100 Acre Personality Quiz

16 May 2007

Locked Out


So my blog was on a sort of lock down and I could not get in to it. I had to disable one aspect of it and we'll see if that helps. If it does not, I am going to have to "relocate" this site in order to keep things safe and fun.

Nice to be back, I've missed you all.

12 May 2007

Explorer 7

So far, not so good. It has shut down on me twice already. All I want to do is create a post and add a picture. I am not impressed. I am giving it to the end of the night and if it keeps shutting down on me then I will revert back.

I'll let you know how it goes.

10 May 2007

Michael Ball - Mini Break Celebration

I am going to celebrate my first Mini-Break with a Michael Ball celebration. Please enjoy these beautiful clips of a beautiful artist. To quote someone completely inappropriate at this moment ~ One day he will be mine. Oh yes, he will be mine. Yeah, Wayne's World doesn't really fit but I swear one day I will move to London just so I can see him whenever I want... that would be a dream come true. Besides, I may be a southern belle but I was born to be a Londoner.

Enjoy poppets!

Empty Chairs, Empty Tables


Tonight (with Lesley Garrett)


First Interview on Terry Wogan (with Andrew Lloyd Webber)


Interview on Terry Wogan


The First Man You Remember


And Her Mother Came Too


Seeing is Believing (Aspects of Love)

All I Ask of You - Phantom of the Opera


This song is originally a duet in the show and Michael Ball played the part of Raoul, and he did an awesome job. On the CD that I got from London, he sings the entire song by himself and it is just beautiful. I wanted to share the lyrics because they just strike a cord with me today.


09 May 2007

Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour

Here is my only photo taken on the team outing that I set up. We went on the Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour and I really enjoyed it. If I ever to go to work in the parks, I want to spend at least half of my time doing tours like that because it was so much fun.


Starting from the left: Devika, Rose Mary, Doug, Patty, Wanda, Chris, Jill, Derek and me. The woman in the center with the costume on is Nicole and she was our tour guide. Nicole was very funny and handled everything this motley crew threw at her so I tip my ears to her.

08 May 2007

Air Quality


Thanks to the fires in Georgia the air quality around here is horrible. I just went out to get some gas in the car and I had an asthma attack almost immediately. You can see the haze from the fires and smell the smoke. I swear I can not stand this particular aspect of living in Florida and it happens every year. For those of you with allergies and asthma, here is a breakdown that I found regarding the Air Quality Index. I, for one, never understood what all the colors and numbers meant so now that I found it I thought I would share, compliments of AirNow.Gov.

Air Quality Index
Levels of Health Concern Numerical
Value Meaning

Good 0-50 Air quality is considered satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk.

Moderate 51-100 Air quality is acceptable; however, for some pollutants there may be a moderate health concern for a very small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups 101-150 Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is not likely to be affected.

Unhealthy 151-200 Everyone may begin to experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

Very Unhealthy 201-300 Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.

Hazardous > 300 Health warnings of emergency conditions. The entire population is more likely to be affected.

Straight from London, U.K.

One of my cast members just got back from London and Paris for her vacation. I admit that I was jealous because she took the trip that Dani and I were planning on doing this past March. My team knew about the disappointment of us not going to get to see Michael Ball in concert and even though they have no clue who he is, they felt bad for us.

Long story short, Erin brought me back a Michael Ball CD!! Now, I know most of you are thinking "big deal, it's a CD"... well it is a big deal because out of the 6 years that I have been hunting for his music I have only been able to find 2 CDs stateside. It's not common to be a London stage groupie here!! Anyway, she was sweet enough to scower London for the perfect gift and it turned out to be Love Changes Everything: the Essential Michael Ball. Go listen and enjoy.

06 May 2007

Answer Some Questions


Yeah, the cyberstalking. I am sure you are all wondering what in the world I am talking about so I will illuminate.


About a year ago, Diane contacted me using some made up name and asked about Dani. I was hesitant and inquired more about who this person was before I said anything about my baby. She finally fessed up and then began demanding information. Uh, hello? She was 13 1/2 at the time and I could tell you that they hadn't seen her in 13 years!


Needless to say I wrote an email that very elloquantly stated that she had no right to demand anything from me and to please leave my family alone. I took down the one site I had and in July last year I built this one. We all know what my mother did so let's not go there.


Now, I also have a MySpace account that I use to keep up with my friend's kids that are like family to me. I've written about them before ~ Brandon and Katie over in Iraq and then Boo (her name is Katie too so she got a nickname to tell her apart from Brandon's wife) ~ Jacque's kids. Anywho, I don't have anything about my kids on my MySpace as it's only purpose is to keep up with my nieces and nephews. So the other day, the exact same day I made this an invited blog only, I received this letter from "Annishia" in my MySpace Inbox:


I recently found out that you have shared personal emails that I have sent to you (and your mother) with one of your bloggers. Amazing to me that you have taken advantage of our attempts to communicate with a very special person whom we love. Shame on you and your mother for playing such a hateful game for your enjoyment on the internet. By the way, your blogger led me to this internet site.


Now, initially I responded on a nicer note:


I have no clue who you are or what you are talking about so unless you would like to introduce yourself and speak in a civilized tone I suggest you rethink the previous email. Have a wonderful day.


Then I thought about it for a minute and replied with this:


Oh and if this is Diane again ~ bugger off!! You'd think you would at least be brave enough to use your real name in any of these conversations.


I have the right to speak to whomever I chose about whatever topic I see fit. I suggest you use these weak attempts at manipulation on someone else... perhaps your deadbeat son.


You can not love someone you do not know so forget it. She now knows the truth and finds your entire family to be horrible and wants nothing to do with any of you. To prove the point, she threw away the one picture she had of Shawn... but not before tearing it up and calling him some unsavory names with my approval on that one occassion. That chapter of her life is now over.


I do not know what cheap entertainment factor you may be speaking of but I do know that if you have found my blog on the internet you can consider it removed immediately ~ or at least changed so that only members may read it as you have no right to anything regarding my family.


Now, please return to the rock from which you have emurged and I will go about my life as I wish you would go about yours and stop stalking my family or I will press charges against the lot of you.


Amy


P.S. - we are moving out of country in the very near future and wish no further contact. Should our wishes not be obeyed you will be hearing from my lawyer.


Yes, I know what you are thinking ~ What if it isn't Diane? My response is that I don't flipping care because the initial note written to me was just about as passive aggressive as you can get so I figured that they needed to be "spoken" to in a manner that they might understand. I then emailed MySpace and reported this individual as a cyberstalker and cyberbullying me. We shall see what happens from there.


That is the long and short of it as to why this is no longer out for all the world to see but just my close friends and family. Enjoy and if I have left a loop hole in the thought process somewhere, let me know and I will tie it up.

04 May 2007

Why the Email?

I am sure you are wondering why you received an email to read my blog. It seems as though there are people out there who "cyberstalk" my chidren. I do not want them in their lives and therefore they have no business slinking around the internet reading about them and seeing the updated photos. In order to keep thing the way they should be, I have blocked this blog from being read by anyone other than those I invited... simple.


Now you know you are loved and adored if I have invited you to read all of my babblings.

03 May 2007

We're Half Way There!

As you all know, Disney is celebrating A Year of a Million Dreams and we are already halfway there! Cast members receive a publication called Eyes & Ears and it is full of wonderful stories, tips and such. I thought it would be nice to look back at our first dream and where we are now... enjoy this cast exclusive look at the magic. To expand the articles, all you have to do is click on them to open in a new window.


Mickey's Magical Milestones Tour



Chronicle the fascinating world, development and success of Mickey Mouse while touring the Magic Kingdom® Park. Recall and discover the magic of Mickey by visiting special locations that retrace his rise to fame. Relive some memorable moments from his distinguished career and learn why he wields such an emotional impact even today.


That is what I chose to do for our Team Outing this month. I chose, coordinated and set up the entire affair which will happen on Monday!! It isn't going to cost us a thing (another fabulous Disney perk) and will be so completley fabulous that I can hardly wait.
I am such a Disney geek!!

Spring Fling

So yesterday we had a Spring Fling at work. We all gathered for food and fellowship before an afternoon full of meetings. It was fun. We were to all dress in our Spring best and bring something to eat. I took my mom's Maccaroni Ranchero and everyone loved it. A lot of people had strange ideas as to what their Spring best was but here is what I wore... and of course stayed completely Disney. I swear, if I ever leave Disney people will wonder about my wardrobe!


01 May 2007

How I Survived Jury Duty

Confessions of Super Mom was so funny that I did not mind sitting in the "holding area" for jury duty most of the day Monday. I was actually a little ticked when they called my name to go and watch other potential jurors get picked and I was excused. I used my "Super Eavesdropping" skills to find out why since I harbored a bit of guilt at the prospect of lying. Apparently I am too "All American Girl Next Door" and I work for Disney. The defense decided that I would not be good for his case... go figure. I thought the guy was guilty by looking at him ~ you know the type ~ and he was being accused of drunk driving... yeah, no brainer.


Anyway, here's the teaser:


For every harried mother who dreams of cleaning with the power of 10,000 Swiffers, putting her children into Super Time Outs with just a flick of her Merciless Gaze, and employing a little Super Eavesdropping when the occasion warrants, CONFESSIONS OF SUPER MOM is a must-read.


Filled with romance, intrigue, humor and a colorful cast of characters, this delightful new novel introduces a superhero for the Swiffer generation.So forget those chores --- pick up CONFESSIONS OF SUPER MOM and relish in a much-deserved escape. This charming novel will keep readers glued to the page as they cheer for Super Mom to root out injustice and surrender herself to love. Readers everywhere will find themselves in its pages and rejoice in finding a book that celebrates their overlooked everyday acts of heroism.

29 April 2007

Jury Duty


So I have Jury Duty on Monday morning. I think it is cruel to make those of us who work night shifts have to go and do, well, anything during the early morning hours. I left work a little early but got sucked into my MySpace account and uploading a video for my dad to see while he is away.


Jury Duty ~ from what I understand I will be stuck in a cold room, bored out of my mind, for the entire day. I called the number to see if I was released but since it is 261 I seriously doubted it... and I wasn't.


If I survive the dreeded affair I will write more tomorrow night as I don't have to go work... one small consulation prize I guess. If I do actually die of boredom please know that I love you all.

27 April 2007

POR FAVOR MENTANGANSE ALLENHANDRAN DE LAS PUERTAS

Wish you could remember the entire spiel from the monorail? Now you can!! Gotta love it.



PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE DOORS



POR FAVOR MENTANGANSE ALLENHANDRAN DE LAS PUERTAS



Welcome aboard the Walt Disney World Express Monorail, our highway in the sky to the Magic Kingdom. For those of you standing, please hold onto the handrail throughout our journey and for the comfort of others, no smoking please. Thank you.



We are circling the Disney created Seven Seas Lagoon. Rising from the Magic Kingdom on the opposite shore is Cinderella Castle. You can also see Disney's Mountain Range: Big Thunder Mountain and Splash Mountain in Frontierland and Space Mountain in Tomorrowland. To the right hand side on the shores of Bay Lake is Disney's Wilderness Lodge which captures the spirit of the national park service lodges built in the west during the early part of the 20th century.
(the following passage has since been omitted due to the closings of both River Country and Discovery Island)



Also on Bay lake,you can enjoy a natural setting at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground. More outdoor recreation can be found at River Country, Disney's version of the ol' fashioned swimmin' hole. Discovery Island, an 11 acre zoological park is located at the center of Bay Lake. Launches to Discovery Island depart from Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney's Contemporary Resort.



We are entering Disney's Contemporary Resort where on the Grand Canyon Concourse you can start your day with Chef Mickey's Character Breakfast. For a panoramic view of Walt Disney World, the California Grill, located on the fifteenth floor offers an exquisite array of fine dining experiences with each meal prepared onstage, as a specialty of the house.



While your group is together, now is a great time to pick a place to meet if you become separated in the park. Should you become separated, stop by City Hall on Main Street U.S.A for assistance. Guest Relations at City Hall can also help you plan your day, make dining arrangements or provide a special guided tour of the Magic Kingdom.



(again, the following passage has now been omitted due to the discontinuation of the Walk Around the World Program, which has been replaced with Leave a Legacy at Epcot)



In front of the Magic Kingdom is Disney's Walk Around the World, a pathway that will eventually stretch more than three and a half miles around the Seven Seas Lagoon. Each stone in the pathway commemorates the name and year of an individual guest visit, or an entire family vacation at Walt Disney World.


Ladies and Gentlemen we are approaching our station at the entrance to Main Street U.S.A, gateway to the seven themed lands of the Magic Kingdom. If you're standing, please hold onto the handrails and stay clear of the doors until the monorail stops completely and the doors open.
Ladies and Gentlemen this is the Magic Kingdom Monorail Station. On behalf of the Cast of the Walt Disney World Resort, we'd like to welcome you to the Magic Kingdom. Please collect your personal belongings and watch your head and step. Please assist small children by the hand. Once again, we hope you enjoy the Magic Kingdom.




PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE DOORS

POR FAVOR MENTANGANSE ALLENHANDRAN DE LAS PUERTAS

As Promised






Here's my haircut...

26 April 2007

Cut it off!

I have been itching to cut off my hair for about a week now... I did it today! I have to say that my 30s are a weird time. You are too old to act like a kid and too young to act like an old fart. Now, anyone who knows me will tell you that I will perpetually be a kid but when is the age when you just can't do a pony tail any longer? What is the time frame when having a scrunchy on your wrist is just stupid? For me, it was today. I'll post an updated picture of me soon but just so you get the idea ~ here's my hairstyle.

24 April 2007

Stupidity


Dani didn't make it to Conference which I find amazing. She was always giving it her all and she was the most improved runner out there. Dani gave it more heart than a lot of those kids. I was sitting in the living room when I get a text message that says "I guess my best wasn't good enough. I didn't make it." At first I thought she was playing with me like the time we told Nana that Dani didn't get her braces off when in reality she had. I texted her back and told her that I was proud of her and loved her no matter what because she always went out and did 100% of her best. She wrote back with "Tennis I will be better, I promise." So what this 'coach' has done is squish the self-esteem of my child making her think that she isn't any good.


What would have been the harm in having all the kids dress out and go to Conference?

23 April 2007

Keep Your Fingers Crossed


Dani finds out today if she gets to go to Conference!! I can tell that she is excited and hopefull even if it is covered by teenage coolness. She has really improved and last Tuesday she finished 10th (out of 30 something girls) with a time of 3.15 and on last Thursday she finished 6th (out of 30 something girls) and 3rd for HMS with a time of 3.19 ~ both times she gave it her all and never stopped once!


Good luck Peanut and no matter how it turns out, I am very proud of you!!

18 April 2007

Happy Birthday Sami!!

Good morning Little Miss 2 Year Old!!
What's in the bag Princess Samantha?
Ohhh, Mickey Mouse Club House CD ~ Rock On!!
I Love Tea!
Happy Birthday Samantha Rose ~ I love you!