I should really change the picture at the top, since it really doesn't make a whole lot of sense anymore. However, I am afraid that if I do, somehow, everything will get deleted. Plus, I need a sweet picture.
Speaking of pictures, I have failed as a maker of memories this past weekend and took ZERO pictures. I forgot my camera for the first (and only) day of games which ticked me off something fierce and I boycotted it the rest of the weekend. I know a couple people on our team took some pictures so once I get a hold of those I'll put them up here. Anyway, I went to Austin, TX this past weekend for my first club tournament, which happened to be regionals. There wasn't room for me during the regular season and I couldn't play during sectionals (Stanley = much more important) so my first tournament with this team was a one and done deal. We were ranked 10th but finished 7th which is not bad for a first year team. I had a ton of fun, met some great people, learned a lot, and got my first club experience which was faaantastic. It's great because I no longer feel like I need to continue the dream with college ultimate and can start a new chapter of my ultimate career. Rec league is great, but it is tough to satisfy my thirst all year long.
After these past couple weekend of traveling (CA, ILSTU, TX), I realize that I am working for the weekend. Traveling to a tournament was something that I dearly missed and was so relieved to experience it once again this past weekend. But the wanderlust has got me in its grips and I am quite alright with that. I have to take a break for a little while I save more money and also focus more on work since we have several big groups coming up, including performances for ESPN's Old Spice Classic (in addition to other tournaments around the U.S) and groups performing for the Macy's Day Parade, Thanksgiving Parade in Disneyland, and Christmas Parade at Walt Disney World. It's incredible how many factors go into making a trip successful. I am so happy that I work with two incredibly talented and experienced travel veterans who know the business forwards and backwards (and forwards) and impart knowledge on me everyday.
I have been getting much better at getting out of the apt. at least every other day, if only to go to the gym. They have some great classes and I am in the best shape I have been in for awhile, which feels fantastic. I am trying to also culture myself up with movies and books. I just finished 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy. It was vague and thin, using just enough words to describe the plight of the father and son. I had not read something like that in a long time. Would I say it's my favorite? Not really, but that's the point; I am trying to expand my boundaries because all too often I strike down a piece of art that is foreign to me, kind of like 20th century music. Actually, bad example; I'll never enjoy/understand 20th century music. I've also been trying to build up my movie repertoire, including 'L.A. Confidential' and 'Wall Street'. I also watched 'Big Trouble in Little China', which is one of the more hilarious movies I have ever seen.
I made a slideshow of when I went to N. CA to visit Mr. Spoden. Enjoy.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Welcome Back
So I suppose now is as good as any of a time to get back on the blog bicycle. Last time I was here I was nearing the end of my internship and had a solid plan. That plan, like most, was altered...I think it's safe to say drastically. I had big plans to go back to front-line for awhile working recreation and putting people on boats and when the time came, to enter the world of Guest Relations. Now I am working as an Operations Coordinator for MusicAmerica doing student travel. Huh. If you would like to know how that happened, well, I'm sure you already do if we talk on a regular basis. If not, then maybe we should start (or start again). I love to share, but I want to hear about you too.
I visited ISU this past weekend, and it was better than I could have imagined. Dominated my expectations. Took them out to a nice seafood and then never called them again. I would live that weekend over and over again, but coming home made me realize that is not the answer. As much as it may seem like a plausible idea, my time there is through. Living at home and going there every other weekend would just dilute weekends like I just experienced, make them seem insignificant. But what I would give to do it all again. Do it the same, do it differently, I don't care; it was the fact that I was given the opportunity to live it.
At this moment, being there seems like the best idea I could have; it's as my mind is not allowing any other thoughts to develop, and to me, it doesn't seem so crazy. Just go with what works. Crazy thoughts are going through my head. Insane thoughts. Like, is this really where I'm supposed to be, because it seems like I just left a bunch of people that I love and that love me. Something like 19 goodbyes within 20 minutes was one of the more difficult things I've had to do as of late. Should I really be doing this job? Where is right for me? I thought leaving ISU for the last time would be the toughest. Wrong. It never gets easier. At least not for an emotional roller-coaster like myself.
These are just musings that I need to get out because...well, just because I need to. I thought I was pretty self-sufficient and I think I still am. Maybe I'm still catching up on sleep (because lord knows I hardly got any last weekend) or maybe it's because I had to shave (which officially meant the weekend was over) or maybe because I just need to get settled back in. But I really loved that part of my life and can't believe it's this far away. It kills me to look at that picture.
Everyday I hear of individuals that have so many more struggles in their life and mine just pale in comparison. I was recently looking for a roommate on Craigslist and found an entry with a man who was in engineering design for 30 years and was recently laid off. His savings were gone and he just need anywhere to live, someone who would be willing to take just $30 a month. And he sounded so cheerful. Maybe he was full of crap, and I'd like to hope he was, but how can be upset with anything in my life when I've experienced nothing of the sort? We always think ours are the most important until you talk to one other person.
I'm not a quote person (unless it's Anchorman) but this is one that I found stenciled into a desk at Milner years ago during a late night session, and I've tried to live by it ever since.
Live--for the day will come when you are happy, and you bless life'
-Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo
Thanks friends for a fantastic weekend. You mean so much to me.
I visited ISU this past weekend, and it was better than I could have imagined. Dominated my expectations. Took them out to a nice seafood and then never called them again. I would live that weekend over and over again, but coming home made me realize that is not the answer. As much as it may seem like a plausible idea, my time there is through. Living at home and going there every other weekend would just dilute weekends like I just experienced, make them seem insignificant. But what I would give to do it all again. Do it the same, do it differently, I don't care; it was the fact that I was given the opportunity to live it.
At this moment, being there seems like the best idea I could have; it's as my mind is not allowing any other thoughts to develop, and to me, it doesn't seem so crazy. Just go with what works. Crazy thoughts are going through my head. Insane thoughts. Like, is this really where I'm supposed to be, because it seems like I just left a bunch of people that I love and that love me. Something like 19 goodbyes within 20 minutes was one of the more difficult things I've had to do as of late. Should I really be doing this job? Where is right for me? I thought leaving ISU for the last time would be the toughest. Wrong. It never gets easier. At least not for an emotional roller-coaster like myself.
These are just musings that I need to get out because...well, just because I need to. I thought I was pretty self-sufficient and I think I still am. Maybe I'm still catching up on sleep (because lord knows I hardly got any last weekend) or maybe it's because I had to shave (which officially meant the weekend was over) or maybe because I just need to get settled back in. But I really loved that part of my life and can't believe it's this far away. It kills me to look at that picture.
Everyday I hear of individuals that have so many more struggles in their life and mine just pale in comparison. I was recently looking for a roommate on Craigslist and found an entry with a man who was in engineering design for 30 years and was recently laid off. His savings were gone and he just need anywhere to live, someone who would be willing to take just $30 a month. And he sounded so cheerful. Maybe he was full of crap, and I'd like to hope he was, but how can be upset with anything in my life when I've experienced nothing of the sort? We always think ours are the most important until you talk to one other person.
I'm not a quote person (unless it's Anchorman) but this is one that I found stenciled into a desk at Milner years ago during a late night session, and I've tried to live by it ever since.
Live--for the day will come when you are happy, and you bless life'
-Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo
Thanks friends for a fantastic weekend. You mean so much to me.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Nearing the finish line
It's been a couple days...but who knows that?!?!?!?
Anyway, t-minus 4 days till this internship is kaput. I'm pretty excited about my new posish because I'll get to be doing stuff outdoors. However, summer got here in a hurry and it's about as hot as the winter was cold. I was at club tryouts on Saturday and it felt like a weak midget was holding a off-brand ziploc over my head. Yeah, that hot. If you're wondering about that link, at was the first appropriate picture I could post with the search term of 'hot'. Take it for a ride if you don't believe me.
I've been doing a lot of research on what I can do in the next year at Disney. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll get a shot at Guest Relations until December-ish since they pull from a bench (Disney fancy word for a wait list. I'm not sure if I've talked about it before...). Anyway, I'll be doing the Rec thing and Safaris until then. There is also a TA (temporary assignment) in which I'm interested. It's with Magic Music Days and roughly has to do with what I did for Festival Disney. However, they need TAs (they pull from a bench, big surprise) because they get slammed in November and spring break times. It would be some great experience though and I feel very qualified based on my time with Festival Disney.
And the infamous RSK was here last weekend. Mandy was a trixy little hobbit and pulled off the surprise of a lifetime (she's pretty awesome). I was under the impression that she was having an epic fight with her roommates, but boy when Ryan jumped out from those cars, I had been gotten. We had a pretty swell time, doing the Disney thing a bit and relivin the old days courtesy of some Whiskey Sours and Left 4 Dead. Yes, I did get an Xbox 360 and I'm pretty sure I'm the last person on earth to have one.
I feel like I have more to say...but I can't think of it...so here's a baby gorilla!
Anyway, t-minus 4 days till this internship is kaput. I'm pretty excited about my new posish because I'll get to be doing stuff outdoors. However, summer got here in a hurry and it's about as hot as the winter was cold. I was at club tryouts on Saturday and it felt like a weak midget was holding a off-brand ziploc over my head. Yeah, that hot. If you're wondering about that link, at was the first appropriate picture I could post with the search term of 'hot'. Take it for a ride if you don't believe me.
I've been doing a lot of research on what I can do in the next year at Disney. Unfortunately, I don't think I'll get a shot at Guest Relations until December-ish since they pull from a bench (Disney fancy word for a wait list. I'm not sure if I've talked about it before...). Anyway, I'll be doing the Rec thing and Safaris until then. There is also a TA (temporary assignment) in which I'm interested. It's with Magic Music Days and roughly has to do with what I did for Festival Disney. However, they need TAs (they pull from a bench, big surprise) because they get slammed in November and spring break times. It would be some great experience though and I feel very qualified based on my time with Festival Disney.
And the infamous RSK was here last weekend. Mandy was a trixy little hobbit and pulled off the surprise of a lifetime (she's pretty awesome). I was under the impression that she was having an epic fight with her roommates, but boy when Ryan jumped out from those cars, I had been gotten. We had a pretty swell time, doing the Disney thing a bit and relivin the old days courtesy of some Whiskey Sours and Left 4 Dead. Yes, I did get an Xbox 360 and I'm pretty sure I'm the last person on earth to have one.
I feel like I have more to say...but I can't think of it...so here's a baby gorilla!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Not the most exciting week
This week was me in the office...all week...with only about 2 other interns most of the time. Our task mostly consisted of making calls for everyone on the road and trying to setup appointments for them. We have been assigned counties for our visits but we had to research schools in those counties to see how accurate our current list is against what is out there. After that, we find out the senior class size for next year and what they did for their senior trip (Grad Nite, Grad Bash, cruise around the world, etc.). If by some luck we are able to get a hold of the correct individual, we then try to get all this information from them; however, most of the time it involves grilling the secretary to see what he/she knows. Then after 3 pm, when schools are closed, it's entering stuff into Seibel, our account tracking program. However, next week, I get to do schools in Indian River County (Vero Beach) and Orange, which is gonna be tough since that's basically in Disney's backyard so a lot of those folks have their minds made up regarding Grad Nite. I think I'm going to focus on the schools that have attended in the past to make sure we maintain a good relationship.
Mandy's family was here this past week which meant a lot of eating oot. The first day they were here, we went to Cape May at the Beach Club which is a seafood buffet. Now, in northern Illinois, seafood isn't way up there on everyone's list of favorite foods, but in Pennsylvania, it's how they roll. Mandy's self-proclaimed favorite food is crab legs, with crab cakes coming in at a close second. Apparently they go to Ocean City, MD every year which has, according to her, phenomenal seafood. She was also astounded that I have never been there. I am finally getting into crab legs since I was finally taught how to eat them.
However, Mandy went home with her parents on Thursday because her Gram was nearing the end of her life. Sadly, even though they took the earlier flight, Gram passed away before they could get back home. It was very unfortunate and a hard blow to the entire Spearly family. It's also tough when I can only be there for her electronically and she won't be getting back till this Wednesday. Life's not always quite fair as I learned with my grandmother years ago.
This weekend was pretty tame so far. We won our league game Friday, and they have it worked out at the bar across the street that the winning team gets a free pitcher. What a fantastic league I joined. My team consists of some pretty cool cats and I think we'll do real well this season. Yesterday my hangout plans fell through so I ended up cleaning basically everything I own. Washed my car, cleaned and vacuumed the interior, cleaned the bathroom, swept the porch, rearranged the TV area, blah blah blah. Super boring stuff but it needed to get done. Now today I am going over to hang with some ultimate buddies and grill and be adults and whatnot.
And finally, good news: I will HAVE a job come June 11th (end of my internship). I will be part-time (no full-time available anywhere) doing Rec at Bay Lake Marina, which is rec sport stuff for Ft. Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. It's not super glamorous and it's a drastic decrease in pay, but it's a job and it will do until my Guest Relations plan kick in. They warned me that I would be outside all day and I assured them that was fine since I have been in an office way too much as of late. I'll also be able (allegedly) to pick up shifts at other Rec locations as well as Safaris, so I'm not too concerned about pay.
Mandy's family was here this past week which meant a lot of eating oot. The first day they were here, we went to Cape May at the Beach Club which is a seafood buffet. Now, in northern Illinois, seafood isn't way up there on everyone's list of favorite foods, but in Pennsylvania, it's how they roll. Mandy's self-proclaimed favorite food is crab legs, with crab cakes coming in at a close second. Apparently they go to Ocean City, MD every year which has, according to her, phenomenal seafood. She was also astounded that I have never been there. I am finally getting into crab legs since I was finally taught how to eat them.
However, Mandy went home with her parents on Thursday because her Gram was nearing the end of her life. Sadly, even though they took the earlier flight, Gram passed away before they could get back home. It was very unfortunate and a hard blow to the entire Spearly family. It's also tough when I can only be there for her electronically and she won't be getting back till this Wednesday. Life's not always quite fair as I learned with my grandmother years ago.
This weekend was pretty tame so far. We won our league game Friday, and they have it worked out at the bar across the street that the winning team gets a free pitcher. What a fantastic league I joined. My team consists of some pretty cool cats and I think we'll do real well this season. Yesterday my hangout plans fell through so I ended up cleaning basically everything I own. Washed my car, cleaned and vacuumed the interior, cleaned the bathroom, swept the porch, rearranged the TV area, blah blah blah. Super boring stuff but it needed to get done. Now today I am going over to hang with some ultimate buddies and grill and be adults and whatnot.
And finally, good news: I will HAVE a job come June 11th (end of my internship). I will be part-time (no full-time available anywhere) doing Rec at Bay Lake Marina, which is rec sport stuff for Ft. Wilderness and Wilderness Lodge. It's not super glamorous and it's a drastic decrease in pay, but it's a job and it will do until my Guest Relations plan kick in. They warned me that I would be outside all day and I assured them that was fine since I have been in an office way too much as of late. I'll also be able (allegedly) to pick up shifts at other Rec locations as well as Safaris, so I'm not too concerned about pay.
Friday, May 14, 2010
First Week of Sales Calls
So a lot changed since my last post. This past Sunday, an intern, who is also a friend of mine, discovered her grandmother had just passed away. It was very unfortunate, and I'm not sure if it was really expected. I understand they were very close and we all gave her our condolences. Needless to say, she was on the first plane back to Alabama. She was supposed to go to Georgia this week for sales calls. At the end of the day Monday, I asked our head manager if they were planning to fill her spot, and if that was the case, then I wanted to be that person. After some discussion, we decided that the schools in the area would be worth sending me to for a day and a half. I was psyched that I was going to get to do some traveling. Krista (my manager) then went into my future after the internship (big surprise for me). I had mentioned to her that I was interested in Guest Relations, and apparently she had not forgotten. I won't go into details, but she is definitely going to do everything she can to help me get into that area, as well as the Production Assistant role for the next year. She also mentioned that she thinks I would be pretty qualified/interested in a temporary role in Magic Music Days for the fall. It's awesome to have a higher-up on your side!
I just got back from Georgia/Alabama a couple hours ago. It was a lot of fun for the most part, because not every school stop went to plan. We only had a few appointments, but a couple times I did get lucky and got some unexpected face time with some decision makers. A couple of my visits also entailed follow-ups with groups who went this past year. All in all, I'm so happy I got the experience, but it was a pretty wearing experience and I'm not at all upset that I will be in the central Florida area next week. Side note: Even after all of Krista's offerings to help, I should have figured out that, no, our placement for sales calls was not based on job performance. However, it was really bothering me and I asked anyway, mostly because I'm an idiot. My suspicions were shot down, as I should have known, and I probably should not have. Oh well, hope I didn't screw myself over.
Also, ULTIMATE SUMMER LEAGUE STARTS TONIGHT. Praise Allah.
I just got back from Georgia/Alabama a couple hours ago. It was a lot of fun for the most part, because not every school stop went to plan. We only had a few appointments, but a couple times I did get lucky and got some unexpected face time with some decision makers. A couple of my visits also entailed follow-ups with groups who went this past year. All in all, I'm so happy I got the experience, but it was a pretty wearing experience and I'm not at all upset that I will be in the central Florida area next week. Side note: Even after all of Krista's offerings to help, I should have figured out that, no, our placement for sales calls was not based on job performance. However, it was really bothering me and I asked anyway, mostly because I'm an idiot. My suspicions were shot down, as I should have known, and I probably should not have. Oh well, hope I didn't screw myself over.
Also, ULTIMATE SUMMER LEAGUE STARTS TONIGHT. Praise Allah.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Sales Call Assignments
Hanging out with Jasmine and AladdinSo, as promised, here are the results of the sales call assignments...and they weren't as I was hoping. Looks like I'll only be making day trips to central Florida schools. Since we have never really been told, we are just assuming that the interns that get to do the most traveling are our 'top' sales people. So following that logic, I'm at the bottom of the food chain. I bounced my placement and if I should be concerned about it off of some people on our floor and didn't really get a satisfactory answer. We are all doing the same job, which is selling Grad Nite (in addition to other youth programs), just different parts of the country, but are we considered to all have the same ability? I talked to Mandy and she gave me some good advice on how to approach my leader to discuss the issue without sounding like a turd. I think I deserve to know why I was placed where I am and if it is based on past performance, what I can do to improve myself for the future. It was just a long day in general. Luckily my laday is super amazing!
dinner at O'Hana (AWESOME)--I am overly excitedTomorrow I work really early, 6:45. But Rene scheduled myself and Jenna and Mariah for the early shift so we can be done before because we're all (and Mandy) doing Goofy's Musical Mystery Tour! It's a big game for cast members that takes place after park closing at Hollywood Studios. There are 50 trivia questions, but they are only on the screen for 15 seconds each. That's when the game gets good. We are all bungee'ed together and have to solve different puzzles over the next 2 hours. Disney knowledge helps, but isn't 100% necessary. It should be a swell time.
Picture from Swiss Family Robinson's TreehouseEmily J was here this week, so I got to take her and her 2 friends park hopping Sunday. We only got a couple hours, but I got to lay on them all of my Disney knowledge whilst waiting in line. We started at Studios and did Tower, Coaster, and Star Tours. Then headed over to Kingdom for some other stuff, especially fireworks. It was really good to see her though since it was my first friend to visit!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
last festival is just around the corner
Hey everybody. Sorry it's been awhile, but once it gets to be over 2 weeks with no updates, I struggle to find the ambition to post when there are so many things to write about.
Both my parents were here a couple of weeks ago; my dad was here during his spring break and my mom for hers the following week. My dad was escorting for a group from the suburbs and Festival Disney was one of their stops. So in a roundabout way, I was working with my dad which I thought was pretty cool. We hung out a couple nights he was here with the final night culminating with him meeting some of my friends at Ale House.
My mom was here the following week, arriving in Orlando on Easter (side note: I kept telling everyone my parents were coming, but they would be here at different times. Mandy was telling everyone the same thing and kept getting asked if my parents were divorced. Luckily for me that is not the case). Anyway, we did various things around the state since there were black-out dates for the parks...not that my mom cares that much and has been here who knows how many times as it is. The Tuesday that she was here, we went to North Beach, which is west of St. Petersburg. Took us a little longer than we anticipated to get there, but it was a beautiful day nonetheless. Unfortunately, Mandy and I got insane sunburn. The next couple nights of sleep were rough for me. Wednesday my mom and I went to lunch at a great Greek place on international drive after I got off of work. We then tried to go to a botanical garden, but missed it by about 10 minutes (damn you, tourist traffic...). Instead we walked around Lake Eola and then came back home for some mini-golfing.
Like the title says, the end of Festival season is quickly approaching. May 7th and 8th will be our last weekend. However, I'm not officially done until June 11th, and the higher-ups have something kind of cool in store for us. For that last month, we will periodically be making sales calls, with some of us staying in the immediate area and others traveling all the way to northern Georgia. Those making the latter trip will be gone for almost two weeks. We will be finding out in a week where we will be going. Either way, it's going to be some GREAT experience.
As for me after the internship, it's one of two things (at this point): 1) go back to safari, get full-time either there or one of several other locations I would like, get on the Guest Relations bench/waitlist (in July) and then brush on my French to be able to give VIP tours after 6 months or 2) remain in Youth Programs for a little bit longer if they do offer me a sales position with other responsibilities. I don't think I would want to do the latter forever, but I also think I would be a fool to turn down the opportunity, experience, and money. With Guest Relations, it would satisfy my desire to go back to the parks and get my fill of guest interaction (which is what I miss the most) and basically have some fun before I feel the desire to remain in an office for awhile. I've had lots of meet and greets, but unfortunately, no one can make me decision for me.
Spring ultimate league is over, with our team finishing 5th out of 8, but summer starts in less than a month and I couldn't be more pumped. I liked my captain and teammates a lot and I'm hoping we get to stick together since there is a draft for our league (and now he'll know who I am). There are also club tryouts starting the beginning of June. A couple of the guys think I have a shot, so if I do make it, I'll see if I can in fact commit enough to remain with the team.
That should roughly bring you up to speed on everything. I'll let you know about the sales calls and post-internship news/job(???) when I get more of a handle on things.
Both my parents were here a couple of weeks ago; my dad was here during his spring break and my mom for hers the following week. My dad was escorting for a group from the suburbs and Festival Disney was one of their stops. So in a roundabout way, I was working with my dad which I thought was pretty cool. We hung out a couple nights he was here with the final night culminating with him meeting some of my friends at Ale House.
My mom was here the following week, arriving in Orlando on Easter (side note: I kept telling everyone my parents were coming, but they would be here at different times. Mandy was telling everyone the same thing and kept getting asked if my parents were divorced. Luckily for me that is not the case). Anyway, we did various things around the state since there were black-out dates for the parks...not that my mom cares that much and has been here who knows how many times as it is. The Tuesday that she was here, we went to North Beach, which is west of St. Petersburg. Took us a little longer than we anticipated to get there, but it was a beautiful day nonetheless. Unfortunately, Mandy and I got insane sunburn. The next couple nights of sleep were rough for me. Wednesday my mom and I went to lunch at a great Greek place on international drive after I got off of work. We then tried to go to a botanical garden, but missed it by about 10 minutes (damn you, tourist traffic...). Instead we walked around Lake Eola and then came back home for some mini-golfing.
Like the title says, the end of Festival season is quickly approaching. May 7th and 8th will be our last weekend. However, I'm not officially done until June 11th, and the higher-ups have something kind of cool in store for us. For that last month, we will periodically be making sales calls, with some of us staying in the immediate area and others traveling all the way to northern Georgia. Those making the latter trip will be gone for almost two weeks. We will be finding out in a week where we will be going. Either way, it's going to be some GREAT experience.
As for me after the internship, it's one of two things (at this point): 1) go back to safari, get full-time either there or one of several other locations I would like, get on the Guest Relations bench/waitlist (in July) and then brush on my French to be able to give VIP tours after 6 months or 2) remain in Youth Programs for a little bit longer if they do offer me a sales position with other responsibilities. I don't think I would want to do the latter forever, but I also think I would be a fool to turn down the opportunity, experience, and money. With Guest Relations, it would satisfy my desire to go back to the parks and get my fill of guest interaction (which is what I miss the most) and basically have some fun before I feel the desire to remain in an office for awhile. I've had lots of meet and greets, but unfortunately, no one can make me decision for me.
Spring ultimate league is over, with our team finishing 5th out of 8, but summer starts in less than a month and I couldn't be more pumped. I liked my captain and teammates a lot and I'm hoping we get to stick together since there is a draft for our league (and now he'll know who I am). There are also club tryouts starting the beginning of June. A couple of the guys think I have a shot, so if I do make it, I'll see if I can in fact commit enough to remain with the team.
That should roughly bring you up to speed on everything. I'll let you know about the sales calls and post-internship news/job(???) when I get more of a handle on things.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Holy crap!
So...it's been awhile. But ever since these festivals started, my life has been crazy! We shoot to work four 10 hour days since we do the bulk of our work during the festival weekend. Festivals are real big these days and span 3 days; this past weekend (our biggest EVER!) I was scheduled for 29.5 hours for Thursday-Saturday. Loooong days. So we can be in the office just for one day a week, but most of us split it over 2 days because a) it helps us get our confirmation calls done (and so we're reachable) and b) make the work week a little more tolerable.
But yes, this past weekend was INsane. We had 104 ensembles (104!!!) and that's with a couple canceling. We had approx. 3500+ people at the awards ceremony. It freakin' blew my mind. If I can find someone who took pictures, I'll fer sure put those up. Here's a couple someone took this weekend:
Festival Team (minus 2)
Awards team!
Other updates include:
-Spring is taking its sweet time getting here. There will be 2-3 days of nice, and then it's back to cold and/or rain. Always on my day off.
-Mandy got part-time front desk at Ft. Wilderness. She really likes it, and not only just because she gets to see dogs on a regular basis.
-Our tournament starts this week for ultimate spring league, but it's still weekly. Kind of weird, but whatevs. I also got an email from the captain of the men's club team, so that could be promising...that is, if the practices are somewhat close.
-We have a 'regular' work week this week since it's Easter weekend. My dad is here right now with a group and I saw him yesterday for food at Epcot and tomorrow at Downtown Disney. I think the week will culminate with drinking at Ale House Thursday night.
-Mom is coming Sunday! I'm sure we'll be able to keep busy.
That should bring you roughly up to speed. Sorry my updates have been lacking and I shall try harder from now on...that is, if anyone reads this! Haha.
But yes, this past weekend was INsane. We had 104 ensembles (104!!!) and that's with a couple canceling. We had approx. 3500+ people at the awards ceremony. It freakin' blew my mind. If I can find someone who took pictures, I'll fer sure put those up. Here's a couple someone took this weekend:
Festival Team (minus 2)
Awards team!
Other updates include:
-Spring is taking its sweet time getting here. There will be 2-3 days of nice, and then it's back to cold and/or rain. Always on my day off.
-Mandy got part-time front desk at Ft. Wilderness. She really likes it, and not only just because she gets to see dogs on a regular basis.
-Our tournament starts this week for ultimate spring league, but it's still weekly. Kind of weird, but whatevs. I also got an email from the captain of the men's club team, so that could be promising...that is, if the practices are somewhat close.
-We have a 'regular' work week this week since it's Easter weekend. My dad is here right now with a group and I saw him yesterday for food at Epcot and tomorrow at Downtown Disney. I think the week will culminate with drinking at Ale House Thursday night.
-Mom is coming Sunday! I'm sure we'll be able to keep busy.
That should bring you roughly up to speed. Sorry my updates have been lacking and I shall try harder from now on...that is, if anyone reads this! Haha.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
First Festivus! (aka, festival)
Our first festival was last weekend. It was the Disney Jazz Celebration, which is different from the other 9 weeks of festivals we do. It was a lot of fun and really something I wish I could have done in high school.
The Jazz Celebration took place over 3 days, with Thursday being the Welcoming Ceremony. There was A LOT of talent hired for this weekend: 6 adjudicators, 3 for vocal and 3 for instrumental, 3 clinicians, and 3 guest performers. We showed a short video of Louis Armstrong singing on a riverboat in Disneyland and then opened the floor to the performers. They were all quite young, between 25 and 30; the small age difference made it very easy for the students to relate to them. They could also play their butts off. Throughout the weekend, Jessy J had a consistently sized fan club. Check out her video and you might see why. But seriously, what's up with the horses?
Friday and Saturday consisted of master classes, clinics, jam sessions, and performances. If you performed one day, you did the rest on the other day. I was only assigned to performances, but we were all festival coordinators. That's our official title; we try to cut down on the use of intern because it could lose us some credibility. I had 2 groups on my own, a couple with some other interns because we were drastically overstaffed for the weekend because of the small number of bands. Come mid-March on though, we'll all be very busy.
Saturday night was the Awards Ceremony, which was a lot of fun. We give out participation awards to each school and announce their rating, giving the award to 2 student reps from each school. Then we have a jammin' concert (official title) that actually was jammin' pretty hard. Each talent hired for whatever reason got up and played for a bit. So much talent in one place...it was amazing. Too bad I didn't have my camera! After the performance, we have the directors on stage. We then give each of them a tote bag (fancier than I make it sound) and then we announce the Best in Class, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and special awards (best rhythm section, etc.). But for that...we need Mickey! Always exciting to have the big guy around. After we kicked everyone out, it was to Ale House we went. Rene said it was the smoothest a first festival had ever went. Much exciting.
This past week was intense activity wise. Monday and Tuesday were normal. Wednesday night my grandparents were in town (with the rest of my life in tow) and we went to The Turf Club at Saratoga Springs. They liked the food, which was the most important thing, and I had the prime rib. I always wonder the big hubub is concerning prime rib, so I figured I would have it where it was gonna be "good". Well it was...still didn't like it. Way too much fat. But those potatoes and apple pie were excellent.
Thursday we went to see the Globetrotters! It was the first event of inaugural ESPN: The weekend. Well, it wasn't the first ESPN: The Weekend, but Disney's Wide World of Sports was just renamed ESPN's Wide World of Sports. Makes absolute sense in terms of branding, it just makes me wonder why they took so long to do it. Anyway, the game was awesome (as expected) and we all had a lot of fun.
Friday, all the interns took Rene to dinner at Boma, a buffet at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Holy crap...it was good. That's basically all I have to say on that. I tried everything. No lie.
On another note, Mandy's back from here week-long excursion to Bellefonte, PA. She was getting ready to start her full-time position at Magic Kingdom, but she got a call to do part-time front desk at Ft. Wilderness. It's considered a promotion, and it's a bit of a bummer it's only full-time for now, but it will give her a better chance to get full-time sooner and also to get out of the parks (trust me, I've heard no one wants to work at MK).
The Jazz Celebration took place over 3 days, with Thursday being the Welcoming Ceremony. There was A LOT of talent hired for this weekend: 6 adjudicators, 3 for vocal and 3 for instrumental, 3 clinicians, and 3 guest performers. We showed a short video of Louis Armstrong singing on a riverboat in Disneyland and then opened the floor to the performers. They were all quite young, between 25 and 30; the small age difference made it very easy for the students to relate to them. They could also play their butts off. Throughout the weekend, Jessy J had a consistently sized fan club. Check out her video and you might see why. But seriously, what's up with the horses?
Friday and Saturday consisted of master classes, clinics, jam sessions, and performances. If you performed one day, you did the rest on the other day. I was only assigned to performances, but we were all festival coordinators. That's our official title; we try to cut down on the use of intern because it could lose us some credibility. I had 2 groups on my own, a couple with some other interns because we were drastically overstaffed for the weekend because of the small number of bands. Come mid-March on though, we'll all be very busy.
Saturday night was the Awards Ceremony, which was a lot of fun. We give out participation awards to each school and announce their rating, giving the award to 2 student reps from each school. Then we have a jammin' concert (official title) that actually was jammin' pretty hard. Each talent hired for whatever reason got up and played for a bit. So much talent in one place...it was amazing. Too bad I didn't have my camera! After the performance, we have the directors on stage. We then give each of them a tote bag (fancier than I make it sound) and then we announce the Best in Class, Gold, Silver, Bronze, and special awards (best rhythm section, etc.). But for that...we need Mickey! Always exciting to have the big guy around. After we kicked everyone out, it was to Ale House we went. Rene said it was the smoothest a first festival had ever went. Much exciting.
This past week was intense activity wise. Monday and Tuesday were normal. Wednesday night my grandparents were in town (with the rest of my life in tow) and we went to The Turf Club at Saratoga Springs. They liked the food, which was the most important thing, and I had the prime rib. I always wonder the big hubub is concerning prime rib, so I figured I would have it where it was gonna be "good". Well it was...still didn't like it. Way too much fat. But those potatoes and apple pie were excellent.
Thursday we went to see the Globetrotters! It was the first event of inaugural ESPN: The weekend. Well, it wasn't the first ESPN: The Weekend, but Disney's Wide World of Sports was just renamed ESPN's Wide World of Sports. Makes absolute sense in terms of branding, it just makes me wonder why they took so long to do it. Anyway, the game was awesome (as expected) and we all had a lot of fun.
Friday, all the interns took Rene to dinner at Boma, a buffet at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Holy crap...it was good. That's basically all I have to say on that. I tried everything. No lie.
On another note, Mandy's back from here week-long excursion to Bellefonte, PA. She was getting ready to start her full-time position at Magic Kingdom, but she got a call to do part-time front desk at Ft. Wilderness. It's considered a promotion, and it's a bit of a bummer it's only full-time for now, but it will give her a better chance to get full-time sooner and also to get out of the parks (trust me, I've heard no one wants to work at MK).
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Boy I dropped the ball on this thing...
Sorry I've fallen to pieces everyone. The more I wait to update, the more I have to and the more I'm figuring you're just gonna skim and look for pictures, haha.
Let's start with my birthday. My lovely laday friend took me to the California Grill for an excellent dinner. But if you don't know, the Grill is no ordinary restaurant; the Grill sits atop the Contemporary, one of the first resorts on property. It is also the closest to the Magic Kingdom AND has the monorail run right through it. Brilliant. Anyway, we get there just a couple minutes before 8, checked in, got me a birthday button, and that's when I realized...THE FIREWORKS ARE AT 8. Mandy might be the smartest person ever. So we watched those (the music is played in the restaurant in time with the fireworks) and of course they were awesome; I mean, it's Wishes. Come on.
We then had some dinner, and just like every dinner I've had at Disney, it blew my mind. My mind has been blown so many times, I feel like a Vietnamese mine field. That was probably inappropriate, but what are you gonna do. We shared a flatbread pizza which had roasted red peppers, some sort of greens, and duck. Yes, it was definitely duck season on our flatbread pizza. And it was as awesome as it sounds. For dinner, I had the beef tenderloin, which is becoming a habit when I eat out. I'm pretty sure they cut out the very middle of the cow and throw the rest away cause it tastes so good. Mandy had the scallops and they were butter in my mouth...cause I got to finish them. Awesome. It was the best birthday dinner ever. Hands freakin' down.
Everyone at the office brought a little something to the table for my birthday too. A couple people decorated my cubicle area and two people baked treats. It was a really great surprise. Then that Saturday I had people come out to Ale House to celebrate, mostly because it's the cheapest place around to drink.
The first couple weeks of work, not gonna lie, were pretty boring. Since a lot of what we were gearing up to do was already taken care of (tickets sold, forms sent and received, etc.)
we just assisted others on the floor. A LOT of nonsense for the not-yet-created Gospel Choir Event, filing contracts, straightening up the sully closest, learning how to use Outlook, reading our handbook, and a fair amount of feeling useless. We did get to do a couple of neat things here and there. Like when I start at Disney's Animal Kingdom and had my park orientation, we participated in orientations at Hollywood Studios and Epcot. It was interesting, but we learned a lot of what we already knew and once again, had The Basics drilled into our heads.
BUT, we just had our first festival this past weekend. The Disney Jazz Celebration to be more specific. It was a good time and went pretty close to schedule. Let me tell you, it was a lot more fun than sitting in the office. However, I am tired and this post is already too long, so if you've made it this far, congratulations. I wish I had a prize for you. Crap, I didn't even get to ultimate yet! Le sigh, next time.
Let's start with my birthday. My lovely laday friend took me to the California Grill for an excellent dinner. But if you don't know, the Grill is no ordinary restaurant; the Grill sits atop the Contemporary, one of the first resorts on property. It is also the closest to the Magic Kingdom AND has the monorail run right through it. Brilliant. Anyway, we get there just a couple minutes before 8, checked in, got me a birthday button, and that's when I realized...THE FIREWORKS ARE AT 8. Mandy might be the smartest person ever. So we watched those (the music is played in the restaurant in time with the fireworks) and of course they were awesome; I mean, it's Wishes. Come on.
We then had some dinner, and just like every dinner I've had at Disney, it blew my mind. My mind has been blown so many times, I feel like a Vietnamese mine field. That was probably inappropriate, but what are you gonna do. We shared a flatbread pizza which had roasted red peppers, some sort of greens, and duck. Yes, it was definitely duck season on our flatbread pizza. And it was as awesome as it sounds. For dinner, I had the beef tenderloin, which is becoming a habit when I eat out. I'm pretty sure they cut out the very middle of the cow and throw the rest away cause it tastes so good. Mandy had the scallops and they were butter in my mouth...cause I got to finish them. Awesome. It was the best birthday dinner ever. Hands freakin' down.
Everyone at the office brought a little something to the table for my birthday too. A couple people decorated my cubicle area and two people baked treats. It was a really great surprise. Then that Saturday I had people come out to Ale House to celebrate, mostly because it's the cheapest place around to drink.
The first couple weeks of work, not gonna lie, were pretty boring. Since a lot of what we were gearing up to do was already taken care of (tickets sold, forms sent and received, etc.)
we just assisted others on the floor. A LOT of nonsense for the not-yet-created Gospel Choir Event, filing contracts, straightening up the sully closest, learning how to use Outlook, reading our handbook, and a fair amount of feeling useless. We did get to do a couple of neat things here and there. Like when I start at Disney's Animal Kingdom and had my park orientation, we participated in orientations at Hollywood Studios and Epcot. It was interesting, but we learned a lot of what we already knew and once again, had The Basics drilled into our heads.
BUT, we just had our first festival this past weekend. The Disney Jazz Celebration to be more specific. It was a good time and went pretty close to schedule. Let me tell you, it was a lot more fun than sitting in the office. However, I am tired and this post is already too long, so if you've made it this far, congratulations. I wish I had a prize for you. Crap, I didn't even get to ultimate yet! Le sigh, next time.
Friday, January 29, 2010
My Return Home
I got to go home a couple weeks ago, from the 5th-13th. I WOULD have stayed longer, since I found out I didn't actually start my job until the 19th, but I found out too late and to change your plane ticket that late costs like $234261.61 and I don't have nearly that much. Maybe like half.
A lot of home was catching up with people from my recent past. I saw my grandparents, my old boss at Camille's (who's still not doing so well), old co-workers at school, and favorite professors. It was really great to see my parents as well (obviously). Dad made some stellar king crab legs my first night back, and I got to go out on the town with my Mom to good ole Lino's ($6 dinner meal, you seriously can't beat that. Not even with a stick). Mom and I also had a date to go see Princess and the Frog (which was just as awesome the second time around). It was a bummer Dad had stuff to do on the last two nights I was there, but luckily I'll be seeing him soon.
As prolly most people know, I went to ISU Friday and Saturday, leaving Sunday. It was a lot of fun, some would say too much...but I wouldn't venture to say that. Friday we hit up the bars, with a trip to Mulligan's (standard) and then to Fat Jack's. We didn't make it any farther than that. But I will say two words: LeBomb James. It was epic.
Saturday was a kickin party at Emily, Amy, Jess, and Colleen's apartment (BIG thank you once again). It was great to see all the youngins, some who came back a day early to see me (I'm pretty sure my mom paid them). As much fun as it was, it was a bit weird being out of the loop. But I'm glad I made the visit because it was so great to relive some great memories while making some new ones.
In conclusion, my trip home was too short. I'm pretty sure I was able to see as many people as possible, which was the main goal, and I didn't feel like I was running all over the place at the same time. But the snow did remind me why I'm choosing to stay here...well, at least one of the reasons. What I do know is that I didn't leave home for lack of good people in my life. Note to all friends: make some money asap and come visit me! I now have a place to stay and I can get you in the parks fo free! Think about it.
Update on the job (what I actually do) coming soon. I miss safari though, especially since they have 2 new baby giraffes and a baby rhino!!!
A lot of home was catching up with people from my recent past. I saw my grandparents, my old boss at Camille's (who's still not doing so well), old co-workers at school, and favorite professors. It was really great to see my parents as well (obviously). Dad made some stellar king crab legs my first night back, and I got to go out on the town with my Mom to good ole Lino's ($6 dinner meal, you seriously can't beat that. Not even with a stick). Mom and I also had a date to go see Princess and the Frog (which was just as awesome the second time around). It was a bummer Dad had stuff to do on the last two nights I was there, but luckily I'll be seeing him soon.
As prolly most people know, I went to ISU Friday and Saturday, leaving Sunday. It was a lot of fun, some would say too much...but I wouldn't venture to say that. Friday we hit up the bars, with a trip to Mulligan's (standard) and then to Fat Jack's. We didn't make it any farther than that. But I will say two words: LeBomb James. It was epic.
Saturday was a kickin party at Emily, Amy, Jess, and Colleen's apartment (BIG thank you once again). It was great to see all the youngins, some who came back a day early to see me (I'm pretty sure my mom paid them). As much fun as it was, it was a bit weird being out of the loop. But I'm glad I made the visit because it was so great to relive some great memories while making some new ones.
In conclusion, my trip home was too short. I'm pretty sure I was able to see as many people as possible, which was the main goal, and I didn't feel like I was running all over the place at the same time. But the snow did remind me why I'm choosing to stay here...well, at least one of the reasons. What I do know is that I didn't leave home for lack of good people in my life. Note to all friends: make some money asap and come visit me! I now have a place to stay and I can get you in the parks fo free! Think about it.
Update on the job (what I actually do) coming soon. I miss safari though, especially since they have 2 new baby giraffes and a baby rhino!!!
Friday, January 22, 2010
Apt. Pics
Here's my apt., in no particular order. We should have a couch come Wednesday; then I'll have a place to sit!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Apt./Car Pic
This is my car. It's a pretty swell car with only about 65,000 miles. It's red. I like it.
Another picture. It's a 2005 Hyundai Elantra. I just got about 29 miles to the gallon. Needless to say, it made me ecstatic.
Last picture, in case you need to hunt me down.I'll post apt. pictures either tonight or tomorrow.
Friday, January 15, 2010
I Have Returned
Jambo everyone. I know it has been weeks, but let me tell you, I'm surprised I was able to keep up as long as I did. This coming post will be broken into a couple different ones since I have so much catching up to do.
So after my last post, my life was consumed with post-College Program decisions. I first found a place to live, with pictures of said place coming soon. It's about 1.5 miles from I was just living and literally across the street from Vista Way, one of the housing complexes and also the oldest. Pros on this place: 15 minutes away from work and I-4, 24-gym, reasonably priced (I pay $300 for the smallest bedroom, before utilities), and 20 minutes from the parks. Cons: 100% unfurnished and it's on the 3rd floor. Okay, so that second reason isn't a biggie, but the first one surely is. I walked in and I was like, I'm paying for what? First on the list was a mattress, and as RSK says, box springs are one of the biggest scams around. However, I was able to buy a full mattress with box spring and frame for about $247. So not too bad, and that thing had better last me 3-4 years. I made the mistake of laying on the more expensive mattresses...poor choice. Natural memory form mattress, I'll be seeing you soon...
After the apt. but before the mattress, I needed a vehicle. It was around the 20th of December that I started sweating. You see, I only had about $2500 to spend on a car, because I knew that there is A TON of nonsense you have to get that goes with the car. So after about a month of dealing with some pretty sketchy people, my parents basically forced me to borrow money from them, a no interest-loan (sweeeet) and suddenly, everyone seemed more reputable. I found a 2005 Hyundai Elantra (burgandy) for $5500. I'm pretty pleased with the decision, even if it I did buy it Dec. 23rd.
Like I said pictures to come!
So after my last post, my life was consumed with post-College Program decisions. I first found a place to live, with pictures of said place coming soon. It's about 1.5 miles from I was just living and literally across the street from Vista Way, one of the housing complexes and also the oldest. Pros on this place: 15 minutes away from work and I-4, 24-gym, reasonably priced (I pay $300 for the smallest bedroom, before utilities), and 20 minutes from the parks. Cons: 100% unfurnished and it's on the 3rd floor. Okay, so that second reason isn't a biggie, but the first one surely is. I walked in and I was like, I'm paying for what? First on the list was a mattress, and as RSK says, box springs are one of the biggest scams around. However, I was able to buy a full mattress with box spring and frame for about $247. So not too bad, and that thing had better last me 3-4 years. I made the mistake of laying on the more expensive mattresses...poor choice. Natural memory form mattress, I'll be seeing you soon...
After the apt. but before the mattress, I needed a vehicle. It was around the 20th of December that I started sweating. You see, I only had about $2500 to spend on a car, because I knew that there is A TON of nonsense you have to get that goes with the car. So after about a month of dealing with some pretty sketchy people, my parents basically forced me to borrow money from them, a no interest-loan (sweeeet) and suddenly, everyone seemed more reputable. I found a 2005 Hyundai Elantra (burgandy) for $5500. I'm pretty pleased with the decision, even if it I did buy it Dec. 23rd.
Like I said pictures to come!
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