Goodness Gracious it's been a while since I've posted and I do apologize for that.  Let's see where to begin....
How about September 14th.
WHAT A DAY!
I flew home and surprised SOO many people!  Dad had tears in his eyes, Mrs. Elligers was ... well... lets just say she was shocked all right... church had NO idea I was coming home... and it was just amazing!!!

I loved every minute of being home!  In fact, I didn't really even miss Disney.  Don't get me wrong, I missed my friends... but certainly not Disney itself.  Disney is fun, but the 'magic' gets old pretty quick.
I painted with Mrs. Elligers, went out to dinner with Maureen, Helga, and the family.. Saw MELISSA, who I've been pretty much missing like crazy cuz I need her crazy ass keeping me in line.

Then... it was time to come back... and well that just sucked. But I've had a great week since then... got to work convention and get paid overtime .... hung out with my roommates and have surprisingly had NO DRAMA this week... we'll see how long this keeps up...

I cleaned our room... so lindsey wouldn't have a fit...
our apartment inspection is on Thursday, so tomorrow I'll be cleaning like CRAZY while the others are at work... we wnat that white glove award!!! You can pass, or you can pass with flying colors! WHITE GLOVE AWARD HERE WE COME!!!

so yea. thats about it!
oh. I miss home.

So I've come to a big conclusion....

Life is full of unexpected things, and you're not going to like everything it has to throw at you...

However, I've learned a few things with living on my own for a month...

1.  There is a world outside of Windsor and Enfield, CT.
2.  My parents have set me up with a great foundation- even though I hated paying my own car    
     insurance, I guess thats what taught me how to budget my money... haven't gone broke yet being on          
     my own...
3.  Friends come and go, but the best friends are the ones who call you everyday telling you their                  
     problems and how much they miss you.
4.  This world is expensive to live in, and I should be grateful for everything my parents and family have        
     been able to provide for me.
5.  I love my family more now, and have a greater appreciation for them, being so far away from them.
6.  People aren't always what they seem... so even though the saying "don't judge a book by it's cover" is
     usually used in the sense of people being "negative" on the outside... we should really consider the
     it both ways.

Just my thoughts....

I don't even know...

Well, the first cat fight has occurred... sad to say.  It didn't have to be like that.  Maggie and I do not get along, well actually, no one gets along with her really... I just happen to be the only one who has put in a sincere effort in getting along with her.  I have gone out with her 2-3 times and each time just find myself becoming annoyed with her.  All it becomes, is constant complaining... and feel sorry for me garbage.  Well she lashed out at me last night with rude comments and started to talk about me behind my back.  When I confronted her this morning, she at first, would not speak to me. When she finally agreed to sit down and have a civil conversation, I was the only one sitting, and the only one civil.  All I got was a bunch of eye rolling, and ugh's, and negative comments, blaming everything on me.  So whatever, I had a bad day today about it feeling sorry for her and myself, but have come to the realization that I can control this situation by how I let it effect me. I'm not going to let this effect me anymore.  I'm going to be positive cheery, and upbeat like always. I plan to ignore her rude comments and looks and go about my day like a Minnie Mouse should =)

Missing home... which is probably a huge part of why I let this affect me so much today. Hopefully that will be resolved sooner rather than later with people coming to visit me.

no title.

Wooo!!! I'm getting 8 hours of overtime this week!!! yippee!!  Decided to be nice and cover a shift for a friend of mine at work =)  So I had the morning off today and my LOVELY roommate was SUPER quiet so I got to sleep in.  Those are the best mornings! Working this afternoon 4-930.

Struggles have begun in apartment 4107... One of the girls' alcohol was stolen.  Many of us have spoken about it and feel as though we know who it is, but we don't want to cause drama.... so... we let it go.  It's frustrating though because now it makes me feel like I can't trust all of my roommates... which is a terrible feeling to have. Any thoughts blog readers?

It's very rainy and wet down here.... I was walking home in the rain the other day and was completely drenched! ugh! It's still hott and humid as well!!!

I"m off and running as usual... sorry for such a short update.  More later if I have time before or after work.

Still loving every minute of this experience and thank God everyday for the strength to make it through!

Make A Wish

WOW.
Today I had the day off with the intent of sleeping all day and having drinks by the pool.....
HOWEVER,
that's not what happened. Alina and I decided to go to Typhoon Lagoon, where my perky, helpful self saw this mom and her 2 kids who looked really lost and offered my assistance.  IMMEDIATELY the children, Ainsley and Cully fell in love with us because they found out that we know Mickey Mouse! We spent the afternoon going on rides with them, when the mother, Betsi, told us that Ainsley was a make a wish kid about 5 years ago at the young age of 4. She is back for another Make a Wish trip.... she doesn't look ill at all, and has the MOST energy a kid could have!  She is such a sweet heart and is a cuddle bug.  She rode on my back in the wave pool, and with Alina and I in our "family" river ride.
My heart breaks for this mother, who was so grateful to us!  We even "called" Mickey Mouse to see if he would be at EPCOT tonight.... which he will be =)
I'm meeting up with Ainsley, Cully and Betsi tonight at EPCOT to meet Mickey Mouse and to watch Illuminations.

Sadly they leave Monday, but Ainsley has requested to be pen pals! and she almost cried when Alina and I had to leave the park today!!! =( She is such a sweetheart, so please keep her and her family in your prayers!

From Left to right: Katie, Ainsley, Betsi, Cully.

....

So sorry that I haven't kept up with the blog guys... It got CRAZY BUSY down here!!!!
My work schedule is ridiculous and by the time I get home, I just crashh! I'm operating the Rockin' Roller Coaster now.  = / as well as Minnie, just not as often.

Yesterday was awful. I was cussed out by 2 different people and one was escorted out of the park, turned around, came back in, and found me to cuss me out again... just my luck. ugh! It's so hard to keep a smile on your face while dealing with people like that!

And on top of that, as we were closing the ride, the cast members have the opportunity to ride if they wish, and go figure that the ride breaks down.  So, because I was in  Launch Base (basically HBIC) I can't leave until the ride is in working condition because I have to finish my closing procedures which I can't do if the ride is down.

They are coming today to spray our apartment bcause we have freaking red fire ants everywhere that are biting us. NOT COOL.

They didn't pay me for 7 hours. and marked it on my employee card as a No Show, when in fact I was there!

That was my day.

Other than that, all I can say is I want to come home.  And not just because of yesterday.  Mrs. Elligers is not doing well from what I hear... apparently the cancer has spread.  Trying to remain positive, but wish I could be there with her.  and yes, I know, most of you will say "what will you be able to do for her? will you find the cure?" and I know that the answer to those questions is NO. and that She'd be super disappointed if I did come home because of that, but still...... She's is a mother to me and I want to be there so bad. At least I have the drawing up that she drew for me that I can look at every day.
Not to mention the fact that I miss my brother terribly!!! We spend summers together almost every night up on the roof talking and hanging out.  I miss our late night chats, and hang outs a lot!
and I miss my swanpanda, Michelle!  **But I have your drawing up and look at it always!**
I miss you all. I hope you're all still enjoying your summer.

Exhaustion Sets In....

Well, as the first official week comes to a close, I can feel it.  Late nights, early mornings, and lots of running around make for a very exhausting week!!!  You don't even realize how tired you are until your days slow down.  Only working 6 hours today was beautiful!

Loving the way our apartment has become such a little family!!  Family dinners of chicken parmesan, taco's, and the dinners out!  Going dancing, playing in the parks... it was like a mini vacation!

Homesickness has begun to set in... It's very challenging to be away from those I love for so long.  I miss the hugs, the long chats on the roof, church, youthgroup... everything!  I worry about those who are ill, and those who are young and are lacking their role model so close!

Overall, this is turning out to be a great experience, and I'm most happy that I have accomplished my first week and look forward to many more.

Traditions

Traditions class was quite "amusing" to say the least.  We learned alll about Disney while watching ridiculous videos of people who can't act. Played games to win disney"critters".... (I won 3- Minnie, Donald, and Pluto) and was elected team leader.  Traveled to Magic Kingdom and went down to the first leave- the utilidor.  Because Disneyworld is built on swamp lands, they had to build Magic Kingdom on the second level.... Bet you never thought you were walkin on level 2 did ya?
It's pretty cool down there.... It's not completely open.  It's in the shape of like a no smoking sign.  Unfortunately, you aren't allowed to take pictures down there....

I was a little disappointed at Disney University.  I don't know why, but I expected a University that was pretty and big, and well, it wasn't.  It was very plain on the outside, with just red writing saying Disney University.  On the inside, it picked up a little bit, with Disney decorations everywhere!

Went to Hollywood Studios yesterday for training.  Minnie's feet are really big!!  It was a struggle to say the least.  Also did boring computer training so I can operate The Rockin' Roller Coaster featuring Aerosmith.

Went out with a bunch of friends last night.  Started at the "welcome pool party- Its  a Jungle" and went to Epcot where we got onto Test Track and Soarin' within an hour and a half- and if you've ever been to Disney, you know thats nearly impossible... *Love Cast Member Id's! * Ended up going to the Orlando Ale House and had some appetizers and a beer.  It was really good! And the price is right for us cp's (college program students) including tip it was 50$ for 5 of us.  The table ordered 3 stiff drinks, a bucket of beers, 20 wings, and calamari.... Good deal don't ya think!?

Missing home today, because I'm off and have nothing to do.  A little sad.  Missing Rayce the most, and my roof. ANd I miss my puppies when I cook, and my snicker doodles isn't sitting there waiting for me to drop something. Today may be a rough day as I have NOTHIGN to do.  Aline (siutemate) and I will probably head to  the parks, or perhaps to Mickey's Retreat.

LOVE LOVE LOVE my roommate Lindsey.  She's always got my back, and we make such good roommates.  She wakes up with the alarm, I don't.... She can't remember her work schedule, I do... she brought EVERYTHING, I didn't. haha. we're gonna be GREAT friends by the end of this. =)

Well, I'm off to eat breakfast! I've eaten breakfast EVERYDAY! woo!!! and I'm going to the gym everyday! You won't even recognize me when I get back!!! =)
Have today and tomorrow OFF.

meeting new people!!

hung out with DJ tonight.  He's from Alabama. He's 22 and also lost his mother unexpectedly last year.... It was kind of neat to share experiences with someone who is in the same boat.  He also happens to have an AMAZING voice, and can sing in Japanese! =)  We're planning on singing in the talent show together and auditioning for the Cast Member's choir =)

Tomorrow is Traditions class.  Have to catch the bus at 6:45AM.
Off to bed.  More later today. up early... ugh! Guess I'll never catch up on sleep. 3 hours Sunday night, 4 hours Monday night, and less than 4 hours tonightt. Good thing I'm off on Friday.... beachhh dayyy!!!! Cocoa Beach, Here I come!!!

GOODNIGHT

relaxing day... pretty sure I should NOT get used to this

So today was pretty relaxingg.
Went to Walmart this morning with my suite mate Lindsay (yes we have 2- talk about confusing)
Got the design taken off my nails because with the "Disney Look" you can't have it =( at least I can keep my nails though!!! =)  and the lady was really nice and didn't charge me!

Went to a housing meeting and learned all the "rules"... did you know you can't have weapons? Oh darn. ha. It's really common sense... too bad most people don't have it.

Made taco's with the girls in the suite tonight- I'm so lucky to be with these girls.  They are so nice and so much fun to hang out with!!!!
Jordan is on her 2nd program here so she's really knowledgeable.
Alina is from Romania and is so funny!
Lindsay is quiet, but we're gonna break her shell slowly.
Maggie- ummm... well.... idk- she likes to sing.
and Lindsey and I... we just do whatever haha.

Hangin in the suite tonight with the girls... maybe another trip to walmart since Alina needs more stuff ha.
perhaps Down town Disney?
Maybe meeting up with Brett .... Met him at housing meeting today.

I guess thats all for now =)

And so it begins...

What a day!  Woke up this morning at 4am to get ready for my 6am flight....
not much interesting stuff to report about the flight.... typical flight....

Arrival at Disney- Met Lindsey(roommate) in the airport this morning!  She's such a gem.

As we waited for the shuttle, we met Onye... except that her real name is Andrea... ?
On the shuttle we met Joe - playing the role of Goofy, Antonio - i don't remember what he's doing, Raoul - culinary.  Onye is also in culinary.

We took the Mear's shuttle to Disney's "Vista Way Apartments".... Surprisingly the line wasn't very long at all.... however the shuttle driver was quite a jerk and let us off with al our luggage WAY TO FAR away from where we needed to be.

We arrived at The Vista Way Apartments around 11 and began the check in process.  It's quite organized! It took virtually no time at all!!!

I'm living in Patterson Court- they are set up as suites.  you walk into a dining room- with a kitchen and living room attached.  There are 3 bedrooms, 2 in each room, and each room has their own bathroom =)
Airconditioned!!!!!

We then went to casting... where I found out that I will be working at The Hollywood Studios...aka MGM. We got our housing ID's today, and will get our Disney ID's on Wednesday.

Went to Walmart with Lindsey's parents while LIndsey took her lifeguard test.  Bought food and a mattress topper (LIFESAVER!)

Went to Friday's for dinner.... and came back exhausteddddd.

Hung out at the apartment with the girls and decided that Maggie (same suite) would be my gym buddy! We went to the gym tonight and had a blast!!!

Tomorrow morning, up early for a swim and a walk with Maggie, and a mandatory housing meeting at 12:45.  Then will continue to unpack the room.

Overall, a very exciting, exhausting day!!! Missing home, but keeping busy and having a blast too!!! Hope you'll all commenttt!!! Love to hear from you!!! My address is:

Katie Bianchi
8220 Patterson Woods Drive
Unit 4107
Orlando, Fl. 32821

Love you all!!! =)

the days before...

With just 4 days to go until I leave to begin my Disney internship, I figured I'd better set up some sort of way for everyone to keep track of all that I'm doing!  With this blog I hope that you will all follow along and comment!
Boxes have been shipped to my roommate in Maryland so that her family can drive them down for me.  I have a few last minute things to take with me on the plane but I'm so grateful that Lindsey(my roommate) is so helpful with everything!!!! She really is a blessing!

I've started the "goodbye" process... and have only shed a few tears... ok so thats a lie, I think I've cried after saying goodbye to everyone. I'll miss you all terribly, but know that I'm only a phonecall away! 

I guess that's it for today... Probably won't write again until I'm in Disney... so until then.....