So Long Subway...

~*April 26th*~

I remember posting 3 years ago when I got my first job at Subway. I was quite excited. Since I had never had a job before, I was looking forward to "joining the workforce." I can definitely say that I learned a lot, good and bad, and I am appreciative of my time there, but I also know for sure that I will never work there again... 

I began my time at Subway under a wonderful manager named Kati. She ran the store properly and all of us employees worked well together. She was great with students and working around our class schedule, and was easy to give permission for holiday leave. I was always confident when I left for the summer or the winter holidays and I knew that I would have my job upon my return. 

About 2years after joining her crew, Kati left and we got a new manager. Justin, who had worked alongside us for years, was absolutely not a good manager. He was hardly ever at work, the store turned into a mess, he never did inventory, and he just did not care about getting the employees to work together. The only good thing about having such an awful manager was the fact that he actually allowed us to take food... Oftentimes, the employees would come in randomly and make themselves a sandwich, grab some cookies, a drink, and whatever else. It was nice not having to pay for food... But at the same time, he kept us understaffed. All last Fall I was stuck closing alone, for hours, and was usually not out of the store until 2-3AM. We also looked into the computer and it seemed that he was changing our hours so that we were getting paid less- as soon as I found that I out, I was preparing myself to quit... for weeks and weeks I was wanting to put in my 2weeks, but I needed a job... I was definitely looking for another job, and was just waiting to hear back, but I never did...

Back in February, I believe, Justin got a new job (thank goodness). He was leaving and we were getting a new manager: Kati's younger sister, Heather. She seemed cool, and was ready to take charge and bring the store back to what it was. For the next few months, Heather was getting on us closers making sure that everything was done properly; however, she didn't seem to want to help us out either. We would tell her what we needed, a second closer, but she never obliged. I was forced to close alone for months, taking care of rush-hours by myself, being left hanging by co-workers, but she never seemed to care much. I don't know if it was because she was young and inexperienced (she's only 19), but after several closings that lasted till 4AM, I was on the hunt for a new job again. But Heather got there 1st..! Before I got the chance to put in my 2-weeks, I got a call from Heather (the day after another late close) with a message stating that "my services were no longer required." On one hand, I was ecstatic at the fact that I no longer worked for Subway, but on the other hand, I was worried about my finances. Subway was the only place I was receiving money. 

Luckily, due to the fact that I was "fired" without notice, and without any means, I had never gotten a complaint or anything, I had all the legal rights of getting unemployment. My mom helped me figure things out, and it's only because of the money I'm receiving from them, that I have a place to stay. I'm still having to donate at BioLife twice a week, and am looking for a job for the rest of the summer, but it looks like I'll be alright. I have no worries. Thanks to my wonderful mother, and my philosophy to never worry about what I can't control, I know that everything will work out. I'll be at Disney in August, living my dream, I just have to pull through till then. 

I enjoyed my job OVERALL, but that could also just stem from the fact that it was my FIRST job ever. It may have just been a dumb minimum wage job, but I actually learned a lot in these 3years and I made a ton of friends! Here's to never working there again and to moving onto the future!! 

PS. Although I believe Subway is far too overpriced, I don't think I'll ever get sick of the food..! 

Samurai 7 #tbt...

~* July 18th- 20th *~

I feel that this year was one of the most chill and relaxing cons I have ever attended. I was bouncing from panel to panel and was fortunate enough to meet so many fantastic people, but I never felt rushed or frazzled. And during any downtime, I would just slip off to the hotel room and watch tv or take a nap. It was so nice to just spend time with great friends and enjoy the event.

As always, my favorite panels were the VA panels- no matter what we talk about, I just love listening to their stories. It's always inspirational. It's these people that remind me every year how much I want to fight for my dreams of becoming an actress! (^-^) 

As usual, I had by Alice costume as well as my Pooh Bear Kigurumi! It's my goal to have a real cosplay for next year!! I will! (*o*)

As a sort of, Veteran Con-Goer, I've stopped taking a million pictures of everything & everyone. However, when I see something amazing, like a beautiful Malon Cosplayer, I couldn't resist the urge to talk to her! I loved the detail that went into her cosplay- she even had real milk! 

And then I met an awesome Sandy Claws who even went out of their way to wear stilts for their cosplay!

And lastly, this gem of a cosplay! The detail that goes into cosplay is fantastic!! This person's Majora's Mask was absolutely beautiful! 

But the best part about attending conventions, especially for a collector like myself, is being able to find things like this!! X/1999 (also known as X) is a 90s series by my favorite Mangakas, CLAMP. Although it's common knowledge to never buy products on the 1st day, when I found this at the FUNimation booth, and only 2minutes walking around, I had to have it!!! It was only $15, and you can't find this really anywhere, normally!! What a fantastic find!

I'm so fortunate to have such wonderful friends, like the Harkiewiczes, who share my love for the wonderful world of Anime. It's sad that since graduating high school we never see each other, but at least we have San Japan every year! I can't wait to see them at the next con! 

DCP Bucket List...

It's slowly getting closer and closer to August, so naturally I'm all over the place preparing for the big move! While looking on the Disney College Program's Blog, I found a post that included a lot of really good ideas for things to do while at the program! Most of them I already planned on doing (like eating the Kitchen Sink), but just seeing this gets me even more excited for the program to begin!! Ah! It needs to be August already!!

"1. Are you up for a challenge? Try the four park challenge in 24 hours. Visit each park and go on at least one attraction in each land.

2. Spend an entire day, open to close, at each of the parks. This will give you the opportunity to go on each ride, see every show and taste a variety of menu offerings.

3. Have at least one character dining experience.

4. Visit a moderate or deluxe Disney resort for marshmallow-roasting and a movie under the stars.

5. Go to the Magic Kingdom Park for the opening Welcome Show.

6. Watch the Wishes fireworks from inside the Magic Kingdom Park, either from one of the rides or while standing in front of the castle.

7. Go hunting for hidden Mickeys – they’re everywhere!

8. Go to the Beaches & Cream Soda Shop at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort and try the “Kitchen Sink Challenge”.

9. Join at least one Disney VoluntEARS event. Bi-weekly trips to the Give Kids the World Village are a great way to get involved. You can sign up through the Disney Service Center.

10. Sign up for Magic Backstage events; a cast member-exclusive.

11. Sign up for at least one class or seminar offered to Disney Internships and Programs participants. World of Culture is one of the seminars that you can sign up for through the Disney Service Center.

12. Head over to Mickey’s Retreat, Walt Disney World’s private cast member recreation area, for some fun in the sun.

13. Eat around the world at Epcot, and if you’re 21 years old (or older) you can responsibly try drinks around the world too.

14. Go on a Disney cruise. You’ll get to see Mickey and his friends in their cruise attire, plus take advantage of discounted cast member rates.

15. Meet all the characters, or at least your favorites.

16. Participate in at least one Disney marathon or half-marathon.

17. Attend as many Housing events as possible.

18. Go see the Festival of the Lion King at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

19. Get selected to be the Rebel Spy on Star Tours, located at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

20. Try every soft drink at Club Cool in Epcot.

21. Of course, get your picture taken with both Mickey and Minnie Mouse together.

22. Eat a turkey leg. My personal favorite snack!

23. Eat a dole whip. (Almost everyone else’s favorite snack!)

24. Go to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge at night and you’ll get to see some amazing animals with high-tech night-vision goggles.

25. On rainy days, explore the Resort Hotels. Each Resort has its own unique theme; this includes a variety of decorations and dining experiences.

26. See all of the parades and shows at each Disney Theme Park.

27. Learn about the people behind the names on the windows of Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom Park.

28. Set up at least one meet-and-greet if you’re looking to further your career with The Walt Disney Company.

29. Make sure to take lots of pictures! You’ll never forget the time you spent here on the program, but looking back at the pictures you took will always keep those magical memories fresh.

30. Most importantly, have fun! This program will be one of the best times of your life; I know it was for me!"

Here's the link to this post- they're always posting new things for everyone and really useful tips for those participating in the program, so take a look! 

https://disneyprogramsblog.com/get-started-on-your-disney-college-program-bucket-list-today/

Shine Bright, Kaleido Star...

~*Friday, April 17th*~

As I've mentioned, this past Spring semester I took a Movement II class & it was absolutely amazing! I had been wanting to take this class since my first year at UNT and it was so worth the wait! We got to learn and do so many things that I never had done before- I'm going to miss it so much! 

The circus day was really what I was looking forward to all semester! As many people know, I absolutely love Acrobatics, Circus Skills, Stunts, and everything in-bewteen. I couldn't wait to get to work on the silks!! (*w*)

1st Attempt at Inverting

This wonderful place is known as The Lone Star Circus (http://www.lonestarcircus.com), located here in the DFW area. The space is shared with a Gymnastics studio and they each have classes for children and adults. If ever given the opportunity, everyone should visit!

Starlet Mattie 

We began the day with a Trampoline Warm-Up. With very little trampoline experience under my belt, after the few minutes we spent in various trampoline circuits, I was already exhausted..! After the trampoline we were allowed to play in the foam pit! It was a lot of fun, but once you went in, it was quite the struggle to swim out! I have videos from both the trampoline and the foam-pit, and when I get the chance, I would love to share them!

Strike a Pose!

Finally we began work on the silks. We were each separated to our own silks and then taught the basics of wrapping our hands, where to hold our arms, and being able to support ourselves. We worked on Inversions, various Poses, and how to Climb. 

A Whole New World

Being inverted was surprisingly very comfortable and quite relaxing- easily my favorite. The different poses were fun to work and beautiful to watch; however, climbing was so not... I just could not do it! (>_<) With no abdominal or upper arm strength, I got no where, haha. But it was awesome to see some of the others reach the top! 

Flawless David 

After we had learned all that was necessary, our instructor let us go free! As long as we stayed on the circus half of the space, we could play with anything. Besides silks, there were trapeze, an aerial hoop and a  couple of tightropes. Of course, since this was a place for beginners to learn, everything was close to the ground for safety purposes, but it was still so much fun!!

Angelic Sahara

Needless to say, I was extremely sore throughout the next week! The pain was so worth it, though. Before the end of the year we visited one more time (post soon to come), and although I was still unable to climb very far, I had a blast! My new summer goal: make it to the top of the silk!! I absolutely can not wait till I can go back to play! (^-^)

I'm a Kaleido Star

I've always been in love with circus skills since I first watched Kaleido Star so many years ago. I've always dreamed of getting to do the things Sora did and to play on the trapeze and everything else, and finally I have! Just goes to show: if you work hard and never give up, Dreams Do Come True! <3

Pixie Babble...

Been busy, yet, not really... I'm working on classes this summer in order to finish off my degree, thankfully all but 1of them is online! I've also been on the hunt for work, plus I've been lazying around watching Criminal Minds and other things- you know, summer stuff..!

I figured I'd make a quick post since I haven't in a while. I have plenty to post about: Movement II Field Trips, My 2nd Niece being born, Graduation, etc... So, be sure to look out for those!
Before I leave, though, I wanted to give out the link to Kassie's Blog:

pixiebabble.wordpress.com

I spent a good couple hours trying to create the perfect Disney Title for her until I finally came up with Pixie Babble! It came from the idea of her love of Tinkerbell and the Disney Fairies films as well as her love of Monster High. Ok, I know, how is this even remotely related to Monster High? Well, easy: Kassie mentioned wanting to title her blog something like, "The Ghostly Gossip," and from there I just looked up synonyms of "gossip" and found "babble," and by randomly putting words together in my head I came up with Pixie Babble! And, personally, I think Pixie Babble sounds absolutely adorable, so I'm glad she picked it!
Another thing I helped her with was the, I guess, slogan of her blog: "Faith, Trust, and Frying Pans!" I still laugh every time I say it..! Obviously, this combines her two favorite Disney things- Tangled and Pixie Hollow, so that one was easy.
So, if you want another blog to add to your list, visit Pixie Babble! She's been posting regularly these past couple weeks, plus she did the Disney Challenge I gave her! We'll both be covering our experience at the Disney College Program this Fall, and I can't wait!! Stay Tuned!