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!

Legen...Wait for it...Dary

Stuff THAT in the Johnson album

It's official. Mark it in your calendar with highlighter, red marker, puff paint. Make it clear that December 10th is a day to remember for ages to come. The day to tell your friends and family as a "remember when..." A day to sit by a roaring fire and tell bored grandchildren of days long gone.

It is the day I sing not once, but twice, with Neil Patrick Harris. I will be one of the 18 altos serenading and swooning over NPH's first night as guest narrator at Epcot's American Gardens Theatre.

December 10, 2011. An affair to remember.

The Tale of Georg and Pierce

Meet Meg and my little creation of Georg, personified by the most germ-infested place on Disney property: the Lego Store at Downtown Disney! Now if only we could find PIEEEERCE!

To the Kingdom. Come.

Christian Music. Praise Jesus, am I right?

Once a year, the Magic Kingdom hosts the Christian Rock festival known as Night of Joy. While overlooking the technicality that the event is actually two nights (so which one is filled with joy, and what, we may beg to question, is the other night?) it was quite the event.

The Youth Sales team kept busy this year rounding up the troops and guarding the door leading into the group leader lounge. We hustled, we bustled, and we had fun too (except for being eaten alive by bugs). Friday I worked with the Guest Relations cast members to ensure tickets had been properly filled for youth groups. Saturday, I assisted leaders into the exclusive lounge where they were able to listen to a personable acoustic performance. If only I knew who these artists were!

Three stages were set throughout the Magic Kingdom, granting the guests of the special event an opportunity to play and praise no matter where they were at the moment.

It was nice to be back in the parks with guests, though I am still working on the Big Man Upstairs granting me powers to turn off the rain. Sorry, disgruntled guests.

But while I am working on that, I hear ponchos work miracles.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

The Christmas Season. The time of year that is called so many names: season of hope, season of miracles, simply THE season, merriest time, Yuletide, etc.

The season, regardless of name, usually begins with the same marked day on the calendar: Black Friday. The day that is circled and crossed out of each calendar. The day that, unless a death wish has been issued, is avoided at all cost.

We get Cast-Only pins!

Here at Disney, however, the Christmas season has already begun. Without pomp and circumstance, without ceremony, without trees lining the streets glittering with crisp snow.

It begins with song.

This Tuesday and Wednesday marked the first Candlelight Processional practices. The large room in the Disney Event Group building was filled with around 150 cast members itching to let loose the vocal pipes. And let me tell you, those pipes were put to use, no matter how rusty they might have been. Just ask the sopranos reaching for the High B.

Young and young at heart both gathered to practice the traditional songs. There were many members that had been part of the cast choir for 15+ years, and then there were those that were new to the experience (and we proudly raised our hands when asked!)

The practice was led by a former Voices of Liberty singer, who is now in charge of the Dapper Dans of Main Street. We worked on songs ranging in styles and languages, all in the name of creating the Christmas feel.

Christmas? In September? You bet!

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!

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.

The Disney Countdown

You can't come to Disney World unprepared. Not only do you need to make sure you pack a life into a suitcase (and puddles of SPF!) but a mental preparation as well.

In order to help Meghan get into the Disney mindset for her upcoming trip, I have been placing Disney television spots for her to watch from day ten to check in. Enjoy the final list in no particular order!

What's your personal favorite on the list (or, better yet, is there one off the list that is a personal favorite?)

Tango with Tigger

Why is it that the work week seems to drag to a complete standstill, but when it comes to the weekends, blink and they are over? This weekend came and went faster than I could count the memories, but it was a winning 48 hours.

Naomi and Eeyore in the "Pooh-rade"

Saturday morning marked Naomi's birthday, where we went to a surprise breakfast at Crystal Palace. Though it started with the usual delicious fare of food, over the course of two hours it escalated to an absolute dance off between Pooh and friends.

When I say "Dance Off" I mean the characters actually gave their all and shook their tail feathers. They bounced, they jived, the Lindy hopped, they tangoed. After much deliberation, Eeyore was crowned winner of the Hundred Acre Woods Dancers, with a 3-1 vote. I, of course, felt it was my duty to place my vote with the best Tango partner Disney has to offer (he definitely proved that Tigers do not have two left feet!)

The characters not only danced and played along with our childish antics, but they constantly returned to our tables to enjoy our company, often pulling up a chair and listening to stories. They engaged and entertained, and probably found us mutually amusing.

It was a magical experience and hopefully made it a birthday Naomi would remember!

Total Bull

A few days ago, on the drive back home from a long day's work, I spotted something to the side of the road.

It was in the distance, and the brown blob appeared to have four legs and a long torso. Could it be?

"Look, a pony!" I exclaimed, as excited as a child at Christmas. Kristin turned to me, stunned into silence. Her look said it all. No. It was not a pony. Disappointed, I tried again.

While keeping my eyes on the road, I quickly did a double take. The animal was in closer view, and I noted the compact body frame, rather than the equine elegance. And something protruding from either side of its ears. Horns. Meaning...

"A goat?" I questioned. Kristin stared once more in disbelief. She had raised goats. Unlike myself, she knew her animals.

"It's a bull," she finally stated.

THESE are horns

What? The only bulls I have ever seen were those in Looney Tunes. Instead of majestic horns, there were tiny little nubs on their heads. I wanted the Scottish Highland cow horns here in Orlando, but there was nothing of the kind.

I am waiting to see a real bull. Until then, these are just ugly, ugly ponies.

Grade School Mix and Mingle

Think back to your eight grade or freshman year of high school. All the way back in time. Now hone in on the first dance you had. What was that like?

My first school dance (end of eight grade, oh my!) was basic awkwardness with boys on one side of the room and giggling girls on the other. You would think things change.

Ten years later, and the awkwardness ensues. Our apartment complex and Disney housing organized the first "Meet and Greet" event last night, where about thirty college students met by the apartment pool to get to know each other. In theory, it's a great idea, since we will be getting close to each other in the next six months.

Wonderful example of good ideas gone bad. Especially when these said kids are getting off eight hours shifts from work and half are still in business attire and half are wearing board shorts and oversize shirts. Or, better yet, things will get worse when water guns and field games are brought into the picture. As Kristin explained, many proposed games were those also found at Bible camp.

Let's just say, at least there was free food. And Miss Colleen, news flash: ca-caw!

Ohana means Family

Moving back to Orlando was an exciting change. It meant starting a new adventure in life, working for the Big Cheese, and ultimately being in the "happiest place on Earth." Every. Single. Day.

I won't lie. I was nervous. Probably more nervous than I had been the first time I came to Disney last January. I knew the opportunity was limited, so I wanted to take full advantage of it, but not knowing what to expect in the program was daunting.

I missed my friends. And I missed my family. And a 100% surprise factor of who I would share a living space for six months was just short of terrifying. Exciting, but still enough to keep me awake at night wondering.

I moved into the apartment at 8:30 in the morning on Thursday. I think I may have fallen in love with my new roommates by about 8:30 that evening.

There are four of us living in this place we now call home. Four happy voices that share stories from our past and blend them into an exciting future. We all come from different parts of the country, but have an unwavering fascination that will carry us through.

The first roommate is a Pennsylvania native named Dorothy (and yes, the Wizard of Oz jokes have already been set into motion).  She is working in the Animal Kingdom with the stars of the park: the animals. Though she has the odd hours of the bunch (she leaves the apartment before 4:30 in the morning!) she is sure to leave adorable messages on the fridge reminding us to have a good day.

Living with Dorothy is the southern sweetheart of the group, Libby. This little munchkin makes dreams come true with Fairy Tale Weddings. She has a constant smile and infectious laugh, but what can really describe her is her fashion icon: Emma Pillsbury from Glee. Not to mention that when asked about her hair poof (the MUCH classier version than that seen on Jersey Shore) she mentioned "the higher hair the closer to heaven!" Another common phrase that can be heard like clockwork is "Oh my Lanta!" Adorable, right?

A magical ride on Splash Mountain

Last is my own darling roommate, Karen, another dream maker in Fairy Tale Weddings. She is wonderfully amazing beyond words. Karen and I were the first ones to move in, and it was pure luck (and helpful suggestions by our mothers) that we decided to take a room together rather than split off. She provides sage advice from decorating tips, to life conundrums, to wardrobe malfunctions. Karen also has proven to have the unique talent of folding ponchos into nearly impossible sizes. Truly, it is more applicable than any college degree. What is really amazing is that we did not know each other before this program, as we had been on the same College Program together. And lived in the same apartment building. And (wait for it) had been in the same small marketing course. What an example of fate stepping in to see you through!

I am extremely lucky to have such a wonderful family system back home, and now, an amazing start to one here in Orlando. My Ohana keeps growing!

Let the Memories Begin

"Good bye may seem forever. Farewell is like the end, but in my heart is the memory and there you will always be." -Walt Disney Company

Disney Spring Vacation '11

In May 2010, a tearful farewell was said to the place I had called home for five wonderful months. The place where wishes and dreams came true. The place where anything was possible. Goodbye to the castle, the laughter, the magic. Where else in the world do you have the opportunity to change lives in just a smile, transform a day with just a word? Being a fairy godmother-in-training had been an opportunity of a lifetime, with so many tales of beautiful little princesses and their fantastic families.

Even before my recent May graduation from the University of Missouri, I was sure that I was set for whatever "the real world" would bring. So I began to plan, to organize my life, all the while secretly pining for Mickey to take me back.

And then, that fateful day in April. The phone call that commenced in a sputtering blur (in my part) but ended with a "And you have a magical day!" The phone call that told me to grab my Mouseketeer hat and celebration button. The call that told me there was still magic to be found.

And here I am. One week left in Chicago before the great adventure happens once more.

Let the memories begin!