Searching For My Neverland

lately i've been FINDING that i need to clear something up...

2010-07-23T19:27:00.004-05:00

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or its characters (property of J.K. Rowling), "A Very Potter Musical" or its quotes, or any of the images in this blog post, which were taken from http://effyeahhufflepuff.tumblr.com.

I've been M.I.A. on my blog recently, because I decided I'd rather read/cross-stitch/play video games/hang out with parents/and friends than spend lots of time on the Internet this summer. Sorry for the prolonged absence, but I thought I'd pop in for a hello, today!

Recently I've come to realize that I'm a Disney fangirl during the school year, but a Potterhead during the summer. Don't ask me why. *shrug* I do not know why this is, but it's true.

And lately, I'm FINDING that many hold misconceptions/misunderstandings about Hufflepuff House. You know, when I was about 11, I took the official Sorting Hat quiz on the WB website, and I manipulated every answer so that I'd get Gryffindor. You probably did that too at some point, don't lie, because it was so cool to be in the same House as our favorite trio. But then I realized, as I started to grow up, that I'm just not a Gryffindor. I'm not particularly brave, that's just the way it is. For a while I considered myself a Ravenclaw - Slytherin was definitely out of the question - until I read the 7th books, where Luna and McGonagall answer the Ravenclaw common room's questions to gain entrance. I couldn't for the life of me figure out the answers.

I took some more Sorting Hat quizzes out of sheer boredom, and I kept getting Hufflepuff. I kinda panicked, knowing their reputation for being "duffers" (thaaanks for that, Hagrid). But then I started to see the awesomespiceness in the House of Badgers, and started to realize that having Puff pride was just another way of expressing myself. So lemme clear some things up.

There's this general misconception that Hufflepuff is somehow the least important House at Hogwarts, because as the rhyme goes,

"Said Hufflepuff, 'I'll take the lot, and treat them all the same.'"

I guess some people think this means, Helga took the kids who weren't brave, smart, or ambitious. Actually, we are given examples of brave and/or smart and/or ambitious Hufflepuffs throughout the series (Sprout, Diggory, Tonks, Bones, Abbot, McMillan, Finch-Fletchley), just as we are given examples of Gryffindors who are not brave (Pettigrew), Ravenclaws who aren't as bright as we'd expect (Chang), and Slytherins who are not ambitious (Goyle) or evil (Snape).

What Helga actually meant, was that every magical child should be given the opportunity to hone their magic skills and learn; every person has value inside them; anyone can achieve anything they put their mind to if they just work hard enough; and loyalty is one of the most important traits in a person. JKR emphasizes throughout the series that a person's choices matter more than their abilities, and has suggested that a student has some control over which House they will be Sorted into; I don't think that Hufflepuff students lack guts or brains, but simply value friendship and fair play more (or maybe they possess all these qualities in equal measure, as opposed to one trait overpowering the rest). I think Hufflepuff students accept that they're considered to be misfits by the rest of the school, but don't really care, which is what sets them apart.

Some of my Puff friends on the Leaky Cauldron have suggested that Hufflepuffs tend to be a bit more moral than the other Houses, since Gryffindors, as much as we love them, can be prone to arrogance/pride; Ravenclaws tend to think anyone who doesn't score 10 O.W.L.s are worthless; and Slytherins are just little stinkers. Hufflepuffs seem very cheery and unwilling to lie or cheat anyone for any reason, and don't tend to show off or brag. They are most willing to give others a chance, like when the Fat Friar wanted to let Peeves attend the Triwizard feast in year 4. They believe everyone should be treated with equality and tolerance.

I'm not saying the House of Badgers is perfect. They definitely showed their nasty sides when they thought Harry was the heir of Slytherin in year 2, and when they were, um, overzealous in their support of Cedric in year 4 - so much so that they stooped to those unattractive "Potter Stinks" buttons. Quite unHufflepuffly, I think. So yeah, they're human. Also, where in the Sorting Hat song does it say we're NICE? We can be just as sarcastic as any Slytherin, thanks very much (for further proof of that, spend 2 hours with yours truly).

Anyway, my point is, outside of the Gryffindors, the Hufflepuffs seemed - for the most part - the most willing to support Harry throughout the series. Many members of Dumbledore's Army were Puffs. I quote from book 7:

"Then a figure rose from the Slytherin table and he recognized Pansy Parkinson as she raised a shaking arm and screamed, 'But he's there! Potter's there! Someone grab him!'

Before Harry could speak, there was a massive movement. The Gryffindors in front of him has risen and stood facing, not Harry, but the Slytherins. Then the Hufflepuffs stood, and almost at the same moment, the Ravenclaws, all of them with their backs to Harry, all of them looking toward Pansy instead, and Harry, awestruck and overwhelmed, saw wands emerging everywhere, pulled from beneath cloaks and from under sleeves'" (DH 610).

The Hufflepuffs stood up a split second before the Ravenclaws. They were the fiercest and most loyal after Harry's own House.

Oh, and those little comments about HufflePUFF being the pothead House, because of our connection to the greenhouses? Not even close. Just because people are laid-back doesn't mean they're druggies, lamespice people.

(If that ^ didn't make you laugh, or you didn't get it, you need to click here. And keep watching.)

Our Head of House is Professor Sprout, a good-natured but sensible witch with a gifted green thumb. She awards points generously in her classes, rather than focusing on her own House, and she even tells Moody (well, Crouch, but whatever) that Neville has a gift for Herbology in year 4. She's pretty darn awesome.

The Hufflepuff Ghost is the Fat Friar, who's known for his always-positive demeanor.

JKR did an interview with some really cool people on the Leaky Cauldron a while back, and she commented on the Puffs' common room:

"J.K. Rowling: The Hufflepuff common room is accessed through a portrait near the kitchens, as I am sure you have deduced.

J.K. Rowling: Sorry - I should say `painting' rather than portrait, because it is a still-life.

J.K. Rowling: It is a very cosy and welcoming place, as dissimilar as possible from Snape's dungeon. Lots of yellow hangings, and fat armchairs, and little underground tunnels leading to the dormitories, all of which have perfectly round doors, like barrel tops."

Woot! My room used to be yellow. And my iPod case is yellow. Yellow is an awesomely awesome color. And dude. Duuuude. Our common room is by the kitchens! Excellent!

If you want further proof of Hufflepuff's awesomeness, consider this: our mascot is a badger. Badgers can eat snakes, do just as much damage as a lion, and defend themselves against birds of prey (like say, eagles?). Badgers are awesome little critters.

So yeah. If you identify with the phrase, "You might belong in Hufflepuff, where they are just and loyal; those patient Hufflepuffs are true, and unafraid of toil" then 50 POINTS TO YOU.

If you still don't get it, that's cool. We don't need your pity, and we're above your scorn and petty comments. (I'm talking to you, Malfoys of the world.) We're just happy to be Puffs. But in the end, "we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided" (GoF).

Finally, I leave you with this:

I know I already said it, but isn't it great? Holla! Hey, Harry Potter, maybe if you were a Hufflepuff you'd have found those Horcruxes faster, eh?

Peace, love, pixie dust, & Puff pride,

Susie

20

2010-06-24T21:58:00.004-05:00

10 years ago, I was getting ready to hit double digits. I was beyond excited, and maybe a little scared.

Now, I'm about to hit double decades. That sounds so dang old to me. I mean, you're reading a blog that's called "Searching for my Neverland." Most people who know me, know that I have a bit of a Peter Pan complex. So since I'll be out of my teens in less than two hours, I'll be honest: I'm freaked out.

In magazines, there are warnings to use anti-wrinkle cream beginning in your 20s. Excuse moi? I have acne, and I'm going to start worrying about wrinkles soon, too? Awesome. Even my beloved Alice from Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland" was told by her older sister that she should marry some guy she doesn't like, "Because you'll be twenty soon, and that pretty face won't last forever."

Thanks for that, sis.

The other day, my boss said, "So, turning 20 next week? Cool! That's half of forty!"

...

On the other hand, this dude's pretty wise. And I think he was around 150 when he died, or something. The stuff that Dumbledore says generally ends up being the best quotes in the whole Harry Potter series. So I guess getting old's not so bad, if you get to be cool like Dumbledore. Hopefully someday I'll be that wise (even if I don't make it to 150).

But for now, I'm just going to enjoy the rest of my youth. Even if I'm no longer a teenager, I'm by no means sprouting gray hairs - yet. I was extraordinarily blessed in my teen years, because I'm one of the few people I know who is sad that it's over. That's a good thing, because it means I had fun. With any luck, the journey through my 20s will be even better.

Thanks for reading this post! Now go find my parents and congratulate them on making it past my teen years in one piece (er, make that two pieces). As for me, I'll be where I was nearly a decade ago...celebrating my own birthday on the sofa with a nice Harry Potter book.

Prayers & pixie dust,

Susie

susie's recently updated bookshelf!

2010-05-28T22:00:00.006-05:00

So I realize everyone's waiting on a trip report from the fabulous Disneyland Resort, but I'd like to get this post out of my system first. See, it's summer, which is a joyous time for many reasons, but especially for English majors it means that we can read whatever we want, and not whatever our professors are thrusting down our throats.

I like going back to reread my favorites every summer (cough, the entire Harry Potter series) but I started off this summer with a bang, with books I didn't think I'd like.

It's no secret to those who know me that I'm obsessed with Meg Cabot. I think she's a genius. I think J.K. Rowling is a genius too, but I value Meg's opinion on everything, not just books. She once had a pink streak in her hair, just because. While she was in her 40s. She writes from the point of view of teenage girls, and it's convincing. I see parts of myself in all of her characters. Plus, she's so great to her readers. It's really a shame she didn't want kids because she would've been awesome at being a mom, I'm sure of it. She probably deserves her own post in this blog.

I was iffy about her Airhead series, featuring a typically beautiful model on the cover. I read the summary on Amazon and thought it wouldn't be anything special. I gave the book a chance and read it, and I instantly loved it. It's narrated by Em, your standard 16-year-old social pariah, which is Meg's go-to character because she figures lots of readers can relate to social outcast-type characters, and she's right. Anyway, Em has a little accident, and the next thing you know she wakes up inside the body of the person she least wants to be - teen supermodel sensation Nikki Howard. Yep, she had a brain transplant, thanks to the company Nikki works for, Stark Enterprises, which is basically Disney + Wal-Mart + any other major corporation rolled into one. She has to stick to Nikki's modeling contract, and no one outside of her family can know that she's really herself, Em Watts. She can't even tell her best friend (and the boy she's secretly in love with), Christopher.

I'm kind of ashamed for having my doubts...of course if Meg Cabot wrote it, it's awesome. Period. Airhead did not disappoint. I'm no 12-year-old, but it was fascinating seeing this incredibly glamorous life through Nikki's eyes, in a nicer way than the cynically trashy narrative of the Gossip Girl books.

The second book in the series, Being Nikki, kept me glued the entire plane ride home from California. There is a definite sci-fi twist to this story because of the whole brain-transplant thing. It gets creepier in the sequel. I won't spoil it for you, but Stark has something dark hidden under their spotless exterior. Meg Cabot also plays up the romance thing, as usual, with Christopher (and the many celebrity boys who are in love with Nikki - her body, anyway).

Finally, the recently released Runaway wraps up the trilogy, and last night I sped-read to get to the end. I totally saw what was coming, but that doesn't mean I wasn't on the edge of my seat. I won't spoil the ending, but it was freaky, y'all. Go buy all three books, or at least borrow them from me.

On the other end of the spectrum, my new favorite celebrity is Chelsea Handler, comedian and star of late-night show Chelsea Lately. She's confident, she's funny, and she's hot, aight? Look at her!

I never thought I'd read her books based on the titles: My Horizontal Life and Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea. Well out of pure curiosity I picked up the latter in the little bookshop in Santa Ana's airport. And I laughed so raucously on the plane that I disturbed the people sitting around me. Yesterday I bought My Horizontal Life at Barnes and Noble and finished it today. Chelsea is a dirty girl and writes wildly inappropriate things, but dude, she's hilarious. She uses my favorite brand of comedy, and that is dry sarcasm. Plus, I admire someone who speaks so frankly about herself and life in general. Here's my $15.99, Chelsea, thanks for making me laugh harder than I have in ages. (Plus, for those who might be shocked by the content of her books, Chelsea confesses at the end of her first book that she realizes her life really is horizontal, because it's not going anywhere thanks to all her one-night stands. She decides to get more serious about her life. So she throws in a lesson with all the laughs.)

I'll probably get started on her third book, "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang," tomorrow. If I can keep a straight face in front of customers, which I doubt.

What have you been reading lately?

twitter giveaway results!

2010-05-18T00:22:00.004-05:00

It's 12:22am, it's been a weird day, and we may or may not be going to Disneyland tomorrow, depending on the state of my grandma's health (she needs your prayers, guys). Either way, it's the end of the Twitter giveaway! I was blown away by how many responses I received. I learned a lot about Disneyland trivia while having fun, and I hope y'all did, too!

I wanted to do this via webcam, but my computer won't cooperate: I put one slip of paper for every correct answer into a big bowl (I had a LOT of pieces of paper in there!) and pulled random ones without looking. My mama is my witness! Here we go...*drumroll*

First place: winner of Disneyland merchandise of his choice, up to $30: @kjmaje.

Second & third places: winners of smaller Disney surprises: @hatboxfiend and @bigdsp.

The winners can direct-message me their addresses on Twitter.

(If we end up not going to California in the morning, I will try to find something Disney-related around town, instead.)

Thanks to everyone who played along! It was a blast. Here are the questions and answers for those who missed them!

1. What American town was Disneyland's Main Street, U.S.A. designed after?
- An idealized version of Marceline, Missouri, Walt Disney's hometown.

2. Which Disneyland attraction first used Audio-Animatronics technology?
- The Enchanted Tiki Room, which opened in 1963.

3. Where are the controls for the fireworks show Fantasmic! located in Disneyland Park (more than one answer)?
- Possible answers: Cider Mill on Tom Sawyer's Island; the balcony near the Disney Gallery; a light tower in Frontierland.

4. What is the name of the statue in the hub of Disneyland Park featuring Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse?
- "Partners."

5. What is the name of Disneyland's paddle boat? (Hint: Its Walt Disney World twin's name is the Liberty Belle.)
- The Mark Twain.

6. Imagineer X Atencio wrote the song "Grim Grinning Ghosts" for Disneyland's Haunted Mansion. Which other iconic song did he write for another beloved Disneyland attraction?
- "Yo Ho, Yo Ho, A Pirate's Life for Me" in Pirates of the Caribbean.

7. In honor of Mother's Day, what is the name of Walt Disney's mother?
- Flora Call Disney.

8. The Imagineers use a special technique to make buildings throughout the Disney parks look taller than they actually are. What is this technique called?
- Forced perspective.

9. Which themed land is home to Splash Mountain in Disneyland?
- Critter Country.

10. Which Disney Imagineer designed the concept art for "it's a small world," not to mention several Disney movies and the mural in Walt Disney World's Contemporary Resort (famous for its five-legged goat)?
- Mary Blair.

11. What is the name of Disneyland Park's nighttime parade (which will soon be shipped to Florida for the "Summer Nightastic" promotion at WDW)?
- Main Street Electrical Parade.

12. Which attraction replaced Disneyland's Carousel of Progress in 1974?
- America Sings.

13. What is the name of the cab Guests board in Roger Rabbit's Car Toon Spin? (Hint: it's not Benny.)
- Lenny, Benny's twin brother! (Benny is a character from the movie Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, and Roger is driving him throughout the attraction.)

14. For their 31st wedding anniversary, Walt Disney gave his wife Lillian a very unique gift. It's on display in Frontierland. What is this gift?
- A petrified tree stump.

Well, that's it, guys! I won't be blogging from the parks, but hopefully you'll still follow me on Twitter! (If we go.) Please keep my grandma in your prayers!

Have a magical, blessed week.

win free disney merch! srsly!

2010-05-02T23:51:00.005-05:00

Hey guys! Guess what? I leave for the Disneyland Resort on May 18th, which is 15 days away! So in honor of my very first trip to Walt's original park, I decided to have a little Twitter giveaway. My friends @kidanikatie and @shaene_o_mite did Disney-themed Twitter giveaways of their own recently - I won an "it's a small world" t-shirt from Shaene! - so I decided to continue spreading the Disney love.

I'll be posting a Disney trivia question every morning up the 17th. To enter the giveaway, all you have to do is answer the question correctly. Don't worry, I'll try to make some of the questions easy enough so that non-Disney fanatics will have a chance to win, too! For every question that you answer correctly, your name will go into a hat. So if you answer every question - 14 total - and get ten of those right, then your name will go into my hat 10 times.

And what can you win from this giveaway, you ask? The grand prize winner will get a Disneyland souvenir of their choice, valued at $30 or under. Anything goes: t-shirt, snowglobe, Vinylmation - whatever, as long as it's $30! Two other winners will get something a little smaller.

My Twitter name is @SusieNotSusan, and I hope to see lots of participants!

Everyone have a magical week! (Good luck preparing for finals, LSU people!)

xoxo,
Susie

heri ya siku kuu!

2010-04-22T16:39:00.001-05:00

That means "happy birthday" in Swahili! Today is Earth Day, and it's also the twelfth birthday of Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park! (Coincidence? No! The Imagineers planned it that way, of course!)

I'm one of the first people to admit that AK is my least favorite of the four parks. I'd much rather immerse myself in the wonder of the MK or the glamour of DHS - although lately I find myself appreciating Epcot much more than I used to. I'm one of those people who is usually content with spending half a day at AK before scooting off to an afternoon at World Showcase.

Today, however, I find myself reflecting on WDW's newest park and appreciating the little things about it. My friends Rikki and Katie both posted their thoughts on AK, and I think they capture the park's essence perfectly. AK is a very interesting park in terms of statistics: it's the largest of all four parks, and its symbol is the "Tree of Life," a majestic manmade tree that towers over the park on Discovery Island. Over 300 animals are carved into the "tree"'s base by a number of incredibly talented artists.

There are those who believe that Disney is run by a group of money-hungry vultures, but AK is proof against that. The park was inspired by Walt Disney's passion for animals and conservation. For example, you won't find drinking straws at the restaurants inside AK, because they are harmful to the animals if swallowed. Disney is very careful to protect the wildlife inside the park.

AK gets a bad rap for being a zoo. Actually, its motto is "nahtazu" - not a zoo, get it? It's a park teeming with animals, yes, but it's also filled with thrill rides like Dinosaur and Expedition Everest. The park offers some of the best counter service restaurants in the World. And of course, it's Disney, so the attention to detail goes above and beyond. A cult favorite "hidden gem" is DiVine, a woman wearing stilts who blends into the background of the trees so well that you might not spot her until she decides to surprise you!

I will always have fond memories of my very first Internet Disney community meet at Flame Tree Barbecue in January with the BOGP group!

In addition to having an entire park devoted to animals and conversation, Disney also continues Walt's passion for the environment through the Walt Disney Conservation Fund, the Disney Wilderness Preserve, the Disneynature series for Imax, and Disney Friends for Change: Project Green, which collaborates with Disney Channel stars like Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato.

Some interesting facts about Disney's efforts to reduce their eco footprint can be found at the official Disney Parks blog.

I hope everyone has a magical Earth Day!

i solemnly swear i am up to no good.

2010-04-15T15:26:00.001-05:00

Did you know that before Christian, I loved another boy? Hard to believe, since I was so young. But 2010 marks ten years since I first fell in love with this kid. Some people say that first loves never die. I guess in many ways that's true, because this young man will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Yep, that's my man right there with his two best friends. To be honest, it was unrequited. Harry never really knew I existed.

I love telling the story about how I fell in love with him. I owe it all to my friend Brandy. We were best friends in fifth grade (in the year 2000), and we were the geeky kids who played Nancy Drew computer games together and came to school the next day to compare notes on our progress. We wrote in our diaries and read books at recess. We were completely content in our geekdom. Harry Potter was wildly popular then, but I refused to get sucked into the fad. I knew it was some book series about a kid who found out he was wizard. It had a stupid-looking book cover of the kid riding a broom. How dumb, I thought. Well, my worst fears were realized when Brandy started reading these books - and raving about them.

"Come on, you have to read them," she'd say emphatically. I always resolutely refused. No way was I reading some dumb book about a kid wizard. Finally one day, Brandy snapped.

"Read the first chapter of the first book. It'll take you five minutes. I swear if you hate it I'll never bother you about it again," she said solemnly.

I thought about it. She'd never bother me about it again? Fine. I agreed. I took home Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and read the first chapter. I was immediately caught up in the mysteriousness of the wizarding world. I delighted in how purely British it was: "Mr. and Mrs. Dursley of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much." I couldn't stop at chapter one. I read the entire thing, and a sort of frenzy began. I devoured Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in rapid succession. I actually racked up a juicy library fee from keeping Goblet of Fire three weeks past the day it was due, despite having read it in two days; I kept it in the cubby below my desk, and I'd take it out from time to time to read my favorite passages and stare lovingly at the front cover.

Harry might be fictional, but I thought he was the finest thing EVA.I wish I were making this up, but it's true, people. I was a girl obsessed. Brandy was very smug and delighted that she had someone to discuss Harry Freaking Amazing Potter with.

After finishing book four, I panicked. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix wouldn't come out until 2003 - THREE YEARS LATER. I was like a drug addict suffering from withdrawals. What do you mean, no more Harry Potter? I thought I'd never survive. But we HP diehard fans soothed ourselves with the movies and merchandise, and reread the books every so often. Finally 2003 did come, and Half-Blood Prince came two years later. Finally, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows came in 2007.

I'd followed the series from the age of ten to the age of seventeen. I'd literally grown up with Harry. I knew my fictional friends so well - I'd laughed with them and cried with them. Brandy, our friend Allie, and I went to the midnight premiere of Deathly Hallows at Barnes and Noble on July 20, 2007. I'll never forget that night. My emotions were bittersweet - we were finally, finally going to see how it all ended. But did I really want to know? In some ways, I didn't. Because it would mean the end of Harry's story. It would be the last time I'd experience the happy exhaustion that comes with reading furiously until the sun comes up. And I knew that revisiting the series wouldn't be the same as cracking open a fresh Potter book.

The excitement at Barnes and Noble that night was almost tangible. At midnight, everyone began screaming hysterically - you'd think Harry himself had ridden his Firebolt into our midst. There was much fidgeting as we waited our turn at the register, but we were among the first twenty people to hold that prized book in our hands. We immediately turned and ran from the store, in fear that some kid would scream out the ending just to spoil everyone's fun (yes, that has happened before). I trembled as I opened the front cover and read the words, "We now present the seventh and final installment in the epic tale of Harry Potter."

I didn't turn on the TV or radio until I finished the book, and I didn't dare check the Internet for fear of spoilers. And when I finished it, I experienced a mix of joy and numbness. You know how when someone dies, you don't start crying until later, because you're in shock? That's how I was. I didn't cry the first time I read HP7 (but boy, I used half a box of Kleenex during the second round).
I'm happy to report that almost two years after the release of HP7, my ardor is not dead. I reread the series every summer, and I look forward to visiting Harry again this summer. I cannot WAIT until I get the chance to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter (the sole reason I'd visit another theme park in Orlando besides Disney).

Just the other day I was discussing Harry with a good friend who shares a love for HP. He said, "There are two kinds of people in this world: those who say Harry Potter sucks, and those who have read it." It was like describing myself, circa 2000. Of course, there are people who don't like HP - and that's cool. But I think it really says something when a series has such a cult following. I have SO MUCH respect for JKR - she's a bloody genius. I mean that. She's brought more meaning to my life through her "children's" novels than anyone with a Ph.D. has. That's why HP7 is my favorite book - no other book has come close to making me feel the way I felt when I held a brand new Harry Potter.

So that, friends, is the story of my long and emotional relationship with the boy wizard. Ginny Weasley doesn't know how lucky she is.

Long live the Boy Who Lived!

Mischief managed.

easter in the country

2010-04-11T15:55:00.006-05:00

Yeah, I realize I'm a week late on this. It was a busy spring break (and by busy, I mean lazy) so I'm just getting around to this. Anyway, I went with Christian to his grandparents' for Easter Sunday. They live a good two hours away, so I don't get to visit there too often, but they're some of the nicest people ever. Their house is in the country and it's really pretty.

(All pictures were stolen from Ms. Stacy's Facebook. Thanks, Aunt Stacy!)

Christian's parents, Mr. Sam and Mrs. Stephanie; his grandparents, Mrs. Carolyn and Mr. Steve; his Uncle Brian and Aunt Rachel; and his Aunt Stacy.

Mr. Brian, his son Nick, and Mr. Steve barbecuing for us:

Christian's cousin Hailey with her adorable niece, Abby:

My best friend (and Christian's sister) Coryn, with her boyfriend Harold:

Chrusie :)

And the best picture ever taken in the history of the world:

See why I love this family so much? I call them my Cullens. Except I don't have to worry about them eating me. Which is cool, I guess.

We played with Abby, swung outside, rode around on the Mule (which is like a golf cart on steroids. They call me a city girl, because I had no clue what it was), ate lots of amazing food, and just hung out. It was a super nice day! Hopefully I can visit again sometime soon.

Hope everyone's having a good Sunday!

any man can be a father, but it takes something special to be a daddy.

2010-04-10T09:37:00.003-05:00

Today is a pretty signifcant day for my family.

Two years ago, my parents and I booked a trip to our favorite vacation destination for my spring break. That trip really stands out in my mind. We stayed at Port Orleans French Quarter, which is probably my favorite resort. It was my senior year, so they bought me an adorable graduation Mickey hat - which happened to come in my school colors. We went to the incredible Pirate and Princess Party at the Magic Kingdom. We had fun riding the Mad Tea Party and laughing like fools, and stuffed ourselves with Mickey Premium bars. It was a carefree, amazing week. Mostly.

See, Daddy and I tease my mom because she walks so fast throughout the park. She's like a seven-year-old that just consumed ten Pixi Stix in a row. It's no small feat to keep up with her when she's on a mission. "Let's go grab FastPasses for Expedition Everest!" she'll cry, that familiar manic glint in her eyes, before taking off for Asia, with Daddy and me panting as we race through Discovery Island.

This trip, Daddy was having more than the usual trouble keeping up with her. He complained of small pains in his chest. We were concerned, but figured it was time for stints to be placed in his arteries. We know a lot of middle-aged guys who have had stints done. I mean, it's a fact that if you live in Southern Louisiana, you're not going to eat right all the time, so this is rather common. So we thought, Ok, he'll schedule an appointment when we get home to get his heart checked out.

He went to the doctor the next Wednesday, and not a moment too soon. The doc said he had 90,70, and 50% blockages in the major arteries in his heart. Very little blood was passing through, and his heart was under a lot of stress. Basically, he was a walking bomb - he could've had a devastating heart attack if they hadn't caught it right then. We were shocked when his doc had him immediately transferred to a hospital in Baton Rouge: they were operating the next day, triple bypass.

Those few days were kind of a blur. I was in school, I was graduating the next month, I was to wear the dress of my dreams to my senior prom that weekend - and suddenly my dad was in this terrible, life-threatening situation. I didn't go to school on Thursday, but sat around a waiting room, staring at magazines without taking in the words. I remember when they took my dad into surgery: my mom and I clutched each other and cried. What if he died? I couldn't help wondering. What if he doesn't get to see me graduate, or go to LSU, or get married and have kids? We'd been so happy at Disney World not even a week ago, but it felt like years since I laughed with my dad in a spinning teacup.

He was okay when he came out of surgery, but it was a long and difficult recovery process. I think that was the hardest part for me. My dad, who'd always been strong and capable of anything, could not lift anything heavy or exert himself for several weeks. I did go to the prom, but the traditional ritual of parents taking pictures beforehand was done in a small, crowded hospital room so my dad could see my in my Belle dress. It was a long road to recovery, but at least he was okay. He got to see me graduate and go to LSU, and I pray to God that he'll be there for major events in my life in the future.

I thank God every day for my dad, especially after April 10, 2008. He's such a great person. He's quiet in front of people he doesn't know, but he says the funniest things at home. He hates blueberries and is the pickiest eater, but is satisfied with a simple Mickey bar for dessert at WDW. He's a NASCAR freak, a Disney fan, an American history buff, a car mechanic, an awesome husband to my mom, and an amazing dad to me. Like any traumatic event, I think his ordeal brought the three of us closer together. He can't do all the things he used to, but he's still strong. His current project is converting our patio to a sunroom.

I'm looking forward to racing around Disneyland with him and my mom in May.

the dark side of the english department

2010-04-08T10:14:00.008-05:00

I can't imagine choosing a major other than English. Writing papers gives me a sense of satisfaction, even as I agonize over choosing thesis statements and stay up until 3 am to finish writing before the deadlines. Reading has always been fun for me, since I was a toddler.

One day in my freshman year, I was sitting with a bunch of fellow English majors, and we were chatting about - what else? - books. There happened to be a copy of The Princess Bride lying around, and one girl rolled her eyes and smiled derisively. "At least it's not Dan Brown!" she snickered. I was taken aback. I had no idea that Dan Brown was not Appropriate Reading Material For English Majors. This was my first encounter with a Book Snob.

For those of you who may not be familiar with Book Snobs, let me describe them for you. Book Snobs are usually, but not always, literature majors who read "the classics" when others their age read Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys. They have read Harry Potter, but do not consider the series to be a "favorite" because it isn't "serious literature." One of their favorite pastimes is mocking the Twilight series and bemoaning how badly Stephenie Meyer writes. They are not caught dead with "beach read" books, such as Dan Brown or Meg Cabot. They do not watch TV, except for the news, the Discovery Channel, or maybe HBO if Shakespeare in Love happens to be on. They often walk around quoting their favorite long-dead Russian author. The more extreme Book Snobs prefer black turtlenecks, black coffee, and black framed glasses.

You think I'm joking? I have observed these beings in their natural habitats: the library, the writing center, the English department, and my own English classes. These people repulse me, my friends. I admit, they used to intimidate me. I used to find myself musing, "Maybe I shouldn't be an English major. My favorite books are Harry Potter 7 and Gone With the Wind. I don't like poetry. I don't like William Faulkner. Oh my God, I'm a disgrace!" Then I'd sink lower in my seat and listen meekly to the witty banter of the Book Snobs around me.

I felt like I didn't fit in. And I was ashamed.

Then, this semester, I realized how much I dislike Book Snobs. I don't mind if Absolum! Absolum! is your favorite book ever, or if you'd much rather delve into a little Tolstoy than watch American Idol. I'm not saying that the above description means you're a bad person. It doesn't, really, unless you think you're better than others because you prefer so-called "serious" or "higher-level" literature. True Book Snobs take themselves too seriously. Pretentiousness is the defining characteristic of Book Snobs, and it's not a pretty thing.

This is my confession to the Book Snobs across the world: My name is Susie, I'm a sophomore lit/creative writing major, and I hate William Faulkner. My favorite writers include J.K. Rowling (duh), Shakespeare, Meg Cabot, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Ridley Pearson. I like "kiddie" books, like The Kingdom Keepers and Percy Jackson and the Olympians. And you know what? It's okay for me to be bizarrely obsessed with a certain fictional nearsighted wizard. It's okay for me to read Moby Dick and not know what the heck's going on. It's okay for me to be a non-Book Snob English major.

I'm gonna go drool over this, now. I can't wait to read it!

What's your favorite book? (I promise I won't sneer.)

"living on love, buying on time, without somebody nothin' ain't worth a dime."

2010-04-08T00:59:00.004-05:00

Oh, if only money grew on trees. If only.

So, money is a pretty important thing. No, it's not more important than love, or being truly happy, etc. But financial security is pretty crucial to not being so stressed out that you forget to enjoy life. I don't really worry about money much - yet - because I still live with my parents, and because I am blessed with an excellent job for anyone in this economy, let alone a college student. (I won't say how much I make, but I am probably making more now than I will when I'm a teacher.)

However, sometimes I forget how lucky I am. Sometimes I complain because my car is from 1996 and therefore tends to need a lot of work/parts. I complain because I burn so much gas commuting to Baton Rouge. I complain because my boyfriend can't afford to take me out to nice restaurants every weekend.

Then, I was talking to my parents (who are really amazing people, by the way). They were practically broke for a long time after they were married. But they got through the tough times, and they were happy anyway.

I watched Gone With the Wind today. One of my favorite movies ever, probably because Scarlett is such a trooper. The Yankees take almost everything from her and she still finds a way to get through. That's what real financial desperation is, the Reconstruction era. Scarlett inspires me.

I'm so much luckier than that. Someday, I'll have saved enough money for dinners at cool restaurants and a nice car. Maybe someday, if I'm lucky, I'll be able to buy into DVC! Ya never know. But for now, I'm a college student, and my boyfriend is broke. I can deal. Because at the end of the day, we have this.

Have a good Thursday!

true confessions

2010-04-05T11:17:00.010-05:00

A couple Fridays ago, my friend Katie tweeted, "What #Disney ride haven't you been on or what famous Disney ride don't you like? #confessfriday." This one tweet started a phenomenon within the Disney Twitter community. People confessed that they'd never ridden Splash Mountain or that they hate Dole Whips. It was somewhat embarrasing, at first, but I quickly realized how liberating it was to get these confessions off my chest.

A lot of people ask me, "So, is there, like, anything at Disney World you haven't done?" I guess they expect me to shrug and reply, "Nope. Been there, seen that, done it all." Wrong. There is a lot I have yet to experience at WDW...

My Disney Confessions:
1. I've never had the infamous school bread from the bakery in Norway, though it has a cult following like the Dole Whip.

2. I've never seen the Electrical Water Pageant, which is an electrical parade that takes place on the Seven Seas Lagoon in front of the Magic Kingdom nightly (weather permitting).

3. I have yet to experience Drinking Around the World, which involves having a drink at every country in Epcot's World Showcase. (I guess this is obvious, since I'm not 21.)

4. I don't believe I've ever ridden Dumbo. I don't see the hype, other than the fact that it's considered a Classic Disney Must-Do in the Disney Fanatics community. The lines are always ridiculously long, and I'd just rather spend my precious time waiting in line for Big Thunder.

5. I've never eaten at Jiko, 'Ohana, California Grill, Narcoossee's, Le Cellier, Artist Point, Citrico's, or Victoria & Albert's. These are some of the most expensive resorts on property - I'm talking $150 for one person, easy. Sigh. Someday, though, I hope to experience the renowned Bananas Foster Bread Pudding at 'Ohana.

And guess what? There's a heck of a lot I'm not 'fessing up right now because 1. I don't want to bore you and 2. I gotta save my material for the next round of #confessfriday!

Non-related Disney confession: I don't get the iPad hype. (And it will forever bother me that I don't know what Apple's prefix "i" stands for.)

One last thing to make you laugh: I came across this article today, Ten Signs You May Have a Disney Addiction. My readers might be surprised to find out that I'm not as obsessed as some are - I checked "yes" to 10, 8, 5, 2, and 1.

That's it for today, folks. Have a magical day!

i found something beautiful.

2010-04-03T15:50:00.000-05:00

This Holy Week has been a really powerful time for me - I made more progress in my prayer life in the past six days than in the rest of Lent put together. For several months I hadn't really felt like I was as close to God was I was, say, this time last year, and I didn't really know what was wrong. I felt like there was a veil between Him and me, and I was waiting for Him to take it down. This week, I woke up.

First, temporarily giving up the majority of my Disney obsession was the best thing I could've done for myself. It helped me get my priorities in order. Sure, I missed it a lot at first, and I'll be glad to get back to my message boards, but I was able to do other things with my time. I spent more time on homework and other things. I found out that my Disney friends and I have so many things in common, and Tweeted regularly about random things. So they became actual friends, not just Disney friends.

Second, I was involved in my first-ever Passion play this year. At my high school, the senior class put on a "Living Way of the Cross" every year. It wasn't nearly the same experience as a real Passion play. My friends Kori and Theresa did an amazing job writing the script and directing. The actors were perfectly suited for their characters. My friend Ashley blew me away as the Blessed Mother, and I saw some of my guy friends in a completely different light after watching them portray Pilate, pharisees, and Jesus Himself.

Everyone really threw themselves into this play, from the main actors to the singers, from the makeup artists (who made "Jesus" look sickeningly bloody) to the light technicians. It was amazing to watch the whole process unfold, and to see everyone strengthening in their roles. At the first few practices, our directors advised us to take a few minutes to "get into character." I admit that at first I thought to myself, "Really? I'm not a theatre major. I don't know what I'm doing. I have a lot of homework, so I'm ready to just say my few lines and head home." But by the third practice or so, I realized that getting into character really made a difference.

I actually had two roles: I was part of the mob scene, and I was a weeping woman. Talk about opposite ends of the spectrum! Getting into character meant concentrating on being really angry, ready to scream out, "Crucify Him! He's a blasphemer, surely He deserves to die!" while impatiently crossing my arms over my chest. Then a moment later I had to switch to being distraught, sharing in His anguish, crying, "Master, how could they have done this to You?" Um, talk about difficult. But it was a very rewarding process. Last week, I focused on being a weeping woman with my free time. I listened to "Via Dolorosa" over and over again. I watched clips of Mel Gibson's "Passion of the Christ" on YouTube. It really made a difference with my mindset.

During the performance, I looked at my sisters who were playing the other weeping women, and I saw them differently. It was like I was really seeing them as women of Jerusalem instead of the girls I know every day. I looked into the eyes of Christy, the girl who played Veronica, and I saw real pain in her eyes - shared pain that we felt as we bore witness, centuries after it actually happened, to our Savior's earth-shattering death. The veils on our heads were at first annoying pieces of cloth that refused to stay in place, but by the end of the experience I felt even more beautiful wearing it. I guess that's what getting into character is all about.

Though I'm really sad that the experience is over, I'm so glad I put in those few hours a week into that play. I got closer to my friends and to Jesus and His Mother. It made me realize how blessed I am, and how much He loves me. It woke me up from the selfish stupor I'd been in - the problem wasn't that God wasn't reaching out to me at all. The problem was that I was blowing Him off most of the time, putting time and energy into hobbies instead of Him.

My current favorite song is "Something Beautiful" by a Christian band called needtobreathe. I was listening to this song in the car on Wednesday when my revelation hit me like a sack of Easter eggs. This is the chorus:

"Hey now, this is my desire

Consume me like a fire,

'cause I just want something beautiful

To touch me, I know that I'm in reach

'Cause I am down on my knees.

I'm waiting for something beautiful

Oh, something beautiful."

This has been the best Holy Week ever, by far.

I hope everyone has a blessed Easter!

have you any idea why a raven is like a writing desk?

2010-03-27T12:11:00.006-05:00

Ye have been warned, this post contains spoilers.

I'm finally managing to write my review of Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland in 3D. I saw it last weekend (though it feels like months ago) with Christian, his sister Coryn, and her boyfriend Harold. Because it was a Disney movie, I wanted to see it. Because it was a sequel to the original Alice in Wonderland, I was not extremely enthusiastic. Walt himself said, "I've never believed in doing sequels. I didn't want to waste the time I have doing a sequel; I'd rather be using that time doing something new and different.” And have you seen some of the Disney sequels? They're awful. I'm also not OMG OBSESSED!!1! with Tim Burton the way a lot of people are. But I kept an open mind...

This was no "Belle's Magical World," or even "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest." It was exquisite: Tim Burton managed to make it sinister without being overtly creepy, and beautiful without making me feel like I was stuck in a world of computer-generated images.

Of course, it follows Alice's journey back to Wonderland. It's been so long since I've read Lewis Carroll's book that I can't compare the book to the movie, but Burton's version goes further in depth with the plot and characters than Walt's animated version. I was disappointed that there was no singing ("A very merry unbirthday!" "To me?" "Yes, you!"), but the tone of this movie was somber, not lighthearted like the animated feature. It reminded me of the 1985 Disney film Return to Oz, actually.

Alice herself is a very complex character - she's come a long way from the seven-and-half year old child was in her first visit to Wonderland. She is now 19, and because she lives in Victorian England, there's a lot of pressure on her to act like a perfect lady; however, it's clear from the beginning that Alice is different from girls her age. She feels pressure from her family and society to get married because "she's getting older and her face won't last," but in her heart she knows that she doesn't want to lead a boring, stuffy life with a man who doesn't love or understand her. She's very much a modern, indepedent person stuck trapped inside the body of a nineteenth-century fragile doll.

She runs away from the real world and the problems in her own life, once again falls down the rabbit hole, and finds herself in Wonderland. But she doesn't remember anything about her previous experience in this surreal place. I won't spoil the reason why she was needed back in Wonderland, but she is faced with the decision of saving everyone from the wrath of the Red Queen. Throughout her journey, she comes to term with who she is and who she feels called to become.

Oh, and did I mention that Mia Wasikowska is gorgeous?

Johnny Depp's portrayal of the Mad Hatter was incredible. I wanted to be friends with the Hatter. He's still bonkers, but he's not his usual self. He's worried, like everyone else in Wonderland, about the fate of their beloved word at the hands of the Red Queen and her terrible weapon. He plays a much more important role in this sequel because he teaches Alice something very important. He sadly tells her, "You used to be much more...muchier. You've lost your muchness." He represents childhood, in a way; he isn't afraid to be mad, and he isn't afraid to believe in the impossible. He teaches Alice that in order to fulfil her role in Wonderland, she must revert back to the mindset she had when she was a child. "Sometimes I believe in as many as six impossible things before breakfast," Alice confides in the Hatter. "That," he answers, "is an excellent practice."

(There should be a picture of the amazing Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter, but it didn't want to show up. :[ )

Then there's the presence of good and evil in this movie. Obviously Iracebeth, the Red Queen, represents evil. (And there is no one better suited to play a crazy, cruel queen than Helena Bonham Carter, who plays the role fantastically.) But what about her sister Mirana, the White Queen? Anne Hathway is stunning, no doubt, and we are much more inclined to like her because of her unfailing kindness - but would we really want to be like her? Anne Hathaway said that her character comes from the same gene pool as her sister, but took a vow not to harm any living thing out of fear that she would go too far. I found myself pitying her.

Is it better to be good and infinitely loved, like the White Queen, but ultimately powerless to protect oneself, held captive by that very goodness? Is it better to be bad, like the Red Queen, protecting oneself and exercising power but losing everyone's faith and love in the process? To me, neither of these are ideal. Alice is a fusion of both Queens - kind and well-loved like Mirana, but strong and able to protect herself like Iracebeth.

In the end, despite the Hatter asking her to stay, Alice realizes that staying in Wonderland won't solve her real world problems - but the real world doesn't have to be a nightmare. Life is what she makes of it. So it's with great difficulty that she says goodbye to her beloved Wonderland and travels back to her life. It's a paradox that in keeping the heart of a child, she grows up.

I saw so much of myself in this Alice - 19, headstrong and somewhat rebellious, questioning everything. She always says the wrong thing, and people don't take her seriously because she's so "distracted"; in other words, she has a wonderful imagination. But eventually, she learns to accept herself despite others' opinions, and realizes that it's okay to believe in the impossible.

The ending of the movie was emotional for me: it was like seeing myself up there on the screen, realizing that realistically I cannot stay at WDW and saying a bittersweet goodbye. There's a whole lot I could say about this movie, but that would take far too long. I think anyone who was ever enchanted by the idea of falling down a rabbit hole into another world should see this, though, because it really is a masterpiece.

As for sequels, I feel like this one would make Uncle Walt change his mind, at least this once. It's much harder to enchant adults than children, and even harder to persuade them to believe in the impossibility of magic. This movie does both, which makes it pure Disney.

I hope everyone has an opportunity to see it. May you never lose your muchiness.

And as for why a raven is like a writing desk, I have no idea.

breaking news: susie gets political

2010-03-23T17:43:00.003-05:00

Disclaimer: this post might shock/offend you, so read at your own risk. But if you do read, keep an open mind.

I don't do politics. I vote, and I try to educate myself on current events, but I hate politics. I consider myself to be a positive person most of the time, but I am absolutely cynical when it comes to politicians. I just believe that nothing short of a miracle will straighten out this country's epic fail of a mess, so I'd really rather not think about it most of the time.

However, I do actually have political opinions, though I don't usually advertise them. I decided to blog about them today, in honor of the fact that March is Women's History Month.

In my very first semester at LSU, I took a women and gender studies (WGS) class. It was an elective for English majors, and I went in curious but unsure of what to expect. I kept an open mind and I was blown away by a lot of the stuff we learned. It also stuck out in my mind because of how open and friendly my classmates were. In fact, I'm still friends with one of the girls in that class. The class really broadened my horizons and made me realize how I was ignorant in many ways.

I learned about feminism. Feminism is a word that has many negative connotations. Some people think it was a movement that's over. Some associate feminism with butch, bitchy women who hate men. This is a gross generalization. Sure, there are some feminists out there like that. A lot of feminists are angry because the world has been such an unfair place for women for a very long time. I'm angry too, sometimes. But most feminists don't hate men. Actually, in the very simplest of terms, feminism means equality for both women and men. It doesn't mean that women are better than men. It's about equality.

Or at least, it used to it. It still is, in some ways. Women still make less money than men in the working world. Companies still don't always support very much maternity leave, and they support paternity leave even less. Women are still sexually harassed/assaulted/abused every day. But there have actually been three waves of feminism. The second wave died in around the late '80s, and the third wave continues today. But we have this problem, where so many women don't want to be identified with feminism. They believe that they cannot be feminists and still maintain their femininity.

I've always believed that I can be a strong, independent woman - a feminist - without it getting in the way of being feminine. I love wearing vintage dresses and makeup. I'm not saying that we should all burn our bras and stop shaving (that's entirely up to you). I do reject conventions of negative body images that are so rampant in the media. I do resent that almost forty years after the Equal Rights Amendment was passed, we STILL don't have equality in this country. It's outrageous. I am angry every time I hear of a rape case that wasn't reported because there would be no point to report it - because it's so hard to press charges in almost every rape situation.

Wake up - this is a problem, and we are only fueling this problem if we shy away from the word "feminism." We are slapping our foremothers, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and so many others, in the faces when we do this.

Men also have issues with the word. Why can't men be feminists? Any man who loves his mama, maw maw, sister, wife, and/or daughter should want equal rights for them, and should not be afraid to say so. This isn't a battle we will win alone.

I learned even more in that WGS class. As a Catholic, I'm supposed to be vehemently against abortion and contraceptives. We had a discussion about this in class one day. One girl stood up and calmly said, "I don't like the term 'pro-life.' That indicates that I'm pro-death. And I'm not. I don't want innocent babies to die. The issue is about power. It's about the government telling me what I can and cannot do with my own body. If abortion is outlawed, it will go back to the way it was in the '60s - coathangers in back alleys. It will lead to the government restraining my body in other ways." I sat there in shock. She was right.

I struggle with this issue all the time. Of course, there are options such as adoption, or heck, not having sex if you don't want a baby in the first place. But is that realistic? Same with the idea of contraceptives. The statistics have shown that abstinence-only methods in high schools don't work. Know why? Because some kids are gonna have sex. Many won't, like those who grow up in religious households and either truly believe that they should wait or at least feel guilty about it. But some always will. Wouldn't it be better for a girl to know how to protect herself from STDs and unwanted pregnancy if she's going to become sexually active? If I were a mother, I would pray that my daughter would practice abstinence, but in the event that she didn't, I certainly wouldn't want her to be unprotected.

I wear a ring on my left hand that bears the inscription of 1 Corinthians 6:19, which goes something like this, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? You are not your own." It's partially a purity ring and partially a reminder to not disrespect my body at all, because I'm just borrowing it. But unfortunately, not everyone believes this way. This is exactly why the separation of church and state exists. Who am I to impose my beliefs on another woman? I'm not God, and I can't judge anyone. So maybe it's best that we encourage abstinence, but still teach kids how to use birth control and condoms so they don't get themselves into terrible situations.

I won't go so far as to say maybe abortion should be legal, because at the end of the day, I can't bear the thought of the government allowing fetuses to be terminated. But I will say this - I don't much relish the idea of the government telling me what to do with my body, either.

If you've gotten this far, kudos. I hope I didn't offend you, but I also hope that I made you think a bit more about these issues. Please leave a comment or send me an email with your thoughts - if you agree or disagree, if you are exhilarated or outraged. I'd like to know.

Have a blessed, magical day.

nightmare on susie's street

2010-03-17T16:33:00.003-05:00

I've had lots of things on my mind lately that I've been meaning to blog about, but I haven't gotten around to it thanks to midterms last week.

Firstly, a topic that is amusing to some and sympathetic to others: my reaction to a little slasher film known as Nightmare on Elm Street. If you know anything about me, you'll know that I stopped watching scary movies a long time ago. My best friend loves them, so I used to hesitantly watch them with her, but I put my foot down when I was in high school. What's so fun about having the pants scared off you? If I want to feel scared or uneasy, I'll turn on the news. I like happy films that take me away from reality.

So, I have been very content with my horror movie-free diet these past few years. Until last Friday. I vaguely remembered seeing it listed on our syllabus, but it wasn't ringing any bells. Nightmare on Elm Street...Nightmare on Elm Street...oh yeah, isn't that the movie that has the misleadingly scary title but actually isn't scary?

It dawned on me, as the first girl of the film was being slashed to bits - blood flying in arcs across the screen - that the movie I'd been thinking of was The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

So what's Nightmare on Elm Street about? Oh, nothin' much...no big deal...just the infamous serial killer, Freddy Kruger. Who likes to kill his victims in their dreams, so it's not safe to sleep.

Oh, did I mention that my parents happened to be out of town that week, happily sailing through the Bahamas, so I had the displeasure of going home to an empty house that night?

Horror movie + empty house + wild imagination = disaster.

Thankfully, my good friend did me a favor and stayed with me that night so I didn't die of cardiac arrest every time the cuckoo clock went off. I still had trouble getting to sleep, though. Every time I closed my eyes I saw that terrible burned face, heard the horrific sound of his razor-blade nails scraping through his victims...

What kind of class would have such a movie on its syllabus, you ask? Is it a study of horror films? Um, no. It's an adolescent lit class (and the name should be changed to adolescent media, obviously). I asked my [crazy, demented, Disney-hating] teacher today, "Why did we watch Freddy Freaking Kruger in your class?"

She replied, "To show how the protagonist, Nancy, survives until the end of the film by remaining androgynous and not portraying typical gender roles. The girly girl died first."

Oh, okay. That makes sense. I mean, there aren't lots of other ways to show girl power and ideas of feminism other than Nightmare on Elm Street, or anything.

For the record, my teacher isn't crazy and demented. I was certainly cursing her on Friday night, but she's actually pretty cool, very smart and funny. I just think she should take into consideration, when compiling her syllabus, that some of us actually HATE horror movies.

Some people have been sympathetic to my plight, whereas others have cocked their eyebrows and scathingly said, "But it's not real. You big baby." No, it's not real, but my subconscious doesn't know that. Jerks.

So, the moral of this blog post: if you haven't seen Nightmare on Elm Street, don't.

Everyone have a happy, magical, non-disturbing day!

she's alive!

2010-03-17T16:25:00.002-05:00

I'm sorry I've been so M.I.A., guys. I have lots of things to talk about now that I'm back from my midterm-induced blogging hiatus. But first, "Reflection" part three. Hope you like it!

“No, Lindsay, stop.” She held up one hand. “I’m not sleeping with Devin! How could you even think that?”

“What else am I supposed to think? You go off with this guy and I’m supposed to think you were sitting around watching Disney movies?”

She smiled. “We did watch The Lion King.”

I stared at her. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m trying to explain! Devin’s just a friend. See, what happened was—um, Logan’s being deployed next year.” She said this very fast, and bit her lip. Her words hung in the air.

I felt my mouth drop open. “Deployed? When did you find out? How long? Where?”

“I found out last night. He’s going to Afghanistan…Army deployments there are usually about fifteen months…” She took several deep breaths and I could tell she was trying not to bawl. “So Devin’s been helping me deal with it, kind of. He slept on the floor,” she added quickly. “He’s just easy to talk to. It’s a distraction.”

I sat in the dark, trying to process what she’d just told me. Ainsley’s boyfriend was being deployed. I’d never been Logan’s biggest fan, but he was nice enough, and – damn, he could die over there. This was serious.

“So why didn’t you tell me?” I blurted out, and felt my face flush. There. I said it. It sounded incredibly childish, kind of like when your best friend in kindergarten gets a new best friend, and you feel left out. “I mean, I could’ve helped you deal with it.”

Ainsley just looked at me. “You spend every moment in my presence nagging at me. And when you’re not nagging, I can see the scowl on your face. I get the hint, Lindsay. I’m not Ms. Perfect. But do you really think I want to confide in someone who’s always criticizing me?” Her voice rose in pitch, and the tears started coming for real this time. “You’re always judging me. I just needed someone to listen.”

I stared straight ahead at Devin’s nice, blue house as Ainsley cried. She cried for what seemd like hours, and I just sat there. Finally, I turned slowly to her. “Ains?” She enveloped me in one of her massive bear hugs, and suddenly I was crying, too. We sat holding each other, snotty hiccupy messes in that cold November darkness, and it was like we were two little girls again, comforting each other after a bad day of being bullied on the playground. Suddenly, I had my sister back. I pulled back from her and saw myself in those brown eyes. She smiled slightly.

“You know, I really missed you,” I blurted out, then realized she’d said the exact same thing.

"reflection" parte dos

2010-02-22T16:27:00.002-06:00

Here you go, the next section of my little story. Hope you like it! I get my critiques back tomorrow in class, so please pray for me...

Insomnia attacked me that night, preventing me from getting comfortable or finding peace from my own thoughts. Finally, thankfully, I fell asleep. It seemed like only minutes later my mom was shaking me awake. I squinted into her face lined with worry. “What is it, mom?”

“It’s your sister,” my mom whispered harshly. “She’s not home. She’s not answering her phone. I called Sierra’s house and her parents said they haven’t seen anything of Ainsley all day!”
I closed my eyes and groaned. Now it would be a grounding for both of us. God, I was ready to kill her. “What time is it?”

“Almost midnight!”

I sat up and rubbed the sleep from my eyes. “I think she’s with some guy named Devin.”

My mother covered her mouth in horror. “Devin? Who’s that? Are you telling me you lied directly to my face earlier? Lindsay, how could you be so irresponsible?” Her words stung, and a part of me boiled up in protest. Me, irresponsible? Ainsley managed to total her car six months after getting it and mine didn’t have a scratch, but I was the irresponsible one? Ainsley runs around with all the boys and forgets about her homework, but I was the irresponsible one?

She continued, “Get up. Put a bathrobe on. Do you know where this boy lives? Drive to his house. Don’t you come home without her.” I could have said a lot of things. I should have ranted against the injustice of it all. But I was so tired from being woken in the middle of the night, and so tired of my sister’s crap, that I put on my bathrobe and trudged to my car without another word. I didn’t know this kid Devin very well, but I remembered that there’d been a party at his house last year. He lived on Kirtley Drive, which thankfully was only about ten minutes away. I cruised slowly down the street, squinting at the houses to see if I recognized them. I noticed a blue two-story with a green Toyota 4Runner parked in front, and I remembered seeing that car at school a lot. I shrugged to myself and pulled in.

Standing in their driveway, I suddenly wasn’t so sure of myself. What was I thinking, coming here in the middle of the night? What if they had a mean dog, and I got attacked, or something? I creeped timidly toward the front door and reached shaking fingers to knock on the door, feeling foolish. His dad answered the door, of course, in his bathrobe. God, she owed me.

“Can I help you, young lady?” His eyebrows were raised halfway to his forehead. I suppose I looked like a lunatic, showing up in my faded pink bathrobe to a stranger’s house. I saw the TV glowing in the background, thank goodness, so at least I hadn’t woken him.

“Yes, sir. Um, does Devin live here?” I asked, twisting the cord of my robe nervously.

“He does. Do you need to speak to him? Come on in.” He held the door open for me, eyebrows still raised.

“Er, thanks. Um?” I looked helplessly around, not remembering my way around his house.

“I’ll get him for you.” I nodded, thankful. He disappeared down the hallway and appeared a few minutes later, looking more disgruntled than ever, his son in tow.

“There appears to be another young lady keeping him company in there,” he huffed, and my heart dropped. What was she thinking, spending the night at Devin’s when she was perfectly attached to Logan? “This is turning out to be an interesting night.” Devin’s father turned and shuffled into what I assumed to be the kitchen.

“Hi, Lindsay,” Devin said awkwardly, shoving his black-framed glasses further up the bridge of his nose. “Are you looking for Ainsley?” I nodded crossly. No, I thought irritably as I followed him to his room, I’m here to sell you chocolates. In my bathrobe. At 12:20 in the morning.
“Well, there she is.” He gestured inside his room. Ainsley was fast asleep on a bed in the middle of the room, and I dimly registered some blankets and a pillow on the floor at the foot of the bed. I marched to the side and shook her awake.

“What?” She asked, and her sleepy voice reverberated around the room. I winced.

“We’re both going to be grounded, that’s what. Come on.” I pulled on her arm, trying to wake her up.

“Oh. Crap.” She looked at Devin, who looked shy and embarrassed from the doorway. “Sorry, Devin. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“That’s okay,” he said helplessly, moving out of the way as we walked toward the front room. “Ainsley? Feel better, okay?” She nodded at him.

“Bye, Devin.” I walked out of his house feeling incredibly foolish. I waited until we were safely in my car before blurting out, “Do you know what hell we’re going to face when we get home? And all for a one-night stand with some guy?”

Cliffhanger! Haha. Anyway, you'll get the last bit tomorrow.

In the meantime, have a magical Monday night!

the big reveal

2010-02-21T16:30:00.002-06:00

As some of you may know, I'm taking a creative writing class this semester, and on Thursday I turned in my first short story, to be read and critiqued by my classmates over the weekend. Gulp. If 20 strangers are reading it, possibly right now, I see no reason why people with whom I choose to associate can't also read it as well.

There is a back story to it, but that's for another day. It's called "Reflection," and I don't actually like the title, but that's the best I could do at 2 am Thursday morning. Here's the first part, and I hope you like it. (Go easy on me...I hadn't written anything creative in months.)

"Reflection"

“Remember, projects are due this Friday,” Ms. Niblett called over the din of papers being shuffled and doors slamming as the bell rang. I stuffed my binder into my backpack and headed out of the classroom, making a brief stop to my locker before stepping out into the chilly November air.

I walked to my car, a 2000 Ford Taurus, and took my time unlocking the car and plopping my things on the backseat. I knew from experience that Ainsley would be late, ostensibly from talking to a teacher about upcoming assignments but really from chatting it up with her “friend,” Devin. I settled myself in the driver’s seat and watched my classmates stream by, getting into their own cars and zooming away, or milling around under the oak for soccer practice.
I checked my watch. 3:10. I tapped my fingers on the steering wheel, trying to shrug off my biting impatience. At 3:20 I pulled away, spinning my tires rather harder than necessary in my frustration. My phone rang at 3:25.

“Hello.”

“Lin!” Ainsley’s voice was breathless on the other end. “Sorry, girl, I forgot to text you that I’m going to Devin’s today.”

Of course. I frowned and turned neatly into our driveway. “You forgot...to text.” My voice sounded clipped, even to me.

“Oh, Lindsay. You sound like Mom. Lighten up, okay? Or that black hair will be sproutin’ grays pretty soon!” Click. Thoroughly irritated now, I lugged my stuff out of the backseat and stomped up the driveway.

My mom looked up as I swung open the door. “Hi, honey. Have a good day? Where’s Ainsley?” She bustled about the kitchen as she talked.

I’d already started walking down the hall to my room. “It was okay. Just another Wednesday. Ainsley’s with a friend,” I called over my shoulder. I flopped down on my bed and resisted the urge to yell into a pillow.

Listening to me rant, you’d think I was talking about my fourteen-year-old freshman of a sister, but Carmindy’s more like me. Responsible. Dance team and volleyball in the spring, and impeccable grades on top of that. She adjusted to high school better than I had, and I was proud of her. No, the sister driving me insane would be my twin, Ainsley. Older by two minutes, to be technical. We’re both juniors, sixteen, but sometimes I feel like she’s going on six. And the boys she’s always with! Last year it was Alek, the artsy kid from her theatre class. Then things got serious with Logan, the guy she’s been on-and-off with since our freshman year. He’s in the army now, and I bet he doesn’t have a clue who Devin is.

I sat up and looked at the mirror across from my bed. Black hair tumbled across my shoulders, blue eyes stared back at me. Though we’re twins, we couldn’t look less alike. Ainsley has brown curls and brown eyes. My skin is milky, while hers is freckled all over and tans easily in summer. I’m built like Marilyn Monroe, and she’s built more like Audrey Hepburn. At family reunions, great-aunts always come up to me and say things like, “My, Lindsay! What a beautiful young lady you’ve grown up to be! And that skin – Scarlett O’Hara would be jealous!” But what they don’t know is the boys like tans. And little bitsy teeny weeny bikini bodies. And brown eyes, apparently.

I turned my back on my reflection and started digging in my background for my history book; that project wasn’t going to finish itself. I tried to put my sister out of my mind and concentrated on the Civil War instead. I worked until I heard Melinda dropping Carmindy off after dance practice, then continued working until the light outside started to fade. Finally mom called us to dinner.

We ate at seven sharp every night, because my dad got in at 6:30. Carmindy was usually showered by then, and the dining room was filled with her chattering voice until we bowed our heads for the blessing. My dad picked up his steak knife and glanced at the empty chair to my left. “Where’s Ainsley?”

“Lindsay said she was with a friend,” my mother answered, buttering her potato. “Which friend did you say it was, dear?” She turned to me.

I didn’t look up from my steak. More than likely, they’d freak out if I told them the truth. They don’t like Ainsley being with Logan because he’s a few years older, but they certainly wouldn’t like her being with some guy they don’t know. I’m sure they’d like to think Ainsley’s a fragile doll who needs her virtue protected, but oh, if they only knew the truth.

“She’s with Sierra,” I lied, buttering my potato to give my hands something to do. “History project due Friday.” Mom and dad beamed at each other across the table, and I looked down at my plate, gripping my steak knife. You owe me, I thought viciously.

I helped Carmindy with the dishes and headed back to finish the project. I just had to proofread my essay, and I was done. It isn’t that often I actually have free time, so I turned on my TV and flipped through the channels. There wasn’t much on, so I settled on a rerun of Boy Meets World. It was the episode where Shawn tries to win Angela’s military dad’s approval. I sat there, savoring the feeling of having nothing to do, until thoughts of Ainsley starting creeping back in my mind. I thought idly back to middle school, when she wasn’t the most popular with the guys – or the most unpopular with the girls, for that matter. We shared bunk beds back then in our old house, and we giggled late into the night, talking. We were like those twins you see in movies who can finish each others' sentences. I hurriedly clicked off the TV and sat in the dark. Suddenly I realized that I was on the verge of tears. I jumped up and started cleaning my room, sorting out piles of laundry and folding clean clothes just to stay busy. I had no choice but to go to bed early. It was either that or dwell uselessly on the past, because let’s face it – my sister was a different person back then.

That's the first couple of pages. There are eight in total. Let me know what you think! I like constructive criticism.

I hope everyone had a great weekend and is enjoying their Sunday evening; don't forget to tune into www.magicalmouseradio.com at 7pm tonight for the live Be Our Guest Podcast broadcast! (Just because I can't doesn't mean you can't.) :)

Have a magical week, everybody.

i like days like today.

2010-02-20T17:04:00.008-06:00

It's 5:04. I get off in less than an hour, and I'm just sitting here enjoying a lazy Saturday at work. I usually take my coffee black, but today I decided to be adventurous and go for a shot of French Vanilla. Mmmm.

It really is the little things that make life so wonderful. I like working with my friend Molly, especially when the boys aren't here. I love the boys...but sometimes I just like my estrogen unpolluted.

I like reading my friend Michelle Sanders's blog and being inspired by the amazing things she makes with her hands, like the necklace I gave my mama for Christmas.

I like going on dates with my boyfriend, even if it's just dinner and a movie. It's so lovely having him in Baton Rouge these days.

I like bonding with my Disney friends about non-Disney things on Twitter, like musicals, hideous pants, and wedding dresses. I like listening to Magical Mouse Radio and remembering crying for 20 minutes after leaving the Magic Kingdom.

I like driving out of the way just to get Taco Bell because I'm craving it, then pretending it's from Pecos Bill.

I like getting messages from old teachers that I really loved in high school, especially when they make me tear up.

I like my sometimes average, often random, usually great life.

Everyone have a magical Saturday!

will you try?

2010-02-19T20:39:00.003-06:00

A lot of people in the Disney community are lucky enough to share their passion with their significant other. However, a lot of us can't really share our obsession with our loved one, because sometimes they don't "get it." For those who don't always understand us, this is a song from Disney Mania 4, by Jesse McCartney. It's called "I'll Try."

I am not a child now
I can take care of myself
I mustn't let them down now
Mustn't let them see me cry
I'm fine, I'm fine

I'm too tired to listen
I'm too old to believe
All these childish stories
There is no such thing as faith
And trust and pixie dust

I try
But it's so hard to believe
I try
But I can't see what you see
I try, I try, I try...

My whole world is changing
I don't know where to turn
I can't leave you waiting
But I can't stay and watch this city burn
Watch it burn

'Cause I try
But it's so hard to believe
I try
But I can't see where you see
I try, I try

I try and try to understand
The distance in between
The love I feel and the things I fear
And every single dream

I can finally see it
Now I have to believe
All those precious stories
All the world is made of...
Faith, and trust... and pixie dust

So, I'll try
Because I finally believe
I'll try, 'cause I can see what you see

I'll try, I'll try
I'll try...
To fly

Have a magical weekend, everyone.

bet you never thought i'd do this.

2010-02-16T10:22:00.004-06:00

I'm doing something a little different for Lent this year. I'm still giving up the usual sweets, but I'm adding to that. Lent is about giving up what hurts the most, what you've become dependent upon...for me, that would be Disney trip planning. I'm not talking about REAL trip-planning, when I have a destination in mind and I'm sorting out actual plans for that; I'm talking about uselessly poring over forums and sites to read others' trip reports and dining reviews. For most people, this might sound ridiculous and extreme. But if you know me, you're probably not surprised.

I wake up every morning and check www.wdwmagic.com for the latest Walt Disney World news. I get Google alerts on Bob Iger, the company's CEO. I frequent www.allears.net to see what Debbie's got different up there, such as updates menus for different restaurants. I check the DISboards and the Be Our Guest Podcast forums at least once a week. I check blogs such as www.thedvclife.com, www.thedisneydrivenlife.com, and my friend Rikki's blog, "A Disney World After All," nearly every day. I stalk Disney's official website and drool over pictures of various restaurants and resorts when I'm bored at work. Not to mention the countless podcasts I listen to every day in the car on the way to school and work.

I need an intervention. This is taking up too much time in my life...I used to read books at work, and now I read Disney blogs. Which is fine, to a certain extent...but not for 8 hours straight. So, to remedy this, I'm giving it up for Lent.

Because we are in the process of planning a tentative trip to the World this summer, I will still allow myself communication with the folks at The Magic for Less Travel. I will still allow myself to access certain parts of WDW's official site to book ADRs, etc. I will still allow myself to listen to Magical Mouse Radio and my Disney playlist, because they keep me sane when I'm having a bad day. But as for everything else...see you in six weeks.

I'm pretty nervous about this. I'm not gonna know what to do with myself. Maybe I can learn to use this time more wisely, like reading the Scriptures more. Maybe I can learn to rely more on God and less on a company that controls a theme park (well, they control more than a theme park, but you get my point).

I know I'll miss all my Disney time, but I think it's time I joined the real world...at least for a little while.

Everyone have a magical day, and a happy Mardi Gras!

my blog has a sister.

2010-02-13T14:13:00.002-06:00

Hello! Just to let everyone know, I started a new blog dedicated entirely to food, chronicling my adventures in the kitchen. Oh, the possibilities. There will be plenty of Disney-inspired cuisine to come, I promise. Check her out at http://susienotsusanbakes.blogspot.com/.

"Be My Guest" will not replace "Searching For My Neverland," though, so keep reading. :)

Have a magical day!

"and with every shot we take, we're making memories!"

2010-02-12T10:37:00.003-06:00

Good morning! It's snowing outside, so I'm daydreaming of Florida...of course. Here's my post on my favorite Epcot photo ops!

It wouldn't be a trip to Epcot without a photo of Spaceship Earth. (And that is what it's called. Not "the big golf ball." Ack.) I like the back view from World Showcase, because then you get the lovely Fountain of Nations in as well!

If you hang around Spaceship Earth for a bit, you might see some of your favorite Disney characters!

There are all kinds of interesting attractions in Epcot that you've probably never seen before, like the jumping fountains in the Imagination courtyard.

There's a cool little place in Future World where you can sample various sodas from around the world...called Club Cool! Some drinks are tasty...but there's one little monster that's particularly sick.nast.

After exiting Test Track, you'll walk into a room showcasing various cars. After all, the attraction is sponsored by General Motors. Check out this crazy thing!

World Showcase is a Disney scrapbook heaven, because there are so many cute photo opportunities! Put on a sombrero in Mexico, hide behing a Venetian mask in Italy, or chat it up in a UK phone booth.

Canada, my favorite pavilion, has a beautiful reproduction of Niagara Falls. Think about how romantic this backdrop would be if you're taking a honeymoon trip!

Disney really nailed the Parisian air of the France pavilion.

France is my favorite place for meet-and-greets. Sometimes you'll see Aurora, other times Bella and the Beast...we got the lovely Marie Cat!

There you go! There are so many quirky thing to see and get a shot of, from the topiaries near the Land pavilion to the authentic Norwegian school bread at the bakery there. Don't forget to get some video of IllumiNations!

Thanks for reading and have a magical day!

"when we're making memories, happy days are always here!"

2010-02-11T13:29:00.003-06:00

It's time for another Disney post! Today I'm gonna talk about something fairly simple: my favorite photo ops in the Magic Kingdom.

Main Street, U.S.A. alone has many opportunities for photos! Some of my favorites are: the bench with Goofy by Exposition Hall, on the right when you enter the Magic Kingdom; the fire station; the Barber Shop, especially if you have children; and the bench with Roy and Minnie, at the head of Main Street (or by Town Hall if it's the Christmas season).

Of course, there are endless opportunities for funny photos in front of the many shop windows, as well. And don't forget about the Disney's Photopass Photographer, who can take a photo of your entire party in front of Cinderella Castle!

For me, a trip to the Magic Kingdom wouldn't be complete without a snapshot of the infamous "Partners" statue in the center hub.

I like to take pictures of each of the "land" signs, which is really great for a Disney scrapbook. Adventureland is full of trees and totem poles, which really add to the jungle theme. Of course, you'll want to take pictures of Disney's famous mountain range, and 2 of them are conveniently in Frontierland! Woody and Jessie sometimes hang out near Splash Mountain to sign autographs, as well.

Liberty Square has lots of detail, from the hearse in front of the Haunted Mansion to the stocks in front of the river!

Toontown won't be there for long, so if you're going to WDW soon be sure to stop in and visit Mickey and Minnie's houses! (They're taking out Toontown with the new Fantasyland expansion.) You can meet the fairies from Pixie Hollow, your favorite princesses, and the Big Cheese himself!

In Fantasyland, you can "wake up Tink" in Tinker Bell's Treasures (especially fun if you have little girls). Head over to the front of Cinderella's Carousel and pretend to be King Arthur pulling the sword out of the stone - sadly, since Merlin's death a few years ago the sword-pulling show no longer exists, but it's still great for a picture! You can also meet-and-greet with Ariel in Ariel's Grotto, or with Belle in the enchanted story-garden on the right side of the castle.

See if you can find "Push," the talking, robotic garbage can in Tomorrowland. He's always a hoot. If you hang around you might spot Buzz Lightyear or Stitch for meet-and-greets, and don't forget about Space Mountain!

That's it for my favorite Magic Kingdom photo ops, though the choices are really endless!

Have a magical day, everyone!

things could be worse.

2010-02-06T11:17:00.002-06:00

For some reason, I've been having a bad few weeks. Things just haven't gone my way, and I was all sad last night thinking I am a failure.

It makes me sad that no matter how hard I try in school, I'm just not the kid who makes a 4.0. School does not come as easily to me as it does to others.

My life is ridiculously busy and I feel like I'm always behind. There's always some homework assignment lurking over my head, my room is always a mess, I never have time to work out even though I desperately want to, and I don't spend as much time with my friends as I'd like.

It upsets me that I never have time to write creatively anymore. I can't exactly call myself an aspiring writer if I never write!

I get angry with myself for the little ways I screw up every day. I want to be more like Mary but I fail every single day.

People criticize me and I believe them when they say I am disappointing.

But you know what?

I'm am not a superhero, or a real life Disney princess. I am not perfect. There will always be room for improvement, somewhere. But that's the story of everyone's life. I refuse to feel badly for being human.

I made the decision to only take 12 hours this semester, and you know what? It was the right thing to do. I'm doing better than I was last semester, even though it's still a lot of work.

I lost some of my scholarships but I'm still covered by TOPS. We don't have to pay as much money as some people do.

I don't always feel like I have much to offer the world, but someday I will make a difference as a Catholic school teacher. I can write, and I can help people plan their Disney trips thanks to my obsession. I can bake, and I'm good at listening.

My job drives me crazy, but I am so lucky to have a job - especially one that is based on commission - in this job economy.

I'm trying to be a better person, especially in these weeks leading up to Easter. I'm trying to cut out swearing and eating junk, and spending less time on the Internet and more time reading books. I'm trying to get to know my Heavenly Father and my Savior better. But it's a work in progress, and I will definitely fail every day, but that's part of the growth process.

I don't see my friends all the time, but I know they're always there for me. Quality more than quantity definitely counts here. Plus, I have the best boyfriend in the world. He never criticizes or tries to change me, he just loves me the way I am. He works little miracles in my life every day.

A fellow blogger recently wrote, "Happiness is a choice." So even when it's raining and I'm feeling down, I know that "there's a great big beautiful tomorrow, shining at the end of every day."

(It wouldn't be a "Seaching for my Neverland" post without a Disney reference, duhh!)

Everyone have a magical day.

GEAUX SAINTS!

caution: brutal honesty ahead

2010-01-18T10:10:00.002-06:00

So...I'm a little nervous about school starting tomorrow.

I let myself down last semester. Walt once said, "I think it's important to have a good failure when you're young." Maybe he's right, because failure brings a sense of humility.

In high school, I was not a humble person. Actually, looking back, I thought I was invincible. I don't mean to say I looked in the mirror every day and thought, "Oh yes, I am awesome," or anything. It was more of a subconscious thing. I went to the same school from pre-k through 12th grade, and while in some ways it was good that way, it also meant I was absolutely within my comfort zone. Senior year, I was an officer on the dance team, I had a steady boyfriend, I was without a doubt the best writer in the school, teachers adored me, and I managed to be popular without being one of the "popular girls." It was a good life, but I was too comfortable. And my relationship with my Father was a shallow shell of a relationship.

So by the time I got to college, I had a heck of a breakdown, because my life changed so absolutely and so suddenly. I have an issue with change...I fight it, and of course I always lose. It's one of those things I'm trying to deal with. In college, I was one of 10,000, absolutely anonymous, where no one knew who I was or cared. I dropped dancing, and that was incredibly painful. My best friend in the world moved an hour away, but it may as well have been China. I was no longer the best at anything. In fact, I discovered that I suck at quite a lot of things.

I dealt with it. But last semester, my faith in my writing abilities was shaken. Now I realize that a B might be painful, but it's not the end of the world. I can't make As all of the time in my best subject. Still, knowing these things intellectually does not mean I'm not terrified to see what this semester will bring. I will be taking 12 hours, all of them English. What if I'm in the wrong major? What if I get Bs in EVERYTHING? See, my Hermione Granger complex is starting to show.

I'm still working on my issues with change. I'm still working on my relationship with my Father. I'm working on doing my very best, and being content with that. But at least I'm out of my safe bubble. It's not pleasant, but I know it's good for me.

Here's to a new semester...bring it.

Have a magical day, everyone.

why stay on WDW property?

2010-01-15T16:37:00.007-06:00

I've heard lots of people say, "Shoot, I'm not staying at a Disney hotel. All that money when all I'll be doing is sleeping there? I don't think so."

The truth is, you're paying for a lot more than lodging. What folks don't often consider is that if you decide to stay off-property, you still have to drive to the parks - and pay around $14. You think traffic in the big city is bad? Try driving back to your hotel after the Magic Kingdom closes.

One of the great things about the Walt Disney World Resort is that it's its own working city, in a sort of bubble, complete with its own forms of transportation. Certain resorts offer transportation to the MK or Epcot via monorail, and all resorts offer bus transportation to guests. Buses, or motorcoaches as Disney calls them, arrive at the resorts and theme parks approximately every 20 minutes. True, the motorcoaches don't always allow for the most pleasant experience - like when you're standing for the 17-minute ride back to your resort - but trust me, it beats driving your own car.

See, if you did drive to the Magic Kingdom, you'd park in a lot by what's called the Transportation & Ticket Center, which is actually across the Seven Seas Lagoon from the MK itself. You'd have to take a CM-driven tram to the actual park entrance. Not so bad, but after a long day at the park, you'd have to wait in a massive line for the tram, walk to your car, and then wait in line to get out of the parking lot onto the main road, where traffic jams await. Doesn't sound fun to me.

Another great benefit of staying on-property is the extra time you're allowed in the parks. Every day, one park has Extra Magic Hours - which are extra hours either before that park officially opens, or after it officially closes. This is only open to resort guests. You're paying lots of money for your vacation, so why not maximize the time you can spend doing fun stuff? Plus, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad looks really cool at night. ;]

If you're flying to WDW, staying on-property means that complementary transporation - Disney's Magical Express - will be provided to and from the airport. No taxis for you!

Remember that Dining Plan I talked about? That's only available to Disney resort guests, and it saves a lot of money.

The shops at the theme parks are awesome - but who wants to worry about holding packages when you're riding corkscrews on Rock'n'Roller Coaster? If you stay at a Disney resort, they'll ship your packages to your resort, no problem.

Mr. Skeptic would now say, "But I can't afford it!" Actually, if you budget correctly, you can. The original resorts at WDW are the Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian. These bad boys are several hundreds of dollars per person per night, and Disney realized that this does not suit the average guest's budget, so they've added plenty of resorts since then. There are others along the same price range as those three, all grouped in the deluxe resort tier. There are also moderate and value resorts. Basically, the more expensive the resort, the closer it is the parks.

A complete list of the resorts:
Deluxe:
Contemporary
Grand Floridian
Polynesian
BoardWalk Inn
Yacht Club & Beach Club
Wilderness Lodge
Animal Kindgom Lodge
Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphins Resorts (not technically owned by Disney)

Moderate:
Coronado Springs
Port Orleans French Quarter
Port Orleans Riverside (formerly Dixie Landings)
Caribbean Beach
Fort Wilderness Cabins

Value:
All-Star Sports
All-Star Movies
All-Star Music
Pop Century

The moderate resorts are, obviously, moderately priced, and the value resorts are the least-expensive option.

And if I haven't managed to convince you that you should stay on Disney property, here's one last thing: staying on-property is FUN. Checking in and receiving your Key to the World card is FUN. All the resorts have various themes, and you'll notice that theme in the decorations, pools, restaurants/food courts, Cast Member costumes, and even the bedspreads.

That's it for now, folks. Have a magical day!

xoxo

welcome to the magic kingdom!

2010-01-14T12:53:00.002-06:00

I was going to post pictures yesterday, but y'all know I'm technologically challenged, and I can't figure out how to get the pictures from my camera to the computer. I've only had the thing a year...I know, fail.

So instead, I'm gonna talk about the Magic Kingdom.

I mentioned previously that much of my blog from now on will be devoted to Disney, so I'm gonna start off with some fun facts about the original park.

Many of the rides at Disneyland were also incorporated into the Florida project. Walt himself oversaw much of the production, but unfortunately he died before the project was finished, so his brother Roy took over. The park opened on October 1, 1971, but it was officially dedicated on the 25th. In his speech, Roy O. Disney declared, "Walt Disney World is a tribute to the philosophy and life of Walter Elias Disney...and to the talents, the dedication, and the loyalty of the entire Disney organization that made Walt Disney's dream come true. May Walt Disney World bring joy and inspiration and new knowledge to all who come to this happy place...a Magic Kingdom where the young at heart of all ages can laugh and play and learn - together."

The MK was designed with a hub in the center of the park leading to six lands. Main Street, U.S.A. was designed to look like Walt's hometown, Marceline Missouri. Someone once remarked rather snarkily, "Disney World's Main Street looks nothing like Main Street." Um. That's because it looks like a Main Street from the early 1900s. There's a lot to see in this "land" alone. If you look closely, you'll see that the windows of Main Street say things like "Elias Disney - Contractor." None of these names are random or made up: they're all people in Walt's life or Cast Members who were instrumental to the company. In one nook, a second-story window is painted to look like the outside of a dance studio; if you listen carefully, you will hear tap dancing and singing coming from the direction of the building. All the buildins are built with what's called "forced perspective," a trick of the eye to make them seem taller than they are. There's so much to do on Main Street, U.S.A., from shopping to getting some yummy sweets in the Confectionary, or getting your hair cut in the old-fashioned barber shop.

Walk down Main Street toward Cinderella Castle and you'll see the "Partners" statue of Walt and Mickey. This is a great photo op. (There's a similar statue at the front of Main Street by the Firestation, of Roy O. Disney and Minnie Mouse sitting together on a bench.) Cinderella Castle was also built using forced perspective. It was designed after the castles in Europe and soars at 190 feet tall - just under Florida's building height restriction. Also, it isn't made of stone and mortar, but steel frames, concrete, fiberglass, and plaster. However, some of that gold on the outside is actually real gold. Underneath the arch is a beautiful mural telling Cinderella's story, made of over 500 mosaic tiles.

To the left of the hub is Adventureland, which combines the feel of Africa, Polynesia, Asia, and the Caribbean for a very exotic setting. Attractions include Pirates of the Caribbean, Jungle Cruise, Magic Carpets of Aladdin, Enchanted Tiki Room Under New Management, Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse, and Shrunken Ned's Junior Jungle Boats (not included with park admission). Watch out for the spitting camels and tiki gods near the Magic Carpets! A wonderful place to get a cool treat on a hot day is Aloha Isle, home to the infamous Dole Whip. You'll also find Sunshine Tree Terrace and El Pirato y el Perico Restaurante, which is open seasonally. You can find adventurous souvenirs at Pirates Bazaar, Agrabah Bazaar, and Island Supply Company.

Past Adventureland is Frontierland, which is a tribute to the Wild West, of course! Here you'll find Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Splash Mountain, the Country Bear Jamboree, the Shootin' Arcade, Tom Sawyer Island, and a stop for the Walt Disney World Railroad. There are some great photo ops along the Rivers of America. A good place for snacks is Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn on Tom Sawyer's Island, but unfortunately it's seasonal these days. You'll also find the Golden Oak Outpost and various kiosks. The best eatery in Frontierland is Pecos Bill's Tall Tales Cafe, home of the infamous "bowl of meat!" Yum, I'm hungry now. Pick up Splash Mountain souvenirs at the Briar Patch and old-western items at the Frontier Trading Post.

Frontierland transitions smoothly into Liberty Square, the land dedicated to colonial-era America. You'll see the Liberty Tree in the town square next to the Liberty Bell that was specifically made for WDW. The thirteen lanterns hanging on its branches symbolize the thirteen original colonies. Take a funny picture in the gallows near the river! Liberty Square is home to the Hall of Presidents, Liberty Square Riverboat, and the Haunted Mansion. Some of the best MK eateries are in Liberty Square, like the amazing Liberty Tree Tavern or Colombia Harbour House. There's also a little shop that sells great funnel cake, called Sleepy Hollow, which is open seasonally. Shop at the Yankee Trader, Heritage House, or the year-round Christmas store, Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe. Buy a parasol from the little cart, or get your silouette done at the Liberty Square Portrait Gallery.

Walk past Colombia Harbour House into Fantasyland and you'll find yourself in a wonderful medieval dream. Fantasyland is positioned directly behind the Castle, so that you'll find yourself facing Cinderella's Golden Carousel if you choose to walk directly under the Castle's arch. Fantasyland is a small, crowded place with tons to do. Attractions include Ariel's Grotto, Cinderella's Golden Carousel, "it's a small world," Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Peter Pan's Flight, Snow White's Scary Adventures, Mad Tea Party, Mickey's PhilharMagic, the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, and the Fairytale Garden that hosts Storytime with Belle. There's a playground for children called Pooh's Playful Spot. See the sword stuck into the concrete slab near the carousel? It's a tribue to Disney's The Sword and the Stone, and daily shows used to occur there where Merlin would come out and choose a child to "pull" out the sword. Merlin died a few years ago and the show was discontinued, but it's still a great photo op. Cinderella's Royal Table is a lovely - and very expensive - meal inside the Castle where you can meet Cinderella herself. Other eateries include Pinocchio Village Haus, which has a window overlooking "it's a small world;" Scuttle's Landing, by Ariel's Grotto; and various snackshops, like Enchanted Grove and Mrs. Pott's Cupboard. Shops include Pooh's Thotful Shop, Tinker Bell's Treasures (where you can wake up Tink and get pixie-dusted!), Sir Mickey's, Fantasy Faire, and Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Disney has recently announced plans to rennovate Fantasyland. Here's a quote from http://allears.net/:

"Walt Disney World recently announced a major expansion of Fantasyland, which will also entail the closing of Mickey's Toontown. The expansion will effectively double the size of Fantasyland by 2013. The first phase of this expansion involves the closing of Toontown, so that new areas can be built. In the first new area, there will be spots featuring Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and Belle. Also featured will be Beast's castle, which will include a new restaurant that will be counter service during the day and table service by night. Another part of the first phase of the expansion will be the doubling of Dumbo, and a new interactive, three-ring circus tent that will effectively eliminate queues for this popular attraction. In addition, you'll be able to journey under the sea with Ariel, The Little Mermaid, in her very own attraction (which will also open at Disney's California Adventure). The first phase of the expansion should be concluded in 2011. The second phase of the expansion, which should be finished by 2013, will be the construction of Pixie Hollow, featuring Tinker Bell and her fairy friends.

For more details on this announcement, click HERE."

Gotta love Deb over at All Ears.

Since it was added after the rest of the MK was built, there's no entrance to Toontown off of the hub; you get there through Fantasyland. It was originally called "Mickey's Birthdayland" when it opened in 1988, was renamed to "Mickey's Starland" after Mickey's 60th Birthday celebration ended, and finally the name was permanently changed to "Mickey's Toontown Fair" in 1996. It's a land mostly for the kiddies, but it's definitely worth visiting because you can tour Mickey and Minnie's houses! Attractions include the Barnstormer at Goofy's Wiseacre Farm, Donald's Boat "Miss Daisy," the Judge's Tent where you can meet Mickey!, Mickey and Minnie's Country Houses, the Toontown Hall of Fame Tent, and a stop for the Walt Disney World Railroad. You can grab snacks at the Toontown Farmer's Market or inside the Hall of Fame. Shop at the Hall of Fame or at County Bounty.

Walk past Toontown and you'll soon find yourself in Tomorrowland, which looks sort of like a futuristic setting from an old-school sci-fi movie. Attractions include the Carousel of Progress, Astro Orbiter, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Monster's Inc. Laugh Floor, Tomorrowland Transit Authority, Space Mountain, Tomorrowland Indy Speedway, and Stitch's Great Escape. The Lunching Pad offers delicious smoked turkey legs; Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe offers traditional quick-service options as well seasonal entertainment; and Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies offers great snacks. Get souvenirs that are out of this world (haha, I'm a cheeseball) at Mickey's Star Traders and Merchant of Venus.

Ever notice how you'll never see someone in Toontown garb walking through Fantasyland? Walt Disney didn't want the magic of each land to be spoiled by Cast Members walking through to meow get to their work stations, so the Imagineers developed a different way for the CMs to get around. When arriving at the MK, you have to walk uphill to get into the park because the MK is actually on a second level. Ground level is where the Utilidors are located, which are the passages used by CMs to grab their food, suit up, and travel. All trash from the MK also goes here.

Wishes is the nighttime spectacular fireworks show. Obviously, I love it. Fantasy in the Sky was the previous fireworks show. SpectroMagic is the nighttime parade that travels down Main Street. It's wonderful, but my personal favorite was the Main Street Electrical Parade, which sadly stopped running in 2001. Seasonal after-hours parties are also offered at the MK, including Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Mickey's Pirate and Princess Party was a phenomenon in 2008 and part of 2009, but there's been no word yet if it will be returning.

Well, there you have it! I could blog all day and still barely skim the surface of what the MK holds, and I'm learning more about it every day. Still, I hope if you've stumbled upon my post, that you've enjoyed reading about the most magical place on earth, and maybe even learned something.

Have a magical day!

xoxo

"now it's time to say goodbye to all our company. M-I-C, see ya real soon. K-E-Y, why? because we like you. M-O-U-S-E."

2010-01-13T13:23:00.003-06:00

Well, it's time for my recap of Saturday, January 9, which was our last day at the theme parks, and our drive home on Sunday.

We were very surprised to see the Christmas decorations still up this long after Christmas (well, that's not long by mom's standards, but it is by Disney's). Holiday music was still playing as well. I assume this is due to the 13th Annual Marathon, which took place that weekend. In fact, that's why the Be Our Guest Podcast (formerly known in this blog as the BOGP group) folks were at WDW. Over 55,000 turned out for the marathon, which was a record. I respect anyone who runs a marathon, but to run in that kind of freezing cold...insane dedication. Props.

As soon as Caroline got to DHS, we rushed to the nearest shop and bought more warm clothing. Yes, even more. It may have been the coldest day we experienced during our trip, period. However, since it was our last day, I was determined to enjoy our day despite the disappointing weather.

We nabbed breakfast at Starring Rolls, which is a little cafe on the side of the Hollywood Brown Derby. The hot coffee and yummy pastries really helped get our morale up. Again, our mission was to find interesting things to do INSIDE, and we were near Animation Courtyard anyway, so we ducked into One Man's Dream. I am a sentimental fool, so it's one of my favorite attractions in all of WDW. OMD is a small museum dedicated to Walt Disney, and it's filled with artifacts from his life as well as interactive activities and models of the parks and some attractions. A video plays at the end of the walk through; it's narrated by Julie Andrews and completely captures his spirit. It's truly inspiring.

We walked along the Streets of America, marveling that the Osbourne Lights were STILL up, then headed to Muppet Vision 3D. My favorite part about it isn't the show itself, but the props and inside jokes in the pre-show room. For example, hanging from the ceiling is a net full of Jello, a nod to Mickey Mouse Club member Annette Funicello!

After the show, we headed to the Derby for our lunch ADRs. I love the Derby. I can just picture old movie stars dining there...it's such a simple yet glamorous place. I always get the Cobb salad, and this time I tried the grapefruit cake for dessert. It was all delicious, and the service there is great. I didn't even mind the fact that it takes 2 dining credits to eat there.

Full and ready to brave the cold once again, we ambled along Sunset Boulevard toward the Beauty and the Beast stage show. Duh, I love BatB, and I never get tired of that show. I still think I should be Belle, but it's all good...

Caroline was ready to leave at that point, but of course I wasn't. So she took the bus back to Pop, while I walked around the quiet Streets of America, taking it all in and silently saying goodbye. I slowly made my way to the front of the park, took one last glimpse, and hopped on the bus back to Pop.

I went to mass that afternoon at Mary, Queen of the Universe church. It's only about 15 minutes from WDW, and it's a beautiful church that was built specifically for tourists. The rest of the day was spent packing, chatting, and laughing about our many adventures. I'm pretty sure I have Caroline hooked now. She bought a Minnie Mouse fleece, a Mr. Toad's Wild Ride shirt, a Cinderella Castle blanket, and lots of other stuff. Last night she confessed that she YouTubed Wishes. I just smiled. Welcome to the unofficially resurrected Mickey Mouse Club!

I couldn't sleep Saturday night. I tossed and turned, and finally fell asleep to Magical Mouse Radio. It sounds silly, but I always feel as though I'm leaving a piece of my heart when I leave WDW. We woke early the next morning, ate breakfast at Pop, packed the car, and sped toward home.

Did I say toward home? Just kidding. Electronics don't like me. I punched "home" into my GPS, and it promptly led us to the Magic Kingdom. I'm not kidding. I mean, obviously it knows my heart. I mean, I never want to leave, but once I get in the car, I just wanna be home already. Of course, most of the roads were blocked off due to the marathon, so it took us FORTY-FIVE MINUTES to get away from the Magic Kingdom. Then the GPS took us along the scenic route. Seriously, I just wanted the interstate. I was not a happy camper for most of the 11-hour drive.

But finally, we made it home, and the main thing was that we were safe. The Barge behaved; his cruise control might not work, but I'm thankful that that's all that wasn't right. We were sad to leave, but Walt Disney World has been there for almost forty years. It's not going anywhere anytime soon, and goodness knows I'll be back soon enough. In the meantime, I've been easing my separation anxiety with Magical Mouse Radio, Wishes on YouTube, this blog, my Castle blanket, and texts with Caro. Soon enough, I'll be planning another trip - this time to the motherland, that wonderful California park built by Walt himself, Disneyland.

Here are my thoughts on our trip, overall:

Weather: awful, obviously. However, I was determined to have fun despite the cold. Next time I will pack lots of clothes for any weather, just to be safe. I'd definitely recommend going this time of year, because it was a freak cold snap; the weather hasn't ever been that cold.

Marathon weekend: there are pros and cons to this. The roads are blocked off and bus stops are crowded, but you meet a lot of interesting people. I wouldn't let this stop me from going this time of year, because the Christmas decorations are still up, but compared to December/New Year's, crowds are low. It's a perfect time to go.

Dining plan: this is a fairly new option. I hadn't tried it before. Basically, you choose which tier of the plan suits your needs (when purchasing Magic Your Way tickets), and you pay for it when you pay for the tickets/rooms. I choose the middle package, which is the Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining; the other options are Plus Quick Service and Plus Deluxe Dining. With the Plus Dining package, we got one snack credit, one quick-service, and one table-service, per person per day, or a total of 14 of each. This cost around $200 per person, or about $30 per day. It's very easy to spend $35 at one table-service meal, so this is an excellent deal. However, you get SO MUCH food when using the plan. The quick-service credit includes a drink, entree, and dessert, and Disney's portions are huge. Unfortunately, we wasted a lot of food. I would do the DP again, but I wish Disney offered more mix-and-match options to suit your individual needs, because Caroline and I definitely could have shared some of our meals. At some point I will write a post entirely dedicated to the details of the dining plan (yay for alliteration!).

Pop Century: I was pleased with our resort. Obviously I'd rather stay at the Contemporary, but seeing as how I don't have that kind of money, Pop was great. The theme is cute, and I love that Pop has its own bus. Last year we stayed at All-Star Movies, and I was annoyed every day that the All-Star resorts share a bus. UGH. Trust me, go with Pop. Plus, you get the tie-dye cheesecake!

Magic Kingdom: Cinderella Castle was still decorated for Christmas, but the fireworks show was the regular Wishes instead of the seasonal Holiday Wishes. Honestly, I prefer it this way. Wishes is my favorite. Splash Mountain was undergoing a refurb, but who wants to get wet in January, even without a freak cold front? The Crystal Palace restaurant was also being refurbished, but it's not a favorite of mine anyway. Space was finished, and I was relieved that it hasn't been changed too much. Overall, the MK was its lovely familiar self.

Epcot: the best time to see Epcot is during the spring Flower & Garden show. It's too beautiful for words then. However, it's lovely during the Christmas season as well. I don't believe anything was being refurbished, apart from a small section of the Mexican pavilion. Apart from our experience at Marrakesh, Epcot has some of the best restaurants in all the World, so save your table-service credits for this park.

Hollywood Studios: I almost wrote MGM Studios. Old habits die hard. Anyway, the only attraction not running was Sounds Dangerous with Drew Carey, and we weren't missing much. Fantasmic! only runs twice a week, Sunday and Thursday, during off-season times, so we sort of had to plan around that. As a result, the show is way more crowded than usual, but I understand that it's very expensive, so I'm just glad it wasn't cut out completely.

Animal Kingdom: Again, spring is probably the best time to visit this park because the animals don't want to interact much if it's too hot or cold. Kali River Rapids is an attraction that can really only be done during the hottest months of the year. It was colder here than some of the other parks because of all the shade, but it's definitely preferable to standing in the heat!

Obviously the fact that Caro got sick set us back a lot. Time is more precious than gold at WDW. Please, buy trip insurance if and when you plan a trip there. She only had food poisoning, but what if it had been much more serious, or what if someone had died? Insurance costs about $130 per person, but I will gladly pay that for peace of mind, because if you have to cancel last minute without insurance, you don't get your money back, and you will cry.

Overall, we had a fabulous time! It'll take a lot more than a little cold weather to scare me away from the most magical place on earth. Thanks to everyone who stayed with us here and on Twitter!

I've decided that from now on much of this blog will be dedicated to Disney tricks, tips, trivia, and planning in general. If anyone needs to plan a trip, I will be more than happy to help!

Have a magical day, wherever you are!

xoxo

"don't let your heart be filled with sorrow, for all you know tomorrow the dreams that you wish will come true."

2010-01-11T12:48:00.002-06:00

Time for my recap of Friday, January 8th!

I woke up super early just for you guys that morning, to post another blog. As you can tell, I have lots of catching up to do, so I got a head start then. I woke up a grumpy Caroline (she’s so not a morning person, even at the most magical place on earth), and we actually made it to Everything Pop in time for breakfast! I know, astounding. I had a famous Pop waffle, which was cute on top of tasty. The sun decided to grace us with its presence, so it was a perfect morning to jet over to Epcot!

Epcot is so massive that it requires two days, at least. We still didn’t get everything done, but that’s okay. The first thing we did upon entering the turnstiles was get our pictures taken with Daisy Duck! She is so freaking precious, with her lavender bow. She’s a ham too, really shows off for the crowd. We ate it up, and skipped over to Spaceship Earth in high spirits. Spaceship Earth is inside – yay! Warmth! – and features cool scenes depicting the progress of technology from the earliest civilizations to today.

We’d knocked out most of Future World on Tuesday, so we got FastPasses for Test Track and ambled to the Imagination Pavilion. I’m not a big fan of either the Honey, I Shrunk the Audience 3D show or the refurbished Journey Into Imagination with Figment, but I love the jumping fountains in the courtyard. I could watch them all day. We ambled along the pretty rose path – though it looked nothing compared to Epcot in its Flower & Garden show splendor – to World Showcase. We started at the other end this time, exploring Canada first. Canada’s one of my most favorite pavilions. The gardens in front are gorgeous, and the Niagara Falls replica is incredible. The movie “O Canada” is great, too…it reminds me of my mom. My great-grandfather came from Nova Scotia, so Canada holds a special place in my heart!

Next we hit up the UK. I’m obsessed with England…I have no clue why. I just think everything British is fascinating. The pavilion is adorable. We saw a little “King Arthur” street show put on by some British Cast Members; I hadn’t laughed so hard in a long time. I got my LeJeune coat of arms printed out at one of the shops! It’s fancy and awesome. After we had our fill of jolly good British fun, we checked out the France pavilion. The first thing I saw was Marie from The Aristocat taking pictures and signing autographs; I literally ran screaming to her line. I feel foolish, but in all my trips I’ve never seen her in the parks! She was adorable and I was happy.

It was time for our lunch ADRs at Les Chefs de France. I truly love that restaurant. The French waiters are so cute, the way they call us “mademoiselle.” The maître d’ said, “Oh, you haf a French last name!” He was so excited. I laughed.

The food at Chefs de France is wonderful. I’ve gotten the escargots before, but I went with the soupe a l’oignon gratinee (traditional onion and cheese soup – made me think of Julia Child!), croquet monsieur (ham and cheese sandwich with salad), and of course the crème brulee. Every bite was heaven. Then Remy from Ratatouille visited us! It was adorable. Caroline said, “I wish I knew how to say ‘como estas’ in French..” ……I laughed a lot. She will never live it down. Although it had begun to rain, we left Les Chefs de France stuffed and happy. The best part was, nobody got food poisoning! Yay!

After lunch, we meandered back to Future World to use our Test Track FastPasses. Fun fun, even in the cold. It was raining on and off, so we stopped in at the Art of Disney store very briefly to check out the sculptures before taking the monorail to the TTC then the MK. We arrived at the MK in time to see the Dream Along with Mickey Castle-front stage show. I’ve seen it several times, but it doesn’t get old! Then we headed to Adventureland to visit the birds in the Enchanted Tiki Room. I knew it would be our last night in the MK (sniffle), so despite the cold I got a Dole Whip Float from Aloha Isle in Adventureland. Dole Whips are a Disney specialty – they consist of pineapple- or orange-flavored soft serve. The floats are soft serve in pineapple juice! It’s really different and yummy.

Of course, I was freezing after eating the ice cream, so we headed into Pirates of the Caribbean to stay dry and warm. Then it was on to the Haunted Mansion, Caroline’s favorite attraction. It was dinnertime at that point, so we walked back to Frontierland to Pecos Bill. That place has the best Quick Service meals for cold nights, like their “bowl of meat,” as the BOGP calls the taco salad, and their chili.

After dinner, we headed back towards Main Street to do some last-minute shopping at the Emporium. The MK was running a special: buy $40 worth of stuff, get a Cinderella Castle throw for $15. The throw is BEAUTIFUL. It features CC lit up for Christmas, and boy is it warm. Caro and I both found $40 worth of crap to buy (like that’s hard…I’m only obsessed with Disney merchandise) and got our pretty blankets!

It was nearly time for Wishes at that point. We napped our Tomorrowland spot, but for some reason it was so smoky that you couldn’t even see the fireworks! You heard the crackle, the saw bursts of light behind the thick smoke. At one point, even CC looked murky. It was weird, but I cried anyway, because it was our last night there. I pretty much cried all the way out of the park and on the way back to the resort, because I’m weird.

Yeah, we actually went straight to the resort that night without any extra adventures, because we were tired. We stayed in, eating candy and watching the show Criminal Minds, which is addicting, by the way. We didn’t go to sleep early, even though we were planning on hitting up Hollywood Studios early the next day.

Stay tuned for my recap of our final day!

See you real soon!

xoxo

"the era we are living in today is a dream of coming true." -WED

2010-01-11T09:50:00.003-06:00

Oh, hi. I just wrote half of this post and then deleted it, because I rock at life. I'm at work right now, and not happy to be here, though I have lots of happy memories to tie me over until my next Disney trip.

Without further ado, here's my recap of Thursday, January 7, when we went to …a lot of different places, actually!

To be honest, AK is my least favorite park. Animals are cool and all, but at WDW I'm all about fantasy and magic. One thing I really admire about the park is the effort Disney puts into their conservation program. Part of Disney property is actually devoted to a wildlife rescue, and plastic straws aren't sold in AK because they could be harmful if they got inside the animal pens. Pretty cool, right?

We slept late, again, and it was cold, again. Thank God, Caroline woke up feeling normal, so we set off for the park in a great mood. Let me tell you...it was weird to be staring at the Tree of Life in its green springtime splendor while wearing a coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. AK is set up in the style of the MK, with Discovery Island the Tree of Life as the hub leading to the various lands: Africa, Asia, Dinoland U.S.A., and Camp Minnie-Mickey. This was the first time I was able to maneuver AK without a guidemap. It was a proud day for me. We headed to Flame Tree Barbecue for lunch first thing, since we were starving. I'm not much of a carnivore, but for some reason I turn into a cavewoman when presented with a platter of ribs. And I dream about Flame Tree's ribs. Mmmm.

After lunch, Caro and I wandered over to Asia. We looked up at Expedition Everest, towering over the park. She took one look at the people screaming as their train barreled down the mountain, and decided that she didn't want to risk any thrill rides with her iffy stomach. So, she shopped for her sisters while I jumped in the Single Riders Line. Every Disney attraction has a "backstory," and EE's is that you are part of an expedition to Everest (duh), but your camp is disturbed by the legendary yeti. It is without a doubt one of the best rides at WDW. The train starts off slower than one might guess, but doubts are vanished when the train approaches what appears to be a broken track. What?! Suddenly, your train switches tracks and goes BACKWARDS, in the dark, very fast. It's a screaming good time. Then your train goes forward again, down a massive drop the size of Splash Mountain's, and into the mountain, as the yeti takes a swipe at your train! It's awesome.

Actually...right now the yeti is in B mode. A mode is the way the yeti was designed, with his arms moving realistically. B mode consists of strobe lights flashing to give the appearance that he moves. The Animatronic is so large that most of the time, the moving mechanisms break down. It's rather disappointing, but scary all the same.

After I got off EE, I found Caroline and we headed back to Flame Tree...to witness a recording of a Be Our Guest Podcast with Mike, Rikki, Pam, Steve, Danette, Jake, "Kidani" Katie, Jillian, and the rest of the gang! It was so awesome. Mike, who runs www.magicalmouseradio.com, and Rikki are the hosts of the bi-weekly podcast, and the rest of us commented on the magic of Disney, our personal trip experiences, and how amazing it was to all be together! We are a Disney family. I'll be posting the link to the podcast episode sometime after it's broadcasted.

Next, we headed to Dinoland, which is mainly for children but has one great attraction: DINOSAUR. Formerly known as Countdown to Extinction, it was renamed in 2000 to go along with the Disney movie Dinosaur. It’s an extremely scary ride because it takes place in the dark, the Time Rover cars are obnoxiously jerky, and the dinosaurs are very LOUD. I rode this one alone as well. It used to scare me to death, but now I pretty much know when to expect the big dinos.

After I caught up with Caroline, we headed to the Finding Nemo musical show. It’s such a cute show, and so very colorful. Adults as well as children love it. “In the biiiiig bluuuuue world…” Ahem, after Nemo, I used my FastPass for EE, and we left AK. There’s a lot we didn’t do, like Kilomanjaro Safaris, Kali River Rapids, and the coaster Primeval Whirl, but it was just too cold for some things. Plus, Caro isn’t a fan of spinning, so PW was out of the question for her.

Next, we took advantage of those Park Hopper Passes and hopped to Disney’s Hollywood Studios! It’s such a wonderful place, full of the spirit of old Hollywood. In his dedication speech on May 1, 1989, Michael Eisner said, “The world you have entered was created by the Walt Disney Company and is dedicated to Hollywood – not a place on a map, but a state of mind that exists wherever people dream and wonder and imagine, a place where wonder and reality are fused by technological magic. We welcome you to a Hollywood that never was – and always will be.” If you know me at all, you know that I’m obsessed with old black and white films starring actors like Clark Gable and Audrey Hepburn, so DHS fascinates me.

After gawking at the massive Sorcerer’s Hat that serves as DHS’s symbol, Caro and I made a beeline for the Great Movie Ride. It’s an attraction that’s housed in a building built to look like the Chinese Theatre, complete with famous stars’ handprints and signatures captured in cement in front. It’s a long ride that features scenes from famous classic movies like Footlight Parade, Casablanca, Singing in the Rain, Alien, and the Wizard of Oz. It’s a classic ride I never get tired of.

Because of the cold, we were desperate for attractions that took place inside a warm building, so we skipped to Animation Courtyard to watch The Voyage of the Little Mermaid, a 22-minute musical based off The Little Mermaid. Ahh..Prince Eric! It was dark when we got out, and time for our 6:30pm ADRs at ‘50s Prime Time Café!

DHS has some of the best restaurants in the World because the themes are so over-the-top. PT was designed to look like a typical suburban house in the ‘50s, and there are black and white TVs in every room that play clips of shows like Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best. Furthermore, all the servers have names like “Aunt Debbie,” or “Cousin Fred,” and they love to scold. “Keep your elbows off the table!” “That table sure isn’t gonna set itself, honey!” “NO CELL PHONES AT THE TABLE!” I got punished there once…yes, they punish. One man had to sing “I’m a Little Teapot” for not eating his green beans. Last year I was caught texting at the table and had to stand in the time-out corner. It’s all jolly good fun, and the food is excellent. I had Mom’s Old-Fashioned Pot Roast and Caro had Dad’s Traditional Meatloaf. I cleaned my plate in ten minutes flat. Dessert was s’mores….yum.

As fun as dinner was, I realized upon leaving that I’d made a fatal mistake. I was ashamed, because every Diser knows that one does not schedule dinner reservations at 6:30 on a Fantasmic! night. If one does do something so asinine, they will get extremely crappy seats, because it’s common knowledge that people begin lining up for the 8:00 show at 7. Of course we didn’t get out of PT til 7:30…and the crowds were backed up like crazy.

Fantasmic! is an awesome nighttime spectacular show. Though fireworks are included, they are not the focal point…after all, this is Hollywood Studios we’re talking about! Disney puts on a real show, complete with water and pyrotechnics effects, and many Disney characters star in the show. I can’t even describe how incredible it is…but it makes me bawl every time. You can YouTube it if you haven’t seen it.

The show takes place in an amphitheatre built specifically for Fantasmic! The amphitheatre entrance is located next to the Beauty and the Beast musical pavilion, and the path winds for what seems like forever; the actual theatre is located far behind Tower of Terror, which appears to be the border of the park when standing on Sunset Boulevard. The theatre can hold more people than Tiger Stadium, and frequently does, as the show is now only done twice a week to cut back on costs. It’s insane. Crowds are insane. I cannot begin to describe the madness that is entering and exiting the amphitheatre. Only a show as spectacular as Fantasmic! would keep me coming back to it year after year.

Anyway, of course our seats sucked because I forgot about the unspoken rule. Oh well. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be, and it’s not like I won’t ever see it again from the front row. I still cried and screamed and clapped at the end, and I was too happy to care that we were the very last people leaving. The amazing thing about Mickey Mouse is that he is timeless. Though only a fictional character, he does the same thing today that he was created for in 1928: he inspires hope.

Of course, the bus stops were nuts by the time we got to them. For some reason, a ton of people were staying at Pop Century (probably due to the marathon – I’ll get to that later), and the line was RIDICULOUS. I’m talking winding past TWO OTHER BUS STOPS. I took one at that line and headed for the Old Key West stop, which had hardly any people in its line. We boarded the bus and headed for yet another unexpected adventure.

Old Key West is a deluxe Disney resort, and it’s also a DVC resort. DVC stands for Disney Vacation Club, which the timeshare program. I’m not explaining how it works, because that would take too long, but it suffices to say that it’s way too expensive for me now but I hope to be a DVC member, someday. Because it’s a DVC resort, the theme is incredible, and the gift shop rocks. It includes a minimart grocery store type thing, which cracks me up. I bought a DVC shirt and Mickey Mouse underwear…was that TMI? Oh well, they are cute, so be jealous.

Our adventure didn’t stop at Old Key West. We jumped on a bus to Downtown Disney, to explore Pleasure Island the West Side. We didn’t do much shopping (for which my bank account is thankful), but walked around and looked at the crazy sights, like the massive Disney hot air balloon parked on the lake. (I know that didn’t make sense – I’ll have to post a picture later.) Then, exhausted, we climbed on the bus bound for Pop. Then we climbed into bed, where we promptly fell asleep.

Stay tuned for the rest of our adventures! I have lots of time now to embellish, so be patient with my word-vomit detail.

Thanks again to everyone who followed me on Twitter while I was there! It made me happy to share the magic!

See you real soon,
xoxo

"it's a small world after all!"

2010-01-08T22:07:00.002-06:00

Hello guys! Here's my recap of Wednesday, January 6, which was day 3.

I woke up on Wednesday with the hope that Caroline would feel better. We slept really late, until maybe 10 am or noon, so I knew she was well-rested. She felt about the same as Tuesday night, unfortunately. She stayed in bed all day while I explored our resort.

An interesting fact about Pop Century is that it was supposed to be separated into two sections: the Legendary Years and the Classic Years. The Classic Years is the section where we're staying; the Legendary Years was never completed. Construction halted after the 9/11 attacks because tourism was down. For some reason, Disney hasn't done anything with the half-constructed buildings. Across the Hourglass Lake is the Generation Gap Bridge, which ends abruptly with shrubbery behind it. Behind the shrubs, clearly visible, is the main building, decorated with faded signs reading 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, and 1940. Not far away are the abandoned buildings.

There's been a lot of talk on the DISboards about run-down Disney property like the old water park River Country and Pop. Some guy managed to get past the barriers and get up-close, awesome footage of these buildings. It's sad, really. Perfectly good buildings, going to ruin, when they could be housing guests. Anyway, I grabbed my camera and camcorder to play a little Nancy Drew. Of course, it's all blocked off, so I couldn't get more than a few close-up photos. But it sure was fun to poke around!

After checking on Caroline, who was alternately asleep and miserable, I decided to head into the Magic Kingdom. Caro pointed out that she'd just be sleeping and we'd paid for the park tickets, so I went on without her. I took it at a more leisurely pace since I was by myself, hunting down our Magic Kingdom family brick and chowing on a cinnamon roll at the Main Street Bakery. I could spend all day on Main Street alone; there's so much to look at and smell and do. Plus there's the sentimental aspect of all the detail Walt put into the original Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland that carried over to the Florida park.

I continued my people-watching with the Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Tomorrowland continued its glitches, and the TTA stopped in the middle of its journey through Space Mountain. Of course, I did what I've been doing this whole trip when I'm forced to wait on something: I Tweeted. Then, my feed starting filling with complaints about the TTA stopping. The Tweets were from some friends from the Be Our Guest Podcast/Magical Mouse Radio, including the show's host, Mike Rahlmann! I got super excited when I realized we were on the same ride at the same time. I knew they were coming in for Disney's 13th Annual Marathon Weekend, but WDW's such a huge place that I never dreamed we'd run into each other. Sure enough, on the next train, I saw Mike, Rikki, Pam, Steve, Denette, and their kids waving at me!

After we finally got off the ATT, we formally introduced ourselves - we'd only been friends through Twitter and the BOGP message boards - and there was a lot of excitement in general. We chattered and rode Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger spin together, then hit up one of my all-time favorites, the Carousel of Progress, and the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor. It was dark at that point, so we trekked over to Frontierland to eat dinner at Pecos Bill. There was a lot of food, laughter, and Disney magic. Then we all watched Wishes together.

This made my trip especially magical, because it's the first time I've met Disney friends. Besides my parents, I don't really know anyone who considers Disney an actual hobby, a passion. We're generally the weird people. On the boards, I can be myself; no one thinks anything of gushing over the little details the way I do. To meet the people who think like that as well, was incredible.

Giddy from my "celebrity encounter," I hopped on a bus to Downtown Disney. I'd been lusting after this amazing Dooney & Bourke for Disney handbag that Caroline and I had spotted in the Emporium on Main Street. I pretty much had to have it, so I stopped at TrenD, which sells Disney Couture, to buy myself a Christmas present. I knocked most of my souvenirs out at DD as well.

I was pretty tired at that point, so I headed back "home." Caroline was feeling slightly better by then. She amused herself with Hercules on TV and my Nancy Drew game on my laptop. We chatted and watched TV, then turned off the lights with the hope that our 4th day would not be a waste of any precious time.

Stay tuned for our 4th day at Disney's Animal Kingdom!

P.S.
I recently reached 100 followers on Twitter: thanks to all who've been following!

"with each rising run, to a new day, we go on."

2010-01-08T07:11:00.002-06:00

I haven't forgotten about blogging! Just been busy, busy, busy.

Tuesday, Jan 5, Day 2

Since we did the MK on Monday, we went for the second park to open at WDW: Epcot. Walt originally designed EPCOT: Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow to be an actual working futuristic city. That didn't happen, but the Epcot theme park is still a wonderful place. It's often termed the "adult" park, because it manages to be educational AND fun. It's also a science geek's paradise.

As usual, I was running late, but we managed to hop on over to World Showcase in time for our breakfast with the princesses at Akershus, the Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion. I wore the Belle tiara I'd bought specifically for the occasion, and Caroline wore her red Snow White headband. We looked pretty princessy, even if we skipped Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Belle greeted us as we walked in. Of course, the freakish weather continued, so a blast of freezing air rushed in every time someone opened the door; Belle wore a beautiful gold cape over her ball gown. She was breathtakingly gorgeous. I'm pretty sure I stuttered when she told me that she liked my tiara. Akershus has a cold bar with fruit, yogurt, muffins, bagels, etc that we helped ourselves to, then our lovely waitress brought us a big plate of hot food for us to share. The food was delicious, but we were almost too excited to eat when we spotted Cinderella making her way across the room.

You always see the princesses in show and parades, but it's nothing compared to seeing them up close. Cinderella's gown was a gorgeous powder blue brocade. We got pictures with her and watched as she interacted with the children at the next table. Next was Aurora, Caroline's favorite. Flora won out that day - her dress was pink. Then came Snow White - and I've never seen a more convincing Snow White. She was wide-eyed and cheerful, and her voice sounded exactly like Adriana Caselotti, the voice of the original Snow White. She was my childhood favorite, and carrying on my tradition, I said to her, "Please watch out for those apples over there!" to which she replied, in all seriousness, "I only eat the green ones!"

Ariel came to our table next, in a lovely turquoise dress that set her red hair off to perfection. We pretty much gawked at them all for the rest of the meal, excited as five-year-olds. It was pure magic.

We ambled back to Future World where we stopped in at Mouse Gear to buy some warmer clothing. I picked up a really nice gray fleece with Mickey and Minnie embroidered on the chest, and a pair of cozy furry pink socks. Finally warm, we headed over to Ellen's Universe of Energy. I can honestly say I learned more about energy from this ride than I did in school. (Actually, I've learned more from Epcot than I have from all my science classes put together. Money on Epcot well spent.)

We went for Mission: Space next. A Cast Member randomly gifted us with a FastPass for the Orange Team, which is the more intense version of the ride. We got up to the pre-ride briefing when Caroline decided that she didn't like the look of the spinning simulator capsule, so we chicken-exited out of there. That ride isn't one of my favorites, anyway.

Test Track was next on our list. The standby wait time was 110 minutes!...but that's okay, because we were holding FastPasses for it. :) Thank goodness for those things. I can't stand to stay in the TT queue for very long because of all the crazy noise. While in line, a weird dude asked if he could take his picture with us...I guess because we were wearing princess headpieces? I'm not sure. Then it was time for the ride! Caroline loved it, and I'm a big fan of TT myself.

By that time we'd burned off our breakfast, so we headed to The Land for lunch, stopping at Club Cool along the way. Club Cool is a little place sponsored by Coca-Cola that offers free samples of beverages from around the world. Some of the drinks, like the ones from China and Costa Rica, are awesome. Others, like the awful drink from Germany, make you want to gag. I got some very interesting pictures of our faces when we tasted it.

We skipped on Soarin' because Caroline's not a fan of heights, and we lunched at the Garden Grill, which is The Land's healthy food court. We each had Chinese food; she had cheesecake and I had strawberry shortcake. It was all delicious. The perfect ride to do after lunching at The Land is Living with the Land, the behind-the-scenes boat tour of Epcot's greenhouses. They use a system called hydroponics, which is way of growing crops using water and air, but no soil. It's one way Disney conserves on their property. All of the food grown in those greenhouses is shipped throughout the World! I like knowing that when I eat here, I'm getting good vegetables and fruits grown without pesticides.

After that, we headed to the Living Seas pavilion, to find Nemo. We checked out the aquarium tanks and watched the Turtle Talk with Crush show, which is a big hit with kids and adults alike, duuuude.

World Showcase was next on the agenda. WS consists of eleven country pavilions, beginning with Mexico and ending with Canada, with the U.S.A. in the center. We rode the boat ride in the Mexican pavilion and had our pictures taken with 3 Caballeros Donald Duck; shopped a little in Norway; tried some nasty chocolate in Germany before going on a Kim Possible mission there; admired the Venetian masks in Italy; and defrosted in the American Adventure. The sun was beginning to go down, and it was cold. Tuesday and Wednesday nights were the worst yet. It was time for our ADRs at Merrakesh in Morocco, so we skipped a few pavilions to get there on time.

I've only eaten at Merrakesh one other time, one year ago, and I loved it. The atmosphere was very ethnic and cool; the food was great; and we were entertained with actual bellydancers! This time, however, I wasn't as impressed. They were crowded. In fact, our table was set up in the middle of a walkway, so we were constantly in the way of traffic. Behind us was a storage closet, and the waiters kept grabbing extra tables and chairs from there and setting them up like ours. Um...maybe you should just tell people you're full, because that's probably a fire hazard, and it certainly doesn't make for an enjoyable meal.

I ordered the lamb shank with couscous, and Caroline got the beef kabobs with hummus. My lamb wasn't as tender as it was a year ago, but the couscous tasted better than I'd remembered. Strange. Caro liked her food fine. We ordered baklava and some other dessert to share, and that was the absolute best part.

We stumbled out of there into the freezing cold and sought shelter in the France pavilion. There's a pretty nice video of France in the theatre there, and the shops are nice. My favorite part about the French pavilion is the beautiful stained glass window designed like the artwork in Beauty and the Beast! We waited around for Illuminations, then traveled through the UK to find a spot to watch the show.

I hadn't seen Illuminations in a very long time. Not remembering made the effect even greater. In addition to the usual WDW fireworks and amazing music, the tops of the pavilions light up in homage to those countries (all except for Japan and China, which are exempt for those countries' religious views). A barge is brought out on the lake with a giant, spinning metal globe with LED lights covering it. The globe lights up in wonderful colors, depicting scenes from all over the world as it revolves. It's a wonderful show, and of course I cried. "We Go On" is one of the best songs ever. I looked behind me for Caroline, but she wasn't there. I figured she was cold and not in the mood for fireworks, so I didn't think much of it...

...Until I found her in the bathrooms. We are pretty sure it was food poisoning at Merrakesh that did it. Poor thing was sick for a long time, even on the bus and past midnight that night. What started out as a wonderful day turned into a nightmare. We prayed that she'd be okay the next day, because who wants to be sick at Walt Disney World?

How did she fare the next day? Stay tuned for my day 3 recap!

Until next time, see you real soon!

xoxo

"haha, see what a little wishing can do?" -jimminy cricket

2010-01-05T22:19:00.002-06:00

Again, didn't get to recap day one because we were tired. It sort of comes with the Disney package."Magic-Your-Way Park Hopper Ticket Plus Dining Plan and Exhaustion!" Um, anyway, here we go.

I always start my WDW trips out with the Magic Kingdom. It's a sentimental thing. Walt essentially built that park himself, so it was the first to open. The first thing most people think of when they hear "Walt Disney World" is Cinderella Castle, so there's something to my logic. We overslept by a couple of hours, so we woke up at 9...right as the Rope Drop was happening. Oh, well. It happens.

By the time we got there, walked down Main Street, oohed and ahhed over everything, and had a quick ride on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, it was nearly time for our ADRs at Liberty Tree Tavern. I'd made them for 10:40, which is early for lunch, but that was the time the computer gave me. Well...they start serving lunch at 11:30, so they told us to come back. We hung out at Liberty Square for a bit, then headed back. LTT is a crazy popular restaurant, so we waited a while before we sat. It was totally worth it, though. Of course it's designed to look like the colonial era, and the characters that came by our table were dressed for the period. We saw Minnie, Dale, Chip, and Pluto! Caroline was super excited, and I was pretty happy myself. The food is basically Thanksgiving dinner: different meats, mashed potatoes, macaroni, dressing, green beans, and apple cobbler. I gave LTT 5 stars.

We meandered over to the Hall of Presidents to escape the blustery cold and to let our food go down. This was the first time I'd seen it since it was refurbished last year to add in President Obama. I definitely appreciated that attraction more now that I'm older...totally got all teary and patriotic. Walt himself was fiercely proud to be American, and it showed.

We moved on to Fantasyland next, to it's a small world. (I didn't capitalize that on purpose - that's how it's supposed to be!) I think everyone has a love/hate relationship with that particular attraction...it's a classic and totally adorable, but on the other hand...that SONG. I especially enjoy it, knowing that it was renowned artist and Imagineer Mary Blair's greatest achievement. She died in '72, I believe.

Next we tackled Toontown. This was bittersweet, because starting in 2011 the Imagineers are giving Fantasyland a makeover, which includes taking out Toontown. Although it's mainly a kiddie place, it's still wonderful to see Minnie and Mickey's houses and imagine them actually living there. After touring their houses, we stood in line forever to get pictures with Silvermist, Tinker Belle, and Rosetta from Pixie Hollow. This was a new experience for me because Pixie Hollow is a fairly recent addition to the realm of Disney. The fairies were beautiful, perky, and charming, and we got very cute pictures with them. Then we stood in line for another eternity to meet Mickey and Minnie, the King and Queen of Disney. They are so lovely. Minnie was very sweet, as always, and Mickey kissed our hands! I definitely have a crush on him. Our pictures came out great.

Giddy from our character encounters, we skipped on over to Tomorrowland...to discover that both the Carousel of Progress and the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor were both experiencing technical difficulties! Boo. I know nothing about the technical side of WDW, but I assume that the Tomorrowland attractions run off the same server, which would explain the problem. We swallowed our disappointment and boarded the TTA, or Tomorrowland Transit Authority. Classic Disney fans will empathize with me when I saw how disappointed I am that the old-school audio, complete with "Tom Morrow, paging Mr. Tom Morrow, your party from Saturn has arrived," has been replaced. I agree with progress...but don't fix it if it isn't broken, Disney.

We strolled down Main Street, peeking in at the shops. We watched a glass blower in the crystal shop and freaked out over the adorable, insanely expensive Disney figurines and art. Then I found the Dooney & Bourke for Disney bags and nearly had a heart attack. We stopped to watch the "Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party Parade." I hadn't seen it; it was cute and fun, but rather short and definitely not Disney's best.

It was getting darker and 7 pm was approaching, so we hung out around Main Street to wait for SpectroMagic. Caro staked out our spot while I hunted for turkey legs. I encountered a Cast Member who seemed a bit confused...I would be more than happy to take her place if she hasn't bothered to learn basic info about the park where she is employed. After ignoring her unhelpful directions, I snagged some turkey legs and sodas from The Lunching Pad in Tomorrowland and managed to maneuver back to Main Street. Those smoked turkey legs are good...but massive, and incredibly messy.

SpectroMagic was great, as always. There aren't many places in the world where you can find giant floats with millions of LED lights on them, but you can at the Disney parks. After the parade, we literally ran across Main Street, around Tomorrowland, and through Fantasyland to use our FastPasses for Peter Pan's Flight. Peter Pan is my second favorite Disney movie, if you couldn't tell by this blog layout...;] Then we ran back to the bridge connecting the hub and Tomorrowland to snag a prime viewing location for Wishes.

I've always seen Wishes from directly in front of the castle, along with a thousand of my closest friends. The Tomorrowland walkway is much less crowded, and the view is still superb. The fireworks aren't centered to be symmetrical with the castle, but Tinker Belle flies right overhead, which is super cool. I listen to Wishes pretty much every day, and I tear up every single time I hear it. Experiencing the show at my favorite place always blows me away, and I just stood there in the cold as tears rolled down my cheeks. It was a "pinch me" moment. I realized how lucky and blessed I am to have experienced Walt Disney World at all, let alone ten times.

I really wish my parents and Christian could be here with me...that's the only thing that could make this better. My mom is exactly like me (or rather I should say I'm exactly like her) and we just cry together during the fireworks...I missed my crying buddy! And I miss my dad eating Mickey bars all over the place. Christian's never been, can you believe it?

Anyway, we were super hyped up from the Magic Kingdom awesomeness, so we zipped on over to Downtown Disney. I am in love with that place, because it combines two of my main obsessions: Disney and shopping. Umm...hi. I don't usually buy things the first night, though. If I'm still obsessed with it days later, I buy it then. We browsed and tried hard not to freeze to death. We made it back to Pop around midnight, so we were exhausted.

A day at the Magic Kingdom is hard to beat...but there were more adventures in store for us on day 2! Stay tuned for my Epcot recap!

(And seriously, give yourself a gold star if you actually read this novel.)

Prayers & pixie dust be with you! xoxo

"to all who come to this happy place: welcome." -wed

2010-01-04T15:37:00.002-06:00

Right now I'm posting this from my BlackBerry, from the Judges' Tent in Toontown! We're about to meet Mickey Mouse! Yep, I'm blogging from Walt Disney World!

I'd have posted last night, but there was just no way. See, after getting about 3 hours of sleep on Saturday, Caroline and I left her apartment a little before 3 am. We stopped 3 times along the way and made it to. our destination in about 10.5 hours, which is a personal record, by the way.

We're staying at Disney's Pop Century Resort, which is turning out to be my favorite of the value resorts. The theme is great, the service is just as good as that in Coronado Springs, it's not as spread out as some resorts, and it's the only value resort with its own motorcoach. Plus, the tie-dyed cheesecake is funky and tasty!

After settling in and showering, we headed to Disney's Hollywood Studios to watch the Osbourne Lights. If you haven't seen them, Google it...they are incredible. The show consists of 5 million lights covering the area of the park known as the Streets of America, synced to music. We rode Star Tours (only a 10 minute wait!) and walked around the park, soaking up the magic.

One thing we didn't savor was the cold. It baffles me. I've been to WDW during the winter months before, and it's never been this bad. We bundled up, grabbed hot chocolate, and got over it, because it's hard to be miserable in the place where dreams come true.

We got in the colossal line for a motorcoach bound for the Transportation/Ticket Center, and waited forever. Finally we made it to the TTC and hopped on a monorail bound for the Magic Kingdom, that glorious place where adults become children.

We arrived right at the end of Wishes, the fireworks show. I totally cried, because I am a baby at the MK. The sight of Cinderella Castle all lit up literally takes my breath away, and the general atmosphere fills me with an indescribable feeling. It's a feeling of combined nostalgia, hope, sadness, joy, and pride, topped off with that fluttery magical Disney feeling.

We rode Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Walt Disney World Railroad. The park had Extra Magic Hours that night (which is when a theme park stayes open a few extra hours exclusively for resort guests), but we barely utilized them because we were so exhausted. It was 11 pm when we got "home" and around 12:30 before we were able to sleep.

We managed to do quite a lot considering we were only there for about 6 hours! Caroline and I went to bed dead tired, but exhilarated.

We are back at the Magic Kingdom today, currently in line for the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. Stay tuned for tonight's recap!

You can follow me on Twitter at http://twitter.com/susienotsusan for insant Disney updates, if you want. Lots of the cool people over at the DISboard sure are!

Wherever y'all are, have a magical day!

Xoxo

disney world

2010-01-04T15:37:00.001-06:00

Christmas Day 2009

2009-12-31T12:55:00.002-06:00

I wanted a few things for Christmas, but the main thing was peace and harmony on Christmas Day.

Over the past 10 years, my family has become more and more dysfunctional. Not my parents, but my extended family. We used to be super close, but then some super important stuff got between us...not. Mostly it was crap with less significance than the gum under your chair. That happens, I guess. So as a result, holidays are more stressful and tense than they should be. Christmas is awkward. I prayed that just this once, things would be something resembling normal.

I got my wish.

Aunt Donna kept singing Beyonce (which was bizarre in and of itself), Nicholas stayed cheerful the whole day and helped everyone open presents, and everyone was happy in general. It was the most perfect day.

:)

the most wonderfully-tasting time of the year

2009-12-21T12:32:00.002-06:00

4 days until Christmas, 12 days until Caro and I leave for WDW!

Excitement is in the air.

Whenever I'm in a good mood, or simply bored, I like to be in the kitchen. I like cooking, but I love baking. The other day I made a chocolate cream pie for my boss's birthday, and I tried a homemade crust for the first time. Dude. I'm never buying the premade kind again. (I probably will....if I get lazy...but I shouldn't, because homemade rocks, and it's easier than it looks.)

Then I made three coconut creams for my dad's friends, because they always fix my car. I made the biggest mess ever making these pies, because I don't clean the kitchen as I go, but it was so worth it.

For Christmas Day, I'm thinking of trying out fondant for the first time, in the form of a bow, on top of a red velvet square cake with white buttercream. So it'll look like a cute gift box!

Kind of like that, but with the colors inverted. And I want a bigger bow!

There isn't much quite as satisfying as holiday baking.

xoxo and merry Christmas!

breaking news in the DIS world :[

2009-12-16T13:24:00.004-06:00

Roy E. Disney, son of Roy O. Disney and nephew to Walt, died this morning at the age of 79. He'd been battling cancer for a while. It's strange because yesterday was the 43rd anniversary of Walt's death, also from cancer.

Roy Jr. was underestimated by many people. Many people don't know who he is because he wasn't one of the "original" Disney brothers, but I remember seeing him on the Disney channel before movies played when I was a little girl. He was proud of his surname, and poured his heart and soul into the company even after the death of his dad.

During the later years of Walt's life, there was constant tension between him and his brother; many sided with them, calling themselves Team Walt or Team Roy (sound familiar)? Walt was the dreamer, never practical, and Roy was strictly business, constantly worrying about his brother's lack of care with financial matters. They made two parts of the whole, and they were both necessary for Walt Disney Productions and the legacy that followed. Roy Jr. took the best of both worlds and continued the Disney dynasty, saving it from financial crisis in the 80s when the company was nearly bought by the formidable stockbroker Saul Steinburg.

Roy ensured that Disney movies and parks remain true to his uncle's vision. There was a slump in the 70s and 80s when the Disney movies that were being made - to be blunt - sucked, at least for the most part. Roy brought in new management, who breathed new life into the company. The results were classics such as Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King, favorites of the 90s.

I fear for the company's future now without the last Disney man guarding the empire. What's to become of the pixie dust?

DISers will never forget him...may he rest in peace.

Roy Edward Disney, January 10, 1030 - December 16, 2009

Sources: Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination by Neal Gabler;

Storming the Magic Kingdom by John Taylor

dear santa,

2009-12-05T23:40:00.004-06:00

This is what I would want for Christmas if the world were perfect.
Note: not in any specific order.

1. ALL A'S. I think this speaks for itself.

2. Respect for life. Love for all babies, everywhere.

Did you swoon when you looked at that baby? So adorable.

3. A library like Belle's.

Yeah. English major's ultimate dream.

4. For everyone to laugh like this, every day.

5. Pick one, Santa:
Disney annual pass;
all the music from the parks straight to my iTunes;
or a membership to Club 33.

Oh, for anyone who likes Disney music...go here. You will be astonished.
And if you don't like Disney music, go there. You might change your mind.

Good luck if you've got finals this week, everyone.
And shout out to Ms. Kelly. She has her birthday the day after Walt Disney had his, isn't that special?

true confessions

2009-11-30T23:49:00.002-06:00

I'm more afraid of growing up than anyone you've ever met.

If I could freeze time I'd be content.

But if that happened I'd never grow.

It's a conundrum I struggle with every day.

and the greatest of these is love.

2009-11-29T21:41:00.002-06:00

Above all, I'm thankful for this:

What an inexplicably incredible thing that He died for me. Every time I receive the Eucharist, I repeat to myself the lyrics of a favorite song, "You Are My King (Amazing Love)" by the Newsboys:

"I'm forgive, because You were forsaken
I'm accepted; You were condemned
I'm alive and well, Your Spirit is within me,
Because You died and rose again.
Amazing love, how can it be that You my King should die for me?
Amazing love, I know it's true, and it's my joy to honor You
In all I do, I honor You.
You are my King. Jesus, You are my King."

That about sums it up right there. How freaking amazing. And there is no greater sacrifice or more perfect example of love.

As November comes to a close and the Advent season begins, Christmas carols and hymns seem to fill the air everywhere I go. Today I've been pondering the lyrics of the very famous "Mary Did You Know?" It was written by Mark Lowry, who is actually Protestant. It was bothering me because of the line "This child that you've delivered/Will soon deliver you."

Hang on...Mary doesn't need to be saved, right? As a Catholic, I believe that in the Immaculate Conception - that she was born without original sin. As it turns out, after a quick Google search I found that this is actually a commonly-addressed issue within the Catholic community.

I found that the issue was brought up on several websites, including this blog.

I found this particular comment to be enlightening:

"While the song is written from a Protestant standpoint and the future tense gives us pause as Catholics, it is important to remember that God is not bound by time and that it was the (Incarnation,) Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ which gave Mary the grace to be conceived without original sin, not the other way around. Yes, this is a paradox, but it is important to remember.

As to whether Mary knew that Christ was the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, it doesn't seem that the Lucan text demonstrates this. The same goes for Christ as Sacrificial Lamb or High Priest.. Luke's Gospel dwells on messianic language, which did not necessarily carry the high Christological attachments that Christians found to be implicitly contained within them after the resurrection of Christ. In fact, a Jew of the time would not have expected the Messiah (Christ) to be "Heaven's perfect Lamb" or "The Great I AM." Inflated titles like "Son of God" were regularly employed in the coronation rites of Jewish kings and part of the Davidic and messianic traditions, but they were not understood as ascribing divinity to the king.

Could Mary have been given this knowledge, given her unique role and relationship? I don't see why not. But the Lucan text itself doesn't seem to indicate that she must have known this."

Wowsa. Well, that makes sense! God is not bound by time. And of course she knew at the time that she was to be the mother of the Son of God, but she had no idea what that role would entail. She was so incredibly humble.

Anyway, I really hope I don't sound too preachy. It was just something on my mind, and I feel a lot better after reading this - I can listen to the beautiful "Mary Did You Know?" in peace. Hopefully it helps someone out there resolve the same questions I had.

Goodnight, everyone, and good luck with finals!

i'm thankful for computers...

2009-11-27T21:58:00.003-06:00

...sometimes.

Thanksgiving was swell. Hoping yours was fabulous as well. :]

Cheers.

who's the leader of the club that's made for you and me?

2009-11-18T19:15:00.003-06:00

Haha, DUH! I forgot to include this in my other post, but it kinda deserves its own.

In case you aren't obsessed with Disney and therefore aren't aware of Important Disney Dates, TODAY IS MICKEY MOUSE'S 81ST BIRTHDAY!

See, technically he was first featured in the cartoon short "Plane Crazy" in March of 1928, but for some reason the Walt Disney Company has declared "Steamboat Willie" to be his first official cartoon. "Steamboat Willie" premiered on November 18th of that year, so that's when we celebrate his birthday!

So spread some pixie dust in honor of the Big Cheese. :]

biological headache

2009-11-18T19:06:00.003-06:00

This week has been a particularly hideous breed of awful. I have done a ridiculous amount of griping this week. (Sorry, guys - especially if you follow me on Twitter.)

But something happened today that made my week much, much better.

No, my dad didn't surprise me with a new car.

(Although I totally caught him looking at little models of Mini Coopers on Amazon.com. Did I tell you that? He's gonna give me one of those just to be smart alek!)

I did not win the lottery, or get a story published on MLIA, or meet someone from England. However, something equally awesome happened.

I got a C on my bio exam.

What? I'm comparing a stupid C on an exam with the lottery? Um, yes. When it comes to math and science, I may as well be brain-dead. Yet we English majors must for some inexplicable reason take 2 maths and 3 sciences. Yeah. Never made sense to me either.

So for me to make a C in bio...well, that's equivalent to an A in English.

That's what I'm thankful for today!

chitty chitty bang bang

2009-11-16T13:22:00.004-06:00

Cars are pretty cool inventions. They have four wheels, usually, and they're good for getting us places. Sometimes they're even pretty.

My car is a navy blue 1996 Grand Marquis. He is affectionately called The Barge by family and friends, because he is big and blue and holds so much junk! That's why I love him. He might not be the cutest car in sight, but he accommodates my messy lifestyle.

However, since he is 13 years old, he is breaking down. Slowly, but surely. He has lots of miles from several trips to WDW and from my daily commute to school. Lately we've been replacing a couple parts per month. (My dad happens to be a mechanic, so thankfully it hasn't been as expensive as cars are for most people.) The Barge also frequently makes the Chitty-chitty-bang-bang sound. This part is actally kind of cool.

Today, I drove from school to work - and found I couldn't turn the car off. The darn ignition is broken! I could only sit there and laugh. I laughed for about five minutes, because it's just so typical. I feel bad for The Barge, because he does his best - he's just old and tired! Poor thing.

But he has been a very faithful car. I know soon it'll be time for a new one, and a big part of me will be sad to see him go to the big Junkyard in the Sky. I've found comfort in his soft plushy seats and obnoxiously enormous trunk since the tender age of 6. Our relationship is one that can never be broken!

I'm thankful to have him, despite his breaking body parts. After all, he still has 4 tires and is running! (Literally, he is running in the parking lot outside...)

Everyone have a great, safe, breakdown-free, accident-free week.

"well, a real mother, is the most wonderful person in the world."

2009-11-09T18:27:00.004-06:00

Happy Monday, everyone. (This is me being optimistic.)

I blogged about fathers yesterday; today, mothers are in the spotlight. I am probably closer to my mom than anyone else in this world. She and I have kind of an odd relationship, I guess. We fight a lot. And we're just alike - we scream. You do not want to witness an argument between my mother and me; my parakeet cowers in his cage during those rows. Then, we retreat to our separate corners of the house for a couple hours to seethe and simmer down.

Of course, a couple hours later, it's like the fight never happened and everything's back to normal.

My dad usually stays out of our hair when we fight, probably because he knows it's best to just leave the catty girls to their own devices to sort it out.

There's a quote by Omer B. Washington that comes to mind:
"I've learned that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do."

My mom and I disagree on lots of things. And our tempers usually get the best of us. But we would go through fire for each other. Not that my dad and I aren't close, but my mom has always been the person who soothed me when I got teased at school; she's the one who knows without a word when I'm unhappy. She's been through most of this before and she understands better than most of my friends. Someday, when the adolescent years are over, she's going to be my best friend.

Even when we fight, I know how blessed I am to have a mother with her wisdom and understanding.

She named me after her mom, who died of cancer 37 years ago. From what I've heard, my grandmother Susie was an incredibly strong lady. My aunts tell me stories about her and I am filled with a vision of the Blessed Mother, because despite everything she endured in her short life, she was slow to anger and always full of love. I know she'd be proud of the lady my mom is, and I'd like to think she'd be proud of me.

thankful for november :]

2009-11-08T21:35:00.002-06:00

Yeah, it's been a while. Forgive me; I'll try to do better next time.

It's now November, which in our country is a month dedicated to giving thanks. I've decided that each post I write this month will feature something for which I'm particularly thankful.

First up, fathers. They come in many different forms. Dads, priests, our Heavenly Father. And they all do their best to love and guide us.

Where would any of us be without God? And thankfully we have His shepherds on earth to help us when we become the lost sheep.

God is always there for us, and there is usually a priest with whom we are particularly close. But our own fathers can be a bit more complicated. Many of my friends' fathers are, for whatever reason, not actively present in their lives. I find this to be a great tragedy, because I see the pain in their eyes during occasions such as Father's Day and Christmas that should be solely happy times. I was blessed with a dad who has always been there for me and continues to support me today.

He's a funny man. Rather short and balding, but good-natured. Shy at first, but mischievous when around the people he knows best. He builds furniture for fun and he's obsessed with Mickey Premium ice cream bars from Walt Disney World. He particularly identifies with Goofy and he calls me his Belle.

I'm especially grateful for him because last year I almost lost him. After having chest pains he was rushed into an emergency triple-bypass surgery due to three extremely severe blockages in his artery. We were informed that he had basically been a ticking bomb ready to explode; if he'd overexerted himself and had a heart attack, it would certainly have been fatal.

By a miracle, the surgery was performed in time, and though his recovery was long and painful, he did indeed recover. Life is so fragile, and most of the time we forget that. I can never really forget what happened, because I watch him take his many medications every morning and watch my mother fret about his diet. But maybe it's a good thing...maybe I shouldn't forget.

I know it's by my Father's grace that my dad was saved. And I'm incredibly thankful to feel both of their love in my life.

What are you thankful for these days?

xoxo

2009-10-19T22:17:00.002-05:00

Life has been stressful lately. God's really testing me.

But no matter how hard things are, I am grateful every day for the fact that I am at LSU, surrounded by amazing people, with so much beauty in my life.

I'm especially grateful that I don't have to deal with C being at boarding school anymore. Long distance relationships are no joke.

I never realized how much stress last year actually came from struggling to make it work every day, when I probably only had about 5 minutes to talk to him on the phone. I admire the families of the military so much because it is so difficult to love from a distance.

But we overcame it.

Love and peace of Christ be with you tonight.

slow down, you crazy child

2009-10-14T21:49:00.003-05:00

It's been a while since I posted because midterms have had me frazzled.

I should be studying right now. Later on though I'm going watch a movie at a friend's apartment. :] I'm confident in this decision, however. Because this time last year, I felt kind of like this:

Which happens to be one of the worst feelings. Ever.

Now, I feel like this:

I thank God every day for my friends...the old and the new, the ones who know me inside out and the ones more like acquaintances, the ones who are near and the ones who are far. Because they are all amazing and they all accept me, for me. And I never feel alone.

xoxo

spot the differences?

2009-10-05T19:29:00.003-05:00

Attention, world: I just made Edward Cullen look exponentially hotter.

Lightning bolt scars are in this season. Y'all thank the Potter boy.

(By the way, Harry, wherever you are, I miss you terribly.)

And yes, this has been my second post today.

what will YOU celebrate?

2009-10-05T14:52:00.002-05:00

I was pretty down earlier, because I made a B- on my English paper. It's the second paper of the semester, and it's my second B in the class. In English. Which, you know, is my major. Considering I'm horrible at pretty much every other subject, it's quite discouraging to be stumped in this class.

I griped about it on Facebook, and my lovely friends came to my rescue, as always. So, I'm determined to be cheerful the rest of the day.

Know what helps?

The fact that Caroline and I are going to my happy place in a mere 90 days.

Today, I am celebrating the fact that I am good at English, even if it isn't showing right now.

What will you celebrate?

hmm?

2009-10-03T23:34:00.003-05:00

Went to Lafayette today to visit the bff. :] It was pretty cool, except for the part where I'm currently riding on a spare tire and can't go over 60 mph, so everyone was angrily honking at me during the 70 mph stretch. Mehh. People need to chill out.

Anyway I basically listened to Disney music for an hour and a half straight. Came across this little beauty on my iPod, from the 1971 classic Bedknobs and Broomsticks.

"When you rush around in hopeless circles
Searching ev'rywhere for something true
You're at the age of not believing
When all the "make believe" is through

When you set aside your childhood heroes
And your dreams are lost up on a shelf
You're at the age of not believing
And worst of all you doubt yourself

You're a castaway where no one hears you
On a barren isle in a lonely sea
Where did all the happy endings go?
Where can all the good times be?

You must face the age of not believing
Doubting ev'rything you ever knew
Until at last you start believing
There's something wonderful...
Truly wonderful in you"

How sad. Age of not believing? I must've miraculously skipped that stage in life.

Also, I made this tonight:
Um, yes, it tasted as good as it looks.

Fall break will be over much too soon.

xoxo

why is this week gonna be awesome?

2009-09-28T08:58:00.002-05:00

It's short.

Fall break begins on Wednesday!

And despite the fact that it's Monday, I'm in a pretty awesome mood.

Why, you ask?

I made an A on my Spanish exam! :] Yes, the exam that was I was pretty sure I failed.

BEAST!

Everyone have a great week.

this week has been a stressful one

2009-09-25T13:05:00.004-05:00

Things that made this week better:

Monday: Theology of the Body, which was created by this awesome guy right here.

Tuesday: my mother made gumbo. This is one of the GOOD things about living at home while going to college!

Wednesday: I finally bought Gregory Maguire's Wicked. When I was little, I was totally obsessed with The Wizard of Oz. I was Dorothy for Halloween, like, 4 times. When we went to Walt Disney World and saw the ruby slippers on display at the Great Movie Ride, I completely freaked out and tried to convince my parents to buy them for me. (Hah, right.) Anyway, I love anything having to do with Oz, and I'd seen posters for the musical but I've been wanting to read the book for a long time now. So, I am now, and it's great.

Thursday: I made a 94 on my sociology exam, and didn't even study. Much.

A little blurry, but whatever.

And Friday: TGIF!

Everyone have an awesome weekend!

does this blog post make me look fat?

2009-09-21T19:20:00.005-05:00

See this boy?

Kinda scary, huh?

Anyway, that's Christian, pre-haircut. Obviously. That boy looks like a nerd in this picture, and that's because he absolutely is a nerd. But, he's pretty much the most awesome guy I know, for many reasons.

One of those reasons is because he has no idea why girls - namely, me - wake up with the Fats.

Oh, come on, girlies. You know what the Fats are. When you wake up and maybe you had too many cheesy fries or Oreos the night before, and the needle on the scale goes up a teeny fraction, and your jeans are just a little too tight. And you think, "OhmyGod, I'm fat."

Obviously, this is not rational. Most of us, when we have the Fats, are not fat at all. It's common knowledge that bodies come in all kinds of cool shapes and sizes, and just because the girl sitting next to me looks great awesome as a size 2 doesn't mean I would look cool as a size 2. I mean, I'm pretty sure I'd look downright weird as a size 2. Because I'm not.

But nevertheless, the Fats attack, just like Bad Hair Days and The World is Out to Get Me Days. And as I'm berating myself for eating that (albeit scrumptious) slice of cheesecake, Christian looks at me, totally confused, and goes:

"Baby, what is the matter with you? You're skinny and gorgeous and I love you the way you are anyway."

And those might be just words. But it's the way he looks at me that makes me remember that what he said was true.

Maybe that's why when I'm with him, I don't care quite as much if I stuff an extra brownie in my face.

And ya know what? He's right. (Also, I'm pretty sure Jesus agrees with him, which obviously seals the deal.)

Happy Monday, everyone.

and the victory is mine

2009-09-19T18:30:00.002-05:00

I have spent a ridiculous portion of my day messing with the html on here. I've had probably 20 or so blogs scattered throughout cyberspace and I just abandon them after a while because no one reads them. Haha. But I've never gotten the hang of html - I'm pretty technologically challenged.

But then, today I actually added a banner to my blog, which sounds simple, but wasn't for me. And I succeeded!

Ta-da!

I went with Peter Pan because I'm pretty obsessed with Disney, obviously. And there are plenty of days when I feel like flying to Neverland so I don't have to grow up.

I'm searching for my Neverland, figuratively speaking. It's a place where everything is okay, all the time; a magical place where I feel good about who I am. Holly Golightly had a similar idea: Tiffany's was her happy place. Walt Disney World is my happy place, physically, and I think I can smell Neverland... I know the pixie dust will help.

That's it for now.

See ya real soon!

myrecipes.com = obsession

2009-09-18T07:22:00.004-05:00

Well, the Spanish homework eventually got done and now I'm sitting in the hall, waiting for class to start.

Yay, it's Friday. Fridays mean I can catch my breath, take my time doing my homework. I can go home, cook, read, finally watch that episode of Gossip Girl I taped Monday night.

I really want to go home and make this:
Coconut cake is my favorite thing ever, pretty much.

But instead, I'll probably go home and make this:

Just as yummy (well, almost) and better for me.

Mk, class about to start.

Everyone have a wonderful Friday!

hola, friendola

2009-09-17T18:29:00.000-05:00

Sitting here at work, procrastinating Spanish homework.

Oh, Spanish. We used to be friends back in the good ol' days of high school, when I had Senorita Awesome for a teacher and we had mucho divertido. Now you just depress and confuse the heck outta me.

:[ Sad face.

Silver lining: I got 11 hours of credit from taking it in HS, so this is my last Spanish class everrrr!

Adios, amigos.

I am basically beasting through this semester. I should probably continue this awesomeness by being a good girl and going study.

Catch ya later!