"Why worry? If you've done the very best you can, worrying won't make it any better," Walt Disney

Hello Friends,

This very well may be my last blog post until January 2nd - the day before I leave my program.  You see, tomorrow is my last day off until January 2nd.  Now I knew coming down to Disney, Christmas week is the busiest week in the park and would be the time period that would be scheduled for the most hours.  Because my programs ends literally right away the New Year though, I am scheduled as such.

It kinda looks something like this:  I will be working everyday from December 24th through the early AM hours of January 2nd for a grand total of 88 hours grand total (it had been more).

All I can say if THANK GOD I have the best co-workers and fellow Cast Members at the Emporium - and that they are my friends - it gives me hope in facing this daunting task.  And if I'm honest with myself I knew signing up for the Disney College Program this is what it was gonna be like at the end - prayers to Walt and God won't hurt though.  And it'll be great experience for me and will be something I'll remember forever.  And make every other Christmas from here on out that I'm home with family and friends a little more sweeter. Their support and understanding through out this journey through this experience is something I am so deeply thankful for.

So to recap.

Since last post (Thursday) I worked straight through til Tuesday.  I fell back in the Emporium routine very quickly after my parents left but by the time Tuesday came I was ready for a fun day with my friends.

Something very eventful and scary did happen Sunday in which I saw a fellow member of the College Program get hit by a car outside of Walgreens...thankfully she was not seriously injured but still had to go to the hospital for what appeared to have a severely broken ankle.  All was well to hope she would make a full recovery.  It was a sad, freak accident and made me realize I have seen some pretty traumatic things here in Disney.

But onto the happier times.

Monday: I was SO happy it was my Friday and after work I went right home and went to sleep.

Tuesday:  Now, looking back, I realize Tuesday was my last real day to enjoy the parks and I spent it with my favorite people, Thea, Kenzie, Kaitie, and Cliff, in Hollywood Studios.
I was still to terrified to go on Rock N' Roll so I got a beer instead and waited for the gang outside.
After a long queque wait and the ride itself we all got popcorn and soda with the last of our holiday vouchers and took a few moments to relax before Tower of Terror.
That's right folks.....I got a fast pass when we arrived at the park for Tower of Terror knowing I wanted to face my own terror and be able to say I went on the ride.
I personally hate elevators which is why I've always been hesitant about going on a ride that is a free failing elevator.  Also I have that reoccurring dream when you're free failing quite often.  The combo of these fears that is the Tower of Terror left me absolutely terrified as I got in line.  The wait was agony but I went toe to toe and channeled my inner nine year old Kiersten Dunst and got on the elevator.

And ya know what ......  It wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be.  In fact, at the end, I lifted my arms up.  It was fun but I don't think I'll be going back on any time soon. Kaitie did NOT enjoy it, but the picture of all us was hilarious! When I got off the ride I could not stop shaking for about 10 minutes afterwards.

Tower of Terror

AHHHH

Beautiful day at Hollywood Studios

After an enjoyable day at Hollywood Studios (complete with a photo pass picture session at the end) we took a journey to Chipotle for dinner and it was WELL worth the trip in which we were starving!

yum :)

After dinner we all went back to our apartments and I had a nice, relaxing evening drinking coffee, having dessert, and watching The Holiday. :)

Wednesday:  I woke up early and got to the gym before mentally preparing myself to go Christmas shopping.  I did very well shopping this year.... maybe Disney had something to do with it ;)  I'm really happy with everything I was able to purchase and I think I'll be okay fitting it all in my suitcases. Haha.  

I got a lovely care package from my Aunt Mar and Uncle Jamie - it was so nice of them and everything was lovely.  I got Chinese for dinner and watched another classic My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
I was actually able to start packing - such a scary thought.  Thea and Mallorie dropped by to pick some knickknacks I had set aside for them...I gave them enough sun tan lotion to last them through the Apocalypse haha.  All in all a great day off.

Thursday:  My "Monday" at work.  I didn't start til late so I took the afternoon to grab a few last minute Christmas things before starting my work week.

This four day work week hasn't been too bad - the calm before the storm.

I've spent the past few days at the dollar tree gathering my Christmas cards and small gifts for friends here in Disney!

In fact, I was able to send out all my Christmas letters yesterday! :)

I am SO happy today is my Friday and I can not wait for tomorrow when I'll celebrate Christmas with my Disney friends/family.

It is hard to not be with my family this holiday season (esp. with all the family gatherings I know I'm missing and being missed at) and instead be working so many hours but as Walt said - I'll do my best and I won't worry.  And why should I complain really - I'm working at the Happiest Place on Earth! It'll all be an accomplishment!


So wish me luck friends.  It's gonna be a memorable week ahead.  I'll try to post if I get a free moment but in all honesty I might be sleeping so stay tuned to see something on my last full day here in Disney on the 2nd!

Have a wonderful Christmas week with your family, friends. Best wishes of health and happiness in 2014 with a little bit of love, luck, and pixie dust from the happiest place on earth! May all your dreams and wishes come true.

Keep Dreaming,
Mary-Kate

"The American child is a highly intelligent human being - characteristically sensitive, humorous, open-minded, eager to learn and has a strong sense of excitement, engery and healthy curiosity about the world in which he lives..." Walt Disney

Hello Everyone,

I had a great week with my family. One that will try and capture below....a lot of it will be in picture form haha.  But first I'll start with the day before they arrived....

Tuesday: I had my last Disney Heritage class.  It was strange to think the eight week course had finally come to an end.  I was kind of disappointed I was there and not at the Candlelight ceremony in Epcot where the rest of my friends were watching Neil Patrick Harris (aka NPH) narrate...sigh.
The class was still interesting and I got to learn a few more Disney facts before receiving my certificate of completion and my perfect attendance award.
After class I had work for six hours and it wasn't all that bad.

Wednesday:  As my family was flying over the east coast I ran over to Magic Kingdom to take care of a few things before heading back to my apartment to meet them.
It was great seeing them after four months of being away from home! My Grandmom has made the journey: success #1 (she hadn't been a passenger on a plane since her honeymoon - she hates flying).
We went to the Luau at the Polynesian that evening and had a lovely time complete with AWESOME food and watching an amazing fire trick show.
After the Luau I took the monorail over to the contemporary to join my friends for the DCP Winter formal (#blizzardbash) - literally, the DJs must have implored us to use this hashtag via any way of social media AT LEAST 55 times.

Gram and I at the Luau

Thea, Kenzie, Gina, and I at formal :)

Thursday: We all slept in a little before heading to the Magic Kingdom in the afternoon til about dinner time.  It was great showing Gram around the park - seeing what she remembered and all the new stuff.  Mom, Dad, Eddie, and I got to go on some of our favorites including Space Mountain and the Hall of Presidents :) We also got front row seats to Celebrate a Dream Parade and the Christmas Preview. Eddie, Mom, and I also took a trip around the Speedway :)

Queen of Hearts flirting with Dad

Thursday night, we all went to Epcot and wandered around before settling in to the UK (of course) to watch IllumiNations!  Gram thought it was coolest thing she'd ever seen (til the next big thing she saw where she'd think that was the coolest thing...repeat...repeat...)
There is a special little bit at the for the holidays and it was really pretty and very moving!

Epcot's Christmas Tree! 

Friday: Mom, Dad, Eddie, and I headed out to Hollywood Studios where we made our way to get fastpasses for Tower and Terror and Rock n' Roller Coaster -- well they did I didn't go on either one.  Mom decided not to go on Tower of Terror so while Eddie and Dad were being dare devils we went to check out some dinner plans for later that evening.
Mom, Eddie, and I went on StarTours - so fun and funny - before we all headed back to the hotel to swim and meet up with Gram before heading back to Studios at night.

Of course, Eddie wanted a picture with this car.

Dad, Mom, Me and Eddie in HS!

Back at Studios we headed straight for the 5:30 showing of Beauty and Beast and it was as good as I remembered though I was very disappointed to tech guys that turn into an acapella group did not make an appearance - did they retire?  Also the Beast is not as scary as I remember while Gaston is much scarier.  

We had a nice dinner in Studios and Eddie and I took Gram to see "One Man's Dream" (a walk through area and film that tells of Walt Disney's life).  She really seemed to enjoy it.

But the show stopper was after dinner - Fantasmic (aka Fantastic).  Waiting in a line of roughly a few hundred people isn't all that bad...until they are directed to walk in a calm and orderly fashion and take it as the sound of the pistol at the beginning of a track meet sprint race. Seriously, people calm down. 

After getting through the masses we made it to our seats and only had a wait for a few minutes for the show to start.  Fantasmic is great and Gram seemed to be memorized.  She thought it was "incredible" - success #2.

After a day at the Studios we were pretty tired so we went home and right to bed.

Saturday:  Saturday was the day we didn't go to any of the parks.  We still had an enjoyable day by the pool and going to Downtown Disney.  Late lunch/early dinner at Raglan Road followed by dessert at Ghardelli's and shopping in World of Disney.  We went back to the hotel just as it was getting dark but with enough time to see all the buildings light up and get in a few good pictures (most of them are on my Grandmom's camera). 

All of us in Downtown Disney 

Sunday:  We had a lovely breakfast at the Grand Floridian Cafe and I decided then and there that when I make enough money to treat myself to a fancy Disney vacation that's where I want to stay.  

With the Gingerbread House!

Mom, Dad, Eddie, and I took an adventure to Epcot and got to ride my Dad's favorite ride - Soarin'.  We also got to walk around the countries and meet Pere Noel!

We got fast passes to Test Track but sadly there was some kind of issue and the ride was down for most of the rest of the afternoon.  

With Father Christmas! 

Before we knew it, it was time to head to the Magic Kingdom for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - part of my Dad's Christmas gift to us.

It was great to able to be in the Magic Kingdom as a guest for the party, appreciate the decorations and festive atmosphere - despite the temperature of 75 degrees.

We got to see the castle light up at 6:15 - so neat!

We spent some time shopping at the Emporium, drinking hot coco and eating sugar cookies and going on rides.  Space Mountain (Me, Mom, and Eddie), People Mover (Gram liked that one), Tea cups, Peter Pan, Thunder Mountain (Me, Mom, Dad, and Eddie) to name a few...

Now a few pictures from Very Merry...

The Castle lit up!

Mickey and Minnie!

Nutcracker Soldiers!

SANTA!!! OH MY GOD!!!

PS - We watched the Eagles "Snow Bowl" game in 85 degree weather while wearing our bathing suits. Just saying. 

Monday: Monday was our last day to enjoy the parks so we went to the only park Grandmom hadn't been to yet (for AM Magic Hours at that):  Animal Kingdom!

We went on the Safari first as it is best to do it in the early morning - your chance of seeing animals is a lot higher -- and saw animals we did! Most animals I've seen on the Safari! So great!  

Sadly the River Rapids was down so we went around to Everest and it was a lot of fun!  We joined Gram for lunch and just walked around the park for a little bit and took pictures.

The rest of the day was another opportunity to relax and soak up the warm weather and sun (before Mom, Dad, Eddie, and Gram had to head home to the cold). 

Tree of Life.

Animal Kingdom's Christmas Tree!

Tuesday: Tuesday morning we enjoyed our last breakfast at Pop Century; I had by stand by chocolate Croissant (so delicious)!  We all took one last swim in the pool and the family took in the last of the warm weather and Vitamin D.  We did some last minute shopping in the gift shop before heading off to my apartment.

It was crazy to think how quickly the week went but it was such a good week.  I was grateful to be able to get the time off. On the bright side, I'll be seeing the family and all my friends in PA in 3 weeks! 

After my family dropped me off I went to the Graduation Ceremony for DCP participants. 

I got my Mickey graduation ears and certificate of completion....just 2 and half more weeks of work. Can't believe it's all coming to an end.

Wednesday: Yesterday I went to the gym and unpacked everything from the vacation with the family! I went and saw Frozen, FINALLY! I went by myself but I didn't care.  It was amazing! Everyone must see it! So funny, great music, timeless story.

I finally went back to work last night and it really wasn't as bad as I thought it was gonna be - despite some people ridiculous comments and questions that left me puzzled - anyway - tis the season! 

Thursday (today): Today I woke and just took time to read and relax as I wasn't feeling all that great.  Hopefully my shift will go well at work tonight. 

 I can see the finish line --- so crazy! 

In Conclusion: My family is amazing. They also left me with my childhood stocking filled with the 12/13/14 days of Christmas - too cute! 

I don't know if my patience will hold out from opening the rest of them like tomorrow - haha I hope so.

  

:)

Finally:  The last bit of Walt's quote from the blog title is this.... "...Lucky indeed is the grown-up who manages to carry these same characteristics over into his adult life.  It usually makes for a happy and successful individual."

Reflecting on my family's trip I realized several things:

1.) I am an incredibly lucky daughter, sister, and Grand-daughter. They travel down here to Florida to see me and spend time with me around the holidays. Knowing we won't be together on Christmas day...it was like Christmas came early.

2.) This trip marked the first time my Grandmom had been on a plane since 1961 and her first time back in Disney since 1979!  I'm so happy she got experience the magic of Disney - it reminded me of what Disney is truly all about - the place where dreams can come true and everyone is a kid again!

3.) Though I won't have my family here with me on Christmas Day at least I'll have my Disney family.

My family's trip spent in "The Happiest Place on Earth" truly embodied the dedication that Walt said at the opening of Disneyland:

"To all who come to this happy place: Welcome. Disneyland is your land. Here age relives fond memories of the past, and here youth may savor the challenge and promise of the future. Disneyland is dedicated to the ideals, the dreams, and the hard facts that have created America, with the hope that it will be a source of joy and inspiration to all the world," Walt Disney 

Along with the quote that is displayed on the Walt and Mickey Statue in front of Cinderella's Castle that reads: 

"Partners"

"I think most of what I want Disneyland to be is a happy place...where parents and children can have fun, together."

We certainly did.

Until next time friends.

Keep Dreaming,

Mary-Kate 

"Never get bored or cynical. Yesterday is a thing of the past," - Walt Disney

Hello Friends,

Happy December!  I can not believe I only have a month left in my program and that my family will be here in a few days.  In some ways it feels like yesterday that they dropped me off and in other ways it feels like last year.  So many ups and downs here in Disney but, in light of the friendships I've made here, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.  I have learned a great deal here in Disney and, though I don't know what I immediate future holds at this precise moment, I know the lessons I have learned here (positive and negative) have already put me in a great place to step forward.

To recap on this past week.....

It was my first holiday week working in Disney and was full of some great moments and VERY early mornings.

Sunday (11/24):  Sunday saw the first cold day here in Florida, and by cold I mean 65 degrees...I had to pull out the north face...going home to real winter is going to be brutal. Work on Sunday wasn't all that bad except in was the first day of a seven day period of working until 4/4:30 AM.  I didn't know how I was going to survive it but I knew I had my friends so I would get through some how.

Monday (11/25):  I went to Panera for lunch with Gina, Mallorie, and Thea and then went to Verizon to have my phone check....and then went home and got ready to go back to work.  Lunch with friends = successful day.

Tuesday (11/26):  I was able to get my phone fixed, basically, on Tuesday morning - microphone issue and then got a Carmel drink at Panera (because the one from the day before was just tooo good).  Tuesday afternoon wasn't filled with too much activity; the real excitement began Tuesday night.
I had planned to see Frozen with Mallorie, Thea, Kenzie and Cliff (who all got their tickets the day before), but alas it was sold out of course.  So I figured there was no other option then to go to Raglan Road for a drink ;).  My friend Alice from work joined me as she was going to see Frozen with us but, like me, was faced with the reality it was sold out.
Our time at Raglan was truly wonderful as it was the first time I got to sit inside at the bar and watch the live music and see the dancers.  It felt like I was back in Ireland again.  I got to learn more about Alice and her family and it turns out she is a citizen of Ireland and her father is a native Irishmen.  Need less to say, we were in our element.

Raglan's Ceiling.

After Raglan we went home and got dolled up before going to Jelly Rolls with Alice's Room mate, Annie, and her other friend from work.  After being at Raglan for a little bit Jordan (a fellow Co-Cast Member from the Emporium) came and we rang in his 25th birthday in style.  My rendition of "I Want It That Way" was something to treasure and I broke it down dancing to "Bye Bye Bye" (despite whatever the stupid, jealous, pianist on left said).

We sang some old tunes and recent ones and had a great note.

Also fantastic side note: I ran into some basketball players from SJU.  They were down here playing in the tournament.  THWND! 

Wednesday (11/27):  Wednesday morning I relaxed and had my coffee before heading over to Rebecca's in the afternoon for tea.  Alice, LeeAnn, and I traveled to Vista for a proper English Tea.  Rebecca is English and went completely proper and all out and it was absolutely amazing.  Tea - Earl Gray and Prince of Wales - biscuits, scones, cream, jam, finger sandwiches and fruit.  :)

And of we had some proper English Music playing for the occasion, aka One Direction's new CD on repeat.  Tea time was so enjoyable and made me feel so posh! It made me miss London too, of course.  We all admired LeeAnn's Princess Diana/Catherine engagement ring and other inspired jewels.  it was lovely afternoon to be able to share with such good friends.

All of us at Tea.  Kimberly, LeeAnn, Angie, myself, Alice and Rebecca. Photo Credit: Rebecca.  

Wednesday night's work shift can be summed up in one word: insanity.  It seemed every sweatshirt we had in the store was sold (the temperature dropped to 31 degrees and let's just say people freaked out)!  It was a preparation for Christmas I'm sure.  We got through it but going through it was maddening.  Even our managers were taken a little bit a back I think at how truly busy it was.  Let's put it this way, when I came in at 6 pm, I had fellow cast members (jokingly yet quite seriously) telling me to "run away."   ....Like I said we survived and got through it....barely.... Our reward though came in the form of our first Thanksgiving feast of the day in the cafeteria - complete Thanksgiving meal at 4 AM for - wait for it - 99 cents ($1.05 with tax) - it was certainly the best meal I've ever had at 4 AM after working in the Emporium - yes beating out IHOP and Taco Bell and McDonald's....:)

Thursday (11/28): Thanksgiving Day.  I knew this would be the hardest day to be away from home for as my family and I go to the Philadelphia Parade every year, followed by the Rhawnshurst Pub, followed by dinner.  The day was hard but I have great friends in Disney and we made the best of our first holiday together.  It was absolutely gorgeous on Thanksgiving: sunny, clear skies, and 60 degrees.  I woke up and watched a little bit of the Macy's (NYC) Parade - not the same.  I showered and got ready for an early dinner at Kenzie's. My contribution was drinks and dessert.  

Thea, Kenzie, Kaitie, and I gathered at Kenzie and Kaitie's apartment for Thanksgiving Dinner - Thea's first Thanksgiving and the rest of ours first Thanksgiving away from home.  Those girls are amazing cooks though, as two of them are vegetarian, we had a vegetarian Thanksgiving...no turkey...a first for me....but still SO GOOD!

Thanksgiving 2013 :)

As you can see - it was splendid and very tastey and we ate til our hearts we content.  We ate so much we were properly full and needed to take a break before dessert.  

Thea and I with the Pumpkin Pie - a Thanksgiving must!

After all the feasting we partook in another important Thanksgiving tradition - the food coma.  Yes, we got our blankets and pillows and slept...well Thea and Kaitie slept and Kenzie and I relaxed and watched Mean Girls - classic.

Me, Kenize and Thea

Kaitie started work a little bit earlier than the rest of us so after she left we cleaned up from our meal, with lots of leftovers, completely proud and content with ourselves and our first Thanksgiving away from home - making our parents proud.  Thanksgiving meal of the day #2 - done.

Work on Thanksgiving wasn't nearly as bad - in terms of crowds and busy-ness - as we had been prepared for....especially after Wednesday night. The slower pace was nice. I was surprised in a way at the number of guests (who I knew were American) who did not say "Happy Thanksgiving" after others wished it to them.....sigh.....there were guests who thanked us for working the holiday so they made up for it.

I actually ate Thanksgiving meal of the day #3 at 12 AM on Black Friday. Food wise, it was one of my most successful Thanksgivings - literally never ending food.

Though I missed my family I was happy I got to be with my Emporium family and friends for the holiday...got to introduce Thea and Gina to Thanksgiving! 

I think the rush of the few days caught up with me as "Emporiumsomnia" (Emporium Insomnia as we call it) reached it's peak as I feel asleep at 7 AM Black Friday morning 

....I watched the sun rise from my bed room window.

Friday (11/29): After falling asleep at 7 AM and getting my eight hours of sleep  I woke up at 2 pm and needed to be back at work at 6 pm.   My opinions on Black Friday (and now Thanksgiving day/evening shopping) our neither here nor there but I will say I was curious how my first true Black Friday merchandise work experience would go.....and to be honest, it really wasn't that bad.  

At some points myself and guests forgot it was Black Friday (but hey, they still shopped on Black Friday)! I was sad I missed the tradition of the (Black Friday) Thanksgiving weekend beer and burn, but there's always next year!

Friday's shift went relatively quickly and I came home completely exhausted and fell asleep. 

Saturday (11/30):  I woke up late...per usual..but got to do something fun before going to the park to shop before work.  Every Saturday after Thanksgiving my Grandmom has a Thanksgiving dinner at her apartment complex and this year I still got to "be there" as I skyped in for the occasion - it was great to see and talk to the whole family - and a bit much to keep up with! haha!  Saturday's shift was also not that bad --- and it was officially my last shift until 4 AM --- we survived Thanksgiving week.

Here is the Magic Kingdom at night during the holidays:

Castle :)

Main Street from the Train Station :)

 Sunday (12/1): I couldn't believe it when Sunday rolled around and it was December - crazy!
Sunday was pretty low key including a pretty typical (and fast) work shift so that was nice!

Monday (12/2): Today I got to spend the day with Rose (my very first best friend from Oakmont Street in Philadelphia), her older sister Rita, and their nephew, Jaden.  I was excited when they had told me a few days prior that they we're coming to the park for the day!  It was Rose and Jaden's first visit to Disney World! We parked and took the ferry over to the Magic Kingdom (yes, my first time doing so).

It was a beautiful day on the water! 

We got our "First Visit" and "I'm Celebrating" buttons before getting pictures in front of the Castle.  We then headed to Tomorrowland and went to the laugh floor - a real hit with everyone. I showed them the speedway and Rose and I got fast passes for Space Mountain for later in the day.  We went on the People Mover and Jaden's reaction to the whole thing was priceless.  We went to the new area of Fantasyland and sadly couldn't ride Small World as it's currently under construction.  But not being discouraged we walked through the Castle and saw Gaston.  

We got some lunch at Pinocchio's (our server appreciated our correct pronunciation of water - "wooder" :)) before going on the Tea Cups and driving around the Speedway.  So Rose and I sucked at driving on the speedway but in our defense we were driving European style (and in my defense I haven't driven in 4 months - oops). Rita will probably never get in  a real car with me haha.  I made a mental note to myself that I should definitely visit the Speedway daily and drive on the right side of the road to get practice for when I get home.  

After that hilarious disaster Rose and I made our way to Space Mountain, while Rita and Jaden went to Club 626's dance party. Rose LOVED Space Mountain - as do I! :) 

We ended the night by walking though Storybook Circus where Rita and Jaden went on Dumbo and Rose and I got to catch up a little bit.

We hopped on the train and went to Main Street for a few last pictures before leaving.

Rose and I :)

They were nice enough to drop me off back at my apartment and Jaden fell asleep before we even got back! Successful 1st trip to Disney!   It's so nice to have friends/family in the park and I know they had a great time! It was also wonderful to be in the park with a truly happy little boy who was discovering it all for the first time - a true reminder of the magic of this place!

I came home and fell asleep for a little before waking up and being wide awake. 

I'm going back to sleep after I post this haha (I blame Emporiumsomnia).

I can't wait for my family to be here soon! 

This past week has been the best week I've had in Disney and I know the next few weeks will be even better! 

In regards to the blog title: You can learn something new everyday, if you dare to go on the adventure the day holds, explore the endless possibilities, make discoveries, and make memories.

Until next time friends.

Keep Dreaming,

Mary-Kate 

"If I were a fatalist, or a mystic, which I decidedly am not, it might be appropriate to sat I believe in my lucky star. But I reject 'luck' - I feel every person creates his own 'determinism' by discovering his best aptitudes and following them undeviatingly," Walt Disney

Hello Friends,

I do apologize for the delay in posting but when I you read this post below you may understand why.  It will probably be a great deal shorter than previous posts and I will not be as descriptive and here's why:

Thursday 11/14-Monday 11/18 - Work. Sleep. Socialize. Sleep. Try and be productive. Work. Sleep.  It seems my early morning shifts at the Emporium have finally rested easily with me - or precisely have not! See, my internal sleep clock now is set from 6 am to 1 pm.  It is now so easy for my to be awake between 2 pm to 5 am with hours of peek alertness being roughly 10 pm- 4 am.  For those of you that know me will know this new "normal" sleep schedule has proven to be the most irritating thing for me. My whole life I have had this un-written rule for myself that I wouldn't let myself sleep past 11 am as it meant my day was, basically, over.  Now of course this isn't true but I just like the idea of waking up in the morning, having a good, solid, day and going to bed at night time.  Thanks to Disney my older ideas and beliefs have been (literally) turned on their heads and I am now nocturnal.

I am trying to take it all with stride though and remind myself I do enjoy my job and the people I work with so it makes it worth it.  There have been many magical moments and great experiences.  My daily productivity is now just measured by how much laundry, grocery shopping, and catching up with family and friends, and job searching/applying I can get done before work. As of late this activity has been low and I know I need to change it.

On the plus side: Monday, 11/18 was my Dad's birthday as well as Mickey and Minnie's 85th Birthday!  My Dad enjoys sharing his birthday with those two (I think part of thinks "of course I do, there's no one else better" wink!)

Tuesday, 11/19 - Mary Kate picked me up around 2pm (yes only two hours after waking up) to head to Hollywood Studios for our Disney Heritage Class.  It was a scavenger hunt across Hollywood Studios and was a lot of fun.
After class MK and I enjoyed some dinner at pizza planet and talking about the Emporium life.  We also walked around and saw the Osbourne Family Lights Show - so cool!
Later on that night I stopped by Kenzie's to be joined by a bunch of fellow co-Cast Members for a fun evening of not entirely watching Love Actually and enjoying each other's company.

Wednesday: Wednesday also marked a fun little Emporium gathering at Friendsgiving.  Friendsgiving is the Thanksgiving Feast hosted by College Program housing for all of us CPs.  A real thanksgiving meal - my first real meal in too too long - it was awesome! Also met Pocahontas and John Smith. After dinner MK, Thea, Melissa, and I went back to Kate's apartment and watched Book of Mormon: The Musical, a very interesting and funny musical to say the least.  Very fun night indeed.

Photo Credit: Shannon

Tuesday and Wednesday night Emporium Family! Photo Credit: Thea

Thursday to Today:  Much of the same. Work, sleep, eat, work, sleep.  This week is Thanksgiving week which means I'll be working til 4 am every night but thanks to Emporium insomnia this will be no problem!  Got a couple of great things planned for this week including feasts, movie viewings, and teas - should be great.

In regards to my blog post title: I agree with Uncle Walt to a point.  I do believe in a little bit of luck, whatever you happen to call that luck - dumb luck, divine intervention, fate.....

I have tried to take this time in Disney to enjoy the experience and continue to push myself forward. I have learned many great lessons, one of them being what Walt said (which I agree with): "I feel every person creates his own 'determinism' by discovering his best aptitudes and following them undeviatingly...."  I have worked to try and determine what my future could be and work towards those endless possibilities, towards something I actually believe in and know I will enjoy.  Yes there will be heartbreak and set back but as long as I don't let such things keep me down for too long, I can do anything I want. I believe that everything happens for a reason, that everything will work out, and, yes, sometimes there is a little luck in all of it.  

So here I go: onto a new week ---- keep moving forward ---- 

Until then - great times with friends.

My family is coming in just over a week and I couldn't be more excited :)  

Until next time friends....

Keep Dreaming, 

Mary-Kate 

"You be will be a poorer person all your life if you don't know some of the great stories and the great poems," Walt Disney

Hello Friends,

Yes a little bit of time has passed since I last posted...by work schedule took a few early morning turns, a few mornings in a row, and seems my mornings/days off have been all about getting back on to a normal sleeping schedule and getting things done.  I hate the idea of waking up after 11 AM but it's been happening.  I also hate the feeling of not getting (what I would consider) productive things done in the day and to some extent I feel like I've just been a zombie going from day to day. Sleep work sleep.
But today I put my food down because a change was in order.

Now to recap the past week and a half or so....

Tuesday (11/5): This day had some adventure for sure.
I spent the morning at the gym, getting Starbucks, all the little things here and there.
I headed to Magic Kingdom round 2 pm as my Disney Heritage class was to be a walking tour of the park.  I arrived in Magic Kingdom (after having left it only some 12 hours before) to find it totally transformed for Christmas.  Now while I was working there until 2 am Tuesday morning I did hear the performers practicing for the parade and white stuff outside the windows but I wasn't quite prepared when I saw all of this.....

When I updated these pictures to facebook I simply wrote "Et tu, Magic Kingdom?"  As many of you know Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday and while I understand the need, in Disney's case, to skip right over it, it still upsets me.  Of course it make sense for Disney to target  the mindset of our guests who visit this time of year but to see the nation driven in such a consumer, commercialized way is rather irritating.  

But since it's Walt Disney World, I'll let it go, but I'm so quick to let any of my fellow Cast Members forget Thanksgiving. I'm told there is Thanksgiving-esq meals around dinning areas around property on Thanksgiving day; I'll be sure to go to one of those.

The class itself was interesting with some material I had heard before and some material I had not.  It was nice to see things in person as we were talking about them.  It was also nice to go and watch Mickey's Philarmagic with real guests (especially the young children) around us. 

After class I boarded the monorail set for Epcot and the next adventure of the night: HANSON.

I met Kenzie and Kaitie outside the ticket gates and we walked around the lands before stopping at American Adventure (and having no luck finding Thea or Mallorie) but we stayed and jammed out none the less.  Hanson played three shows that night and we got there for the 6:45 show and to our out right dismay they did not play Mmmbop at the 6:45 show leaving us no choice but to stay for the 8 pm showing (the last one) because we knew they'd play Mmmbop then. 

We caught Thea and Mallorie after the 6:45 show let out and Mallorie headed to Magic Kingdom to catch the Castle lighting up while Thea and Kenzie went to eat at the Italy stand and Kaitie and I stayed to eat in America.  It was nice talking to Kaitie about the Jonas brothers and our favorites, One Direction.

Soon enough it was 8 pm and we got to hear Mmmbop. I must say the Hanson brothers aged nicely and I'm happy I got to see them even if it was a 90s-self-indulgent-moment.  I reminded myself I'll have to try their Whiskey soon :)

Hanson on stage :)

After the show I went back to Kaitie and Kenzie's and we all watched Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince before I went home and slept.

Wednesday (11/6): On my second day off I pretty much relaxed and did nothing until the evening time when I watched the CMAs with Katie and Britt. 

Thursday (11/7): My Monday started out rather nicely as I went to Panera for lunch with Gina before heading to work.  Work was alright and I knew it was the calm before the storm. 

Friday (11/8):  Friday marked the first Christmas Party and was, hands down, the most insane day at work I've had at the Emporium thus far (as Cast Members we're still talking about it).  I was in the room that particularly busy as it held all the Christmas Party Merchandise.  The only way I can describe it is that it reminded me of Black Friday (or what I suspect Black Friday to be like if I shopped that day).  Localized and organized (fighting for control): chaos. 

 I was/am proud I can say I am a part of such an amazing group of Cast Members because I think we all did amazingly if I do say so myself.  Our guests....were clearly in a hurry and a bit meaner they I was prepared to handle this time of year.  I figured this kind of holiday shopper didn't make an appearance until end of November time -- I was wrong. 

Never the less, we made it through, but we were left at the end of the night looking at each other going, "What just happened?"  But it's the Big E - we gotta under control!!!

Saturday (11/9) and Sunday (11/10):  Basically I worked until 4 am for both of these shifts and slept for the better part of these days (when I wasn't working).  I was left feeling very very tired and worn out and after Friday -- oh lordy. Sunday was another Christmas party and although it wasn't insane like Friday it was still busy but I got to talk to a lot of guests who ran in the Wine and Dine runs in Epcot the night before and I decided it is a new goal of mine to run a 5K next year :)

Monday (11/11):  Monday was a welcomed day off as I traded shifts with Gina.  I spelt it and felt recovered before going to enjoy the last day of Food and Wine with Thea and Mallorie.  I arrived at Epcot to find them in the UK (of course) watching a comedy show.  I sat and watched the end.  It was SO funny! 

After the show I went to grab a beer as I had felt entitled to it after the few days of work we had all had (for their sake, in knowing they deserved one too, I was so wishing Thea and Mal were 21 but alas we must wait a few more months).  

Cheering to a day off and end to Food and Wine! :)

We walked around a little bit and got lunch and headed to France where I got some yummy macaroons and a chocolate croissant. Next it was onward to America to see Big Bad Vooodoo Daddy, a cool slick jazz band that ROCKED it! I was reminded how much I love jazz so that was nice! They were awesome.  

Happy Veteran's Day from American Adventure!

We ended our time at Food and Wine at Australia (I told Thea and Mallorie I wasn't going to their with out them)!

Me and my Aussie chicks :)

After a lovely time at Food and Wine we decided to end to Downtown for dinner and dessert.

Dinner: Raglan Road, of course.  The band was about an hour late so we staked out for almost two hours to see them.  They were good and we were able to enjoy food and coffee.

Dessert: Ghirardelli's Chocolate Ice Cream :)

Downtown looked like a little Christmas Village. It was a really nice night.

Went home and went right to bed.

Thea and Mal at Raglan :)

Tuesday (11/12/13):  Yesterday was 11/12/13 so that was cool. Also I heard it was snowing at home...it was 73 degrees here.  I spent yesterday reading and writing before heading to class at 4.  Class was nice.  We had a guest speaker who talked all about Epcot from Walt Disney's original idea to the present day we know today.  Walt's original idea was complex and interesting for sure but I think he'd still be happy with the park today.  It's one of my favorites! 

When I got home from class I ordered Benihana's  with Katie and Brit and we watched Love Actually.  Successful night indeed.

Wednesday: Today I woke up and went to the gym before doing some laundry and reading.  I came here to Starbucks to blog before I head off the work.  It's been a cool 65 and windy.  If I think 65 is cold - I'm in trouble.  

My blog title reflects the fact that I've been able to read and write a lot lately which I'm grateful for, it's a gift Disney has shown me I truly love and I am happy and proud I am incorporating them into my daily life again.  Along with eating better and being healthy: 2014 looks to be a great year.  Although there have been upsets I can't wait to see what January has in store.  

In the mean time my family comes in 3 shorts weeks and I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT! I'm so excited to see them.  

Hope you all enjoy this post.

Until next time friends...

Keep Dreaming,

Mary-Kate