Comment!!

It works!! Not only do I have a new template, which will hopefully be easier to read, I also fixed the "not being able to comment" issue!! When I say I fixed it, I mean my wonderful roommate Alyssa pushed a few buttons and it works!! I feel handicrapped, but she's awesome! Now that I'm open for feedback, please let me know if I can make any improvements. I hope this new color palette will be easier to read. Let me know what you think. I'd love to hear from people. TTFN

P.S. I still love my job. It's been raining and I'm so mad that I work so I can't just run out and play in it! I guess that euphoria will forever belong to Mesa in monsoon season. I loved my childhood. I really did have the most amazing years anyone could ask for. My only wish, well I have two: that the rest of my life can be just as amazing and that my children will make as many or even more wonderful memories than I have. I owe a lot to all the people who have had any contact with me in the last almost 19 years. There are a lot of you :) TTFN for reals this time.

23-19! We have a 23-19!

I love having Disney moments at Disney World :) So I've been on register for a few days and I had an awesome moment! I totaled someone's order, read the list back to them, and tried really hard not to laugh. Here's how it went down :

Me: Is that all for you today?

Guest: Yeah, that's it.

Me: Okay, that comes to $23.19

Guest: [hands Me his Visa card]

Me: Don't you dare laugh, Katie Louisa. He won't think it's funny. He won't even get it. Don't you dare!

[Complete transaction]

The terrible part was that it happened several times (I wish I could remember what the order consisted of). And each time it got funnier and funnier! Needless to say, I was having a hard time keeping it together on stage. But, I thoroughly enjoyed taking the order and thinking about Monsters, Inc :)

On a completely different note, I hope you have all enjoyed my Disney Princess background. I know I have. But there is one problem. The comment link is broken. Whoever wrote the template missed a few commands. So if you've been trying to comment and couldn't, don't worry - it's not you. It's just the faulty template. Anyway, moral of the story is, I will be changing my background. I don't know what it will be, but I'm sure I'll find something amazing :) TTFN

Downtown Disney

It's a wonderfully magical place. It's like Disney-meets-Real-Life in an awesome way. Everything is themed and Disney Standard, but it's also a great shopping and dining and partying center. So far, I've seen two movies and gotten a Ghiradelli hot cocoa. There is way more to explore and I'm looking forward to it.

As far as that Ghiradelli hot cocoa was concerned...heaven in a cup, delicious, delectable, perfect, chocolate bliss, you get the picture. On top of that, the weather was serene. My roommate and I ordered our chocolate and sat at a quaint little garden table. The breeze coming off the water and the mood music and the laughter and conversation of the other people around us...wonderful. I love this atmosphere. I feel like I'm living in a novel. My life is awesome! TTFN

I love my job...

For the past few days, I've been on register. It's way fun, I get to interact with guests, and I don't have to work in the kitchen. So when we're busy, all the registers are open. But when we slow down, the coordinators find things for half of us to do. One of these things is called Hula-Hoops. And I love it! Basically, I get to let little kids play with Hula-Hoops while their parents order food. I makes the kids' day and keeps them out of the parents' hair while they're trying to order food for 4 or 5 kids. (I speak from experience.) It's so awesome to watch their faces as they try, and succeed or don't. But it's these moments when I really feel like a Disney Cast Member making magic, and not just a girl working in a burger joint (however magical those burgers may be). Some of the kids don't even speak any English. So I find ways of encouraging them with universal signals like "WOW" and "thumbs up" and smiling. It's so cool :) All in all, I love my job. If you haven't figured that out at this point, wow are you lost. This is one of the greatest experiences of my life thus far, and it's only the beginning (of my life and the experience). I can't wait until the end when I can't look back at all that I have learned and grown. TTFN

I Love You Mommy :)

Don't you even say this is too cheesy. I'd like to think of it as magical. To all of you who do not want to read about how much I love my mother, you are excused from this post. Have a wonderful day and check back for the next one :) But if you've got nothing else to do, and you too Momma, keep reading. My mother is the most amazing woman on the planet. I know most everyone says that, but this time it's true. Not only is she a diligent care-giver, as a mother of five she had her work cut out for her (even with an all-too-eager helper), but she is also a tender nurturer. She and Daddy have taught me to be leader, not a follower; to pursue my dreams; to make the most of my experiences, learn a lot, and have fun doing it. I developed a love of reading and an appreciation for the written word. I stuck with my piano lessons and am now able to share my talents and serve others. I was blessed to grow up in a house that had the priesthood because my mother knew that was important in a husband. I was raised in the gospel on account of the same thing. I love both of my parents and the things they teach me by their example and their sweet reminders. I was blessed to grow up in house of love. And I am grateful for that. Spending the year away from my mother has changed our relationship, but I will always be her little girl. I wish her the best this Mothers' Day and want her to remember that I will always love her like a long street. TTFN

The Discovery of the Wireless Lounge

Hoorah! Today I discovered the wireless lounge in the clubhouse of my apartment complex. This is currently where I have to do all my blogging, Facebooking, TV show watching, and anything else that requires connection to the world wide web. For some reason, the internet in my apartment is totally ditching out on us! It's super retarded, but we always get home too late to talk to someone at the front desk. Bummer. So anyway, I just wanted to let you all know I have not died. Nor have I fallen down a storm drain into a completely animated world of true love's kisses and cute little animals who sing with me (although, how cool would that be?!) Mostly this is for my wonderful mother who almost thought I did die since I was not posting ;) But as I only have a few minutes and I forgot to bring my camera cord to the lounge, I will not be posting pictures of my wonderful adventures in Epcot and the Animal Kingdom from the past two days. But look forward to those soon! TTFN

Backlot Express

Today was the first day I got to work in my area. I learned where everything was, and I mean EVERYTHING! I got to work at two of the stations, and I'll learn the others day by day. The Backlot Express is themed like a warehouse where they store and create movie props. It's way fun. And, like everything Disney, there is SO MUCH to look at. Every little piece and knick knack and gizmo is part of the theme, and there are LOTS of them! So people come in, place an order, we fill it, they pick it up, then they get their drinks and condiments over at the station. It's your basic fast-food joint :) But hey, I'm in the Happiest Place on Earth and I get to play whenever I am not working. Boo. Ya. So I got trained today on the counter (where we fill the orders and guests pick them up) and the dish machine (very high tech stuff!). I had a great time interacting with guests and meeting some of my co-workers. I'm just sad I had to miss church today. They had me scheduled for a weird time so I couldn't make the morning or evening sacrament meetings. But next Sunday I have the day off, and I am going to talk to my manager and request either to not work Sundays or to work early or late so I can make it to sacrament at least. Today was satisfying because I learned so much and I am really working at Disney World! But there was something missing...oh yeah, church :) Anyway, I've been on my feet all day and I am so ready for my crappy little mattress and cheapo pillow ;) TTFN

Starting to get Sticky

Today was a warmer day. It's finally starting to get sticky. But I finished my second day of paid training! And I got to go to Epcot for the first time! I am so dead tired and I get to work my first day in costume in my area tomorrow, so tonight's post will be short. I just wanted to get some pictures up of first day in Epcot. We didn't do everything because it was late afternoon when we got there, and the park was busy tonight because the Magic Kingdom closed early. But I did get to go on a few rides and walk through part of the World Showcase (way awesome pavilions from tons of different countries). TTFN

The iconic picture everyone MUST take. Actually a way cool attraction too.

Right now is the Flower and Garden Festival, so I got a shot of Aurora and Phillip.

Me with Lumière, Chip, Mrs. Potts, and Cogsworth

In Moroco

In China

My Roommates

Hmm not much happened today. Other the fact that I am living in Florida, which is a great reason to be alive every day :) I got to sleep in for once, I ironed some of my business clothes, got some grocery shopping done, rented some DVDs, and watched a few TV shows. Today was a relaxing day.

So since I wasn't very interesting today, let me tell you about my roommates and how fantastically awesome they are!

Let's start on the left. HOLLY goes to BYU Idaho, she's from Seattle, WA, and she gets to drive the tram from the Magic Kingdom Parking Lot to the Monorail entrance. She is super funny makes me laugh a lot. She says it boosts her ego, but she really is truly very funny. Not in a bad way, but an awesome way. Next is ALYSSA. She also goes to BYU Idaho, is my room roommate, and works at Soarin' in Epcot (BTW: Did you know that stands for Experimental Prototype Community Of Tomorrow? Just a bit of trivia for ya.) She is so great! Alyssa is a fabulous roommate and is so great at leading in groups. She's an example to me of how to be a good leader but way fun and totally cool at the same time. The third is KRISTY, from BYU Provo. She gets to work in Downtown Disney in one of the shops. Kristy is such a cute, sweet girl. There is nothing not to love about her. And I found out today that she's a twin! Cool? I submit that it IS! Next up is KENDALL, , from BYU Provo. She's a song and dance kind of girl and has the most awesome job. Kendall gets to work in Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom on Mickey's PhilharMagic, the Carousel, and Dumbo! How cool is that! And she gets to wear the awesome lederhosen costume I love so much. Kendall is the perfect Fantasyland cast member. Next to me is TRYSTEN (sounds like Tristan). She goes to BYU Provo, and her family has lived so many places! Her dad works for the US Dept of State so they moved around from embassy to embassy. Right now they are in Panama. Trysten has got to have the coolest job out of all of us! She is a character performer!! This coming week she gets to be Dale of Chip-n-Dale, Winnie the Pooh, and one of the girls from Little Einsteins. She might even get to be Mike Wazowski later this summer! Trysten is a spunky redhead with lots of talent, and a kickin dancer. I love all my roommates so much! They are so cool!! I'm glad I get to live with them this summer and can't wait to learn even more about them all. TTFN

Magic Kingdom Pictures

My camera and computer made up and are friends again :) Yay! So here are some of the magical pictures I took on my first trip to the Magic Kingdom. Enjoy :)

The parade right now is called Celebrate Today. Disney is all for celebrating all types of occasions and things. To welcome us into the park, the characters waved and danced and even sang to us :)

Here's Aladdin and the Genie

Bert and Mary

Peter Pan, Wendy, Alice, Mad Hatter

Prince Charming and Cinderella

Belle and the Beast

Prince Eric and Ariel

Cinderella's Castle

Captain Jack Sparrow (a super cool show in front of the ride)

What a cool show!

And this is only the beginning of my magical summer! :) TTFN

First Day of Training

I started my Food and Beverage Training today!! And I got a full, extensive tour of Disney's Hollywood Studios. I'd never been before, so it was a good way to get the lay of the land. It was so cool!! I didn't take any pictures on that tour, but I'm sure I'll have many to post in the future. After the tour, we split into our roles and got some more specific training. I studied with five other Food and Beverage cast members. After a few hours of general "these are the policies and rules and benefits" training, we.....got our costumes!!! I am so stinking excited to go to work in this!!! I'm not sure about pictures, I heard some people got in trouble for posting pictures in their costumes. So I'll look into that and post them if I can :) But if not, I'm wearing plain black pants, a white button down shirt with short sleeves and cuffs that look like the top of that little slate that they use in movies and they say "Scene such and such, take whichever, marker!" :) with a blue or red apron. My favorite part, though, is the white beret I get to wear!

I had originally planned to finish work and ride a few of the rides in Hollywood Studios, but I didn't realize I'd have five days worth of costumes to carry around. So I came home instead and took a little nap that turned into a little slumber (I'm famous for that). A few of my roommates and I had a costume fashion show. We are so cool!! Tomorrow I'll go get my work shoes and maybe go play in the parks. I am so lucky to be working here! TTFN

The Magic Kingdom...truly magical

So Traditions was fabulous. It was put on by Disney University, the branch that deals with a lot of the company's human resource training and stuff. We spent forever talking about how to be safe in the work place (just so you know, SAFE-D begins with Me!) and what makes Disney such an amazing company. It truly is awesome! I am so excited to be working for them. After a few hours of that, we came back to the apartment, had some lunch, and then split for the...oh, wait! I forgot! I got my name tag and Disney ID today!! I am so official and now I can get into any park for free! Whenever I want! Heck. Yes.

Anyway, after Traditions, we headed over to Disney's Magic Kingdom to play. Holy cow! I got a really cute "1st visit" button to wear and I went on all my favorite rides from Disneyland in California and I watched an awesome parade and Aladdin waved at me and I got really wet on Splash Mountain and I screamed like there was no tomorrow on Space Mountain, twice, and now my throat hurts a lot and I got to see some spectacular fireworks and I AM SO EXCITED TO BE HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Okay, I feel like a total dork because I keep saying this, but it's SO true!

I wish I could get my camera and computer to make up Apparently, they are in a fight right now. They are not speaking to one another. So until they get over whatever stupid argument is keeping me from importing pictures (I'm pretty sure it's not user error), I'll have pictures of my name tag, and first day in the park to put up. TTFN

Block Party, say what?

Our first official "cast member only" party! It was a "Welcome to the neighborhood" type thing. And way fun at that. My roommates and I danced the night away and had a fantastic time participating in the quite-obvious Mormon circles. You gotta love us :)

This is, well, me! After most of the fun we got our cameras out and captured all the fun we'd had. I had a great time! After a day of housing rules and job assignments (more on that in a sec) and laying by the pool, I was ready for some fun fun fun.

I am so excited for tomorrow, though! We start our Traditions class. From what I understand, it's the basic training every cast member goes through to help them catch the Disney magic and get them ready to start working in their assigned roles. We learn a lot about the history of the parks, the company, and our specific duties. I've also heard we get tours of the secret underground tunnels...shh :) I'll let you know how that goes.

So I found out where I'll be working this summer. After much anticipation, I was assigned to Disney's Hollywood Studios (what used to be MGM) in the Backlot Express area. Don't ask me where exactly that is — I've never been here before. But I will know very soon! I am so psyched to be here!! TTFN

Let it begin!

Ho...ly...cow!!!! This is going to be the best summer of my entire life!!!! So it started with my first ever night alone in a hotel. I got to stay in an Embassy Suites near the Orlando airport. I felt like a total big kid with a King size bed all to myself :) From the hotel, I went back to the airport in the morning and caught a shuttle to the apartment complex where I'll be living for the next few months. We checked in, moved in, unpacked, got fingerprinted, and grocery shopped, and chilled by the pool today. I am exhausted! But I am already catching the Disney spirit. I met all my roommates and love them. I think we are going to have a fabulous summer. I also made some other friends, one of whom is a guy with a car...awesome! So now that I'm all moved in, and so so tired, I am going to bed. I can't wait for tomorrow. We get to have orientation and, hopefully, get our costumes and find out where, exactly, we are working. Eek! I can't wait! Well, yes I can because that means sleeping...oh yeah. Like one of my roommates just said, "I am taking my tired and excited body to bed." Definitely. Goodnight and TTFN.

Disney World, Here I Come!

Needless to say, I AM SO EXCITED!! For those of you who don't know, I will be working at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida as part of the Disney College Program. I have wanted to work for Disney since I was a kid, and this is my shot! I will be working in the Food & Beverage Role in one of the four parks (yet to be determined). Although it sounds like just another summer job flipping burgers, it's not. Those burgers are sprinkled with Disney Magic! :) I probably won't make very much money this summer, as I will only be paid about minimum wage and required to pay all of my own living expenses, but this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to make my dream come true and I wouldn't miss it for anything.

I just got a bunch of things squared away last night. My dad helped me book a flight to Orlando, a hotel because I'll be early, and a shuttle to the apartment where I'll be staying for the summer. I have been SO anxious since November when I started the interviewing process. And now it's finally time! My adventure begins April 26, 2010 and I plan to chronicling all the awesome stuff that happens this summer and all the amazing stuff I get to do. So look out for some great stories :)

In the words of one of my favorite tiggers (I hope we get to be friends ;) — TTFN, ta ta for now!