I woke up for a meeting this morning before church. I opened the door and what met my eyes made me want to go back to bed crying. Snow. Yes. You read right. It was like, 70 degrees earlier this week. And this morning I walk to church in the snow. Yuck! Stupid Rexburg. Either snow or wind.
Anyway, I did laundry and some last minute things and then finished packing today. We invited some guys over for dinner and had wonderful enchiladas with brownies for dessert a la my roommate Kylee.
The bus leaves at 3:30am tomorrow. Meaning like, less than five hours. The adrenaline has kicked in though. I slept five hours last night. Tried to take a nap today but succeeded in laying awake in bed for two hours, and now I just can't sleep. I'm gonna be so screwed once we get to London at 9am (London time) Tuesday morning.
I guess I'll try and get some sleep now. Even though I'm pretty much sure it's impossible. I'd rather run a mile. Or two. Or just do jumping jacks. Or both.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Leavin' On A Jet Plane
I don't really like the header of this blog. I'm gonna change it. But the changing will probably have to wait until I get back from Europe.
I leave Monday! The bus takes off from campus to SLC at 3:30am. I'll probably find an internet cafe in Europe. Well, no. Not probably. I might not. I don't know.... it depends on how much fun I'm having.
So, in case I don't update this tomorrow, goodbye all! For how long? I have no clue. :)
I leave Monday! The bus takes off from campus to SLC at 3:30am. I'll probably find an internet cafe in Europe. Well, no. Not probably. I might not. I don't know.... it depends on how much fun I'm having.
So, in case I don't update this tomorrow, goodbye all! For how long? I have no clue. :)
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Typical Europe Questions Tangent
The past few days I've been trying to come up with ideas of what to go and see and do while I'm in Europe. Doing this is making me about a thousand times more excited! I still have a lot to do before I leave, so I'm torn between whether I really really want it to hurry up and get here and whether I really just want to put it off another week so I can get everything accomplished that I need.
Speaking of that though, I thought I'd note some of the things that never change when I go to Europe. Considering this will be my fourth time and all...
Primarily, the people. They (meaning friends and people I leave behind) never change. I get the question at least every day now. Sometimes more. "So are you excited?"
Okay, seriously. How do I respond to that? "No, no. I'm not excited. Ya know, I just spent my entire life's savings on it and our culture as a whole knows that Europe is like, the ultimate vacation, and I have been talking about nothing else for the past month and a half, but no. Definitely not excited. Busy maybe. Stressed, yeah. But excited? Gosh no."
Giving them some credit however, it is hard to come up with things to ask people who're traveling a different question. What else are they supposed to say? And I have to admit that I myself am guilty of that exact same question directed toward some of my classmates.
The other obligatory question that always happens after I get back from Europe is "How was it?" Okay people, can you get more vague? How... was.... it? Huh? How was the food? How were the people? How was the language difference? How were the museums? "How was it?"
"It? Oh, yeah, it was uh... very Europe-y. Really. I felt like the Europe-ness was all over me the whole entire time."
Unfortunately, I feel like when people ask those two questions (Are you excited? and How was it?) they're really just looking for the typical answers. "Are you excited?" "Yes, definitely!" "How was it?" "Oh it was amazing!" Meaning those questions actually mean little more than "Hey how are you?" Which is obviously the question that you always are supposed to answer, "Oh I'm fine how are you?" because everyone knows the the person asking the question really doesn't even give a nip as to how you're doing. They just want to act polite and pretend to make conversation.
So maybe from now on I will just answer the typical, "Why yes, I am excited, thank you." And, "Oh Europe, that old place? Well, it was wonderful." Forget originality. Forget enthusiasm. Just stick with short, simple and polite.
Or I'll be obnoxious and memorize this tangent and then reel it off next time someone asks me that question. Yeah, I think that'd be more fun. Teehee!
Speaking of that though, I thought I'd note some of the things that never change when I go to Europe. Considering this will be my fourth time and all...
Primarily, the people. They (meaning friends and people I leave behind) never change. I get the question at least every day now. Sometimes more. "So are you excited?"
Okay, seriously. How do I respond to that? "No, no. I'm not excited. Ya know, I just spent my entire life's savings on it and our culture as a whole knows that Europe is like, the ultimate vacation, and I have been talking about nothing else for the past month and a half, but no. Definitely not excited. Busy maybe. Stressed, yeah. But excited? Gosh no."
Giving them some credit however, it is hard to come up with things to ask people who're traveling a different question. What else are they supposed to say? And I have to admit that I myself am guilty of that exact same question directed toward some of my classmates.
The other obligatory question that always happens after I get back from Europe is "How was it?" Okay people, can you get more vague? How... was.... it? Huh? How was the food? How were the people? How was the language difference? How were the museums? "How was it?"
"It? Oh, yeah, it was uh... very Europe-y. Really. I felt like the Europe-ness was all over me the whole entire time."
Unfortunately, I feel like when people ask those two questions (Are you excited? and How was it?) they're really just looking for the typical answers. "Are you excited?" "Yes, definitely!" "How was it?" "Oh it was amazing!" Meaning those questions actually mean little more than "Hey how are you?" Which is obviously the question that you always are supposed to answer, "Oh I'm fine how are you?" because everyone knows the the person asking the question really doesn't even give a nip as to how you're doing. They just want to act polite and pretend to make conversation.
So maybe from now on I will just answer the typical, "Why yes, I am excited, thank you." And, "Oh Europe, that old place? Well, it was wonderful." Forget originality. Forget enthusiasm. Just stick with short, simple and polite.
Or I'll be obnoxious and memorize this tangent and then reel it off next time someone asks me that question. Yeah, I think that'd be more fun. Teehee!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A Day In My Life
I didn't have any classes today, so I decided to be productive and get started on the gazillion papers I have to write for this Europe trip. I started by waking up at 11:30.
Okay, so the morning part of the day wasn't too productive, but after that it got better, I promise!
I planned to finish five of the papers today. Unfortunately, I had way underestimated the amount of work it takes to write these stupid things! I ended up completing one and three halves. I get bored writing the same paper for a long amount of time, okay?
Around 6ish I went to the gym and ran three miles. I was actually pretty impressed with myself since I hadn't done that in a week and I thought it was going to be harder. But I did AND I set a record for my two mile run. Still pretty pathetic, but hey, at least I'm improving, right?
After that I practiced the piano and then went to the park with Sarah. And now I just don't feel like working anymore. Meh.
Okay, so the morning part of the day wasn't too productive, but after that it got better, I promise!
I planned to finish five of the papers today. Unfortunately, I had way underestimated the amount of work it takes to write these stupid things! I ended up completing one and three halves. I get bored writing the same paper for a long amount of time, okay?
Around 6ish I went to the gym and ran three miles. I was actually pretty impressed with myself since I hadn't done that in a week and I thought it was going to be harder. But I did AND I set a record for my two mile run. Still pretty pathetic, but hey, at least I'm improving, right?
After that I practiced the piano and then went to the park with Sarah. And now I just don't feel like working anymore. Meh.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Disney Story: Part Three (Final Part)
March 23, 2009
It started today. That building excitement until the mail comes. It comes at 3:30pm every day, by the way. More and more excitement. Until I get home. And see a letter for my roommate on the counter. I ask my other roommate if she got the mail. Yes. Did anything come for me? No. And then that great feeling of let down. I know this process will continue tomorrow, and the next day and the next. But, I’m hoping for Friday to be the magic day. That’s purely me guessing. I have no idea. Knowing my luck I won’t get a letter for another month and then I’ll get one saying, “Sorry, but you’ve been rejected.” Why must they make me wait SO LONG!?!
March 24, 2009
Today’s been an amazing day! I guess you can tell what happened right off, huh? Yes. I received my acceptance letter. But let me back up a little.
To start off in making this the greatest day ever (okay, slight exaggeration), my only Tuesday class was canceled, so I had ZERO classes today. I slept in as late as I wanted, studied and took and exam, and then slacked off. We had a devotional at two and after that I decided I needed to go to the store for bread and cheese. Only two items, but two very important items, nonetheless. Oh, and I needed cereal.
Well, the mail here comes around 3:30. It was about 3:10 that I decided I needed to go to the store to distract myself. I considered waiting for the mail to come, but as my roommate Kaylee brought up, sometimes the mail doesn’t come until 5 and I didn’t want to wait that long for potentially nothing. But on my way out the door my other roommate Kimmy came to me and asked if I could proofread a paper for her, and since it was due in three hours, I should do it before going to the store. So I sat down and proofread the paper and was finished around 3:45. I decided the mail could possibly have come by now, so I chose to run out to the mailbox right before going to the store, just in case.
I opened the mailbox and there was only one item—one, big, white envelope with my name on it. I actually didn’t even read my name on it. I just saw the envelope and happened to notice the Disney symbol up in the corner. I snatched it out of the box and ran into the apartment squealing. Kassie and Kaylee were home and I’m pretty sure it was obvious to them immediately what had happened considering Disney is about the only thing I’ve spoken to them about for the past three weeks.
I tore it open and found the beloved purple folder everyone talks about. It was amazing. I flipped it open just to read the words “Dear Dianna, Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in the Disney College Program” and I read that I was selected for the Merchandise role and my pay rate.
But I really had to get my energy out and I figured there was no better way than going to the store. So I did. And as most shopping trips go, I didn’t get out of there with just cheese and bread. I also had to buy a thing or two for roomies as well as cereal and another thing or two for myself. I bagged it all, double bagged some, and then headed home carrying it all, and it was actually pretty heavy. It wasn’t until after I got home and put all my bags down and went into my room that I realized what I’d done. I wore my empty backpack all the way to the store so that I could wear it all the way back home, totally empty. I had completely forgotten my backpack was on my back.
I realized this after taking it off and throwing it on my bed without thinking. So I squealed again… but this time a more dejected, “Oh NO!” kind of squeal and then went into the living room and flopped down on the couch laughing uncontrollably. My roommates thought I was delirious. It was amazing. I told them what happened and they just laughed at me.
I promised my roommates pizza when I heard back from Disney World, so I went ahead and ordered it. Unfortunately, the coupons we had didn’t participate at this Pizza Hut, but they had a different special going on now anyway, so it was okay. I got two Specialty large pizzas. Supreme deep dish for me and Pepperoni Lovers hand tossed by popular request. And then I made brownies. And then I borrowed the movie “The Lion King” from the neighbors so we could watch it, eat pizza, and party!
Except my roommates didn’t like The Lion King. Okay, no that’s wrong. They like it, but one or two mentioned the fact I should get a Disney princess movie. Ah well. I didn’t care. The Lion King is, and always has been, my very favorite Disney movie.
After the movie I called my parents and told them. I was going to wait until April Fool’s Day (actually, I had several ideas on how to tell them going through my head) but I couldn’t for several reasons. The main one being that I had had enough trouble keeping from them for three weeks! Haha, but also I needed to accept the job offer soon and I wanted to talk to them about when to accept and stuff like that. They were definitely not as excited as I’d hoped. In fact, they listened a little too much and didn’t squeal as much as I’d imagined. However, I guess old people don’t squeal and if they had it would have creeped me out, so it’s okay.
I’m reporting for duty on August 19th. I’m (hopefully) bringing the car down because my parents are awesome enough to let me. I pay for housing and food. But I’m paid better than at the bookstore and I’ll get at LEAST ten hours a week more, possibly fifteen or twenty even!
I don’t know what apartment I’m in until I get there. I also won’t know exactly where I work or my costume until I get there. All I know right now is that I’ll be in an apartment complex called Chatham with a bunch of other BYU kids, from all three BYUs (I’ll explain later) and I’ll be in merchandise so I’ll be selling stuff somewhere.
I am slightly worried about burnout. I’m hoping to work a lot so I can get more money! But I’m not sure where my breaking point is so I’ll have to learn that. I’m also a little worried about me financially. But I’m thinking/hoping I’ll be okay. I just hope I’ve remembered to budget everything into my plan. I think I’ll be okay for my entire Junior year, though. Now Senior year is a different story.
I’m hoping to get into the Internship program next year. I think I could have applied for the internship this year, technically, but I don’t fully understand it and I think the pay is the same and I don’t know what the differences in applying to the Internship vs. Job programs are. So we’ll see more about that next year. Then, after I graduate I might be able to get a job on one of the cruise ships at Disney. And/or maybe be able to take side classes, get my Paramedic license, and then be able to work as an Emergency Worker at Disney World!!! Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love this part of my life!!!
Okay. I can’t think of much else to say. I need to start working harder on remembering my schoolwork and not getting too distracted. I still have two and a half weeks of school left. And then another whole semester.
Oh, speaking of next semester. Yeah, I’m going to Europe. EUROPE! For four weeks! So be prepared to hear about that as well! For now I’m just so stinkin’ excited. Ska-WOW!
This explains why I’ve been having trouble lately. It explains why my mind has been everywhere. It explains why I’ve had so much energy, but my sleep schedule’s been totally screwed up. It explains a lot. But now that I’ve gotten it all off my chest… now that I KNOW I’m accepted and the fear is no longer there… now that I’m sure of what will happen and all, I’m going to try to get back to my studies. To ignore this huge part of my life for the next four months. I’m going to go back to being a normal person. Or at least, as normal as I can be.
I’m going to DISNEY WORLD!!!!
It started today. That building excitement until the mail comes. It comes at 3:30pm every day, by the way. More and more excitement. Until I get home. And see a letter for my roommate on the counter. I ask my other roommate if she got the mail. Yes. Did anything come for me? No. And then that great feeling of let down. I know this process will continue tomorrow, and the next day and the next. But, I’m hoping for Friday to be the magic day. That’s purely me guessing. I have no idea. Knowing my luck I won’t get a letter for another month and then I’ll get one saying, “Sorry, but you’ve been rejected.” Why must they make me wait SO LONG!?!
March 24, 2009
Today’s been an amazing day! I guess you can tell what happened right off, huh? Yes. I received my acceptance letter. But let me back up a little.
To start off in making this the greatest day ever (okay, slight exaggeration), my only Tuesday class was canceled, so I had ZERO classes today. I slept in as late as I wanted, studied and took and exam, and then slacked off. We had a devotional at two and after that I decided I needed to go to the store for bread and cheese. Only two items, but two very important items, nonetheless. Oh, and I needed cereal.
Well, the mail here comes around 3:30. It was about 3:10 that I decided I needed to go to the store to distract myself. I considered waiting for the mail to come, but as my roommate Kaylee brought up, sometimes the mail doesn’t come until 5 and I didn’t want to wait that long for potentially nothing. But on my way out the door my other roommate Kimmy came to me and asked if I could proofread a paper for her, and since it was due in three hours, I should do it before going to the store. So I sat down and proofread the paper and was finished around 3:45. I decided the mail could possibly have come by now, so I chose to run out to the mailbox right before going to the store, just in case.
I opened the mailbox and there was only one item—one, big, white envelope with my name on it. I actually didn’t even read my name on it. I just saw the envelope and happened to notice the Disney symbol up in the corner. I snatched it out of the box and ran into the apartment squealing. Kassie and Kaylee were home and I’m pretty sure it was obvious to them immediately what had happened considering Disney is about the only thing I’ve spoken to them about for the past three weeks.
I tore it open and found the beloved purple folder everyone talks about. It was amazing. I flipped it open just to read the words “Dear Dianna, Congratulations! You have been selected to participate in the Disney College Program” and I read that I was selected for the Merchandise role and my pay rate.
But I really had to get my energy out and I figured there was no better way than going to the store. So I did. And as most shopping trips go, I didn’t get out of there with just cheese and bread. I also had to buy a thing or two for roomies as well as cereal and another thing or two for myself. I bagged it all, double bagged some, and then headed home carrying it all, and it was actually pretty heavy. It wasn’t until after I got home and put all my bags down and went into my room that I realized what I’d done. I wore my empty backpack all the way to the store so that I could wear it all the way back home, totally empty. I had completely forgotten my backpack was on my back.
I realized this after taking it off and throwing it on my bed without thinking. So I squealed again… but this time a more dejected, “Oh NO!” kind of squeal and then went into the living room and flopped down on the couch laughing uncontrollably. My roommates thought I was delirious. It was amazing. I told them what happened and they just laughed at me.
I promised my roommates pizza when I heard back from Disney World, so I went ahead and ordered it. Unfortunately, the coupons we had didn’t participate at this Pizza Hut, but they had a different special going on now anyway, so it was okay. I got two Specialty large pizzas. Supreme deep dish for me and Pepperoni Lovers hand tossed by popular request. And then I made brownies. And then I borrowed the movie “The Lion King” from the neighbors so we could watch it, eat pizza, and party!
Except my roommates didn’t like The Lion King. Okay, no that’s wrong. They like it, but one or two mentioned the fact I should get a Disney princess movie. Ah well. I didn’t care. The Lion King is, and always has been, my very favorite Disney movie.
After the movie I called my parents and told them. I was going to wait until April Fool’s Day (actually, I had several ideas on how to tell them going through my head) but I couldn’t for several reasons. The main one being that I had had enough trouble keeping from them for three weeks! Haha, but also I needed to accept the job offer soon and I wanted to talk to them about when to accept and stuff like that. They were definitely not as excited as I’d hoped. In fact, they listened a little too much and didn’t squeal as much as I’d imagined. However, I guess old people don’t squeal and if they had it would have creeped me out, so it’s okay.
I’m reporting for duty on August 19th. I’m (hopefully) bringing the car down because my parents are awesome enough to let me. I pay for housing and food. But I’m paid better than at the bookstore and I’ll get at LEAST ten hours a week more, possibly fifteen or twenty even!
I don’t know what apartment I’m in until I get there. I also won’t know exactly where I work or my costume until I get there. All I know right now is that I’ll be in an apartment complex called Chatham with a bunch of other BYU kids, from all three BYUs (I’ll explain later) and I’ll be in merchandise so I’ll be selling stuff somewhere.
I am slightly worried about burnout. I’m hoping to work a lot so I can get more money! But I’m not sure where my breaking point is so I’ll have to learn that. I’m also a little worried about me financially. But I’m thinking/hoping I’ll be okay. I just hope I’ve remembered to budget everything into my plan. I think I’ll be okay for my entire Junior year, though. Now Senior year is a different story.
I’m hoping to get into the Internship program next year. I think I could have applied for the internship this year, technically, but I don’t fully understand it and I think the pay is the same and I don’t know what the differences in applying to the Internship vs. Job programs are. So we’ll see more about that next year. Then, after I graduate I might be able to get a job on one of the cruise ships at Disney. And/or maybe be able to take side classes, get my Paramedic license, and then be able to work as an Emergency Worker at Disney World!!! Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love this part of my life!!!
Okay. I can’t think of much else to say. I need to start working harder on remembering my schoolwork and not getting too distracted. I still have two and a half weeks of school left. And then another whole semester.
Oh, speaking of next semester. Yeah, I’m going to Europe. EUROPE! For four weeks! So be prepared to hear about that as well! For now I’m just so stinkin’ excited. Ska-WOW!
This explains why I’ve been having trouble lately. It explains why my mind has been everywhere. It explains why I’ve had so much energy, but my sleep schedule’s been totally screwed up. It explains a lot. But now that I’ve gotten it all off my chest… now that I KNOW I’m accepted and the fear is no longer there… now that I’m sure of what will happen and all, I’m going to try to get back to my studies. To ignore this huge part of my life for the next four months. I’m going to go back to being a normal person. Or at least, as normal as I can be.
I’m going to DISNEY WORLD!!!!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Funny... At Least To Me
I went to get my picture taken for my Europe trip ID today. The lady snapped the picture, and then looked at the screen oddly for a second. My first thought was that my picture turned out horrible, and I was debating on whether or not a second attempt would make it any better.
She then stated, "You look just like my neighbor!" Pause. "She's four years old." Pause. "But she looks very mature of course!"
Uhhhh... how do I respond to that?
She then stated, "You look just like my neighbor!" Pause. "She's four years old." Pause. "But she looks very mature of course!"
Uhhhh... how do I respond to that?
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Disney Story: Part Two
As you can see I'm still playing with this blog. Trying to decide what I like. Trying to pick out a good picture. I'm not really a fan of that big white blank spot up and to the right of this. It's easy for me to come up with pictures and ideas inside my head. It's moving them out of my head that's the problem.
Anyway, here's part two, including two days of writing.
March 12, 2009 9:30pm
Alright. I just took the interview. Wow. Just wow. I think it went kinda well actually. She asked me about my previous jobs. I tried really hard to smile the whole time, but my voice was raspy because I was nervous. Of course, she asked the typical question, why do you want to go to Disney World? I answered. I said I love the variety of it and the aura that it brings and their good values. Of course, in a much more professional way than that, though.
She asked me what my top three jobs were and I said Hopper definitely number one. And then numbers two and three I think were Quik-Serv and Attractions. I think… I had a hard time picking and the whole interview is kind of a blur now (my hand was shaking so hard I kept having to ask her to repeat the questions… I hope that wasn’t bad). Anyway, I mentioned creativity at one point and that made her happy. I asked two questions. One at the beginning about the pay (because she asked if I had a question…) and then at the end. I tried to ask about shadow opportunities; I’d heard about. But she said she couldn’t answer that.
I really really hope it went well. Most, almost all, the questions I prepared for she didn’t ask. The only one she did ask was “Why Disney World” and I had a good answer planned. I’m pretty upset that even though I smiled I know it didn’t sound like I smiled because of my raspy voice. I was happy, but not too perky. Crossing my fingers. I’m not gonna let myself bug me about it for a week now. The end.
March 17, 2009
Wow, did you really think I wasn’t gonna let it bug me? I at least went 24 hours without mentioning it but, seriously! I still can’t get the darned program off my mind. I want the letter to hurry up and get here so freakin’ bad!! I haven’t started checking the mail yet, though. I know the day I start checking the mail, however, will be the day I pretty much die.
I don’t know if it’s because of the program, or because my brain cells are dying.
Our internet is out so I can’t waste my time on disboards.com, my favorite website at the moment. So I guess, technically, I should be working on my homework. I have to study for Humanities and American Heritage and I have to write a paper for Comm 111. But no, I’m here, obsessing over Disney.
My eye popped again today. You know, like the vessel in your eye that pops when you’re stressed or something. I’m out of milk, and most of the food I have requires milk, so that’s sort of a problem. Okay, maybe not most per se, but a lot of it.
So some more stuff I learned about Disney today and some things I’m obsessing over:
The check in date that I think would be ideal for me is August 10 (my oldest brother’s 26th birthday, incidentally). The earliest day to check in. I think the other dates are 12, 19, and 24. But I don’t think I could handle another few days. Apparently the first few days after check-in are the most fun. The first day you check in, get your housing card thing, a packet of informative materials (bus schedule, rules for the apartments, etc.) and then unpack. On the second day is “Traditions” or orientation or something. They have something like a four hour session or something telling you about Disney’s history and stories and all that. Apparently some games are played too. That’s also the day you can sign up for classes (I won’t be taking any, though, because my school won’t give me credit for them and it would take away from time I could be earning money). It isn’t until the third or fourth day that you actually begin working, however apparently you’re paid for the informative sessions and training. The third/fourth day you begin to train and apparently training lasts like five to seven days depending on the job. Then you get evaluated and then you’re on your own.
Keep in mind this is all info that I’ve read from other’s experiences and the websites and all. So it may be different. What I’m most excited for is how nice and apparently new the living quarters are. Apparently there’s one bathroom for every two people, regardless if you’re in an eight person apartment vs. a two person apartment. The closets are walk-in closets and we get a dishwasher. We also get a balcony. Each room is bigger than the rooms at Riviera plus there’s even more room in the kitchen for a pantry. Each bedroom has a mirror over the dresser and two nightstands. I’m so excited. Outside there’s a pool, with a hot tub as well as basketball, tennis, racquetball, and tons of other courts/fields. Oh my GOSH!!!
Transportation is free, however it’s by bus and you have to deal with the bus schedules. People tell me it’s better to bring a car if you have the option because then you’re everybody’s best friend immediately. So I’m gonna have to try to talk my parents into a car….. hmmm…
Because I go to BYU-Idaho, apparently I have a higher chance of getting in. However, once there I’ll probably be staying at Chatham and with a bunch of other BYU students, whether they’re from Hawaii, Provo, or Idaho is just mixed. It would be so cool to meet someone from Hawaii though!
I did the math and decided to make it my goal to make at least $3000. That should be easy if my math was right. Assuming I’d be able to pick up hours and get around 45 each week. I could pay the rent as well as spend $40 a week on food (which I go between $30 and $35 here, so it shouldn’t be too hard) and still have waaaay more than $3000 left. So I think I’ll be able to handle it financially.
I’m so the luckiest kid in the world! Although, I really need to keep in mind the fact that I HAVEN’T BEEN ACCEPTED YET!!! I really haven’t. So I could be obsessing over nothing. Either way, I’m gonna apply next year no matter what, so maybe I’ll just whip out this paper next year if I can get in then. I’m not gonna say it’s my life’s goal to work at Disney World. I’m trying really hard to keep a level head about. I might not get in, and that’s okay with me. It’ll be easier to take since I’m not telling my parents about it. So I need to try and stay on the page. I also lowered my chances because I was so late to sign up. Oh well. I’m still wishing myself luck and am pretty sure I have another at least two weeks to wait. Hopefully I know before April Fools’ Day though! Teehee!!
Anyway, here's part two, including two days of writing.
March 12, 2009 9:30pm
Alright. I just took the interview. Wow. Just wow. I think it went kinda well actually. She asked me about my previous jobs. I tried really hard to smile the whole time, but my voice was raspy because I was nervous. Of course, she asked the typical question, why do you want to go to Disney World? I answered. I said I love the variety of it and the aura that it brings and their good values. Of course, in a much more professional way than that, though.
She asked me what my top three jobs were and I said Hopper definitely number one. And then numbers two and three I think were Quik-Serv and Attractions. I think… I had a hard time picking and the whole interview is kind of a blur now (my hand was shaking so hard I kept having to ask her to repeat the questions… I hope that wasn’t bad). Anyway, I mentioned creativity at one point and that made her happy. I asked two questions. One at the beginning about the pay (because she asked if I had a question…) and then at the end. I tried to ask about shadow opportunities; I’d heard about. But she said she couldn’t answer that.
I really really hope it went well. Most, almost all, the questions I prepared for she didn’t ask. The only one she did ask was “Why Disney World” and I had a good answer planned. I’m pretty upset that even though I smiled I know it didn’t sound like I smiled because of my raspy voice. I was happy, but not too perky. Crossing my fingers. I’m not gonna let myself bug me about it for a week now. The end.
March 17, 2009
Wow, did you really think I wasn’t gonna let it bug me? I at least went 24 hours without mentioning it but, seriously! I still can’t get the darned program off my mind. I want the letter to hurry up and get here so freakin’ bad!! I haven’t started checking the mail yet, though. I know the day I start checking the mail, however, will be the day I pretty much die.
I don’t know if it’s because of the program, or because my brain cells are dying.
Our internet is out so I can’t waste my time on disboards.com, my favorite website at the moment. So I guess, technically, I should be working on my homework. I have to study for Humanities and American Heritage and I have to write a paper for Comm 111. But no, I’m here, obsessing over Disney.
My eye popped again today. You know, like the vessel in your eye that pops when you’re stressed or something. I’m out of milk, and most of the food I have requires milk, so that’s sort of a problem. Okay, maybe not most per se, but a lot of it.
So some more stuff I learned about Disney today and some things I’m obsessing over:
The check in date that I think would be ideal for me is August 10 (my oldest brother’s 26th birthday, incidentally). The earliest day to check in. I think the other dates are 12, 19, and 24. But I don’t think I could handle another few days. Apparently the first few days after check-in are the most fun. The first day you check in, get your housing card thing, a packet of informative materials (bus schedule, rules for the apartments, etc.) and then unpack. On the second day is “Traditions” or orientation or something. They have something like a four hour session or something telling you about Disney’s history and stories and all that. Apparently some games are played too. That’s also the day you can sign up for classes (I won’t be taking any, though, because my school won’t give me credit for them and it would take away from time I could be earning money). It isn’t until the third or fourth day that you actually begin working, however apparently you’re paid for the informative sessions and training. The third/fourth day you begin to train and apparently training lasts like five to seven days depending on the job. Then you get evaluated and then you’re on your own.
Keep in mind this is all info that I’ve read from other’s experiences and the websites and all. So it may be different. What I’m most excited for is how nice and apparently new the living quarters are. Apparently there’s one bathroom for every two people, regardless if you’re in an eight person apartment vs. a two person apartment. The closets are walk-in closets and we get a dishwasher. We also get a balcony. Each room is bigger than the rooms at Riviera plus there’s even more room in the kitchen for a pantry. Each bedroom has a mirror over the dresser and two nightstands. I’m so excited. Outside there’s a pool, with a hot tub as well as basketball, tennis, racquetball, and tons of other courts/fields. Oh my GOSH!!!
Transportation is free, however it’s by bus and you have to deal with the bus schedules. People tell me it’s better to bring a car if you have the option because then you’re everybody’s best friend immediately. So I’m gonna have to try to talk my parents into a car….. hmmm…
Because I go to BYU-Idaho, apparently I have a higher chance of getting in. However, once there I’ll probably be staying at Chatham and with a bunch of other BYU students, whether they’re from Hawaii, Provo, or Idaho is just mixed. It would be so cool to meet someone from Hawaii though!
I did the math and decided to make it my goal to make at least $3000. That should be easy if my math was right. Assuming I’d be able to pick up hours and get around 45 each week. I could pay the rent as well as spend $40 a week on food (which I go between $30 and $35 here, so it shouldn’t be too hard) and still have waaaay more than $3000 left. So I think I’ll be able to handle it financially.
I’m so the luckiest kid in the world! Although, I really need to keep in mind the fact that I HAVEN’T BEEN ACCEPTED YET!!! I really haven’t. So I could be obsessing over nothing. Either way, I’m gonna apply next year no matter what, so maybe I’ll just whip out this paper next year if I can get in then. I’m not gonna say it’s my life’s goal to work at Disney World. I’m trying really hard to keep a level head about. I might not get in, and that’s okay with me. It’ll be easier to take since I’m not telling my parents about it. So I need to try and stay on the page. I also lowered my chances because I was so late to sign up. Oh well. I’m still wishing myself luck and am pretty sure I have another at least two weeks to wait. Hopefully I know before April Fools’ Day though! Teehee!!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Disney Story: Part One
It's a long story. I thought I'd post up here the personal journal I'd kept during the whole Disney thing while I was keeping it a secret from everyone. It's really long so I'm gonna post it in sections. I don't know if anybody would be interested, really, but just in case.... :) Don't worry, it's not that personal.
March 12, 2009 About 3pm
I figured since I’m not putting anything on my blog about this yet, that I’d go ahead and document it, since there’s a slight chance something big might come of it. If I get into the program, then I may post this on my blog for all to see. If I’m rejected… well, I’ll probably print this off, delete it from my computer, and burn the remains after ripping them up crying. Okay, so I won’t be quite that upset but I will be pretty bummed if I don’t get in. Now, I’ll explain what the heck I’m talking about.
Several months ago, I was reading a book in the bookstore by Randy Pausch called The Last Lecture. For the record, I never finished the book (since technically I’m not supposed to read while on the job) but I highly recommend it. It was on bestsellers for a long time, definitely for a reason. Anyway, in his book, he wrote about doing some program with Disney. He said it was his goal to become a Disney Imagineer and that he loved it. Well, I became curious what a Disney Imagineer was, and promptly went to the website to learn about it. I found out there was no chance. But I did find something else while looking at the Disney website, called the Disney College Program. I read about it for a while, decided that it was some program for Disney College and I didn’t go there, and I ignored it. No big deal. I didn’t have a chance to work at Disney. I never thought that I did, so I just ignored it all.
After coming back out to college for my sophomore year, however, I was forced (okay, it’s required for my major) to take Comm 100. This class is basically a career booster class where they let you know about different career paths you can go down in Communications. I saw on the syllabus that we’d be having a “Disney Day” where someone came from Disney and talked to us about working there. Again, I figured no big deal, I’ll never get in. I’m not gonna worry about it.
Skip forward. March 5, 2009. Exactly one week ago today. I was talking to my roommate Dawn about it. She mentioned that she actually did the Disney College Program!
You can DO that!? I exclaimed back at her.
Apparently so. I asked her all kinds of questions about it and she quickly had me jumping up and down in excitement. And this explains why my last week has been a blur.
I went to their website, www.disneycollegeprogram.com, and researched the program for hours. I found that I could get a job there. I’d be paid around 7 or 8 bucks an hour, pay around $85/week for housing, and have to buy my own food. I saw that the apartment included pretty much everything (silverware, dishes, furniture, etc.) and the opportunity just looked better and better everywhere I looked. I found discussion boards and websites, news releases and more on the program. I couldn’t stop searching and was neglecting my schoolwork just to day dream about going there. It was pathetic.
Okay, I’ll be honest. It is pathetic. Yesterday I went to the informational session that’s required to apply. Immediately after, I filled out the application and called the number to set up an interview. I will be interviewing tonight and have been looking up interview questions all day.
Well, actually, today’s been really productive. While I can’t get the program off my mind I actually have gotten some work done today. I woke up at 6:30am and had a class at 7. It was Comm 100 and they were doing another Disney presentation. Not a great way to start a potentially productive day. But anyway, I got out of that class at 8 and came home to study for an exam. I studied a little over an hour and then went to take it. Needless to say I didn’t do so hot on the exam. I’m just grateful I didn’t fail. I got home from that and began working on a paper that’s due tomorrow. Then I went to my second class and wrote a group paper with some friends. After that I got home, grabbed some lunch, and then took off for a meeting with another teacher. I got home after 2 and took a shower and got ready for the day which had pretty much already happened. The only thing I have left is to go to the store, finish my paper, and then interview for Disney.
The interview is at 9 tonight and then, about three weeks from today, I will find out how I did. I know I’m writing this to no one in particular right now… but please, wish me luck!
While I’m on the subject, however, I do have a funny story to share. You see, I’ve been obsessing over this program for the past week. So for a while, that's all I can talk to my roommate about. I think I've been annoying her, actually. Haha. Except she has an obsession of her own so we've just been bouncing back and forth between talking about our obsessions. It was great!
We finally decided we needed to distract ourselves. Well, I asked her to distract me. So she came up with a game where we come up with as many words as we can the begin with (seriously, why did she have to pick this letter!?) ‘D.’ After a while, I made her change the letter to ‘z’ for obvious reasons.
Also, for my group paper, I've been obsessing. When the guy in our group mentioned something about the "mouse" for the computer I about went crazy.
Anyway, I’ve hardly slept this week. I’ve been nervous. I’ve been worried. I can’t concentrate. All I’ve thought about has been Disney and Mickey Mouse. Ah well. Good luck to me.
March 12, 2009 About 3pm
I figured since I’m not putting anything on my blog about this yet, that I’d go ahead and document it, since there’s a slight chance something big might come of it. If I get into the program, then I may post this on my blog for all to see. If I’m rejected… well, I’ll probably print this off, delete it from my computer, and burn the remains after ripping them up crying. Okay, so I won’t be quite that upset but I will be pretty bummed if I don’t get in. Now, I’ll explain what the heck I’m talking about.
Several months ago, I was reading a book in the bookstore by Randy Pausch called The Last Lecture. For the record, I never finished the book (since technically I’m not supposed to read while on the job) but I highly recommend it. It was on bestsellers for a long time, definitely for a reason. Anyway, in his book, he wrote about doing some program with Disney. He said it was his goal to become a Disney Imagineer and that he loved it. Well, I became curious what a Disney Imagineer was, and promptly went to the website to learn about it. I found out there was no chance. But I did find something else while looking at the Disney website, called the Disney College Program. I read about it for a while, decided that it was some program for Disney College and I didn’t go there, and I ignored it. No big deal. I didn’t have a chance to work at Disney. I never thought that I did, so I just ignored it all.
After coming back out to college for my sophomore year, however, I was forced (okay, it’s required for my major) to take Comm 100. This class is basically a career booster class where they let you know about different career paths you can go down in Communications. I saw on the syllabus that we’d be having a “Disney Day” where someone came from Disney and talked to us about working there. Again, I figured no big deal, I’ll never get in. I’m not gonna worry about it.
Skip forward. March 5, 2009. Exactly one week ago today. I was talking to my roommate Dawn about it. She mentioned that she actually did the Disney College Program!
You can DO that!? I exclaimed back at her.
Apparently so. I asked her all kinds of questions about it and she quickly had me jumping up and down in excitement. And this explains why my last week has been a blur.
I went to their website, www.disneycollegeprogram.com, and researched the program for hours. I found that I could get a job there. I’d be paid around 7 or 8 bucks an hour, pay around $85/week for housing, and have to buy my own food. I saw that the apartment included pretty much everything (silverware, dishes, furniture, etc.) and the opportunity just looked better and better everywhere I looked. I found discussion boards and websites, news releases and more on the program. I couldn’t stop searching and was neglecting my schoolwork just to day dream about going there. It was pathetic.
Okay, I’ll be honest. It is pathetic. Yesterday I went to the informational session that’s required to apply. Immediately after, I filled out the application and called the number to set up an interview. I will be interviewing tonight and have been looking up interview questions all day.
Well, actually, today’s been really productive. While I can’t get the program off my mind I actually have gotten some work done today. I woke up at 6:30am and had a class at 7. It was Comm 100 and they were doing another Disney presentation. Not a great way to start a potentially productive day. But anyway, I got out of that class at 8 and came home to study for an exam. I studied a little over an hour and then went to take it. Needless to say I didn’t do so hot on the exam. I’m just grateful I didn’t fail. I got home from that and began working on a paper that’s due tomorrow. Then I went to my second class and wrote a group paper with some friends. After that I got home, grabbed some lunch, and then took off for a meeting with another teacher. I got home after 2 and took a shower and got ready for the day which had pretty much already happened. The only thing I have left is to go to the store, finish my paper, and then interview for Disney.
The interview is at 9 tonight and then, about three weeks from today, I will find out how I did. I know I’m writing this to no one in particular right now… but please, wish me luck!
While I’m on the subject, however, I do have a funny story to share. You see, I’ve been obsessing over this program for the past week. So for a while, that's all I can talk to my roommate about. I think I've been annoying her, actually. Haha. Except she has an obsession of her own so we've just been bouncing back and forth between talking about our obsessions. It was great!
We finally decided we needed to distract ourselves. Well, I asked her to distract me. So she came up with a game where we come up with as many words as we can the begin with (seriously, why did she have to pick this letter!?) ‘D.’ After a while, I made her change the letter to ‘z’ for obvious reasons.
Also, for my group paper, I've been obsessing. When the guy in our group mentioned something about the "mouse" for the computer I about went crazy.
Anyway, I’ve hardly slept this week. I’ve been nervous. I’ve been worried. I can’t concentrate. All I’ve thought about has been Disney and Mickey Mouse. Ah well. Good luck to me.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
My Name Is Dianna.... And I Have A Drinking Problem
I walked home from the store yesterday in a hurry because I wanted to get back before the next session of conference started. Exhausted from walking, I went straight to the sink after coming in the door to grab a cup of water.
Problem: When I'm really excited to drink water, I tend to pour the water into my mouth faster than my throat drains.
Hence the big wet spot that seems to be constantly on my shirt.
I like to drink, okay?
Problem: When I'm really excited to drink water, I tend to pour the water into my mouth faster than my throat drains.
Hence the big wet spot that seems to be constantly on my shirt.
I like to drink, okay?
Friday, April 3, 2009
Note: This Is Only A Test
Okay, well, it might become more than just that.
My other blog, "It's A Beautiful Life", is getting very old (pushing five years to be exact-ish) and wants to retire. So I'm starting this one up.
Basically, I have a ridiculously amazing life. And I'm just amazing enough to share it with the world.
The recent spark for this blog occurred soon after I was accepted into the Disney College Program for Fall 2009 in Merchandise. I will be going to live there (yes, you read correctly, live in DISNEY WORLD!) three months after I get back from my trip to Europe in a few weeks (yes, you read correctly, EUROPE!). In the meantime, I'm a college student at BYU-Idaho majoring in Communications and minoring in Humanities in hopes to someday become a Paramedic. Crazy, I know.
Explanations later. Maybe. If I feel like it. :)
My other blog, "It's A Beautiful Life", is getting very old (pushing five years to be exact-ish) and wants to retire. So I'm starting this one up.
Basically, I have a ridiculously amazing life. And I'm just amazing enough to share it with the world.
The recent spark for this blog occurred soon after I was accepted into the Disney College Program for Fall 2009 in Merchandise. I will be going to live there (yes, you read correctly, live in DISNEY WORLD!) three months after I get back from my trip to Europe in a few weeks (yes, you read correctly, EUROPE!). In the meantime, I'm a college student at BYU-Idaho majoring in Communications and minoring in Humanities in hopes to someday become a Paramedic. Crazy, I know.
Explanations later. Maybe. If I feel like it. :)
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