I TOOK GUESTS!!!

Four days of training and I've already taken three loads of Guests on my Safari! Can life get better? I submit that it cannot!

Step #17--Absorb

It was day two of my safari training today. Since I don't want to ruin the magic for anybody, I can't go into too much detail, but let me just say that the experience is WILD! The Kilimanjaro Safari ride is unlike any other attraction. I have to know a billion and a half things--or something like that. My trainer, Raffi, is fantastic. He is my Jedi master and I am his padowan--He really calls me that. "Come, Padowan, to the next station." "Yes, Master Raffi." It's pretty much awesome. Since I pick up so easily on things (driving the truck, directing Guests, memorizing spiels) he thinks I'm amazing. He brags about me to all the other trainers and Safari drivers. He's constantly wowed by the things I do. Basically, he makes me feel like a hundred bucks. That's not to say that I don't ever screw up or forget things or misunderstand him. But he's incredibly patient and doesn't mind repeating himself. With so much being thrown at me, and so much to remember, I'm kind of panicking. But I suppose the main thing to do at this point is to watch, experience, and absorb. I'm trying to be a sponge. If I soak it all up, I'll be able to hang on to most of it. Right? Right?

Step #16--Find the Love

Whew! We've made it. After so much worrying and waiting, we're finally here in Orlando! We're settled into our new apartment and I know what ride I'm going to work (Kilimanjaro Safari Operations! Woot!) I start my Traditions training today and my OST (on sight training) on Sunday. The past couple nights Kelly and I went out with some friends and we visited some of the Disney resorts and we strolled along Downtown Disney. I'm already in love with Orlando and Disney World. I could be nervous, I could be scared, but I'm not. I LOVE LIFE!

Emily and Kelly

Step #15--The glass is half full

Waiting, waiting, waiting. When you're just about to plunge into a new adventure, it can be rough standing on the edge. You just want to jump in, but it's not time yet. You can look at this two ways: with the glass half empty, or the glass half full. When there were still three weeks left until Disney time, a part of me wanted to groan and mope, whining: "I still have THREE WEEKS LEFT?" But, the stronger part of me decided to make the most of these three weeks I've had at home, and it's been AWESOME! We shopped, ate, laughed, spent an afternoon at the lake wave running, got sunburned, made cookie dough, got my medical problems squared away, made a trip to Lava Hot Springs for some river floating fun, and enjoyed each other's company. And now, as I sit here, realizing that I'll be in the airport in 24 hours, I can't help but look back on the past three weeks and smile. I know I enjoyed myself because I wanted to enjoy myself. Pessimism never pays off. You'll never find joy when you're looking for misery.

Step#14-- Have your cake and eat it too

It's almost my birthday, and since I'll be leaving for Florida in a day (YIKES) we celebrated it tonight! Lots of fun, lots of food, and an amazing cake. It's sad that I won't be home for my real birthday, BUT how many chances will I have to celebrate my birthday in DISNEY WORLD! I'm excited. I had a good birthday here, and I'm sure I'll have a good birthday in Florida. These are the pictures of my amazing Popcorn cake!

Step #13--A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words

There's nothing like a good picture to go along with a memory. Here are some of my favorite pictures from The Barber of Seville. Enjoy!