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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!!!
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!
A couple weeks ago my Uncle came to visit. My Uncle Joe, more specifically, along with his nephew Russel, whom I've known for years but haven't seen for just as many. Neither had taken a vacation very recently, with my Uncle working his ass off at his new position for the last 2ish years and Russel basically supporting himself at the age of 21. I didn't get to hang with them the whole time they were here, but I did get to hang with them for a decent amount of time.
I believe it was Friday where we went to Hollywood Studios for dinner at Hollywood & Vine (I missed Germany the night before! Shame on me). We were actually able to catch Fantasmic beforehand, which was clutch since I believe that's the best night show. Even though I saw Illuminations for like the 4th time here the other night, and it's really starting to grow on me. They also had some extra holiday fireworks after and they were real epic. Like, my face melted off. Anyway, Hollywood & Vine was a buffet and it was pretty good. Standard American fare.
I was able to give away a shift and hang out with them all of Sunday. We did Hollywood Studios all day. My Uncle had been there a couple times and Russel never, but neither one had ever seen any of the shows at the Studios. We saw both Indiana Jones and the car stunt show (no Beauty and the Beast; Russel said it would make him too emotional). I believe we managed to do everything except for Tower and Rock'n Rollercoaster. My Uncle isn't a fan of inside coasters and Russel doesn't like big drops. Oh well, no one's perfect.
Dinner that night was amazing though. We went to Shula's Steakhouse (restaurant of the great NFL coach Don Shula) and let me tell you, I don't think I've ever had a dining experience like that one. They start by rolling out the steaks on a cart so you can learn a little about each one and make an educated decisions. We all The Cowboy, a type of T-bone I believe, a couple sides, a cocktail, and dessert. It was, in a word, exquisite. Maybe one day I'll make enough money to pay for a meal like that.
Herro all. It's been a couple days and I've been up to some stuff, believe it or not.
First things first, I got a professional internship! I applied for it on a whim per an email that I received from a meet and greet contact. I think I actually applied for it the day before the deadline. There were some marketing internships available, but most were in sales, which I'm going to try to avoid as much as possible. This internship is in youth events, so all my work will center around two events: the Disney Youth Jazz Festival and Festival Disney. The first takes place over one weekend, towards the end of February I believe, and is open to high school and middle school jazz bands, choirs, and combos. Festival Disney happens over nine weekends, from March to May, skipping Easter weekend. It's open to all performing groups, not just bands...I think.
There is a bit of sales involved, when times are slow, but most will be coordinating and troubleshooting, leading around groups, and presenting awards at the end. They'll perform at Saratoga Springs , Hollywood Studios, or a couple other places. Awards will usually be given out at Indiana Jones amphitheater, but if there are that many groups, it will take place at Lights! Motor! Action! arena, which can hold something like 5,000 people. I guess they can get that big. I'm SO excited. It will last from Jan. 14th to June 2nd and will pay a lot more, $11.15/hour, aka, there's a chance of overtime. Nice. Since my college program ends Jan. 2nd, I think I'm gonna make an appearance at home!
I think it's good that I'm going to be able to move on in just a couple months. I can already feel myself falling into some sort of a rut with safari. However, it could be because I know I will be moving on soon to another project, because don't get me wrong, I LOVE where I ended up and always thank my lucky stars when I go into parks and watch other CPs slave away at incredibly thankless jobs. I just can see myself getting a little bored somewhere down the line.
I've also started looking for apartments...again. But I pretty much know who I'm going to live with: another safari guy with the same internship and his current roommate. Should be pretty sweet and real cheap too, surprisingly. They found a 3-bedroom for $280 + utilities. I am pretty sure it's in the heart of the ghetto, but they assure me it's not. I need to start the car hunt again full force. It's gonna be rough to part with that much money, but it's gotta be done.
After my parents left, it was time to focus on Halloween. A few days before my parents came, a bunch of us went to Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. It's a huge celebration that takes place like 18 different nights between the end of September and Halloween. There's a completely different parade, trick-or-treating throughout the entire park, characters decked out in costume, and EPIC fireworks. It was so much. A bunch of us went as Peter Pan characters, with me going as Michael Darling, brother of Wendy. Yes, that is a woman's nighty. It was a challenge to find one not overwhelmingly gay. Who would have foreseen that as a problem?
I also went to another Halloween party, and for this one, I was Marty McFly. Most people got it, so that was good. I was considering Duffman from The Simpsons, but that 
would have been a) more involved and b) not sure how many people would have gotten it. But still, being Marty in the Florida warmth = poor choice. I guess I'm used to it being cold on Halloween. Silly me.
The other part of my life that is hectic is making sure I have some good contacts going on before the end of my program. It is ALL about networking 'round these parts. Luckily, it's very easy to do. We have fantastic management at Safaris who are so willing to help anyone that is wanting and deserving. I've spoken with at least two managers, and the most recent meeting was with Kevin. He told me that he sees a great cast member who comes to work everyday, does a good job, and then goes home. He told me I need to start going that extra mile and that he needs more Eric in his face. I told him I'm honestly afraid of stepping on toes around here and he told me not to be. If I get like that, he'll tell me to calm down, since he's already relayed that message to some cast members and they haven't taken the hint. Unfortunately, we all know who he's talking about.
I also had a meet and greet with Tami, someone who works with Magic Music Days. However, that program is getting a name change. To appeal to a more broad spectrum than just bands, like dancers, it will now be called Disney Performing Arts. The name change also brings more credibility to the program. Unfortunately, it's challenging to get into that position, but after my discussion with her, it sounds like the role of Production Assistant would be great for me. I would assist Production Managers with the day-to-day activities of a live show, like Indiana Jones or Lights! Motor! Action! Stunt Show. She gave me all the info on how to get into that.
In my marketing class, we met with an individual who does handles all the special events that Disney does, like Not-So-Scary, Very Merry Christmas, Food and Wine, etc. Her job sounds AWESOME. It's even harder to get into that select group, but most of them have come from Guest Relations. Guest Relations puts you through a lot of situations where anything can occur. They want someone who can really think on their toes. So maybe that's the role for me...
Oh! And I got to ride Rock'n Roller Coaster with the lights on. That was, if anything, more intense than with the lights off. The housing structure is surprisingly small. We got a backstage tour on everything there as well as at Tower of Terror. We didn't get to ride TOT with the lights on, but I think that's better for me since it's my favorite ride and the magic remains preserved.
That basically brings you up to speed. I just had an interview for the Youth Events Professional Internship which would have me directly working with the Disney Jazz Festival and Festival Disney, also a music festival. I think I would be perfect for this internship, plus it pays waaaay better than safaris. Like twice better ($13/hour). Miss everyone!
