Step #24-- It happens

I went to the beach today and even though I had a fantastic time, tragedy stuck shortly after we departed. About ten minutes from the beach, I realized that my bag was not in the car with us...my bag that had my id, my housing id, my debit card, my phone, and my camera. We turned around and zoomed back to the beach. Katelin, the one and only, called ahead to have a waitress at a near by establishment check for my bag. They were able to find it and hold it for me, but by the time I got there, someone had stolen my camera. Everything else was there, but the camera was gone. So I was lucky, but unlucky. Basically, bad things happen and we have to deal with them. So I'm now camera-less--I lost some fun pictures from the beach--but I'll always have the memories, and that's what counts.

Step #23-- Try new things

This is a Kitchen Sink from "Beaches 'n Cream," a diner located at the Beach Club resort. This is the second one of these puppies I've had while here in Florida. We split it amongst seven of us and there was plenty to go round. It includes 8 scoops of ice cream (3 chocolate, 2 strawberry, 2 vanilla, 1 mint chocolate chip), a whole can of whipped cream, and every topping they've got (candy bars, angel food cake, oreos, fudge, carmel, peanut butter, etc, etc) It is delicious even if it's a little scary. I've been trying new things lately: new foods, new rides, and new perspectives. I've come to realize that the older I get, and the more aware I am of time as it passes, the faster it goes. When I come to the end of my life, I want to be able to look back on all the things I've done and be pleased with what I see. I'm all about experiencing new things. Kitchen sink? Check. What's next?

Step #22-- Gain experiences

So, it suddenly occurred to me what a strange job I have. Basically, I'm putting on a show and trying to make sure the guests get through the attraction smoothly, but the fact of the matter is, I go out on "two week safaris", chase poachers, spot animals, and "get shot at." My main concerns are whether or not the crocodiles are on show and how many families with strollers will be going through the line. I drive a gigantic truck but the only thing that worries me about it is the possibility of running over a helmeted guinea fowl in the Ituri forest. It's an experience and I love the stories I'm gaining. I get to deal with people from all over the world and animals from all over Africa. There's no other job like it in the world.

Around the world in 2 1/2 hours

Today was my day off and I decided to travel

around the world. But instead of hopping on a plane, I hopped on a bus...to EPCOT!

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.