I'm Moving to Florida!

It's true. I'm moving to Orlando! Very, very soon.

So much has happened in the past week but it's all incredibly exciting!

It has been my life-long dream to move down to Florida and become a Cast Member at Walt Disney World. I belong there. I eat, breathe and sleep Disney. Everyone who knows me will agree with that.

I recently returned from my third trip to Walt Disney World just this year. Five days ago to be exact. But the very last night of my trip was one that will change my life forever.

My dear friend, Catie who lives in Orlando, called me while I was at the Magic Kingdom waiting in Frontierland for the Main Street Electrical Parade to start. She stated that her roommate moved out and she was looking for someone to move in really soon. I told her that I was definitely interested and that we would talk when I got home. I called her back a few days later, discussed some details, and right then and there....decided to take the plunge.

I had been thinking about moving down there for several years now, but finding a roommate or someone to move down with me was a bit challenging. This opportunity arose so I could NOT pass it up. If not now, then when? I had no idea it would be this soon, but I am beyond excited to start this new adventure in my life, right now.

I will be moving at the end of this month. October. No later than November 2nd. Living only thirty minutes from Walt Disney World. About two hours from either coast. Thirty-five minutes from Give Kids the World Village. Two blocks from my new church. It's all so perfect.

As of right now, I have made it through the first two parts of a job application for Disney. I applied for a monorail hostess position. All I need to do now is call them on Monday to set up an interview! I will be applying for other places as back ups, but I just have a huge feeling that this is it. :)

This is all seriously a dream come true. I know that this change will be good for me. I'll miss my family and friends back home, but remember that this isn't goodbye. Just a 'see ya real soon!'

Thank you all for your love and support. Be sure to visit! <3

Call Me, Crazy?

Most of my friends thing I'm crazy. Why, do you ask? Because I will drive all the way to St. Louis, Missouri, Indianapolis, Indiana and Walt Disney World to hang out with people I've never met before. 

But I am far from crazy. The Disney community just doesn't compare to anything else out there. Something about being a true Disney fan makes people great. You feel an immediate connection to them. Even after only talking for a few minutes, you feel like you've known them your whole life.

I have been listening to a wonderful Disney podcast for almost a year and a half now. It's called the Be Our Guest Podcast. The hosts are Mike, Debbie, Rikki and Pam. After listening to the first show I came across, I KNEW I had to listen to the rest of the podcasts. I also KNEW that I had to connect myself to this community and meet these people in person. 

I started calling in to the live shows, checking out the forums and chatting with everyone on Facebook and Twitter. These people have shown me such love and support over the past year. It's amazing. These aren't just friends. Their family. 

I was able to meet my first round of BOGP listeners in February when I went down for the Princess Half Marathon. Yes, I went down "solo" to run the race, but I also had so many wonderful listeners to meet up with! 

We had a small meet at Cap't Cook's quick service restaurant at the Polynesian. It was a decent turn out, even with the busy race weekend! We had about 10 people show up. I am so thankful for those who took time out of their trip to meet me and other listeners of the show. :)

I also had the privileged of meeting more during the 5k race. Some of those, I actually got to start the Princess Half Marathon with! This was just the beginning of meeting the rest of my 'family'. :)

In May, myself and the lovely Theresa put together a meet-up in Indianapolis, Indiana. This was an even more incredibly turn out! We had almost 20 people! And the most wonderful thing of all was that we raised $250 for Give Kids the World Village. Just goes to show you how supportive and amazing these folks really are.

In July, I took a road-trip by myself to meet several more listeners and, of course, Mike Ralhmann himself! The guy who really has changed my life. I drove all the way out to St. Louis, Missouri for a fun weekend at the St. Louis Zoo, dinner and a performance of Mary Poppins at the Muny. I had an absolute blast! I am so glad this trip was possible for me. I will never forget this weekend! Many more friendships were made. Plus, I was able to see a few more familiar faces. We raised more money for Give Kids the World. Again, amazing community.

Even on my Walt Disney World vacation in August, I met up with yet even more BOGP listeners. Also getting to see some that I've already met in February. They made my trip so memorable! I can't thank them enough for their company and friendship.

I'm not crazy. Everyone else who is a part of these podcast families gets it. I can't explain it. You just have to experience it for yourself. :)

I absolutely cannot wait until October! Yet again, I will be meeting even more listeners of the show. This time, I will have met all of the hosts of the Be Our Guest Podcast. Finally! I actually didn't think I would even meet any of them for several more years. This year has obviously been incredible and I am so forever humbled and grateful to be a part of this amazing, wonderful family.

<3

Disney Song of the Day : May 7th

We're still dreaming! Today's song is "When You Wish Upon a Star". I'm pretty sure everyone knows this song...even if they've never seen Pinocchio. :)

"When You Wish Upon a Star" is a song written by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington for Walt Disney's 1940 adaptation of Pinocchio. The original version was sung by Cliff Edwards in the character of Jiminy Cricket, and is heard over the opening credits and in the final scene of the film. The song has since become the representative song of The Walt Disney Company.

"When You Wish Upon a Star" along with Mickey Mouse has become an icon of The Walt Disney Company. In the 1950s and 1960s, Walt Disney used the song in the opening sequences of all the editions of the Walt Disney anthology television series. It has also been used to accompany the Walt Disney Pictures opening logos – including the present-day logo – since the 1980s. The ships of the Disney Cruise Line use the first seven notes of the song's melody as their horn signals. Additionally, many productions at Disney theme parks – particularly fireworks shows and parades – employ the song.

Disney Song of the Day : May 6th

This week will be the week of dreams :)

Pursuing the dream to work at Walt Disney World.
This song keeps me going.

"Go the Distance" from Hercules. Another favorite.