Travel Day! *|Vlogmas|*

Because I was very limited to what I could do on these days, I wound up combing Days 2 & 3 of Vlogmas for this video.
On the 1st Day I worked all day @ Universal Studios before heading home to finish packing. And on the next I was traveling. With a brief stop in South Carolina (an airport I've yet to visit), I eventually landed back home in San Antonio, Texas!! Home Sweet Home! Although I didn't manage to get any photos or videos, I had a blast decorating the Christmas Tree with my family that night. It warms my heart knowing that they waited two weeks just for me to arrive! (T^T)

Another Kind of Magic...

Today I had my first day of Orientation for Universal Orlando!

It’s definitely strange having to wake up early and actually being around people for 8+ hours out of my day, haha, but I guess I’ll just have to readjust to it…! #IntrovertProblems (-u-)
Of course, since it was only the first day, we had to cover all of the basics. We did the usual new hire paperwork, payroll, benefits, taxes & all that good stuff. And don’t forget about learning about Safety! Surprisingly, this whole section, though, was a lot of fun! Rather than sitting in front of a computer reading about hazardous chemicals, or playing games about safety awareness, Universal took it to a whole new level. They mashed up a bunch of clips from their movies like The Mummy or The Nutty Professor, and re-dubbed the characters to say all this random safety information. What made it great, though, was the fact that Universal was able to make fun of themselves. They know that learning Safety Critical information is boring, so why not make it fun and entertaining?? And so, with the help of the Mighty Safety Man! we covered a whole 45minutes “Safety Begins With You” lecture without ever being bored.
The best part of today was definitely getting to walk back-stage. We only took a trip to the Backlot Bistro for lunch, but I couldn’t help but stare with amazement at all the witches and wizards passing me by! And did I mention we got to walk under the Hogwarts Express??? I was having so many Fangirl Moments- it was great! It’s too bad we’re not allowed any photos, I wish people could see all of the amazing things I get to witness on a daily basis..!
Another big part of today, I thought, was differentiating between the cultures of being a Disney Cast Member and a Universal Studios Team Member. Now, if I didn’t love both companies and theme parks EQUALLY I wouldn’t be working there. I even said it during my interview- I have to be in a work environment that I enjoy..! And I really do! Yes, you’re working for the busiest theme parks in the world & you have to deal with crazy/ incompetent/ rude guests quite often &&& the weather can be grueling in Florida &&&&&& sometimes the pay and/ or hours just plain suck- but so what??? Personally, the Magical Moments are what make it all worth it. Whether it’s having a wonderful experience with a guest or getting to learn about the wonderful things happening back-stage and within the company before anyone else- I absolutely have loved “working for the mouse,” and I’m certain I’m going to love working for Universal as well..!
As for learning to differentiate between the two- I’m sure more will come to light once I actually start working for Universal, but here’s some of what I’ve noticed.

Favorite Things About Working for Disney:
Free entry into all 4Major Theme Parks plus 3Water Parks as well as Guest Resorts.
FREE PARKING
Great Cast Member Discounts on Merch as well as Full Service Restaurants.
9/10 You get to interact with some of the coolest/ nicest Cast Members in the World.
Most of the Managers I know are very helpful and great to their Cast Members.
Parties in the Tunnel!
And Disney gives us Free Food a lot, haha! At least for Fantasyland Attractions!
Peer Recognition! (It’s great when you get it, but really sad when you KNOW you’re a fanfuckingtastic worker, but no one actually recognizes you…!)
That warm fuzzy feeling when you get to make a family vacation even more magical
Being with my people!! WE ALL LOVE DISNEY & RANDOMLY BREAK OUT INTO SONG & DANCE!
It’s Disney!! ‘Nuf Said!!!
What I Greatly Dislike About Working for Disney:
Block-Out Dates for Cast Members!! (>_<)
Having to pay extra for the Hard Ticketed Events..!
The company is so large there’s often miscommunication between departments.
Sometimes I feel that Disney can be a bit too-faced (sorry! I still love you!)
Favorite Things About Working for Universal (so far):
Free Entry into both Universal Orlando and Island of Adventures as well as Sea World Orlando and Busch Gardens pluuuus discounted tickets at Wet ’n Wild.
NO BLOCK OUT DATES FOR UNIVERSAL!!
FREE ENTRY FOR HARD TICKETED EVENTS!
FREE PARKING @ Universal
Greeeeaaat Team Member Discounts on Merch as well as Full Service Restaurants &&& QUICK SERVICE! (FUCK YA!)
9/10 You get to interact with some of the coolest/ nicest Team Members in the World.
So far the Management Team seem great and very helpful/ reliable to their new members!
They hold an Annual Team Member Survey just to hear what we have to say
There’s a Party Trolley?? That’s cool!
They even celebrate Mardi Gras! Awesome!
They gave me a free lunch today, so that counts! Haha..!
On top of getting recognized by your fellow Team Members at your specific location, you get to gloat about your success with a photo in the UO Newsletter &&& a personalized parking spot (if you get recognized for the month)!
PLUS, all of your recognition can actually be redeemed for real money! Now that’s what I’m talking about!
We’re all Nerds Here! While Disney has it’s fair share of Magic, I love to let my inner nerd out! Bring on the MARVEL Universe & the Harry Potter Wonderment!!!
Dislikes of Working for Universal:
Weeeell, I can’t exactly put anything here yet since I’ve only been to 1day of orientation, but I’m sure it’s going to be similar… Dumb Guest Interactions, dealing with Florida weather… Who knows..??

It may actually be because I actually worked at Disney for 6months and I am so ready to take on a new challenge, but I still love it! I wouldn’t be going back if I didn’t! That’s another thing! I hate that people complain about Disney so much! If you hate it so much, then fucking leave! I don’t wanna hear your nonsense! When you work for a theme park, especially for a place like Universal or Disney, you HAVE to be happy! Be grateful that you fucking have a job & more importantly, show that you LOVE your job! You may be having a crappy day, whether because of something personal or something work related, but that has nothing to do with the Guests. I hate when I’m working with someone who has nothing good to say about their job. Do you not realize how many thousands of people would kill for an opportunity like this??? I know I greatly appreciate my job- both of them! And I’m so glad that I’m getting to live out my dreams.
Mom keeps telling me how proud she is of me, which is the mom thing to do, of course. But what she added to that really warmed my heart. “Most people work all their lives wishing to find their dream job. And you did it right out of college.” I never thought about it until she told me, but it’s so true. I know so many people, my mother included, who are only finding their dream job in the later years of their life. So many people who say they have regrets for not pursuing their dreams… And maybe that’s why I’m so adamant about chasing my own. I know I must sound like a silly little girl, but I truly believe in chasing your dreams and following your heart. (Obviously, that’s the Disney Kid in me!) But then again, if I didn’t think like that not only would I not be a Theatre Major, or an Actress pursuing an almost impossible dream, but I wouldn’t be where I am right now.
I had dreamed of someday visiting Japan ever since I was in the 5th grade- summer 2012, I made that dream come true. The Disney College Program became a dream of mine way back during my Junior Year of High School- 5years later, I made it happen. Auditioning for FUNimation, working with renowned Anime Voice Actors- all dreams and goals I made for myself years and years ago and somehow, it all came true. Even getting to work for Universal! Although I never actually said I wanted to, I’ve wished to be a wizard since forever, and now I’ll be helping make the Wizarding World of Harry Potter come to life! There’s just so much I want to do with my life, so many goals and so many dreams… I am so grateful that at such a young age I’m already getting to see the fruit of my labors and I am more than happy to be, as my family has often told me, a “role model” for my younger brothers and cousins. 2015 was such a Magical Year and 2016 looks like it’s going to be quite an Adventure..!

Happy Chinese New Year! 

Here’s to my year- The Year of the Fire Monkey!

And although I know most people don’t believe in the pseudoscience of Astrology or the sacred power of the Chinese New Year, but when it’s so accurate to my current life situation so much of the time, how can I not believe?? And so, I leave you with a little Monkey Wisdom:
“With the right blend of optimism, playfulness, dedication, and passion, you can experience amazing achievements in every area of life.” 

Wally-World...

~*July 2nd- July 26th*~

After hunting down a job for weeks and weeks, I was finally hired into the Walmart family! Ok, ok, I know, everyone has a lot of bad things to say about the company, self included, but I actually liked it a lot. Not to mention, it was frustrating knowing that I had worked for Subway for 3years with crappy pay, hours, and management; meanwhile, Walmart was paying me well enough for my work, had better and more convenient hours, and all my managers and co-workers were great. All-in-all, I was very grateful to have gotten the job, plus it was super easy. I worked Maintenance, so all I had to do was clean! Sure, sometimes it was frustrating sometimes having to pick up after customers, but I knew that in the end, I just had to bare with it for a month. Come the end of July, I would be heading out to Disney! Here's to giving things a chance! (^-^)

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..! 

1st World Problems

  Although it's awful to think of how true that hashtag is, it's also hilariously sad, and literally my life these past few months.... (-.\)
  I had originally planned (as always) to keep up with my blogging once summer was over. I even had specific topics ready for me to post about; however, it just so happened that my life become chock-full of "1st World Problems."
  A lot of the problems, even though they seem ridiculously childish on the surface, turned out to just create stress all over my life. The first problem that arose: Financial Aid. Yes, my mother completed everything only 2weeks before school starting, BUT I should have it by now! So why don't I?? Because the government, and whoever runs the Federal Financial Aid Department, decided that they just had to select me out of the thousands of students at my school to go through an extra "verification process!" Apparently, it's a process that 1/3 students are selected for, and I just happened to be the lucky winner! So, basically, I get to wait double the amount of time to recieve absolutely any financial aid from my school. But, don't worry, American Government, I totally don't mind having Zero Dollars to my name every single day, living paycheck to paycheck, asking family members to borrow thousands of dollars to pay off school, begging my apartment complex for extensions, or even having to donate plasma twice a-week just so I can buy toilet paper and cat food. Nope. Absolutely no problem... I'm just fortunate enough to work at Subway- at least I know what I'll be having for breakfast, lunch, and dinner everyday! #1stWorldProblems
  The next biggest issue that came to be since school started was my apartment having NO INTERNET. You never realize how much you love something till it's gone, and that is definitely what happened after I moved into my apartment! Inorder to get internet, we had to purchase an ethernet cable and connect directly to the wall (which is really dumb given technology these days, honestly!) and, obviously, I didn't have the money to do so! After my 1st paycheck- I got one! Too bad my poor Macbook, being as old as it is, absolutely refused to connect! I was so depressed! The only times I could use the internet was when I was either at work or on-campus and once I was on, I was glued to my phone. It's sad, but I'm actually not super surprised with how badly addicted I am to the internet. Actually, it's more that I'm addicted to Social Media and NETFLIX, to be honest. And so, this problem was not remedied until I had been moved in for a month and a half when I found a Wi-Fi Reciever for cheap! Apparently, my computer only likes to connect to Wi-Fi Internet, so now I can be connected to the world!! Ok, it sounds ridiculous, but it wasn't just that I couldn't Tweet for a little over a month, because I had no internet, I also couldn't do my homework or check my emails! In today's society, where schools and teachers are all about technology and online communications, a student must be able to have internet access at all times! It's sad, but true! During this time when I had no connection to the internet world, I would stay after at work till 3-4AM just doing internet, and STILL have to get up for classes in the morning... It really sucked... #1stWorldProblems
  Now add all that up along with work almost everyday &&& 19credit hours at school- you can see why I've been a bit out of touch and extremely stressed out! Since returning to Denton, life has been extremely difficult, which really sucks since it's my Senior Year... But thankfully, things are slowly starting to get better. Since these are all 1st World Problems, I know that I can get through this, and that's what keeps me going. As long as I keep smiling and doing my best, all the pieces will fall into place... eventually! (^-^) #JustKeepSwimming