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....

I WAS IN DISNEYWORLD!.....

For a whole year.  You may not be aware of this because I'm probably the world's worst blogger.  However I am somewhat of an amazing taker of photographs with my telephone.  This being said I don't have a computer of my own currently. So herein lies the problem.  I would love to post all these incredible photos as it is a lot easier for me to update you with photo updates than with all these silly words in a huge block of letters....

...I am in the midst of receiving a computer.  My friend has an old one and for however much it costs to get all of his stuff off of it I'm going to have it. Yay! However it's a wee bit of a process. So just a bit more patience... if I even have readers anymore.

I'm also going to be diversifying the blog a little bit.  Obviously I love Disney and Disney World and I live about 10 minutes from it and frequent it often.  However I'm not a cast member anymore.  I do however have many incredible friends who are that allow me the privilege of going all the time! I also have a SeaWorld pass (Sorry Carrie) until the end of the year and a Universal pass until next November.  In general I'm going to broaden my Orlando view point a little bit.  I also am attending this little thing called University! and will be talking about that a bit as well.

So we can look forward to some future posts about:

• I'm done a lot of dining out so we're going to do some restaurant reviews both on property and off.
• Updates on Harry Potter World expansions
• Updates on Fantasyland Expansions (yes I've done the Enchanted Storytime with Belle that is in test phases/soft opening) 
• Updates on the Beauty and the Beast Restaurant (I bet I knew about the alcohol being served there before you did...and that it's only beer and wine and 3 of the bottles are over $17/glass. And it was Tom Staggs idea!)
• Interesting things I learned in class today: Such as why Burger King started advertising with that creepy King mascot. 
• Running!!! You got it, Kate is getting back into the world of running in circles. And since I've become a stagnant non-mover it's going to be ROUGH and SWEATY (thank you 80-90 degree weather) and we're going to suffer through it together!
• I have an intense love of PINTEREST ...so look at my pinterest, follow it, love it!
• Random photos of random fun/awkward/hilarious (to me) things!
• Super deep thought provoking posts which cause my family alarm. (Just Kidding! I'm honestly doing awesome, self reflection is wonderful ;) )

So in general...anything I want that fits into these subcategories of my life:

1. Parks/Orlando
2. Ramblings
3. Dining
4. Health
5. Learning

And of course the Bucket List! Which will be expanding to include so many more things. Like hot air balloon, who doesn't want to go hot air ballooning?!

(This post obviously falls into 'Ramblings' in case you couldn't tell ;) )

Student Visa? Check!

I left my sister Kim's house at 11:20pm last night and it is currently 6:26am and I am awake!! I took the bus from West Vancouver to downtown and then the skytrain to the airport, arriving around 1230am.  I found the general area of my check in desks and curled up on a row of seats for some shut eye! Some people thing it is weird to sleep in the airport, but I had to be here so early anyways, and it was way wayyyy cheaper than a taxi! Plus there were SO many people!! It was almost hard finding a bench because of all the sleeping people.  Just like a huge airport slumber party! Weeeeee!

Customs/Security. So I went through and they checked my boarding pass probably 12 times. Then I got "randomly selected" to go in the full body scanner.  I will point out that I was wearing a tshirt, lululemon pants and lululemon socks...and that's all.  I didn't even have a pocket! I asked them if it was the machine that saw you naked and they just laughed.  One said "No" I think, but you can never be so sure with these machines.  Then they looked through all my carry ons! This never happens to me! I swear it's because my hair is red and curly, they just suspect trouble from a redhead.
After this was all done and I was able to put my shoes and zip up back on I ventured on to Customs.  I walked up to the officer and gave him my papers. Apparently I had to fill out a different form as well and he sent me away.  He was pretty mean about it though.  So I went back and filled out another form and then went to the other set of officers in hopes of a nicer one. Boy did I get lucky! The new officer was so friendly and thought school sounded amazing! He looked over my paperwork and then filled out the visa!!! I now currently am the proud recipient of a F-1 student visa! Yay! I walked away just so excited and so ready for some learning!
I am currently waiting at my gate, which happens to be right because the "Christmas in Vancouver" store! How lucky can a girl get! I LOVE Christmas! I LOVE Orlando! and I LOVE Canada! And they are currently all rolled up into one delicious moment in time.  I'm on an I'm-getting-an-education high!  Also I have Starbucks which also makes me happy :)
My flight for Phoenix leaves at 7:44am arriving around 10:30am.  Then I have a little less than a two hour layover and leave for Orlando at 12:15pm arriving at 7:18pm - if all goes according to plan!

Currently it is 26 degrees in Orlando, 9 degrees in Vancouver and 10 degrees in Courtenay. For you Ontario-ians it'2 15 degrees in Toronto! This will all have changed by the time you read this though ;)

Orlando Forecast:
Tuesday 34°C / 93°F
Wednesday 35°C / 95°F
Thursday 33°C / 91°F
Friday 33°C / 91°F
Saturday 32°C / 90°F

Vancouver Forecast:
Tuesday 16°C / 60°F
Wednesday 12°C / 53°F
Thursday 14°C / 58°F
Friday 17°C / 63°F
Saturday 17°C / 63°F
Rainfall Warning. (It actually isn't even cold!!!)

Toronto Forecast:
Tuesday 15°C / 59°F
Wednesday 19°C / 66°F
Thursday 18°C / 64°F
Friday 18°C / 65°F
Saturday 16°C / 60°F


So clearing Orlando wins, however it looks as though summer is trying to sneak into May in Canada and 
that's fantastic!! Everyone is always happier when it's warm.  Also if you are in Vancouver today look out 
for the Disney Wonder!!

The pilot of the plane just came up to the gate and said he wanted to run and grab some duty free first...making the joke "well they can't go anywhere without me anyways."  The lady at the desk asked which type of duty free he wanted...he said "the hard stuff." Should be a good flight!

"The Time Has Come...

..." the Walrus said,

"To talk of many things:

Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--

Of cabbages--and kings--

And why the sea is boiling hot--

And whether pigs have wings."

It's funny the things that come to mind sometimes.  I told myself, enough is enough, you have to update that blog, and oh course what comes into my mind? Why Disney's Alice in Wonderland Carroll Lewis of course!! (Because I'm a student now and have to think in an intellectual way now ;) ) 

BMO Half Marathon

In the build up to my race a lot of people made the comment about how being called a "Half Marathon" doesn't give the run justice, as 21.1km, or 13 miles, isn't 'just a run,' it's a bit of a trek!!  I tried to play it cool before the race, but when I was done I was proud - it's a long way to go! Especially as I only really started running in January with a few jaunts last fall.  

The day started with my (amazing) Mum and I rising around 530am and making our way over the Lion's Gate Bridge to just before Rogers Arena where Mum dropped me off.  There was a huge wave of runners pouring into the area and I was excited/anxious.  I did probably the most important pre-run ritual (based on the huge amount of people in the line ups) and visited the ladies outdoor port-a-loo before joining the huge mass forming at the starting line for the Half Marathon.  The race officially started at 7, so they did a bit of talking, played the national anthem, and then shot off the gun! It took a few minutes for me to actually reach the starting line, but things started off pretty well! I got into a rhyme and kept telling myself that it was okay I was being passed, as I was also passing others.  In the beginning people are all over the place and it takes the first couple of kilometres to get into your right pace group.  

It was a really neat feeling to be amongst so many people, running along as the sun rose through the streets of Vancouver.  There were bands along the route at a few places and some water/Gatorade and Gel stations.  I tried my first gel (I know, I know, don't try something new during a race) but I think it did help give me energy part way through the race.  I got pretty good at snagging water off the tables without really stopping after the first one.  I didn't drink any gatorade because I don't like the taste it leaves in my mouth...yuck! 

I ran past the half way mark (which fell in Stanley Park) and to the bottom of Prospect Point.  It's a 200 foot elevation change over about half a km and as many people started walking I power walked my way up the hill, then started running again from the top.  I felt like I was doing alright down through Stanley Park until I reached English Bay. Then I thought I was going to die. 

To be perfectly honest, I had only ran one 11km run in the past month, and maybe three 5 kms? It was really poor training, and I might have had a bunch of fries, beers, and other treats on that road trip of mine.  Needless to say, I could have prepared better, and the last 4.5km I really felt it.  

It was really frustrating and I had a big inward battle of mind over body over mind. I wanted to run but my body was tired and I wanted to just walk.  I walked far more than I had wanted to in the last stretch and it was clearly conditioning and endurance.  I did run the last 2km though to finish strong (don't want to be seen walking by all those people cheering!) Plus I saw a sign that said "It's not sweat, it's your fat crying" which made me feel bad.  There were a TON of really nice positive signs though, and people wanting to High-five and cheer me on.

There was one girl in particular who I saw right at the beginning of the race who had "Just Keep Running.." written on duct tape on the back of her shirt.  I thought "Yah! I'm going to keep running!" and throughout the race I would pass her, and then twenty minutes later she'd pass me again, and then twenty minutes later I'd notice myself passing her again.  Then I didn't see her for a while.  Near the end I was walking (like a big tired out lazy!) and I saw her jog past me.  I starting running again, passed her, and ran my way over the finish line (ahead of her :) ).  It wasn't the beating her part that matter, it was just seeing that encouragement from someone else going through the same thing.  

I unfortunately was only focused on crossing the finish line and didn't hear or see my Mum calling out my name and cheering me on near the finish line.  I had scanned the crowd a bit for her but near the end I just had to be done.  She did see me though and took some photos for proof! :D I am so appreciative of my Mum coming to watch me, it meant so much to have her there representing all the love and support from my family.  

When I did cross the line I thought I was going to die.  It was super sunny and I was pretty light headed to be honest.  I walked about fora bit then sat in the shade with some water and semi-stretched my legs.  Eventually I got up and went into the runner's food area for some grub (bagels with no cream cheese? gross.  Fruit Source bars, mini-muffins, hard boiled eggs and chips? Yum!).  Then started the search for my Mum.  She had lost track of me after I crossed the line and I didn't have a clue where she was.  I even got to relive my youth by going up to the Lost and Found and telling them that I am a bit old for it I know, but I've lost my Mum, I don't have a cell phone, and could I borrow one to make a call? hehehe. Oh dear.  We were eventually reunited thanks to Gareth and were on our way back to West Vancouver :)

Best Part of the Half Marathon: The buzz. The feel.  Finishing.

Worst Part of the Half Marathon: The last 4 km. Ugg.

What I will do differently Next Time: Complete my training!! I didn't train in the last month and even though my 11km felt great the week before, that's still 10km afterwards! 

Will there be a "Next Time"?:  As soon as I finished the race I said...NEVER AGAIN!!!!!!!!!

About 45 minutes later (when I could breath and function normally, and had had some yummy food) I was already WAY toooo excited about my next race, which I have already registered for!!

I shall be running a half marathon October 1st, 2011.  The Walt Disney World Wine & Dine Half Marathon!!!  I had said before that I wanted to run it, but now I am officially registered!! I will most likely still be on podium at Le Cellier at this time, so it shouldn't be too difficult getting the shift off, as it doesn't start until 10pm!! However, I'm just going to hope hope hope really hard, as you never know with Disney schedules!

I have already started pouring over training schedules and am pretty sure I have a pretty great plan in place.  This past half I just wanted to finish, this half I'm hoping to get a better time, as it is a key stepping stone in my quest for the full marathon in January 2012!! (That's not even far away! Ahh!) 

I will have to acclimatize to running in crazy heat though, as summer in Orlando is HOT! May in Orlando is already 35/88 degrees! 

This time last year if you asked me if I was a runner I would have laughed. Just laughed.  

Now if you ask me if I'm a runner, I would say yes.  I'm not a hardcore runner, I'm not aiming to win any races or qualify for Boston or anything like that, but I think it's safe to say, yes, I'm a runner. I love running :)

May the 4th Be With You!

Cheesy? Yes. Will it make you always remember my birth date? Also Yes!

On May 4th, 22 years ago, at 0848, Anne and Chris Armstrong welcomed ME into this world at Grace Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Hehehe.

I love birthdays. I love MY birthday.  Yes I am 22 this year, and I know that as you get older you aren't suppose to love your birthday as much, but I still do.  Yes it freaks me out most years and I can't believe that I'm already twenty two and I have so much to accomplish still, but if it's going to come, we should at least celebrate it and love it!  I spent my birthday with great friends and family and it was really nice.  People were all way too generous! I had a 3 day multi-friend/family/friends celebration as well as a few amazing phone calls from my Carebear and a nice weekend visit from Kimmy, Gar and Clodagh! (and Lily of course!).  

Twenty One was a really trying age for me.  I started it out in a far away location mourning the end of Disney, the end of a relationship, a crappy new job and my only friend within 100 miles was working.  I spent four months trying to make a horrible work environment better, then decided it wasn't worth it and moved in with my sister and her fiance - who then sprang on the family she was pregnant!! I never thought at 21 (or at any age really) I'd be living with a pregnant lady :)  Kim and I hadn't lived together since I was 12 and she graduated high school, so it took some adjustment but ended up incredible.  I ended my twenty first year with my first ever road trip, with many amazing stops through the states, and by running a half marathon!  Along the way I also wrote my SATs and got accepted to the University of Central Florida (Rosen College of Hospitality Management), learned a ton about working environments and my limits, learned to love running, and learned to love myself and started along the path to being who I truly want to be.  It was a trying, hard, dirty year.  The highs were high and the lows were low, but I thank everyone along the way for helping me become who I am today.

Today, today I'm 22 years old.  And although if you had asked me four years ago what would be happening when I was 22 years old, I would have told you (completely certain) something completely different to how things actually are.  I have always been the master of life plans, and although I have one now as well, the difference is I know it will change, because there is no way I can know the incredible opportunities that will arise in the future.   It does feel a bit scary being 22 and just going back to school.  I feel as though, like all the people I started at Queen's with, and some of my high school friends as well, I should be graduating with a degree this year.  Instead I am flying to Orlando bright and early Tuesday morning and after orientation this week as well as moving in, I'm starting at the University of Central Florida on Monday May 16th towards a Bachelor Of Science Degree In Hospitality Management.  Some of my credits will transfer over from Queen's (hopefully most!) but I'm pretty much starting from the beginning.  I am doing the summer semester of school to get a head start before coming back to Vancouver Island for a few weeks for my sister Kimmy's wedding!! and then going back down to Orlando August 15th (red eye!) to start working at Walt Disney World August 16th!! Then I'm running a half marathon October 1st, my friend Emma who I haven't seen since November 2008 is coming to visit November 2011, I'm running a full marathon January 8th, 2012, and my dear husband Craig is coming to visit in February 2012! And that is only the planned out things! This 22nd year is going to be so full of new adventures, of discovery and learning.  I am so excited about everything that it holds and am so ready to reach out and grab 22 by the horns and own it.  

Mother's Day Weekend!

Friday night Kim and Gareth came over with Clodagh and Lily for the weekend!  They arrived pretty late but it's always so nice when they visit.  This visit was very special though because on Saturday Grandma and Grandpa came over and got to hold and meet Clodagh for the first time! Her Great-Grandparents!! It was so incredible seeing them hold little Clodagh in their arms, they've definitely had practise with babies! Thinking about how they had rocked my Mum and her siblings back and forth, and rocked me and my sisters back and forth and were now rocking my niece back and forth the same way - it's just so moving and so breathtaking. I am so in awe of my Grandma and Grandpa. They are the most loving, interesting, magnificent people.  They tell the best stories and my Grandpa has this uncanny ability to remember each and every date anything ever happened on! He even remembers what people wore and how everything went!

We had a nice Mother's Day dinner Saturday night all together because Sunday Kim, Gar and I were leaving for Vancouver.  We have had many family dinners over the years (we even had one last Wednesday for my bday) but this one was an especially great one.  Everyone was in great spirits (until the hockey game) and I got the chance to have a really special chat with my Grandma before I travelled away.

Sunday we had a nice brunch cooked mainly by Dad ( I had a tofu scramble..which I've never made before and needed a lot of ketchup for! haha) and I helped a little with the eggs...which I couldn't eat any of...because...I've gone vegan again!!!

I just feel healthier and I made better decisions when my brain isn't bogged down with cheese.  Even though I love love love cheese, I think it's best we have a little separation until July.  I will preface this vegan thing with this: If the opportunity arises before July for me to have Dole Whip, I will. I will have Dole Whip and I will love each and every bite. Dole Whip is the reason I can never be a full on forever vegan.  It just is too much heaven on earth. I don't want a wedding cake - I want a Dole Whip machine ;)

This post has been very random and very little Disney so I am going to leave you with these...Some links to some GREAT Disney Updates!!!!

Also sorry for the lack of photos..and can you believe I'm a cast member in less than 100 days!!! Ahhhh Double Digits!!

 Pirates Premiere At Disneyland!!

MiceChat's Weekend Update from all around the (actual) World!

Orlando Park Hopper Update - Disney, Busch Gardens and the Resort Room Makeovers!

Wonder Sets Sail In Vancouver!

This picture is absolutely breath-taking!

Themed Resort Rooms!

Not So Scary and Christmas Party Tickets On Sale!

 Best Vegetarian Eats In Walt Disney World

Minus the tomato and you've got yourself a deal!

Paradise Pier Eateries and Goofy's Sky School Coaster Postponed!