Chapter 7

I hope everyone had a good Christmas! I sure did. I got my suitcases;) and a new iPod. 17 days now! Very excited! I'm still freaking out about flying and just packing the right stuff. But I'm feeling a little better now because I have been talking to / bugging the hell out of this girl I know down there who has been really nice to me and to put up with me... Thank you Sarah!!! I have also been talking with my wondrous to-be roomie, Stephanie. She seems great and it makes me twelve kinds of excited. We've also made a plan to meet up at the Orlando airport and arrive at Vista together. I've finished all my paperwork and all I have to do is pack. And say goodbye. Especially to my mum who I love very much, but who seems to believe I will never be coming back. I promise I am coming back, I have a shift at work the day after I get back! (I'm not gonna skip out on a 9-5!)

Chapter 6

     Still not there. Sorry people. But I am officially freaking out about going now, and not productive freaking, more like lie-still-in-a-state-of-absolute-panic freaking, in which I suffer waves of nausea, disappointment, and fear. Lots of fear. Crippling fear. But then I snap out of it and I go take a shower, or do some laundry, or devour TV Christmas specials. But the truth is, it's coming up very quickly from here. Less than a month now. I have to finish some employment paperwork which reminds me of college Statistics, then I have to pack. Those are basically it. Spoiler alert: My mum bought me a suitcase for Christmas. I am very excited to receive it and I will wheel it about behind me for many days after Christmas. I only found out because I found it. I felt bad so I told her, but the cat was already out of the bag. She thinks I snoop, but really there aren't that many places in my house that I don't go.
      They do this with candy all the time as well. Now that I'm on a diet I have a permanent excuse, but there is candy hidden all over my house, in places I supposedly "never look". Again, I pretty much go anywhere and everywhere. But truth be told I do like to shake what my momma gave me. By which I mean the presents that she hands me (what did you think I meant?). I've always been very good with guessing what wrapped presents are. One year my aunt bought me a guitar for Christmas and she covered in teddy bears before wrapping it so I wouldn't be able to guess. Ask my sister who sniped that one anyway.
     It appears though that my gift for guessing is growing faint, otherwise I doubt I would have picked the present I ended up with at the work Yankee swap. I received a head massager.  Yes, like on those infomercials from a couple years back. I will tell you, somedays I do look at it and wonder if it's use will make my hair grow longer. But looking at the pointy metal legs I decide instead it would probably rip out large patches instead, and I slide it back behind the non-fiction section on my bookshelf. Thankfully I made out much better at the family Yankee Swap with twenty dollars in iTunes money (I still have thirty on my account, they always send me emails saying "Did you know you have thirty dollars worth of iTunes money on this account???" Yes, I know. I just use mine much slower than other human beings.) and two packages of fancy chocolate, which I quickly wasted all of my Weight Watchers points on, forcing me into salad for lunch, dinner, and evening snack.

But I just want to wish a Merry Christmas to those who, like me, celebrate it, as well as to the rest of the world, I hope you enjoy all the shorter lines and less crowding at surely almost everything (except Disney World apparently...) Also I hope everyone enjoys their Hanukkah, Kwanza, winter break, and  anything else you may be celebrating!!

Chapter 5

I apologize, we still haven't gotten to the good stuff, there is still almost a whole month before I leave and as I have just finished my classes it's dawning on me (*happy dance*). I still have so much to do, but half of it is ready to go. I know there's definitely gonna be some huge mistake I'm gonna make so I'm prepping myself now. I have decided against my mums plan of going down a day early. I want to do this by myself (even though as earlier stated, the mere thought makes me nauseous). Plus there are days where I look at my family and go "ahh.. how could I ever leave this?" and then there are days when I look at my family and go "get me the %$#& out of here!" (yes, I did just censor myself, this is a family show people, for even though I swear questionably often, because I am a horrible, horrible person, I find it relatively tacky). But I remember feeling this way before I moved into my apartment last year, (a feeling which quickly faded) so maybe this will help make my heart grow fonder.

I figured I'd end on something that my parents said which I thought was pretty funny. My mum said "Maybe while you're down there you'll meet a nice boy."  Me,"Of course. *sarcasm* I'll meet Prince Charming."  My dad, "Eeyore's a nice boy."

Chapter 4- continued

My mum just had an idea. She suggested flying down with me the day before, January 15th, so I can be on time to check in the next day, and so we can look around and check out the offerings nearby for shopping and food. I mean its brilliant in its simplicity. I wouldn't have to freak out about getting there or finding anything. I might also be able to manipulate my mum into letting me put some of my stuff in her luggage. I'd also have my mum with me, which leads us to the cons: I'd have my mum with me. I love my mother with all my heart, but how many great adventures start off with "My mommy held my hand.." I'm not exactly sure, if I have time later I'll Google it, but for now I'll just guess, none. Again I love my mum. But this is my great adventure, a sort of thrusting me into the world moment that I was getting pretty amped for. I mean I was thinking I might even be okay with everything. Even the airplane which is huge for me. Although actually now I'm getting sort of nervous thinking about that, and now I fear I might vomit on a TSA officer. Also my wonderful roommate-to-be, Stephanie, and I were planning to meeting up and maybe taking the shuttle together. Originally we were thinking cab, but $$$$$. I don't want to back out now, I'm the one who even talked us into taking the shuttle. Decision to follow...

Chapter 4

Truth time. It is so hard for me to write this blog now. I mean I am superbusy ( I still haven't booked my shuttle or done anything really productive towards Disney). I have three essays to write, one final to study for, three books to read, and an art portfolio to perfect. Then I have to withdraw for next semester and sign myself back up for classes next fall. Also Christmas has officially come to town. (christmas is here, fa la la la, christmas is here, fa la la la, rum tummy tummy, rum tummytummy, rum tummy tummy, ho-ho-ho). It is time to burn some plastic. Also I really don't have too much to say. I haven't heard anything new from them so really its the same ole boring "To-Do" list which never gets anything crossed off and makes me want to rip my hair out. Oh, and new feature, there are real people out there reading this now. I am no longer just speaking to myself and one kid from far far away who tries to read my blog and just ends up scratching his head aggressively.

Interlude II

        I only have five class days left. If I just put in a lot of effort, I'll be set until September. That leaves me with some free time in December that I plan on using to upgrade my weight-loss strategies (maybe some actual physical fitness rather than trying to drink celery juice because I'm not willing to waste my Weight Watchers points on apple juice), reading for fall semester and teaching myself Spanish so I can place into Spanish 201 next year. I also hope to work lots. Like until I've seen way too many Christmas books/ movies/ cds that visions of sugarplums dance in my head.

         Oh, and Christmas shopping. I have a tighter budget than usual and about seven people to buy for. I also plan on baking lots of Christmas cookies (especially as thank you presents for the lovely people in my life, read "Library staff") and going to the Enchanted Village and Millis Wonderland. But first I have three papers, two projects, my art portfolio and two finals to finish, then we can go forth with the fun activities; especially Christmas and worrying about Disney.
         I have lots of worries about Disney, I keep having these horrible nightmares in which I miss my plane and /or am stranded in the airport in Orlando for some reason or another, or I am late for my check in time (my flight arrives at 10:30, you have to check in by 12 o'clock, but apparently there is a huge line that starts at 7 am sharp) which could actually happen and therefore freaks me out further. I also dream that I show up to my first day of Traditions (orientation) in what I consider "business wear," pressed pants / or skirt, and blouse with sensible shoes, to find out that Disney's idea of "business attire" is either much stricter than mine (read "pantsuit") or it is a full ensemble Mickey Mouse outfit.

Thanksgiving is tomorrow, (technically today since it's 2:07 am), so happy holiday everyone!! And Happy Birthday to my sister Jenni who turned sweet sixteen today, (yesterday, November 23rd) :)

Chapter 3

I signed up to take two classes while I'm down there. One is called Exploring Disney Heritage, which is on Mondays from 4-6, here's the course description:
"The Exploring Disney Heritage course presents a unique opportunity to learn in-depth history about Disney. With a variety of guest speakers and field experiences, students will learn about Walt's vision by exploring historical milestones. This class is ideal for those interested in learning more about Disney."

The other class is Creativity and Innovation from 9-1 on Saturdays. here's the course description:
"This class provides an introduction to the innovation process and techniques for fostering creativity within oneself and in organizations. Students will complete assignments such as a journal, a group presentation and a mid-term exam.
This course is a match for students with a desire to learn about developing and managing creativity."

They both sound like fun, they're not really "real" classes but the Creativity class is the one with more work. I'm excited for them both and I'm glad to have the structure they both provide. Except in the busy weeks we don't have classes, so they're not completely constant.

Chapter 2 ½

Oh! I almost forgot. I am also on a weight loss journey.
I hope to lose at least thirty pounds before I get down
there. I feel really uncomfortable in my body right now,
I just want to get healthier, especially before going to
Florida where it's bathing suit season almost all year
round. I've been eating according to the Weight
Watcher's plan, and I have been increasing my physical
activity, especially with my kick-boxing class on
Mondays.  I have already lost ten pounds, and I still have
almost two whole months. We'll see :)

Update- We're at twenty pounds down, holding strong but it's slow going, December 22nd 2011

List 3- Books to bring

1. Great Expectations
2. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
3. For One More Day
4.  Sense and Sensibility
5. One Day
6. Hard Times
7. Atlas Shrugged
8. A Voice in the Wind
9. Franny and Zooey
10. Lucky
11.  The Last Song
12. The Pilot's Wife
13. The Uglies
14. Full Moon

    Okay so these books are all relatively heavy, so I definitely can't take all of them. 
Also you may have noticed that a couple of these are a bit pretentious. I want to 
read these books (all of the above) because I own them. They are sitting on my 
shelves just waiting to be picked up. Plus I think as an English major, it'd be a good
idea for me to take these under my belt. Plus I typically read wicked fast, and some
of these texts are so challenging that they will take me much  more time and
therefore be a better value, both space-wise and money-wise.

Gaston: How can you read this? There's no pictures!
Belle: Well, some people use their imagination.  

Chapter 2

I think that the biggest problem for me is going to be being far away from home and living with other people. I'm not the biggest people person in most contexts. I have a few possible roommates right now. They seem like nice girls. I don't think it should be a real issue. We're in the dry apartments with random cleaning inspections, so the problem of alcohol isn't on the table. I've really come out of my shell in the last few months as well. I almost look forward to going on shopping trips, enjoying the parks and even just spending some time playing board games with my roommates.

Add caption

The ideal roommate situation..

List 2- To Do before leaving

1. W-9 forms
2. I-9 forms (birth certificate, social security card, or passport)
3. Disney look shopping
4. Pack
5. Book shuttle
6. Get suitcases
7. Settle with UMass for next term
8. Figure out roommate situation
9. Figure out which books I'm bringing

Interlude.

   I've been overwhelmed lately. I really hope that working at Disney is going to be like some perfect bubble, separate from the real world (haha).  No I'm sure that there are plenty of problems down there as well.  I'm just sick of people who think they're so much better than me. Which when put into context is relatively ironic. I will be working what most people find to be the lowest job on the totem poll, but anything could be better than this. It's so bad lately, especially at school. Can't wait for my adventure...
Get me out of here!!

List 1- Disney Bucketlist

1. Make new friends, especially with my roomies :)
2. Explore my digs
3. Hidden Mickeys
4. Visit Harry Potter World
5. Every single ride
6. Go to Universal Studios
7. Meet some obsure Disney characters
8. Pin trading
9. Ride space mountain more than ten times in one day
10. Enjoy being behind the scenes
11. Make someone's day with a Magical moment
12. Do something special, like go to a concert or a Disney World event
13. The Garden show at Epcot
14. Wear a ridiculous princess outfit when I visit the parks

15. Bring /send back plenty of souvenirs for everyone back home

Suggestions welcome :]
Edit December 3rd 2011
Found this cool website with lists of characters in the parks and the rarity of meeting them, guess this an addition to 7:
http://www.wdwinsiders.com/character_finder.php

Chapter 1

I will be arriving in Disney January 16th and I will be leaving May 18th. These dates are rock solid people. I'm meeting my roommates the 16th and I am working a 9-5 at the library the 19th of May. I know some people get extensions on their time (or numerous extensions), but I need to be realistic. Sure I may absolutely love it there, but I still have at least two and a half years left of college. Plus my family and all my friends are here. My life is in Massachusetts. It actually really freaks me out that I will be living, basically by myself, in a state more than a thousand miles away from everything I've ever known. I'm so topsy turvy right now between frightened and excited, I'm like Rapunzel from that scene in Tangled where she finally leaves her tower.  We'll see...

[after leaving her tower; happily] I can't believe I did this! [Nervously] I can't believe I did this. [excitedly squealing] I can't believe I did this! [nervous laughter] ...Mother would be so furious. Well, that's okay! I mean, what she doesn't know won't kill her, right? [rocking back and forth] Oh my gosh... This would kill her! [running] This is so fun! [puts head against a tree] ...I am a horrible daughter. I'm going back. [cartwheeling] I am NEVER going back! Woo-hoo! [facedown in the grass] I am a despicable human being! [swinging around a tree]Woo-hoo! Best! Day! Ever!

The Beginning.

   This should go in the "About Me" section, but that's not working so here we go; My name is Jillian, I am from Norwood, MA. I attend UMass Boston and I am an English major. I work at the wonderful Morrill Memorial Library. I am writing this blog, or attempting to, in order to track my adventures and keep everyone back home updated. I also hope to get some writing experience out of it. I have been accepted into the Disney College Program for the Spring of 2012 in a Custodial position. I am so excited and frightened for this experience. I screamed so loud when I found out I had been accepted, ask anyone who was there that day, it was deafening. Did I mention I was at work? Then I ran around like a six-year old girl on a sugar high (or who had just found out she was going to Disney World...) and hugged everyone in sight.

    I am wicked excited, this an insane opportunity and I'm ready for my adventure. 

"Do you trust me?"