Guys, I love Orlando. Things are great! I am sitting on my couch in my apartment while wearing only shorts and a t-shirt (it's February). Today is my first real day off in about a week. I've been on the go training every day and passing out from near-exhaustion every night just to start over again. Although I have been very busy, I still make time for fun. My roommates and I try to go to the parks as much as possible. If we are too tired, we stay home and relax instead.
Highlights of my Disney Adventures thus far:
My birthday! My birthday happened to fall upon my first day of work. However, my first day at Disney wasn't an average day of work: I got to visit the Magic Kingdom and saw Mickey Mouse! Afterwards, I wrangled some of my roommates for a day of fun at the Magic Kingdom! I wore my pink Minnie Mouse ears and pink Toms to the park and also received a "Happy Birthday" pin! Later, all of my roommates and our neighbors went to dinner at Rainforest Cafe and explored Downtown Disney. Guys, go to Goofy's Confectionery on your birthday! You get free stuff! I got a free chocolate-covered marshmallow coated with M&Ms! I also got a ton of Mickey stickers for my birthday! Disney birthdays are AMAZING!
Going to the parks. So far, I have been to three out of the four parks down here with my roommates (Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and EPCOT). I think Hollywood Studios is my favorite park so far; it has most of my favorite rides (Star Tours, Tower of Terror...) and I love the 1920s Hollywood theme. When I went, my roommate and I got to "act" in the Studio Back-lot Tour! We also had the pleasure of meeting Mike and Sully from Monsters, Inc. The other night I went to Epcot with a different roommate and went on most of the rides. Then, we got dinner in France and watched the fireworks from our table! Tres magnifique!
Finding out where I worked. On the first day, I had to go through a maze of lines to register for housing, file my new-hire paper work, and other various things. This day was very chaotic (I wasn't sure if I was going to make it on time! I got to registration 5 minutes before it closed!) and I was super nervous and excited to finally be in Orlando. When I went through Casting (The Disney way of saying "Employment Office"), I was finally told where I was working. I got placed into the Yacht and Beach Club resorts!!!
My name tag!
What my desk at Traditions looked like! I got the Donald for being a team leader!
Perk: Going to the park whenever I want, and the shuttle being empty!
My roommates and I at Magic Kingdom. It was a spontaneous trip!
I am loving my experience so far. However, I do miss my family and friends a lot. I can't wait for everyone to start visiting me!
This is a blog post I wrote in early November when things were getting to hard for me to handle and I was getting out of touch with reality:
Confession: I cried during the last five minutes of "Breakfast at Tiffany's" - actually, I bawled during the last five minutes. I honestly don't know what came over me. I think I expected them to part ways and they would continue being miserable with their lives. I didn't expect them to be happy. I wanted them to be happy. I think my current lack of faith in love is what broke me. Have you ever stopped believing in something because no one else believes in it?
I think of my life in metaphors a lot and that my life is full of symbolism and other literary bullshit. I find life parallels in literature and instantly think my life will mirror the book. I think my life is foreshadowed by books and movies. I have been getting out of touch with reality lately. Does anyone else feel this way?
Last year, I had three major goals: Become healthier, become more productive in the morning, and figure out my life after college. Out of those three goals, I feel like I have accomplished the first and the last goal quite well. I have changed my eating habits and have lost my RA weight and have maintained a healthy weight. I fit into clothes better. I feel better about myself. Life after college is covered until August 10th. I have a job at Disneyworld (in case you didn't know). But after that? I have no idea what to do after that! As for the morning productivity goal, I have embraced the fact that I am not a morning person and that I am most productive at night. For 2012, I have set new goals.
Get my finances straight. While I was in college, I thought to myself "I don't need to worry about this right now! I'll worry about it when I am done with college and have a Big Girl job!" Well, I am done with college and have a job. Guys, college made me straight up poor. I have $10 to my name right now. This year, I plan on paying down some of the debt I accumulated over the past 5 and a half years and find new ways to be thrifty. I am going to embrace my inner Recessionista (Depressionista???) and get my finances under control!
Write more for fun. My writing has been on a hiatus for a long time. Last semester was difficult for me to keep up with my thoughts and do my classwork. I have a lot that I want to write about, but just did not have the time to write about it (or felt guilty about writing when I knew I had other things to accomplish). I aim to write in this blog at least three times a week. I will continue to do TILTs and I would like to do a weekly Disney update once I arrive in Florida. I will revive Art Mondays to continue practicing the knowledge I've obtained during college. Maybe I will do book reviews Which brings me to goal #3.
Read for fun! I enjoy reading. I am fairly bookish, so this goal won't be too difficult now that I don't have text books to read anymore. Currently, I am reading The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami. Next on my list is A Thing of Beauty by Steve Martin (Yes, that Steve Martin).
Figure out what to do after my internship with Disney ends. I know that I want to move back to California, but I don't know what to do after that. Graduate school? Continue working for Disney? Attend Culinary School? Utilize my degree in Art History by becoming a "Genius Waitress"? Truth be told, I do not know what I want to be when I grow up. I just want to be happy, but that occupation does not pay the bills.
Hello Blog! Its been a long time! I haven't written anything since November. Since I am officially done with college, I have a surplus of time to write again! So, I would like to do a special edition of TILT: Things I Love 2011!
First off, I would like to state that 2011 was probably the most challenging, difficult year of my life. I experienced a lot of bittersweet endings: I broke up with my long time boyfriend, I ended my two year job with Residence Life, and I ended my college career. Along with the endings, I experienced new beginnings: I formed a lot of new friendships, I moved off campus and got my first apartment with my friend Kyla, I tried to live my last semester as a college student to the fullest, I started dating again, and I was offered a job with my favorite company in the whole world (Disney!). Without further ado, I present my lengthy (but abridged) TIL2011 list!
Month by Month Highlights:
January - Visited University of Northern Iowa for a ResLife conference and met a lot of cool people; my friend Nick visited me and I gave him the Springfield experience! Became obsessed with DanceCentral. Vowed to never eat dining hall food ever again.
February - Snowpocalypse occured! I got snowed in with my favorite residents/friends and we watched a TON of movies! I turned 23! My BFFs came out to see me despite Snowpocalpyse! I think it was one of the best birthdays I have ever had! I dyed my hair black! I tried to do p90x again (which ended by March). I discovered Pinterest and spiraled into a crippling addiction to the website ("I can stop whenever I want!" I shouted during all of my desk shifts).
March - My family moved houses! The song "Friday" became a phenomenon and everyone's lives were never the same ever again.
April - This was a month of SHENANIGANS with my friends in Kentwood. The semester was getting close to ending, but it wasn't close enough!
May - Last month as an RA EVER! I said goodbye to the place I called my home for the past two years, and got sad about not seeing some of my favorite people everyday. Succeeded in not eating Dining Hall food.
June&July - Worked 60 hours a week between my CA job and Summer Internship at the History Museum. Color-stripped my hair. Started dating again. Learned how to change a flat tire. Ate a lot of Pineapple Whip. Enjoyed Summer and started making time lines for Graduate School. Moved into my first apartment! Took the GRE, cried, and got drunk by 1pm. Dyed my hair red again.
August - Started my final semester of college! Made a vow to live the semester to the fullest! Didn't have a job for the first time in two years. Began a baking frenzy and continued to bake something once a week until the last week of the semester. Miraculously did not gain any weight from the surplus of baked goods.
September - Caffeine addiction reached a new peak. Applied to Graduate School. Decided to stay in St. Louis after I graduated. Shenanigans as always. Started making my epic Halloween Costume. The Honey Badger became my spirit animal. Got hired on to Toys R Us and started making Cash Money again!
October - My favorite month of the year! Went out every weekend! Busted out all of my fall accessories (My closet is scarf tour de force!). Got into Graduate School. Decided to postpone graduate school. Had one of the best Halloweens ever (Top 3, for sure!)
November - Started looking for post-grad jobs. Contemplated going to Culinary School. Applied for the Disney College Program and got in within two days of my phone interview(!)
December - Motivation was at an all time low, but I managed to finish and pass all of my classes! I ate a lot of pizza rolls and drank a lot of energy drinks and coffee. I graduated college FINALLY! I went on vacation for the first time in years and got to visit my family and friends in California!
So, those are the good things that happened in 2011. Now, its time to tackle 2012 before the world ends!
Hey, remember that time when I had a blog and I updated it at least once a week? Yeah, that was a long time ago! I am bringing it back!
Short Life Re-Cap:
I'm still in college. It takes up a lot of my time, guys! But I am almost done with college!!! I have about 5 or so weeks left! I just have to make sure I do not fail any of my classes...
I have a job now. So when I am not doing homework (or procrastinating), I am working. Yay money!!!
I am applying for jobs after college.
I made the educated decision to take a six month break before I start up graduate school.
I am going to Disneyland this winter (I think everyone knew this, but I like to talk about it!)
Honestly, this is my life: School, work, sleep, repeat. So, that is a main reason I haven't blogged in a million years. The other part are the mini-existential crises I have on a daily basis. But if you know me, this isn't a new thing.
Mini Things I Love Thursday:
My totally Mod hair cut * coffee every day * long conversations with good friends * listening to Christmas music prematurely * free pie! * awkward texts * boots + tights + knee socks * Big knit hats and fingerless gloves * baking!!! * Staring at Ryan Gosling * Counting down the days until I am done with college *
New Hair! Do I look totally tired? Its because I am!
Right now, I am writing this on the couch in the living room of my parents house. I woke up this morning at 10:40 am and I sat on my butt for three hours. I even suckered my dad into watching "Tangled" with me! Its really nice to relax! I haven't been home since August, so it was high time for me to visit the family and see my friends. This extended weekend is going to be jam-packed with shenanigans with friends, spending time with family, doing homework, and cuddling with Sophie!
Guys, its almost Halloween! In case you haven't figured it out, Halloween is my favorite holiday. My Poison Ivy costume is pretty awesome! I can't wait to wear it! I would like to have the opportunity to wear it every day the week of the 24th...and I am figuring out how I can make that happen! Also, I have prepared for Halloween by: listening to the Rocky Horror Picture Show soundtrack on repeat, watched The Nightmare Before Christmas three times (yes, its a Halloween movie), watched Frankenweenie and Vincent as well, and made a ton of pumpkin foods. I also plan on watching scary movies, the Addams Family, and eating a lot more pumpkin foods and Halloween candy. I love love love Halloween!
Silver Dollar City shenanigans! My dear friend Sarah took me to Silver Dollar City this past weekend and it was a ton of fun! There were real Lumberjacks that did a variety of Lumberjack tasks (like throwing axes at a target, speed-pole climbing, and log rolling!). And while we were there, we at a lot of tasty food like: cinammon rolls, twisted potatoes on a stick, and apple dumplings! Delicious!
My new job! I recently got hired on to Toys R Us for seasonal work, and I like it a lot! I got placed into electronics, and its a wonderful fit. The guys that were training me all have superhero names ("I am Thor, and this is Captain America.") and I get a hero name too. Since most female superheros are rather lame, I (of course) wanted a villain name, and I chose Poison Ivy (obviously)! But if I have to recant my name, I will go with Batgirl (Barbara Gordon) since she has red hair and is a librarian. Anyhow, its great to be employed again!
Little Things: Breakfast at Tiffany's * Quoting "Anchorman" like its 2006 * Having a wide variety of code names for people (Trogdor, R2, K2, etc) * Partying hilarity * Texts that make me laugh out loud in awkward places (like the library or on the shuttle) * Introducing my parents to Nyan Cat (which my mom is mildly obsessed with) * Strange/prophetic(?) dreams *
Hi Friends! How is your week? Are you celebrating Fall by eating pumpkin things? My week is great, thanks for asking! Guess what?
...I am really excited to announce that after I graduate this winter, I am going to California!!!
I was on an Elliptical when I got the news, but I pretty much did this. Sorry everyone at the gym!
Don't you fret, its just a vacation unless I magically miss my flight and find some couches to sleep on until I find employment and can support myself and I will be returning to St. Louis at some point. I am so excited to go! I haven't been to California in FOUR years! I can't wait to see my family and spend the holidays knowing there is a 0% chance of snow!!! Also, there is talk of going to....
"I just graduated college and I'm going to Disneyland!" - Me in a few months
DISNEYLAND!!!! Friends, you know how I feel about Disneyland. I am not ashamed to say its my favorite place in the whole world. I may even go as far and say its my favorite place that has ever existed in time and in space (that is a big commitment! I've only been alive for 23 years! How would I know?!). I have already compiled a list of all the Mickey-shaped foods I am going to eat and which characters I want to meet (Flynn Rider, I'm looking at you!) Needless to say, going to California is the biggest high of my week! Seeing my family is a big motivation to finishing up this final semester of college!
Small Things:
Today is National Coffee Day! * Breadfish * "Omg Ashley! We are gyming and tanning!" "I need to do laundry!" "What have we become?!" "Neither of us are Italian Americans!" "But seriously, wouldn't the gym be great if it were a laundromat too???" * THIS conversation * Kyla and I practicing the smiles from said conversation * Having four simultaneous conversations about HoneyBadgers (and I did not start any of them!!!) * My BFF Nick is coming into town today!!! * Baking (I perfected the White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie) * I appreciate this blog entry
The other day, I popped in Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring and came upon the harsh realization that I am pretty much a hobbit. This is not something I am proud to admit. In fact, I am slightly embarrassed that I compare myself to mystical creatures. Lets be real: No one wants to be a hobbit. Being a dwarf would be worse! But everyone wants to be an Elf (even if you think LOTR is lame, you know its true). After feeling sad that I am not a tall, elegant, graceful elf with strong, beautiful facial features, I came to terms with my hobbitness. Here are my hobbit characteristics:
Stature. I am short. I admit it. I can't reach the top shelf in any of the cabinets in my kitchen. I can barely get my t-shirts off of my t-shirt shelf in my closet. I can't see the top of the fridge. I can barely look over the dash of my car. I am short.
I LOVE FOOD. Hobbits like to eat and they eat a lot. I can be BFFs with Merry and Pippin. I can out eat most people that I know (Challenge me, I dare you!) I would be happy eating the hobbit eating schedule - Breakfast, Second Breakfast, Elevensees, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, and Supper.
I enjoy a well brewed beer.
I'd rather participate in leisure activities than do work (doesn't anyone, though?)
A quote that may or may not resemble a real life conversation I have had multiple times:
Legolas: Lembas! [nibbles a corner] One small bite is enough to fill the stomach of a grown man! Merry: [to Pippin] How many did you eat? Pippin: Four.
I share the same excitement over Starbucks:
(Guys...This is me...I even own a vest, suspenders, and scarves!)
Yes, I am a Hipster Hobbit. I love Starbucks and liking things before they were cool. Also, check out more of Noelle's series "The Broship of the Ring" - it is hilarious! And her Tumblr is just stinkin' great!
I LOVE FALL. The weather has been wonderful! Each morning I've made a delicious chocolate-infused coffee and then a Chai tea for the afternoon because the weather has been perfect for it! I love the rain (especially when it is not monsooning!) because that means: Wearing my snazzy raincoat, fancy scarves, and boots! Sometimes I think living in Seattle would be most ideal for me. Who knows? I want to live everywhere!
Lion King 3D - If you know anything about me, you know that I love Disney. When I found out that Lion King was coming out in 3D, you bet your behind that I wanted to see it ASAP. I loved it. The movie wasn't super 3D-y (if ya know what I mean), but it was just great to see it on a big screen! Now that I am 23 and not 5 years old with an attention span of a gnat, I truly appreciated Lion King in all of its splendor. Everyone at the theatre was my age (plus or minus 5 years); I did not see any children. Reader Question: What was the average age of the audience when you saw Lion King 3D??? I also would like to support Disney in 3D-ifying and rereleasing classic movies in theatres (My suggestions include: The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast; I would also like to see Peter Pan but not in 3D)
Free things! Guys, "free" is my favorite four letter F word. I love getting things for free! This week, I got a free month long gym membership, free tanning gift certificate (laugh it up!), and will be getting free pumpkin beer!
HALLOWEEN! Halloween is coming up! This is my favorite holiday (next to Valentine's Day...And Christmas, of course!). Nothing makes me more excited about Halloween! Guys, I already watched The Nightmare Before Christmas (yes, I consider this a Halloween movie!) and I am planning on watching the Addams Family soon. Also, I want to have a scary movie night! And Halloween costume? Oh, its going to be awesome!
Little Things:
Pumpkin Everything (candles, cookies, muffins, lattes, oatmeal, body wash!) * Wearing skirts (ok, you caught me, I need to do laundry! But I love not wearing pants!) * Watching Kyla try and kill a fly (she is going about it wrong) * Hilarious Twitter conversations * "He was like blah blah blah my girlfriend this blah blah blah" "You should have been like blah blah blah I'm gonna kiss your face! blah blah blah!" * Talking like the Swedish Chef (Bork bork bork!) * Elliott Smith all day, every day * Chai Tea and coffee * Reminding myself that literature is not equal to reality (even if strange parallels occur) * Someone has answered my prayers! I can have hair like Zooey Deschanel!!! * Employment!!! * Songs with whistling:
(I actually hate Maroon 5 and the message of this song, but I love whistling. I can't help it)
Hi friends! I hope that everyone is having a good week. Mine has had its ups and downs (check out my blog entry on Life Decisions), but overall, its been a fairly positive week.
Big Things:
My BFFs and their excitement about me moving back to St. Louis. My best friends get me through a lot and are nothing but supportive of everything I do! In fact, they are more than supportive of me moving back! This past year of them being in the real world while I'm still in college has been rough and I can't wait to be near them again!
School. Guys, I kind of really like this semester of school. For the first time in a long time, I feel intellectually stimulated and challenged in my classes. Maybe this is a new feeling because I know this is my last semester of having to sit in undergraduate classes. I feel like I am in control of my school work instead of my school work controlling me.
The Fall Weather. I love summer and everything it stands for, but I absolutely love everything about fall. I love wearing scarves and jackets and layering. I love hot beverages and pumpkin. I know I already wrote about my love for fall, but this week is perfect. This morning I made myself a wonderful cup of coffee (I added cocoa powder to it!) and ate a pumpkin spice muffin for breakfast - it was the perfect fall breakfast! "If you love Fall so much, then why don't you marry it?" WELL MAYBE I WILL.
Small Things:
Cardigans and scarves * Pumpkin Spice Muffins * Baking * Compiling an amazing fall playlist * Time to be creative and artsy-fartsy * Weekend Shenanigans * My red hair (I'm more in love with it than usual) * Donating blood and recieving a mug for four successful donations * EE Cummings (always always alwayssss) * Listening to Across the Universe and The Beatles * THIS VIDEO - I am embarrassed by how funny I think it is * Gala Darling Always! * My subconscious attraction to lumberjacks??? IDK! * Dressing like a villain * Drinking a huge cup of tea while reading a book (for fun) before bed * Cuddling up in my hot-pink blanket * Texts that make me smile and laugh * My heterolifemate * The New Girl (seriously, so funny)
I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, ‘If this isn’t nice, I don’t know what is. - Kurt Vonnegut
