Who Knew Class could be Fun?

Today, I attended the 6th week of class at the Entertainment Maingate Building. Our presentation was about the operations of how a production is put together. I was looking forward to the class, because I had heard that certain casting directors would be the presenters. It turns out they were our feature speakers today! As our presenters, we had the Director of Talent Casting for Walt Disney World (hires equity actors, actresses, singers, and dancers) and the Director of Entertainment at Disney's Hollywood Studios. They were incredible. The knowledge they presented was so useful and pertinent to the entertainment world. On top of being so wise, they were just awesome people. They were truly inspired by the dreams of others, and desired to bring out the magic and talents in every single cast member (even if they weren't in entertainment). I was able to talk and converse with them for a bit after class, and they gave me really great advice about who to talk to and network with. I'm not really sure what is coming up ahead on God's path for me, but it always wonderful to be encouraged by the people you meet along the way.

Another MK night

Wishes from behind the castle.

Snow White ride is kinda scary...even for big kids.

Snow White and her Prince Charming!

After an early morning shift at work that ended around 2:45 pm, I came home to run some errands before my "weekend" began (I have tomorrow and Wednesday off of work). I went to get a much needed oil change in my car and picked up some Easter egg decorations. I can't wait to dye them! I came home and decided to go to Magic Kingdom again with my roommate and our neighbor Sean. Even though we were only there for about 2 hours, we were able to do alot of the big rides. We went on Snow White, Peter Pan, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and Space Mountain. While getting ready to go on Peter Pan, we all decided to watch Wishes from behind the castle. It was amazing! The fireworks were very loud and so beautiful up close. It was a totally different view from behind the castle. We ended the night with a scoop of ice cream from Main Street. I am going to challenge myself to visit the parks more frequently because how many times can you go to Disney World for free?!?!

Here comes Easter!

Riding in the front of the monorail!

Going into the Contemporary...very neat!

Spectromagic!

I can tell that Easter is on it's way because Disney World is becoming extremely busy. I notice it just a little bit at work. However, tonight we went to the Magic Kingdom, and it was a mad house. There were so many people there! My roommate Jackie and I decided to meet up with Katie after she finished work around 8pm to watch Spectromagic and Wishes. We rode the monorail and even got to sit in the front! We were able to ride a few rides and were able to get some fastpasses to Buzz Lightyear and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad! It was a beautiful night and the temperature was just perfect. There is something about Magic Kingdom that just continues to make you feel like a child whenever you are there. No matter how crazy my day has been, if I go to Magic Kingdom, it just makes it all worthwhile.

A Nice Getaway...and a magic moment

I love this picture because Baylor sneaked in at the last minute!

We had a great time at the circus!

What a wonderful few days I have had. I was able to get about three days off of work and travel to Siesta Key to spend time with Joe and some of his family. On Wednesday, we went to the beach and it was beautiful. After a little lunch and swimming at the pool, it was time for a nap for everyone. While everyone stayed inside, Joe and I decided to go lay on lounge chairs by the beach waves. It was so relaxing just sleeping and listening to the sounds of the ocean. We quickly got ready and went to the Sailor Circus in Siesta Key. It was comprised of middle and high school students performing amazing circus tricks. I was so impressed! On Thursday, we woke up a little later and went to the beach. It was a little rough, but still wonderful. Joe and I were able to take long walks on the beach (hehe...sounds cheesy) both days, and we had a great time talking and just being together. We went to the pool in the afternoon, came in a took and nap, and got ready to go to dinner. We went to a really yummy place that Joe picked out called Cosimos Too. It was very tasty. Joe and I walked around the mall before going home while the rest of his family headed on to their condo. I woke up very early this morning to drive from Siesta to be at work in Hollywood Studios around 8:30am. Whew! I was ready to get to take a nap after work already!

Even though I was tired, I had a great day at work. I had a very special magical moment with one particular family. After a guest gave me 14 fastpasses to the coveted ride Toy Story Midway Mania because she was not going to be able to use them, I was excited to hand them out to special families. I found guests who were celebrating special birthdays, who had just gotten engaged, married...etc. and surprised them with fastpasses. After handing out a majority of them, I only had three left. I thought to myself, I am going to find a very special family of three to give them to. Soon after that, a family of three (mom, dad, son around the age of 8) approached me to take their picture. I noticed they were all wearing an "I'm Celebrating!" button with a written line saying Daddy's R & R. Curiously, I asked them what they were celebrating. They informed me that the dad had just flown in from Iraq after his long tour of duty, and they were re-united right in front of Hollywood Studios for the first time in 2 years. I asked them why they picked Hollywood Studios to visit first, and they told me they have been wanting to ride the new Toy Story ride. I knew this was the family I wanted to give the fastpasses to. I presented the fastpasses to them, and they all immediately started crying. They were all so happy to just be together. It was so moving! I know that I didn't do anything to make their day particularly special, just that I was there in the right place at the right time to give them a small present for all of the hardships they have endured over the past two years. It was a wonderful magic moment!

Joe-Joe Day!!!

What a handsome guy.

I am so lucky!

My day started out wonderful. I woke up so excited, because I was going to see Joe after a month! I went to my class this morning-which was very interesting. We had a backstage tour of Fantasmic, the pyro/stage/fireworks show at Hollywood Studios. It was so interesting! We learned all about the backstage magic, and how everything works together to put on the show. We were able to climb the mountain where Sorcerer Mickey stands for the finale and where Steamboat Willie stands on the steamboat. It was amazing! I was especially excited to finish the tour, because after it was done, I travelled to Siesta Key to see Joe Joe and his family! I haven't seen him for a month, so I really was very anxious to hurry down there. We had a great time today-walking on the beach, eating dinner at a pizza shop in St. Armands, and finishing with a little ice cream before going to the condo. It is so nice to spend time with Joe. I do miss him terribly when he is gone away from me. I also had a good time playing with Baylor and Cooper and talking with Missy and Jessie. I am looking forward to staying here for the next few days!

Resort Tour

There was a big band playing Disney favorites in the Grand Floridian!

Soooo beautiful at night.

The Polynesian pool at night. It looked like alot of fun!

After working from 10-6 today, I decided to make a plan for the evening once I got home. Joe gave me an excellent suggestion to ride the resort monorail to the Magic Kingdom resorts and look around. I haven't had an up close look at the resorts, so it was the perfect night to go check them out. I started at the Polynesian. It is so beautiful! The lanscaping and tiki torches makes it so exotic. The luau cove was my favorite. After looking around the Polynesian, I rode the monorail to the Grand Floridian. It is absolutely my favorite resort. The victorian detailing in the woodwork of the resort makes it look so classy. The beaches are beautiful, and it is breathtaking to view at sunset. I walked around and just loved seeing everyone have a great time on their vacation. My absolute favorite parts of that resort are the hammocks on the beach. It looks like a great way to relax! From every resort, Cinderella's Castle is clearly seen. I did not get to walk around the Contemporary, but am excited to do that soon. I want to go back during the day to get a better view of the idea of the resorts in the light. However, they all have such unique qualities and are beautiful to tour!

Another Day, Another Audition

We Love Pei Wei!!!!!!

Our new favorite spot!

Since I had the day off today, I was set to cross alot of errands off of my long to-do list. However, that did not happen. Let's just say my plans were a little shuffled after certain unexpected events happened. I woke up very early this morning to go to the doctors office for an annual appointment. After that quick appointment, I ran home to get my things ready for a female vocalist audition at the Animal Kingdom facility. It started at 11am, so I decided to get there around 10:30am. Unfortunatly, about 330 other people decided to get there before 10:30am. I ended up waiting for my number to be called to audition in front of the casting directors around 5:00pm. Even after waiting for 7 hours, I was exhausted. The audition went well, but did not result in anything of a callback. Oh well. Another day, another audition!

When I got home, my roommates Megan and Shannon (the twins) really wanted to eat at a resteraunt called Pei Wei. It is a quicker service Chinese resteraunt that is owned by P.F. Changs. The food is very yummy and a little cheaper. It was delicious! We then went to the outlet mall near our apartment complex to do a little shopping. It was alot of fun to get out of the house and do something different. We had a great time!

Spoiled

I love sitting next to Baylor! (These pictures are courtesy of Jessie. Thanks for letting me steal your pictures!)

Jessie is such a wonderful mom.

What a precious child!

Playing ball and frisbee by the beach! ( Doesn't it look beautiful!)

Baylor is the best cook in the kitchen and is always ready for a throwdown (he loves cooking food in his large sand holes)

I must say, I am a very spoiled girl. I should say, I am extremely blessed. Even though Orlando seems a world away from Indiana and Pennsylvania, I have been able to spend alot of time with my family and friends. Recently, since Joe's family has been in Siesta Key, I have been able to see them on my days off during the week. I thoroughly enjoy spending time with them, and it is so nice to just make a quick drive to see them, even if it is for a day. They are always so welcoming and go out of their way to make me feel at home. On Tuesday after class, I had another opportunity to drive to Siesta and spend a few days with them at the beach. We went to the pool, the beach, and out-to-eat. I love talking to Jessie and Missy, and Baylor and Cooper are always so fun to play with. I am already sad that they leave next week, but have been so fortunate to spend time with them while they were in Florida!

It's Already Been Two Months?!

Hollywood Studios-Fantasmic!

Animal Kingdom Tree of Life!

Always gorgeous-Magic Kingdom Cinderella's Castle!

Slowly becoming my favorite park-EPCOT!

It's hard to believe that today marks the two month point of being here at Disney World and working. Living in Florida feels so natural, and it is beginning to feel like a second home. I feel very comfortable living here, and Disney has been a great company to work for. The people I work with are so friendly and helpful to me, and everyone I walk by while at work is smiling and genuinely happy. Lately, I have been contemplating to extend my time at the college program. I have had the opportunity to apply for an extenion in the college program, which would move my end date from May 22, 2009 to August 14, 2009. Since the economy is struggly right now, Disney has virtually no jobs open. My logic is taking an extention for the college program and hoping that Disney will have positions open by August. I am really enjoying living here, and I think I can make it a home for a little while (at least whie I am young!). When I think about that past two months and all of the things I have already accomplished, I truly feel blessed and honored to work for such a prestigious company.

A Job Well Done

This picture is merely to display the amazing chips and salsa, not what a person looks like after 12 hours of work.

Yay! Chile's to go!!!

Space shuttle launch view from my apartment!

I even saw the rockets fall off as it went into space!

For the past two or three days, I have been asked to extend my shifts at work. Once I get to work around 7:30 or 8:30 in the morning, my managers have asked me to stay a few hours extra in order to help them out. Usually, I am very eager to chip in and help (I also get overtime pay!). Today, I ended up working until about 7pm and decided to treat my hard work with dinner at Chile's. On the way, I looked up in the sky and was able to see the latest space shuttle lift-off! I had forgotten that was today. Of course, I pulled to the side of the road and took pictures. Once I got to Chile's, I was so excited to get something to eat that I could hardly concentrate on what to chose from the menu. Joe always takes me to Chile's, because it is his favortie resteraunt (we have probably gone 50 times). I must say, it grew on me. I love Chile's and even start to crave it if I don't go for a while. I ordered Chile's to go and took it home to enjoy on the couch with a movie. Nothing feels better after a long day of work than sitting on the couch and eating Chile's.

A little behind

Girlies at Earl of Sandwich (don't know why I am making that face)

Ok, so I am very sorry. I truly love blogging and wish I had more to talk about each and every day. However, I seem to fall behind sometimes, which leaves you-my faithful followers-in the dark. I apologize sincerely. Ok. But seriously. I will be better about it.

Yesterday, after working from about 7:30am to 5:30 pm, I was literally exhausted. I came home and didn't expect anyone to be there. To my surprise, my roommate Katie was home! We discussed making a plan for the night since we had stayed at home resting for the past two nights. Downtown Disney seemed like a fun thing to do with minimal travel time and physical exertion. We brought along Katie's roommate Jackie to just go shop, hang out, and get a bite to eat at Downtown Disney. The weather was absolutely perfect for walking around and shopping outside. For one of the first times this semester, we didn't need to wear a jacket at night, as it was around 75 degrees for the majority of the evening. We went to World of Disney, Goofy Candy Co. (my favorite), the Christmas store, and Mickey's Pantry. I was so happy to find a gnome that Jessie has been searching for months at Mickey's Pantry! We grabbed a sandwich at Earl of Sandwich before heading home for the night. I really love that place. We had a nice time getting out of the house and spending time together.

I'm Hooked

Oh my. It is very good. I never know what is going to happen next!

I am always that person who isn't one to jump on the bandwagon with the latest books and movies. I love discovering new things on my own or hearing about a good book from a friend. However, before going to the beach, I decided to buy the first book in the Twilight series for something to read while being down there. I only read a chapter or so while at the beach but have found time to sneak in a chapter riding the bus to and from work. I must say only after 100 pages, I'm hooked. Here I am on a Friday night in Orlando-where I could go to any park in Disney World for free-and instead I am stuck at my apartment feeding my curiousity about what is to come next in Twilight. I worked very early this morning and was excited to get home in the early afternoon to take a nap and exercise. I finished around 8pm and immediately knew what I wanted to do for the rest of the night. I parked myself on a oversized lounge chair by the pool and read until I absolutely had to put it down. I have a feeling the next few weeks will be consummed with reading! Next time, I guess I won't be as skeptical about the latest book trend.

A Siesta Key Visit

Jessie is amazing. I love her!

They are so much fun. I can't wait to see them again!

We all had a wonderful time at the beach. Doesn't it look beautiful?!

I have had a wonderful two days! During my class on Tuesday, I was able to meet some very cool people. Our presentation was given by two amazing producers at the Walt Disney Company. One of them is in charge of producing shows and events within the company (she produced the stage show Tarzan and the fireworks show Wishes) and the other presenter is in apart of a special event group, which plans and pitchs ideas for companies to host their special events at Disney World. Everything they said was so fascinating, and it was so great to discover a career path that I would be very interested in.

After my class, I quickly jumped in the car to head to Siesta Key, FL to spend a day with Jessie, Missy, Baylor, and Cooper. I was so excited to see them! We went to dinner and the grocery store before heading to their condo for the night. I bought some toys for Baylor and Cooper from Disney World and was so excited to play with them. We had a great time. I love playing with them. It was so nice to catch-up with Jessie and Missy. It reminds me how much I miss being close to them in Indiana. I do love them all.

This morning, we slept in and went to the beach by the late morning. It was so beautiful. Their condo is right on the beach and was only about a minute walk. The sand is so beautiful and cool to the touch. It was a perfect beach day-mid 80 degree weather with a slight breeze and completely sunny. We headed to the pool for lunch and were able to swim for a while. While Jessie took Baylor and Cooper in for a nap, Missy and I went to the beach and talked/read our books. It was so wonderful. I do love the beach. We went to dinner at an Amish resteraunt after relaxing the entire day. Let's just say I will be working out after that meal. It was so delicious! Sadly, after dinner, I had to head home to get ready for work in the morning. I had such a great time and am always excited to be around them. I love them very much and miss them already! Thank you for such a wonderful day at the beach!!

Normal Day

Today was pretty much normal-on accounts for being in the college program. I woke up very early to be at work, and was finished around 2:30pm. Usually, getting up in the morning and being chipper at work takes a few hours, but not today. It was the most beautiful day in Florida-84 degrees with a slight breeze and sunny. Gorgeous. Work flew by, and I was at home before I knew it. The rest of my afternoon was mostly lazy. I went to the grocery store to get a few things and even found time to get a nice long run in at the gym. I finished the night watching My Best Friend's Wedding with my roommates because Katie had never seen it before! I am already very excited to get to bed and wake up tomorrow, because after going to class, I will be driving to spend time with Jessie, Cooper, Baylor, and Missy (Joe's family has a condo in Siesta Key). I haven't seen them since Christmas, so I am very excited! They have arrived safe, and I am so glad they are able to have some beautiful sunny weather for the next few weeks.

Singing At a Braves Game

Everyone with Goofy! (the other family is the girl who threw the first pitch and her mother, brother)

Goofy wishing me luck!

What a cool day! After working about 3 hours early this morning, I headed over to the Wide World of Sports to meet with the entertainment manager for the Spring Training game. My managers were so nice, and they were so flexible with my work schedule today. I quickly met Cliff, and we were on our way. He took myself and the young girl who was chosen to throw the first pitch into the dugout to prepare before the game started. She was so nice, and even brought her family with her. I even told her she could sing with me-but I think I scared her with that idea. It was so great! We were right next to the Braves dugout for about 30 minutes. I saw so many cool professional players and even got to meet their head coach! The young girl went before me onto the field to throw the first pitch. With Goofy accompanying me, I went onto the field after her and sang the national anthem. It was so amazing! What a neat experience to stand in front of thousands of fans and lead them! I was very honored. After singing, the entertainment manager asked for my email address for any future auditions that he may become aware of. Wow! I was also so surprised when my roommates Katie, Shannon, and Megan showed up to cheer me on! They are so sweet. We all ate lunch at the Wide World of Sports and had to depart for work. I went back to work until the early evening, and was ready to go home after a long, but exciting day. I have been so blessed with wonderful opportunities while being at Disney World!

Living in Florida

I have to say, days like today are going to make it very hard to leave this place. This morning, I woke up around 10am and decided to make a quick breakfast before devising a plan of attack for the day. I went onto our patio and quickly figured out what I would be doing for the afternoon. It was a beautiful day-about 82 degrees and completely sunny. Since I didn't have to be at work until 3:15pm, my roommate Megan and I went out to the pool for the early afternoon to soak up some sun. It was so relaxing to be able to nap and read a book poolside. Megan and I agreed that living down here is like being on vacation all the time. Sure, there are times at work where I definitely know I am not on vacation, but on days off, it is a different story. I went to work and my managers had already figured out all of the details for working and allowing me to sing on Sunday (singing the national anthem at the Braves game). My managers are so great! They have even arranged for a person to film it and take pictures of the event! I have truly been blessed here, and I am constantly pinching myself to see if all of this is real!


I forgot to take pictures today! I will soon!

Happy Birthday Nana, Missy, and Jessie!

Happy Birthday Missy! (Joe's Mom)

Happy Birthday Jessie! (Joe's sister)

Today is a very special day. I am so very blessed to have Missy and Jessie in my life and to be celebrating their birthdays, even if I am far away. They have truly inspired me, and I am so blessed to call them my friends. They are constantly encouraging me and have been a huge support since I have been away. I never thought that when I started dating Joe that it would be a double blessing-having the best man in the entire world and a wonderful family to support him! I love them dearly and wish them a very happy birthday. I can't wait to see you soon!

I am also celebrating my wonderful Nana's birthday today! She is such a special lady, and I have been so blessed to have an amazing grandmother like her. I know she is always praying for me and caring for me, and I will always cherish the special times and dates we had together. I especially enjoyed getting to spend one-on-one time wither her before I left for Disney World. Happy Birthday Nana! I'm excited to see you the next chance I get! (Sorry Nana, I don't have a picture here at Disney World on my computer of the two of us! I love you though!)

Beauty and the Beast!

What a great day!

The amazing and craftful stage of Beauty and the Beast

Today I started my music business internship at Beauty and the Beast. It was amazing! I arrived at the theater around 10:15am and met the stage manager. He was really nice and very helpful with everything! I had a sit down session with him and was able to ask a million questions under the sun pertaining to his role in the production. During the first show of the morning, I sat in the tech booth and was given a headset to hear the stage manager call cues for the show. It was awesome! He had every single cue memorized! He gave me a script to follow along. When I had a chance to look at all the cues in the script, it was unbelievable how much lighting and sound affected the show. In between the shows, I sat backstage in the green room, listening to meetings and talking to dancers/singers in the cast. I was given a backstage tour of the dressing rooms, lighting rooms, hair/make-up rooms, and prop areas. Milton, the backstage manager, was very informative about all of the happenings behind the stage. I was even able to see how they do the transformation! That magic of Disney-I love it. After the second show, I had a chance to have one-on-ones with Belle and Gaston, the only miked singers of the show. They had so much insight about equity, performing, and auditioning at Disney. I hope I remembered most of it, because I was so star struck the entire time! I watched the third show from the house, and it was amazing to see all of the elements come together for a great performance. The stage manager gave me his business card after the day and said that I could contact if I ever needed anything. He even called a production assistant he knows at another show and set up a job shadowing day for me! I had a great day!

I also got a call from the producer for the Atlanta Braves Spring Training games. He called to inform me that I will be singing the national anthem this Sunday! I am so excited! I think this is a good thing-it gives me less time to be nervous. I can't wait!

The White Glove Award!

Chocolate and a congratulations letter!

Since moving into our Disney apartment, we have had a certain event and day on our minds. The day of our inspection. Because we are living in an apartment that is "contracted out," we cannot damage anything-intentionally and unintentionally. You would think that the company would expect some wear and tear to come with people working and living from semester to semester. However, the inspection code they put forth is a tough one. We have been preparing for the last week by taking down pictures, straightening, and cleaning/scrubbing down everything. There are three classifications given during an inspection-Failed, Passed, and the White Glove Award. If an apartment fails, each tenat is charged $50 in order to have a professional team clean the entire apartment (a little crazy, I know). A simple Pass is a good stamp of approval, saying that the apartment is in good condition. The coveted award that is presented to only a few apartments is the White Glove Award. If you receive the white glove award, you are rewarded with a letter that stays on your record for your cleanliness and coherence with the apartment living code. You also get really, really good chocolate for everyone in the apartment! We cleaned and cleaned very hard and were all very excited when we received the White Glove Award yesterday at our inspection! The chocolate is good (Ferrero Rocher), and we have all been enjoying our success. I am so relieved, because I can now put all of my pictures and wall hanging again!

Another Magical Weekend

We had a great time eating dinner at the Crystal Palace with Pooh, Piglet, and all their friends.

We watched the Spectromagic parade!

I took them on Tower of Terror (they have never been on it before!) They had no idea what to expect!

Dad and Andy Griffith. He loves that show!

I apologize for not blogging in a while. I have been very busy! This weekend, my parents and sister came to visit and stay in Disney World. I arranged their hotel and dining reservations for the entire weekend and was able to give them a few days of tickets into the park. They have never stayed a resort or gone to any of the parks other than Magic Kingdom. It was so exciting to take them around and show them where I live/work! Unfortunately, I had to work everyday they were here, but I was able to meet them at a park in the afternoon and join them for dinner. They had a wonderful time enjoying the magic and most of all, the weather. I loved having them here, and I am sad they are gone already. I can't believe the next time I see them will be at my graduation. Crazy! Life is going so quickly! I had a great time this weekend, and I think they did too.