OK Family! I hope you're happy!!

Its official. I can no longer say I only run when chased. Those days are over, but I guess, in the grand scheme of things that its a good thing. You see, I've turned into one of "them". You know the folks - the ones who say they enjoy running. That they can actually find some peace in running. They can just let go, clear their minds, and run. It happened to me.

But, don't get me wrong... just because I am enjoying it, doesn't mean I'm GOOD at it. In fact, I'm not even sure what good means in running. Does it mean you're fast? Does it mean you can go the distance? I think in our case it means - We're DOING it! 

Like a family of Ducks waddling down the road, our family has been running the Couch to 5K program. Some days, all four of us are out there, single file, trudging down the street. And, on those days, I'm always last in line. The Ugly Duckling at the end of the pack. Yup, I'm the slow one. Our 12-yr old daughter, well now, she's the fast one. Way out ahed of the pack. You go girl! Our son, well, he likes to hang out with me, but I know he can just turn on speed and sprint if he really wanted to. OH! To be young again! Ha! Those days are over!

And, we've even set a goal: The family 5K race that's part of Disney's Wine & Dine Marthon. That gives us nearly a year of getting in shape and a great reward to work towards....

BUT, in the mean time.. I hope my family is happy -- because should we ever be chased by Lions, Tigers or Bears... This slow ugly duckling will be dinner! AHHH, the sacrifices Mom must make!

Who's ready for Turkey Day??

I know, its not Thanksgiving yet - not even Halloween - but for some reason Thanksgiving has been on my mind quite a bit lately. Maybe not the typical Thanksgiving... sure, I'm planning meals and digging out the recipe for my famous Maple Roasted Turkey (not for me, booo hoooo!), but that's not where my thoughts have been.

My thoughts have been deeper - much more philosophical in nature. Its ok, I won't bore you too much! I promise. Well, I hope anyways...

But, really, I've been wondering - do exercising, eating healthy, recycling, and community involvement go hand in hand? NO, I don't mean eating a snickers bar while volunteering to walk the recycling bin to the curb...

I mean, if you start focusing on being good to your body, good to your environment, and good to your community - does that motivate you to do even more?

For me, it all started with some tiny changes. I've been recycling forever. I've always believed in giving back to your community - I was even a candystriper during my high school years (I bet you didn't know that, dear!!)! Then, a year ago I made nutrition a top priority. A little later it seemed logical to join a gym... 

Now, we're going even more green: new lightbulbs, less waste, less paper products, donating clothes, growing our own herbs. That has spurred a trip down vegetarian lane... and a Couch to 5K program. I'm volunteering more - from extra days running the school store to pumpkin carving with 4th graders to baking...

I think I see a pattern here!  It been about making small changes, small sacrifices - because its the right thing to do. These small things are building on top of each other - supporting and helping to make sure that the foundation is strong.

And, its been about showing support to your community - in the many different ways that you can. Sometimes, its buying girl scout cookies, or donating to Goodwill.. and other times, maybe its just a little bit larger... maybe its donating some deer. Just like Walt...

(Trenton Evening Times, August 10, 1942)

So that brings me back, full circle, yet again - It really IS all about Thanksgiving - about being happy and thankful for where you are in your life, for what you've become, and wanting to pay back, to show your appreciation for all you've been given. And the more I realize that, the more motivated I am to say "Thank You!" in any way I can.

Deja Vu Dreaming!

One day, a month ago, I took a chance... Yup, this self-proclaimed Disney nut, and oh, say, up to 20,000 fellow Disney fans filled out three short questions...

Yup, I answered three short questions. In 100 words or less, I needed to convince the Disney Mom's Panel that I deserved a chance at becoming one of the panelists on the Disney Mom's Panel website.
Well, to make a long story much shorter... fast forward a few weeks: I've made the first cut! I am one of the 150? 200? applicants who will write 300 more words and have a shot at the next round of the Panel selection....The excitement is building!

Fast forward.... to... TODAY!

I'm off to the gym... when I hear the iPhone "ding".  Could it be the email I've been anticipating ... or dreading ... all day? Is it the email that says I've advanced to phone interviews or maybe that I'm not advancing to phone interviews?? Well, since I'm driving, I can't check. But my daughter can... HMMM, she says.. its something about the Mom's Panel..and a Confirmation??? WHAT??? YIKES!!! PULL OVER!!!!

So there I sit, in a parking lot of a second-hand store, screaming OMG! OMG! OMG! Of course, I have to text people, post on the DIS, and Tweet! I can't go to exercise for 2 hours without letting people know that I've made it to Round #3 in the 2010 Mom's Panel selection process!!

But wait... is this Deja Vu?

You see, this isn't the first time I've seen that email. Its not the first time I'll be interviewing with the folks at Disney. You see - I'm a reject. Yup. I've been here before... and didn't make it.

I've been through this before. I interviewed for the first Mom's Panel in 2008. My hopes and dreams didn't come true then... but it did change my life forever (note to self, more blogs about this to be written!)

You see, after some time to reflect and recover, I started following the Mom's adventures - on the DIS and on blogs. I was amazed at the experiences they were having, and at all the help they were giving on vacation planning...

And, I realized that it must have been a dream come true - to be able to "talk Disney" without seeing someone's eyes glaze over! With people who share your passion and welcome your help! AND, of course, to experience a magical side of Disney World that few have ever seen.

So, I decided to stick to it.  I decided that my rejection just doesn't matter. I'm was going for it.  And, now I'm here again.

I'm still dreaming BIG. I am still shooting for the stars. I am still hoping that one day soon, I can be a "Disney Mom".

Wish me luck! And lots of Pixie Dust!

PS. Good luck to all who are interviewing next week! And to those who didn't advance this year - I know what you are feeling, but: Keep trying. Keep at it. Shoot for the stars! Next year might just be YOUR year! I'm sure hoping this year is mine!

Everything is not always what it seems....

First impressions... oh how misleading they can be. They just skim the surface. What happens when you look, really look, at something or someone? You start to see that there is so much more: more than a smiling face, more than just a computer programmer, more than a group of buildings. There are so many facets to each and everyone of us... facets that go unseen by many, but that are so important to the whole...

Take Disney World for instance - I stumbled across this article, from a few months after the opening of the Magic Kingdom.

(click to enlarge)

 

Dallas Morning News 12/22/1971

I'd bet that the average visitor hasn't a clue to what lies below their feet as they stroll down Main Street or gaze at Cinderella's Castle. The Utilidors aren't obvious. Guests don't need to know they exist...

But, for many die-hard Disney fans, what lies below is intriguing... These fans have looked past the Magic of the park itself - the trappings that every guest sees. They have gone a bit further, and want to know more. More about how things work, why they exist... 

Of course, for most of us - we'll never really know the full story. You see, this is a pretty guarded area. Its off-limits to most. Obviously, if you want to see it, you can become a cast member... or, perhaps a bit easier, you can get a glimpse of them by taking a Backstage Magic Tour at WDW. 

For now though, until my Dream Job at Disney comes though... I'll have to settle for this great description at hiddenmickeys.org.

Ahhh, a sense of accomplishment!!

Do you have one of those jobs? You know... with projects that seem to drag on FOREVER. With no end in sight? That's my job. Now, don't get me wrong, I love my job. But some days, sometimes... Its just so hard to feel a sense of accomplishment. That I DID something... and did it well. That I actually finished something - something tangible in this online world of ours...

Long ago, in another life... I had horses. Well, ponies.. but why discriminate against height... And people frequently asked - Don't you hate all that work? The feeding, the stall cleaning??? The answer always was: Nope. I loved it... I lived for it. A dirty stall was my "Zen Place". Seriously... a dirty, disorderly space. 12ft X 12ft. A defined space... It started off stinky, dirty... but after 15 minutes of physical labor... it was clean. I started the task and finished it. I accomplished something!  It smelled of fresh pine shavings and sweet hay...

But, that was years ago... nice memories... but not so helpful now...

So, time for a new hobby... time to do something with my hands. Time to turn off the brain and let it rest. And, frankly, something to get me out of the house! Since I work from home, there are days when I don't travel more than 50 ft from the house. Yikes! I need out! I need a change of scenery! I need people to talk to!

I'm not quite sure how I stumbled across the local Tech College's site... probably the by-product of a cold night, some extra time on my hands, and my love for surfing the web. One class sounded intriguing.. Stained Glass. Hmm... that appeals to my artistic side.. and to my need for accomplishment...

So, off I go... I've surprised myself. I've really enjoyed this art...

Copper-foiled stained glass panels..

A pair of lamp shades...

Even the kids have gotten into making things.

A Mickey suncatcher by Dillon...

A Bamboo flower by Dakota...

There are no boundaries... if we can imagine it.. we can make it... And feel good. Accomplished. We've done something we can see, that we can touch, that we can finish!

Yet, there's more too... a payback I never expected. I've glimpsed a new side of the kids. I'm touched by their caring hearts and their generosity. Everything they've made, they've given as gifts: to a teacher, a friend, a cousin... tokens to brighten a day, to say "I love you" for no reason at all... And, to me, that's the greatest gift of all.

If they only knew...

1977.  An end to movies as entertainment only.  The start of movies, of entertainment, as everyday life?

(Click image to view larger size)

  (This Dallas Morning News. August 14, 1977 article shortened for blog. )

Oh, I think it can easily be argued that George Lucas is a mastermind of cinema. Few can dispute his genius with the camera and his talent for special effects. I certainly wouldn't! As a 5-yr old, I don't think I slept for weeks - Darth Vader haunted my dreams. My sister tormented me with heavy breathing and a force choke day in and day out.  Oh, the fun she had seeing me dart off in screams...

Of course, that just managed to turn me into one of those kids begging parents to shell out "an inflated $3.75" week after week...

But, I think fewer people consider Mr. Lucas' business genius. I do. Did you know that he traded writing fees for 40% of the revenue from Star Wars merchandise?

I had those star wars glasses, lunch boxes, and bubble gum cards. I'm not even remotely ashamed to admit that I still have those action figures. Not only do I have them - I know where they are - and I know which ones I have. I may not have my nappie, my baby blankie, my first lock of hair.... or even my high school diploma.. But don't even try to separate me from my Snow Trooper! In fact, I may have even shed a tear when Luke lost his leg to a gnawing puppy (just a few years ago) ...

I, myself, alone, may have made George a rich man...

And, if you put aside the business aspect... for good, or bad... no matter how you may view it... Star Wars signaled a change: an integration of movies into daily lives. Sure, there were blockbusters before Star Wars... and merchandising... But, to me and my generation, this iconic movie really is a tipping point. A point where movies became daily life for kids... when kids surrounded themselves in Fantasy... in a new world - all sparked by the imagination of George Lucas.

Life hasn't been the same ever since.

My kingdom for a Big Mac!

I don't even like them. On an average day, in an average year... I wouldn't even consider one if I had been dropped of at the last McDonald's on Earth after eating spinach for a week. Ok, that's probably not quite true, but you get the idea.

This, however, is not an average day, nor an average year. It is day #103 of my Adventures in Vegetarianism. Now, I really don't have many complaints. I love veggies. The kids are eating more of them, and complaining less. We're losing weight. All is good.

EXCEPT, this darn craving. Sure, I can go days without thinking of - sing along - two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese on a sesame seed bun. But, man oh man, then the jingle starts slowly... just a slow, nagging itch in the brain... Not unlike a mosquito bite.. a painful itch that just grows and grows... So far, I've been strong. I keep thinking that when I fall off the vegetable boat (its not an if.. I know I will eventually) it should be for something good.. Prime Rib... The Thanksgiving Turkey.... something oh so worthwhile...

But Resistance is Futile! I am a by-product of the McDonald's generation. I can't remember a time with no drive-thru's. Without the Hamburgler... Without Grimace... Or those Fry-Guys! In fact, I think I had Fry-Guy action figures!

For tonight though,  I'll just dream of those magic words: "Do you want fries with that?"

Stop! Breathe!

Routines. Day in and Day out... We all have them - Up early, kids to school, off to work... and maybe if its a good day you'll get 5 minutes to eat breakfast. Run! Run! Run! Then repeat the next day. Are you thinking Groundhog Day yet??

Hectic days are the norm. Haven't you wished for 30 hours in a day? 8 days in a week? Maybe, just maybe, then we'd accomplish all the chores on the to-do list, cook dinner, play a board game with the kids, and still have a little energy left for a nice evening with your friends or spouse.

Oh no! It doesn't work that way! You know that... I know that. 30 hours in a day will just mean 6 more hours of volleyball practice, overtime at work, or cleaning the bathroom. Or, even worse, 6 more hours on the treadmill! Yikes!

Sometimes though, a rare quiet falls, the stars align, the cosmos relent... and you can catch your breath. Rare moments with no fighting kids, no ringing phones, no urgent email... Big Breath. Whew.

Deep breath in... deep breath out...

What happens if you stop for a moment? Really just stop and look around. NO - don't look at the dust bunnies... don't think of things you could be doing. I mean stop. Just observe...

Maybe you'll find some inspiration. It may be something small like a deck of cards thrown carelessly on the coffee table that inspires you to gather the troops and spend some time playing a game. Maybe it will be something just a little bigger. It may be a stray sneaker that reminds you of your husband who's made a huge decision to get in shape and is sticking to it. That might inspire you to do the same.

Or sometimes, the inspiration is even bigger... and it makes a change in the world. Like a mouse. What if Walt Disney was too busy to stop and REALLY see a mouse? What if he just thought "Oh no, what a nuisance?? I have to clean THAT up?!?!"

Maybe even a 78-yr old news article deserves a fresh look:

When I stumbled across it, I was inspired. I'm still inspired. I'll be giving a helping hand too. Maybe to a stranger, maybe to a child, or, even maybe, through the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day program - because, as the author of this article put it:

"It just goes to prove that even a mouse, if given a chance and a helping hand, can make a big splash in the world!"

P.S. Article is from the 11-16-1931 Cleveland Plain Dealer

Mickey....as a hedgehog?

Since I've run across a few articles that really tickle my fancy, I'm going to be sticking to this topic for the next few days.. Hope these history nuggets aren't too "boring" for you! And, yes, I know.. my inner geek is shining out... Can't help it.. its strong!

This feature article is from the 5/22/1934 issue of the Dallas Morning News. And frankly, the headline alone really got my attention. Soviet Demands Own Mickey Mouse. Huh!

My first thought after reading it, was "Thieves!! How dare they pirate Mickey! He's as American as apple pie!" But, maybe that's a bit harsh. I mean, everyone loves Mickey. But, still, this article doesn't seem to highlight a very bright idea. In fact, unless y'all know something I don't, I think this was one of those ideas destined for the trash bin right from the get-go!

But seriously, how can you not appreciate the "Soviet" - I mean, they are "admitting the Superiority of Mickey"! Good concept though, hedgehog Mikki Maus is going to take on the capitalists. And win! You go Mikki!

Ahh, what a different world it once was...

But, then I got to thinking (hate when that happens) that maybe, in a couple ways, this IS the same as yesterday. It really is about Walt's dream. Its been said many times - imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. I wonder if Walt thought that way - surely he knew about this...

Not only that, but just think - this article comes just 6 years after Mickey first debuted. In a world not quite so connected as ours. In a world where the Internet and Satellite TV didn't exist. No instant FaceBook updates, no Tweets.. I think that's a huge tribute to the Magic of this Mouse. An amazing feat by a little Mouse and a great, big dream.

We all start small...but have big dreams!

For those of you who don't know, I work with History. Everyday. Day in and Day out. Yup - I look at old newspapers... ALL DAY LONG. Well, not quite.. but I do manage the production of them...

I know - you're thinking "History!?! BORING!". Well, yea.. typical history maybe. But, I've never been a typical person - so of course my take on it is just a little different. And newspapers? Well, they aren't like a history textbook. They chronicle every day life... people like you and me... people living lives, people starting up small business, people with dreams... 

I mean, seriously, no one can predict the future, but its so fun to look back on the past for those little nuggets that become gems! There are little, tiny blurbs throughout these scribes of history that really show how a dream starts so small  - but with a little faith, trust and pixie dust become magical.

I stumbled across this article today. It was published in the Seattle Times, back on 4-12-1931. Read it, its short. Then think "WOW, how that dream blossomed!" Go ahead, be amazed! I was!

P.S. Wonder where I can get one of those autographed photos!

So many places, so little time... and money!

Its that time of year again, the air is crisp(er), the days are getting shorter... and my thoughts are turning to SUMMER VACATION! Well, ok, any vacation. I'm not sure what it is about this time of year... but my mind starts drifting to far away places.. away from the chores of everyday life. Someplace Exotic. Someplace Magical. Someplace... Someplace where??

The question isn't: To Vacation or not To Vacation. Its so much more complex! Its where to vacation??

Oh yes, there are some places on my bucket list: Venice, Greece, Egypt. But those are for another year. A year with more time... alas, 2010 will only be a week, 7 days, of vacation as a family. Hubby doesn't have a whole lot of time each year, so choices are bit restricted.

So, practically thinking - where should we go? The kids are at great ages for travel: 12 & 9. Is it time to show them the Big Apple? Or maybe the Grand Canyon? Great places. Places I'd really love to see someday. But, the problem is... I miss our special family vacation spot. Walt Disney World. Yup. Even after 7 trips in the past two years... I still can't wait to get back.

In fact, just today, Dillon came running in the house after school and announced "That's it. I can't take it anymore. We NEED to go to Disney!" Ahh, how I love that boy! I've trained him well. Apparently, he's got that fall travel itch too.

Hmm, but maybe just a twist on that trip... maybe Disneyland in California... Maybe that would satisfy our Disney fix.. and we'd see some more of our beautiful country. Oh, how I would love to see the place where the Magic started. To walk in Walt's footsteps... To see the Matterhorn....

How I would love that! But, still.. that means no Epcot. No Animal Kingdom. No Hollywood Studios. All of our favorites - they are in Florida. Could we live without Wilderness Lodge? Without Kona Cafe? Could we handle a year away from them?

Oh, decisions, decisions! Good decisions to have to make... What fun agony!

Someday, maybe we'll even make that decision - but not tonight. This fall night, on the couch with a fire, is simply for dreaming of the Magic!

And just HOW green are you?

Ok, if you've read a bit of this blog, you know that being environmentally friendly is a pretty important goal to me. I'm all for recycling, reducing, and reusing. But I think I may have found my limit. Yup, that's right... what I just can't do for the environment (well, besides give up paper products like toilet paper that is... )

So, what am I talking about? Well, the world's first green race car, that's what. I know, you're confused.. but let me explain... It starts off great, just read this description:

"The body of the World First Racing car is built from recycled carbon fibre left over from aeroplane production, while its steering wheel is made from “carrot fibre”, cellulose nano-fibres extracted from the residue from a carrot soup factory."

 Awesome. By-products and carrot residue. Great out-of-the-box thinking there! Reusing waste and sustainable products... You go guys!

But, oh no, here is where you lose me:

"A “green racing car” powered by chocolate and steered by carrots will line up on a Formula 3 grid for the first time next month."

What?!? Say again?? Chocolate? You're taking my chocolate? Who thought of this? I mean, I'm fully willing to give up carrots. And spinach. And eggplant. Really, anything else. But Chocolate? That's one I'd like to keep.

Seriously, put the chocolate in my car? And NOT eat it? What about PMS? Stress? I'm surely not going to eat broccoli for those cravings! That's asking a lot guys!

Luckily, we still have coffee. At this point. Don't take that too!

If you're interested, full article is here:
Chocolate-powered race car