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 ;)

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.