tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-372300266194682792024-03-21T15:20:31.057-07:00stephani in wonderlandstephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-88748115630801478752011-02-17T06:25:00.000-08:002011-02-17T06:51:55.316-08:00This is harder than I thought it'd be!!I have a new follower on my blog and that is probably the highlight of my morning!!! It's always nice to know that people are hearing your thoughts.<br />She was also a cast member at WDW so I'm so excited that she came across my blog! :o)<br />So anyhow, I kinda stole this from her blog!! Thanks Anna!<br /><br />The Disney Challenge. (It's supposed to go over 3o days...but I'm far too impatient for that.)<br /><br />1. Your Favorite Character-<br />--My favorite character always has been and always will be Pluto!<br /><br />2. Your Favorite Princess-<br />--Aurora...not my favorite movie, I just think that shes the prettiest and the sweetest to meet in person!!<br /><br />3. Your Favorite Heroine-<br />--Mulan... she kinda saved her country.<br /><br />4. Your Favorite Prince-<br />--Aladdin. The other princes were already princes and they were spoiled and paid alot of attention to physical looks...which explains why they got married within 24 hours of meeting their princesses. ...just sayin.<br /><br />5. Your Favorite Hero-<br />-- Mickey...have you ever seen Fantasmic?!?<br /><br />6. Your Favorite Animal-<br />-- Dug. He is aboslutely phenomenal.<br /><br />7. Your Favorite Sidekick-<br />-- Can I pick Dug again!?! haha I guess I'll say Timon & Pumbaa. Who doesn't love them!?<br /><br />8. Your Favorite Villian-<br />-- Ew, I'm not a huge fan of villians....but I did think that Rapunzels "mother" was hilarious.<br /><br />9. Your Favorite Original Character-<br />-- Kinda already answered this one...but Pluto!!<br /><br />10. Your Favorite Song-<br />-- Probably "Kiss the Girl" From the Little Mermaid.<br /><br />11. Your Favorite love song-<br />-- "So this is Love" from Cinderella.<br /><br />12. Your Favorite villian song-<br />-- "Be Prepared" from the Lion King.<br /><br />-13. Your least favorite song-<br />-- I honestly can't think of one I hate! haha. Probably the sweet nightengale song in Cinderella.<br /><br />-14. Your Favorite Kiss-<br />-- Oh my goodness...if anyone DOESN'T love the classic Lady & the Tramp kiss then I don't know whats wrong with them!!<br /><br />-15. The First Disney move you saw-<br />-- I remember going to see the Lion King when I was three and my mom warning me that if it was too violent & scary we could leave. hah!<br /><br />-16. Your Favorite Classic-<br />-- Lady & The Tramp<br /><br />-17. Your Least Favorite Classic-<br />-- Snow White (Sorry Kelly Todd)<br /><br />-18. Your Favorite Pixar Film-<br />--UP! The best movie...ever.<br /><br />19. Your Least favorite Pixar film-<br />--Ratatouille. or Wall-E. snooze.<br /><br />20. Favorite Sequel-<br />--if Toy Story 3 counts as a sequel....oh my goodness...that movie will make grown men cry!<br /><br />21. An overrated movie-<br />--Wall-E<br /><br />22. An underrated movie-<br />--Princess and the Frog. so many people HAVEN'T seen it...makes me sad.<br /><br />23. A Movie that makes you laugh.<br />--Up!<br /><br />24. A movie that makes you cry.<br />--Up!! That movie just has it all.<br /><br />25. Your favorite scene from your favorite movie.<br />-- Again...have to go with Up! The scene where Carl is all alone in his house reading the "Stuff I'm Going To Do" book...and he opens up and finds the note from Ellie....aaaah! i get goosebumps thinking about it!<br /><br />26. Saddest Death-<br />--This is a horrible question, but Ray from the Princess and the Frog.<br /><br />27. Your favorite quote-<br />-- this is hard...may have to come back to this one...<br /><br />28. Your favorite themepark-<br />--wow, its got to be a toss up between Epcot & Magic Kingdom. Theyre just soo different from one another.<br /><br />29. Your favorite theme park attraction-<br />-- At the moment, its definitely Soarin', but of all time..Thunder Mountain has always been a big favorite.<br /><br />30. Your favorite theme park show-<br />--Has to be the new Finding Nemo show. So presh!stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-21093516118585946672011-02-15T16:05:00.000-08:002011-02-15T16:46:47.801-08:00When life gives you dilemmas....This morning, I woke up, hopped on the 6:25am bus, and made the long trek to work.<div>Little did I know what awaited me once I got there!</div><div>So today, I was scheduled as a "spare". This means that I had no specific spot or character to attend unless an attendant called in sick. So until the park opened at 9, I was able to hang out in the break room and color with my lovely friend Lauren. It was a wonderful morning and I was crossing my fingers that no attendants would call in and I could sit and color all day long!!<br />No such luck. Mary Poppins' attendant called in, and I was assigned to roam Fantasy Land with her. This was exciting for me, since it was a brand new character and a brand new location!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, we go out into the park for our first meet & greet and another attendant pulls me to the side:</div><div>"There's been a bit of a problem...the only ride in the park that is operating is the carousel"</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I don't know how much I am allowed to expose on the blog, I'll just say this: the magic exploded, and therefore no rides would be in working order, and who knew how long it'd take to get things up and running again?! So today I learned a valuable lesson: When an amusement parks rides are down...there's only one other thing that will make those guests happy: meeting characters.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was kind of apprehensive to even bring Mary Poppins out for her next meet and greet for fear that she would be mobbed, but as my favorite mediocre sitcom dad Danny Tanner says: "When life gives you dilemmas, make dilemmanade!" And that's exactly what Disney did. It was time to make some memories, and Disney was more than ready to take on the challenge!</div><div><br /></div><div>After our meet & greet, Mary & I made our way backstage for a spot of tea, and it was the craziest, yet most organized chaos I have ever witnessed. Just a few moments after we found out there would be no rides, characters were everywhere, ready and waiting to meet their fans. I mean, these characters were all over and all kinds of random!! Instead of just Pooh, we had Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, even Rabbit! Marie from the Aristocats came over from Epcot to spend the day with us, and even Miss Poppins had two penguin friends!!! All the while we were accompanied by Peter Pan, the Evil Step-family and of course the Fairy Godmother.</div><div>today really proved that attitude makes a huge difference!</div><div>Instead of panicking and making the guests upset, our managers and entertainment department did everything they could to make the morning extra special!! If we could approach every single instance in such a positive manner the world would be such a happier place!! </div><div><br /></div><div>All is well now at the Magic Kingdom, & rides were restored one by one during the day</div><div>But I will never forget the morning that Disney World had no rides...</div><div>at least my job's never dull!!</div><div><br /></div>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-63691535366467621702011-02-11T21:37:00.000-08:002011-02-11T21:45:41.751-08:00life in orlando lately<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>So, as much as I wish I could blog every single day, and about every single detail, I guess I’m aiming for a blog a week. This past week, like every other week has been a whirlwind, full of blessings, fun surprises, and lots of fun times with my furry character friends. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>There is a whole lot going on here at the Magic Kingdom where I am stationed. For instance, the MVP of the Super Bowl, Aaron Rodgers was just here in the traditional day-after-super-bowl-parade! (by the way, anyone else see the half time show with the black eyed peas? WOOF! My ears are still bleeding. And don’t even get me started on Christina Agiuellera) Anyways, I got filmed by ESPN that day along with my Wonderland friends, so I’m famous now! Yay! Watching the parade was awfully exciting. After all, my favorite part of the Super Bowl is when they say “I’m going to Disney World!!” ah! Goose bumps!!<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Along with the Super Bowl, the Chilean Miners were here with their families, and I got to meet a few of them as well. Allowing the Miners’ children to meet some of their favorite characters was such a thrill and treat! Everyone was so kind and so sweet… After such a rough year, a trip to Disney was just what they needed!<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>In other news…Toon Town has officially closed its doors today on February 11, 2011. This, to me, is bittersweet. I kind of grew up in Toon Town and my first day ever working at Walt Disney World took place there in the Hall of Fame, but Disney is always looking to progress and move on to bigger and better things. Being a part of the biggest expansion in Magic Kingdom history has been such a fun time! I am so excited to see what the imagineers have thought up actually come to life each and every day!!<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Besides working all week, I (along with 600 other girls) attended the Disney Face Auditions. This audition is to see if any of use college program chickadees resemble any of the princesses or fairies. Just a quick look into a face audition: You get measured and receive a number, and the judges (who, coincidentally enough, were the exact same judges I performed for in Austin) take you into a room to observe you. If you can, imagine it like being a piece of produce at the grocery store: They look you up and down, check out every single detail, study you, check to see if your eyes are too narrow, too wide, check your body type, check your height and in the end, turn all but 2 away. That is a Disney face audition. Needless to say, I was not one of the lucky two this past Wednesday morning, but my life as a character attendant is far to fun to pass up anyway!! So in the end, all is well! <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>So with a day to kill after the morning audition, I ventured by myself to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Most people might find that depressing, but I really see it as a way to clear my mind and spend some time with me. Privacy is a bit hard to come by these days. Walking through the park, doing every single thing on my time, people watching, and riding in the single rider line on rock’n roller coaster over and over again (yay, no lines!) are just some of the perks to roaming alone here at the parks. I did, however, make a pit stop to enjoy some fresh fruit and came across a couple from the U.K. The man began to ask me about my college program, so I answered the routine questions. And he repeatedly told me how fortunate I was to live here, but then we got into deeper conversation about how he and his wife were married here and how he even splurged to have his wife arrive in a pumpkin carriage. He told me that it was the happiest day of his life. They come back to the states each and every year just to visit WDW and are obviously head over heels ga-ga for each other. They have been married for over 20 years. The next day, I assisted a Make-A-Wish family with meeting Princess Aurora, Belle, and Cinderella. The young girl, dressed in a beautiful Belle gown, and hair just sprinkled with pixie dust, was lying down in her wheelchair. Although she couldn’t move, I could just feel her excitement when she came into the room. I asked her family if they enjoyed their visit and they couldn’t even speak. All the little girl said was “They made ME feel like a princess”. I could have melted right then and there. I think the biggest blessing for me as a character attendant is the ability to witness these moments, talk with the guests and see how much these interactions and experiences truly mean to them. It’s these moments that give me one more reason to wake up and get on the hour long, bumpy, hot, stuffy bus ride to work. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span style="line-height: 200%; ">People really love this place. They call it magical. But in reality, this place is just a place. A very expensive place. Just a location with fun rides, and cool stuff to look at. What really makes the difference is the people. From custodial, to quick food and beverage, to the ticket sellers, to the hotel staff, to Cinderella, to the President of the corporation itself, we are all such a vital role here at the Walt Disney World Resort. Of course, I have to use a Walt Disney quote here because he said it best: <span class="apple-style-span"><span>"You can design and create, and build the most wonderful place in the world. But it takes people to make the dream a reality."</span></span> And the longer I am here, the more often I witness that this is the truth. Going above and beyond is definitely something we as cast members strive for. However, I believe my role here, and everywhere, goes farther than just that. The most important impact I hope to make with my time at Walt Disney World is not just to serve others, but to serve my Lord by serving others! I was reading Matthew 5:16 earlier which says "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.</span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span>” I have officially been here a month and I don’t want to waste another minute without</span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span> living out this verse fully and completely. My goal as a cast member is to make their experience</span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span> truly unforgettable by each and every action I make. What better way to make an impact in the</span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span> Magic Kingdom than to spread the love of God’s kingdom? That, my friend, is far more powerful</span></span></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span> than pixie dust.<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 200%; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Until next time!</i></span></span></span><span style="font-size:12.0pt;line-height: 200%;font-family:"Cambria","serif";mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin"><o:p></o:p></span></p>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-52784695561307669362011-02-04T06:01:00.000-08:002011-02-04T06:08:49.035-08:00just another day in the magic kingdom.<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; color: black; "><i><b>So on Tuesday, I was scheduled to work at the teacups. This is where Alice and her friends hang out. So that means I got to attend FOUR characters at one time...this is quite a big feat for me, by the way...and I was petrified. So anywho, I got to work bright and early, but before I headed to the tea cups, my schedule told me to go to town square, which is where the train station is located right in front of the park. Funny, I thought, that I was being advised to go there, when my location was way far away from here. So anyways, I reach town square and they explain to me that before the characters reach their meet-and-greet locations that they all welcome the first visitors on the steam train in a big show before the park opens. Turns out, there’s a big ta-dah show welcoming all the guests to the park (who knew, right?). So anyways, they ask me, since I’ve never seen the show before, If I’d like to stand on the balcony of the train station with the characters since I’ve never seen this show to which I replied, “um, YES!” So the opening show starts, the dancers, who are dressed in early 20<sup>th</sup> century attire, come out and welcome the guests in dance and song, and here comes the train! Everyone from Mickey, to Aladdin, to Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum was on the train. It was the most fun and exciting thing getting to watch this from the train station balcony and getting to see the kids’ faces when their favorite characters arrived at the station! I had goosebumps the whole time, wanting to pinch myself because I still can’t believe that I am even a tiny part of this whole exciting place! Which kind of brings me to the topic of my blog and that is the true secret to creating magic for our guests.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; color: black; "><i><b>So, when I started my job here a couple of weeks ago (yes, wow, its already been a couple of weeks!) I felt a little bit discouraged. I felt as if what I was doing meant absolutely NOTHING in the scheme of things that is Walt Disney World. I mean, really, all I do is walk around with a character, have him take pictures with guests and then crush peoples dreams when I have to say, “sorry, Alice will not be with us again today, she has gone to paint the roses red” or “Buzz Lightyear has a dinner date with Jessie this evening, we are no longer allowing guests in the line”. But I was reminded the other day just how influential my job is here. So this week, I was somewhat mistreated by a certain face character. She wasn’t very nice to me and didn’t even seem to be having fun with the children. But then I realized. When people leave the park, she was just that fictional character. She isn’t even real…all fantasy. But I am Stephani. They took more time in my line, listening to my instructions, they asking me for help and directions and having conversations with me about their lives, and their adventures in WDW than said character ever took with them to take a picture and sign an autograph. When those people leave the park, they know who I am. But these characteristics and this attitude are not my own. The Bible says in <span style="font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi">Colossians 3:23</span> “<span class="apple-style-span">Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” My true job here, beyond being a character attendant is to glorify the Lord in my works and my actions. No matter what is going on around me, and no matter what attitudes I encounter, and no matter how anyone else treats a guest, I know that my job here is to be a light and to glorify God in all of my actions. And I know that this is more important than “Disney Magic”.</span> In everything we do, whether in work or play, this is our commandment. <o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; color: black; "><i><b>So anyways, to end this blog on a light note…<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; color: black; "><i><b>While keeping a line in order the other day, a foreign man came up to me. Here’s how our conversation went:<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; color: black; "><i><b>Foreign man: Yes, where is the Pink Panther?<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; color: black; "><i><b>Me: uh…I’m sorry, The Pink Panther is not a Disney Character, sir, but we have many other characters to meet!<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; color: black; "><i><b>Foreign man: I’m sorry, no English. I need the Pink Panther.<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; color: black; "><i><b>Me: No, no Pink Panther here.</b></i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; color: black; "><i><b>Foreign Man: We need to see Pink Panther, we are leaving.</b></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; color: black; "><i><b>Me: Uh… (pull out map) Walk down this way, take left, Meet & Greet!<o:p></o:p></b></i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 200%; color: black; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><b>I really hope that he enjoyed meeting Winnie the Pooh.</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-76995862582833858122011-01-29T17:38:00.000-08:002011-01-29T17:47:03.621-08:00I'm so uncreative at the moment...I can't even think of a cutesy name for this blog.<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><i>18 days into my program…and only one blog. This is too typical for me. </i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><i>SO much has been going on… but it’s hard to compress every moment into a blog. Maybe I should just carry a video camera at all times, because trying to explain this experience just doesn’t do it justice. There have been moments that have made me laugh, like when my fellow trainers and I were forced to walk around with Big Al and Shaker Bear from the Country Bear Jamboree (if you don’t know who they are…google them. Trust me, no child wants their autograph). There have been moments that made me want to cry, like last night, when I got cussed out for turning folks away from Buzz Lightyear, (even though the park was closed and Buzz had a dinner date with Jessie!!) and there have been moments that have made me absolutely melt. Like seeing sweet little princesses’ beautiful faces when they get to meet Tinkerbell, or when the characters choose to spend extra time and effort to make the Make-A-Wish families’ visit extra special. <span> </span>Every moment has been memorable, and somehow, every day gets better and better.</i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><i>I used to worry that being on the other side of the curtain would change my view of Disney World. That working here would ruin the magic of it all. Even though I am on the other side of the Disney experience, and I see how that magic is made, its’ all still very real to me. Especially since I have been able to be a part of what makes Disney so unique, and special, and famous around the world. <span> </span>Being here and seeing the impact that this place has on people lets me know that what we do truly makes a difference. Every time I ride the bus towards the Magic Kingdom, I still get giddy like a 5-year-old. I know its totally lame, but I still think Disney World is one of the happiest places on earth.</i></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><i>However, as much as I love it here, it is not home. I think the best thing about this experience is that it is temporary. I know I will learn a lot from my time here, and I am really looking forward to the benefits it provides for me in the future, but I know that there is a very promising future for me elsewhere. This is just a small chapter in my life and my goal is to make the absolute most of it, because in the blink of an eye it will be just a memory, and it'll be back to reality!</i></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><b><i>So on that note, my plan is to start jotting down special memories when they happen so that I can post them here. so be on the look out!! :)</i></b></span></p>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-55401303297943921792011-01-26T20:01:00.001-08:002011-01-26T20:01:53.645-08:00orlando life.<p class="MsoNormal">My life as of late.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Wow, what an incredible experience already! Its hard to believe I have been here in Orlando two weeks already. Sometimes it feels like a couple of days, but sometimes it feels like months!! I feel so comfortable and happy here in the house of mouse. Disney has always been a very important part of my life, and I was incredibly thrilled to have the opportunity to work here, but I had no idea how natural and at home I would feel here as well, even a week into my program. I honestly feel that I have been called here for specific purposes and I am prepared to let the Lord lead me through these next few months!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, for those wondering just what exactly I am up to here at Walt Disney World, I will briefly go into the living, working, and learning aspects of the College Program!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, a little about the new digs…<br />I live in a three bedroom apartment in Patterson Courts, an apartment leased out by the Walt Disney Company which only College Program students can live in. I have five roommates: Rachel (who is my immediate roommate) lives in Michigan along with Kayla, who lives in Michigan as well. We also have Lauren from Atlanta, Sam from California, and Janelle from New Mexico. I am so thankful for each and every one of my roommates!! They have made the past week so much FUN! If not for them, I would have probably cried from homesickness and lonliness, but instead, we have spent every single night together in our living room laughing until we cried and sharing heart-to-hearts, or spent time exploring the parks at night after work. Getting to know each and every one of them has been such a pleasure!! We already have plans to visit each other in their hometowns once the program is completed! :o)</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now…on to the work!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My role in WDW is in the entertainment department. I am a Character Attendant! I honestly could not have picked a more exciting, interesting, fun and rewarding job!!! This job could not be more perfect for me. Basically, what I do is hang out with the world renowned Disney characters and assist our guests while they wait in line for an autograph or a photo! All day every day is devoted to giving guests a magical encounter with Mickey and his friends! Training has been such a riot! I’ve made lots of friends, sang a ton of Disney tunes, and seen so much in the past three days alone! I’ve learned so many priceless secrets, bits of information, and tips about entertainment and quality guest service that truly put Disney in to a league of their own. There is honestly something so special in each person that works here. Walt Disney once said that “you reach a point where you don’t work for money anymore”. And that statement seriously does continue to prevail in WDW. I believe that the people who choose to work here truly just want the guests’ happiness. This is after all the happiest place on earth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, since there are about 235837969847 stories that I could share from my past week, I am going to keep this blog as short as possible and not post any for the moment. I’m far too tired. But don’t worry, stories and blogs will be coming soon, and more often. Settling in has been a bit more hectic and crazy than I could have ever imagined!! But please stay tuned, I promise there are more exciting stories on the way. Ta-ta for now.</p>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-26524674715536747662011-01-15T18:11:00.000-08:002011-01-15T18:13:03.501-08:00disney disney disney.<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>My first few days in Orlando...</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Wow, what a whirlwind! A very long car ride, a total blast playing in Magic & Animal Kingdom, and a very sad goodbye later, I now live in the happiest place on earth. Walt Disney World. Now, to share a little bit of what’s going on this week.</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>January 12, 2011:</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Its move in day!! Jordan Keiff arrived at our resort the night before and neither of us could sleep due to nerves and excitement! We packed up, headed over to Vista Way Apartments and sat in the 40 degree weather while waiting impatiently to check in. Jordan and I both got assigned to live in the Patterson Apartments, which we were pretty pumped about! Only 2 years old, and absolutely GORGEOUS, these apartments are referred to as the “nursing homes” due to their quiet nature, but to me, that’s a perk!! After a very long check in and a total maze through the casting area, we found out where we will be working. I will be a character attendant who will be moving from park to park and Jordan will be selling food and drinks in Typhoon Lagoon (until it gets warmer, he will be in Hollywood Studios). We were both thrilled and left to unpack and get settled into our new apartments!! Once back at the room, Luke, Emily and Shane had already done a great job bringing all of my junk into the apartment. I don’t think I could have moved in without them!! And one by one, the roommates came in!! We have Kayla and Rachel from Michigan, Sam is from California, and Janelle is from New Mexico. We are still awaiting the check in of Laura, from Atlanta, who is still snowed in…yes, in ATLANTA! So anywho, we all began the unpacking process and I prepared to say goodbye to the Holloway/Houston bunch. Saying goodbye was absolutely miserable…and once I finally stopped crying, I got a call from Luke which went a little something like this: “Hey, surprise, we are staying in Orlando one more night and we get to do this whole sad awful goodbye process again tomorrow!” Which honestly, as hard as I knew that would be, I could not have been happier…I wasn’t ready to be alone just yet!! So that night we went out to the Universal Studio boardwalk and spent time together, came home, and fell asleep to Aladdin…</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>January 13, 2011</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>The next morning began the Disney experience. Boring meetings and a whole day to do whatever we wanted, like take random scary cabs to WalMart. I can already tell that this program will be anything but boring.</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Sooo.. the next day…</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>January 14, 2011</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Traditions began! We woke up bright and early because apparently, Disney likes to do EVERYTHING at very unreasonable times like 5:45 am. My roommates dad began referring to Mickey as “Nazi Mouse”. But in all seriousness Traditions was a really amazing experience and worth the early wake up. Traditions is basically the beginning of the program. You begin to learn more about the company and some of the very coveted secrets of Walt Disney World. I’m not quite sure how many secrets I am allowed to expose about the Disney training process, so if you want to know any secrets about the company, I’d say google would be a fabulous source! After a long day of traditions, my roommates and I enjoyed the night at downtown Disney. And let me just say…working for Disney has some awesome perks. Discounts and no lines at planet Hollywood? Yes please!</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Aaaaaanywho, moving right along….</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>January 15, 2011</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Today was another very early morning and a loooong day of training, filled with more fun, new friends, and even more information and secrets about the company!</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>I can’t even explain how much I already love living here and how excited I am to begin more training… But I do miss home. However, I’m not going to lie, I’m not quite sure that the reality of the situation has fully hit me yet. As much as I miss my home, my family and friends, and just my life in general, I feel like I’m just here playing for a few days or visiting for a long weekend. It hasn’t really hit me yet that I actually LIVE here and I’m not going home for a long time. 5 months is so short, but at the same time so long. As excited as I am to be here, I do have apprehensions. I know there will be good and bad days, however, I do feel a peace about my decision to live, work, and play here. I know that the Lord has huge plans for my life and I have already seen Him working and moving!! I know this program will teach me a lot, and I am more than ready to begin this new chapter of life!!</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Until next time…</i></span></p>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-42416401324073742222011-01-08T07:06:00.000-08:002011-01-08T07:10:17.946-08:00Orlando Bound....FINALLY!<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>The Holiday Season of 2010 was definitely one for the history books. New friends, old friends, Thibodaux Family, Redneck Georgia family, and a few rekindled relationships; I can honestly say that this Christmas and New Years has been one of the most fun and exciting times of my life!</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>But just like that, the holiday season has come and gone, and a new chapter has begun. Today I leave to begin my Orlando adventure. I have been waiting so long for this moment that it doesn’t even seem real. After all, I’ve been dreaming of this since middle school. I woke up this morning,and the reality finally hit me. This was the last time I would spend the night in Thibodaux for quite a while. And I’m okay with that. In fact, I am very ready. Although I know goodbyes will be hard, I know that this opportunity has been brought before me and the Lord has some amazing things planned in these next few months!!</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>For everyone back home, I will be writing, taking pictures, and of course keeping in touch with everyone as much as humanly possible, but know I will be missing you all more than words can say!</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>I keep hearing that my time at Disney will be magical like a fairy tale. But I don’t know about that…I’ve been so overwhelmingly blessed, I kinda feel like I’m already living in one.</i></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>So until later…M-I-C…see you real soon.</i></span></p>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-62973032510695828122010-12-13T07:37:00.000-08:002010-12-13T08:14:05.791-08:00Thanksgiving Shenanigans<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; "><i>I haven't been blogging all that much lately. Not that a lot hasn't been happening, just because I haven't really had the time! But hallelujah, praise the Lord the semester has FINALLY come to an end....and now I'm bored. So here it is, my next blog. Here's what you missed in November:</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; "><i>Of course, I posted my mile long blog about the SGK 3-Day so that was definitely a highlight of November. But in the next few weeks came thanksgiving! yay! I hope you all over-ate and enjoyed time with family and friends. I, however, celebrated what I would like to call thanks-ghetto at a little place I'd like to call...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; "><i>The Crack Barrel.</i></span></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5MOOLYJlB_is8b5oMyPdTIzPT744LI07clnY5qNy-QGalo6N1bOJkr-A4R7G5_eyUs30ZNS1H4oYtVVEy2hmSAk_Pqy9TEMo8AbDJAYm4aeispD46AQ_eyWRUIumSHP_oVKnA9WCnUk/s1600/155148_463353656938_732001938_5768455_5977038_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5MOOLYJlB_is8b5oMyPdTIzPT744LI07clnY5qNy-QGalo6N1bOJkr-A4R7G5_eyUs30ZNS1H4oYtVVEy2hmSAk_Pqy9TEMo8AbDJAYm4aeispD46AQ_eyWRUIumSHP_oVKnA9WCnUk/s320/155148_463353656938_732001938_5768455_5977038_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550194336768770818" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Ah, yes. the crack barrel. The cracker bizzle. The place that made me cry about 600 times when I worked there. I've honestly never had a more stressful food related job. But on the other hand...the food really does rock. I almost get offended when people say they don't like this place! It's kinda like that family member you can make fun of but if anyone else says anything you kinda want to kick their butt. I have a strange love hate relationship with CB. Anywho, since it was just mom, rachel and myself, we decided to come celebrate thanksgiving here. After all, we didn't have to cook & there were no dishes to wash. Not the worst idea in the world. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeTJCBRBzdUDDC6s2f0r9nHDzIq7UOGmOd_02yLwl1AbLXqONZU0prPvvolbkRnK48IGnnoVx2gGEsxYkWUP4FchoFOzjLZgtfuVO6hOtx5dd0-iz1lViFsZO40zmLwXozV_kXyy0CKc/s1600/149659_463353351938_732001938_5768446_4037880_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaeTJCBRBzdUDDC6s2f0r9nHDzIq7UOGmOd_02yLwl1AbLXqONZU0prPvvolbkRnK48IGnnoVx2gGEsxYkWUP4FchoFOzjLZgtfuVO6hOtx5dd0-iz1lViFsZO40zmLwXozV_kXyy0CKc/s320/149659_463353351938_732001938_5768446_4037880_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550194329808894114" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>oh, & it was game day, so we had to wear saints gear obviously. Which for some reason embarrassed my mother to death. I think the fear of being under-dressed scared her. Because as we all know, on Thanksgiving at the Cracker Barrel, you're only dining with Alabama's finest.</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXraLjctd04Tm22uIm6M1zU0SsSr2zaJzsoAIqxokMYln0-A2GDOSQfSMcyW8CtLfzGOB-Lyb1iQXojRmHqQwjwpQWt1kBzj4lUOLf8x3ryz-0qQTpKUIkCZTZD5lROFUAfz9FAszVJw/s1600/156269_463353486938_732001938_5768451_2665219_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCXraLjctd04Tm22uIm6M1zU0SsSr2zaJzsoAIqxokMYln0-A2GDOSQfSMcyW8CtLfzGOB-Lyb1iQXojRmHqQwjwpQWt1kBzj4lUOLf8x3ryz-0qQTpKUIkCZTZD5lROFUAfz9FAszVJw/s320/156269_463353486938_732001938_5768451_2665219_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550194332237720946" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Here I am classing up the joint by getting a chair stuck on my butt.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>So our lunch was good, we went home, watched the game, and then took a walk around Spanish Fort. Afterwards I headed home to Louisiana and hung out at the Peyroux house. We watched Harry Potter (because I live under a rock and haven't seen any of them) until about 2am when of course it was time for black Friday shopping.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Long story short, I sat in the pouring rain and wind until 4am, got trampled, and did not get one thing I wanted. meh...moving on.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>So, In order to do something kind for our fellowman, we had to break a few rules.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>To serve food to other students, you have to take a cooking class on campus. However, the only class offered lately was during my trip to Dallas, so I am not certified. Nor is Kevin, a fellow R.A. who lives on north campus. We decided we wanted the foreign students to have a place to go to have a real thanksgiving dinner. So rules were broken, but we made someone happy so that's all that matters. And as far as I know, noone got food poisoned, thankfully!!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Kevin is the man.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmQ-zpIRUDcQS4kn2p5JKNtnP6INNkRlvTkzxZV7svDhJSibBnvs5CDl9HnyZLzIhQMxOCfnnhoaqky9ySzjg9mgw6DZ4zk4JXP4r1JMVA7HLTZNzpUIVmTAIhMipxxDRb3ztr0INNKA/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgmQ-zpIRUDcQS4kn2p5JKNtnP6INNkRlvTkzxZV7svDhJSibBnvs5CDl9HnyZLzIhQMxOCfnnhoaqky9ySzjg9mgw6DZ4zk4JXP4r1JMVA7HLTZNzpUIVmTAIhMipxxDRb3ztr0INNKA/s320/001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550194326998125362" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>the food was AMAZING!!! </i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr53F2gTudzVO9Jxa2-SShF8DfvVqfX6o8N0quHbDMXaZHhj5OKR_g2ZcBPjkW_L338md-RRCW6-zTFeZ4lOXzq8U8nXW8QWqc5zgjiBt6p77PSdzbhbggrWPhoui2BmniwSd2bObK2g/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLr53F2gTudzVO9Jxa2-SShF8DfvVqfX6o8N0quHbDMXaZHhj5OKR_g2ZcBPjkW_L338md-RRCW6-zTFeZ4lOXzq8U8nXW8QWqc5zgjiBt6p77PSdzbhbggrWPhoui2BmniwSd2bObK2g/s320/002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550194319453718706" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Since cranberry sauce is a "staple" at thanksgiving dinner, Kevin said we had to have it. I, for one, have never had cranberry sauce and did not know how to serve it so this is what i did.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>I also got a good laugh out of the Nepal kids trying to cut into it. They finally gave up claiming it was "too slippery for their liking"</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvVNjR62i_YTZPOCz6xIe9ny1bh_qkHLz-ZS_1gLJZ3ps3rs5I1PlqJJCLvEIjnX86Fk53uf2m6hEAAGCB6G8-l1lK3Bbtp1ibOt39OfkFpannMiEZJo17IF5XSnC2GW7HQFQHDvIWv8/s1600/003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTvVNjR62i_YTZPOCz6xIe9ny1bh_qkHLz-ZS_1gLJZ3ps3rs5I1PlqJJCLvEIjnX86Fk53uf2m6hEAAGCB6G8-l1lK3Bbtp1ibOt39OfkFpannMiEZJo17IF5XSnC2GW7HQFQHDvIWv8/s320/003.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550193673016347010" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>desserts!!!</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovPQ2EF3L-D73k71AQyLLqelUvkSxciohWayDGL8YQHJ6gDIk3oS0cyc2Eh3WfpC2A-86ASe69BB7MStZEvD4JduTiWBocnxgXKFJ_bBauvgtAIEGFsWGbh5tFyKrDbkV9i7Gik7sKyc/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovPQ2EF3L-D73k71AQyLLqelUvkSxciohWayDGL8YQHJ6gDIk3oS0cyc2Eh3WfpC2A-86ASe69BB7MStZEvD4JduTiWBocnxgXKFJ_bBauvgtAIEGFsWGbh5tFyKrDbkV9i7Gik7sKyc/s320/004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550193666594984002" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>other r.a.s dropped in to help out! Thanks Jeffie!</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu_KlSQgwX7-_65l81ZI4DXhqJMqzeLMnCIzw4rrUUMnkfpvHK1PeSbjjtqoLdpiPkluZ9Dj3zax0dXpGVGwRa7kEJDPVWdtNK12MfaPXEGv0U5DmEJBUUKPIwL5SotFHrU1cuGGHQO0/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIu_KlSQgwX7-_65l81ZI4DXhqJMqzeLMnCIzw4rrUUMnkfpvHK1PeSbjjtqoLdpiPkluZ9Dj3zax0dXpGVGwRa7kEJDPVWdtNK12MfaPXEGv0U5DmEJBUUKPIwL5SotFHrU1cuGGHQO0/s320/006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550193659332303170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>nepal kiddos digging in!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>They were really happy & told me the past few days had been really lonely. I wish I could cook for them every weekend.</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0BKfT7oFHLOZcD76yks7N_oErmF7lnkPUTRIzTIBVSnElypvIwz9GYN2b9-e1YobJtDD3lBp_U-Apzt8DlQX-H9NN5MB_UlGMNuyvzbZGAGaXYHiVcBHHtkYPbLePgnWzUGLXDHzvNc/s1600/007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0BKfT7oFHLOZcD76yks7N_oErmF7lnkPUTRIzTIBVSnElypvIwz9GYN2b9-e1YobJtDD3lBp_U-Apzt8DlQX-H9NN5MB_UlGMNuyvzbZGAGaXYHiVcBHHtkYPbLePgnWzUGLXDHzvNc/s320/007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550193652698618626" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>enjoying thanksgiving!</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQwCvE3nOivxazr78QmBz-4aEmBk6MvyGuRLJQ7j8r_enf6WSXLfS7s93YJrQl5SnA6fGpOuEGWFEe1M7n2BGSBgE8FeYbL3RpGHP9KlqXCmRtJcN9N-YM17h4lft5EtGnb7VMOunDjg/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQwCvE3nOivxazr78QmBz-4aEmBk6MvyGuRLJQ7j8r_enf6WSXLfS7s93YJrQl5SnA6fGpOuEGWFEe1M7n2BGSBgE8FeYbL3RpGHP9KlqXCmRtJcN9N-YM17h4lft5EtGnb7VMOunDjg/s320/010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550193329985203394" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>r.a. buddies! :o)</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi488DQrg0mjvFFDM9G8qayF6Vd2YNWvC8HANkA6vT_bxtxGuHJP_LdALDSI5pP6qR-N9XypY_GUzHLXsKPYxrI25fL_CLJiZ0EI95qKtWwOIPwTji1StXrkPgoNN7d6pzGxIFcs2puEl0/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi488DQrg0mjvFFDM9G8qayF6Vd2YNWvC8HANkA6vT_bxtxGuHJP_LdALDSI5pP6qR-N9XypY_GUzHLXsKPYxrI25fL_CLJiZ0EI95qKtWwOIPwTji1StXrkPgoNN7d6pzGxIFcs2puEl0/s320/014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550193318139865170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>I found this on my camera the next day...</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTOaxGYTYNSMV8hVvD4a9tU0fnCsJzda2wXJa0Os1V7ZJc6cDpfVxCkK_l-Catxu2-mn0IWCjhCxINdl7k3WD1dBQHuiF6esr3DYmjtgsUgPvluHUBHHH2iFauNs7jGP1yf7UHx7n2ms/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXTOaxGYTYNSMV8hVvD4a9tU0fnCsJzda2wXJa0Os1V7ZJc6cDpfVxCkK_l-Catxu2-mn0IWCjhCxINdl7k3WD1dBQHuiF6esr3DYmjtgsUgPvluHUBHHH2iFauNs7jGP1yf7UHx7n2ms/s320/021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550193310628293122" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i><br /></i></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>So there you have it. Thanksgiving 2010.</i></span></div></div>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-65142951407602882112010-11-10T09:21:00.000-08:002010-11-11T15:14:58.252-08:00"I've never been so happy to see a port-a-potty!!" The Susan G. Komen 3-Day for a Cure!<div style="text-align: left;"><i>After 11 months of preparations, November 5 finally arrived! Day one of the Dallas 3-Day for a Cure. I had slept at the Kemp house the night before so John drove me out to Colin Creek Mall for check-ins & the opening ceremony. If it wasn't for my seatbelt, I probably would have shot out the roof of the car anxious and freezing, I was so ready to get walking! We finally arrive at the mall, John bids me good luck and I roll out with my sleeping bag, luggage and fanny pack ready to go! It's still dark out, but all i see...is PINK. I'm already loving this. The crew members, wearing pink tutus, wigs, and other tacky garb such as that directed me to where I should drop my luggage and then to the starting line. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Energizer, one of Susan G. Komen's national sponsors was there handing out pink bunny ears to encourage us to "keep going" hardy har har har</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWeiOo_uf1yewEMiK-rHJ2mG8kUqpjTh6TL57AF3WcuPC1NlWJUEcgYEnkVl2xRapCkPOZUqFdopVm1dH1Z8XXTIdzCaMoaWW-DSIeXF0XkHZ2ILvhQjp9Fv3TGsl64ThR75NuUcMTiE/s1600/DSC00127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 303px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWeiOo_uf1yewEMiK-rHJ2mG8kUqpjTh6TL57AF3WcuPC1NlWJUEcgYEnkVl2xRapCkPOZUqFdopVm1dH1Z8XXTIdzCaMoaWW-DSIeXF0XkHZ2ILvhQjp9Fv3TGsl64ThR75NuUcMTiE/s320/DSC00127.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537979158467742722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDV32GPLU1nFiTkyhTZo6ujYN7_6fycURuhmyE-qKSk6U35dsLtCUg8GrJRk2b7UEwG054EhbeF7AqHu-nrBiVUonewbk4TJa5mfgbE4aPH-gjf5bF_-nJR3nCazlKDLO7A-f8le8aSo/s1600/DSC00129.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDV32GPLU1nFiTkyhTZo6ujYN7_6fycURuhmyE-qKSk6U35dsLtCUg8GrJRk2b7UEwG054EhbeF7AqHu-nrBiVUonewbk4TJa5mfgbE4aPH-gjf5bF_-nJR3nCazlKDLO7A-f8le8aSo/s320/DSC00129.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537979151354509682" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Thousands of pink bodies shivered around me as we huddled together trying to stay warm. </i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wzi0aweRkKT6G3zHLVk3UXAef9NZZyHPZ_LsHQ2HBb7McnDH8RgtXsalxcYZewYnVEHxqUhi39SQPB8Xv7l1O0pxNcvZKbxb666W38ren1_qhtol8c48FaIUUqakAYhBQ8-HjDrlcqg/s1600/DSC00130.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Wzi0aweRkKT6G3zHLVk3UXAef9NZZyHPZ_LsHQ2HBb7McnDH8RgtXsalxcYZewYnVEHxqUhi39SQPB8Xv7l1O0pxNcvZKbxb666W38ren1_qhtol8c48FaIUUqakAYhBQ8-HjDrlcqg/s320/DSC00130.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537979147337023890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Thankfully, the sun was rising and opening ceremony was about to begin</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdrZsEtTgjWeQecDmqxP_nRu072kiwcv_YTaSNdiiwLgr7fmAfLj00IwbTnrWzn4Dn6EjSQriFBYLG64s93-8QgmelnWrJrhso9-WqmFjTu355lglT_M1Yz6v7xFp_iE8z4LP4lER4J0/s1600/DSC00132.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBdrZsEtTgjWeQecDmqxP_nRu072kiwcv_YTaSNdiiwLgr7fmAfLj00IwbTnrWzn4Dn6EjSQriFBYLG64s93-8QgmelnWrJrhso9-WqmFjTu355lglT_M1Yz6v7xFp_iE8z4LP4lER4J0/s320/DSC00132.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537979140182529106" /></a><i>Suddenly, upbeat music blared from the stage and huge pink beach balls began flying around the crowd. It was so exciting and the energy was absolutely contagious!! I forgot all about being cold once the opening ceremony and group stretch began.</i><div><i>After the fun, we had a moment where we recognized the true reason why we were all there. There wasn't a dry eye in that parking lot when reminded of lost mothers, grandmothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, even fathers, brothers, grandfathers, and uncles who would never again be around to see another birthday, anniversary, wedding, graduation or any other significant moment. But in the midst of all of the sadness, there was a palpable hope that was stronger than any emotion there. It was amazing and incredibly moving to see so many people together for such an awesome cause. I felt so excited for the three days ahead.</i></div><div><i> </i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This flag was signed by walkers and was a representation of all those lost and still fighting against breast cancer.</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM9P5aq2c6fgqvpng4bQm-VcRMsKgus312nDr6MYNmPSFhMqg-M9ry695l7UlKzzfMCBcCZ4EyrM9kjmHbsF2cjqFYhvoXUtEgqM1gmJkkz2giMoCmXxiNZ9yNuBIdNPndxUHlBorIlQ/s1600/DSC00133.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM9P5aq2c6fgqvpng4bQm-VcRMsKgus312nDr6MYNmPSFhMqg-M9ry695l7UlKzzfMCBcCZ4EyrM9kjmHbsF2cjqFYhvoXUtEgqM1gmJkkz2giMoCmXxiNZ9yNuBIdNPndxUHlBorIlQ/s320/DSC00133.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537977353575841042" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is a Sweep Van... These vans were driven by crew members and if a walker was tired, they would pick them up and drive them to the next pit stop. Each van had a theme; this van was Scooby Booby Doo. Hardy har har.</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4RNjG4jDI6-AqtDrMojpPUGaGhaLLyOdaL3eKAQ5nBbWGwDpagM_jGOx_qRBEFm8k8h9SZORIUpcKp6qp35FIXB8PdVuCva-VWYn6QqfY_5DiP20AsnAuN7mNnnSPgDjAWzhD-vIyyk/s1600/DSC00134.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4RNjG4jDI6-AqtDrMojpPUGaGhaLLyOdaL3eKAQ5nBbWGwDpagM_jGOx_qRBEFm8k8h9SZORIUpcKp6qp35FIXB8PdVuCva-VWYn6QqfY_5DiP20AsnAuN7mNnnSPgDjAWzhD-vIyyk/s320/DSC00134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537977346298119794" /></a><i>Once the opening ceremony was over, we were free to begin Day One which was 19.5 miles of walking. Right at the starting line, I met a woman named Nataly who was also attending the walk alone and we decided to stick together. We talked about our lives at home and why we were walking. It was so great having a new friend to walk with!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOcTOKoItp3rOJc999HkrL3Wrf7LyjrPFNZ5wi5SE5CspRZtXU2zL8A4yDMMjukes61bh0C47jXOB0ASnYAsuZRS5mzSTdkZtRTJm2YoeJ_8bISMKjj3C2c4KLXo0LvjN0vihah0dqq8/s1600/DSC00135.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNOcTOKoItp3rOJc999HkrL3Wrf7LyjrPFNZ5wi5SE5CspRZtXU2zL8A4yDMMjukes61bh0C47jXOB0ASnYAsuZRS5mzSTdkZtRTJm2YoeJ_8bISMKjj3C2c4KLXo0LvjN0vihah0dqq8/s320/DSC00135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537977344320045170" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Here are some of the local students who stood at the fences to cheer us on! They chanted, decorated, and even wore pink ties and bows made out of construction paper.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Sha baby!</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0C1ojb2f_U_owU-0BCCezkMCc2X7rHqJddQf8plEhXb9-8-0hFNqT9q_oaPypOvhAEa8MkBWbueOzfoT7T7iZdiOttZDoFH1ky1U4wzMRLt6GiTBqG5-QY9zlfFvYDD9S7IUeCLDQDA/s1600/DSC00136.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz0C1ojb2f_U_owU-0BCCezkMCc2X7rHqJddQf8plEhXb9-8-0hFNqT9q_oaPypOvhAEa8MkBWbueOzfoT7T7iZdiOttZDoFH1ky1U4wzMRLt6GiTBqG5-QY9zlfFvYDD9S7IUeCLDQDA/s320/DSC00136.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537977338217993954" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I couldn't NOT take a picture of these two...</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaYbPIj3ElYI04zvT0sW9RqMtcWX2U1B8usxQJLKkLAZ3_i85IriLvnrbJlxsVNAD0QZUwF77LiGb071m9BzHKkg70oK3tLPXiHYgWn-BVeISszRxlRbWEQLL0s_8Dqjpss_KC_e1gX4/s1600/DSC00137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRaYbPIj3ElYI04zvT0sW9RqMtcWX2U1B8usxQJLKkLAZ3_i85IriLvnrbJlxsVNAD0QZUwF77LiGb071m9BzHKkg70oK3tLPXiHYgWn-BVeISszRxlRbWEQLL0s_8Dqjpss_KC_e1gX4/s320/DSC00137.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537976530264450466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Every 3 or 4 miles was a pit stop! The pit stops were equipped with TONS of food, water, Gatorade, medical needs and AMAZING crews! The Crews were all volunteers who gave up their whole weekend to help us!</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcHWsGDU7ROW1eFBf_bBpTk8RVZSo2Vy943XHb2J9iPME1-yXwIfi0F3k8e0wWstsj4krckZIYQPoAmbLHQbXCC_bmCI-YN-g4cWzhhIjMgX_CeYDAEHmxgONqk2DmPg7-7QVTa8zy08/s1600/DSC00138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcHWsGDU7ROW1eFBf_bBpTk8RVZSo2Vy943XHb2J9iPME1-yXwIfi0F3k8e0wWstsj4krckZIYQPoAmbLHQbXCC_bmCI-YN-g4cWzhhIjMgX_CeYDAEHmxgONqk2DmPg7-7QVTa8zy08/s320/DSC00138.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537976516802896594" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I had no choice but to quickly overcome my fear of peeing in public/peeing in port-a-potties because with all of the water they were forcing us to drink, I kinda had no choice. I never thought I'd see there day where I'd be relieved to see one of these things. </i></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcHWsGDU7ROW1eFBf_bBpTk8RVZSo2Vy943XHb2J9iPME1-yXwIfi0F3k8e0wWstsj4krckZIYQPoAmbLHQbXCC_bmCI-YN-g4cWzhhIjMgX_CeYDAEHmxgONqk2DmPg7-7QVTa8zy08/s1600/DSC00138.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AJ-WWuO733p2u9DkRP6Hn-VaLOCLpYTCI2E7g1K5TNYttI_KwU19i4P_xkDzElv-n20du4pwdstqOQEwdn-Fw167IOE8E_X-zQ8KYrhM8wwivQFs46fcIQsnTeGDFhvA9IWI97MIN_Q/s1600/DSC00139.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1AJ-WWuO733p2u9DkRP6Hn-VaLOCLpYTCI2E7g1K5TNYttI_KwU19i4P_xkDzElv-n20du4pwdstqOQEwdn-Fw167IOE8E_X-zQ8KYrhM8wwivQFs46fcIQsnTeGDFhvA9IWI97MIN_Q/s320/DSC00139.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537976509824798450" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Each pit stop was themed. This pit stop was the "mammo-grammies" </i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKUDnZIiwm_5yGiIc7aUPgFMxPvLNwb4i2RMtUsSzc8s5BRY407xXsSx8NYZQG6AuMp4X0Jj_4ppBVC6RvXq84zHajWbYk_-qo5ps-0vVyzJEtbiY7usNwZlQbUeDDF7m3XfXlutMvzo/s1600/DSC00140.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoKUDnZIiwm_5yGiIc7aUPgFMxPvLNwb4i2RMtUsSzc8s5BRY407xXsSx8NYZQG6AuMp4X0Jj_4ppBVC6RvXq84zHajWbYk_-qo5ps-0vVyzJEtbiY7usNwZlQbUeDDF7m3XfXlutMvzo/s320/DSC00140.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537976504526718306" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><i>19.5 miles later, we reached the finish line & were greeted by tons of cheerleaders and members of walkers families. Day one was over in a flash thanks to awesome crew members and cheering sections along the route. Once back at camp, Nataly and I decided to explore where we would be living for the next two days. Our first stop was the massage chairs...</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Oh...Heavenly.</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiAtFsa6r-w_NYoFw7CLCgyAXDgdZ6kkv4KiptRDP7kovzVOUnYB-2b6cAK506rqoaHxIWdPDS1NolwFuzJngWiYePwyKYuyjJKgNbaP66234DhxYfJIv7ssvOegxThifEi3f7_1VOi8/s1600/DSC00145.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiAtFsa6r-w_NYoFw7CLCgyAXDgdZ6kkv4KiptRDP7kovzVOUnYB-2b6cAK506rqoaHxIWdPDS1NolwFuzJngWiYePwyKYuyjJKgNbaP66234DhxYfJIv7ssvOegxThifEi3f7_1VOi8/s320/DSC00145.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537976108703643410" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFoiQ0bk3GFqJCF9TGVyFJQpbEmDNlJzl6PvjLAmqczVmk62QzvvaMSDVh8dKPzgwbcNhZlpEVUrEVJ0tVe2OvwrkA5QxbiIYIEp-104efmKPPLeOSFImxRDrG-7J4enSmGavGhQpDL0/s1600/DSC00146.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhFoiQ0bk3GFqJCF9TGVyFJQpbEmDNlJzl6PvjLAmqczVmk62QzvvaMSDVh8dKPzgwbcNhZlpEVUrEVJ0tVe2OvwrkA5QxbiIYIEp-104efmKPPLeOSFImxRDrG-7J4enSmGavGhQpDL0/s320/DSC00146.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537976100401817218" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>So happy for a successful first day!</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95RKlkM-vrZaV0MRZafRiw8twvCTS42x1M2h-C1OdPrBQgLdXht3ktuR20otYiD2nUgaa5QZEP1gDcsWosZhlbINzahFPGG_-4zEsOe2TxJOHNWtkBQlyUTP5zDJ2pXn-o1o9P23PZfc/s1600/DSC00147.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95RKlkM-vrZaV0MRZafRiw8twvCTS42x1M2h-C1OdPrBQgLdXht3ktuR20otYiD2nUgaa5QZEP1gDcsWosZhlbINzahFPGG_-4zEsOe2TxJOHNWtkBQlyUTP5zDJ2pXn-o1o9P23PZfc/s320/DSC00147.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537976094029344002" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><i>After charging our phones and enjoying the massage chairs, we decided to take on the challenge of pitching our own tents. I'm not exactly what you would call "outdoorsy" but for the cause, it was the least I could do.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>It was pretty entertaining watching 2800 women attempting to pitch tents. Thank you Lord for volunteers from the local college's baseball team.</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZeZugYRHTRr8urq3-1vZFgFwy-th_CSseed_FQ9lU9mj4548kbUwUdvLR0HKW3IntGW6J1Z4qw2z6Ltuv17LfVyFcHVbyMn57O7lmIOvOnoaG8yMks08SRsvdYPux093HU91w2jJMf8/s1600/DSC00150.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZeZugYRHTRr8urq3-1vZFgFwy-th_CSseed_FQ9lU9mj4548kbUwUdvLR0HKW3IntGW6J1Z4qw2z6Ltuv17LfVyFcHVbyMn57O7lmIOvOnoaG8yMks08SRsvdYPux093HU91w2jJMf8/s320/DSC00150.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537976088767505970" /></a><i>After pitching our tent, we had supper and decided to take showers. The showers were set up in 18 wheelers. It's kind of hard to explain without a picture but imagine portapotties...except you bathe in em. So I was waiting in line to take a shower, surrounded by 5 old blue hairs who decided to strike up a conversation with me that went a little something like this:</i></div><div><i></i><i>Old Ladies: So, where are you from?</i></div><div><i>Me: I'm from Louisiana... a little south of New Orleans.</i></div><div><i>Old Ladies: awwwh! She's from Louisiana!!! who are you here with?</i></div><div><i>Me: I'm here alone.</i></div><div><i>Old Ladies: awwwh! She's here alone!!! Who are you walking for?</i></div><div><i>Me: Oh, I'm just walking for those who can't no one in particular really.</i></div><div><i>Old Ladies: AWWWWHHHH!!!!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I love old people.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>So we retired to bed early. And by early, I'm talking 8pm. It was freezing and i was EXHAUSTED. not the most peaceful sleep in the world, on the ground, in 35 degrees, but it wasn't as bad as I expected. I was so looking forward to the sun's warmth and day two!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>Day two began with some serious stretching and some hot tea! We had a 22 mile trek in front of us and we were more than ready to get started!</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>One thing that really amazed me was the Dallas community's support. Every few miles we would come upon a cheering section. They would wave flags, hold signs, posters, balloons and even dress up while passing out candy, donuts, buttons, stickers, smoothies, bloody mary's and tequilla shots (don't worry, mom, I didn't take any). These groups were such an encouragement. Yelling thank yous and holding photos of those lost or still fighting. It was just a constant outpouring of gratitude, & it meant so much. My heart was absolutely melted. I couldn't even speak. </i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>cheering stations...</i></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D10ryL9ybJb5N3jftSGl3V0XuXhsAkGiAG9CSa9ijUw68diOj0zXLnYo-Ikn1M2exu1Sjf_TTeiJ4PVSyfTj56hYydVq3uHmWqjIETP3hCrVUnH3esfHtbbH0K-_Ua-_ptWtRsHqAC0/s1600/DSC00157.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4D10ryL9ybJb5N3jftSGl3V0XuXhsAkGiAG9CSa9ijUw68diOj0zXLnYo-Ikn1M2exu1Sjf_TTeiJ4PVSyfTj56hYydVq3uHmWqjIETP3hCrVUnH3esfHtbbH0K-_Ua-_ptWtRsHqAC0/s320/DSC00157.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537975733358727746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOWXKiLYHcPzPhz2sjiDlkrekpopMU_OI8HUKjiGdjzF-dNcwxGSPjV3qMw5CrYIehQpUKCGmzAcjlw2xprZf93Ho_4u7hylJ3xEEPUpbXtzO4XIsszmLZtX50kt7cv9NgYM9ydPlg_8/s1600/DSC00158.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihOWXKiLYHcPzPhz2sjiDlkrekpopMU_OI8HUKjiGdjzF-dNcwxGSPjV3qMw5CrYIehQpUKCGmzAcjlw2xprZf93Ho_4u7hylJ3xEEPUpbXtzO4XIsszmLZtX50kt7cv9NgYM9ydPlg_8/s320/DSC00158.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537975727496418322" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCq7jys7IV2nYLLOQJHCJcVGfgFxD0ZeWHYlPB_9PMa2Uaq6Hh6CQwq7HFVEf5OvnzMTG73CumdSZb076b8Jf1EIrLcg_R36T4N8TueY7LTdEBNTmg20roKZtsaWuo1t5D_0efNBmm4qQ/s1600/DSC00159.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCq7jys7IV2nYLLOQJHCJcVGfgFxD0ZeWHYlPB_9PMa2Uaq6Hh6CQwq7HFVEf5OvnzMTG73CumdSZb076b8Jf1EIrLcg_R36T4N8TueY7LTdEBNTmg20roKZtsaWuo1t5D_0efNBmm4qQ/s320/DSC00159.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537975725434221826" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>About 18 miles into that day's walking, Nataly got too tired and decided to catch a bus back to camp so it was just me myself and I for the next 4 miles. Exhausted, I decided to start jogging to get there faster. I was immediately scolded by a male crew member in a pink tutu and wings. "This is a WALK not a RACE." Really? How am I supposed to take that seriously?</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>So anywho, 22 miles down. I practically collapsed over the finish line. Exhausted I went to the phone charging booth, then took a little breather and enjoyed an episode of Glee, which I've pretty much abandoned this season due to the busy hecticness that has become my life.</i></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>GLEE!</i></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTm-s1SKpzJPgBTr5i8u8Idnzt_TyaXkvigtX8iARNUqpvJXoRPED_Ad13QQ47seus8uw-LEUFErCLaZMyV6JVtLEaEkc7ddhfgS91z8mY6CsdjCIjzUD3m-Y4Ljmw5QpxgEmDHu1kGM/s1600/DSC00167.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTm-s1SKpzJPgBTr5i8u8Idnzt_TyaXkvigtX8iARNUqpvJXoRPED_Ad13QQ47seus8uw-LEUFErCLaZMyV6JVtLEaEkc7ddhfgS91z8mY6CsdjCIjzUD3m-Y4Ljmw5QpxgEmDHu1kGM/s320/DSC00167.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537975060989067026" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>So that evening was beautiful, the camp was still pretty & pink, but the walkers kind of resembled hunched limping pink zombies. It was much more quiet and every few tents I would hear loud snores even at 3 and 4 in the afternoon. Can't say I blame them!! We were surprised by a private concert by Candy Coburn. I'm pretty sure no one reading this knows who Candy Coburn is, but if you have ever heard the song "Pink Warrior" which is on all the SGK commercials and what not..that's her. Now, don't get me wrong, its a cute song and she's great and all, but once you have heard it 234098508608439828 times at fundraising events...you kind of never want to hear it again. However, I forced a smile and clapped along with all of the other blue hairs who just think shes the cutest thing to ever inhabit the earth.</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><i></i><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>So day 3 was now here. It was surprisingly bittersweet. I did miss home but at the same time I felt oddly connected to the people and event here in Dallas. I decided to get to the starting line as early as possible because lets face it: it was cold, I was tired and I had a plane to catch. I ended up at some point being in the top 10 people and ran into a woman named Ms. Patti who was keeping about the same pace as me. She was absolutely amazing!! She had been walking in the SGK 3-Day for 7 years. She has many family members who have suffered from breast cancer and was there representing them. She was so much fun to talk to and I got to meet her whole group of walkers at lunch. Turns out her niece is doing the Disney College Internship as well so I definitely plan on keeping in touch! Anywho, we walked so fast that by the time we hit the lunch tents we were forced to sit and wait for about an hour so the following pit stops could set up and prepare. We were about an hour ahead of schedule the whole day and the more I sat the more my body hurt so I was pretty darn relieved to get started again!</i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Ms. Patti & Me at a pit stop!</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hDGPenvhjc4WPX7N5wurYFgk1YLS46K7gN6sCdw39X_RgHf0vcJCa3M_T35MtG7c-dIDmvns4jIPGGTcNwA38NfsOOCXwXSVAiRNHvR1GupKIrPEpV3-PAKfT5MisEAyqOQ5m6qMzr4/s1600/DSC00169.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4hDGPenvhjc4WPX7N5wurYFgk1YLS46K7gN6sCdw39X_RgHf0vcJCa3M_T35MtG7c-dIDmvns4jIPGGTcNwA38NfsOOCXwXSVAiRNHvR1GupKIrPEpV3-PAKfT5MisEAyqOQ5m6qMzr4/s320/DSC00169.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537975052198806594" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>During lunch, a pink firetruck pulled up which thrilled me to death...and when this precious puppy jumped out the back I was sooo excited! She was the sweetest little baby! I played with her while we waited for the route to open back up!</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SNaEUEYlU1k-Xt5cppQYUCqY2UAShXy9QgXM1DnEkJS9UrHj3fRGL7tkE4fTezRXAKDU8PfuUdLDar-fkRssj7nLzKUTwdOFfIQjQcVYdiPxn8ve_Z40sSCdZJyZQT8qKrzT1CHc9cE/s1600/DSC00170.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SNaEUEYlU1k-Xt5cppQYUCqY2UAShXy9QgXM1DnEkJS9UrHj3fRGL7tkE4fTezRXAKDU8PfuUdLDar-fkRssj7nLzKUTwdOFfIQjQcVYdiPxn8ve_Z40sSCdZJyZQT8qKrzT1CHc9cE/s320/DSC00170.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537975038995078546" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This pink fire truck had been touring with the SGK 3-Day all year and we all got to sign it.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Please note: It was game day...I couldn't NOT wear my Saints gear, even if I was in Dallas. Sorry, Cowboy fans.</i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB6pRmHyRQy3Bwg6VAu8zO4pRKoQOPemlrGUOtSzSGHo8fpE_4VvxEMleEBO0sajefoLPUiNcXS2_tPrh0_7F4CodrRCicoSUcmw326rvdRY0QQ0O8n9ITkUnTCzq_KTtpZishUsyeEM/s1600/DSC00172.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB6pRmHyRQy3Bwg6VAu8zO4pRKoQOPemlrGUOtSzSGHo8fpE_4VvxEMleEBO0sajefoLPUiNcXS2_tPrh0_7F4CodrRCicoSUcmw326rvdRY0QQ0O8n9ITkUnTCzq_KTtpZishUsyeEM/s320/DSC00172.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537974799335239362" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><i>So the route finally opened back up and we walked through some BEAUTIFUL neighborhoods on day 3. These houses were basically estates. It was pretty amazing. Once out of the neighborhoods, we made our way downtown. I got to see the "Grassy Knoll" which I didn't even know what that was until someone told me it was where JFK got shot...I have never claimed to be a history buff. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>JFK Museum? I duno...something JFK related.</i></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16AAEbN5EeRdadpJFTGDWIc3e_QalGNijzQd2TC8nSzVFAuC2m2P7TQVptsVLCvvCm-j-xN0jAT3MOgMxWMpHz1laMeoRuLSbAZh3pqdf7Fe8A0Qfc8c7WYlRkp7Am2yPkX6fkyUfzws/s1600/DSC00175.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi16AAEbN5EeRdadpJFTGDWIc3e_QalGNijzQd2TC8nSzVFAuC2m2P7TQVptsVLCvvCm-j-xN0jAT3MOgMxWMpHz1laMeoRuLSbAZh3pqdf7Fe8A0Qfc8c7WYlRkp7Am2yPkX6fkyUfzws/s320/DSC00175.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537974183421000450" /></a><i><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Finally, we reached the finish line...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Out of 2800 walkers, I finished in the top 15.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>However, I was beat by a sixty-something year old lady who had survived breast cancer and did triathalons for fun.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">If that doesn't give the cynics in this world hope I don't know what will.</div></i><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNGWuzsPuvwHU_oMcZdXF4jDMdNRYbsnq24ZQqLU0ntDmGqBMhABKOE_n00ZJOnyAH8HJQ5xgGogTtCWKpOeW8rIgXTD7mZYWNkYjKsZBx7qxF0BArCx7jyTgL3YOyt4dMCRMwQS8kqA/s1600/DSC00176.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNGWuzsPuvwHU_oMcZdXF4jDMdNRYbsnq24ZQqLU0ntDmGqBMhABKOE_n00ZJOnyAH8HJQ5xgGogTtCWKpOeW8rIgXTD7mZYWNkYjKsZBx7qxF0BArCx7jyTgL3YOyt4dMCRMwQS8kqA/s320/DSC00176.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537974175600287490" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I was so happy and honored and proud to take this picture 6o miles later!!</i></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggNGWuzsPuvwHU_oMcZdXF4jDMdNRYbsnq24ZQqLU0ntDmGqBMhABKOE_n00ZJOnyAH8HJQ5xgGogTtCWKpOeW8rIgXTD7mZYWNkYjKsZBx7qxF0BArCx7jyTgL3YOyt4dMCRMwQS8kqA/s1600/DSC00176.JPG"></a><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLFrxgvS6kEyXdd9IpV5uMLK0jlvyAX4Xp6lYNO-hwRn8PWks9cjvXuX1MU55nf3mk78B_SGgPBDQjXtOp1KeAVYwLfmPSazO4UhO6hAaP1B_2isbChjDHgZeIzMG2jiuTG2fyXgg-K2g/s320/DSC00178.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537974159229359106" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>In January, The Susan G. Komen 3 Day 60 Mile Walk for the Cure was something that seemed like a fun challenge & a nice thing to do for others, but after months of preparing, learning, and being inspired by others stories, challenges and heartache, I have learned so much and have been impacted in ways I never imagined I'd be impacted. I found myself humbled by those walking around me; wearing survivor pins, three times my age and constantly smiling, showing those still fighting that there is hope of a long and happy life beyond breast cancer. That with each day and each donation there is promise of a cure. I also became extremely thankful for the numerous numerous blessings in my life. From my health, to my comfortable warm bed and roof over my head, to my supportive loving and healthy family, the SGK 3-Day reminded me once again just how much my cup runneth over! </i><i>This event in some ways can not be explained with words. It's so powerful, making the biggest men break down and cry, and causing weak, sick, feeble women to walk with a fervor and determination that is truly baffling. I can't even begin to express how honored I was to be a part of the walk.</i><i> The search for a cure is something that I am genuinely passionate about and believe will be found thanks to the generous donations that SGK collects and the hope of those who are fighting possess. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Again, I would like to thank EVERYONE who helped me with providing the funds necessary to attend. I am incredibly blessed to know each and every one of you and know that your spare change helped to change a life!!</i></div></div>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-19961835255102575942010-11-10T07:08:00.000-08:002010-11-11T15:21:33.646-08:00my venture to dallas.<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>After a night spent with my mom in a hotel, I woke up bright and early on November 4, 2010 to fly out of New Orleans to Dallas. I left a day early for the Susan G. Komen 3 Day in order to prepare myself, gather last minute items, and to spend time with a friend of mine from the Dallas area! I sat down on the plane and things were well. To my left was a man with one of the largest mustaches I have ever seen and to my right was an older man wearing a costume boat captain hat identical the one I wore to the Delta Tau Delta costume party last week. I love New Orleans.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>While sitting at the gate waiting to depart I was anxious and decided to mess with the tray table in front of me to distract myself. The second I touched the little nob, it broke off. Is it just me, or is this how the premonition on Final Destination began? Okay, no more playing with the tray table. Fortunately, the plane did NOT blow up on take off, and the flight was well underway. Once high in the sky, the attendants brought out their little cart to hand out drinks. parched, I was relieved to see them come my way. The guy looks directly at me, says a friendly hello, then looks at mustache man to my left. "What can we get you to drink?" He says he isn't thirsty, and they roll along. No drinks allowed for Stephani I guess. Ah well.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>As everyone knows, Christmas is just around the corner. And while I was traveling to Dallas, I killed time on the plane by reading one of my favorite magazines: Sky Mall. I got all sorts of ideas for what I'd like to see under the tree this year, so mom & dad & Santa, I hope you're tuning in because these are some of the top items on my Christmas list for 2010!</i></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><i></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Dog Genealogy Kit</i></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPcJR_HsYDeL4TBPFlg6msd9Ys_Gwtx2TuhtyAyCUozuY_qNTjxBNYZA9LyJI7eWikAAhJ7peXxYxX474km4_nMgkUiHYXa2IoH7gzM6b5NUUtHQyYKBDhpd979CknAnzXlgTKbc3gEE/s1600/102908967d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnPcJR_HsYDeL4TBPFlg6msd9Ys_Gwtx2TuhtyAyCUozuY_qNTjxBNYZA9LyJI7eWikAAhJ7peXxYxX474km4_nMgkUiHYXa2IoH7gzM6b5NUUtHQyYKBDhpd979CknAnzXlgTKbc3gEE/s400/102908967d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537942052144888290" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I often wonder just where my Bella has come from. I know her mother was a black lab named Bonqueshia Williams, (No, I'm not kidding) but what about her illegitimate father? For only $59.95 we can finally answer the question of where exactly this love-puppy came from. I don' know about you, but i think this whole genealogy kit may just be one big Maury episode waiting to happen.</span></i></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Hidden Litter Box</i></span></div><div><b><br /></b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2SYm5Edlcz7gvd-ottW9DYwHKuOnzmdFL_kkbp9HRAr_Jh9hlY7f3aymFdhzCgoZqbmqXMk9plegZEb33lDGN6VT0ZEROt9VW0FAtZrlF5Iq__8M9PoNUHZv18mP2FNeV4aU1EyNJ8s/s1600/102466239d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2SYm5Edlcz7gvd-ottW9DYwHKuOnzmdFL_kkbp9HRAr_Jh9hlY7f3aymFdhzCgoZqbmqXMk9plegZEb33lDGN6VT0ZEROt9VW0FAtZrlF5Iq__8M9PoNUHZv18mP2FNeV4aU1EyNJ8s/s400/102466239d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537941929962996466" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now, I'm not the biggest fan of cats. They're kinda moody and sometimes kinda gross...as are their litter boxes. Who really wants to see litter boxes lying around the house & smelling up the place? So, thank the Lord for Sky Mall for finding the only solution to this problem. A "Hidden" Litter Box...this litter box has been cleverly designed to look like a house plant! Okay, heres my question. Now that you have a decoy to distract people from your smelly litter boxes, how will you distract your house guests from your plants that SMELL like smelly litter boxes? Oy, it never ends. Oh well, I like this product anyways and it can be yours all yours for a measly... </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><b>$129.95 - $249.95!? </b>Okay, they're pretty confident in this product. Good luck, Sky Mall.</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium; "><i>moving on...</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i>The Slanket</i></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCB_4R9z6KS_4S2AM9gjeS7qWZjOO5EYhsCYXNL20xCfsV91lWBKzyOGZO7LEpCzj_N-CmfJmjKyQeZV3ijZHOd71tVrX7E_-ofk2vhiYrii0T839lTe6TmlmArQPnfchYSvpcL5JMNB4/s1600/102531784d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCB_4R9z6KS_4S2AM9gjeS7qWZjOO5EYhsCYXNL20xCfsV91lWBKzyOGZO7LEpCzj_N-CmfJmjKyQeZV3ijZHOd71tVrX7E_-ofk2vhiYrii0T839lTe6TmlmArQPnfchYSvpcL5JMNB4/s400/102531784d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537941930635756050" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I only post this picture in order to prepare you all for my next wish list item. I have a Snuggie. I shamelessly wear it in my dorm sometimes. Believe it or not, I have always been a Snuggie advocate. (I know this is the Slanket, not the Snuggie, but they're trying) So anyways, I love my Snuggie and I have always had this idea to invent a Cuddly. Long story short, the Cuddly is the Snuggie for 2. It is twice as wide and has four arm holes instead of two, so that couples can hold each other while watching t.v. or lounging, or raising the roof while camping, or doing the cabbage patch at their kids sporting event like you see on all of the commercials. I have had this idea for over a year. I have told lots of people about it and I even wrote a sales pitch about it for an English project freshman year. so all of that to show you my next item...</span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Slanket.. SIAMESE!?!</span></span></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9IlhyphenhyphentqX2cTm6JHoRfeqlJ7eJPidPUxE3ClLSPStj6ELeMzTYxF7H4UjDTAxni2RhPrquM5ThTWix_S46zrz0W3DQu-bvzZ6MUHlK4zebdHTewWR0QsflKWCk05W1ydjOxsv5uLWYMM/s1600/203226233d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9IlhyphenhyphentqX2cTm6JHoRfeqlJ7eJPidPUxE3ClLSPStj6ELeMzTYxF7H4UjDTAxni2RhPrquM5ThTWix_S46zrz0W3DQu-bvzZ6MUHlK4zebdHTewWR0QsflKWCk05W1ydjOxsv5uLWYMM/s400/203226233d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537941926592316402" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Four sleeves, twice as large, cheesy couple!? This is the CUDDLY!!!...I don't want to talk about it.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Brobdingnagian Sports Chair</i></div></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb9IlhyphenhyphentqX2cTm6JHoRfeqlJ7eJPidPUxE3ClLSPStj6ELeMzTYxF7H4UjDTAxni2RhPrquM5ThTWix_S46zrz0W3DQu-bvzZ6MUHlK4zebdHTewWR0QsflKWCk05W1ydjOxsv5uLWYMM/s1600/203226233d.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4N1ZrGmEFItr8nWq8YIB1gMtIn5DhQrJLtGlwav9s780NEXaNpWcD_FkT5zr7qvOxvGeSpyqY_YXUpyRaglqNhyphenhyphenSwl0ISL9k3DyAKm9pRpVMm-lN5gI-7q5OwhKfSG3X2Is442MwSJI/s1600/203357084d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu4N1ZrGmEFItr8nWq8YIB1gMtIn5DhQrJLtGlwav9s780NEXaNpWcD_FkT5zr7qvOxvGeSpyqY_YXUpyRaglqNhyphenhyphenSwl0ISL9k3DyAKm9pRpVMm-lN5gI-7q5OwhKfSG3X2Is442MwSJI/s400/203357084d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537941922834874690" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>The kind of people I imagine who would buy a chair like this are the same kinds of people who own Hummers. I just don't get those people. Who needs a 5 foot chair for a sporting event?! Are you having trouble seeing? Maybe just get there a bit early and sit in the front row? But in all seriousness, the only thing more embarrassing than doing the cabbage patch in your "Slanket" at your child's sporting event is doing the cabbage patch in your "Slanket" at your child's sporting event in the Brobdingnagian Sports Chair. Also, its got a 9 square foot seat so that you can share your chair with a friend...heck, while you're at it, bring your "Slanket Siamese" and party it up. Well worth the 149.95 plus shipping I'm sure.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>The Darth Vader Toaster</i></span></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjkWutqrMc5OVq8191kq1AHlF4Uxry6a0igki_AGWZ2UGRnoDtKoosSVCApfls2kpTTkT6lOAfEhP9hbPax0RCr3LMG8qti3YiCfWCcCTA7_nNIKpldHtR5dRc-k9hWRERcHyaRDWbmk/s400/203456322d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537941758112316002" /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Nerds rejoice! Sky Mall has heard your plea for delicious toast with your favorite dark lords face burnt into it. </span></span></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">If there's something every Sith Lord knows how to do it's make a balanced breakfast</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">! <i> At only $54.99 I think I've found my go-to gift for those impossible people to buy gifts for.</i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Hoodie Footie Pajamas</i></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpyqUlGxVI4l66oKGIj4XxaeKQiZR9ChBjt9_cxoD34FK2Wr-P9WKmvOXonXfBnuTOofot9ByTIEP0vwgnwgegN-jYwGPassdliGRZzGNjfhcrR7JcSLCJ0SXQhxRU3v0Y_8rhjH3WY0/s1600/203476458d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOpyqUlGxVI4l66oKGIj4XxaeKQiZR9ChBjt9_cxoD34FK2Wr-P9WKmvOXonXfBnuTOofot9ByTIEP0vwgnwgegN-jYwGPassdliGRZzGNjfhcrR7JcSLCJ0SXQhxRU3v0Y_8rhjH3WY0/s400/203476458d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537941760389293474" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>I honestly really do love these. I have been looking for footie pajamas for like, two years now. Honestly, its like the Slanket on steroids. Keeping you warm from hood to toe! The only thing missing is a trap door in the back, but hey, I'll take what I can get. When I opened the magazine to this page I was almost elated until I read the price...79.95! Maybe I'll just go to Hobby Lobby, buy some fleece (which is almost always 50% off anyway) and just snuggle up in that. To top it off, if you are a size Large or larger, you have to pay $84.95!! Sheesh, talk about adding insult to injury. Sky Mall, you are killing me here.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>However, if you are on a modest budget and still want some hoodie footie pajamas, you can always buy them for your precious pooch for about 30 dollars less</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5FfUeI1RVhTxyCmQDHH4Jg5dcTD0sT9XF1i-MtOUNpzm0_j41GAxhctvtMuUb190u1tUz68XMbTSdnrnasminjsytX-7TNIlKH89CVi7tu2LDEsqaSFimYfgCI0XbX9dPegDt2C9po8/s1600/203476465d.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL5FfUeI1RVhTxyCmQDHH4Jg5dcTD0sT9XF1i-MtOUNpzm0_j41GAxhctvtMuUb190u1tUz68XMbTSdnrnasminjsytX-7TNIlKH89CVi7tu2LDEsqaSFimYfgCI0XbX9dPegDt2C9po8/s400/203476465d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537941754972535266" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>The Digital Spoon Scale</i></span></div></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PxuMnGbJE4MXmB0LzFVDBYzS8bAV0rlt1I9DrqTb6HuML_vBxStnfpbiWIVJBwxTk2ohvZFlPD-7Ru6KCxXfznveylsi8Y-3mio8H5_T2p2kN7yJDmqGJpAOJ4nrA6KNVU9PcZFN8A4/s400/203470389d.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537941751832195554" /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>I actually do just really want one of these.</i></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">so Mom, Dad & Santy Claus, I hope you've been listening. This is sure to be the Merriest Christmas of all.</span></i></div></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Anywho, back to the trip...</span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I landed in Dallas around 9:15am and planned to meet my friend John Kemp at the luggage carousel. However, he had to wait a second for me to get there because the Dallas airport is AWESOME! The second I stepped into the terminal there was a candy shop in front of me located right next door to a shop called Kid's Zoo! This airport really puts MSY to shame...actually pretty much all other airports put the New Orleans airport to shame! So I continued my shopping trip by browsing in Brooks Brothers and a bookstore, sorry about the wait, John! So here I was, finally in Dallas, and my adventure was only just beginning...</span></i></div>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-45437827024687147432010-11-02T16:11:00.001-07:002010-11-02T17:47:32.550-07:00feeling rather pink...<i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">well...eleven long months of preparation has quickly turned into 1 short day.</span></span></i><div><i></i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>& pink outfits, luggage, and tennis shoes can only mean one thing...<br /></i></span></span><div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tomorrow evening I will be heading to New Orleans & preparing for my flight to Dalls, TX for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for a Cure!!</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />In January, during R.A. training, our boss K.D. Linkous asked the whole gang, "what is your new years resolution?" people began answering his question, and I absent minded-ly answered that I had seen a commercial for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for a Cure, & how I would love to participate. Now, at the time, I had no idea when or where the closest walk took place, or that the training would be much more tiring than i imagined, or how much the minimum cost was to attend and i definitely had no idea how challenging it would be to raise the funds.. And to be honest, I had no idea that anyone was even listening to me. Little did I know, I was heard.<br />My goal of $2300 at one time, seemed almost impossible, and alone, it would have been. 11 months after declaring my new years resolution I can sit here & say that thanks to numerous students, organizations, amazing friends, family, and even total strangers that I have reached and even surpassed my goal! The love & support I have received from everyone is, in a word, overwhelming.</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />I wanted to take a quick moment to recognize the countless people & organizations that have given of their time, effort, and money to save the lives of those fighting the battle of breast cancer.</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Southeastern Louisiana University Hall Council -- (My goal would still be just a dream without you guys. Thank you for all of your hard work and fundraising.)</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Southeastern Louisiana University Phi Mu Alpha Sinforia (your candy shop was such a success!)</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Peer Educators Educating Peers at Southeastern Louisiana University (I will never forget the moment we hit the $2300 mark! I wouldn't have wanted to celebrate with anyone else! I love you guys!)</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Congressman Charlie Melancon </span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Chuck & Judy Chiasson (My amazing grandparents and biggest heroes who will probably never read this because they can barely turn on a computer)</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Jessica Brack (My mommy & one of my biggest cheerleaders. Thanks for nagging me to death about fundraising & deadlines. I wouldn't be nearly as prepared without you!)</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Charles Chiasson (My dad, I wish you could be there with me...i know how bad you wanted to try to run all 60 miles!)</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Rebecca Johnson</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Trip & Ann Holloway</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Luke Holloway (My life is forever changed for knowing you. Thank you for all of your support & prayers. You have definitely been one of the biggest blessings in my life & I can't wait to break in my new shoes!!)</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Kappa Sigma @ Southeastern Louisiana University</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Tau Kappa Epsilon @ Southeastern Louisiana University</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Kappa Alpha @ Southeastern Louisiana University</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Bevann McCartney</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Amanda Robbins</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Ryan Pattison & Family</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Heather Breecher & Family</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Blake Barras & Family</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Stephen Rutherford</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Denise Thibodaux</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Chris McKinley</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Katie LeBlanc</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Alex Peyroux</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Jean Olsen</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Josh Olsen</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Sandy & Mike Olsen</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Jordan Williams</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Sarah Twidwell</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Tim Rielling</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Bobby Lee Talbot Small</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-MJ Ahmed</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Hannah Pace</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Blake Small</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Michael Allen</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Cindy Floyd</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Barbara & Jarett Dornbusch</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Michael Brack</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Molly Arndt</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-David Pendergast</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Nita Carbon</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Cindy Dubois</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Randi McCraney</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Eric & Carolina Schafer</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Katie McCloskey</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Kim, Palmer, & Grace Giddings</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">-Maureen Putrillo</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> There are SO many other countless people who have given joyfully whose names I was unable to collect. But thanks to all of you, 2900+ dollars was raised for the Susan G. Komen Foundation & 75% of that collected will remain in this local area!! By sparing some change, you have truly changed countless lives.</span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></i></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I have been reading Nancy G Brinker's (the founder of the Susan G. Komen foundation) book "Promise Me" whenever I've had a spare moment and beyond being financially and physically prepared for the walk, this book has emotionally prepared me as well. The book is basically a memoir of the two sisters lives growing up, funny stories from childhood, their travels and experiences as they got older, and finally a devastating goodbye when Susan lost her battle with breast cancer. She was only 36 years old. Susan made Nancy promise her that she would make a difference in the way the world viewed and responded to breast cancer. To date, the Susan G. Komen foundation has raised over a billion dollars to fund research. Something that has been gripping me ever since I opened the book was how similar Susan & Nancy's relationship is to my sister Rachel & my relationship. Each story from their childhood makes me laugh because in some way, Rachel and I have pulled the same ridiculous stunt or gotten into the same pickle as they have. And as we get older, we remain just as close, regardless of where we are, be it North Carolina, Louisiana, or even Korea. Rachel is my best friend. My heart hurts deeply for anyone who has lost a sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, or a friend to this dreadful disease. I can't even fathom the pain. Reading this book has just rekindled my reasons for walking the 3-Day even more. I am walking for those who can't. Nothing about the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for a Cure has to do with me. I am just the pawn used to represent countless victims of the disease and the family members they have left behind. I have been blessed to be one of the only people i know who has not personally dealt with a family member or friend fighting against this disease. I want to do this walk for those who never had a chance to. My main goal in this journey is to help to change the way the world views this illness. Who knows, maybe one day, thanks to all of the generous donations given through this foundation, we will find a cure so that no sister ever has to be alone again.</span></span></i></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>So anywho, I know this doesn't relate to Disney World at all, which was the main reason for this blog...but I definitely felt compelled to thank all of the donors again! I can't wait to come back with lots of stories! I'll be keeping a little note pad in my fanny-pack (YES! THEY GIVE US FANNY PACKS TO WEAR!!!!) to jot down stories from my time in Dallas...</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; "><i>I know that the walk will be a life changing experience & i ask that you keep me & the rest of the 3-Day walkers in your thoughts and prayers as we travel to Dallas, and sleep in tents (eek), and do a LOT of walking! :o)</i></span></div></div></div>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-57302739089481954372010-10-18T21:36:00.000-07:002010-10-19T12:07:22.064-07:00Austin TX: Bats, Bagels, & Butt-Kicking Auditions<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><em>My dream of being a Character Performer at WDW sent me on a journey to Austin and a very unforgettable weekend...</em></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><br /><em></em></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><em>Friday...</em></span></span><br /><em><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; FONT-FAMILY: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: rgb(51,51,51); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span">So Friday morning </span></span></span><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; COLOR: rgb(51,51,51); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2pxfont-family:'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:medium;" class="Apple-style-span" >was spent with two of my very best friends, Kelly & Perry! Perry came up to visit us Thursday night!! Perry helped me make some final minute errands and then we all had lunch! Vanilla Bear, thank you so much for coming to see us!! We love you! :o)</span></span></em><br /><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; COLOR: rgb(51,51,51); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2pxfont-family:'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:medium;" class="Apple-style-span" ></span><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; COLOR: rgb(51,51,51); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2pxfont-family:'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:medium;" class="Apple-style-span" ><em>Friday afternoon at about 12:15, we began our 7 hour journey to Austin. My first thought was "oh-my-gosh-how-can-we-find-7-hours-worth-of-conversation?!" but I guess I forgot that Alex Peyroux was sitting in my passenger seat because the drive was probably the funniest and most entertaining 7 hours ever spent in a car...but we won't go into detail.</em></span><br /><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; COLOR: rgb(51,51,51); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2pxfont-family:'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif;font-size:medium;" class="Apple-style-span" ><br /><em></em></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; FONT-FAMILY: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: rgb(51,51,51); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><em>Halfway through the trip, we had to stop at a McDonald's because Alex had a free burger coupon. Of course the McDonald's we would stop at would have a fancy indoor play-place and of course we had to sneak in & play! and let me tell you: those tubes are far more constricting than they appear. After taking what felt like 25 minutes to climb to the top of the 15 ft tubes (I was surpassed by the same child TWICE) we took the slide down, shocked by each little metal dot thingie on the way... ah nostalgia.The only thing missing was my hair sticking to the sides of the walls from the static electricity. I had no idea how much bigger I was since the last time I was in one of those things. After receiving dirty looks from every parent and cashier in the place, we hit the road.</em></span><em><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span">So at about 9pm, we reached Austin, checked into our lovely Days Inn. For 50 dollars I could not have asked for anything better than what we got. We definitely lucked out. We decided to relax & call it an early night. It's really amazing how exhausting sitting can be.</span></span></em></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; FONT-FAMILY: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: rgb(51,51,51); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><br /><em></em></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; FONT-FAMILY: 'trebuchet ms', verdana, arial, sans-serif; COLOR: rgb(51,51,51); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><em>Saturday...</em></span></span></span><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="LINE-HEIGHT: 18px; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse; COLOR: rgb(51,51,51); -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><em>I woke up 4 minutes before my 8am alarm and started getting ready for the day. Our first stop was to check out Lake Travis & The Mansfield Dam. The scenery on the drive to the lake was absolutely beautiful! And of course, the scenery once we got there was pretty amazing as well.</em></span></span></span></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGexjg3V4wd1iG12nn72HkvU3aQ0W4pFv9iz01y0gQhekS_khzkccLsSBgQlo7QH7khElK9haJn7QBWW8HR9Qubg69zNjn_MsY-mLQJh3khD56l78CgxA93B11CKu9VgWfyVRVT_5Y6oo/s1600/001+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529616732053456370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGexjg3V4wd1iG12nn72HkvU3aQ0W4pFv9iz01y0gQhekS_khzkccLsSBgQlo7QH7khElK9haJn7QBWW8HR9Qubg69zNjn_MsY-mLQJh3khD56l78CgxA93B11CKu9VgWfyVRVT_5Y6oo/s320/001+-+Copy.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Upon Arrival, we were greeted by a real live ROAD RUNNER!</i></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i>So we spent the morning exploring the dam...</i></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPd-lacnAPiv0OjfhI5fQcXbG0HBIMSTVrlz7JqCYac-1TyrLS0z2k8m10vNOuSWnClN71jrM8nM1pJPm9prSXHIpUynDF_9li5vX3BRxk9piCZI7w7w3moksD4sELXW-QhBKm1JmQTA/s1600/004.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529616638352967938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdPd-lacnAPiv0OjfhI5fQcXbG0HBIMSTVrlz7JqCYac-1TyrLS0z2k8m10vNOuSWnClN71jrM8nM1pJPm9prSXHIpUynDF_9li5vX3BRxk9piCZI7w7w3moksD4sELXW-QhBKm1JmQTA/s320/004.JPG" /></a><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Which, sadly, was not open to walk across...</span></i></div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiAcoUDLmE_-g89zdse-UrZSdXXORv86hh0ryPgtkmKwekIjg7X5kvop2L3YdKCTyZBfjTrEwVQ5JtsiQpmgnpxc30VhpYHNQs4ngjfpKSe9SyV6cbkh1eO5vQwTakkQWT1jdBpNDg70/s1600/003+-+Copy.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529616258740153346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigiAcoUDLmE_-g89zdse-UrZSdXXORv86hh0ryPgtkmKwekIjg7X5kvop2L3YdKCTyZBfjTrEwVQ5JtsiQpmgnpxc30VhpYHNQs4ngjfpKSe9SyV6cbkh1eO5vQwTakkQWT1jdBpNDg70/s320/003+-+Copy.JPG" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Which didn't make me too happy. So we moved on, paid 3 bucks a pop, and decided to explore the Lake & park!</i></span></div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJINiV3YD6GtyVRouPRFV6ep88EBK0mFyqnRyFF5L78o3nQQG9kCJsvK0f_s80_1RvGHFsEdJkqrYyr4PnqXsLZVMhbK6g5RyC7EfVb3r8vitmKN5u84V3wQAkDQgriU_F9wLFjr_Aifk/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529616109895212082" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJINiV3YD6GtyVRouPRFV6ep88EBK0mFyqnRyFF5L78o3nQQG9kCJsvK0f_s80_1RvGHFsEdJkqrYyr4PnqXsLZVMhbK6g5RyC7EfVb3r8vitmKN5u84V3wQAkDQgriU_F9wLFjr_Aifk/s320/005.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4XH7r63na2Cx4Goao2v48xFguN4eEau-kgWKAq63wtEXfw5JCg2NIDk89u1THOIxOiSy4_y0xACQeuRh5rV9i0xxZI-T0q2hsPji14syPzejed9l5RHnCAId9ykWx6VVGtnH07KSE2I/s1600/009.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529616015809815074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4XH7r63na2Cx4Goao2v48xFguN4eEau-kgWKAq63wtEXfw5JCg2NIDk89u1THOIxOiSy4_y0xACQeuRh5rV9i0xxZI-T0q2hsPji14syPzejed9l5RHnCAId9ykWx6VVGtnH07KSE2I/s320/009.JPG" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwyksMrQSEdBUQME8FV_ct9yeFTTk_x-qQ_lru-qXIHCnDdB7OS91Aq-utyp-kRehGoOLa-QQ-gP7X1rGHlqojQyqqHPUx_vi0sEX7Vxuv0m22H2rXH4mA1oVloHUcxFAYtbrbBZiweA/s1600/010.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529615929656021538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwyksMrQSEdBUQME8FV_ct9yeFTTk_x-qQ_lru-qXIHCnDdB7OS91Aq-utyp-kRehGoOLa-QQ-gP7X1rGHlqojQyqqHPUx_vi0sEX7Vxuv0m22H2rXH4mA1oVloHUcxFAYtbrbBZiweA/s320/010.JPG" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i>After a very peaceful morning by the water, we decided it was time to explore downtown Austin....</i></span></div></span><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-FAMILY: arial; FONT-SIZE: mediumfont-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i>However...once seeing this on the side of the road it was imperative to make a pit stop. I cut the wheel as fast as i could & pulled up in front of this little gem:</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JhfgI6wk33_-r87OzotbOVIuSrxqDmzvA5bm-4IryLV6AngC8ChBcEwWTB3wmIn1aF8Nsmva8aszm5A46XryJZgw_BIx8F9SltXeqOvuimnjGr0Tif-SJ_OnAlzfBmRFzvtBwulWltM/s1600/011.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529615296239546466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0JhfgI6wk33_-r87OzotbOVIuSrxqDmzvA5bm-4IryLV6AngC8ChBcEwWTB3wmIn1aF8Nsmva8aszm5A46XryJZgw_BIx8F9SltXeqOvuimnjGr0Tif-SJ_OnAlzfBmRFzvtBwulWltM/s320/011.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i><span style="font-size:100%;">Now, for those of you who know me, i am <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">THE BIGGEST FAN OF CUPCAKE WARS ON THE PLANET!!!!</span></b></span></i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rmYeOMB1CA1oF98EFEzJNox8zyT4hsVKr9D3Q2lyBITGVxubPChRTDAR4CMWblUTiVc27aB6M5Kk7GUtLjz9leZ6LjU8G-3PxQyIzYJw03xE7bg0HXZB5YzJ8HiuMTLGWNmi2lBc7Us/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529615220399378882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_rmYeOMB1CA1oF98EFEzJNox8zyT4hsVKr9D3Q2lyBITGVxubPChRTDAR4CMWblUTiVc27aB6M5Kk7GUtLjz9leZ6LjU8G-3PxQyIzYJw03xE7bg0HXZB5YzJ8HiuMTLGWNmi2lBc7Us/s320/012.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i>After some research, i found that Cupcake Wars has them scheduled for next season's line up!! To be able to brag & say I've been there makes me one happy camper indeed.</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNDUoLu-GyYdl4qs8aXcVObt4WKJw3HaBo80dAsI_V6dCzB28xOhV9KsHXD5C7Tcl6Ln1qmJNYdgtfYLA1U1NbtHmjjh45gnxkK5LatPaXoIifVYAnwR_ydsyKNhkYJqoj9oyUDoZsxc/s1600/013.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529615002655172962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoNDUoLu-GyYdl4qs8aXcVObt4WKJw3HaBo80dAsI_V6dCzB28xOhV9KsHXD5C7Tcl6Ln1qmJNYdgtfYLA1U1NbtHmjjh45gnxkK5LatPaXoIifVYAnwR_ydsyKNhkYJqoj9oyUDoZsxc/s320/013.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i>This is the "Pumpkinator" in all of its sweet, sugary glory</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i>(insert angel chorus here)</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OQrOEAnSqj-J5dtHtLDFf19kDkorNxmgAjAiTlZE42yGP-Ox6-aaxIJhu4vtc-ZhkqJeInKsLFtqwuUKcv_cJ8pXfG_XRZj2CbA-MG1GH5o8XI4WnwMjGmus_p81UoAxDL9iDFXqzvg/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529614913199675426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OQrOEAnSqj-J5dtHtLDFf19kDkorNxmgAjAiTlZE42yGP-Ox6-aaxIJhu4vtc-ZhkqJeInKsLFtqwuUKcv_cJ8pXfG_XRZj2CbA-MG1GH5o8XI4WnwMjGmus_p81UoAxDL9iDFXqzvg/s320/014.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>Cupcakes for breakfast. The world would be a happier place if we started each day this way.</i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i><br /></i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i><br /></i></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLo6_01JBUbfjcPrsChJHy84G-_qPBDZ9aZ6hJnJcjr2Ecoqjswyqquv6zuhPYkbFHUNgW9pfyKhfLphnIW6B3d0T2gmDw4xrsIhfUrUhTJGiCuMVkocVWJunA6KKpg-8Vyg8Xw5c2r0/s1600/015.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529614796685917170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyLo6_01JBUbfjcPrsChJHy84G-_qPBDZ9aZ6hJnJcjr2Ecoqjswyqquv6zuhPYkbFHUNgW9pfyKhfLphnIW6B3d0T2gmDw4xrsIhfUrUhTJGiCuMVkocVWJunA6KKpg-8Vyg8Xw5c2r0/s320/015.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i>After our pit stop at Hey, Cupcake, we headed to 6th street downtown to do a little exploring. the first stop on our journey was the ORIGINAL Whole Foods Market. (</i></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i>Eat your heart out, Andrew Billion)</i></span><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i> In all seriousness, the only thing i love more than cupcake wars is WHOLE FOODS MARKET! When we walked up you would think I was at the front gate of the Magic Kingdom. I was giddy like a six year old. We did a good bit of exploring and i'm telling you, if you've never been, this is the coolest place on the planet. It's like the mecca for healthy food. they have anything and everything you could ever want food wise. At this point, my mind was pretty much made up that we were never coming home. I love Austin!</i></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium;font-size:100%;" class="Apple-style-span" ><i>After Whole Foods, we explored 5th & 6th street, then made our way down to South Congress street which was pretty much a hippie paradise. We found a lot of cool novelty shops and antique-esque places. I felt like the odd-girl out without crazy colored hair or rainbows sandals on my feet or a trendy straw fedora on my head. Over all, I love downtown Austin. Its funny though, how much I was reminded of New Orleans. A less trashy New Orleans. I guess big cities all boil down to the same things: food & pretty things to look at.</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="FONT-SIZE: medium" class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEeW8_OJwUXHxXjSGqtMjzwcIMI7babWHaEdpsQPT3USYMxYOmMfRUl_PKlPTDwPq2du7J_mwDoHAmpIlexNpCNOXMK949E0cvdSkVaeqz23Anjq6v92h4WVzIlIqmRb_irzWrWjSjUe0/s1600/026.JPG"><br /></a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbC1r3kz4_DcaYplbkSwDjeUddH76ZM254Ls85JGvvJ6Qrp8j_NzV5yBFOzO5SiOb2tpqaotjxLNCiSVLL9c5eqKf9eDaVYXJGk1AlYzNKBG9Epaqr3heq9hZOktUeZd8P9XOBcPwig4U/s1600/027.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529613854650546210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbC1r3kz4_DcaYplbkSwDjeUddH76ZM254Ls85JGvvJ6Qrp8j_NzV5yBFOzO5SiOb2tpqaotjxLNCiSVLL9c5eqKf9eDaVYXJGk1AlYzNKBG9Epaqr3heq9hZOktUeZd8P9XOBcPwig4U/s320/027.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmHk0ehXI9sPf8XGBxWf1sxZomnETtdyk_DxbJ4uD_aDW8mBMIwEzgoGb1Ucry8rKzZ5THqcg1PXdHry7RwqJj3-OwVI8T3_TJLHeUyNkwb1KB2szkr-Fxzu41IdjcuTjDlI4fXZ6hyphenhyphen0/s1600/028.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529613850140334882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmHk0ehXI9sPf8XGBxWf1sxZomnETtdyk_DxbJ4uD_aDW8mBMIwEzgoGb1Ucry8rKzZ5THqcg1PXdHry7RwqJj3-OwVI8T3_TJLHeUyNkwb1KB2szkr-Fxzu41IdjcuTjDlI4fXZ6hyphenhyphen0/s320/028.JPG" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGQsUrm6ZVXvlwCeM-as9b9OmRm9LDXFQq-btra0mKrPD46sqH6wjiaZq4xaiK_PGtFmC-MkwN0b7lVXYJbLE_3_6oBbuAhzbNDpfCXbfnDlFakslA4RzI6Tquxx4GoOejVONhYLZ4Mg/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529613844292184546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGQsUrm6ZVXvlwCeM-as9b9OmRm9LDXFQq-btra0mKrPD46sqH6wjiaZq4xaiK_PGtFmC-MkwN0b7lVXYJbLE_3_6oBbuAhzbNDpfCXbfnDlFakslA4RzI6Tquxx4GoOejVONhYLZ4Mg/s320/030.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Now, I was told by a few people "You have to see the bats, you have to see the bats" & after some research on said bats, I was pretty darn excited to go check out what they claim is 1.5 million bats that exit under this bridge each evening at sunset. So we sit on a hillside, and we wait, then we move, and we wait, then we wait some more and its finally dark. Still no bats. However, when a boat flashes its red light under the bridge (which, if you ask me, the light should have been the same type of light they used in the old Batman comics. But that's just me.) You could see hundred and hundreds of bats flying around and raising cane! I was getting pretty pumped thinking "this is it! here they come!" which after a while a few came flying around, but no big ta-dah as everyone claimed it would be. However, the few bats that swooped in front of us scared me enough that I was satisfied with what we got. </i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Dinner at Whole Foods followed the bat sightings and it was amazing, of course...oh & in true Austin-wannabe fashion I bought my first pair of TOMS! I have been waiting to buy TOMS for months now but I couldn't find them anywhere and if i did find em i didnt like em and then i found em online where the shipping was out of this world yadda yadda yadda.</i></span></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>So thank you Whole Foods, you've outdone yourself yet again...</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></i></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sunday...</span></i><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Sunday morning we decided to sleep in because we knew we would have some time to kill before the audition which started at 4. Around eleven we checked out of the Days Inn and made our way to Panera Bread for breakfast.</span></i><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9epRgasrTp9_fb_EONITX6lQ5ENsXgkASka0Pz4JM9RUXn5siynTdR0N9q5lZUzo64peixpWiRV6Egdat8Zm3cTv-KUC3LxxyP4ozNxLtBVpMoqxMxSn5SsVkw11_1mKsZ8ajG9CLkCk/s1600/038.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529613839102429202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9epRgasrTp9_fb_EONITX6lQ5ENsXgkASka0Pz4JM9RUXn5siynTdR0N9q5lZUzo64peixpWiRV6Egdat8Zm3cTv-KUC3LxxyP4ozNxLtBVpMoqxMxSn5SsVkw11_1mKsZ8ajG9CLkCk/s320/038.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>This is panera breads breast cancer awareness bagel! It was cherry vanilla flavored and down right nasty but hey it was for an amazing cause thats near & dear to my heart so i HAD to buy it!</i></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Not only did I buy the breast cancer bagel, but I bought five others as well...I've been enjoying bagels all week & I cant tell you how sad I'll be when they're gone. After getting our fill on carbs, we roamed around the little shopping center where Panera was located. We entertained ourselves at Best Buy & a costume shop. So far, a very lovely day.</i></span></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i></i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;font-size:medium;"><i>Once we made it downtown, we found free parking right across the street from the ballet studio. We had an hour or so to kill so we roamed around downtown yet again. With each step i felt absolutely anxious, excited, sick, and thrilled all at the same time.</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6iZ4KjvZcEIH4pASnjcaP7-0zMfcimYCBeFO9B_gGM0heJmKyHl9P6B5Co3o_RmtqvUlcAr5rcyLPFWU8tvtBxryiLvuFV3aG9i3VQVW-PLmrdhQkMv6QxO6dvuvWAji4IFV9VNwYog/s1600/031.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529613202895766418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6iZ4KjvZcEIH4pASnjcaP7-0zMfcimYCBeFO9B_gGM0heJmKyHl9P6B5Co3o_RmtqvUlcAr5rcyLPFWU8tvtBxryiLvuFV3aG9i3VQVW-PLmrdhQkMv6QxO6dvuvWAji4IFV9VNwYog/s320/031.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Here is Ballet Austin, where the Disney Character Audition was held!</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcSJvr05lW_y1aTJw7rjVx6lfobmzBA-KJ44C1eWg9lix41CruNpbKHMXsnqIdIttRtDylM5HYCOEN2wAm0UDS2MezVmPxEDuE4rUuRw_EX24EDIsC_P_PCYit4rlrogErxo31PuWTr0/s1600/037.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529613199980267954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcSJvr05lW_y1aTJw7rjVx6lfobmzBA-KJ44C1eWg9lix41CruNpbKHMXsnqIdIttRtDylM5HYCOEN2wAm0UDS2MezVmPxEDuE4rUuRw_EX24EDIsC_P_PCYit4rlrogErxo31PuWTr0/s320/037.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>"Aaaayyyyeeeeeeee!!!!!!"</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPAXThdpT1sSOlspRzHHKAy7FBCdLlzjvQo6_l4zFSBrPdQ-o1iIoyGfr0WS89ms0TOeFkqJbKnG019XCAxDYgoso741DCgq4to6C0UI-hmnOFpW-6fpNW4wtnMQQ3vdgQJZKOjgAv8Q/s1600/032.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 195px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529613196514218738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLPAXThdpT1sSOlspRzHHKAy7FBCdLlzjvQo6_l4zFSBrPdQ-o1iIoyGfr0WS89ms0TOeFkqJbKnG019XCAxDYgoso741DCgq4to6C0UI-hmnOFpW-6fpNW4wtnMQQ3vdgQJZKOjgAv8Q/s320/032.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Here are just a few members of my new Disney family.</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Its really funny to walk into a room where everyone is just as strange and in love with the same things you are strangely in love with-- Like Disney & its furry friends. It's like this instant connection with perfect strangers from different cities, backgrounds & walks of life. I know how rare this is so I appreciate these people so much already. I look forward to our adventures in Orlando, gang.</i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeDmK_EUUk4WDQJSvZwgmL3_PvLIwQYpMHzizG_gZeaUvfsfIFUqAXhelvEO1VrtTWYdtM_ctLfpLYer0RD8Id8o5eBanqXilVXa8ZIImq42ccqxp3OXdRjOqJQ1lJ0ZSYXtUrHSQiEI/s1600/035.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529613193329590754" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWeDmK_EUUk4WDQJSvZwgmL3_PvLIwQYpMHzizG_gZeaUvfsfIFUqAXhelvEO1VrtTWYdtM_ctLfpLYer0RD8Id8o5eBanqXilVXa8ZIImq42ccqxp3OXdRjOqJQ1lJ0ZSYXtUrHSQiEI/s320/035.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Here is Shelby & me with our audition cards.</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>What a precious girl!</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Tell me she is not a total Alice look-alike?!</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>So we fill out our audition cards & each get assigned a number. We are measured and take a head shot and then we wait, because when you have to go through this process with about 130 other people, you do a lot of waiting.</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>First, we meet our choreographer. He's super spunky and energetic, classic Disney performer. He has been in performance at Disney World since the year before I was born. He was, ahem, "friends" with characters such as Peter Pan & Porkchop in the Doug Live show (which was awesome, i totally miss that show) In other words, he knows his stuff. Our first assignment is to learn a 2 eight-count march just like the do in the parades. We do this march to the song "A Star is Born" from Hercules. I did the march with no problems, but my adrenaline was through. the. ROOF. I could barely believe my audition was finally happening! If this was all the audition would be, it'd be smooth sailing right? --WRONG!</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>So after the magical march, we wait for what seems like 30 years to find out if we made the cut. How relieved I was to hear number 42 called. Sigh of relief and then back to learning our next dance which was six 8 counts. Let me tell you something right now: Disney don't play! Oh, how i regretted dropping my Beginner's Ballet class this semester! This dance was pretty much a challenge for all the remaining candidates. I believe they gave us such a difficult & technical dance just to see how we handled the pressure and to see how much fun we had learning & performing. Hopefully my beliefs are correct because I BUTCHERED the dance, but had a heck of a lot of fun doing so!</i></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><i>Not only were we to dance to a High School Musical song, but we were to do a little improvisation. Whenever our choreographer said "plant a tree" we pretended to plant a tree...and when the choreographer said to "be a monkey" that's what we did. Now, dancing may not be my thing, but i can be a total and complete HAM when it comes to acting a fool on a stage. So i did my thing. I made eye contact with a judge and she laughed rediculously and afterwards a guy pulled me to the side stating "you did the funniest impersonation of a monkey I've ever seen in my life" So....this means one of two things: I have a very animated body/face...or im just so ugly its hilarious.. eh, who knows? </i></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxbGnSuoCBgobt981RzjzpmLg-LT2gQfueN3f787N29NvL6EmloieNOa9jot2oRY28W98fuVYB_NmzaFTcF56jTAMZa6JSD2YRuSZrGaOiDlZ47uFB36o0W7fjJnu4ojVCLlxx8fJQ64/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529613187203888690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxbGnSuoCBgobt981RzjzpmLg-LT2gQfueN3f787N29NvL6EmloieNOa9jot2oRY28W98fuVYB_NmzaFTcF56jTAMZa6JSD2YRuSZrGaOiDlZ47uFB36o0W7fjJnu4ojVCLlxx8fJQ64/s320/036.JPG" /></a> <div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>Auditions are over...now comes the wait!</i></div><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><i>Phenomenal job guys! you all did amazing!</i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>We won't know for a few weeks if we are performers, but until then we will anxiously await an email from the mouse!</i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>I am so thankful for the new friends I've made! We already text, are facebook buds, and even have plans to meet up before we head to Orlando! Brenden: can't wait to watch yall perform at Tulane & to have a NOLA adventure day! yay!</i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>We say our goodbyes & head back to bayou land...but not before forgetting Houstons keys in my purse & having to turn around on all of the crazy one-way streets of downtown Austin! </i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i><br /></i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>Heading back to Louisiana was a very chill & very relaxed ride home. Around Lafayette we decided it was time for a stroll down memory lane. There is nothing quite like ending a fabulous road trip with a 90s sing-a-long at 2 in the morning!</i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i><br /></i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i><br /></i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>Overall, the weekend was nothing short of a total and complete blast!</i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i>I am THAT much more excited to be heading to Orlando in just a little less than three months! I already know that Disney will be giving me so many opportunities and I am so thankful for each and every new experience!!</i></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><i><br /></i></div>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-50456362880114592112010-10-06T08:50:00.000-07:002010-10-06T20:22:51.082-07:00growing old is mandatory...growing up is optional.<div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-size: 16px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i>Well...another year older...& none the wiser. hah!</i></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i>When 12 am rolled around this morning, I was nowhere near sleep, up to my eyeballs in homework, research, and presentations. Just when I was feeling incredibly overwhelmed I was stricken with memories of my tenth birthday. I remember such random details like what I wore (a lovely leopard ensem. *whistle, whistle*), some of the gifts I got, and my family enjoying the day with me. I think my dad called me "double-digit-midget" like 900 times. clever, no? I love my dad, no matter how weird & unbelievably cheesy he is. some things never, ever change.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i>ten years later, here I am. A junior in college with such a promising future, but n</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i>o matter how old I get I still feel like </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i>awkward</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i>-gawky-frizzy-haired-headgear-wearing Stephani.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i>Its funny how much changes in a short time...and also how much things stay the same.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i>So anywho... A very early morning conversation I had with a friend today reminded me of just how fast time is flying and how many things i want to accomplish before another 10 years zooms by. Realizations like this only make me that much more confident in my decision to attend the Disney College Program.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i>It's kinda sad how I can relate almost anything & everything to Disney World in some sense. But in all seriousness...my goal for the next ten years is to do absolutely EVERYTHING I dream to do. to not be afraid to take a risk, a leap of faith, or a chance. who knows, maybe ill even revive the old bucket list blog!!</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>Thank you Lord, for blessing me with another amazing year. I am so thankful for the multiple blessings I receive day in and day out!</i></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i><br /></i></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><i>p.s.--to all of those who made my birthday amazing...thank you!</i></span></i></span></span></div></div></span></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i> </i></span></span></div></div>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-89999111352729042552010-10-02T12:13:00.001-07:002010-10-02T12:36:31.437-07:00"is it still real?"<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Jordan Keiff & I are still squealing like little 5 year olds about the fact that we will be living in Disney for five months. But hey, who in the world cold blame us?<br />our text convo this morning was something along the lines of:</i></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br />JK-"Is it still real?!"</i></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>SC-"Yes, AAAAH!"</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>JK-"I know!! AAAH!"</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>SC-"what do your parents and g/f think?"</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>JK-"They're peeing their pants about it."</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>I don't think the excitement of this news will fade anytime soon.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>I drove to Thibodaux last night to share the news with my family. Everyones pretty stoked...I think its because they can visit and stay with me for a discount? Eh, who knows?</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>But in all seriousness, I am beyond excited to begin my preparations for my departure. Visiting the website, gathering info and learning more about what ill be doing when I get there has got me wishing it was January 12th! However, theres a TON to be done before leaving.</i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; "><i>School required documentation, Medical Forms, and meetings with my advisor will all take place before leaving for the fall break next weekend, and thats on top of my extremely busy school week..and my BIRTHDAY! Yippy skippy!</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Not only is Disney a big event coming soon, but our road trip to Austin is quickly approaching and of course the 3-Day for a Cure in Dallas will be here in about 33 days! </i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>Thank you Lord for the continual blessings and opportunities you have placed in front of me!</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>I feel like my life has become such a crazy whirlwind in a matter of a week, but for this afternoon, I think I will just slow down, enjoy time with my dad, snack on sushi, watch football and bake funfetti cupcakes.</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div></div>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-65145520703652155792010-10-01T19:56:00.000-07:002010-10-02T11:50:26.400-07:00and so it begins.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>After many years of anxiously waiting...</i></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>after a very nervous internet interview...</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>after a very exciting phone interview...</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>and after a week of impatiently anticipating a response...</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>I have just received the best news I have heard in quite some time....</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>I'm going to be living in the HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH!</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Living with the big Mouse himself!</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>yep thats right! I have been hired on for the Spring 2011 DISNEY COLLEGE INTERNSHIP!</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>im moving to DISNEYWORLD im moving to DISNEYWORLD im moving to DISNEYWORLD!!</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>When I tell you I am over-whelmed, over-joyed, and just plain THRILLED...these are all understatements. Words could not even begin to express how I felt when I got my acceptance email today. Congratulations also to Jordan Keiff & Joshua Austin! My fellow R.A.'s who will be joining me on this amazing journey!!! Can't wait can't wait can't wait!!!</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>So January 12, it all begins. I will be moving to Orlando, living in Disney's apartments with seven new roomies (but i decided to be pun-ny and call them my dwarfs! HAAAH!) and I will begin my college internship and a character attendant...that is, unless my performance audition goes well (but that's another story)</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>So you may find yourself asking, "What does a character attendant do?" Well let me tell ya:</i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 20px; "><p class="head2" style="padding-bottom: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Responsibilities may include:</i></span></span></p><ul class="sub2" style="margin-top: 0px; padding-top: 0px; "><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Providing Guests with information about show schedules, Character locations, and visitation times</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Providing audience control, including handling challenging Guest situations</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Ensuring the safety of Character Performers and our Guests</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Partnering with </i></span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">Disney's Photopass</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>® photographers</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Maintaining show quality and Character integrity</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Setting up and removing stanchions, ropes and poles</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Assisting Character Performers with putting on costumes</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Retrieving and arranging strollers</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Maintaining cleanliness and order in work location</i></span></span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Standing for extended periods, working outdoors</i></span></span></li></ul><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>I am so excited to have the job of my dreams working for one of my favorite corporations while representing my favorite university!! But as I begin to prepare for this new journey, I ask that you all pray for me. That I will shine brightly for the Lord as I enter a new chapter of my life, that I will make great friends along the way, and that I can gain great experiences and opportunities from my journeys through this new wonderland!!!</b></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium; "><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; "><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal; "><span class="body" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: normal; "><span class="bodybold" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span">-</span><span class="Apple-style-span">-</span><a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/w/waltdisney163027.html" style="text-decoration: none; line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span">Walt Disney</span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></span></i></div></span></div></span></div><div><br /></div>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37230026619468279.post-41178866860903319152010-09-26T12:24:00.001-07:002010-09-26T12:31:06.208-07:00you aren't wealthy until you have something money can't buy.<ul><li><strong>A First Kiss from Someone Special</strong> – The sweet rush of butterflies in your tummy when you kiss someone special for the very first time.</li><li><strong>Beauty</strong> – Because beauty is in the eye of the beholder.</li><li><strong>True Friendship</strong> – Through thick and thin, they stood by your side. They were there when you had nothing but them.</li><li><strong>Peace of Mind</strong> – It can only be acquired with an honest heart.</li><li><strong>Beginner’s Eyes</strong> – You’ll never see it again for the very first time.</li><li><strong>The Joy of Telling an Interesting True Story</strong> – One of the most enticing roles we lead in life is that of a storyteller. There are few things more satisfying than telling a true story that others enjoy listening to.</li><li><strong>Happiness</strong> – True happiness is achieved by doing what you love and being involved in something you believe in.</li><li><strong>Success</strong> – Success is simply excelling at doing what you love.</li><li><strong>A Single Moment of Time</strong> – Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Don't miss it.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><a href="http://www.marcandangel.com/2009/03/24/what-is-the-value-of-an-hour/" title="What is the Value of an Hour?"><br /></a></li><li><strong>A Baby’s Laughter</strong> – Babies don’t care about money. They care about kindness, love, and living in the moment.</li><li><strong>Surprise Encounters with Long-Lost Friends</strong> – You haven’t seen them in years, and you figured you’d probably never see them again. Then suddenly, there they are standing right in front of you.</li><li><strong>The Feeling of Self-Accomplishment</strong> – You set your sights on a specific goal and followed through until you achieved it. Now that’s something to celebrate.</li><li><strong>The Sound of Raindrops Outside</strong> – …as you snuggle up on the couch. Few sounds are more soothing.</li><li><strong>A Good, Genuine Conversation</strong> – Those moments of verbal bonding when the topic of conversation flows seamlessly and all parties involved gain as much as they put in.</li><li><strong>An Unexpected Compliment</strong> – It seems like just another dreary Monday afternoon, but then she walks into your office and says, “I love your shirt. That color looks great on you.”</li><li><strong>The Feeling You Get When Your Idea Works</strong> – You’ve been struggling to resolve a complex problem all day, but you just can’t seem to get it right. Filled with frustration, you decide to try one last idea before calling it a night. You’ve had many ideas before that failed miserably… but this time it works.</li><li><strong>Randomly Hearing Your Favorite Song</strong> – You’re stuck in bumper to bumper rush hour traffic, so you crank on a radio station for a little distraction. The opening notes to your favorite song instantly chime in.</li><li><strong>Watching a Live Blooper Unfold in Front of You</strong> – As you walk alongside a friend, she trips over her own feet, wobbles erratically, regains her balance, and then tries to play it off like nothing happened. Hilarious!</li><li><strong>A Sunny Sunday Afternoon</strong> – The birds are chirping, a light breeze in blowing through your hair, and the sun’s rays are warming your cheeks.</li><li><strong>The Rush of Adolescent Love</strong> – Those magical moments of adolescent love and affection that only you and one other person rightly remember.</li><li><strong>Being In The Right Place at The Right Time</strong> – You’re sitting in the nosebleed seats at a professional baseball game. The home team batter cranks a monstrous, game-winning home run. The ball bounces off another fan’s glove two seats in front of you and lands right in your lap.</li><li><strong>The Recollection of Great Childhood Memories</strong> – Do you remember the first time you learned to ride a bike? What about wrestling with your dad? Or climbing trees with your friends?</li><li><strong>Reminiscing About Old Times with Your Best Friend</strong> – Those crazy life experiences only the two of you lived through together. Like that wild 24 hour road trip to Atlanta, or that drunken night on the 3rd floor balcony of your college apartment.</li><li><strong>Passion</strong> – True wealth comes naturally to those who follow their hearts. You can’t pay someone to be emotionally passionate about something. Nor can you pay them to psychologically give-up on their passions.</li><li><strong>Objects of Sentimental Value</strong> – Old family photos, your great grandmother’s music box, that painting your baby brother made for you… some things are priceless.</li><li><strong>The Comfort of an Old Familiar Smell</strong> – You just pulled into your parent’s driveway after being away for a long while. You smell familiarity in the air, the scent of the pine tree in the neighbor’s yard. As you head through the front door, more familiar smells consume your senses. Gosh, it feels good to be home.</li><li><strong>The Hilarity of an Inside Joke</strong> – You’ll never get it unless you were there at its inception.</li><li><strong>Amazing Talents You Are Born With</strong> – Like the mind of a genius or the voice of an angel.</li><li><strong>The Excitement of Making Someone Else Smile</strong> – Because her smile makes you smile back.</li><li><strong>Exercising Your 5 Senses</strong> – Sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Each provides a gateway to rewarding personal experiences.</li><li><strong>Sharing a Good Laugh with Friends and Family</strong> – Some of the most memorable moments in your life will be moments spent in laughter.</li><li><strong>The Warm Coziness of Your Own Bed</strong> – No bed is more comfortable than your own.</li><li><strong>Watching Wild Animals in Nature</strong> – Like a hawk gracefully soaring above the tree line, or a deer prancing across a grassy field.</li><li><strong>A Home</strong> – Money can buy a house, but not a home. Because home is where the heart is.</li><li><strong>Waking Up to the Smell of a Home Cooked Meal</strong> – You were still asleep, but someone special knew you’d be hungry soon.</li><li><strong>The Peaceful Sound of Absolute Silence</strong> – Shhhhh…</li><li><strong>Streams of Consciousness and Clarity</strong> – You’re ‘in the zone!’ Act while your mind is hot.</li><li><strong>The Sound of a Light Breeze Through the Trees</strong> – It’s the sound of Mother Nature all around you.</li><li><strong>The Captivating Experience of People Watching</strong> – The interesting (and sometimes foolish) things people do never ceases to please. You can’t buy this quality of entertainment.</li><li><strong>Watching the Sunrise and Sunset with Your Beloved</strong> – Make time for this. It’s worth it.</li><li><strong>The Sound and Sight of Ocean Waves</strong> – Another phenomenal act of Mother Nature.</li><li><strong>The ‘Pump’ After a Great Workout</strong> – You feel like you can conquer the world.</li><li><strong>The Blissful Act of Daydreaming</strong> – Just being… and thinking… and dreaming.</li><li><strong>When She Says “I Love You”</strong> - …and you know she means it because you can read the sincerity in her eyes.</li><li><strong>When an Unlikely Someone Remembers Your Birthday</strong> – A friend you haven’t seen in over a month calls you at 9AM on your birthday just to say “happy birthday.”</li><li><strong>Finding Something You Thought You’d Lost Forever</strong> – You searched for it for days and finally gave up. Now, six months later, it basically appears right in front of you.</li><li><strong>The Inspiration Behind Creative Works of Art</strong> – Every piece of art is priceless in the eyes of someone who can relate to it. The creative inspiration behind these works of art is no different.</li><li><strong>When Your Pet Snuggles Up Next to You</strong> – It’s just soooo cute.</li><li><strong>A Moment of Eye Contact with an Attractive Stranger</strong> – You’ve never seen them before, and you may never see them again. But a moment was shared.</li><li><strong>A Long Hug from a Loved One</strong> – Those deep, warm hugs you wish you could nestle in forever.</li><li><strong>Happily Singing at The Top of Your Lungs</strong> – Well… You know you make me wanna shout! Kick my heels up and shout! Throw my hands up and shout! Throw my head back and shout! Come on now… Shout!</li><li><strong>Seeing Your Breath on a Chilly Night</strong> – A simple phenomenon that has entertained children since the beginning of mankind.</li><li><strong>The Feeling of Acceptance</strong> – You’re now a part of something greater… and it feels good.</li><li><strong>Watching the Clouds Form Cool Shapes</strong> – Never the same show twice.</li><li><strong>Cuddling a Newborn Baby</strong> – Precious… simply precious.</li><li><strong>When You Know You Can Trust Someone</strong> – You can see it in their eyes and you can feel it in your heart. They have no ulterior motive.</li><li><strong>Sitting Around a Bonfire with Your Friends</strong> – One of the greatest settings for reminiscing and storytelling with those your care about.</li><li><strong>Seeing Two Elderly Folks Who are Madly in Love</strong> – It’s a sight of love that has surpassed the tests of time.</li><li><strong>The Beauty of a Moonlit Sky</strong> – Few simple pleasures are more satisfying than gazing up into a starry, moonlit sky.</li><li><strong>The Awesomeness of Skipping Rocks Across Water</strong> – It doesn’t matter how old you get, this one never gets old.</li><li><strong>Watching Lightning in the Distance</strong> – Peaceful and powerful at the same time.</li><li><strong>Slow Dancing in Your Living Room</strong> - Dancing is like dreaming with your feet. -Constanze</li><li><strong>Knowing She’ll Be There When You Get Back</strong> – Yes. There is stability in your life. And she’s a big part of it.</li><li><strong>The Colors of Fall</strong> – It’s Mother Nature’s artwork.</li><li><strong>People Who Make You Smile Just by Thinking of Them</strong> – Wherever I am, no matter what I’m doing, just thinking of her makes me smile.</li><li><strong>The Warm Touch of Your Beloved</strong> – It’s the touch no one else has.</li><li><strong>When You Realize People Are Reading What You Write</strong> – Words can’t explain it. Thank you.</li></ul>stephani chiassonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14786425068960364036noreply@blogger.com0