Single Digits

I'm now down to 9 days of work left in Dinoland, USA. I did not carpe the diem as much as I should have, but am very excited to have another chance at it come June. The WDW College Program is a whole different experience as an adult with a family, but still just as valuable and meaningful in my life. Part of me looks at the young, energetic CPs and wishes I had their brand of abandon where sometimes all I had to worry about was whether my hair was straight enough in the Florida humidity. Another part of me, however, is so grateful to have come to this place with some experience under my belt and wisdom under my hat. Some days I look at them and think how much life they still have ahead, with so many choices and then I remind myself that I, too, have so much ahead of me. Granted, their oceans are more vast than my sea with the shores I have already found, but there are still new discoveries to be made and new lessons to be learned each and every day.

RED folder!!!

I can't believe it, but my "red folder" came today! CPs get a purple folder, PI/MIs get a red one. It makes it seem more real, seeing the letter in print.

I came up with a new Magical Moment today, the Dino-ROAR. A child is selected to choose a dinosaur and show everyone how it roars. It was a lot of fun with the little girl who did it today and I'm really hoping they keep this Magical Moment around!

If my schedule goes the way it supposed to, 2 weeks from tomorrow will be my last day of work. I still can't believe how fast the time has flown by here.

Branding oneself (sounds painful, doesn't it?)

I officially accepted my offer and cancelled my extension. I'm still trying to get my brain wrapped around all of it. I took a mini-class this morning at the Disney University about branding yourself that really gave me a lot of food for thought how I want to present myself when I come back in June. I had to develop a "Personal Branding Promise" and here's what I have so far:

"Gray is a creative leader who supports passionate pursuit of dreams by engaging and encouraging those around her. By leading with wisdom and teaching from her experience, she supports her Cast as we reach together for our goals."

I like it.

What's a CP and I thought PI was Pleasure Island?

Can you explain the differences in all these programs? (CP and PI/MI)

The College Program (CP) is designed for students to have a work experience at WDW. Anyone who is currently a student may apply and the roles are front line Cast Members such as merchandise, quick service food, attractions, transportation, custodial, etc. It's generally minimum wage, guaranteed 32 hours per week and all of the perks. The programs are anywhere from 4-7 months or so, depending on if you are in the "regular" or the "advantage" season. You can also sometimes 'extend' your program, but you cannot be here for more than a year. While on the program, Disney provides (for a weekly payroll deduction) apartment housing in student complexes for the majority of the students, as well as bus transportation to and from work and various shopping venues. Students also have the opportunity to take Disney classes free of charge while they are here. An ICP is an International College Program student who is here on a special visa (these are specifically created for Disney and are very strict) who basically does the same things as a regular CP, but usually for a year.

A "PI" is a professional internship, but they are also using the term "MI" now to differentiate the management internships. These advanced, or professional, internships are career-related as opposed to frontline Cast Member roles. PIs might be event planning, animal presenter, LOTS of the animal care roles, graphic design, marketing, DVC sales assistant, Guest Relations, and so on. PIs make an hourly wage that is a bit more than CPs and varies widely based on the role. PIs can also take advantage of the Disney housing/bus, etc. A management intern (that's me!) would be in retail, operations, food & beverage, rooms & related, etc. We will make a salary as opposed to an hourly wage and we CANNOT live in the Disney housing, due to the nature of our jobs (conflicts of interest possibly living with CMs who work for you). A PI/MI is 6 months long, usually from Jan-June/June-Jan. Sometimes you can extend your internship if there are business needs and the department really likes you, but a lot of the time, they want fresh faces and perspectives. There are usually some options after a PI/MI, so that's what I'm hoping for (so everyone "swim down" to get this economy back on track!!! )

I told my leadership class instructor today and he was SO happy for me. He knows what a long haul it's been, too. I've really appreciated this class as it has done a great job of preparing me for what's about to come.

We had class at the Magic Kingdom today. What a classroom! I got to go in the utilidors for the first time, which was pretty cool. Most of the class was on Main Street and in Liberty Square, however. It was fantastic and I learned a lot, not just about MK, but "storytelling" and how it applies to leadership. Lots of food for thought!

The Call

I was walking in from the parking lot with DDs this morning when my phone rang. It said it was the College Program number so I answered. The lady asked me if I had a minute (um, YES!) and that they were extending me an offer of Retail Management Professional Intern for the June-Jan season. She asked if I was interested (um, YESSSSS!!!) and she laughed and finished the rest of the "spiel" (tattoos, body piercings, car, etc) She said something about their offering relocation assistance, but I told her since I was already here with a lease until January, I probably wouldn't need it (she laughed again, it was a fun conversation!). My only question was WHERE? but she didn't have an answer for me and told me they'd let me know the closer we get to the start date of June 19th.

My daughters are SO happy for me and I am SO happy they were there when the call came in. DAK parking lot on Earth Day with my girls, couldn't have asked for a better memory! Oh, and then, I got another call this afternoon asking to set up an interview for the learning center internship, which I politely declined. It was a really great feeling knowing that I had gotten the attention of another department as well. Over. The. Moon.

Some days you just need to splurge

I left way early to be at the ShoeMobile at 10am. I'm in desperate need of some nice, comfy, non-slip black dress shoes and thought it would be perfect, since they do a payroll deduction. I was there. ShoeMobile was not. No one knew where it was and said that it hadn't been there for a few weeks when it was scheduled. ARG! I could have slept longer! So, being stuck with time to kill before work and being right next door to DTD, I did a splurge-y, spoiled, only a CM would do it thing and went to Earl of Sandwich to pick up something for lunch! It felt utterly decadent (and, boy, was it yummy, even after a few hours in the fridge at work!) I realized I have NOT taken full advantage of my opportunities here and have decided that I must do more things like that in the coming months. Carpe Diem, darnit!

Making Magic and the Waiting Game

I worked games today. One little girl was very upset that she hadn't won several games she'd tried and simply did NOT want to play another game. There were 2 tickets left and her mom was trying to get her to play *something*. I finally got mom's attention and motioned her to come back over to my game. I told the little girl that I'd just gotten a call from Mickey and he's seen that she had animals on her dress and that she was sad. He didn't want anyone to be sad at WDW, so he asked me to let her play for our medium prize (a sabre-tooth tiger) since she likes animals so much to wear them on her clothes. After a little encouragement from mom and I, she agreed, so they played (and mom kept "missing") and she won. Her face was priceless and reminded me of the reason I keep coming to work even when I'm exhausted and would much rather call in. Her MOM'S face reminded me why I keep coming in.

You know, the guests tell us all the time that we are the reason they come back, but I think it's important to know that the guests are what makes OUR days seem like a holiday rather than a job most of the time.

It's hard to believe, but 3 weeks from today is my CP "graduation" event, and 4 weeks from Friday is my last day at Dinoland. I can't believe how fast this has all gone by. I keep trying to remember "Carpe Diem" and I'm trying not to wish the days away waiting for a call about a PI, but it's hard!

CP Extension!

I got a bit of good news today...my extension request has been granted! I've been extended into Full Service Food and Beverage, which means I'll most likely be a hostess/seater at a restaurant somewhere (I don't know where yet). I'm kind of excited about the prospect, since I've never done anything except for retail (well, I was a cheesemonger for a year, but that doesn't do much for the resume). It adds another line of business to my resume. It's also only for 3 months so if I hate it, it won't last forever.

I'm still holding out hope for the Guest Relations or management roles, though. If one of those pans out, I'll be here at least until January of 2010. If not, I'll have to figure out what I'm going to do in August...

Kids Today

.I was working games (and we all know how much I "love" games ) when these 2 kids came to play. The boy was about 9 or 10 and the little girl was probably 6? It was a medium-prize game and the little boy was FOCUSED. Intent. He was GOING to win. and...he did. Then, he turned to his little sister, handed her the prize and said, "I won this for you!" Her face lit up and she hugged and hugged her shark. Mom & Dad told me that they had gone to ride Primeval Whirl and she was barely too short. She was crushed. While waiting in line, the boy said that he wanted to win her a prize to make her feel better, so that's just what he did. Whoa boy, I'm glad I could blame the waterworks on the splashes from Fossil Fueler!!! I thanked him for being an awesome brother and gave him a shark, too. His face lit up and his parents were thrilled. After all of the selfishness in my house the last month or so, it was SO refreshing and magical to see a truly selfless act. That boy made my day.

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes. They are hard sometimes...

I went in on 3/26 and the area manager handed out the "song cards" during our morning meeting and had me lead it. Fun! Apparently, it was a Magical Moments contest and I won, so I'm supposed to be "rewarded". I told the VP the only reward I needed was a J-O-B. On that note, and on the downside...the VP also announced that the Cast Services department is no more effective today. That means that the manager I'd been meeting with about my prospects is no longer in a position to help me at all. Right in the middle of PI recruiting season, I suddenly have no contacts, meetings, or shadows. The area manager and my CP manager both saw my face and assured me that they'd help me out.

On the way home from there, my phone rang with a 407 area code (love me that area code...) and it was someone from the PI office. He said that they noted I'd applied for retail management last semester and were just wondering if I would still be interested IF a position became available. I tried to maintain my composure and told him, absolutely, without a doubt, 100% interested. I also told him that I'm already here on a merch CP, so it wouldn't be a big leap for me, either. He laughed and told me that he would put me down as a "yes", "just in case" something opens up.

Today, I learned that our CP manager had been reassigned, so we are now completely without CP leadership and are relying solely on our "homeroom" managers. Those who had the CP manager for homeroom are really adrift. The swirl around here has been scary and unsettling, but I have been learning valuable lessons from it. She didn't lose her job. She is still in the same park in the same role. Yes, we miss her, but she is in a new place to influence that many more people who come in contact with her.

Another down note, hubby told me that my BIL, who was a salaried employee here at WDW also lost his job today when his position was eliminated.

Happy, Happy Celebration from Dinoland to YOU!

Last month, the girls and I got some sillies and we wrote some lyrics to a Dinoland Birthday Song. I turned it into a manager to maybe use as a "Magical Moment". When I walked in the back room today, one of my fellow CMs said, "I hate you, I really hate you" in a wink-wink kind of way. I asked her why, she reached in her pocket, and pulled out a card with a "What Will You Celebrate" logo on one side and OUR BIRTHDAY SONG on the other!!! They had changed it from "birthday" to "celebration", but it still worked. I guess it was announced at the morning meeting and the area manager sang it to the CMs, then had them sing it back from the cards. Today was a big walkabout day for the uppity ups and I heard they were singing it all over the place! I was SO excited to come home and tell the girls that OUR SONG was a big hit! Totally made my day, even though the CMs are annoyed at having to sing now...

I'm Just Like You

I did have a fellow CP ask me today if I was on a different program than the rest of them. I explained that, no, I'm making as little as they are and am statused just the same. She thought maybe I was different b/c I'm a RAFIKI and in the money room and come across as a "leader". I actually get that a lot. So far, every class, gathering, or group that has required leadership here, I've been unanimously nominated. I don't know if it's my age or that I am a confident public speaker or what, but it's been interesting. This experience has done wonders for my confidence level and self-esteem. I've gone from wondering what I'm doing here to wondering why I didn't do this years ago. Slowly, ever so slowly, those ghosts from the past are fading.

An Old Fashioned Letter (or Email)

I had my initial PI interview for the next term and I'm moving ahead in the interview process, so now it's a matter of waiting for the hiring leaders to decide they want to interview me.

I've had several people ask about sending letters or emails about Cast Members who've made some magic for them. Please know that these are VERY meaningful to those who read them and are very well worth your time to write. If you encounter a special Cast Member, please write about your experience to:

Walt Disney World Guest Communications
PO Box 10040. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040

You can also send an email to wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com

Two Months Left (maybe?)

Tomorrow is the day when I can put in for an extension. I found out that they are not allowing any transfers into hospitality, which was my first choice. Now, I'll have to give it more thought. The only other thing I'd want to do on the list is full service food & beverage. I'm not at all sure that I want to work in Dinoland in July. I'm afraid if I put in to extend, that's where I'll be stuck and I'm not excited about that, even though my managers would be THRILLED. I keep trying to remind myself about, "Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust" and that, so far, my path has led me where I'm supposed to be, so whatever happens over the next few months won't be any different. I still haven't heard a peep about any of the PIs, which is making me nervous. It is what it is, though, and worrying doesn't change anything.

I did tell one of my daughters today that, "'Hard' does NOT mean 'impossible.'" I like it when I come up with good quotes. ;)

IAPTS

Here's a question I get a lot: "What do you think about the games [in Dinoland]. Do they fit in the park?

No, I don't. Most people, CMs included, scratch their heads at the whole Dinoland concept. We were just talking at dinner about how it doesn't fit in AK and has no place at WDW really, for that matter. The funny thing is that we RARELY went into Dinoland when we visited AK as guests. I have had to create a 'character' for myself, esp when I'm on games.

Today, I was scheduled in games MR, but for some reason, they decided to put me on an apron selling vouchers. There are times that I have to remember one of my Dad's famous acronyms: IAPTS (It All Pays The Same) and today was one of those days. It was HOT (at least for this Yankee) and I'm not a fan of "getchervouchershere" over and over again. "A dollar each and two to play". I had one princess who was buying tickets with change over and over who finally came to ask if there was just a way to "buy a teddy" (in her oh-so-sweet English accent!). I took her to one of the games, gave her purple balls, since they are Tinkerbell's favorite color, and sprinkled some "pixie dust" on them. Lo and behold, her first toss, she won a prize!!! I didn't even have to do the "turn around and close your eyes" trick! The look on her face was priceless and she ran over to show Mum and Dad. She was pointing to me, so I walked over and told them she just needed an extra dose of pixie dust. They were SO grateful and it reminded me why, as much as I dislike the games, it's important for the magical people to work them. IAPTS. Only, this time, some of the "pay" was in smiles.

More Random Thoughts and Tears

I took my daughters to AK today for FOLK. I haven't seen it in almost 2 years (I know, sad story!). I cried. I mean, sobbed, ugly cry cried. I think the camp counselor wanted to ask me if I was OK. What did me in was:
"It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding"

I feel like my path is finally unwinding, even for a little while, and it amazes me every day that I get to be a very small part of that kind of magic.

While I was out collecting vouchers from the games, I got to help make some magic for a few of our smaller guests who sometimes struggle with the games. I've noticed that some of the other games people aren't quite as pixie-dusted as I am, so I tend to run a quick Mom/Son game while I'm unlocking the vouchers. Hey, it's 2 players to start the game, right???

The other thing I'm enjoying about games money room is that there is some freedom and I guess I project a sense of responsibility/leadership/whatever you want to call it, because I get a LOT of guest interaction while I'm out "harvesting" the vouchers. I answer LOTS of questions and can really spend some time giving guests good suggestions, directions, etc because I'm not caught up in completing the sale or loading the rides or stocking the carts. Yes, I have work to do, but it's nothing that is going to keep guests waiting. I've even had a couple thank me for taking the time to talk to them and that makes me smile.

Have I mentioned lately that I love my "job"?

Oh, and yesterday morning, Meeko was coming offstage just as I was heading into work and he ran and grabbed a trash can and tried to take it with him. It was LOL funny.

A Small Thank You

Thank you all who keep telling me that my journey is inspiring to you. It lifts my heart and keeps me going, even when I might be having a "Grumpy" day (I haven't worn my Grumpy shirts once since I've been here! ) I want everyone to remember that a dream is a dream no matter how small. My dream was pretty big and I was able to lay the foundation and build the path to reach it with a lot of hard work and determination (and a willingness to vary from the original path of a management internship and enter the College Program instead). Not everyone's dreams need to be this big nor do they need to involve a move or huge job transition or grad school. Achieving any dream is important and inspiring.

More on chasing those dreams

There was a lady in her 70s, a CM at DAK, who talked to my younger daughters today. She apologized for leading my children astray, but she told them to NEVER pass up an opportunity. She said she had a list and she's done every last thing on it, from climbing a volcano to learning to fly to going on a real safari, she's done everything, but one...watch planes take off from an aircraft carrier. She told them she had the chance to see it, but did the responsible thing and went to work that day when a bunch of "young kids" had called off. She said it was her only regret and if there were ever a time you have to choose between a dream and being responsible, take the dream.

While I don't buy into her philosophy quite as wholeheartedly, I certainly was on her same wavelength. Don't postpone your joy (or your dreams). It wasn't long ago that I decided I should have to ignore my dreams in favor of his of my husband's. I rummaged around, found my dream, dusted it off, and made it happen by going back to school. Making dreams happen won't be the same for everyone, some people might just need a kick in the pants while others may need a complete paradigm shift, but I will never have to look back and wonder "what if" about this particular dream anymore.

One of my to-do things was to live in Alaska. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to live in Alaska. When my oldest DDs were young, I had the opportunity to go to a teaching job fair in Anchorage and was privileged to be chosen to interview for 2 districts (it was VERY competitive). After the interviews and spending a week there, that "dream" changed for me. Alaska wasn't as romantic as it had seemed (2 trips out per year and a Ski-Doo!) The big story, though, was that I WENT. Even though it was a dream-dead-end, I never have to ask the what-if. Dreams will change, and that's OK, too.

Believing the Good Stuff.

I had a meeting about moving to attractions to get another line of business on my resume. I was very excited about the possibility, but also nervous about it. I'm not sure that counting guests and loading rides would give me nearly the same guest interaction that I have now and that I LOVE. I've also been in retail since I was 12yo and I've always been a "shop girl". I spoke with 2 of my leaders who recommended I meet with their leader to get her take on it.

I {heart} her. I can't go into all of what she said, of course, but it was all very encouraging and flattering to me. Talk about a boost! She made some very good points and gave me a lot to think about. True, attractions might look good on a Disney resume, but if I don't stay at Disney for "personal economic reasons", it won't do me much good outside of a theme park. Merch also has more opportunity for upward movement (in better economic times, of course). Lots and lots to think about over the next few days.

Part of me still is that person who let her husband knock her around and tell her she was good-for-nothing almost 20 years ago, so I have a hard time hearing (and believing) good stuff sometimes. What I heard today, forget Wishes...I'm over the moon and into the stars!!!

Another question to answer

So what has been your most enjoyable/memorable positive thing you've seen from guests?

I'm very happy to say that in the 5 weeks so far, I have yet to deal with one of "those" guests. Everyone has seemed happy to be there. Today, I was working at a register when a guest asked if I had a tissue, I reached for a paper towel under the counter when another guest walked up to the counter and pulled one out of her purse for him. SHE was feeling the magic and that made me warm and fuzzy. I've also seen guests in the Dinorama games hand children their unused vouchers b/c they've "won enough" or they'll give one of their prizes to a child. Or there have been guests who see a little one pin trading with me and just go give the child one of their pins. In training today, we talked about the ripple effect and how our actions as CMs impact the guests and I can honestly say that I see it happen all the time.

Random thoughts and what Walt said

Call me crazy, but...I actually had a twinge of missing the Ohio cold today! It was a warm, beautiful day here, but I saw the weather back in Ohio and kinda missed being able to wear my sweaters and socks and curl up with my knitting whenever I felt like it. Yeah, then I got over it and enjoyed the sunshine!!!

I had a class from 2-4 today and I'm sorry, but all these videos they show us during training sessions MAKE ME CRY (and I think I'm the only one). Today was Walt talking about WDW. I love hearing his voice, it's like your favorite Grandpa talking to you, but here is the clip of him they left us with, "They [CMs] will be the people who give, who like to bring delight to other people, and therefore gain pleasure and satisfaction for themselves." Wow. Simply wow. He nailed it, at least for me.

One of the things I'm trying to do right now to be a better CM is to learn enough Spanish to be able to conduct a transaction and give directions (mainly to "el bano") I was so proud of myself for "talking money" today in Spanish several times! One guest even pointed to my "Deutsch" on my name tag and said, "German AND Spanish?" I laughed and said that I could only say VERY little, but he gave me 2 thumbs up anyway. I'm pretty sure I'll never be conversational (my brain can't think as fast as they speak!), but it makes me happy that I can make a tiny part of their visit less stressful.

I have another paper due tomorrow night that I've been struggling with. Then, I just realized I've been working on the wrong assignment for next week, too. It's my own fault for not reading the syllabus more carefully; it's a bummer that all of my thoughts/research have been geared to the wrong thing. I have to admit, I'm very burned out on school. I'm more than halfway now, but am feeling an intense need of a break.

Answering a question about the College Program

How many hours do you work?
As CPs, we are guaranteed 30 hours per week (which happens to be just enough to cover the Disney rent for students who live there, food, and a little extra). We have to have "full availability" which is one of the reasons I was very glad to get AK, since it rarely stays open late. If you are taking Disney or distance learning classes, they are supposed to block out 4 hours those days from your schedule. Because I'm at AK, it gives me those days off, but if I were at MK, I might have to go in for a shift from 6pm-2am on a class day. Any time off blows out the window during "labor exception" periods (holidays, Spring Break, etc)

Anything over an 8hr day/40 hr week is overtime, so they try not to do that, at least in my area, but I've heard of some CPs (MK quick service) who really rack up the hours/$$$. The program is designed for single college students who have nothing else to do but work and play, so showing it can work for non-traditional CPs is one of my goals while I'm here, as well as helping the CP leadership see that it's to their benefit to have more non-traditional CPs around, so some flexibility with scheduling could be a good thing.

Someday...

I get a LOT of feedback from people who tell me that I am living their dream both online and in person. Let me share a t-shirt I saw the other day:
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday...
See??? There is no "someday".

PLEASE follow your dreams. I passionately wish for everyone to find that kernel of courage in their own hearts to be able to take that first step toward their dreams. Is it a lot of work? Absolutely. Is it the singularly most rewarding thing I've ever done (besides rearing children)? YES. Listen to Wishes. You CAN make your dreams happen.

The view from my "office"

While I was stocking yesterday, one of our new CPs was getting quite a line, so I hopped on register to help out. One of my guests said, "It must be nice to work in a place where everyone is so happy all the time." I told her that it was great to be able to look out of "my" door and see Pluto and Goofy every day and I'm still a bit awestruck by the whole thing.

Magical Moments...even backstage

I wish I could tell you all of the things that make me smile, but since some of them are backstage, some of those are off limits. Let's just say it's a lot of fun when the characters create magic for US backstage, too. There was a LOL moment with Brer Bear today...

Wishes

There is a fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom called "Wishes". If you ever need a pixie dust booster shot or to get your Mickey Mojo back, let me tell you, folks, this is the show you need to see. Here are a few excerpts:

"You know, any wish is possible. All it takes is a little courage, to set it free"

"Wishes can come true, if you believe in them with all your heart.
And the best part is, you'll never run out of wishes.
They're shining deep down inside of you.
'Cause that, my friends, is where the magic lives"

How marvelous that I am privileged to get paid to go to a place every day where dreams come true. Dreams of little girls who become a Princess in their tiaras. Dreams of little boys whose faces light up when they toss a ball and win the BIG dinosaur. Dreams of parents who see their children dancing with abandon in celebration during a Magical Moment. Magic lives here and I get to be a part of it. Like the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, the joy in their faces takes my breath away.

Every Job is Important

Growing up, my Dad used to tell us that he didn't care what job we had, just so we did it to the best of our abilities. I'm learning that lesson here at WDW. Yesterday, it was my job to stock drinks and ice to the merchandise carts. It was a very warm day (at least for this Yankee!) and I was hauling huge bags of ice and bottles of soda all day long (and I'm no young pup!). IAPTS kept leaping to mind (It All Pays The Same), plus my Dad's encouragement to do my best, no matter what I'm doing. It was actually a joy for me, knowing that guests in my area had fresh, ice cold beverages ready for them and knowing that the other CMs working the area didn't have to worry about whether they were fully stocked.

I've had several people ask me if what I'm doing is a step backward and I tell them this: It is an honor and a privilege to be a Walt Disney World Cast Member. There are thousands of people out there who wish they had my job right now and I am grateful for it. I serve my fellow Cast Members and I serve our Guests and I do it to the best of my abilities. My Dad is proud of me. It is absolutely NOT a step backward. Any day that you are doing your best, learning and growing, is a day that you are moving forward.

A Week Already?

It's hard to believe that a week has passed since I checked in for my College Program, but what a week it has been! There has been a lot of training with a lot to remember. I finally got to use my ID to enter the parks for the first time on Monday. That was exciting watching the little card go whooshing through the machine and the green light flashing. Simple things, but important pieces when one is talking about dream-building.

I'm also happy to say that I passed the German language test, so will be wearing a name tag indicating that on it.

I have 2 more days of training and then I will be on my regular schedule next week. There have been a few days that I've been a bit panicky, wondering what I'm doing here, but then I look at my girls and remember I'm showing them that it doesn't matter how old you are, you can still follow your dreams.

Diggin' in Dinoland

I finally got my work location. I'll be in the Animal Kingdom in the Dinoland area working merchandise. I am delighted that I got "AK", not so sure about the Dinoland part...I did find it ironic considering my daughters seem to think I had dinosaurs as pets when I was a child.

The first arrival day was very exciting. Disney literally rolled out the red carpet! It's one of those touches that seems almost too cheesy, but really does enhance the experience, at least for me. After having to convince a few people that no, I wasn't a parent of a CP this semester, and no, I wasn't a volunteer, I made my way through the line in about an hour, including fingerprints. The second day, I barely slept the night before, wondering what my work location would be. Thankfully, Disney understands and it's the first thing they tell you. That day only took about 30 minutes to get through all of the stations.

Today is my "Traditions" day. It's the organizational culture class that all new hires must take. It's also when I become an official WDW Cast Member and get my ID and name tag (I also get paid starting today! ;)

The best part so far, however, was coming back to the villa yesterday with "Yay, Mom!" pictures my girls had made me hanging on the fridge. They have been great cheerleaders through this whole process and I hope they are learning that reaching dreams is possible.

2009, a New Year with New Possibilities

Wow, this holiday season went fast! We have safely arrived at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for the first chapter of our new adventure. We are here for a little over three weeks before moving to our new townhouse. This morning, the girls did their math while giraffes walked by our balcony. They could get used to that... ;)

We did have a little excitement along the way. I don't know what it is with me and tires, but during a lunch stop, I had a flat. Thank heavens we weren't driving at the time or it could have been very bad. We gave it a little air and gimped to a tire repair to find that it was split open 6"! After about 30 minutes, I had a new "shoe" on my van and we were underway safely.

We spent some time on Friday visiting 3 different parks at Walt Disney World for the Christmas decorations. I'm not ready for it to be over yet, but tomorrow is Epiphany, 12th Night, the 12th Day of Christmas and that's that for another year. It went much too fast, but I hope I savored each day at least a little.