Best Wishes from WHO?

For those of you who don't know, and trust me, there are many who do not, the week between Christmas and New Years is the busiest week of the year at the Walt Disney World Resort.

I know, many think it's summer, because, let's face it, summers are busy and hot and crowded. But in the summer, at least, there's a divide as to when families may take their vacations. Some prefer July, others take June or August.

The families who come in the winter aren't as lucky. They have 2 weeks to choose from: the week before and the week after Christmas. So many people think the week before is busiest... that families want to be home for Christmas, so they'll do their vacations and then go celebrate with their families. But think about it: how many YouTube videos have you seen with children finding out Christmas Day that they're leaving for Disney World soon? December 26th is a traveling day. December 27th it hits like a Gaston punch. WHAM! People everywhere, people pushing, people waiting in line, people buying jackets because they thought Florida is always warm, people buying ponchos because they thought Florida is always sunny, people eating at restaurants because Disney offered free meals if you got your hotel and tickets through them. People, People, People!

So you'll excuse me if I don't post again until after my program is over. This is my last day off and I plan on enjoying the rest of it.

Real quick, I just wanted to share one amazing present my sister got me this year. During Thanksgiving a friend teased that he was going to see Alan Rickman in Seminar while he was in NYC. (Alan Rickman, if you don't know, is God. Ok, no, not really, but he has been a constant celebrity crush since I was 3... seriously). Well, my mom, hearing this, told my sister (who lives in NYC) that she should go to the theatre and get something signed saying "Thank you for loving me since you were three." My sister isn't the type who would stalk a celebrity, but she did send a letter to the theater to Mr. Rickman to let him know how I felt. A couple weeks later the mail at our PO Box had a package with a return address for Rickman in NYC, inside a signed Playbill from Seminar saying To Rory, Best Wishes, Alan Rickman. AHHHHHHHHH!

My mom also noted that there is a hair in the tape on the envelope. I'm certain it's just an assistant, but Mom thinks we should get some polyjuice potion to see who it is. Oh goodness =P

Til next week!

The Last Days with Price Management

Today started like any normal day off. I took an ROS last night, which means Release of Shift. It shows up on my record card, but no point value added to it. Honestly, as long as it doesn't happen all the time, I think an ROS actually says a lot on your card. It means that you tried to come in, even though you were sick, but couldn't make it through the shift. In means that you tried.... if you just work through your shift there's really nothing to show for it.

Anyways, so today started like any normal day off. I woke up after sleeping in and could hear my roommates out in the living room. We talked a little, and I noticed they were cleaning... nothing too out of the ordinary since I thought we had inspections tomorrow. I put stuff in the trash and they told me not to, but I said I'd take it out before I left for home today. They reminded me to take down my board and I said I would, before I left. At about noon there was a knock on the door and two people from Price Management came in saying they were here for departure inspections. 2 of my roommates left this week, so I figured they were just checking their rooms... but then they changed our air filter, like they usually do, and they started going into all the rooms. I looked at my one roommate and asked if they would come again tomorrow and she just stares at me. "No, these are our inspections... it's the 15th."

Wow. Was I out of it. For the first time I was not even near ready for inspections. My bed wasn't made, there was a slight mess in the room, my second cork board was on the wall, there was trash in all the cans... and we still passed. They even gave us cookies. Wow. Let's look back on my first inspection, when we cleaned the place like crazy, when it was spotless, when I stayed up after a 4am shift because I didn't want to make my bed messy... and basically the same results. This just goes to show you how much we all seem to be over it.

At work it's more about getting through the day than making magic moments. We hang out more because suddenly the time is disappearing. In 19 days most of the friends I made here will be leaving to go all throughout the country (plus side: I know people all throughout the country now!).

Once all is said and done I'll have a full blog post reflecting on my time with the college program. But for now, looking at the experiences I've had, the friends I've made, the multiple roommates, inspections and curfews, the real question is: Was it all worth it?

Yes. A million times over and over again. No regrets. Yes.

Stitch was Lost, Now I Am

I'm so afraid of the future--I'm excited for it, but still afraid. I feel like any time I make some sort of gain in my life I then move 2 steps backward.

I can go out and have a good time, but I lament two things: 1) I just don't feel like me at these parties and 2) The people who make them most fun are leaving me in January.

Sometimes I look at my life and look at my choices and have to wonder what the hell I'm thinking. So then I ask people what they think, and they all tell me a million different things. The truth is, only I know what's best for me, even if it doesn't seem like it to everyone else. I have friends who make similar mistakes, but it's their choice to make them, their lesson to learn.

Sometimes it's just time to let go of control. Let go and let God. It's a power struggle at first, but eventually it's ok. He knows what's best after all.

My manager warned us not to get sick the week before Christmas... and I woke up this morning with a knife in my throat. I'm starting to cough a lot again and I just don't feel up to being at work, but I have to otherwise I'll have nothing in January.

I'm so lost right now. Prayers appreciated <3

The Joy of Giving

I went to EPCOT alone today.

I'm not saying this as a form of self-pity or looking for condolences. In fact, it was a wonderful experience.

I knew I wanted to see Neil Patrick Harris in the Candlelight Processional, and I knew most of my friends would either be working, or not in town to see him. My parents were going out the one night I had the opportunity to go, so I trudged along to EPCOT after work today to wait in line.

I got to the park at 3:30pm. Already the line for Candlelight was into the Italy Pavilion, almost to Germany. The first show was at 5, and there was a slight chance we would make it. Once in line another woman stood behind me. Not one to stand on my own, I started a chat with her... and then the people behind us. It wasn't until 6:30 that we finally got to sit for a show, and in those 3 hours I got to talk with these lovely people. One of my friends in particular would laugh at how Disney Cast Member I was... giving hints for what to do, sharing stories from my adolescence. Once the woman behind me had her daughters join them (one in 6th grade, the other in 1st) I spent my time asking them about their vacation, about school. I learned who their favorite characters were and what was their favorite ride. When talking with the couple behind the family I learned how they met, where they were from, what vacation they were planning next and how long they've been together.

I got to sit with all of them for the show, and it really reminded me of the magic of Christmas: bringing all sorts of people together under one common goal of joy and peace. The two little girls are planning to visit me on the Ol' Frontier on Wednesday, and I can't wait to add a little magic to their trip!

Today I learned a bit more about myself, and gained a bit of confidence in my own abilities. I was having a hard time getting in the Christmas Spirit this week, and Mom suggested to do so by doing something for others. I have some ideas up my sleeve, so excited to be able to perform the magic of giving.

You've Got a Friend in Me

As this program winds down I'm finally realizing how difficult it will be to say goodbye.

Those friends that you can call and walk straight over to their apartment won't be around. Those friends who are there at work to listen to your problems, to give advice, to let you cry on their shoulder, who always seem to have the answer... who make each day better, who make life better... they're all going back to their lives, and I'm here. It's a small joke, that whenever they come back, I'll be here to say hi.

I'm not sure I can do goodbyes just yet. Love to everyone <3

Oh, So That's Why We Keep Journals

I'm cleaning my room at my parents' house, figuring out what needs to stay and what needs to go. In doing so I found a journal. It's not long, as a often don't finish my journals, but it's interesting, and certainly one I never plan on throwing away or forgetting. But I'd like to take this time to tell myself something:

Dear Me of the Past:

It gets better. In so many ways you are correct. But you have to remember you're not always right. You need to let go and realize you're not always in control. You have so much to learn, so many experiences to encounter. You're going to meet new people, you're going to re-meet old ones.

Some of your predictions are going to come true, but not in the way you think. You think college is a huge, daunting experience, but you'll get through it just fine. You say that you're going to study hard and not just skate by, but let's be honest, skating by is how you work best. You say you're a bit of a loner, but you'll find yourself meeting all sorts of new people, and opening your mind to realizing that right and wrong are much more blurred in the real world.

You say your world is going to end, but I promise, it continues. You don't think you'll get through it, but I promise, it will pass. You'll find yourself in familiar territory, but this time you'll know what to do. You'll laugh more.

When you want to complain, your journal won't be the first place you turn to. You'll have new sources like Blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. Just remember, when you go back and read your journal you won't be proud of what you wrote. And remember that when you post complaints on Blogs, Facebook and Twitter a lot more people will read and remember them.

Just always remember: life is full of trials and complications. Each day brings new difficulties, and there will always be times when it seems like your world is crashing, but you'll go back and see that you got through one thing, and you can certainly get through another. It will all eventually be ok, and you'll be stronger for it.

Take life one day at a time. Look for signs from God, He does know what's best. Follow your heart and don't be afraid to let it break. You'll learn how to repair it, and ice-cream is not always the answer (as much as you want it to be).

Always remember that your family loves you and sticks with you no matter what. As you continue to expand your friend circle, never let the older ones slip by the wayside: they're just as valuable. Don't be afraid to let people in. Don't bottle things up.

Most of all: be proud of who you are. Stand tall. You're going to speak your mind--people will admire you for it, others won't. So long as you stay proud, none of it will matter. Keep your moral conscience, stick with your gut, and hold on tight--life's a roller-coaster and you're never going to want it to end.

Love, You from the Not-So-Far-Away-Future <3