Kindness & Excitement

Since my last post about media sensationalism was a little heavy, this post is a lot more happy! Especially because I JUST finished my LAST EXAM!!! How exciting is that?!  I just finished my first full year at university in the states.  It was a long road to get here and without sounding full of myself, I'm pretty proud of the fact that I set a huge goal and with the help of lots of amazing people, am well on my way to accomplishing it!

I had a heavy heart last week.  Since last weekend, I have been overwhelmed with generosity and love; both for myself and for others. It started with a beautiful article I read about a Disney Cast member(s) who went above and beyond to create an amazing experience for some sweet girls who had to experience a horrible tragedy.  You can read it here:

Boston Marathon, Sandy Hook & the 3:00 o'clock Parade

It makes you believe in the good.  The good that fills this world and will always continue to be there.  There is a lot of sad and a lot of bad, but there is so much good that we cannot let ourselves lose sight of.  There is also this Youtube video that I absolutely love:

Restore your Faith in Humanity

This weekend I got to see the Director of the Mahima Care Home talk about what they do, what it's like, and the difference it is making.  The Mahima Care Home is a Kolkata-based girl rescue and rehabilitation home that addresses the grave injustice of sexual slavery, by providing a safe home for girls who have been rescued from the sex trade. This lady actually goes into the establishments with a team and the police and take young girls out of the sex trade and provide a place for them to live, be loved, be educated and feel safe.  It was really inspiring to hear and it makes you believe there are people being the change in the world.  

One of my friends accomplished something very important to her and super exciting, and we had a little get together to celebrate! You could tell how excited and happy she was, something I haven't seen in a while, and it was really great.  

Personally I've been showered with love as well.  I strolled into work last week, getting set up, looking for things in draws and turn around to all my co-workers with red and white balloons and a birthday cake!! They all sang and we had cake and I just couldn't believe it! I was so surprised!!

Two of my favourite ladies sent me packages in the mail, making me feel the love from 3000 miles away.  I haven't opened them yet though.  I also got a package from my parents! So fun!

I got to see my niece gallop like a horse around her new house, flutter like a butterfly, attempt to give me a house tour which was a lot of spinning and chin shots, and hear her say "Katie" over and over in the most amazing voice ever.  Hearing your name said by a little munchkin that you love? AMAZING.  There is little that can outdo the videos and pictures I've gotten of Clo lately.  She can carry on conversations! and runs around in her adorable little outfits.  Told me all about bumping her head.  She's so logical and has the most mischievous, glorious laugh that you can't help but smile about.  Even though the laugh came after a little hair pulling... She's incredible.  

Two of my dear friends in Florida have been planning a birthday celebration for me on Friday and Saturday, and last week they let it slip what we're doing.  We're going to be staying at the Grand Floridian CLUB LEVEL! I can't even believe it. I'm still in shock and still can't wrap my mind around it.  Then on Saturday we're going for Tea which I'm SO excited for! Saturday night my boyfriend takes over for dinner :) How incredible?  I'm in shock.

But it keeps going, because Sunday is when we leave for Miami, and Monday is our cruise! (Still can't believe that one either!!!!)  AND Disney announced both Disneyland and California Adventure are going to be open for 24 hours while we're there!!! SO I will have been able to spend 24 hours straight in both Magic Kingdom & Disneyland if I can convince Francel... Epic Disney Geek status. :D

How can your heart not be overflowing when you are ambushed with so much love from so many places?  I will mention that in there also Francel and I went to a movie.  After the movie I really wanted Menchie's.  It's frozen yougurt where you get to add your own toppings and they have lots of yummy flavours. I didn't want to recommend it though.  Francel opened my car door (how cute is that? Such a gentleman :) ) and then as he was walking to his side of the car I said to myself "ice cream ice cream ice cream."  When he got in his side he looked at me and said, 'do you want to get some ice cream?" I was in SHOCK! There is no way he heard me because i said it inside my head (and he was outside of the car ;) ).  I thought he was going to want cold stone, which is good, but super ICE CREAM whereas Menchie's is more froyo.  And what did he suggest? MENCHIES! So happy. lol.  I told him I'd been thinking about it and he said he just kind of got a craving while getting in the car.  EPIC.  Ask and you shall receive? 

Overall it's been an amazing week, I haven't even hit everything.  I attended a 40th birthday party where I only knew the birthday boy and his husband and one other person who left before me, and everyone was so nice and so inclusive! They asked all about school and work and were genuinely excited when I told them about my concierge job.  I LOVE friendly strangers! It was such a great afternoon. I also officially finished moving in to my new place, with the help of an amazing friend.  

So you can see how one week can make a huge difference.  The end of the semester relieves a lot of stress, and the overwhelming power of love has really left me nearly speechless this week.  Sometimes it's hard to not get caught up in all the hardship, in the ever changing visa information, the tragedies in the world, and the friends who weren't worth it.  However, if you just stop for a moment, you can see the love.  It's all around us. It's on the internet, it's in the last 5 minutes of the news, its on the faces of strangers and its in the incredible people who you surround yourself with.  Life is good. Especially today :)

The Aftermath

Fun Fact of the day: When everything seems awesome, something is going to go wrong.

I'm really excited about the college program, but I'm a little realistic too, and it seemed to good to be true.  So I emailed international services at my university.  I was a bit worried (okay..almost had a mini melt down) when they said I had to be taking classes to be able to participate.

I don't have a scholarship for summer courses.

Que: freakout.

After a few emails back and forth I figured out I could take just the internship course, which is a one credit course and the adviser said I get to pay instate for it...soooo it seems like I'll only have to foot out an extra $100+ to work this summer.

There are 10000+ stipulations when you are going to school on a visa, I have to make the government happy, the scholarship people happy, my school happy and now soon Disney happy.
Oh, and myself :D

I also then thought I could take an internship as my fourth class in the fall....however it's only 1 credit. So I have to rework my schedule and fit in another class to make it to 12 credits, aka full time.  I get to pick my classes for the next three semester next Monday so that'll be good.  I know it's silly, but choosing classes always seems exciting to me.  This time will be a little different because a lot of the classes I have to take, especially in the spring semester are General Education classes (science, math, socials etc) and I have to do them all on the main UCF campus.  An hour from home.  At least it'll only be twice a week if I work it out correctly.

So long story short, I'm really excited to work concierge! Every time I tell someone I just get the hugest grin on my face and I feel so, so happy! Everytime I'm in lodging class learning about the PMS system and PBX and all that jazz, I get excited because it's what I'll be doing.

Those of you who know me well also know I'm obsessed with making reservations, and I've eaten at pretty much every Disney restaurant, and done a lot of the other extra neat recreation offerings so I think I'll be able to help guests out! A lot to learn, but it'll be amazing!

And I get to do Traditions again!!! I may be one of the few people excited to do it three times! Can't Wait!

In totally different news I had an amazing weekend! A bunch of friends and I participated in the Highlander IV Mud Run! It was 5km/3m with like 30 obstacles along the trail including A LOT of crawling through mud! Some people had to be pulled out with ropes! It was craziness!! I'll get some photos added! We actually already signed up for our next race in September, and I honestly am so excited for it! My thighs were killing me from yanking my legs up out of the mud, climbing over walls and all other general ninja-ry.

Sunday I made an epic dinner for Francel! Since we aren't eating out but we like to, especially at Disney, I made different courses from different restaurants!! I made Pineapple-Coconut bread from Ohana with Macadamia nut-honey butter from Kona Cafe. I've never made bread before!! It was soo yummy!
Then I did a cheese plate (France ..really i just love cheese).
Then a tomato and gin soup from Raglan Road. It was cool, it went from 2 1/2 pounds of tomatoes..to soup!
For the main course we had Le Cellier's Filet Mignon with Mushroom risotto and a white truffle butter sauce (Francel cooked the steak, we took a 6 minute break! lol).
Next  we had double dessert! Mini chocolate Lava cakes from California Grill and...
Walt's Favourite Lemon Meringue Pie! It was soooo yummy if i do say so myself!
Francel knew I was making dinner, but didn't know it was special! I met him at the door in a dress and heels and a glass of champagne and a card that I have been saving since Canada.  He showered and got dressed up too, and we ate at the dining room tale with the fancy dishes, it felt like we went out for this crazy nice meal! It was such a fun day/evening!  Francel does a ton of incredible things for me, and with me, and I just wanted to show him how much I appreciate him in return.

I'm kind of completely in love :)

That's all for now kiddos, I'm off to make some quinoa + veggies. Yum!

My BIG Secret!

So my dear friends. I went through the Cultural Representative Program application process with you twice.  I went through the Cruise Line Interviews with you.  I went through the University of Central Florida application process with you.

I had a gut feeling about all of those. This time I don't.  That is why I am wary to discuss that I even applied.  But with success comes failure, and with failure comes lessons learned to turn those failures into successes later on.  I have not been accepted for many jobs in the past. I have been offered many jobs as well.

The closest I've ever felt to this before was when I was in the running to be one of the West Coast Trainers for Boston Pizza Corporate.  I would have traveled through Western Canada as a corporate trainer for new restaurants and revamps.  I didn't think I had a chance, but I got called for a phone interview. Then I made it to the next round.  Then the last round! I was one in three candidates left.  I had to go to a Boston Pizza and write a report on it.  I poured hours into this report.  Then I had to train the interviewers to do something in 20 minutes.  I chose to teach them the dance to Thriller.

I didn't even know the dance to Thriller. So I learned it.  And then I rocked it teaching it to them.  They were two late 20 something guys, it was intimidating, and perhaps not the right choice (their examples were 'how to put on hockey gear' and 'how to build a card house') but I thought it was interactive and fun.

I really thought I had a good chance when I was in the top three.  I was already imagining myself travelling around the provinces, teaching, learning, exploring and loving life.  I was contemplating not applying for a second Disney program if I got this job and sort of starting a life. (Crazy, I know.)

Then I got an email...that I didn't get it. I tried to justify it to myself that I wasn't really qualified anyways and that I made it way further in the process than I should have, but I was still sad.

Walt said everyone needs a good failure when they are young - hopefully this was mine and now I'm good to go.  I have this weird way of thinking that I should get whatever job I apply for because I know I can step up and perform the role amazingly - it's getting that across through my resume and interviewing that seems to be the problem.

I got through that interview failure, and I survived and am incredibly happy with how everything went even though I didn't get that job.  Plus I learned a lot in the process (besides amazing dance moves).  I learned that I can write reports and overcame my fear of public speaking/shyness by teaching a dance to men in suits.  I learned that even though I may not have gotten the job, I worked hard at trying, and as clique as that sounds, there was just someone else better suited for the position.

So where is all this going?

I applied for the Disney College Program.  I also applied for Disney Professional Internships.

Thank goodness only my family reads this or else it would be way scarier putting that out there. Oh public rejection. Hopefully we won't have to deal with you...but if we do...it will be graceful (mostly).

Let's do the College Program first:

The Disney College Program is a Disney geeks dream.  You get to work in also ANY POSITION PROPERTY WIDE (all non-tipped of course!) and make magic for guests.  You get worked to the bone, with super long hours, and then get to go home to housing! So it's like Le Cellier...but without the restaurant, the tips or the other Canadians.

There are a variety of roles from housekeeping to hospitality to attractions to character performers to merchandise etc. and when you initially apply you rank which you are most interested in.   What made me really want to apply is that Hospitality and Concierge were on the list. CONCIERGE! Can you imagine? (Hello, dream in life being realized!) On the Disney website they pretty much NEVER have this role or front desk because the turn over is so long for part-time and full-time cast members.  Therefore I thought if I were able to get in on the College Program, we may be able to work some Disney magic afterwards.
The problem with this is that I could be offered a role in any of the jobs I listed as interested in, and they include main entrance operations, housekeeping (whoops!) and attractions.  The good thing about this is once you're in, it's easier to stay in, and I've become very talented at making a bed (ask Francel!). So if I do a program in a different role there may be a possibility to switch to a seasonal position in a role that is more relevant to my major.

Now that we have that spiel out of the way...here is the process so far.

I applied online.

I got an email asking me to complete an online interview.

I completed the online interview. Upon completion I was invited to schedule a phone interview.

I completed my phone interview.  20 minutes ago.

It was scary. All interviews are scary.  Why? Because you are trying to sell yourself to someone who listens to thousands of college students trying to sell themselves.  You are trying to make that person see you as someone who should work for the best entertainment company in the world. That's an intense sell.

The lady (I'm a horrible person and forget her name already) was very nice and laid out how the phone cal would go.  She asked me a series of questions to start.  Of course 'Why do you want to do the college program?' was a big one, and she made reference to the fact that I had already worked at Le Cellier ('it's such a great restaurant but so hard to get in to!') Then we talked about roommates and working in the weather (good thing I already live here and did popcorn cart in August!).  She also asked me how I deal with having a ton of things to do at once and I discussed prioritizing and list making. oh dear.

She asked me what my top roles were and I said Concierge/Hospitality then Character Attendant (in my mind character attendants have to deal with a lot of anger...lines being cut off, scared children, saving characters being harassed...it's like guest relations but in the field!).  She asked me what I thought the difference between concierge and hospitality (front desk) was and I was not expecting that.  I gave my best answer though, and the next question was if I was comfortable putting out food in the club levels, but then answered herself by mentioning all my food and beverage experience...I said yes to and used the example of myself being a banquet captain so I was familiar with the buffet style set up, stocking and take down.

I got asked about a time when guests were upset and I turned the situation around. I told the story about the anniversary couple that was really upset they had to wait a long time to sit, and how I was really excited for them, celebrated their anniversary, and in the end completed their pin set that they had been working on for years by presenting it with dessert. So magical.  (They actually cried and hugged me, and gave me an unreal steamboat Mickey pin, because you 'have to trade').

She asked me about how I would deal with a scared child coming up to a big character and I talked about turning the nervous energy into excited energy, talking about the character, how friendly they are, getting them down to the child's level as well, that sort of thing. Going over to the character together perhaps? I don't know, I've always been a thousand feet tall and only scared of Frolo...who has creepy fake human hands.

She then asked about my student visa and if I had a driver's license.  I think that's about it? She told me I had to wait 2-3 weeks and to continuously check my Disney Dashboard as sometimes the emails get sent to the junk mail folder.  I asked a few questions about the program and extending, and voila - it was over.

Now we wait.

As for the Professional Internships Program:

I applied for a couple of the 'College Program Alumni Only' Professional Internships.  They count the CRP as alumni too thank goodness! The roles vary quite a bit but the two I am most interested in are an International Recruiting Internship and a Guest Relations Internship.  I think everyone and their brother wants to be in Guest Relations so that will be intense, and I think international recruiting would be the coolest thing ever as I've gone through the process twice and being able to be a part of doing that for other people? UNREAL.

I applied and had my interview for those in the beginning of February so I don't remember the questions as well.  I was told (not in my interview but by others applying) that there are about 6000 applications and about 100 Professional Interns, so your chances are slim.  I don't know how true this is, but college program alumni are intense individuals, all with Disney experience and magical examples.

What I wasn't expecting in this interview was all the questions about what I was hoping to gain from the internship.  I had prepared a lot more on the side of what I could bring to them, not exactly what they could give to me, besides experience, knowledge, on the job training and that sort of thing. The interviewer was really nice though (as they always are) and I think it was a good experience.  I have plenty more opportunities to apply for PIs (until the semester after you graduate) so at least I got the chance to see what it was like if I don't get one this time.  I will admit I really want one though.

Applications just closed for the Professional Internships on March 8th (last Friday) so they have to do all the phone interviews for the people who applied recently.  Apparently the individual departments don't even start looking at resumes until about a month from now because of all the phone screen interviews and such.  So we shall see.

I'm horrible at waiting.

So there you have it. I let you in on my big secrets.  My fingers are crossed that something works out, but if it doesn't there are other places I can work until the opportunities come around again.  I can also apply for regular part-time and seasonal positions in a couple months so that's always an option as well.

Plus, there is always Universal? I would look mighty cute in that Harry Potter World wizard hat....

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!!!

My World!

I've been starting too many blog posts with apologies lately.  So I'm going to skip the I'm sorry (even though I really am!) and just say that I've been a little busier than I imagined!! When I pictured my time at home I imagined suntanning by the pool, running, hanging out with my sisters, parents, grandparents and some friends.  In general, I pictured relaxation and summer.  Unfortunately there hasn't been that much summer here! It's been about 15-25 degrees (when I say 25...it was that for like 2 hours one afternoon!..it's currently 17 degrees here...and 31 degrees in Orlando! Gah!) and I've been so busy! So here it is...a lovely picture run down of my weekend in Tofino with my dear friend Holly, my week in Vancouver with Kimmy and then a wordy description of what happened after that.  This is also an opportunity for me to show you a bit of what it's like where I'm from...tree-y, beautiful and breath taking!

Cathedral Grove!! This is featured in the O Canada movie in the Canada Pavilion...and not far from where I live!

Kate + Trees = <3

My camera doesn't capture how beautiful it is.  It is just so peaceful and tranquil. 

Now that is a BIG tree!

And here it is!! Holly + Me + BIG TREE

Home <3

On the drive to Tofino! 

Not a bad driving route!

We're getting closer!

It's a mountainous drive from the east coast to the west coast of Vancouver Island

Beauty

This is just from the highway...the highway gets this pretty a view! Crazyness!

We've arrived!  Holly's good friends were nice enough to allow us to stay with them
for two nights! Their place was beautiful including a big tree up the middle and this
incredible painting!

This is how real surfers now if the surf is going to be awesome!
...I may have made that up. We were just a block from the ocean though!!

Ahhhh Paradise!

The wind was whipping the top of the ocean through the air (aka mist)  creating a great look!

After arriving we went for a walk on the beach, had some tea at the bakery and explored!

Signs of things to come...

...the next day we went...

..surfing!!! That's not us out there, but it was the next day!
Thank goodness for wetsuits! It was windy but a ton of fun!

We also went for incredibly delicious sushi at the place where Holly's friend works!
Yummmmy!

Holly!!!! She is such an incredible friend :)

Me! Wearing Amy's shirts...another incredible friend :)

Couldn't you spend forever here?

This is the car of my dreams! I've always wanted a convertible but I don't want one like an
eclipse or something like that, I want a VW Cabriolet!!
They are cute and fantastic and wonderfully amazing!!!!! 

This is where we rented from! 

Bye Tofino!

Just in case you forgot what country we were in ;)

True North Strong and Free

BC Ferries! Most people hate them (they WAY overcharge!), some people think they're a hassle,
I think they're fun! Yes they are overcrowded sometimes, yes it's annoying when you want to
sit alone and strangers come sit with you, yes the food lines for overpriced
not-so-delicious-unless-you're-away-from-it-for-a-long-time food are ridiculous, but it's an incredibly beautiful
trip across, and I think the nostalgia of it really gets me.  The ferry either means you're going somewhere exciting,
or finally coming home! 

The passage to Vancouver

Passing another ferry

Almost in Vancouver

The view from the home Kim and Gar were staying in in West Vancouver!
The Ocean and UBC!

We spend the day trying to find bridesmaid dresses! Man oh man it was frustrating!
However this little beauty from Whole Foods brought my stress level down.
I could eat a Whole foods salad every single day. 

Seeing this ice cream made me think of my good friend Jordan! When we were younger we use to buy this ice cream
(which is so insanely delicious!) and sit in different places around town and just laugh, chat and have fun.
Honestly though, if you see this ice cream somewhere, eat it!

Bumblebee cupcakes at Whole Foods! We were looking at ordering cakes for the wedding here
and got to sample their vegan chocolate cake that had layers of vegan mousse in it! Oh my goodness!

The next day we ventured to IKEA where Kim + Gar spent a long time putting together a new kitchen!
I spent the time pretending I lived in the different fake 'houses' they have set up in IKEA.

Then we went downtown to pick up a suit.  We happened to pass this little gem...
A girl with a huge snake offering chances to hold it and take a picture for $5!
No thanks...

Everyone heard about the riot, here is one of the boarded up windows and messages of love from real fans and Vancouverites.

Lions Gate Bridge! Every time I drive over it I think about running over it again instead.

Zoomed view from the house!

The Disney Wonder cruise ship comes in and out of Vancouver on Tuesdays.
I may have woken up at 6am to catch this baby going into dock for 7am.
And I almost missed it!

It's so dorky, but it just makes me so soo excited!

On our drive out to Abbotsford we saw this....
only in Canada would you find a hockey puck stuck in a car window!
(It's right to the right of the Baby on Board sign)

Beautiful Flowers!

Back home I found these cards when looking for a birthday card for a friend.
Cards FOR your dog and cat? Really?? Really?????
Oh my.

Once I got back from Vancouver I got a job! I wasn't originally going to work while I was home but there have been some unexpected expenses, so I'm cleaning yachts for a few weeks.  It's actually not so bad - it's outdoors, the views are beautiful, and it's nice being able to see the difference you've made literally in front of you.  The only thing is the days seem to be very long!  So I've been working and trying to get everything together for Disney! There is so much planning to be done! Planning for the wedding, planning for Disney and planning goodbyes with my friends and family! It's so bitter sweet leaving home.  I love my family and friends and it's weird thinking how long it'll be before I see them, however it's also the most exciting thing ever!

I have to admit I'm a little scared about my year at Disney, but for different reasons.  I'm nervous about moving there, and meeting all the new people and hoping that people like me and I make friends. I'm nervous about starting working and memorizing the menu and not disappointing anyone including myself.  I'm scared that the year is going to go by so fast that I'll miss things. I'm scared I'll become complacent and not go to the parks all the time, or fully take advantage of all the opportunities given to me.  I'm scared the holidays will go by and I won't see all the decorations.  I'm scared I won't save as much as I need to.  I'm nervous about what I'm leaving behind and what I'll come back to.  But at the same time I'm so, so excited. I'm excited to be in Orlando and I'm excited to work for Disney again. I'm excited to get to wake up everyday and go to a job I love. I'm excited to do behind the scenes tours and ride everything! I'm excited for Dole Whip! I'm excited for the half marathon! I'm so excited to see fireworks everyday. I'm excited to hang out with old friends and new ones. I'm excited to suntan all year. I'm excited to work, and work hard. I'm excited to learn more about wine and pairings. I'm excited to ride rides, pose with characters and discover things I don't even know exist.

I know there will be ups and downs, and I know some of my fears are silly, and some of my hopes won't work out, but I also know it's going to be an incredible year. And as long as I focus on seizing the day and working hard to make the most of everyday, then at the end I will be able to look back and know that it was everything I could have hoped for and more.

And lucky for you guys...you'll be there all along the way, so you can keep me working hard at doing all the amazing things over on my bucket list! 3 weeks guys! We're almost there!

Canada!!!

I have arrived in CANADA! 

I love being home!

YAY!

Also Neil Patrick Harris has been announced as the narrator December 10-12th for Candlelight and I have a feel those nights are going to be CRAZY FULL!

I know I will be going FOR SURE! I love love love him!

I also plan to tweet him until he agrees to come eat in Le Cellier!!