Step #21--All work and no play...

Whether it's work, school, or life in general, every once in a while it's important to take a break and just play. It'll get you through the next stretch of things to come. Last night Kaitlin, Kelly, and I went to Mickey's not-so-scary Halloween party at the Magic Kingdom and I had more fun than words can express. We went as the three fairies from Sleeping Beauty. Kaitlin was Flora, I was Fauna, and Kelly was Meriwether. Our costumes were constructed out of paper plates, tulle, ribbon, spray paint, glitter covered dowels, and $5 dollar wings from Wal-Mart. People were constantly complementing us on our costumes and some even wanted to take pictures of us. I carried glitter in my pocket to sprinkle on little princesses while we were waiting in line for characters. The party had an amazing parade, the "Hallowishes" firework spectacular, trick-or-treating lines, the Villians mix and mingle, and dance parties. We did it all and then some. Seriously, I had a fantastic time. Hard to believe it isn't even October yet.

Step #20--Move it or lose it

I saw fantasmic tonight and it was amazing. But to get there, and to Tower of Terror, and to Tower of Terror a second time, and to the bus at the end of the night, we had to hustle hustle hustle. I've been running everywhere lately. But it's nice to be constantly on your toes, because then you don't lose them.

Step #19-- Kindness pays off

So my roommate Kaitlin and I were playing around in Hollywood Studios yesterday and we found ourselves drawn to the Rock'n Rollercoaster (pretty much the best ride ever!) We waited in line once, and it was so good that we got back in line for another go. Being the happy, upbeat people that we are, we were joking and playing around with the cast members manning the ride. After the second round, the cast member at the unloading dock came up to us and asked "Are you two together?" When we told her we were, she sent us right back to the front of the line for another ride. Apparently the guys at departure called her and said to send the girls in the front of the next train back for another go. It's called a "Magic Moment" when a cast member does something like that for a guest. It certainly was a magic moment, it's just kinda funny that Kaitlin and I were both cast members...but we didn't tell them that. I guess it goes to show you that kindness pays off. You never know what magical moments it'll bring. The only downside was that we went hoarse from so much screaming. But it was totally worth it.

Oh, I also confronted my fear of large reptiles with big teeth and went on the Dinosaur ride...hence the picture.

Step #18-- No fear

I was so excited to sleep in this morning...but fate hates me. I was slumbering peacefully when suddenly I was called from my dreams by a towel-clad Kelly.

"Wha--what?"

"There's a giant cockroach in the shower."

"Huh?"

"There's a giant cockroach in the shower."

"In the shower?"

Now, the thought of a giant cockroach makes me want to gag or run away screaming...maybe both. But seeing as poor Kelly was being traumatized by the mere thought of smashing the beast, I had to be the brave one. I charged into that bathroom like a knight on a horse, armed only with a tennis shoe. Indeed, there it was, big and ugly, on our shower curtain. I lunged forward with the shoe.

One smash..........no luck

SMACK.........now he's on the run

Ssssqqqqquuuuuuiiiiiiiiissssssssshhhhhhh

Grabbing a piece of toilet paper, I gathered up the remains of my fallen foe and nodded triumphantly as I sent him to swim with the fishies below.

Now I've just got to inform the front desk of our problem. Goodie, goodie.

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!