Closing Time

Even though I am no longer in Orlando, I think this section of my blog deserves a true ending.

I cannot begin to express how much the Disney College program has done for me. I made several new friends, experienced working for the mouse without being "stuck" there, and almost lived completely on my own. I grew so much during this internship. I'm not quite sure it has hit me yet that I will not be back to Walt Disney World until at least the summer, if not sooner.

Clifton and I had a bittersweet goodbye. Since we had a week long relationship and knew going into it that it would be such, it was still very sad to have to leave. I think we actually might have something. But only time will tell. If God wants it to be, He will make it known.

Brother...oh brother. I don't even know what to write about him. I miss him dearly. If anything, I think I miss him the most.

Nikki will always have a special place in my heart. Oh bestie...how I miss you.

My last two nights in Florida were interesting...and by interesting I mean I had little to no sleep. The night I packed Josh and Jason slept over. We definitely had a cuddle night. I love those boys. I never thought I'd be so happy for two boys, but surprisingly I am. Even though my husband (Jason) is cheating on me with my brother (Josh) and Clifton is cheating on Josh (his fauxbo) with me, we all still get along swimmingly :) It really is a shame that both Josh and I found someone we liked too late in the program. Go figure. My last night I slept at Clifton's, since my stuff was at his place and he was taking me to the airport. I got more sleep than I did with Josh and Jason, but not by much. That night, we learned a lot about each other. Clifton is fascinating. Basically, we talked the entire night...with sleep interrupting our conversations at some points, though neither of us really remember falling asleep.

Walt Disney World will always be a special place. My biggest fear was coming here and realizing that I didn't want to work here ever again. This is certainly not true. I'm not sure I could be friends with characters all the time, but I definitely will want to continue my friendship with them when I come back. I think being a manager would be good. All of my friends think I'd be a great manager. I care enough to make things happen the way people want them to, yet I still follow the rules. And I have great people skills. I think, besides owning Disney, a manager is my goal.

I can't wait to go back in February to see all my friends and work again. True it'll only be for a weekend, but I'll get my fill of friends and fun until the summer.

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

Just believe and if you imagine, just believe and your dreams will come true.

~Crystal

This Chapter Ends

I move out of my apartment today. Even though I'm not actually leaving until tomorrow I am still forced to vacate the apartment. So where am I staying you ask? Well, either my friend John's, who doesn't live in Vista, Chatum, or Patterson, with Kelly, who does live in Vista, or Clifton, also in Vista. My stuff will be stored in Clifton's apartment because he's taking me to the airport tomorrow.

Speaking of Clifton...we have great timing. So Christmas Day was very interesting. Not only did one of my co-workers decide to kiss me while at work, but Clifton did as well.

The former-Short story: Basically, I was working breakfast and we had a very flirtatious co-worker. Of course, me being who I am, I flirted back, though not really because I can't flirt on purpose without failing miserably. Anywho, he was pulled to a different location and before he left completely, he asked me to walk him out. So I did. That's when he planted one on me...ok a few. I was so shocked that my brain turned off. It took me a few minutes to regain composure and basically defend myself. Once leaving the situation, I walked into the break room and, of course, told my friend who was working with me. The entire rest of the day we laughed about it. I know it really wasn't that funny, but it really was at the same time. The guy who replaced him was making fun of me the entire rest of the time...jokingly making fun of me of course.

The latter: Clifton and I have an interesting relationship. We first met as spares at Animal Kingdom. We spent a good 2 hours in costuming talking. I found out a bunch of stuff, like he smokes, drinks, swears, likes, dislikes, the fact that he HATES when people don't smoke in the designated smoking area...etc. He ended up driving me home, since we got off at the same time. Since he knew I couldn't stand smoking, he was courteous enough to keep his cigarette out the window at all times. After that, I saw him when we both worked Swan Dinner a few days later.  Again, a car ride was given. After that, we had a few run ins, but not many. Halloween night gave me my first insight to the fact that he might like me...and I him. The unfortunate part was that his girlfriend had just broken up with him, so I didn't want to be the rebound girl. However, that night heavy flirting occurred from both of us. He asked me later that night if I would like to got o a movie with him sometime later in the week. I said yes. This "date" was very interesting. We flirted during the movie and whatnot however, I ended up getting really sick after the movie so he took me home and we didn't see each other for a long time after. I can't really remember what happened or how we saw each other next. I just know that I was thinking about him a lot. However, I knew I didn't want to get into a relationship here due to the fact that I was leaving in January. So we hung out a few times I know. We had a cuddle party watching It's A Wonderful Life after I had been a 7th wheel and felt really lonely. Clifton comforted me beautifully and I knew then that we really did like each other...and then Christmas happened. I told him the story of my morning. I was extremely tired and needed a nap, as did he, so he asked if I wanted to take a nap at his place. I knew the events that would take place if I did, and as bad as this will sound, I wanted them to happen. So I went over and after a bit of cuddling, he kissed me. What a Christmas, right?

My family had a great time here. Not only did they meet a bunch of my favorite characters, but they also met a lot of my friends, whom have made a great impact on my life. We stayed at the Port Orleans Riverside for 4 days and then transfered to Animal Kingdom Lodge for 4 more days. A giraffe greeted us when we looked out the window! Aunty Bette was in heaven. Christmas Eve we ate at House of Blues. It was sooooo good. Our waiter was hilarious. Christmas Day, we ate at Cinderella's Royal Table for dinner. Jason Bell, Creighton Crane, Libbi Hicks, and Ben Drazil joined us, since Erik was working so his family spent time with him. I loved being there with family and friends. I told Brooke about Clifton and I that day. The next day, I worked at Epcot. I told Mom during lunch...Dad was informed later that evening by Mom and Brooke. Clifton and Josh met us at the Magic Kingdom that evening. I was so nervous. The next day we visited Josh, who was hanging with the Red Ranger all day. Clifton joined us and took me to work afterward. That night, my family gave Clifton's approval. Clifton, in return, told me he loved my family.

I'm not ready to leave, but I know I must.

~Crystal

Picture Crazy

I think I have contracted the Picture Disease! I will be on my third photopass cd once these photos are about to expire. 700 some pictures on this coming cd alone! Not to mention the thousands of facebook pictures I have already. Oh boy. I'm turning into Mom more every day.

Speaking of Mom...

My family flies in tomorrow! I am sooooo excited! We are staying at the Port Orleans Riverside, which is gorgeous! Oh my gosh! We've never stayed there so I'm really excited to be somewhere new. We have so many things planned :)

Tomorrow Eliza and I are hanging out with Bolt and Mittens. If they weren't my first priority I'd totally be with my family. But they are going to visit us right after they check in to the hotel. Ray Hale is coming too. He's going to be the unofficial tour guide, though they really don't need it. But it'll be fun to see him again. And he is very well connected to Disney, so that doesn't hurt any :) Oh Ray.

Well, bed time!

~Crystal

Not Ready...

~to leave Disney

~to leave my friends at Disney

~to go back to reality

~to go to freezing weather

~to see my friends hook up and leave me alone and single

~for another chapter in my life to end

~for a long, cold winter

~for Christmas to be here already

~for brother to be far away

I can't believe it's almost over. It can't be possible. It can't.

Today I realized how much I yearn for a relationship. Being a 7th wheel (or any wheel for that matter) really sucks. Everyone had someone to hold on to, except me. Sure both Ben and Laura tried to include me in the holding hands thing, but it just felt like I was intruding.

I'm not sure if I like a guy or if I just like being around him (like I do Josh). And wouldn't you know, this guy is older than me for once. Haha. Go figure. I really wanted him to be there today to keep me company. He was supposed to, but his friends from out of state surprised him with a visit so he stayed with them. Understandable...but still...

My family will be here soon.

5 days.

I can't believe it.

I can't.

Last Few Weeks In Summary

~Basically, I had been hanging out with Bolt for about 4 weeks.

~The day after Thanksgiving I flew home to surprise Brooke for the Nutcracker. Only Mom, Dad, Auntie Cathie, and Lynn knew I was coming. After Act 1, I ran backstage and attacked Brooke. She didn't realize it was me at first, for she knew I was working and it is rather difficult to get time off. I had even called her from the plane (once it had landed in Portland) to wish her good luck/break a leg and to let me know how the performances went. She thought I was on lunch/break still in Florida. Brooke was a beautiful Snow Queen and an elegant Sugar Plum. I can't believe Aunty Bette made the SP tutu! Way to go Aunty! I loved seeing my SQ tutu put to use again. Brooke looked gorgeous in it. I was able to see all 4 performances and stay a few days longer than planned thanks to Tonya picking up the Monday shift that was the only thing standing in my way of staying longer. I was able to see Kirsten for a bit. I'm sooooo glad I did! I went to Zoo Lights with my family. We met a variety of characters, including Rudolph. Grandma told them all what I do for Disney without being secretive and with a kid right there. I of course corrected her immediately. Silly Grandma :) I flew back to Florida Tuesday. As sad as I was to leave home, I was definitely glad to come back.

~Today I had the good fortune of hanging out with Mr. and Mrs. Incredible (Bob and Helen). We had so much fun hanging out!!!! I really want to do it again very soon! A family came with their kids dressed as Incredibles. The dad introduced them as Jack Jack and Dash. Helen about died. Unfortunately, Helen had a few issues with her super suit today. These issues weren't major, but they definitely occurred more than once...3 times to be exact. All I can say is...she needs to lose a little butt cushion. A women of her abilities should not have that big of a tushy. Maybe she should enroll in Crystal's Ballet Butt Camp to work off the padding :)

~Friday and Saturday I get to be in the filming for the Christmas Parade! I am Ballon Carrier 10. Look for me on TV!

Lots of Love

~Crystal

Working Hard

So I am now on my 6th day of working straight. Usually you don't get that here at Disney. As a CP I am required to have 2 days off, but may pick up shifts as I want on those days. This time, however, I didn't really pick up. It was more...pleading for me to do so. 

Yesterday I hung out at Chef Mickey's for breakfast with Pluto and the gang. This means I needed to be up at 5am to be at work by 6:36am...yay very slow buses. About half way through my work time, there is a phone call asking both myself and me back to back if one of us could go to the Studios to play with Bolt since the person supposed to do so called in (I had heard from Eliza that she didn't really like playing with Bolt). Lindsay really didn't want to do it, so I said that I would. Not only did this mean I would miss the rest of my time at Chef Mickey's, but it also meant I got overtime! As soon as they got a replacement for me (a spare face who had never done dining or my friend...go figure), I headed off to the Studios. Upon arriving there, I checked in and was told to get my stuff together quickly because the managers really wanted to see me and my new friend in action...and the public was demanding it too. I got dressed at the costume room and pargoed to my location. Not only was Mittens happy to see me, but Eliza was too! I had soooo much fun! Special friends came to see Bolt and Mittens...Josh, Phil, Liddy, and their friend Daisy. At a different time Erik and Gabby came too. I know that Bolt and Mittens loved visiting with them. By the end of the day, I was pretty tired from playing with the superdog. But he had fun with me, so I guess I can't complain. 

So this morning I am woken by one of my roommates...either Nicole or Mary (I was pretty tired so I couldn't tell who was talking). She told me that I had a phone call. When I answered the phone, a duty manager from Studios asked me if I could possibly help them out and play with Bolt again. This time, the girl who was supposed to do it went to first aid. Since it was my day off, I didn't have to say yes, but of course I did. I think I actually like hanging out with him. Anywho, I missed my first time hanging out, but got to Studios as Mittens was leaving with Eliza (I was very excited to see that Eliza and I got to hang out with Mittens and Bolt again). After checking in, I gathered my stuff together and did self warm-ups. The new warm-ups are more strength conditioning than warm-ups, but I think they're ok because I don't do a lot of strength stuff on my own. I just wish we could stretch more. Oh well. So anyway, I got dressed at costuming again and pargoed to my location with Bolt. This time Nikki, Ben, Ryan, and Elizabeth came to see Bolt and Mittens. The animals loved seeing them! Ryan almost decapitated Bolt because he gave him such a big hug. 

I have a feeling that Studios will cal me again tomorrow...also my day off...to see if I can hang out. You know, I'll be ok with that because I like Bolt. He and I get along pretty well. And working with Eliza again would be fun! We joked that I should be a diva and demand to work with her only if they call for me tomorrow. Eliza and I work very well together. However, if they need me, I'll probably do it anyway...working with Eliza or not. 

Today meant overtime for me. And if I get called tomorrow that means way lots of money. Haha. I kind of like being the only person who likes hanging out with Bolt who was trained to do so. I do know though that soon other people will be able to hang out with him who weren't trained. Meh. Oh well.

We'll see what tomorrow brings. I know I am going to Studios to visit Bolt and Mittens if I don't get called to hang out :)

~Crystal

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party October 30, 2008

I know it was a little overkill, but I went to the party again...but for the last time. It was so much fun! Robert, Erik, and I went as Zombie Dancers. The make-up was done by non other than Robert DiGiovanni. My hair was done by...me! I'm so proud of myself :) One of the other reasons for going to the party again (besides wanting to go) was because the family I had spent the day with wanted me to go. And of course I couldn't let them down! 

Let me start at the very beginning...a very good place to start. 

2 days ago, Erik, Robert, Nikki, and I went to Studios. We met a Green Army Man (too bad Clara couldn't be there to meet him) and Nikki met Caspian for the first time. We went to see Beauty and the Beast and guess what? We got to go backstage afterward! It was amazing!! A lot of detail was put into the show that no one would ever think about just watching it. I really want to watch the show from backstage now! Our next show we hope to have the good fortune in seeing behind the scenes is Nemo followed by Lion King and Fantasmic. Wish us luck! Anywho, since we all had to work later in the evening (except Erik) we started to leave the park around 2:15. On our way out, we spotted a kid dressed as a Block Party Bash captain. Of course, we went crazy! And of course we went over to him and his mom and talked. Shortly into our conversation, his two sisters and father came back...the sisters were dressed as BPB captains too! The mom told us that they have been coming dressed as Character Attendants for a few years. It turns out that this family is a celebrity among the cast at the Magic Kingdom. There are pictures of them in the break rooms. The mom then told us that they were going to Animal Kingdom dressed as Timon and the Tumble Monkeys the next day. After this, we departed to go to work.

Robert and I went to Animal Kingdom the next day to 1) see our weekly Nemo, 2) visit Terk (too bad Nikki wasn't with us), and 3) find the Tumble Monkeys and Timon. We saw Nemo and Lion King and while visiting Terk the family walked by. Of course Robert and I flipped out. We caught up to them and talked while walking to the parade gate (they were going to be in the parade). We exchanged numbers and watched them in the parade. It was fun! Robert and I then left for Studios to see Fantasmic. It was fantastic...or was it fantasmic? Haha. Later in the evening, I received a text message from Jessica (the mom of the family) asking if I wanted to go to breakfast with them the next day. I couldnt' refuse, so I made reservations for Boma (at the Animal Kingdom Lodge...we tried Chef Mickey's where Erik was working, but that didn't work out).

Boma was amazing! I loved it! I soon became part of the family...Bethany (one of the girls) wanted to hold my hand all the time. It was really cute! This time, Eric (the brother) and Joclyn (the other sister) were dressed as Character Attendants while Bethany was dressed as a Tour Guide. They were so adorable! We spent the day at the Magic Kingdom, where everyone loved them. During the parade, almost the entire cast stayed to the right side (where we were located). Maleficent told them that they were in the wrong spot...that they should be attending characters, not watching the parade. Br'er Fox gave the distress signal...1) because they were character attendants and 2) because all of the Flood Characters were off in the dance. It was pretty hilarious. After that, we left the family to get ready for the Party.

Robert and I decided that we should go as dead people again, since that was a hit last time. So we went as dancing zombies. About 6:30 I got a text message from Jessica asking when we would return to the park...the natives (the kids) were getting restless. We ended up getting there about 7:30. We met them at the Confectionary on Mainstreet (where I told Katie we'd be so she could see us while in the parade). Yet again, we had a blast staring people down. We didn't get as big of a reaction as last time, but it was still fun. After the first parade, we wandered with Jessica and family. After seeing a few characters and going to a dance party, Robert and I went to Liberty Tree to see Dale (too bad Eliza couldn't see him too). Dale was pretty scared of us. Then we decided to visit Captain DeCay. He wasn't at his post, so instead Robert and I pretended to be living statues. We entertained the guests for about 40 minutes...that's when Captain DeCay came back from his break...or wherever he was. When the Boo to You music came on, Robert and I came to life and danced around. Other than that, we moved randomly, with Robert cracking a one liner every so often. Most of the guests couldn't tell if we were real or fake...and they thought we actually worked there! Once Captain DeCay got back, we left so that he could do his job. Then we went back to our spot for the second parade. However, instead of being by the Confectionary, we went to the end of the parade route. Of course I video taped the parade this time. And I was still able to stare people down. Some of them remembered us from the first parade. It was great. After that, we said our goodbyes to jessica and family and returned to the apartment...since Erik had to get up early for work the next day and he was our ride...and we all had to work the next day as well. 

I loved hanging out with Jessica and family! They were a blast. I'm so glad I went to the party again as well. I can't wait for the Christmas Party...though I don't think I'll go to as many of those. Haha.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2032102&l=f9b79&id=53403230

~Crystal