don't know him, but I like his blog and if I ever spot him will going in MK I'll probably tell him I read his blog and he'll be either creeped out or shocked :) (If someone who reads my blog ever comes up and tells me I'll be the happiest person in the world, and then maybe we could have a Dole Whip together ;) )

The Disney Food Blog: I feel like this blogger and I are kindred souls. Especially when I saw together was a round the (Disney) world trip of Margaritas!! Soooo yummy!

The Disney Parks Blog: Oh course the official blog of Disney, they had a really good read about father/son Imagineers Rolly and Chris Crump.

Hope something in there keeps you a little entertained, of course there are also my favourite to read all the time Disney blogs featured in the "Check-check-check it out!' roll to the right of this post!! They are even listed for most recently updated on (I'm kind like that!! Okay..it does it itself), but Ariella just started her Canadian Cultural Representative Program over at My Year At Disney, Lisa at Disney ICP Summer 2011 just finished training in Tomorrowland (Congrats!), and Vicky is letting you all know about her cultural representative application process over at Another Disney Cultural Rep Blog (Vicky and I share an arrival date!).

If you want your blog featured on here let me know and I'll pass on the good word about your exciting blog! Or if you have any good ones that you know I'd love, please let me know!!

Enjoy the rest of your days! Remember: 

Adopting the right attitude can convert a negative stress into a positive one. 

-Hans Selye 

This has nothing to do with anything really...but I watched Star Wars this week and
realized that Anakin Skywalker slaughters all of these guys! Plus their wives and children!
Now instead of being totally creeped out by them, I'm both creeped out and feel like telling them
not to kidnap his Mother and they could have saved the whole galaxy a huge mess.

Vice President Job Swap!

Big Management News on the Walt Disney World Parks front today! Here is the article from "The Disney Blog" reposted.  I have added my own opinions are the end + other exciting things ;) 

Cockerell and Carter to switch VP roles at EPCOT and DHS

Posted on June 17, 2011 by John Frost

Some interesting news (via @Figgy999 on Twitter) coming from Walt Disney World’s theme park management today. Rilous Carter, the current VP at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be moving to the same position in EPCOT and Dan Cockerell, the current VP at EPCOT will be moving to the same position at DHS.

I’m not sure what inspired this shake-up, but if it’s true, I have a few ideas about what it might mean.

Rilous took over as VP at Disney’s Hollywood Studios shortly after it changed its name from Disney MGM-Studios. He effectively managed that transition. Rilous was previously the general manager for food and beverage at EPCOT. As it turns out that is one area where EPCOT has made some great strides (excellent Food & Wine festivals and two new restaurants), but also has some serious deficiencies. Rilous might be just the guy to make sure EPCOT continues on the right path.

Cockerell started working in the parking lot at EPCOT and later went to help open Disneyland Paris. His father was longtime WDW Operations manager Lee Cockerell. So expectations were high when he took over EPCOT from much loved Jim McPhee. Cockerell’s reign has been generally well received and Cockerell stewarded EPCOT’s two main festivals through economic tough times with minimal damage.

Cockerell is the only park Vice President I’ve spotted regularly walking through the parks, both in his official capacity and as a guest visiting with his family. That sort of attention to the guest experience had distinguished Cockerell as park VP.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios also has a couple of festivals, but I think there’s room for improvement there. It’s also the park most likely to have a massive expansion once the Magic Kingdom’s Fantasyland is finished. Putting Cockerell in charge of improving the festivals, improving the maintenance of the park, and a possible expansion is a good idea.

While Cockerell wasn’t responsible for removing the giant EPCOT sign from Spaceship Earth. He’s seen the power of restoring a park icon. So there’s hope that the Mickey Hat at DHS will be removed from its current location, that obscures the park’s Chinese Theater icon, to the front of the park, where it was originally intended. (Of course, I might win the lottery too.)

Disney parks has a long history of moving Vice Presidents around, so this move is really no surprise. It provides new experiences for the manager and gives them the chance to shine in a new area when a vertical move may not be available anytime soon.

So Dan Cockerell has always been a favourite of mine.  When we met him during an Epcot tour he was so approachable and kind, and while working I often saw him around the park - both while working and I even spotted him in casual clothes once! This reminded me a lot of Walt, as well as the fact that I hold his father's career in high esteem (I know fathers and sons are very different people, it just got him bonus points to start).  I don't know that much about Rilous Carter besides what I just learned from this article.  I think Disney's Hollywood Studios is the park that needs the most help right now, and if Disney thinks Dan's the man to do it, then he will.  I hope that Mr. Carter can have a positive impact at Epcot, and keep expanding the Food & Wine Festival because it's amazing! I also hope he's very open and friendly to his cast like Dan was.  We shall see soon!

Speaking of Food and Wine Festival, if you are a fan check out THIS POST over at The Disney Food Blog. It talks about the new food and drinks to be offered at the Hawaiian (Seven Tiki Mai Tai!), Caribbean (Frozen Rock Coconut Mojito), Portugal (Calamari Salad with Olives and Smoked Paprika), Scandinavian (Swedish Meatballs with Lingon Berries..sounds like Ikea!!), and *Canada* (Apple Ice Wine) booths! They also list a few desserts (OMG White Chocolate Macadamia Mousse with Dark Chocolate Pearls!) and a news about a new HGTV event.  As well as mention this:

Cranberry Bog!!! Apparently with Ocean Sprays sponsorship there will be a Cranberry Bog at the Food and Wine Festival...I do hope it's the whole World Showcase Lagoon !!! :D

Here is The Disney Food Blog link again: Click Here!!!!

In other news it is definitely thunderstorm season!! Oh my goodness! The lightning and thunder lately has been crazy!! It lights up the whole sky and the lightning forks are so huge and defined! Definitely a time to stay inside :)

2 Months!!!!!

Oh my goodness gracious me! Only 2 MONTHS until my Cultural Representative Program starts!!!!! I am So excited! If you can't tell....I CAN'T WAIT TO START!!! Anticipation is a double edged sword - if you're anticipating something it means something awesome is coming up, which is exciting; but I'm crazy UNpatient so it drives me crazy waiting! With all the surprise Disney trip commercials this year I asked my parents why they never surprised us, and they said it was so we could anticipate the trip and that part of the fun was looking forward to it. So I'm trying my best to think of this experience that way as well - I have to enjoy the lead up to it, because once it starts it's fast and hard until it ends again! Plus there are tons of exciting things in between now and August 16th: (Ready for the recap? You must have it memorized by now as well!) 

• My return to Beautiful British Columbia
• My reunion with my long lost sister Carrie who had been living in Toronto for far too long
• Hanging out with the greatest Grandma in the entire world! 
• Getting to hold/cuddle/give-back-to-her-Mum-when-she-cries my beautiful niece Clodagh! (just kidding on that last one ;) )
• July 1st weekend celebration with whole family (finally we can all be together!)
• Running outdoors without choking on thick air (humid 35 degree Orlando makes me die after 2 minutes)
• HARRY POTTER 7 PART 2!!!! Ahhh!!! Opening night baby - yeeeeyahh!!
• Baking/cooking with Carrie! We have SO many yummy recipes to try!
• My friend Claire's Wedding!
• My friend Erica's Wedding!
• Bridesmaid/wedding activities! 
• My sister Kim's Wedding!!!

Plus all the time spent with Friends before moving away for a long period of time.  Here is a secret...I don't know if I'll be visiting Vancouver at all during the year of my program.  It's an expensive flight and although it would be nice to be able to, it's not a guarantee so I want to get lots of friend and family love in while I can! Also my poochie Kona will need some mad love before I leave, pet-less living is HARD!

I can't find a picture of Kona so here is Lily who looks like a tormented
Beaver in the pool. Can't wait :)

My visa arrived at my home this past week and I'm so excited to see it!! There are 9 UK and Canadians arriving on August 16th, 3 being Canadian.  Myself and Tamara are both from the Comox Valley (even though I've never met her) and then there is one other girl whose name is slipping my mind right now but she is friends with my friend Jill so it is a small world. 

This contract is already so different from my last one, for starters I arrived in March in 2009, and got the chance to work my way into the Orlando weather, Disney summer guests, and high season.  This time I'll be arriving at the end of summer, in the heat/thunderstorms, with big crowds, on podium for Food and Wine Festival and then it's right into Christmas! Secondly my arrival group last time had 6 or 7 people and was mostly guys! 

Hopefully I'll be able to meet more people from other countries this time! I know this sounds silly, but I was nervous when I first arrived and spent the first couple days in a pack with the Canadians. This time I'd love to get to know the other 2 girls but we have a better chance of branching out and being part of the other countries crowds in the beginning as well! Also I've already been chatting with August 16th arrivals from Germany, the UK, and Africa so it'll be super exciting getting to meet these people all in person..in 2 MONTHS TODAY!!

School has been crazy busy!!  We just finished mid terms last week and we have finals next week! Ah! Plus group projects in between! I have been doing accounting homework for what feels like 1,000 hours today.  I finished two quizzes and my take home final exam! Phew! I'm pretty nervous about the in class final for accounting and will be studying like a crazy person for it all weekend! And everything else.  Here is my schedule next week:

Monday:

All 3 classes plus:

Quiz/Test in Human Resources

Assignment Due in Human Resources

Group Project due in Accounting plus 2 cheat sheets

Studying

Tuesday:

Entertainment class/Group Project

Insane studying

Wednesday:

Entertainment Project due/Presentation

Human Resource Final Exam

Financial Accounting Final Exam

Studying

Thursday:

Entertainment Final Exam

Looks fun eh? I also have some personal paper work that I have to get done this week as well, which gets to count as my "fun break activities" (isn't that how you always think of paperwork?)

Therefore this weekend is going to have a TON of studying in it, except for a little reprieve to celebrate Yelitza's Birthday with her!!! This weekend is also Father's Day, so even though I'm not home I'm hoping to get a good skype in there!

I actually have a pretty traumatic mid-weekend last weekend that mainly revolved around an incident with a creepy man getting way too personal following me down Universal Blvd in his car as I walked to Universal Studios.  I felt super violated and upset, but a little park time helped a lot. I hung out in Harry Potter work, rode Duelling Dragons 4 times in a row, took in the sounds and scenery and had a really good time.  Also I started the pilgrimage to Universal (it took about 2 hours to walk there...in 35 degree weather + humidity) because they have a Starbucks there and I have a gift card.  However once I finally arrived they had a big ole sign saying "This location is not set up for gift cards." I was a little sad as it was the iced passion tea that had inspired me not to turn back. Can't win them all haha.

Monday after school I hung out with my friend Nick from the Canada Pavilion (Le Cellier) kitchen. We sun tanned for a bit by his pool and then he made me the most delicious dinner! I don't really cook myself actual meals, I usually have some oatmeal, or some quinoa, or a smoothie or something like that, so when he offered to make veggie burritos I was so excited! And MAN was it good!!  The fact that Mexican food is probably my favourite in the world right now helped, and that he's a professional chef, and that I don't usually eat flavourful food, but I was one happy camper! 

That about sums things up I think. Thomas Kinkade was in our class the other day! However we (the class) weren't! We were kicked out for Thomas Kinkade and Professor Logan's meeting (alright, we were kicked out so we could work on our projects) and even though we camped out we didn't see him.  I feel as though Tuesday morning Professor Logan said that Thomas Kinkade either got sick or lost and didn't come, but then I thought it said they did meet so I'm not sure what really happened! (it's an 8am class okay? That's early to fully comprehend! ...just kidding!) I'm sad that my entertainment class is ending. I would go to Professor Logan's class at any time of day everyday for the rest of summer/until he ran out of stories. Yup, I'm just that into class/Disney knowledge.

I'm going to try and knock out my cheat sheet assignment for Monday before heading to the gym for a sweat fest. Hope where ever you are in the world the sun is shining and you've got a smile on your face. 

Life is good today!

Ps- I have a confession today was well...I have been listening to Christmas music on Pandora while studying!! It's both soothing, happy and somehow keeps the stress levels down! 

Are you the type to count down for Christmas from 6 months out? 

Or do you not allow any Christmas music or decorations until December 1st?

Know what's even better? Disney Christmas, especially fireworks! I know, I have a problem...

Flight Booked!!!!

That's right, I finally booked my flight to Orlando!!!
Yes, I am currently in Orlando, and that may be why it took me so long to book my flight back down, because I sort of forgot I needed to until yesterday.  I wanted to arrive midday on the 16th, so I leave Vancouver around 11pm on the 15th, have a lay over in Houston, and then arrive in Orlando around 11am! Perfecto! Last time I flew down for the program I got to fly down with Heather, who I had met at the interviews!  This time it's all me by myself.  Tamara, who is actually from Courtenay as well (well Comox, and we've never met!) is flying out a few hours earlier and arrives earlier in the morning I think, so we're perhaps going to try and do our Walmart shop together! Yes I know people on the program already, but I'm excited to meet my arrival group and do all the fun things at the beginning with them!!
It feels good to have my flights booked! Now just insurance, the visa arrival and the assessment fee! ....for the Program anyways!

7 Random Facts I learned from Ron Logan this Week:

• Ron Logan enjoys driving up beside those kinda sketchy cars with blasting hip hop beats, roll down his windows, and blast jazz.  He said usually the guys laugh and give him a thumbs up
• Hitler as well as Mao's wife, use to put musicians in jail for not writing heroic music which is very brassy and strong sounding
• The baritone singer in the Voices of Liberty group in The American Adventure does many on the operations announcements on rides (ie: Please stay seated)
• Tokyo Rose was a broadcaster in Japan during World War II who tried to get American soldiers to pack up and go home by telling them it's what they wanted. She was later tried for treason.
• So much precision was put into Illuminations:Reflections of Earth that all Don Dorsey would go through the music and find one beat in one bar and change it from 3/4s to 4/4s so that it coincided perfectly with the fireworks
• The Globe in Illuminations was originally going to be 3 cranes (a mum, dad and child crane) but even after spending $3 million on them, they decided they didn't work well and trashed the idea
• It costs $15,000 per day to put on Illuminations, however it has been credited with $80 million in profit for Epcot!
• Bonus: Toni Braxton sings 'We Go On' in Illuminations, and the Show won "Most Spectacular Show in the World 5 years straight! (Including 2010!!)
• Double Bonus: The reason there is a countdown at the beginning of Illuminations is because Don Dorsey liked the countdown at Hockey Games! (when everyone slow claps, then it gets faster!)

Clearly our last class was about Illuminations ;) If you haven't seen this show it is absolutely breath taking. It's in three acts: The Creation of the Earth, Modern Day, and the Future.  Professor Logan absolutely loves Illuminations (I'm pretty sure he said he was the most proud of it...but that could have been the Wild West Show in Paris), and I absolutely love it as well! We use to walk out of work at Le Cellier and be able to conduct it.  I couldn't believe when I first started on the popcorn cart that we got to watch Illuminations! Incredible! It's no where near the same as seeing it in person, but here is a link in you want to check it out!

The Canucks won last night (2 MORE!! - as if everyone didn't already know that!) and I got to skype both my sisters and brother in law, and my Parents and Grandparents!! If you don't have skype and are far away from your family/friends, or going to be, GET SKYPE! It's free and you can video which is so, so nice! It was a pretty fabulous evening, especially because I had been feeling a bit homesick/overwhelmed earlier in the day with decisions.  I was missing my family a lot and then had about an hour long chat with my Grandma and she put me in the best mood ever! She has such an incredible knack for that! What a lady! I love her to bits!
I have a 615 workout and then 8am class tomorrow morning so I'm going to hopefully make it a pretty early Sunday night!! Hope all is well in your worlds as well, I almost start to feel selfish being so darn happy :)