Wish On A Star Wednesday #6

I would have had this in right before midnight but I had to do a little work on the image before I could post it. There was a "blemish" on the bottom of the post so I needed to think of a way to correct it... hense the sign.

Oh well, Happy Wednesday!

Playhouse Disney Pals "Logo"

What do you think of my team logo? Not sure if they will let me use it since I basically photoshopped a trademarked logo - but hey, it's worth a shot. I thought I would make little cards for each of my 23 team members to welcome them to my team...

Thoughts, ideas, suggestions?

The View From My Seat...

and here is Cletus (with the glasses) and Chad Brock (with the ball cap)... yeah, baby!

Did I Ever Tell You...

That I actually met Keith Urban? Oh yeah, that is me with my head on his left shoulder... and yes Tammy, he smelled so good. Kind of a spicy, woodsy smell - simply delicious.

I listen to this radio station every day, WQYK, and they have Cletus T. Judd for the morning show. Flipping hilarious, I swear, plus I have a little crush on Cletus. Anyway, there was a contest one morning and you had to name the answers to like five trivia questions about Nicole Kidman. Hello - trivia goddess knocking. Needless to say, I got through and gave all the correct answers. They gave me the tickets. There was to be a drawing on Valentine's Day for front row tickets and backstage passes for the February 24th concert.

I had given my radio at the front to Meredith since she got better reception and I asked her to turn the radio on and let me know who wins the passes. While I was back there tuning the radio, the radio station was calling my desk telling me I won!! It was so cool. The message was funny too, something about not bothering to pick up the phone. I called back and got on the air and won the whole kit and kaboodle.

Keith came out and did a song for us and answered questions. While all that was going on I was playing with Cletus and Chad Brock. Cletus accussed Chad of falling asleep on my shoulder and drooling.. it was so much fun.

Those of you who have seen this picture - yes, bow down at my Photoshop skills!! Those of you who have not, don't worry I didn't do anything wrong... just edited it for my enjoyment. We don't want to see the dead beat P.O.S. I took with me to the show. I have the ticket stub, autographed picture and earphones as a present that he gave me to prove I was there.

Ahhh...

Total Melt Down!

Yeah, so the Toddler Bed that I thought would be such a fabulous thing - it is living in the garage as we speak. Sami had a complete melt down this evening when it came time to lay down. I couldn't figure out what the problem was... about an hour later it dawned on me. She doesn't feel secure in her toddler bed. She isn't big enough yet to make the transition. Needless to say, I trudged down to the garage and trudged back up with her crib.

She held the pieces (I kid you not) while Mom, Dani and I put it all back together. Within five minutes of being back in her crib she was asleep!! I guess my baby is still my baby.

Sorry Kevin! Maybe we can get you the crib in a few more months... or at least before college, hopefully.

Sami's Big Girl Room

This is what Sami's big girl room looks like now. We had our first night in our new toddler bed that I bought yesterday. Needless to say it went over like a fart in church! She didn't understand where "her bed" was even though the mattress and comforter are the ones from her crib. I sat in here with her for over an hour. When I finally decided she was used to everything and left the room, she screamed like a banchee!! I came back up and rocked her for about ten minutes until she fell asleep and then I placed her in her Princess bed. She didn't fall asleep until well after 9 pm.

Hopefully tonight she will sleep better.

Ode to Ernesto

Ernesto, Ernesto - you are a big ol' Pesto
Why are you bothering my state?
People are scared and going insane,
Bilions of people in the check out lane.
Water and batteries flying out the store,
We have a bunch but we could always use more.

Ernesto, Ernesto - you pathetic little Pesto.
You couldn't keep it together over the Cuban mountains,
Throwing less water than the playground fountains.
Just take a sharp right and head out of sight.
I have run out of rhyme, at this particular time,
but that is okay because you aren't even a true hurricane.

A pathetic poem for a pathetic storm.

My Leader of Leaders

I found out this evening that I got the InMarket Dine Leader position! I will be working in the evenings (not sure of the times yet) and off on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I will have 23 Dine Agents under me and my position starts on 10 Sept!

I was so happy when Rose Mary asked me if I would accept the position I couldn't stand it. I gave her a big ol' hug and she said that she was proud of her decision.

Now all I need to do is come up with a team name...

Despite Planetary Downgrade, Pluto is Still Disney's 'Dog Star'

In reaction to news today that Pluto was demoted to the status of "dwarf planet," the Seven Dwarfs issued their own short statement:
"Although we think it's DOPEY that Pluto has been downgraded to a dwarf planet, which has made some people GRUMPY and others just SLEEPY, we are not BASHFUL in saying we would be HAPPY if Disney's Pluto would join us as an 8th dwarf. We think this is just what the DOC ordered and is nothing to SNEEZE at."
As Mickey Mouse's faithful companion, Pluto made his debut in 1930 – the same year that scientists discovered what they believed was a ninth planet. Said a white-gloved, yellow-shoed source close to Disney's top dog, "I think the whole thing is goofy. Pluto has never been interested in astronomy before, other than maybe an occasional howl at the moon."

Wish On A Star Wednesday #5

I know it is Thursday but I have been ill for the past three days - I thought I would post a few things and then go back to bed. I love this picture of Walt and Mickey - there are so many little happy things to find inside it.

Have a magical day!

Sunday - No Doodlebop Day

We originally went to Disney-MGM Studios on Sunday to see the Doodlebops perform. I didn't know that you had to be there before the park opened so you could trample people to get free tickets. I figured it was like Playhouse Disney Live On Stage - you walk up before the show starts, line up and then go in and sit on the carpeted floor for the show. Apparently not! I am a cast member and no where in any of my information did it state that you should be there early for tickets. Needless to say, I was very disappointed to find out at 10 am that all the tickets were gone but I was more than welcome to waste my entire standing in a will call line that may or maynot get a chance to see them. Have you tried staying still in a line that doesn't move with a 16 month old - I don't think so!

So we wandered on and found other things to do... Dani went to the Animation Academy and drew Stitch... we ended up in a street performance on our way out (it was a lot of fun, even Dani and Sami joined in)... we rode the Friendship Launch to Epcot... went to China to get the finishing touch for Dani's halloween costume... walked across the International Gateway to Disney's Beach Club for some ice cream at Beaches and Cream... took said ice cream to the Beach Club Resort lobby and sat in one of the little nooks with sofas and took our shoes off... Sami woke up from her nap and went to the store to get her some cookies since she missed the ice cream... sat on a window ledge and waited for her to finish... walked back from the Beach Club all the way to Disney-MGM Studios for the car and came home.

It doesn't sound like much but it was a veru enjoyable day - all things considered.

Search is Up!

I may not have gotten the bed that I wanted for her but I did get the bedding so I guess that alright. I have been thinking of maybe painting the beds pink or white before putting them together but I am not sure. Either way, my little daredevil will now have a safe place to sleep.

The Big Girl Bed

My little monster has learned to climb so we are going to get her a big girl bed this weekend. It makes more sense in the long run since we would just be purchasing another bed within a year or so if we did a toddler bed. So - all of you knowing me - I went to look for Disney Princess Beds. The collection is at Rooms To Go Kids and I think I am leaning towards the bunk beds for a lot of reasons... it comes with the bed rails... when we have company I can let them use my room and bunk with her... they are lower to the ground... and they come with the mattresses... plus they are versatile and I don't think she would out grow it.

I on the other hand am fighting the urge to have the carriage day bed!!

BENJI KNOWS HE CAN DANCE!!

My favorite dancer won "So You Think You Can Dance"!! All those hours of sitting around dialing the phone have finally paid off and Benji was just announced the winner. He was so happy he cried. Mom and I were so happy we were bouncing up and down clapping in the living room.

Benji is a sweet, funny and talented young man who will do well in the entertainment industry. I "borrowed" this from his bio on Fox's website -


Benji Schwimmer
Age: 22 Hometown: Redlands, CA Occupation: West Coast Swing Specialist

He started a charitable non-profit organization, Dancers Everywhere Making a Needed Difference, for orphans in southern Mexico. He hopes to pursue a professional dance career.

What is your full name? Benjiman Schwimmer

Do you have a nickname? Benji, Geege, 6-6 pants

Where do you currently live? Redlands, CA

Where were you born? Newport Beach, CA

What is your hometown? Moreno Valley CA/ Oaxaca Mexico

How old are you? 22

What is your birth date? 1-18-84

Are you in school? No, I quit for the Show.

How old were you when you started to dance? I've always danced…in swing.

Do you have any formal dance training? 19 years swing, 3 years latin, 2 months lyrical/Jazz.

If you had to categorize your dance style, what would it be (hip hop, ballet, tap etc…)? West Coast Swing

What other talents/hobbies do you have? I speak fluent Spanish

Who is your favorite professional dancer? My parents, Donnie Burs and Geynor Fairweather, Fred Astaire, Nick Lazz, and Gene Kelly.

Does anyone in your family dance professionally? My whole family dances!

Have you performed in musical theater or in public functions as a dancer? Not recently

What would you like to see happen to you as a result of the show? To come out of the experience a better person, raise more awareness for my charity, D.E.M.A.N.D., and work like crazy!

What has been your most memorable dance experience? Making the show!


Congratulations Benji! You did a fabulous job and I am so happy that you won. Now I have to look into going to Vegas to see Celine Dion's show so I can watch you dance some more.

Wish On A Star Wednesday #4

I chose this one because of the whole back to school thing going on now. Dani has been back for a week but Boo goes back today so I thought why not celebrate making it through a whole week and kicking off the year all at once.

Have a great year guys - I know you will do well!

It'll be a BOY!

Apparently we didn't have enough girl vibes going because the newest McCurry is going to be a boy. Congratulations Mere!

Girlie Vibes!

Alright, so a friend of mine is going to the doctor's today to find out if she is having a boy or a girl.. can you tell what we are rooting for here? I wish her luck holding in all that water and speeding time back to the sonogram room (been there done that not too long ago and I remember waiting for over an hour with a bladder full of water and a dancing Sami going to town). I am not being anti-boy vote but come on, even she has on pink to pump up the vibes!

Good luck Mere and I hope that which ever it is that all is well. Love ya!

Waiting for Gibbs

I did not like the way they left me at the end of the season - yes, I know that is why they are called cliff hangers but it doesn't mean I have to like it. I have patiently waited all summer for a new season to start so I can make sure that my beloved Gibbs is still there. Season One was bad enough when at the last second (literally) Ari killed Kate but how you can you do this to me two seasons in a row... Gibbs walking down a beach in Mexico to be with his old CO... not only NO but HELL NO!!

Now, we all love DiNozzo and his moments but seriously - he can't lead the team. Not in a million years do I want to hear McGee refer to him as "Boss". Who is going to "Gibbs" the crew and if you don't know what "Gibbs"ing the crew means then I suggest you find out quick. The chemistry that he has with entire team from Duckie to Shepard to Ziva - HE is the fine thread that holds the wonderful tapestry together and without him the entire show will unravel.

How can they do this to me? I check the site on a regular basis (Pauley has a fabulous blog) and yet there is no mention of when the new season starts! Although Pauley did say that she and the gang went back to work on July 8th so I bet that the new season will begin in the next week or two - right? Right? RIGHT?!?!

Speechless

Change is Good Indeed

"Change is good". That is what we say at Disney all the time. Keeps things fresh and shows new perspectives. Recent developments and actions have proven this to be the case ~ at least for me lately.

My team recently had a change of leadership. Joe, who's console is officially cleaned out, is no longer our leader and is working currently as an IP agent as of this past Sunday. Our new leader is Jennie. Now the rumor mill at DRC is just as bad as any other working environment so I was a bit tentative about having her for my leader. I never really had an opportunity to sit down and speak with her but knew of her through the Worldphile community... and what I knew was a little scary. I went into with an open mind and decided that I would make my own conclusion based upon my own experiences, not the rumor mill.

Yesterday, I took a few minutes to sit with her and talk about my goals. She shared her story of her life at DRC and I shared mine. She asked me questions and honestly listened to the answers. I explained how and why I left and what brought me back and my desires to forward my career on to leadership. During our conversation she made the comment that we would be going over the Candlelight booking procedures for 2006 and since I am an old hand at it, why don't I give that presentation during our meeting on tomorrow. I was shocked and excited. I told her I would love to and she made me copies of the leader packet to review that night. She also suggested that since my team looks up to and respects me, I should coach and mentor them. It would involve being "Y"-connected to their phone so I could listen and critique their calls along with giving them pointers and advice. Other team members would also "Y"-connect to me so they could see my best practices and learn from me. I was even more excited.

Tonight during our meeting I gave my presentation on Candlelight. I had the paper and was a bit nervous (I actually have a small fear of public speaking). She said she would "drive" my presentation while I discussed it to the team. This was a big relief since it is very difficult to talk and "drive" at the same time. I started out with the notes but within a minute they were on the table and I was talking and explaining. The one slide I was a bit tentative on my abilities was the "Questions" slide. I feared that I would freeze or have some huge blonde moment that would shatter all that I felt I had just built. The hands started to go up and I was answering questions left and right. At one point, the side conversations got a bit loud and I made the comment that "so and so's question was" and immediately got control of the room again (and it is not easy to regain 27 cast members).

Now, we get back to our seats and proceed to take calls. Around 8 p.m. Jennie askes me to go to "meeting" and come see her. I told her sure and I would be there as soon as I had taken care of my Guest. Once Amy (I swear, that was my guest's name - ironic, no) was all happy I put myself in "meeting" and went to see her. She wanted me to help her by put HyperQualities and AuxReason sheets in the team members' drop boxes. I took care of that for her and came back to ask what she would like help with next. To my surprise, she entrusted me with writing the email detailing the minutes of our meeting to our team. I am actually in the middle of it and will complete it tomorrow but I was surprised at such a task. Most leaders take care of that aspect on their own!

I really feel that Jennie has taken my request seriously and major things are on the horizon. I also ran into Bill, our new site leader. This happened yesterday afternoon after getting off a most distressing phone call with my mother. I was a bit upset to say the least. On my way back to my desk I passed Bill (his picture has been all over DRC so we would recognize him when he came on board YESTERDAY). He smiled and asked how I was doing. I answered him in my best Disney perky voice and told it was wonderful and thanked him for asking. We were passing each other so it wasn't polite to ask how he was doing since I wouldn't be around for the answer. I plan on popping into his office on Monday to introduce myself ~ networking never ends.

Anyway, I just wanted to share my feelings of happiness on the increased responsibilities that my leader has instilled upon me in just five days. I am getting the feeling that my dreams of leadership are not far from being an reality. When you wish upon a star...

Saturday Surprise!

I couldn't sleep so I thought I would surprise everyone with this cute little wallpaper of my pal Piglet. While all of your are slumbering I figured I would practice my Christmas stealth mode ~ not long now you know!

Happy dreams to all and a Saturday filled with wonderful surprises.