Sexy and I Know It

The boys take some time at my recent visit home for a little R&R. In the case of a massive spoon invasion, Dillon has taken it upon himself to take the first watch. And is still learning the necessity of personal boundaries. What a hero.

Faedan, on the other hand, is just happy to take time to preserve the "wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle-wiggle!"

Miss my little munchkins!

Are You Lonesome Tonight?

I am not sure where this bookmark came from, but somehow one of the managers, Cliff, received this gem, passed it to Amanda, passed it to Kristin, and it is currently in my possession.

Personal favorite is #1, although #6 is up there too. Maybe I can write a no-brainer book as well to make some extra cash!

What Not to Wear- Office Edition

It's a groggy gray morning when you trudge wearily to the closet, beckoning something, anything, to call to you. How will you decide what to wear?

• Is it a bloated day? Nix the tucked pant and blouse look.
• Have you once again forgotten to shave your legs in the hasty morning shower? Adios skirts and dresses.
• Are your feet sore and tired? In your dreams, strappy heels and cute flats.
• Better yet, are you picking up extra hours, requiring a company-provided costume? Not to worry about looking attractive, as these swoon-worthy ensembles include flood length pants that double for both camel-toe and a tuck in bra, and, oh yes, contain zero sex appeal. Dreams come true!

So how do you know what to wear and what to leave behind while picking that perfect outfit?

To be simple. I have no idea what will make a good outfit. It can be anything. An accessory alone can make or break an ensemble, not to mention what an adorable top can do. I always wanted one of those closet organizers as seen in Clueless, which matches the perfect pieces together, but alas, that invention is stuck in the realm of fiction.

Though I can't say what makes an outfit a success, I can share some tips on what makes an outfit a flop. Here are the top ten examples of (sad but true) fashion faux pas witnessed in the building. Enjoy!

1. Stirrup pants. With an aviator top. And ascot. A real lfe ascot.
2. Red mini-skirt and black patten leather go-go boots.
3. Matching polka dot print dress with perfectly patterned polka dot shoes.
4. White tights. Not opaque or nude colored. White.
5. It's five o'clock somewhere in a short sateen nightclub dress and knee high boots.
6. Crocs. It does not matter what kind, whether ballet flat, original, or the boot style. They are still, and always will be, ugly shoes.
7. It's not easy being green, especially with a lime green twin set and olive green knit pant combo.
8. Flannel shirts-- great for camping, not for the workplace.
9. Feathered hair. What happened in the eighties needs to stay in the eighties.
10. Striped skirts mixed with dotted and bright shirts.

Save a Horse

*Bonus guest look: Cowboy hat, Ed Hardy tee and boots with real spurs at the Magic Kingdom. On a day that was not at the Halloween Party. My heart breaks at not getting this stud's number*

Hopefully this will help with things to keep in mind your next bleary eyed morning.

What looks have you seen that should be added to an "OH NO!" list of outfits?

Safe-D Begins with "Tree"

Time and time again, we are vehemently explained the dangers in texting on our phones.

Don't do it while driving.

Don't do it while walking.

As a matter of fact, just drop it all together. I hear Morse Code is coming back into style.

But alas, these dangers were demonstrated when, on Friday night, a distracted cast member was allegedly texting on the blackberry and fell on the three meager stairs leading into our building.

Never have it said that Disney is not concerned about safety of its cast. By Monday morning, there were two rows of thick bushes lining the center of the walkway to force cast members to use the handrails. Some shy from the rails in defiance, tempting fate by walking through the puddles the constant watering of the bushes creates. Some now cling to the rails to ensure that the same will never happen in their lives, regardless of whether or not the company phone is in use.

By Wednesday, there was rebellion in the air as ribbons and ornaments were placed into the thick branches.

If these are still here in December, I vote to gather around singing Christmas cheer for all to hear!

Honor the Pirate Code

Ahoy, ye scurvy dog!

Today celebrates "Talk Like a Pirate Day!" Hope you have been practicing those "arrrghs," "ahoys," and "yo-hos!"

In order to best prepare for the best possible pirate, we are joined by Mac, Jack Sparrow's trusty second, who sheds light on proper pirate conduct.

It's a Pirate Life for Me!

Surf City, Here We Come

Holiday weekends: the young professional's gift from above.

This weekend was filled with lazy days, sleep-in mornings, shuffling around in bathrobes and mickey mouse slippers, crazy and snarled hair, and ice cream breakfasts. The days were perfect.

When those moments quickly fade away and we realize we need to end the (near creepy) lurking in the apartment and face the daylight every once in a while, what do we do?

Enjoy the sunlight and warm weather at the water park!

On Sunday, Kristin, Naomi and I ventured to Typhoon Lagoon. We packed in a day filled with naps, snacks, water rides (well, Kristin and I did. Naomi had a date with Mr. Sandman), and my favorite of all activities, the lazy river. We went around on the lazy river at least four times, only ending when it was so jammed with people that moving was no longer an option. I was relieved towards the end of the day: I had successfully evaded the sun with little to no burn (with the help of Kristin and Naomi's constant motherly care and spray down technique of SPF). It was luck.

R.I.P. Dorothy's swim top

That luck did not continue when Dorothy and I headed towards the other Disney water park, Blizzard Beach. There, we went on each water slide. They had luges, rafts, and slides that are complete drops at 65 mph. The last slide marked the death of Dorothy's swim top as she flashed the unsuspecting crowds on the high speed attractions. Needless to say, we licked our wounds by rounding the lazy river a few times.

I thought we returned home unscathed. Safe for another day. I was clearly mistaken. Before I went to Kristin and Naomi's apartment with Karen for a holiday barbecue, I noticed a bright red chest and pair of shoulder blades. Turned around. Yes. New definition of lobsterback.

You win again, sun. Touche. Say hello to my little friend, aloe vera!

Happy holiday with your loved ones!

Be a FAN!

Have you ever seen red carpet events and wondered where all those excited fans came from? Do you ever see them and wonder how all these delightful faces can stand and cheer for the celebrities with almost mirrored expressions? Maybe even unison cheers? Perhaps zero originality in the chants? Ever wonder?

Let me tell you.

Here at Disney, many of those fans are paid cast members. That is right, for two hours on Friday night, the Wedding interns and Youth Sales interns found themselves earning extra cash by cheering on the teams at the Citrus Bowl for an All-Star dining experience.

We waved pom-poms. We went hoarse screaming for teams that have long forgotten names. We put up hands for extreme high fives from the strong-armed football players.

We were simply the best fans that money can buy.

Wedding and Youth Sales interns strike again!

I don't want to celebrate...

Birthdays.

Anniversaries.

All important things to celebrate at Walt Disney World.

So when a manager says to his team that he does not want an over the top celebration for his 20 year anniversary with the company, they obviously complied.

The morning greeted him with an office completely filled with colorful balloons. Nothing says "Don't celebrate" like wading through colorful orbs, right?

Cheers!

The Pursuit of Happiness

When all is said and done, it is the little things in life that make me happy. Like this evening's grand discovery at the Target Supercenter with Karen, Kristin, and Naomi.

Koala Yummies.

The cookies of my childhood and dreams of my soul. These small snacks are the best thing in the world, having a cookie crunch mixed with a gooey chocolate center. Obviously, I am obsessed.

I have seen these at Epcot Japan (even seen the family size tub of them, which let me tell you, was tempting) but they were a bit high in the pricerange. At Target's dollar section, however, the price was just right, granted that these seem to be the off-brand of the delicious treat. It is still just as good!

I am on cloud nine. The only thing that could maybe make these cookies better is some chocolate pudding. And of course...more.

T.G.I.F.

Kristin taking five

As the Youth Sales interns like to point out, R&R is always a necessity, especially on Fridays.

Too Much, Too Soon

The kitchen area is the metropolis of the third floor. It is the hallway that connects departments, and most importantly, the youth sales to the bathroom. In this kitchen sits four microwaves that all display different times, stacks of cups for the Starbucks coffee, empty creamer containers from Kristin's most important part of the morning, and the fridge teeming with overstuffed lunches.

On this fridge, perched just out of reach, standing proud and upright, is a romance novel circa 1980. I am not sure if it is sitting here because someone is too ashamed to claim the mullet-wearing woman on the cover, or if it is a joke, but it has found a home within the Celebration offices.

Too much...too soon. Move over, Jane Austen. Instant. Classic.

Young Hearts Run FREE

As recent college graduates, we love free things. It seems to be ingrained into our very being, instilled into every strand of DNA. We cherish each free pencil, embrace lumpy free pillows, dream of free food.

Eeyore has the right idea

It is a way of life. The transition from broke college student to cash-strapped young professional has not been easy, especially with outlet malls around every corner (curse you VS, Express and NY& Co outlets!)

Any chance of free or discounted items is seen as a God-send. Free food? Yes. Free hugs? Yes. Buy one, get one free? Not so much.

On Friday morning, the Youth Sales interns huddled into the individual cubicles to prepare for a full day ahead, when a new message popped into our email box: Free Posters in the Resource Center of the Celebration building.

Kristin and Stephanie had the right idea of booking it downstairs. I thought it wouldn't be a big deal, maybe one or two cutesy little posters, nothing fancy. I have never been more mistaken.

We should have known something was amiss by the hoards of people anxiously waiting for the elevator doors to open. And when they ran to the stairwell, we knew this was big.

Free posters of a movie and show I have never seen.

The Poster Give-away was the most organized free-giveaway possible. It wove in and out of the entire Resource Center, utilizing all six (rather enormous) rooms. It was a battle to tooth-and-nail to get the good ones. And yes, it was a vast majority of recent college graduates serving as interns. Desperate times call for desperate measures. If only we had been Miley Cyrus or Sorcerer's Apprentice fans, as those seemed to be the only posters untouched.

Though we arrived shortly after the 9:30 email went out (Lord help you if you arrive an hour later!) most were picked over when we got our place. However, we did managed to pick up a few good posters. Kristin and I begged for Enchanted posters, and I also brought home a few others to adorn our living room wall.

The tales of Land of the Free doesn't end there, however. There is a part two of the (now) obsession of all things complimentary, and it's name is Grocery Bingo.

Last night, Disney Housing provided College Program, International Program, and Professional Interns the opportunity to win groceries with Bingo.

It is a good concept in theory, but not so much in practice. Kristin and I spent two hours of our lives attempting to beat the 90% of participants that were International Program kids, but to no avail. The quest for free items wore out and we walked away empty-handed.

I am very bitter. Next time I plan on using my Certamen skills to swat out the competition.

Chip and Dale Dancers

Friday night usually means dancing somewhere. Anywhere. Why not at the Magic Kingdom, with some of your favorite characters? Children and adults alike joined the chipmunks (and Stitch) in Tomorrowland to get their dance on!

CAUTION: They WILL be better dancers than you, and are not afraid to prove it. Don't tempt them with a dance off!

Roller Coaster Regulations

Many do not realize that the man that led us through memorable roles in Family Guy and The Emperor's New Groove has also led a safety regulation tape for Disney's attraction Soarin'.

But then. It gets better. There is now a spoof. And it is marvelous.

Date Night

Some of us type-A folk over analyze everything. We need everything down to a science, whether it is a schedule of events, a plan for the vacation, or the perfect outfit for a business meeting with the head CEO.

All too often, our expectations fall short.

Epic Winning

Date night outfits constantly cause enormous stress. It always changes depending on the venue, the person, and usually will be completely different in the last 10 minutes due to weather or a wrinkle. It's more stressful than the date itself.

I have now taken it upon myself, and the discount Disney store, to plan the perfect Date Night outfit. Stress...gone. Who wouldn't be drawn to the Mickey boxer shorts or the iconic shoes? It beats 4 inch heels that only result in blisters! Plus, I think the yellow shoes will especially bring out my eyes. This is sure to draw attention my way. Hot, right?

The only thing that could really make this fantastic outfit choice complete is the Disney snuggie, presented by the Lovely Lady Nally. Truly, the combination would be dazzling. Unfortunately for all Orlando men, the snuggie remains tucked away in Chicago, and I am sure due to the heat, that may be the best thing.

Get ready, Prince Charming!

Dancing with the (Blue) Stars

While playing in the park, we encountered this little blue guy showing off his fantastic dance moves. I knew I had to stop and edge my way through swarms of soccer moms and video taping fathers, all with one person in mind. To the person who loves Stitch beyond all else. Except for Elvis.

Colleen, this is for you.

Darth Vader does Disney

Guess what?

Disney's Star Tours is now up and running. Did they alert the public with an ad showing kids playing in the ride, or demonstrate how fun the new refurbishments are now that they are (completely?) changed?

That would be nice, except this is Disney.

The result? Darth Vader goes and spends a day at Disneyland!

How the 100 Acre Woods Roll...