Big Texas Cinnamon Bun

Current mood: aggravated

Tonight I did the PT thing at Epcot. Normally when I work at Epcot, I get off from work at Gaylord Palms at 5 and then rush over to Epcot without a break in between. This can leave a girl hungry... no dinner.

So tonight, someone offered me a ten minute break (this never happens since I only work 4 hours shifts - or less). Oh joy. I had $2 in my pocket and was within walking distance of a snack machine.

After a quick glance at the array of junk food carefully arranged inside the machine, I decided on 162 - a Big Texas Cinnamon Bun for $.95. If you're gonna clog your arteries, then you might as well enjoy it, right?

I fed my dollar to the machine, punched in 162 and waited for the arm to turn and the bun to drop.

But alas, it did not.

Instead, a message in stupid green letters appeared on the window reading, "Use Exact Change."
Outloud, I tell the machine, "I don't have exchange."

The machine does not answer.

So, I pushed the button to get my money back - 4 quarters. I fed the machine again with the 4 quarters and pushed 162.

Same stupid message!

So I tell the machine (again outloud), "Keep the nickel! I just want my cinnamon bun!"
And again, the machine does not answer.

But I wanted that dang cinnamon bun.

At that point, I began searching the machine for other options (and the neighboring machine) that would allow me to purchase something, anything that would give me change enough to buy the Big Texas Cinnamon Bun.

Nothing.

So, after a few foot-stomps, an aggravated swing of my light saber and a few choice words directed at the green blinking message telling me to use exact change, I pouted and left the break room.

I'm still thinking about that cinnamon bun.

Could have had a V8

Current mood: understimulated

You accidentally find the Spanish channel and, probably initially because of the brightly-colored clothing (or the lack there of), you stop flipping the remote. Ten minutes pass and, even though you can't understand even one word being said, you find yourself still watching.

Why is this?

For nearly 17 minutes tonight I found myself watching Disney's The Love Bug Herbie Fully Loaded on Telemundo. The voice-overs didn't fit the actors' mouth movements, I could not understand a single word of the commercial break I sat through, and yet I watched… jaw ajar, remote still poised in my right hand, absently petting dog with my left hand.

When I finally turned the channel, it was only because I had a moment of realization. I felt like I was the recipient of those forehead slaps in the V8 commercials. "Could have had a V8." or "Could be watching this is English."

Anybody else get stuck on the Spanish channel besides me?

Won’t you be my neighbor?

Current mood: amused

So, I've realized I'm a lot like Mr. Rogers.

I come home, take off my shoes, change into a comfy sweatshirt (okay, so it's not a cardigan sweater, but same idea). While I haven't any fish to feed, I do feed my dog. It's all very routine.
I don't however follow a trolley into a make-believe world in the next room where I talk with inanimate objects... except maybe that one night when the pilot light went out and the back burner was left on... nevermind, different story.

I suppose I should be thorough and learn the word to "Won't You Be My Neighbor" so I can sing my way into the front door each day.

"It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day in the neighborhood..."

Ummm...yeah. That's pretty much all I got.

Total eclipse of the hear... uh, moon

Current mood: awwed

If you missed seeing the moon tonight... wow, it was beautiful. Especially at about 10:30 when the Earth's atmosphere made the moon an incredible shade of red. With binoculars (yeah, I'm that much of a geek), it was amazing!

Got me wondering... back in the day (way back in the day) before mankind understood what was happening in the heavens, luncar eclipses that turned the moon red must have thoroughly freaked some people out. Seriously, I'd imagine people thought the end of the world was upon them. Religious leaders probably preached of God punishing man for sins. Could have been super scary for folks.

I tried to snap a photo - virtually impossible to hold the camera still enough to take a night-shot... but here's the best I got. Kinda creepy-looking... like the moon is on fire.

Guess where the dork hid the orange?

Current mood: impressed

I got it! I got it!

After being lead on what I felt certain was a wild goose chase that took me from my office to a storage unit near Tommy's desk, to the innerworkings of the barrel of a 4-color pen on my desk and then all the way up to the 9th floor of the hotel and back to a notepad document in my very own folder on the shared drive.... I got it!

You'll never in a million years guess where the little dork hid the orange... in my CPU. Yeah. Clever little rascal.

And the mystery face... his name was Dr. Marcian Hoff, credited with inventing the first microprocessor. A face and little-known fact I'll now never forget.

How in the world do I outdo the orange being hidden in my computer?

GA and PBR

Current mood: jolly

I have a new love - Zac Brown Band.

All my peeps from GA might already be familiar... but I've been MIA for a while so I guess I'm just now jumping on the Zac train.

For those who don't know Zac Brown Band, they're described as - What Jimmy Buffet is to the ocean, Zac Brown Band is to the lake.

Lake music! Good stuff. I could definitely see myself lounging next to a lake with good friends, bare feet, a few drinks and lots of laughs.

And they usually reference my home in most of their music.Two of my new fave songs are "Chicken Fried" and "Toes." I've added Toes to my profile... check it out!

And I dare anyone to ask what GA and PBR mean! (NOT Professional Bull Riders)

They're playing in Valdosta next month... I foresee a roadtrip!

How to make the perfect PB and J sandwich.

Current mood: stumped

How to make the perfect PB&J sandwich.

Get two slices of bread, grab a jar of...

I don't even like PB. Truth is, I got nada to say. It's... weird.

I'm supposed to be writing scripts for a video shoot tomorrow... but I'm stuck. I hoped just writing about being blocked might help... so far not so much.

Come on creativity... slap me across the face!

I wonder if Hemingway ever felt this way.

And for that reason...

Current mood: okay

Despite the wollering that I did yesterday, my day was okay.

My alarm was set for 4:00 am, but I awoke at 3:51 am. I was mad enough to spit nails when I realized I could have had an extra 9 minutes. But when my eyes focused on the red numbers and I moaned in frustration, Beau immediately awoke too and greeted me by pushing a wet nose into my cheek. And for that reason, my day was okay.

I rolled out the red carpet for STARS to walk down upon entering the building for work. Having been rolled for a year, the carpet refused to lay flat. I left in search of double-sided tape. When I returned, I found my carpet was secured to the floor and was laying beautifully. I was confused and not sure how it had happened until Joe, a general maintenance worker, passed by a half hour later and said, "Is the carpet okay? I fixed it for you." And for that reason, my day was okay.

The biggest thrill for me is giving and watching others have a little moment where they genuinely smile. All morning long, I welcomed STARS with roses and chocolates and watched them walk away happy. And for that reason, my day was okay.

One young lady, who arrived late to work and a bit frazzled, pushed her way through the doors, walked down the red carpet with her nose burried in her handbag desperately seeking her id to clock in. I stopped her by placing a rose in front of her face and said, "Happy Valentine's Day." She finally realized what was around her and what she had walked into. She laughed and smiled and took the rose and chocolates and said, "Thank you so much! You're my first Valentine!" And for that reason, my day was okay.

Just before lunch, I overheard Patrick complaining that he didn't get a Valentine from anyone. I quickly sketched him the same lion I sent to most of you in your email or comments. Using some scrap textured paper, I made a grade-school-like Valentine and hung it on his office door. Moments later, he appeared at my door asking if I'd made it. I heard Mariemma shout down the hall that they'd figured I was the only person in the office to be that creative that fast. I like that, despite my hanging it anonymously, they knew it was my work! And for that reason, my day was okay.

At 1:00, when my brain was fried and my body was worn and my creativity had been exhausted for the day, my direct manager stopped by my office and suggested I call it a day. And for that reason, my day was okay.

When I got home, I took Beau for a leisurely stroll around the neighborhood in the warm afternoon sun. And for that reason, my day was okay.

After returning home from the walk, I checked my email and found I had two Valentine's Day wishes from friends who had thought about me. And for that reason, my day was okay.
And now, I'm gonna take out my contacts and rest my head for an hour or so. It's been years since I've had a mid-afternoon nap. And when I wake, I'll probably grab a bite to eat, pack a box or two, chat with a few friends and... for that reason, my day will be okay.

And hey - tomorrow's Friday - I'd say (by sheer rule) that tomorrow has to be even better than okay.

I still say all of you with comment codes should TAKE it OFF!

TAKE it OFF!

Current mood: annoyed

Just one more thing I have to say today - I tried to send most all of my friends a little Valentine's day wish... if you have those stupid, annoying, pain-in-my-neck security measures on your comments requiring a poster to input a code... TAKE IT OFF! It's fully irritating! It just adds an extra step and it seems I can never type the code right on the first try!

Oh - and the little face that goes with the annoyed "current mood" as seen above... it makes me laugh.

Anybody? Bueller?

Current mood: blah

First, am I the only person who accidentally gags herself with the toothbrush? I did it this morning and got all teary-eyed and fought back the urge to lose my breakfast. Kept it, don't worry. But still… urgh...

Second, speaking of gagging…

V-Day.

No, I'm not anti-Valentine's Day. In fact, in years past I have very much enjoyed the fun of coming up with something clever and creative to give. For the past several years, I've not dated anyone… so no big loss at Valentine's Day. But this being the first year I was motivated to start dating again… well, I guess I'm sort of missing the fun. L

I've never been one to find myself down the shopping aisle with stupid heart-shaped boxes of chocolates or silly teddy bears holding roses. I've always preferred something original… and not mushy, cheesy. Something fun. Something to make you laugh. A little giggle.

But this year... well, aside from Beau… ya know?

Tonight I went to Publix for a few grocery items and I watched people checking out with those goofy teddy bears and boxes of chocolates. Every man in the place had a hand full of flowers (mostly lame carnations) wrapped in dumb crinkly cellophane.

And I actually found myself feeling a little sad. A little jealous of the ladies who might be receiving those crappy chocolates and cheap flowers.

For the tiniest of moments, I even considered purchasing flowers to put on my dining table. I mean, a girl is supposed to have flowers for V-Day, right? Even if they aren't gerber daisies. Even idiotic carnations dipped in blue dye are better than nada. I guess. I didn't buy them, though.

Today at work, a friend asked me what the best Valentine's Day gift I ever received was. Do you know… I did not have a good answer. I thought back… and thought back… and thought back some more. I couldn't come up with anything. I've always been a giver. Even if it's just for fun with friends… I'm always the person giving. But as for receiving… not so much. Even when I've had someone for V-Day, it's been standard gifts.

It's always been my preference. I'd much rather be the person giving. It's a bit awkward to receive a gift. But still, just once... ya know?

And I guess I don't consider standard to be deserving of the "best gift" title that my friend was asking for. Now by that I don't mean that I want diamonds… but instead something that says you thought about who I am and what I like. That's what makes it great. If you know I like pigs, then take me to a petting zoo. If you know I like gerber daisies, then give me a single gerber. If you know my favorite song, then find me the sheet music so I can learn to play it. Anything that says you put a little thought into it.

One year a girlfriend bought tickets for the two of us to see a concert. Maybe that was the best V-Day gift I ever received. I mean, she thought of me. She knew I'd like the concert.

Even in third grade... I never went for the plain boring cards that the teacher makes you give to everyone in your homeroom. I went for the kind you put suckers in and I added personalized stickers to the back. Everyone always got one from me (even Jason who picked his nose). To this day, I will never forget however that Jason never gave me one. The bum. Not even the silly squirrel one that said "Nuts about you" or the one with the fish that said "Best fishes this Valentine's Day." I mean, those are neutral enough, right?

Am I totally wollering or what?

And tomorrow at work, I have planned to have every employee receive a rose and a box of chocolates when they come into work (in the stupid heart-shaped box no less).

Yep, definitely wollering.

Ergh – tell me I'm not alone with my thoughts here! Others must feel the same. Anybody? Bueller?

Who is this man?!?!

Current mood: curious

I had to practically hold his hand through every clue (and even reveal a few), but Tommy finally found the orange.

First, I got a video sent to me showing the orange rolling around the office and visiting people. The video ended by saying "a new level of fear begins soon."

Second, I got this clue:

I contend that this clue is in your area.

Go to there and you will find your clue.

Lastly, Tommy says that if I can figure out who the guy in the photo is, then I will be lead directly to the orange. I'm stumped. Anybody know who this man is?!?!

My dad rocks!

Current mood: stoked

"I got my truck back, I got my truck back, I got my truck back!"

That was sing-song in case you couldn't figure it out. Yeeeahhhh... I got my truck back!
No more electric windows and door locks. No more back seat for tossing my purse. No more passengers (two seater unless you're up to straddling the gear shift). No more propping up my left foot. No more P,R,N,D.

But.... I feel a bit more like me now. Ain't nothing wrong with my hand, I can roll the window down. (Though I do vow to one day have a beepy thing to unlock the doors!)

I must say, I love having a mechanic for a Dad. I sent the truck to him saying something was up with my clutch. I got it back with a new clutch system, new spark plugs, new air filter, new oil filter, one new tire and the others rotated, new CD player, dent pulled out the front, tail light cover touched up, new floor mats and a new flasher.

Yes siree, Bob!

Drives like a dream. I'm not sure which element did the trick, but it shifts smoothly, the get-up-and-go is strong and powerful and the brakes are nice and tight.

On the turnpike today, I looked down and realized I was doing 90. God, I love speed. And I love it even more when the ride is so smooth you can't even tell you're doing 90 (that and when you realize you're doing 90 before spotting blue lights in your rearview).

That was pretty much the deciding factor. As soon as I get moved into my new place (hopefully in the next 2 weeks), then I'm taking the Richard Petty Driving Experience. I've been wanting to do it for some time and I've just been putting it off. I think first, I'll do the ride-along to experience the car, the track, the speed (Walt Disney World's track). And then the next trip I'll do the driving myself. For when I drive myself, however, I think I'll make the trek up to the Atlanta Speedway (a much faster track).

My Dad has certainly taught me a thing or two and I'm not a complete idiot under the hood of a car... but geez, I wish I had his knowledge. I can identify parts and pieces and can handle some repairs on my own, but to be able to troubleshoot like he does and to be spot on every time... it's pretty amazing.

Go, Dad! Lovin' my "new" truck! :)

Redneck chaos in Central Florida

Current mood: broke

Drove up to Wal-Mart today and parked outside the automotive door. I hate going to Wal-Mart and I hate going in the front door with a passion. Redneck chaos in Central Florida.

I figured that if I go in the automotive door, then I could make a quick trip to the car section to grab some interior wipes (for collecting dog fur between trips to the car wash).

Should have been about $4.99 plus tax.

Oh no no no. That's not how things work at Wal-Mart. You go in for one item, you leave with a double arm load.

I know you know what I'm talking about. You've been there. Done that. Went in for soap and left with a new flat panel. Went in for orange juice and left with a ham.

I mean, it just happens. I've come to accept it.

So, what should have been $4.99 plus tax turned into $47.56.

In the three shopping bags that I carried out the automotive door, I had one stuffed weiner dog with hearts on it's sides. Dang stupid marketing ploys. Who the heck puts Valentine's plushes in the middle of the automotive section?

Actually, I suppose it was probably out of place. It was a lone plush just sitting there on the display counter where the binoculars were. I imagine some kid carried it half way around the store before Mom finally said, "Put it back."

When I saw it, I immediately thought of my little Beau dog.

So now, after a $47.56 trip to Wal-Mart, my Beau has a new toy for Valentine's Day. Geez, a trip to the dog park and a new toy all in one day... he must be kinda special.

Check out the video I made of him playing with the new toy. And pardon my Minnie Mouse voice - I tend to get all babytalk when I'm playing with Beau.

Beau and his Valentine's Dog

Ratataouille!!

Current mood: probably gonna be hungry later

Year of the rat? Ratatouille!!

Happy Chinese New Year!

You can bet there's a party happening at Grauman's today!

Here's a photo I took of Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Beautiful building from the outside, breathtaking inside. My favorite place in the world to watch a film!

(and yes, I may have sorta popped the sky a bit in Photoshop... but it makes for a cool image, right?)

Luke, I am your father

Current mood: confused

Tonight was... interesting.

I was doing the PT thing at Epcot. Basically, my role for the night was to be part of a "light runway" for a group of 1100 who were being bussed into the back of UK and directed to walk in the direction of the lights to World Showcase Plaza to view the fireworks. (Walk towards the light... he he he)

What I loved was simply standing out in the flow of people (near the Promenade) and being bomarded with questions. Really, I like that. I like being quizzed, challenged... and I like it most when I have the answers to their questions.

"How do I get to China from here?" "What's the best place to view the fireworks?" "I want a t-shirt that doesn't say Canada, where can I get one?" "Popcorn?" "How long is the show?" "Which boat will take me back to Universal Studios?"

Yeah, that last one threw me for a loop. But it was actually asked of me tonight.

And, for reasons unknown to me, men folks were laying on the lines tonight. Weird, right? One guy proceeded to take a photo with me... didn't ask, just did it. Another "accidentally" bumped into me, stayed close for a few seconds before grabbing my sides and asking if I was ticklish. What the hell?!

I don't get it. I mean, when I try to look cute, I get nada. Nothing. Not one glance in my direction. But when I'm at work dressed like super dork with a cape (actually it's super dork with baggy pants and a vest), then I'm swamped.

The ONLY thing cool about my Epcot attire is the red light saber. Oh! And that brought a fellow who said he simply had to feel the bicep I must have from holding up the light saber all night. First off, there's no bicep to feel. Second, the bicep does not extend up to my neck (which is where he went).

I am utterly confused. Maybe I'll just stop trying to look cute all together. Forget the strappy shoes. Forget the blush and mascara. No more denim skirts and halter tops. From now on, I'm going for black Sketchers and a shirt buttoned so high it chokes me.

Apparently that does it for tourists.

Back to the light saber. God, I wish I worked with people young enough to appreciate a good Star Wars reinactment. Everytime I first get my saber for the night, I'm tempted to leap back, square off my feet, extend the saber before me and shout, "Luke, I am your father."

One day (maybe the day that I want to get fired), I'm going to arrive wearing Leia buns and beg someone to saber fight me.

It's late and I'm exhausted but you just gotta say things while they're fresh in your mind. So, before I close I have to add one last thing.

To all the people who ride around the World Showcase on motorized scooters... turn off the headlight! It serves no purpose other than to blind those coming in your direction. You're in a Disney park for crying out loud... you don't need the headlight!!!!

Wednesday, February 06, 2008

Sixth Anniversary Celebration

Gaylord Palms Sixth Anniversary Celebration

By far, the biggest event I have ever been part of producing... thus far. 1,400 attendees, 7:30p-midnight, dinner, dancing and midnight countdown.

There were hits. (the Chinese lanterns we rigged with remote-controlled LEDs, the confetti blast, the free drinks)

There were misses. (DJs talking, food put away early, wrong color chair covers, mia IMAGers)
Blood, sweat and tears went into making the celebration grand. Well, maybe there were not tears, but blood and sweat were definitely on the list!

At 7:00 am, I was in the ballroom helping to assemble lanterns, coordinate the hanging, oversee set up of the tables, placing centerpieces and more. Twelve hours later, I changed out of jeans and tennis shoes into red dress and 4-inch heels (hottest shoes there!).

After our presentation (a half hour late), the DJs took the stage and I took a break. Dinner, wine and carrot cake that I rescued from the back just before it was being tossed for the night.

The sights - wow. Attire was everything from prom to bad weddings to Sunset Blvd after dark. Yeah. And despite the 4-inch heels, I've never been able to pull off sexy so I'd like to think I fell somewhere between ballroom dancing and a sweet sixteen.

Overall, the night was a success. I'm getting amazing feedback all around. People really enjoyed themselves.

And I'm already dreaming of ways to make an even greater impact next year (top secret, under the hat ya know)!

Check out a few of the moments snapped by our photographer that night that I uploaded into my pics.