So, I was originally hired as a Cast Member at Mouse Gears in Epcot, but for the past two weeks, I've been working at Future World North merchandise at the front of the park. This includes: Stroller rental, Gateway Gifts & Camera Center (under "the ball") and Giftstop, right outside of the turnstiles. What's hilarious to me is that I was constantly warned, just don't go to strollers!!! It's horrible!! yada yada...yet, I absolutely LOVE it. Absolutely. Yes, we get slow. Yes, people get impatient. Yes, you're outside. SO WHAT? I learned so much more about the park, now I can direct my guests 10x better. I learned how to deal with impatient people and make them leave with a sure smile. I'm adapting to the heat - it's mind over matter. Plus, even in my a/c store we get sweaty and gross. I really like all of the cast members I work with at FWN, they're super cool. Made the job that much easier! I'm hoping to work there more often, although Sunday will be time for my MG return. We shall see...!
In other news, I have pretty fabulous roommates. I love all 7 of them. Anna, Amy, Bethany, Brandi, Jackie, Maryanne & Melina. Anna & Bethany work at Once Upon a Toy in Downtown Disney. Amy works at The Wave restaurant at the Contemporary Resort, Jackie works in the gift shop at Coronodo Springs Resort, Brandi works Fantasyland merchandise at Magic Kingdom, Maryanne works at The Art of Disney in Downtown Disney and Melina works in costuming at the Magic Kingdom. We all have a blast together and enjoy each others' company. There have been too many late nights where the 8 of us just stayed up talking. It's pretty incredible. We share responsibilities and work together, I feel incredibly blessed.
Anna, Bethany and I started going to church together. It's really cool to be involved in a ministry down here. We're attending Orlando First Baptist - heard about it via word of mouth. That's where LOTS of college program interns (CPs) go and the church is extremely familiar with the program. We're excited to meet more people. :)
Hm, what would you guys like to know? I'd be happy to answer any burning (or less painful) questions! Just let me know.
Until then....
Have a Magical day! (:3
-Siara
PS- never, ever forget 09.11.2001 <3 thank you to all of our fallen heros and their brave families who continue to push through and those that risk their lives for our freedom to complain and live as we wish.
11 September 2010
27 August 2010
And my Thursday went a little something like this...
Well, I suppose we'll start at the beginning. This week, I was originally scheduled to work almost 50 hours with Tuesday & Wednesday off. Well, my friend Penny from work wanted to trade shifts to work on Tuesday and have Thursday off so that she could attend a special Princess Lunch with her friend (Who could pass that up?!). So, I quickly chose to take her shift (plus, it was 11-7:30, which was much better than the late shift I had). Which was at Pin Central. Mind you, we mostly work as Mouse Gears and as of yet, I hadn't been sent to work anywhere else. But I didn't mind. I'll gladly take on the additional challenge! I needed a different costume and I would get that on my day off. No big deal. So, I enjoyed my two days off, gladly taking care of sweet, sick Anna banana and she happily took me to costuming on Wednesday to get all set for my shift as a pin trader. I got everything I needed with ease and we went on with our day.
Thursday arrives. I have my costume. I know where the shop is. I just gotta figure out where to clock in. I arrive a half hour early and lolly gag a little... gotta get a temporary name tag 'cause I left mine at home GRR. So, I had to be CHRIS from Orlando. Boo. I wanted to be Siara :(. I put my stuff away and arrive...find the clock in station. Locked out. I'm asked to return to cast services to clock in! Which is a good 8-12 minute walk. One minute late gets .5 point. UHM. I'm peeved, but I go. I'm supposed to see a Coordinator. But I don't know WHO that is, because Pin Central is a simple outdoor shop with only a few cast members at a time. So I choose to ring a few guests out, THAT I know how to do. But no, I'm locked out the register, too. It's not accepting my password. Trust me, I know my password. I coordinator comes over, goes to the office and calls me. Gives me two long numbers to remember. yay. So I finally begin working. I had to refer to Matt almost every time a guest had a question, which sucked. But I learned a lot and met cool people. Two hours into my shift, I get a call from Julie, a leader. What's your name? What's your ID #? You're not in our system. Find Adam. I find Adam. Stay at Pin Central, I'll come get you. Phone rings again, come to office. Where is that?! I find it. Hi, Siara, I'm Julie. You were assigned to the PIN EVENT. Which is not HERE, it's at the Yacht Club. Am I in the wrong costume? Completely. Wrong place. Wrong clothes. Wrong name. Right time?! I feel embarrassed, guilty and kinda mad. I'm barely two weeks in and I know so little. I'm such a sponge, especially when it comes to work, but I've been thrown in the ocean. This is a lot. The Pin Event leader decides to let me stay since I've already been working and it'd be more of a hassle to get me changed and transferred. Whew? I don't know. I was a little relieved, but I felt terrible! And Penny had picked up the complete wrong costume as well. Luckily, she found out in time and knew exactly where she was expected to be.
The rest of the day was pretty simple. Warm, but I was right in front of the fountain <3 And I learned about a lot of pins...traded a lot of pins...was helpful to some...was called sweetheart :)...and CHRIS way too many times. Ugh, Chris, remember me?! Thanks, Chris! I'M NOT CHRIS! ahhhh! I love that people have to glance at my name 2 or 3 times to get it right! :D And lastly, and most thankfully, they let me go home at 6. Which TOTALLY made my day! On top of their graciousness and point removal.
So, not to bad after all, but quite the adventure!
Have a magical weekend (:3
(ps- roommate updates really are coming soon.)
Thursday arrives. I have my costume. I know where the shop is. I just gotta figure out where to clock in. I arrive a half hour early and lolly gag a little... gotta get a temporary name tag 'cause I left mine at home GRR. So, I had to be CHRIS from Orlando. Boo. I wanted to be Siara :(. I put my stuff away and arrive...find the clock in station. Locked out. I'm asked to return to cast services to clock in! Which is a good 8-12 minute walk. One minute late gets .5 point. UHM. I'm peeved, but I go. I'm supposed to see a Coordinator. But I don't know WHO that is, because Pin Central is a simple outdoor shop with only a few cast members at a time. So I choose to ring a few guests out, THAT I know how to do. But no, I'm locked out the register, too. It's not accepting my password. Trust me, I know my password. I coordinator comes over, goes to the office and calls me. Gives me two long numbers to remember. yay. So I finally begin working. I had to refer to Matt almost every time a guest had a question, which sucked. But I learned a lot and met cool people. Two hours into my shift, I get a call from Julie, a leader. What's your name? What's your ID #? You're not in our system. Find Adam. I find Adam. Stay at Pin Central, I'll come get you. Phone rings again, come to office. Where is that?! I find it. Hi, Siara, I'm Julie. You were assigned to the PIN EVENT. Which is not HERE, it's at the Yacht Club. Am I in the wrong costume? Completely. Wrong place. Wrong clothes. Wrong name. Right time?! I feel embarrassed, guilty and kinda mad. I'm barely two weeks in and I know so little. I'm such a sponge, especially when it comes to work, but I've been thrown in the ocean. This is a lot. The Pin Event leader decides to let me stay since I've already been working and it'd be more of a hassle to get me changed and transferred. Whew? I don't know. I was a little relieved, but I felt terrible! And Penny had picked up the complete wrong costume as well. Luckily, she found out in time and knew exactly where she was expected to be.
The rest of the day was pretty simple. Warm, but I was right in front of the fountain <3 And I learned about a lot of pins...traded a lot of pins...was helpful to some...was called sweetheart :)...and CHRIS way too many times. Ugh, Chris, remember me?! Thanks, Chris! I'M NOT CHRIS! ahhhh! I love that people have to glance at my name 2 or 3 times to get it right! :D And lastly, and most thankfully, they let me go home at 6. Which TOTALLY made my day! On top of their graciousness and point removal.
So, not to bad after all, but quite the adventure!
Have a magical weekend (:3
(ps- roommate updates really are coming soon.)
25 August 2010
I'm lovin' it.
I apologize that I can't be the blogger that posts at a normal or regular frequency. Working 50 hours does that to a person ;) Thanks for reading! Keeps me encouraged to not just let my writing go!
I absolutely love my job. I work in one of the largest stores on property and we have near everything! Learning where everything is has been challenging, but luckily there are lots of helpful people. I'll be keeping my "Earning My Ears" badge on for a while! There are 4 entrances to this store and people are like, where is the closest ___ or which door brings me to test track? or which way is the best way to get to the buses?? And I'm like...OMG I don't know! Just pick one and figure it out! >< I know, shame. I don't really feel that way, it just frustrates me that I can't answer my guests! They rely on me to be knowledgeable and make them feel safe. But they understand that I'm learning and there's always someone else around to direct them.
What I am wonderful at, without training, is offering my guests a big smile, great conversation and a good time, even in the check out line. It's magical. I'm a little wittier and I love to crack people up. They don't want to wait in another long line forever and get to a boring or even mean cast member! Who does?! But they are on vacation at DISNEY WORLD and should have no worries and an always smile. I absolutely love it. Hi Princess! Hi Pirate! Are you enjoying your vacation?! Do you have a favorite park? Have you met any characters? Mickey would like to guard your packages and deliver them to your hotel room so they will be safe! Happy Birthday, Jordan! ... <3 These are the things that make our guests light up - and that is my favorite part! After a sweet conversation and a little surprise, an eleven year old Princess remarked to me, "Everyone just keeps making my day!" YES! That's what we're here to do. Disney is such a fitting company for me at my core. I love to love people. I love to go above & beyond! Yes, PLEASE! REALLY being able to do whatever I have to do to keep our precious guests satisfied is truly incredible. We will never say, o, that's too bad. I love it. I feel incredibly blessed to have this experience.
I had my 1st teary-eyed moment the other day. A mother came up with a beginner's pin trading collection (pin trading is awesome!) and I began to ask her about it. She said her 2 oldest already started and her youngest was turning 4 the next day and was beginning his. He was a young guest with a disability and had just started walking. Mom had promised everyone a visit when they reached that milestone. She looked around for him, his name was Jake, and called he and dad over. I gave Jake a special gift and a high five. He was so precious. Mickey also gave him a note! They left and I turned around to attempt to clear my eyes. Still brings joy to my heart. And this is just the beginning!
I'll leave it at that for now. More on roommates and living next!
Have a magical Wednesday... (:3
-Siara
I absolutely love my job. I work in one of the largest stores on property and we have near everything! Learning where everything is has been challenging, but luckily there are lots of helpful people. I'll be keeping my "Earning My Ears" badge on for a while! There are 4 entrances to this store and people are like, where is the closest ___ or which door brings me to test track? or which way is the best way to get to the buses?? And I'm like...OMG I don't know! Just pick one and figure it out! >< I know, shame. I don't really feel that way, it just frustrates me that I can't answer my guests! They rely on me to be knowledgeable and make them feel safe. But they understand that I'm learning and there's always someone else around to direct them.
What I am wonderful at, without training, is offering my guests a big smile, great conversation and a good time, even in the check out line. It's magical. I'm a little wittier and I love to crack people up. They don't want to wait in another long line forever and get to a boring or even mean cast member! Who does?! But they are on vacation at DISNEY WORLD and should have no worries and an always smile. I absolutely love it. Hi Princess! Hi Pirate! Are you enjoying your vacation?! Do you have a favorite park? Have you met any characters? Mickey would like to guard your packages and deliver them to your hotel room so they will be safe! Happy Birthday, Jordan! ... <3 These are the things that make our guests light up - and that is my favorite part! After a sweet conversation and a little surprise, an eleven year old Princess remarked to me, "Everyone just keeps making my day!" YES! That's what we're here to do. Disney is such a fitting company for me at my core. I love to love people. I love to go above & beyond! Yes, PLEASE! REALLY being able to do whatever I have to do to keep our precious guests satisfied is truly incredible. We will never say, o, that's too bad. I love it. I feel incredibly blessed to have this experience.
I had my 1st teary-eyed moment the other day. A mother came up with a beginner's pin trading collection (pin trading is awesome!) and I began to ask her about it. She said her 2 oldest already started and her youngest was turning 4 the next day and was beginning his. He was a young guest with a disability and had just started walking. Mom had promised everyone a visit when they reached that milestone. She looked around for him, his name was Jake, and called he and dad over. I gave Jake a special gift and a high five. He was so precious. Mickey also gave him a note! They left and I turned around to attempt to clear my eyes. Still brings joy to my heart. And this is just the beginning!
I'll leave it at that for now. More on roommates and living next!
Have a magical Wednesday... (:3
-Siara
11 August 2010
The Dets!
So...drum roll, please...
EPCOT
Mouse Gears Merchandise!
47 hours next week.
Traditions was today (Disney Orientation)
Off Thurs.
Epcot Orientation Friday
Off Saturday
1st day Sunday!
Thursday the 19th is my only day off.
YAY! (:3
EPCOT
Mouse Gears Merchandise!
47 hours next week.
Traditions was today (Disney Orientation)
Off Thurs.
Epcot Orientation Friday
Off Saturday
1st day Sunday!
Thursday the 19th is my only day off.
YAY! (:3
10 August 2010
Update!
So, I had an awesome going away party on Friday. Thank you to all of the incredible people that showed up and especially those of you who helped by bringing items, decorating and voluntarily cleaning up! You ALL rock! You made by going away incredible, but very sad. Luckily, I know that great people are awaiting my return!
Fast forward to Sunday... we arrive in Florida and make our way to our hotel ...on Disney Property! Disney's All Star Sports Resort was incredible. Very colorful and mickey-fied! It was awesome to get a small taste of Disney and be able to relax before hitting the Park that night! Thanks to Brogan, I was able to experience it before my official start date. ALSO, thankfully, we were able to treat my roommate, Bethany, who hadn't been either. Fellow cast member, Emma, joined us and we had an awesome group. Our way to Magic Kingdom was awesome. It all hit me when we were on the Monorail and I saw the Castle...WOW. We saw an amazing 4D show first... it was sooo weird! (In a TOTALLY awesome way!) I've never even seen 3D, so this was really incredible. Now I can't remember the order of everything... we danced in Tomorrowland with Goofy, Stitch & the Chipmunks...went to the LAUGH FLOOR (fave!)... haunted mansion... SUMMERNIGHTASTIC...Electrical Parade!! (fave!) All pretty incredible.
Now from my diary about Monday. (Aren't you lucky??)
Monday, August 9th. (YEP, 8-9-10!)
What a FULL day! Today was check-in. The real beginning of my adventures joining an INCREDIBLE team!
I awoke at 6:45 to pack my things back up from the Resort to make it up to Vista Way to meet up with my roommates. Running a little behind was lucky because Bethany was, too, so we were in line together. Although the process was long & warm, the people are phenomenal. (What else would you expect??) It was a BLAST, even if it was mostly standing in line! My favorite part? Receiving our apartment location & KEYS! Fun story...originally, the 4 of us decided that we wanted a 2 bedroom at Chatham Square. I get up to apt. check-in and she says "2/br @ Vista or 4/br @ Chatham" ...well, we KNEW we didn't want Vista, but none of us planned to have that many roommates! (There are EIGHT of us total!) We talked it over and took a leap of faith to have the Chatham apartment! (More later.)
After check-in, we took the 10 o'clock bus to DISNEY CASTING! Yes! It still blows my mind that I was THERE. Anyway, the ride over was a blast, with guide "almost perfect" John from Chicago. He was an absolute delight! Engaging, knowledgeable, entertaining. He told us a LOT of great tips. Anyway, Casting was all of the nitty gritty employment stuff...paperwork, fingerprints, tax forms, etc. But still a BLAST! haha I have never had so much fun in a hiring process :) All of the cast members blew me away. The all had tedious jobs, but you'd never know it by there behavior. At the end, we got a couple photos to start our photopass account!
...More bus waiting...
Move-in time!!
Thankfully, Anna has her car and her Grandma was kind enough to fill her truck with our stuff to lug us over to the apartment. Our move was easy...and boy did we hit the jackpot! Our apartment door is at the ground floor, with stairs inside, like a townhouse! (loooove it.) Our apt is big & open. My bedroom is the first one on the left. Four bedroom, 2.5 bath, rooms are connected suites-style and we have a corner balcony. Furniture is dorm-style, but decent. Pictures later.
After we moved our stuff, we went to the housing meeting and that was the end of day one! If any of you would like to have my address while I'm here, just let me know and I'll be in touch. I am so thankful for all of you. <3
Signing off magically,
Siara (:3
Fast forward to Sunday... we arrive in Florida and make our way to our hotel ...on Disney Property! Disney's All Star Sports Resort was incredible. Very colorful and mickey-fied! It was awesome to get a small taste of Disney and be able to relax before hitting the Park that night! Thanks to Brogan, I was able to experience it before my official start date. ALSO, thankfully, we were able to treat my roommate, Bethany, who hadn't been either. Fellow cast member, Emma, joined us and we had an awesome group. Our way to Magic Kingdom was awesome. It all hit me when we were on the Monorail and I saw the Castle...WOW. We saw an amazing 4D show first... it was sooo weird! (In a TOTALLY awesome way!) I've never even seen 3D, so this was really incredible. Now I can't remember the order of everything... we danced in Tomorrowland with Goofy, Stitch & the Chipmunks...went to the LAUGH FLOOR (fave!)... haunted mansion... SUMMERNIGHTASTIC...Electrical Parade!! (fave!) All pretty incredible.
Now from my diary about Monday. (Aren't you lucky??)
Monday, August 9th. (YEP, 8-9-10!)
What a FULL day! Today was check-in. The real beginning of my adventures joining an INCREDIBLE team!
I awoke at 6:45 to pack my things back up from the Resort to make it up to Vista Way to meet up with my roommates. Running a little behind was lucky because Bethany was, too, so we were in line together. Although the process was long & warm, the people are phenomenal. (What else would you expect??) It was a BLAST, even if it was mostly standing in line! My favorite part? Receiving our apartment location & KEYS! Fun story...originally, the 4 of us decided that we wanted a 2 bedroom at Chatham Square. I get up to apt. check-in and she says "2/br @ Vista or 4/br @ Chatham" ...well, we KNEW we didn't want Vista, but none of us planned to have that many roommates! (There are EIGHT of us total!) We talked it over and took a leap of faith to have the Chatham apartment! (More later.)
After check-in, we took the 10 o'clock bus to DISNEY CASTING! Yes! It still blows my mind that I was THERE. Anyway, the ride over was a blast, with guide "almost perfect" John from Chicago. He was an absolute delight! Engaging, knowledgeable, entertaining. He told us a LOT of great tips. Anyway, Casting was all of the nitty gritty employment stuff...paperwork, fingerprints, tax forms, etc. But still a BLAST! haha I have never had so much fun in a hiring process :) All of the cast members blew me away. The all had tedious jobs, but you'd never know it by there behavior. At the end, we got a couple photos to start our photopass account!
...More bus waiting...
Move-in time!!
Thankfully, Anna has her car and her Grandma was kind enough to fill her truck with our stuff to lug us over to the apartment. Our move was easy...and boy did we hit the jackpot! Our apartment door is at the ground floor, with stairs inside, like a townhouse! (loooove it.) Our apt is big & open. My bedroom is the first one on the left. Four bedroom, 2.5 bath, rooms are connected suites-style and we have a corner balcony. Furniture is dorm-style, but decent. Pictures later.
After we moved our stuff, we went to the housing meeting and that was the end of day one! If any of you would like to have my address while I'm here, just let me know and I'll be in touch. I am so thankful for all of you. <3
Signing off magically,
Siara (:3
30 July 2010
Single-digit days!
Wow, I can't believe I've got one week left. Can everything get done?! Well, yes, it has to.
Not only do I need to pack, but I need to sort my stuff for trash, give away and storage. Now, it's not an out-of-state move before my out-of-state move, like my future roommate, Maryanne, who is moving from Nevada to Wyoming and THEN to Florida! However, I am definitely realizing this with one week left. Hopefully all goes smoothly. :)
On to more awesome news, I'm throwing a party! I didn't want to throw a party for myself, but you all made me ;) Friday, August 6th. Contact me if you want more info!
Something that annoys me... tax-free weekend being during my travel time. It's 6th-8th, but I move in on the 9th! What the heckkk! haha. So, either I'll basically completely miss out OR I will stock up and have my parents send it when I move in! We'll see. Too bad no texts books this time, huh? ;)
Overall boring post, but thanks for reading! Countdown my last week with me!
Have a magical weekend!
(:3
Not only do I need to pack, but I need to sort my stuff for trash, give away and storage. Now, it's not an out-of-state move before my out-of-state move, like my future roommate, Maryanne, who is moving from Nevada to Wyoming and THEN to Florida! However, I am definitely realizing this with one week left. Hopefully all goes smoothly. :)
On to more awesome news, I'm throwing a party! I didn't want to throw a party for myself, but you all made me ;) Friday, August 6th. Contact me if you want more info!
Something that annoys me... tax-free weekend being during my travel time. It's 6th-8th, but I move in on the 9th! What the heckkk! haha. So, either I'll basically completely miss out OR I will stock up and have my parents send it when I move in! We'll see. Too bad no texts books this time, huh? ;)
Overall boring post, but thanks for reading! Countdown my last week with me!
Have a magical weekend!
(:3
26 July 2010
TWO Weeks!
Just as you might have read the "3 Weeks" post before this and moved up to this one...that's how fast this week has flown by for me!
Boy, oh boy. I don't know that I'm gonna be able to JAM everything necessary into the next (12 days!) couple weeks. [I leave in 12, start work in 14] I just found out that Renter's Insurance is required and I need to get health insurance, too. Insurance is a luxury in my family and it's quite a daunting task. Luckily, there are temporary policies available and I have several trustworthy grown ups to help me out.
I've got a list. But why? Lists are scary! Lists are useful, though. God-forbid I forget anything! But it just sits there, like, "haha, sucker. I can just relax while you freak out about everything I encompass. Look at this. There's SO MUCH. You can't even cross one off and you're two weeks out!" Don't you worry, list, I'll be successful. And look, I'm acting like a crazy person. Damn.
Anyway, this weekend, thanks to Alyssa, I was able to veg out a little and be a bum. We spent 3.5 days in an apartment in Charlotte. We mostly bummed, watched TV and hung out, but also visted the Concord Mills Mall which is INCREDIBLE (this would be the one with the adjacent DAVE & BUSTERS FTW)! And also searched out the Concord DSW which was extremely exciting for me. It was reallyyyy pretty and a different atmosphere from my store. We also went out for DELICIOUS Chinese, compliments of Alyssa. Mmm. I am super grateful for the opportunity to just hang out with Alyssa and really have a chance to freely veg. Neither of us ever really do that and it was completely necessary for these two busy bees!
Also, lots of people want to see me before I leave - very sweet! Just trying to figure out how to see everyone before I leave... ;)
Have a Magical Monday... (:3
Boy, oh boy. I don't know that I'm gonna be able to JAM everything necessary into the next (12 days!) couple weeks. [I leave in 12, start work in 14] I just found out that Renter's Insurance is required and I need to get health insurance, too. Insurance is a luxury in my family and it's quite a daunting task. Luckily, there are temporary policies available and I have several trustworthy grown ups to help me out.
I've got a list. But why? Lists are scary! Lists are useful, though. God-forbid I forget anything! But it just sits there, like, "haha, sucker. I can just relax while you freak out about everything I encompass. Look at this. There's SO MUCH. You can't even cross one off and you're two weeks out!" Don't you worry, list, I'll be successful. And look, I'm acting like a crazy person. Damn.
Anyway, this weekend, thanks to Alyssa, I was able to veg out a little and be a bum. We spent 3.5 days in an apartment in Charlotte. We mostly bummed, watched TV and hung out, but also visted the Concord Mills Mall which is INCREDIBLE (this would be the one with the adjacent DAVE & BUSTERS FTW)! And also searched out the Concord DSW which was extremely exciting for me. It was reallyyyy pretty and a different atmosphere from my store. We also went out for DELICIOUS Chinese, compliments of Alyssa. Mmm. I am super grateful for the opportunity to just hang out with Alyssa and really have a chance to freely veg. Neither of us ever really do that and it was completely necessary for these two busy bees!
Also, lots of people want to see me before I leave - very sweet! Just trying to figure out how to see everyone before I leave... ;)
Have a Magical Monday... (:3
19 July 2010
3 Weeks!
Wow. No month has flown by as much as July feels like it is! I'm nervous, but so much more ecstatic!
Exactly THREE weeks from today, I will have finished my very first day in Orlando! I still am in awe that I was blessed with such an incredible opportunity!
So, what am I up to in the next couple weeks?
-Working! My last day at DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, Inc. will probably be August 3rd or so. July 26th marks my one year anniversary!
-Volunteering! Getting as much time in with my kids as possible. They're my life. I teach the preschoolers on Sundays and care for birth-K during the week. LOVE it.
-Spending quality time with my family and friends before I venture out. I can't wait to have my family with me- o man!
-Preparing, preparing, preparing. Although, I'm not quite sure how. I'm making sure paperwork is fully complete, deciding which clothes and shoes will be reasonable (with an understanding that I'll have to obtain more when I arrive), meeting and getting to know roommates (3 chosen so far! Maryanne, Anna & Bethany) and overall deciding just how much I can carry on a 14-hour train ride!
I'm pretty stoked. And to top it off, I'm getting to travel with the one who was the catalyst for it all - Brogan! What a sweetheart. God has used her in tremendous ways and I cannot wait to travel with her, let alone with the incredible destination that awaits us!
20 days!
-Magical dreams (:3
Exactly THREE weeks from today, I will have finished my very first day in Orlando! I still am in awe that I was blessed with such an incredible opportunity!
So, what am I up to in the next couple weeks?
-Working! My last day at DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, Inc. will probably be August 3rd or so. July 26th marks my one year anniversary!
-Volunteering! Getting as much time in with my kids as possible. They're my life. I teach the preschoolers on Sundays and care for birth-K during the week. LOVE it.
-Spending quality time with my family and friends before I venture out. I can't wait to have my family with me- o man!
-Preparing, preparing, preparing. Although, I'm not quite sure how. I'm making sure paperwork is fully complete, deciding which clothes and shoes will be reasonable (with an understanding that I'll have to obtain more when I arrive), meeting and getting to know roommates (3 chosen so far! Maryanne, Anna & Bethany) and overall deciding just how much I can carry on a 14-hour train ride!
I'm pretty stoked. And to top it off, I'm getting to travel with the one who was the catalyst for it all - Brogan! What a sweetheart. God has used her in tremendous ways and I cannot wait to travel with her, let alone with the incredible destination that awaits us!
20 days!
-Magical dreams (:3
08 July 2010
Connections.
With time to move quickly approaching, I am anxiously awaiting to meet all of the new people I'll be surrounded by! However, it turns out that they won't all be strangers. You see, I joined one of Disney's college program pages on Facebook and found an elementary school classmate named Will. Now, we haven't seen each other in over a decade, but Disney will be bringing us together once more! We're looking forward to lunch at the happiest place on earth! ;) How cool is that?! I'm super psyched!
PS- does anyone have a decent set of luggage they're willing to lend or donate? I'd be forever grateful!
Have a magical day! (:3
PS- does anyone have a decent set of luggage they're willing to lend or donate? I'd be forever grateful!
PPS- If you'd like to be on the email list to receive posts, please let me know :)
Have a magical day! (:3
30 June 2010
Traveling.
When I was accepted into the Disney program, I was taking an early childhood class where I made two great friends - Amanda & Chanelle. It just so happens that both of them have family in Florida and have been to Disney. When they found out that I got in, they insisted they road trip me down! I'm thrilled and getting concerned. I've never been on a long road trip with friends and know we'll have a blast! However, none of us seem to have vehicles that will fit us or last the trip. We've looked into a rental, but it'd be a lot since we all want to share the driving responsibility and would need it for 3 days. I'd really like to see my family in SC on the way and would like to be able to road trip, so I'm a little hesitant about traveling via plane or train (+ cost). Any other suggestions? :)
Also, in the back of my mind, I'm nervous about finances for the first couple weeks (delayed pay from a new job, obviously) but I am trusting God with a!ll of it. I am working as much as I can and budgeting, too.
"Are you not much more valuable than the birds of the air?" I can't wait to see how things turn out!
Magical dreams to you!
Also, in the back of my mind, I'm nervous about finances for the first couple weeks (delayed pay from a new job, obviously) but I am trusting God with a!ll of it. I am working as much as I can and budgeting, too.
"Are you not much more valuable than the birds of the air?" I can't wait to see how things turn out!
Magical dreams to you!
17 June 2010
You're Hired!
Early on the morning of Wednesday, April 14th, I received an email that changed my life.
"Dear Siara,
Congratulations! You have been selected to participate as a Merchandise Cast Member on the Disney College Program in the Fall 2010 Season.
This is a valuable résumé-enhancing experience for all students, and we are proud to offer this opportunity to you! This program will allow you to gain academically-oriented work experience - the kind that provides participants in any major with the tools they need to compete effectively in today's job market..."
Congratulations! You have been selected to participate as a Merchandise Cast Member on the Disney College Program in the Fall 2010 Season.
This is a valuable résumé-enhancing experience for all students, and we are proud to offer this opportunity to you! This program will allow you to gain academically-oriented work experience - the kind that provides participants in any major with the tools they need to compete effectively in today's job market..."
I still can't believe it. My countdown days seem to pass faster and faster. My spirit feels ready, but my body is unsure. I know that when the time comes, all of me will be ready. My first day working with Disney will be August 9th. Whoa. I really cannot wait!
Every single thing about this internship will be a new challenge. I have never been to Disney World, or Florida, for that matter. I've yet to live on my own for an extended amount of time, or have unrelated roommates. The job will be new, although retail is all-too familiar, Disney is a completely different story. I really CANNOT WAIT!
This blog will be for all of you who want to stay posted on my big move to Florida. I will post as often as I can, but there's no telling with a work schedule of up to 50 or so hours! :D
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