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 :)

Finals

I have been crazy busy with school lately.  Pretty much just all the time school. School. School. School.

Which is good! That's what I'm here for.  However it has left my brain drained and my time gone, therefore there hasn't been much time to update the blog.

Nut shell of activity:

-I have my last day of class on Monday!! Then I have two exams on Wednesday and two exams the following Monday!
-Next weekend Francel is going to New York City for his Mum's graduation from culinary school - it's awesome!
-The weekend after that I turn 24 years old!! ahh!!
-That same weekend we leave on the Sunday for Miami because...
-Monday is our cruise!!!

Between myself and the cruise however, is a 15-20 page English paper and presentation of my findings, an english portfolio of all my work and assignments, a 4 page hand written essay on the Gap theory in service, four chapters of review and an exam in lodging! This past week I had two presentations and an extra class for my summer internship.

I am very excited to finally be done my english courses.  You have to take two classes/one year of english as part of the general eduation requirements for graduation, and I'm almost done! My professor was actually really great, very kind and helpful, but it's just not my favourite thing.  Also I chose to write about media sensationalism this semester because I thought it was a broad topic with lots of information, and it is, but it is also draining because it's very sad and hard to read sometimes.  I'm a pretty positive person, I find it hard to focus for a long time on unhappy situations.

Wednesday was a pretty stressful day, after a very stressful week, so it was exciting to just take a day and enjoy ourselves yesterday!  Francel made us breakfast before we headed to Universal Studios!!! It was super busy, but such a blast! We were able to get on most rides within 10-15 minutes, and went to both parks.  I'd been craving a ride on ET lately, so we definitely did that.  We have been watching the Back to the Future Trilogy lately so it was fun to come across Doc Brown, the dolorian and the train engine!! I have so much fun with Francel no matter what we do, it's just so relaxing and we laugh so much.  It was the best destressor and now I'm ready to study and work my butt off all weekend!!

Speaking of which, I have to get to work!! We're setting up for buybacks and graduation next week!
Once this rush is over I'll have lots more updates! I've been reading a bit about concierge lately and I'm so excited to share what I've learned!!

Fear

This week has been very hard.
On Monday there was a suicide in the dorms at my university's main campus.  It was in actuality a planned school shooting.  It is said in the news that the student pulled the fire alarm as he was planning to shoot students as they left the building.  The student's roommate heard the fire alarm and came out of his room where he came eye to eye with the gun, ran back into his room and called 911.  The student went into his own room and killed himself.
They found multiple guns, over 200 bullets and self made bombs in his room.  They also reportedly found a bomb in the parking garage next to the apartment tower.
This could have been horrible.  It is horrible, it's a life that's been loss that didn't need to be.  But thinking about what could have happened, what almost happened, so close to home? It's frightening.

I'm writing a paper in english right now about media sensationalism.  It's focused around school shootings and the werther effect that surrounds it, how much the media runs the story and how they always dig into the killer's life and make their names extremely well known.  As this activity unfolded I watched the exact thing I've been researching and writing about come to life.  The Orlando Sentinel was running a story "Who is _______?" digging into the student's past.  The news spread far and fast, where so that I got phone calls and texts from Canada making sure I was okay.  As I sat at work the story was followed hour by hour as new news was released about it.  In the end, it's a tragic suicide, but the effect of the could have been school shooting was everywhere.  It was too close to home.

My campus ran as usual, with some students from main campus missing morning classes due to cancelled shuttles (all of main campus was closed in the morning).  There was discussion of the events everywhere in the halls and study rooms, and to be honest, I couldn't help but look at the door each time it opened.  Death in general makes me feel uneasy.  The fact that is happened at my university, or almost happened at my university, while I was studying it, it all felt a little too close and left me a little uncomfortable.

Today we had an amazing guest speaker in my lodging class discussing Loss Prevention, Security and Safety.  The presenter was scheduled at the beginning of the semester and just so happened to fall two days after the previous mentioned events.  He discussed how he set up the security for all of universal studios then for Rosen Shingle Creek as well as Rosen College.  (Our school has some pretty cool security features!)  He did mention some of the bad things on the job though, how you react to scam artists, burns, cuts, and yes, suicides that happened at resorts he worked.  Again, it was a little too close to home.

It didn't help that we watched 3 Bones the other night that were about sexual harassment, murder and child soldiers.

So my heart has been pretty heavy this week.  And it's reinvoked fears that I've been trying to get over. When I lived in Vancouver I used to not only walk home a couple miles in the dark at night, I used to go for 5+ mile runs at night.  I just tried to step out the door to run, and I was scared. Of what? I don't know.  We live in a regular neighbourhood, with nice houses.  But I couldn't make myself go.  I don't want fear to run my life, and it usually doesn't, but perhaps this is just a week to be okay with things like that. To run in the morning, to appreciate life and to just accept things that aren't up to us.  Sometimes being a little irrational is okay, as long as you don't let it take over.  It won today, it won't win tomorrow.

It's been a rough week.  People don't always understand why I'm so affected by things that have nothing to do with me.  I don't know if it's my compassion, my ability to relate, or my happy world disposition.  I find harming others such a horrifying thought, maybe it's my inability to understand that makes it so hard to deal with.  So I deal with it the best way I can, to write a little about it, get it out of me and onto a page, and somehow that cleanses it away.  I don't forget, but it's not held as closely to my heart.

It's been a tough week.  One that makes you want to reach out and love a little harder, enjoy everything a little more and make sure each day means something.

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!!

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...

Trip To Orlando and Orientation Day 1

The flight from Vancouver went well. I was sitting in the bulk head (front? Right behind the rich people where they constantly were making sure the see-through curtain was closed?) which meant no where to put my bags..but more leg room! The two men beside me were talking a lot to each other about the most bizarre things.  The middle gentlemen was older and had packed sooo many snacks! It was pretty cute!  He offered me nut mix and those little cheese and cracker kits with the red sticks? I took some nut mix because he wouldn't take no for an answer. I know I know, never take food from strangers, he did offer candy at one point even…The older gentlemen was also from Victoria and use to vacation in Comox at a cabin with his family when he was young. He now lives in Vancouver. Usually I really don't like talking to people on flights but this guy was pretty nice.  Plus I only talked to him once I had to take off my headphones. 

The Phoenix to Orlando leg was about 4 hours.  I was in the same row but the other side of the aisle and there was so middle person to that was nice. I just slept a bit and read. 

Stepping off the plane in Orlando always feels so good. The rush of humidity and warmth that hits you is only second to landing in Hawaii, because they also have the incredible smell of tropical flowers.

Trips to Orlando only seem real once I get on the monorail (sky train? Tram? I’m not even sure what they call it at the airport), its when I feel like I’ve really arrived. Although walking out to a Harry Potter Universal Store, a Sea World Store and of course, A Disney Store also helps.  Luggage took a bit of time and then I went downstairs and outside to catch the shuttle to Payless Car Rentals!  I’ve never rented from them before (I’ve done Budget a few times and Dollar) but they were a lot cheaper than the other ones because it was off airport property so they were the choice of the day.  When myself and a few other younger people got on the shuttle the driver made sure we know where we were going, and another lady said I should be flattered I don’t look old enough to rent a car…. It was kind of awkward. Haha

The rental lady was super nice though and the process was easy for pick up.  I’ll let you know if there were any secret evil fees or anything when I return it tomorrow night!!

I drove away in my beauty Kia Forte SX 

It's a pretty decent car! Vroooooom!

 and headed for Downtown Disney!  I am staying with my dear friend (and old manager Yelitza) until Sunday morning when I move into housing! However she didn’t get off work until 1230am so I went to DTD for a little stroll about and to see Water for Elephants!  I bought the book after the love of my life this nice guy I met in Winnipeg when I was blizzarded (it’s a word…) in recommended it.  It was an amazing book, I, just like him, couldn’t put it down!! I would highly recommend it to any and everyone, and if I hadn’t given my copy to my Mum I would have given it to you!  The movie was pretty good, although they changed a few details…like cutting out the guy who actually ran and owned the circus Al I believe his name is…but overall it was good.  The book was leaps and bounds better, but I dare you to tell me a movie that is better than the book it’s based on.

Yelitza and I from my Disney Grad!

After the movie I headed over to Yelitza’s and after a little mix up on apartments (whoops!) we chatted a bit and headed to bed. It was a long travelling day!!

Wednesday I just used as a day to get things together. I had a great catch up with Yelitza before heading out and getting a cell phone organized. I also went to UCF to drop off proof of health insurance so they would take their block off my account.  I walked around a bit and the excitement crept through me again! I couldn’t stop smiling thinking this is all real.  I also checked out the exact building I’ll be living in. Looks like typical residence, it’s only 6 weeks, I’m not worried!  I met up with Ashley later on and it was a bit surreal being signed into the Commons! We caught up for a bit and then went to Oscar and Kristin’s (where we stayed on our road trip) and picked up my suitcase! It was sooo nice to have clothes again! My suitcase I just brought down was pretty much all bedding and towels so it’s nice to have something to wear.  Ashley is spieling her menu this week so she was practising in the car.  Some of the meals are the same as when I was here before (besides the obviously cheese soup) so that’s pretty nice, some of it was coming back to me!  I’m going to try and steal a menu off Ash before I head back to Canada pre-Disney post-school to study study study!

Today I had International Student Orientation!  I arrived around 830, signed in and we started at 9am.  The people who put on the presentation were really friendly and actually made boring visa/immigration/taxes information seem interesting.  We played a few games including Jeopardy!  The lady asked if anyone had watched the show before and I said yes, as I thought everyone had, but I was the only one! That made my team (our table) decide to name our team Team Kate which added no pressure at all. Haha. Luckily we ended up winning due to pure genius on our part and I didn’t let down my fellow Canadian, Alex Trebek.  We won a UCF USB 2GB stick so that was pretty sweet. We played Bingo at one point too but I didn’t win which was sad because the prize was a cool UCF penchant for the wall…and we all know how I enjoy branding myself with whatever I’m doing at that point. Haha. See I can be honest about it.

I whipped back to the apartment to see Yelitza before work and then went suntanning at the Polynesian!  I wanted soo badly to go to a park, but I feel too guilty asking a friend to use their main gate (except Ashley who offered once she gets hers and I’m sooo excited!), so instead of a park to feed my Disney itch I parked at the Polynesian and walked around.  It was a beautiful day, there were tons of kids in the pool splashing around and dancing with a lifeguard, parents and drinks everywhere.  I borrowed a few towels and went to the secret beach on the side of the Polynesian. It’s the greatest beach on property and so under utilized. I use to go here a bunch on my last contract and there were never people there.  As I was laying out Dream Along with Mickey could be heard over the Seven Seas Lagoon, it was pretty great.   I even fell asleep for a little cat nap under the shade of a few big leafy tree bushes! I strolled around the shops at the resort checking everything out (I think I found a birthday present for my Dad! And a dress I could wear to two of my weddings this summer!) and then made the best decision ever…and got Dole Whip!!! So far this vegan thing is a total fail not going as well as planned, however I made it very clear from the start that Dole Whip resides above everything else in the food pyramid.  I also may have checked out the other MK resorts a bit J I miss Disney World.

Tomorrow morning I have regular new student orientation at UCF and I should be registered for classes by the end (thank goodness!).

Check this picture out:

The quality isn't too good...but I think you get it.

Hehehehe.

Update and News!

I took this lovely snapshot myself! And without pulling over in the "Do not pull over here" spot!

Well first of all I'm sorry for falsely promising an exciting post the other day and then writing nothing. Also if you make that apple sundae don't over do it with the syrup and you should add toasted shredded coconut! Yummmm!

Now for an email from Kristen:

Greetings,

Once again Congratulations on being offered a role representing Canada on the Cultural Representative Program at Walt Disney World! I hope you are still very much excited for the adventure you are able to take to Walt Disney World. I just wanted to touch base with some information to assist you between now and your arrival of August 16^th.

Arrival Date of August 16^th: This arrival date is the date you will want to arrive in Florida, and is the day your housing will be ready. If you do decide to arrive earlier than this date, you will need to provide your own accommodation. However, you will not be starting work on the16^th, so please do not feel you need to arrive earlier. Instead, when you arrive you will have the 16^th of August to get use to the Florida weather, meet your new roommates, and meet all the other people around the world arriving to Disney with you. You would then start orientations the following days. For the orientation you will need to wear professional attire and this can be what you wore to the interviews. So do pack at least one professional outfit for Florida.

End Date of August 10^th, 2012: This is the day you will need to check out of your housing. You do have 30 days to travel after this date, and there will be many students around the world who I am sure would love to have you as a travel buddy!

Background/Police Check: This document is currently the most important for you to be concentrating on. However, this document does not need to be an advance check, instead you will want to visit your local police department to have the form completed. Once you have this form done, you will need to scan and email it or fax it directly to me. Please do this by June 1^st.

Step by Step Guide: To assist you in the adventure to Florida, Yummy Jobs has put together a Step by Step Guide that will answer many questions, such as about visas, police checks, and everything in between. To access this document, you are now able to log into your profile onwww.yummyjobs.com and view the “Documents” tab. Please be sure to read the Canadian Guide, as the other countries will vary in information.

Visas: Walt Disney World is currently working on these documents for you, which you will have about 2-4 weeks before your arrival to Florida.

Program Assessment Fee: As mentioned during the interview, you will need to pay the program assessment fee ($100 US) before your arrival to Florida. This fee acts as a deposit to reserve your room. You will be receiving an email from Walt Disney World regarding this fee about one month before your arrival to the US. You will not be able to pay this fee until you receive this email, so do keep an eye on your inbox in July!

And if at any time you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact myself. I will be here to assist you Every Step of the Way!

Have a Great Day,

Kristen Thornton

Yummy Jobs

I have noticed a lot of people asking if they have to arrive before their arrival date, and as Kristen pointed out above, you don't! The day you arrive you don't have to do anything but check in at Vista Way, and then they drive you over to your apartment (either at Patterson or the Commons) and you have the rest of the day to shop, meet people and do whatever you need to do. I won't be arriving early, I will be flying out the night of the 15th though red-eye style so that I can arrive in the morning and not crazy late. Plus as anyone who really knows me knows, I really like red eye flights, as well as layovers! I love layovers in random places and tend to take the most layover/stopovers I can get (as they also are usually the cheapest!). I also need to be at the front of the plane on the aisle. As you saw with my trip to Toronto I will never sit in a window seat again, and the thought of the middle seat? Where are you suppose to look when you're sleeping? So awkward! Plus I just like getting up and not feeling trapped in there by other people. Phew.

Now for much awaited very exciting news!

I'M GOING ON A ROAD TRIP AND GOING TO UNIVERSITY AND WORKING AT DISNEY WORLD!

There we go. You know that point in life when you have worked really hard and planned and dreamed and then all of a sudden you realize everything you've ever dreamed of is starting to happen and becoming real? That's the moment I'm having right now. And it's absolutely incredible. I have been very overwhelmed and stressed out the last couple of months and now it's as if I have taken a huge deep breath, let it all out and can see everything coming together. Here's the run down:

March 25th: That's today! A good place to start I figured... I returned home from an 8 hour day of work and have to work on packing up my room a bit more before going to bed for my shift tomorrow morning. I work tomorrow, Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday so that's good!

March 27th: This is my sister's due date for my incredible niece or nephew! I wouldn't normally share such an intimate moment but my sister and brother-in-law allowed me to be at their midwife appointment to hear the baby's heartbeat and it was such an incredibly moving and momentous occurrence. I will admit I was moved to tears, I'm so amazed at this life growing inside my sister and the immense impact it will have on all of our lives, and already has had. I've never had a maternal instinct in my life but this whole experience has changed me and just thinking about meeting this little Munchkin gets me all verklempt. I'm going to buy it every single Disney thing ever ... don't tell Gareth! :) hehehe. I guessed the baby would be born yesterday (Thursday the 23rd) and I was wrong. Someone had to be the number 1 loser though, and I'm glad to claim the prize.

This is the halloween costume my niece or nephew will be wearing come October 31st, I don't care if it's a girl and Chewbacca is a boy. This is the costume her pug Lily will be wear to accompany Munchkin:

I dare anyone to try and say that is not the greatest combination of halloween costumes ever! I've actually been planning this since I found out my sister was pregnant. It doesn't even have to be halloween! So exciting!

March 31st: Gareth's birthday! yay!

April 1st: My last day of work at Hollyburn!! Yeeehaww! This is actually a really big boxing fundraiser (I'm pretty sure) and should be a somewhat interesting last shift!

This is the background on my computer currently. Or it was until it mysteriously got changed to a picture of Mr. Ryan Kesler, of Vancouver Canucks hockey, who may I say, is lovely.

*~*Precursor to Road Trip Itineray: This is all approximation and may not be reliable at all...you'll just have to wait and see!*~*

April 2nd: Jet setting off to Winnipeg this morning (after a layover in Saskatoon which I'm Super Excited for as it'll mean I've been to every province besides the Maritimes!) and arriving to my dear friend Ashley and her car for the beginning of our road trip!!! Ah, I'm actually super excited about this trip. We are driving down through Minnesota with such notable locations as Grand Forks, Fargo, St. Cloud (which I'm going to pretend is in reference to the Zac Efron movie) and Minneapolis (where my sister things I'll get lipped for my fake Minnesotian accent) to Wisconsin where we're staying in a little town called Eau Claire! Eau Claire is a Tree City, which means they have to celebrate Arbor Day and have a tree planting program and so I'm hoping it's pretty! Also it's suppose to be a great place for young people, and I like to consider myself youthful. It seems like it has a lot of factories/plants though as well, we'll see!

April 3: Pardeeville! Population: 1,982. LOVE IT! I'm so excited for this stop because this is actually a pretty special location...I won't say why now, but if you know, you'd want to go to! haha. I will mention that the town's biggest event is it's Watermelon Festival. Ohhhh small towns :) Departing Wisconsin we head towards the home of the President.. the Windy City it's self...CHICAGO! I can't believe I get to go to Chicago! It's so exciting! We're going to eat deep dish pizza, visit Hyde Park, watch some Blackhawk hockey (Ashley is a diehard Jonathan Toews fan, I'm scared I'll get kicked out of town if I say I'm from Vancouver), and hopefully do an amazing driveby past HARPO STUDIOS!! AHH! OPRAH!

This is not a picture of Oprah (I wish!). This is Janice. She is a secret clue as to why we are making a certain pit stop on the road trip.

how do my blogs always end with Oprah? I actually got super distracted and sent Oprah a letter. With that I need to sleep...so you will find out all about Chicago plans and beyond tomorrow!

Spoiler Alert: I'm going to be a Knight!