Tangled Wrap Party: First Hollywood Event!

written on Sunday 10/17

I do not have much time, as I am planning a Fall Fiesta today and my pies are in the oven, but I wanted to tell you all about last night!

I had my first real Hollywood party! My roommate works for Disney Animation on the Winnie the Pooh film, and she had an extra ticket for the Tangled Wrap party. That means, I was able to attend the party that celebrated the end of making "Tangled" the new Disney animation movie being released in November.

I had no idea what I was in for, but I knew it was going to be a good night. I got all dressed up and curled my whole head, which did not stay, but oh well. At 4pm, my roommate and I went to our neighbor's apt, who worked on Tangled, and there we had some champagne and appetizers. Delicious! I love champagne. The girls looked so gorgeous. I was floored! I asked where they each got their dresses, and it was a reality check for me that I am no longer in high school. Each of their dresses were over 100 dollars, and were designer made. I am so used to hearing cheap names like Charlotte Russe or H&M with prices under 75 dollars. Boy was I wrong. I had to remember: this is adult world!

We all took a taxi to the famous Roosevelt hotel where we arrived at the Pool Bar for some pre-game drinks. That was when people trickled in for what looked like the Oscars. Women were in all sorts of colors, long and short gowns, hair done; it was essentially adult prom. I noticed I was the odd one out, because I was the only one wearing tights, even panty-hose for that matter. I guess that is not the LA thing to do this time of year. All the women were bare-legged, and I wore black tights. Oops. Fashion mistake 15532. haha.

While at the pool, I noticed some rugged guy wearing jeans, and realized that was Colin Ferrel! I don't like him, but it was neat to see some random celebrity at the hang out with us. He had nothing to do with the event, but he was just there. Still a cool sighting.

After the Roosevelt, we walked to the screening. The people who made the film were in one theater, the El Capitain, and those who were Disney Employees or guests, like me, were in the Chinese Theater. We had free popcorn and soda upon arrival. I have never been in the theater, and it was gorgeous! I could only feel like I was walking into history because that theater is legend in its role in Hollywood.

Before we saw the film, John Lasseter (Disney COO) spoke to introduce the film to us. He discussed the vision of the film, the audience response, and what he hopes it would do in theaters. Then Ed Catmull also spoke (Pres. of Animation) about his opinion of the film. Finally, the producer, Roy Conli, and directors, Byron and Nathan, also spoke. Their speech was about 35 minutes long as they said all their Thank Yous for the film. Glad that was not an Oscar speech. After hearing them, we watched the film.

Note to Everyone: GO SEE TANGLED! It is a beautiful film with a great storyline. I was really hesitant about it because of the od marketing campaign, but honestly, this is great. It was funny, quirky, light hearted, and theatrical. Mandy Moore was perfect for the role as was the villain. The colors are outstanding. Make sure you see it at least once. It is truly beautiful.

After the film, we all went upstairs to the top floor club that overlooked Sunset Blvd and partied the night away. They had catered food, amazing desserts, open bar, lots of music, and even an aerial acrobatic performing in hanging fabric like Cirque Du Soleil. What I was most in shock with was the fact I was eating two tables way from John Lasseter! I wanted to approach him so badly and ask, "So how did you go from the theme parks to the Studios? I need advice!" I never did. Next time! I also introduced myself to Ed Catmull, since I now know his daughter. On top of that, Mandy Moore was there, stunning as always, Zac Levi (I didn't see him) as well as Andrew Millstein (EVP of Production).

I could not believe I partied with John Lasseter! hahaha! I was in shock for a while. I was so happy I wanted to get emotional about it, because this was it. This was a culmination of what happens once you complete such a large project for the world to experience. Plus, the making of Tangled was anything but easy, so everyone wanted to party to celebrate its ending.

After dinner, the tables were moved for the dance floor, and we all just had fun. People were wasted of course, but it was great to see all people out of their shell. I loved seeing the security guard dance to Britney Spears. Classic!

It was great feeling a part of something again, even though I did not have any influence in the film. It made me realize that I can have the same thing. I cannot wait to go to one of those and celebrate something I actually influenced. How rewarding. But the most rewarding part was after the movie we all stayed for the credits. It occurred to me I was sitting with the people whose names were on the credits! That was it for them. They all got to see their name in lights on a large screen, and every department was acknowledged including the Cast Member who ran the Caffeination Department (aka the Caffeine Patch at work).

It was just a wonderful night and a job well done. It was my first of many Hollywood Wrap parties to come I hope. I cannot wait to be involved on the project when it happens. So everyone, GO SEE TANGLED!! Until then... that's a wrap!

One Moment: A Life-Changing Instant

I know this is late, but I mean to publish this on Friday, however, life's events got in the way. Let me explain.

This past week since my last entry, was one week of random events. Each of these random events were strong reminders to me that life can change on a moment's notice. All you need is one instananeous moment to change the very direction of your life. It seemed to come in good and bad forms for me this week. Nothing happened to me personally, it was affected by those around me.

One moment would be relating to a distant friend of mine whom I have only worked with for 2 months last fall. She was in a dreadful car accident that shattered her pelvis. For months, she is confined to the walls of her house, and the world of her family where she has to learn to walk again and stand. This accident, although 1.5 months ago, has made me realize that no one is able to predict the future. My friend's strength, courage and faith has been sooo inspiring to me, I do not wake up a day without praying for her recovery. I can only compare it to how I would handle it, I really don't think I could. It made me realize that I have to be so grateful for what I have and those around me.

The second moment related to my roommate. This past Wednesday night, my roommate got really sick and went to the hospital. Apparently, she had an unrepairable infected gall bladder, and had emergency surgery to remove it. I have been trying to take care of her as best I could over the last few days, but her mother flew in to do just that. Her incident was so fast to develop it blew my mind. All you need is that one moment for your life to change whether it is a week or months to your entire destiny.

There were also a few other events with friends throughout the country. One had a performed as Darth Maul in front of George Lucas, another got a phone call answering the prayer for a leadership position, etc. Personally, I have not been able to get the idea of an earthquake out of my head as they have been in my dreams the last few nights.

With all of these outside events happening around me, I have come to terms that life can/will change. All you need is one simple moment. That is it. Our very existence can come down to one split second. Depending on how you view the world, you can take this as pure positivity, meaning the world has so many possibilities that something miraculous can happen. Or, you can see it as purely negative: it is just a moment for your life to be ruined.

Personally, I would like to think I am the positive one. Although there seems to be more bad stuff than good in the world these days from crimes, accidents, you name it, there also seems to be tons of good: travel anywhere on a moment's notice, your big break, winning the lottery, finding your true love, etc. There can be so much that can happen.

What I am getting at is never underestimate the potential of your day to day life. Each day can become something amazing or something you never expected.

I will apply this to my temp job and every aspect of my life. I am waiting for my moment. My Big Break. I am praying for the day my current department says, "You're hired." I cannot wait to hear those words from anybody. The day I do, I think I will just cry tears of happiness.

By looking at how those who face hardships are so grateful and genuine, I have come to realize that my life, as sometimes boring as it can be, is actually amazing. I will take the cons of this position and make them positive. I cannot dweal and worry so much on the tiny details. While others are needing help to walk, I can at least walk into the Walt Disney Studios, as I have imagined in my room as a teenager, and say I am here. By seeing that perspective, my life is awesome.

I will take every moment of my day and fill it with something. I can never predict what is coming around the corner, but I sure hope that I remain grateful for my life, my friends, and my family. Only I can make it worthwhile... even on a moment's notice. I cannot wait for my moment to arrive.

P.S.

PS. Another point I want to note, and then I am done blogging for today. Yesterday, one of the first assistants told me to attend a screening being held in the main theater of the lot to see what was aired at ComiCon last week. Of course I jumped and literally ran to the opportunity.

At this screening, one of the main creative Disney execs introduced first glance looks to Tron. We saw a 6.5 minute clip of the film, and it actually looks great! I am not the demo they want for this film, but the music is exciting. I think this is a great start to see what projects we choose with the new regime.

The second look was at Pirates!!! Jack Sparrow talked for about 2 minutes on a montage, and it was in 3D! I don't like 3D, but having Jack Sparrow reach out to me to share some rum was an amazing experience! I can only imagine what the rest of the film will look like. I was laughing so hard and soo excited I could barely contain myself!

The last few things they covered were Marvel's Captain America films (Marvel now acquired by Disney), the Avengers and Thor. I like them, and they look good, but I was focused on Pirates!

The final item was a 30 second descitption of the new Guillermo Del Toro take of the new Haunted Mansion! He is totally redoing it, and it will be darker, scarier and edgier than anything we can expect; totally true to the ride. When I saw the 30 second animation of the mascot, I got chills up my spine. It is so exciting!

Let's just say seeing these sneak peaks to the properties I love absolutely made me love where I was. I am so happy to be working for the company that makes Pirates or will make Haunted Mansion. I love working for this company, and that sneak peak really put it into more perspective for me. I am here at an exciting transition in the company, and I will eventually get to be creative and call those projects my own someday. Until then, staff assistant is a great start, temp or not.

My Life... A Grand Adventure?

This week I had some exciting things happen that were completely random. One would be a spontaneous concert on the lot from Plain White Ts, who are apparently a Disney signed band (got to high five the musicians while dancing with a glass of free wine in hand), Chuck E Cheeses to celebrate a 32 year old friend's birthday, ABC networking event at a gay club, and potentially walking the red carpet tomorrow for a special promotion to air in the fall. It seems life here can change within an instant from being a boring and average day to lead to something quite unexpected.

Knowing that is true, it would be right to assume that living in LA is like one, giant, big, grand adventure. Right? I guess it is, but sometimes I may argue otherwise. I have had some great experiences from my Cinderella makeup makeover to those listed above, but is it wrong to say I still want more?

I come from a small town and great family, but I have always pictured this great and exciting life for myself where I would have so many accomplishments, travels, and goals done from myself. I want to live an exciting life with adventure and romance, and sometimes I feel sooo far away from that.

For example, I am now in the routine of work in an office job. Wake up at 9:15, leave at 9:30, work 10-7, gym till 9, then socialize. Every single day. This. Repeats. Every. Single. Day. I like the stability, but now it is not exciting.

I have always related to Belle from Beauty and the Beast for just that reason. I want to be destined to something great and successful, and I want it so much more than I can tell. I see myself moving to London for a year or two within the next two years to get that abroad experience. I have even dreamt I would meet my husband-to-be abroad since I was little like some sort of fairytale.

Can fairytales and dreams of our youth really come true? I have completely believed that, and I even work for a company who lives on it. I would not doubt it for a second.... except for one thing.

I had a run in with a particular celebrity twice this week both at unexpected times. He was tall and attractive, and I have actually never seen a single movie he had done. I only know him by seeing him in pop culture media. Anyway, let's just say, we had these chance encounters, but at the end of the second time, he said hi to me first and I responded but kept walking.

I immediatly phoned my two brothers to tell them of this event and they went on as crazy brothers do saying I need to ask him out next time, then we will date, then we will be in a relationship...yadda yadda yadda. Let's just say, it was a nice thought, and I immediatly shut it down. Then after a few minutes of discussion my brothers said, "You can be so defeatist sometimes" and why would it not happen to me?

They had a point. I was so quick to shut it down for being impossible, but in reality, maybe not this particular situation, it could happen. Why because I work an office desk or choose to be an average person must I assume someone in the public eye is not touchable? It could totally happen if it were meant to happen. What a big adventure it would be if it did happen! Life would never be the same.

I am not saying that is my grand adventure, but I continue to dream that one will someday come. But my main point is this: Why are we so quick to believe fairytales in stories, yet in reality, we dismiss them as impossible? I think we should all still stay open to the possiblity things beyond our circumstances can happen and who knows where they will lead. If datinga celebrity is possible for a small town girl, then is there anything off limits? It seems the world is completely open to infinite possibilities!

I am not saying my chance encounter is going to go anywhere, but maybe next time, I will be open to the possibility and say something more than "hello."

Needed: Emergency Temp!

(written on 5/19/10)

Wow, you would not believe what has happened today, and it feels so good! I still cannot believe it! After being down on my luck yesterday after that hard realization, I think God reached out to me and changed my luck. I was called in this morning to an emergency temp coverage for a girl I met over a month ago.

Let me back up. I got in contact with this girl from a former M&G contact in the talent department who forwarded me her information. We met for lunch one afternoon, and we realized just how similar we are. Both tall, blonde haired girl with blue eyes, a passion for Disney, and who were both Tourguides for the Theme Parks (I was WDW as she was DLR). We have the same story with the same ambitions, just that she is graduated in 2008 and has had her position for almost 2 years.

She is the Staff Assistant to the Physical Production offices for Walt Disney Pictures. :) In short, she carries the hats of multiple roles for the department. First, she serves as the 2nd assistant to two different executives: the EVP and SVP of Physical Production. Second, she is also the floor "kitchen keeper" and assistant to the productions on the floor.

I am not sure if I told you, but most of my Meet & Greets over the last two months have been on the same floor of one of the lot buildings. This floor carries the execs for Physical Production, meaning the logistical side of production like budgets, travel, schedules, post production, etc (the "non-creative" side). But not just those execs are there, but the production offices for the new films starting or currently in production. Usually, there are about 3-4 films located on this floor at all times. So to me, this floor is exactly where I need to be!

Therefore, when I received the call to come in for the girl for just the day, of course I said, "yes!".

It turns out that the executives I was working for, were some I had made plans in the upcoming weeks to meet with, so this was perfect! I was able to talk to them while temp and get paid! The day went pretty well, I did not need to cover much but answer phones, send some emails, and make paper deliveries around the floor. I could not believe at all that I was here. I just wanted it to last.

Although this floor is very corporate, meaning white walls, cubicles everywhere, and silent hallways, I felt like I could see myself here for a while. The people were nice for the most part, but all are so busy I could not really sit and chat with many. The funny thing was I am constantly being called by the girl's name because people think we look identical. Ironically enough, that is also my sister's name.

The day came and went, and by the end of it, I had a nice surprise. The girl will be going out of town for three days before Memorial Weekend next weekend, and they want to request me to cover. YES! OF COURSE! So starting next Wednesday, I will be back! I am on cloud nine. Then on top of that, I am invited to her themed 1940s party on Friday! Awesome!

So to treat myself and get ready for the party, I went to H&M, and had my first ever shopping spree! If you know me, you know I am not one to shop, but I do enjoy my summer dresses. H&M was perfect for this 1940s party, I bought about 10 pieces of clothing for it, knowing that i could wear all of it currently. I spent more than I wanted too, but for the first time, instead of freaking out about it, I could actually afford it! Is this what making money feels like? If so, I love this feeling.

Part of me misses those WDW minimum wage, penny-pinching days, but I will enjoy making and saving what I can, because this economy has taught me that it all can change in a second.

To that... I had a great day today! One of the best. I look forward to next week for work, and tomorrow for DLR because my friend from FL is in town! Until then...goodnight!

Keeping My Foot in the Door

(written for 4/20-4/30)

Alright, so the rest of last week was pretty uneventful. I got over my sadness the next day and moved on. I actually was the Production Assistant to a small short film directed by a BU professor. I went to meet some people and see if I really liked being on set. It was pretty neat, but unfortunately, I had NOTHING to do. I was given the one task of buying water bottles for the crew, but that took a total of 20 minutes out of a 12 hour day. It was cool being on set, and I met the woman who will be Puck's mom on Glee. That was a highlight. Overall, the production was not that organized, and got pretty frustrating and boring. It was refreshing to be out of the office though for once. I worked on the movie for two days (Tuesday and Thursday)

Then Wednesday, I signed up with the temp agency that Disney uses, so I can hopefully stay within the company for a while. I just didn't like the signing up part, because it involved over 3 hours of computer testing. I hate tests. ugh.

Then Friday, I did some more meet and greets, and drove to stay with my aunt and uncle this past weekend. I just needed to get away for a little bit, and going to see my extended family was great. I was able to catch up on a lot of emails and contacts I neglected over the last month. I really had no plans other than that. It was what I needed.

That brings me up to Monday 4/26. I actually landed my first temp position! I was needed to work in a neat department at the Animation Studios for two days only. Those two days went by pretty fast. The days went really fast and connected me to top executives, who I will not name, that I thought I would never meet in my lifetime! How cool!

Then starting on Wednesday through May 7th, I will be temping in another department. At least I am getting work!

I love working in the animation building itself. It is a completely different environment than the marketing floor I was on previously for WDSMP. Here, everyone is an artist. The artwork is all over the walls, the carpet is different colors with pattern on them. Some rooms have a chalkboard wall that is two stories high just to draw anything. There are also "flipbook pages" of old movies and pictures of Walt drawing in the olden days. The decorations of each floor vary from colors, paintings, and layout designs. Some of the offices are actually in mini houses like the snow white dwarf huts! It is sooo creative! There is a gym, a coffee bar known as the "caffeine patch" and even a cereal bar! A cereal bar! Wow. I get my breakfast there every morning, saving me money on cereal. I have been going to the gym everyday, because I can. It feels so good to finally get back in shape a bit.

On Fridays, as it was today, is bagel Fridays! Coming from the East coast where bagels are a way of life, I was so excited to finally have good bagels! The bagels are accompanied by the whole building of animators to come and join with the music blasting. It was its own party!

Aside from those perks, the people are really laid back and friendly. I am able to say hi to everyone, and talk to many. This is truly and artistic environment, and a fantastic place to call work. I just wish I had an absolute passion for animation as I do live action, otherwise, there would be no reason why I would not want to work here.

Speaking of animation, the pace is a lot slower. It takes 4-5 years for a project, and that is a long time. It's not like television where the project pace is a few months, or a live action film, where it is a year or two. This is 4-5 years. I am not sure if this is for me, but I love being able to experience it while I can. I have been doing some networking while I was here too. I had lunch with someone in special projects on my first day, then I met with the producer of Princess and the Frog, who happens to be a BU alum! Go figure.

So even though I am not where I want to be yet, I am able to keep my foot in the door. I am meeting people and getting the connections without being committed to the departments. I get the same benefits, but they just last a shorter time period. I even get to visit my roommate when I want to walk around and stretch. I am truly thankful for this experience, although I am trying to make it work with what little time I have. Surviving is the name of the game. Or maybe it is the hokey-pokey, as I have one foot in and then one foot out, and shake it all about.

Tangent. Sorry. To summarize, the animation building is fantastic. An artist's dream, for sure. What a cool experience. Looking forward to what next week has to bring.

A Magical Reminder

(written on 4/17/10)

Today was the best day I have had in a really long time. I really needed to feel this connected to something, and it has done me wonders. Let me tell you.

Last night, one of my New Zealand friends and her family came to the US. I studied abroad in New Zealand Fall of 2008, and I met the native people, Maoris, and I fell in love with their culture. I am now considered a member of their family, or whanau (fan-owww), if I were to return. The thing in the NZ culture, is they really mean it when you are a part of the family. So event though my friend in about 20 years older than me, she wanted me to be with her and her family when they came to LA.

It was the first time 2 of the 6 that came ever stepped foot into America. They ranged in age from the Auntie around 63 years old to another age 25. The auntie told me the biggest thing she wanted to do was visit Disneyland, because it has been something she has dreamed about for almost 50 years, but was never able to get overseas. I spent the night with them on Friday night, and we left for Disneyland Resort (DLR) this morning. I did forget that Marois have no real sense of time, so we left 4 hours after I woke up, but we made it!

I new that I had to give them a day they could remember. The only hard part was, I have only been to DLR once before, so I was actually not familiar with it, but my Tour Guide self kicked in. I was able to get 3 of the 5 in for free with my Maingate pass, which started the day off well. Trusting my basic instincts I figured my way around the park, and I took them onto the Jungle Cruise first. That was a great starter!

You should have seen their faces. It was like age was transformed, and they were on another planet. I of course, forget this feeling, it was just another ride for me near the "backside of water."

I wanted to make sure they hit up all of the classic rides that they heard of their entire life. In short, we rode Jungle Cruise, Pirates, Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain, the Tea Cups, Cinderella's Carousel, and a few others. I had to remind myself often that this was their day, not mine. I could come back again and ride what i want to ride. It got a little frustrating, but like I said, this was their day, not mine.

They were in such heaven. The aunt constantly told me how much it means just to be here for her, and that she loves seeing the kids, the families and the colors. She really emphasized just how much this was the "Happiest Place on Earth." When I hear that, I have to realize just how much of an out-of-body experience this may be for them. It is something I obviously will never gain again, but it was good to see.

Later in the evening, we decided to do Splash Mountain. We waited an hour! I NEVER wait an hour for anything anymore. I have been so spoiled, but I had no way to skip the line. We finally passed the line and got in our logs. I made sure i was in the middle so I would not get splashed as badly. This ride has never been my favorite, and little did I know how much I would be reminded of that.

We made it through the first small drop, but I forgot just how much this family weighed. Maoris are big people, and I was one of 6! We got soaked from the first drop! I knew I was in trouble when my shoes were soaked through after the first drop. Finally the massive drop, we dropped, took the picture, screamed and KAABOOOM! The water was a freaking tidal wave! I have NEVER gotten that wet on this ride before, and unfortunately, the sun was dropping, so I knew I would never dry. I was screaming because I was so mad!!

We got off, and we all were soaked; I might have well jumped into a pool while I was at it, it would not have made a difference. They were so happy, and that was all that mattered to them.

We had dinner at the DLR version of Casey's Corner. The NZers wanted to try an American hot dog more than anything. Sure enough, they loved them and had a few more plus a few pretzels. It was good to see them enjoying my culture for once.

About an hour before the fireworks, I told the auntie there was one last ride she MUST go on. She was very relectant because it was on the other side of the park, but I insisted. We walked about 20 minutes just to get there. I took her to "It's a Small World" specifically at night, because it is the only ride I prefer over WDW's version. The wonderful lighting, sparkling decor, and theming, is perfect. I told her this was her ride.

We went through the 10 minute attraction, and the others were silent. They were in such awe, they just had nothing to say. When they came across the NZ doll, it meant the world to them. They started speaking in their language to it and took many pictures. Finally, at the end of the ride, there was a giant "postcard" that stated, "There is a bright future for tomorrow." Now normally, I would not think anything of it, but the auntie repeated that phrase until she got off the boat.

When she hopped off, she started crying. First silent tears, but then everyone started to notice and she couldn't keep it in. I did not know because I was walking a few steps ahead trying to rush to the fireworks. She called me, and stopped me. I noticed she was crying and I attended to her.

"Are you okay, auntie?" I asked. There were no words. She was so choked up, she could not talk. She just put her hand on her heart for a second, then moved her hand against my heart and held it there for a few seconds. I new what she was trying to say. She was so grateful for this experience, there were no words.

She later was able to talk, and she held my hand for the entire walk back to the fireworks. She would say just how happy she was, how her whole family came, how I made it happen, and how at peace she felt dispite the hardships at home. "What a magical day, just perfect." That will stick with me for a long time.

The fireworks were great after that. So was the souvenir shopping, and so was the waiting for the tram back to the car. The rest of the night didn't matter. It was that moment after Small World when I realized this is why I love working for the company I am a part of.

What other company in the world has the opportunity to reach out and affect so many in a massive way? Despite my hardships this week, emotions, and frustrations, I was reminded this tonight just how much bigger this whole experience is than myself. I am a part of something grater than myself, and it knows no international boundaries. I take my life for granted and how I can work at a theme park known as Disneyland or World. I forget what it is like to see it as a guest.

I just needed this reminder tonight about why I love Disney, and how important it is to others. What more can you ask for from a job? I may just be one piece of the puzzle, but I needed to be reminded of my potential impact on others.

It made me realize again, yes, I want to stay here. I want to work for Disney, family entertainment. By working in the office, you do not see the guest's reaction to the products. This is the main reason why. I feel like I made a small difference, I fulfilled some potential in making a connection.

Call me brainwashed, call me delusional, but you cannot deny the fact that this is important to me, and I am passionate about where I work. How else can you define happiness? I needed this moment to remind me of just how I am a part of something larger than myself, and I cannot be upset with one little bump in the road. What did Last Lecture Professor Randy Pausch say?

"The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough." Randy Pausch, Last Lecture.

I see my current job dilemma as an obstacle. It is a brick wall for keeping those who do not want it badly enough out. I will penetrate these Studio's walls somehow. I just need a little faith, trust and Pixie Dust. After tonight, there is no other way to express how I felt than "flying high."

To my whanau, "Kia Ora. Haere rā whanau! Kei te mokemoke au ki a koe."

So Close, Yet So Far.... Networking Galore

(written from 4/14-4/16)

I have started the process of being mentally ready for my last day at work. The week has been rather fine, but it still upsets me knowing that I am leaving. I love my desk and the people on the floor and it doesn't seem real quite yet. I must say, that despite my future impending doom on Monday, I am still remaining dedicated to my work. I am still treating this as my job and I remain focused with the task at hand.

Speaking of task at hand, my last gloomy entry (sorry about my depression), I wrote about networking. This has become my sole goal in life right now. I am still here at the studios, and it is here I want to be. I am going to take the time I have left and work it to meet as many people as possible. I am not afraid to meet others and ask them about themselves, in fact, it is a great strength of mine. I know how to work contacts, the only problem is getting them.

Due to the short nature of my time left, I am trying to meet with as many people in production as possible. More specifically, my new goal in life is to get onto the production of Pirates 4. For those of you that don't know me, I am an obsessive Pirates fan. This movie franchise is one of my main inspirations as to why I chose to be in this industry. It upholds everything I believe in family entertainment: a great story, great characters, remerable moments that transcends all ages, great production value, and positive messages that reach out to everyone (such as a strong female protagonist, go after what you want and don't look back, live life on your own merit, etc...)

For the last few days and the next coming up, I have lunches with someone every single day in the production department. That is the only lead I have at the moment. It is not much, but it is something. I contacted a few others involved, reaching out to as many as I can, but nothing is grabbing.

Looking back at this, I feel like I am getting some momentum going. I feel like I am getting myself exposure to the execs that I need too. I feel SO CLOSE, yet so far from where I want to be. They start pre-production in one week, and start filming in June. I see the set decoration fabric on the walls of the floor the production is on. It gives me the chills seeing the sign above the fabric "Barbosa's lair"! Then as I walk further down the hallway, I see the actual location pictures hanging around! I must tell you, it is so hard not to squeal like a little girl when I see these! The locations are amazing. Huge trees with hug roots, gritty beaches. This will be a different feel than the former stories. I am so excited!!

Just seeing this makes me cringe even more, because I am sooooo close. I can almost taste it! I am walking with them, and seeing the people... but it is not enough to get hired. AHHH! I am on the floor I need to be visiting, talking to the people I need to talk too, but nothing is biting. If I had been involved from months before, maybe I could have had a place. I am not giving up though. I am going into this with all the energy and determination I can get. I just personally do not know the people who can pull strings for me. I pray to God that something will give.

Overall, I am so close, yet so far. It is almost torture. I need to just keep going. Push what I can... who knows where it will take me.

This week has been networking galore. I am proud of myself, but I won't slow down until something breaks. This is when I can say life is exciting, but also nerve-racking. I have extreme highs of emotion to real lows. It is funny how I am back to square one of not having a lead, but I keep challenging myself to stay busy. I am making headway though, I feel it. That is promising. Like Walt Disney says, "just keep moving forward."

(thought you disney fans would like that one.)

Little Satisfaction

Written for Week of 3/29-4/2...


One of the greatest things happened to me this week. It was so small, and insignificant to others, but it is huge for me.

I have worked really hard to get to the studios. I have worked and networked just trying to get here. I did it through two different paths. The first one was with an internship at an advertising company in Boston, and they other was working at Walt Disney World. This week, these two paths came full circle for me. Let me explain.

First, as most of you know, I have been working at WDW for a long time. I worked mostly on the Backlot Tour at Disney's Hollywood Studios. If you are unfamiliar with it, the attraction is half water show and half train ride. I was a tour guide on both parts. If you have ever walked the backlot tour, it is obvious you have come across the movie posters, trailers, costumes and tram cards that promote our films throughout the attraction. I have always wondered where they all came from.

Well, I was assigned to working on the budget for my department, which covers some aspects of WDW, including where I used to work! I could not believe I was on the other side! Complete full circle. I was so satisfied, and excited. I explained that to my bosses, but they don't get it. I am so excited by this news, I wanted to know exactly what each item correlated too on the attracted. I now understand what I have been staring at for the last 3.5 years. Yes! Full circle!

That was a great moment, but this second moment of little satisfaction is even more sweet. My junior year at BU, I was interning with this advertising company in Boston. Although I was working for them, I was actually hired by Disney. Let's just say... I hated the experience. I hated everything about it. I was treated poorly, yet I worked so hard, I never got good reviews from my bitter bosses. Sometimes I wondered why didn't they just fire me if I was this awful?

I was only supposed to work for the Fall semester, but they did not fill the internship for the spring and asked me to stay on. I told them the only way I will stay is if they promise to get me in contact with the executives over at the Disney Studios, since that is where I wanted to end up. They agreed.

Just like the fall, the spring was not pleasant, in fact, it was worse. I dreaded going there, and I couldn't wait for the semester to end. Finally, May 1st came, and my moment of truth. I approached my boss to talk about my year, and asked her for my contact at the studios. Let's just say it did not go over well. She ripped my heart out saying "You were the worst employee we have ever had. You never did what we asked, you never accomplished what we needed. Why on Earth would we recommend you to the studios? I can, if you want, but I would never recommend you." I was crushed. I left with my head held high, and all I have ever wanted to do was prove them wrong.

Well, this week, I got my satisfaction. I was receiving packages from this advertising company all throughout the country just returning DVD/film to me. They all had my name on the packages.

Nothing special, but still neat to see my name. Well, I had about 5 packages come in at once, and I tore them open, threw them out, and moved to the next one, but one caught my eye. I looked at the package and it was from the company I used to work for. Not only that, but this package was from Boston, in my old boss' handwriting!! I couldn't believe it! What a gorgeous sight! I have no idea if she ever connected the dots as to who she was writing, but I felt so happy. it wasn't the package that satisfied, it was the meaning behind it.

I made it without her help. I still got here despite her put down. I proved her wrong against the odds. Tell me, what could feel more sweet? I saved the package and it is hanging in my cubicle. I will treasure that forever! Satisfaction guaranteed!

Finally, the last two things that happened this week for total satisfaction were: I got my first pay check from the studios, and my work email! I am now a studios cast member! With the email, I have waited years for that. All of my friends have moved on and gotten one. To some it is just an email adderss, but to me it is a symbol of initiation! And I am in! It is official, I am in, even if just for a short while. I am in.

That is the most satysifying of all.

Small steps... slowly but surely. Small steps, one at a time.

- car (check)
- work (check)
- apt (check)
- work email (check)
- work paycheck (check)
- move in with work Roommate ... up next

It feels good to be making money, working where I have always wanted to work. Life feels great at the moment, I am cherishing this high, just hope it lasts!

I love my job :)