Things

Things and people to be thankful for from 2010:

• Amber Fu
• Megan Anderson
• Sara Bryant
• Alec Frey
• Mike Cook
• J.A.M.A.L.
• Autopians such as Lauren, Alyssa, Rachel, Nykole, Gabe, Ryan, Martha, Randy, Jerome, Handy Manny, etc.
• Sovereign Grace Church for being so great to me in California
• Pomegranate Pick Me Up at Jamba Juice in CA.
• Dudley Baptist Church
• Cassi Bush
• The entire West Family!
• DBC Kids!...Every last one of them!!!
• Getting to be a PK (Pastor’s Kid) again!
• Jeannie Haag
• Encouraging songs such as Haven’t Met You Yet – Michael Buble, Count on Me by Bruno Mars, and Meant to Be by Steven Curtis Chapman.
• Gaining a nephew-Hudson!
• Gaining a sister in law-Mallory!
• Great Family and my dad is healthy!
• My dog-Molly!!!!
• Blackbird Coffee
• Comforts of HOME
• I’m home for Christmas!! Last year almost killed me being away!!
• Special friends such as Danielle Kidwell, David Bass-Clark, Amanda Lewan, Misako Harada, Carter Lewellyn, Blaine Ellis, Macey Reynolds, Lexi Selleck, Kristina Donohue, Brittany Findley, Kirsten Quatela Kristin Wood, etc. (I’ll try to keep in touch better next year…I do think of you often even if it doesn’t seem like it sometimes)
• This year is finally ending…haha…I’m ready for a fresh start.

Things to look forward to in 2011:

• New beginnings.
• Passion ‘11
• The lessons I’m bound to learn
• The plans God will reveal
• Quality time with Mom and Dad
• Being settled into a great church
• Possibly going on a mission trip to Uganda
• Possibly going to kids camp with the DBC kids
• Possibly getting a teaching job or at least subbing

Things I’d like to do at some point:

• Live in Mars Hill, North Carolina again one day.
• Be a Disney Cast Member again one day
• Get married!
• Have at least one boy and one girl
• Own a sheepdog
• Go to Egypt
• Regularly go dancing
• Go to CHINA to visit Amber Fu!!
• Learn to cook
• Finally master the art of maintaining a consistent spiritual life
• Learn how to control my emotions
• Go on another mission trip to NYC!
• Regularly go horseback riding
• Regularly go roller skating
• Regularly go rock climbing
• Watch every movie featured at the end of The Great Movie Ride at Disney’s Hollywood Studios

And there are many more…but my computer is dying. I may add more later ☺

The end of 2010.

The following blog post is full of honesty. I have no secrets. Maybe I should, but I’m not very good at keeping them for long, so why bother.

In some ways it seems like this year flew right by and in others ways it seemed like it would never come to an end.

This year has been full of ups and downs for me. Perhaps it could be labeled the most emotional year of my life thus far. My apologies to anyone caught in the crossfire. Somehow or another this year seems to have slipped by me without my consent. Though, I guess they all do that.

I haven’t written in here much. I have to confess it’s mostly because I haven’t been living up to my title of “eternal optimist” I’ve been more of an “eternal pessimist” this year. Which also explains why I’ve been somewhat distant with pretty much all of my friends in the past few months. My apologies for that, as well. I know it’s selfish. Though I may not have been in tip-top shape, perhaps my friends needed me, and yet I stayed distant worried about my own problems. Next year I want to be a more of a whole and stable person so that I will be able to be a better friend to others.

Honestly I sometimes feel so overwhelmed by all the “catching” up I feel I should be doing with all my friends who live in a wide variety of places. I guess it’s a good problem to have. I have so many friends that I find it hard to manage them all! ☺ I consider nearly 10 different girls “best friends” with special significance in my life. Definitely future bridesmaids material! That’s definitely a blessing.

To be honest, a lot of my bad attitude lately comes from my insecurities about my situation in life right now. I just feel kind of out of place. I don’t have a real concrete path that I’m following. Twenty-three is an odd age. I’m not a college student anymore, but I don’t really consider myself a full-fledged adult either. As much as I have great friends around the world, I don’t have many in my current situation. I want buddies to go do stuff with. I’m still somewhat new here and I’m not really plugged in yet with people my age. I live at home with my parents, which is fun, and I feel like it’s the place for me right now and I’m very thankful for it. But I tend to feel somewhat embarrassed by my over-all situation. I really hate the question, “what do you do?” Because I don’t really know how to answer it right now.

Frustrating Things I’ve Learned or Realized This Year:

• I’m SO not in control of …well…anything.
• Life is hard and confusing when you grow up.
• Things definitely don’t EVER turn how I plan; yet somehow I still keep on trying to plan.
• As much of a people person as I am, when I have issues, I usually keep to myself. . I feel it’s best to keep myself hidden away when I’m not at my best. Which is silly since that is when I should call on my friends for encouragement I suppose.
• I seem to be completely unable to control my emotions. When I’m sad it shows, when I’m happy it shows. It’s a curse. Seems that most other people are able to hide when they need to, not me.
• I have trouble with communication when it comes to important serious conversations. I tend to avoid them…because I can’t help but wear my heart on my sleeve and I don’t want to cry.
• I’ve become an expert at beating myself up. I’m trying fix this I think this is somehow related to my newfound pessimism.

Things I need to pray for:

• PATIENCE! I have like…zero.
• The ability to find joy in seemingly negative situations.
• Giving up control.
• Direction. I really have no idea where I’m headed.
• That God would grant me the desire of my heart. (I tend to worry about it instead of praying about it)
• That I would recognize God’s love for me even when I fail instead of beating myself up.

I know I just need to trust God and be patient. Everything in my life right now is happening for a reason and I know God has SOMETHING brewing for me. I just have no idea what it is. But I definitely felt the need to COME HOME after the Disney College Program. I just got caught up in “having fun” in California (and also in Florida) that I got off the right path. Any negative feelings towards that time in my life have nothing to do with anyone besides myself. I just needed to regroup and I needed to be in a good environment right now. I’m glad I can live with my parents and go to Dudley Baptist Church while I wait for God to show me what I’m meant to be doing or where I’m meant to go. My most favorite thing about my life right now is my church.

I’ve felt strongly about possibly becoming an elementary school teacher in the past few months after working a lot with the great kids at church. In the New Year I will start off by exploring my options in that area.

Today I was thinking about the great experience I had at the Passion ’06 Christian conference 5 years ago right before I went away to college. I checked into signing up for Passion ’11 and come to find out my church already has a group going! So I signed up! I’m excited!! What a great way to start out the New Year!

Global Perspective.

I received news today that one of the young girls, Williette Henries, that I met in Liberia in 2008 passed away due to illness on Wednesday. So sad. Definitely puts things into perspective...


Williette and me.

This song shuffled on my ipod today:

Do They Know It's Christmas Time -

"There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dreaded fear.
Where the only water flowing is a bitter sting of tears
And there won't be snow in Africa this christmas time
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
Where nothing ever grows
No rain or rivers flow
Do they know it's christmas time at all?"


I went back and looked through my photos from my mission trip to Africa. I found a video of her. So depressing. People go on mission trips, encourage the people for a few short days, and then in most cases never see them again or have really even much opportunity to keep in touch or help them from so far away! It's so easy to slip back into our daily American lives and forget what we saw and experienced in other countries. I'm not sure how to combat this. How can you keep a constant global perspective and prevent yourself from becoming self-centered on your own life and country?

The more I live my life and go on my adventures the more contact I make with people from other countries. I love that. I hope that it is helping me have a wider world view. In the past year I've kinda fallen in love with the chinese. Literally ha. :P I lived with Amber Fu from January until August. I've also had the pleasure of hanging out with a few other chinese people that I met from the Disney College Program. Most of them are back in China now. I still get to skype with Amber. I love her so much. I refuse to lose touch with her. Beyond that my best friend Megan Anderson is living in South Korea teaching English. I like having friends in/from other countries. I'm enjoying learning all about chinese culture from Junchen.


Amber Fu!!


Megan Anderson


Skyping with Junchen

Disney Parks -- Disney Vacation Memories

The newest Disney Parks campaign is such a great idea. Watch this video. It made me cry :P

Epic Life 2

Here's an update on my life. Check out my latest video blog with an all new intro!

I'm Home! New Video Blog.

I'm Home!

Check out my latest video blog. I discuss the end of the Disney College Program and what's next for me.

One year as a Cast Member.

Hello!

I have recently made the decision to leave the Walt Disney Company for a time after my college program ends. It was a very hard decision. But it was mine to make. I am SO glad I did it. I have thoroughly enjoyed this year inside the company from coast to coast. I have learned so much. I am not at all closing the book on Disney. I just know that I need a break from the insanity that comes along with being a Cast Member. I will miss all the perks and making the magic, but I think I will be back so it's not as if I'm saying goodbye forever.

I know that my decision may have come as a shock to anyone who keeps up with my life. Here's a brief synopsis of what went on in my head: First I really wanted to stay with the company, but I knew I needed a break. When I went home for my brother's wedding, I applied to Georgia College and State University (GCSU). I then applied to be a Disney College Program Campus Representative, allowing myself time off, while remaining a Cast Member and getting to live at home. I would give myself a break and take some French classes (a passion that has been on the back burner for far too long). Then I'd go back to Walt Disney World in January after I was sufficiently refreshed. The perfect plan!

When I found out that there were already too many campus reps at GCSU, I was devastated. My perfect plan was ruined. What would I do?! I e-mailed the head of the Disney College Program who made an exception and decided to let me in for the "full" fall session of the program at Walt Disney World. I was soooo excited. She made an exception for ME!? WOW. I am eternally grateful. I miss Walt Disney World so much, this really was a dream come true. I was all set to go. Still feeling like I needed a break, but trying to cover the feeling with my excitement for Walt Disney World.

Then I had a set back. After many realizations and frustrations in my current role, my eyes were opened and my heart got a little broken. I know I've always put the company on a pedestal. The realities of big business and politics hit hard. Anyways now I know that being a Cast Member or an employee for any company is really what you make of it and you have to take the good with the bad. I can't be bitter just cause I had a few set backs. I know what the company stands for and was built on and NO ONE can destroy that for me, no matter how much corruption, bad attitudes, and naysayers I run into along the way. It was a painfully good lesson for me to learn. I will always love the Walt Disney Company! I won't let anyone else destroy the magic for me.

This lesson came at the perfect time, just before I had to make my final decision about whether or not I'd return to WDW for a 3rd and final college program. On that same day I got my acceptance letter to GCSU. I had already been toying around with the idea of backing out. I think my set back made me re-evaluate. It allowed me to open my mind to other avenues and life outside of Disney. When you are a Cast Member, it's as if you eat, breath, and sleep Disney. It's easy to forget about the world around you. I have sacrificed a lot in the last year and put a lot of things on hold. I think my set back and good advice from family and friends gave me the freedom to let go of Disney. After much deliberation, I logged onto the Disney College Program website and clicked, "decline".

I recently worked the 55th anniversary of Disneyland and then went into the park to celebrate with my family. Cast Members and characters rushed out and sang an danced to "A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes" in front of the train station. I shed a tear that day, I have had the best time of my life so far working for the Walt Disney Company. My last day will be exactly one year from my original hire date. It is bittersweet, but I am confident that I am doing exactly what is best for me at this time.

If I am supposed to continue my career within the Walt Disney Company, God CAN and WILL work it out. I don't need to be holding onto the things that I love so tightly anyways. I don't think that's healthy. So I think letting go was the wise decision.

I am coming home. *biggest sigh of relief ever...followed by an extremely peaceful feeling*

Vlog 22

Check out my latest video blog filled with tips, updates, and encouraging words.

Haven't Met You Yet

This is my absolute favorite song right now.

Haven't Met You Yet by Michael Buble

I love these lyrics, they perfectly describe how I feel:

"I've broken my heart so many times, I stopped keeping track...

...I might have to wait, I'll never give up.

I guess it's half timing,

and the other half's luck.

Wherever you are, whenever it's right,

You'll come out of nowhere and into my life

And I know that we can be so amazing
And, baby, your love is gonna change me
And now I can see every possibility
And somehow I know that it'll all turn out.

...And I promise you kid to give so much more than I get
Yeah, I just haven't met you yet."

It's June ALREADY!?

Hello World.

A lot has happened since I last wrote to you. I work at Autopia at Disneyland, I go to Sovereign Grace Church and Rock Harbor church when I can, I started a bible study that meets in my living room, I have some pretty cool friends here, I have started learning to swing dance, my brother Jon got married to Mallory, I went home for 8 days and got to see my amazing family, my dog, and two of my bestest friends in the whole world.

I am nearing the end of my college program. 8 months really wasn't that long after all. Though I really value the experience I am gaining here, I am finding out more and more that I left my heart at Walt Disney World. It's where all of my Disney enthusiasm was born and It's where I fell in love with the Walt Disney Company. It's the place I want to pursue. I miss working at Kilimanjaro Safaris, I miss going to Jelly Rolls, I miss going to Epcot and eating at Sunshine Seasons, I miss going to property control, I miss looking at the pin books at guest relations in each park, I miss Philharmagic, I miss all the weird little things.

I don't know when or how or by what means I will migrate back to Walt Disney World, but it's what I've got my heart set on right now. We'll see what happens and what God has to say about it. I'm trying to keep all my options open though. I'll try to keep you posted.

I have been having some technical difficulties with my video blog but I think I got them all worked out and I've uploaded a few videos. They are a little rough around the edges but I wanted to just hurry up and get some out there because I've had a lot of footage with guest stars lately that I needed to go ahead and put online. So check them out if you're looking for some entertainment, here.

So, my brother Jer has informed me that I should write more about my life as a cast member. What does the general public want to know about it? It's hard to know what to write about because I am in the middle of it so I don't often think about what is now second nature to me. Any questions or topics that anyone would like to hear more about?

Horrible blogger.

I've been a horrible blogger lately.

This is my formal apology.

More to come soon.

I'm Almost There!

For years I've watched my brothers with their passions for film and music. I've always admired that about them. But I've always felt left out, because I have never been able to find MY "thing". I've always wondered what my talent was. All the things I seem to be good at aren't really all that tangible, things like: talking to people, making new friends, being positive, encouraging others, making others feel special and welcome. Those are all nice things but when someone asks you what your talent is, they are usually looking for something like, "I play guitar" or "I'm a writer". What am I supposed to say?

I've been working for disney for 6 months and I've figured out that I LOVE it! I love making magic. I love being kind to people and brightening their days. I love talking with random strangers about nothing while they are waiting in line. I love telling kids that the light on top of the Matterhorn is actually the light of the fire coming from Minnie and Mickey's winter cabin, not a pilot light for airplanes. It's the PERFECT job for me. It all makes sense. I am so passionate about preserving the disney heritage of magic and innocence in the parks and even the world, so that everyone can continue to enjoy it and gain joy from it for years to come, just like I have been able to throughout my life time.

I have NEVER been a competitive person but this passion has lit a fire under me that is bringing my previously nonexistant competitive nature to light. It's all pretty new to me but, I kinda like it! I make magic. Well..actually Walt Disney created the magic in 1955. I preserve magic. I'm in the business of magic preservation. I'm a biologist with a concentration in preservation. Hehe. I want to rise higher and higher in the company so that I can share my ideas and my passion with others to stimulate them to be magic preservers and creators too.

I was recently in Disneyland by myself...because I decided to start a little project of studying each land and learning about every inch of it. I happened to stumble upon the end of The Princess and the Frog show. I didn't really like this movie at first, but after watching Princess Tiana sing "Almost There" now that I've becoming so passionate about my own career, I decided to give it another chance. I feel just like Princess Tiana trying so hard to work towards her dream. Watch this video and be encouraged :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UAVM-vwX8Pk

Mama! I don't have time for dancing!

That's just gonna have to wait a while
Ain't got time for messing around
And it's not my style
This old town can slow you down
People taking the easy way
But I know exactly where I'm going
Getting closer and closer every day

And I'm almost there, I'm almost there
People down here think I'm crazy, but I don't care
Trials and tribulations, I've had my share
There ain't nothing gonna stop me now cause I'm almost there

I remember Daddy told me: Fairytales can come true
You gotta make 'em happen, it all depends on you"
So I work real hard each and every day
Now things for sure are going my way
Just doing what I do
Look out boys, I'm coming through

And I'm almost there, I'm almost there
People gonna come here from everywhere
And I'm almost there
I'm almost there

There's been trials and tribulations
You know I've had my share
But I've climbed the mountain, I've crossed the river
And I'm almost there, I'm almost there
I'm almost there!

Womanhood.

I am thoroughly enjoying my new life in Anaheim, CA. I feel like I am finally getting settled somewhere and everything is falling into place.

I feel like I'm getting all my "ducks in a row". I've got my career at Disney and I'm in super networking mode. I've got a great church with some cool new Christian friends to encourage me spiritually. I'm starting this exciting Bible study for other college program students and lots of people have shown interested. My roommates are amazing. Life in this apartment building is so great. I wish I could just keep living here til I settle down with someone, because it's such a great set up. I love this area. I have been noticing some pretty cute apartments and tiny houses for rent up the road. I'm such a planner, I already want to start looking into the cost and planning out my life after August. It's so easy for me to get ahead of myself sometimes. WAYYYY ahead.

I am also actually enjoying keep our apartment tidy. For the first time in my life, I take great pleasure in doing the dishes. Also I've started to eat like a normal person, planning normal meals. One of my favorite things to do lately is make dinner after work for some of our neighbors. I find that having someone to cook for really motivates me. Otherwise I don't always see the point in spending so much time on one dish. I am having a good time planning out my meals and what I'm going to eat and shopping for food (except for the prices!).

With my career, networking, church, cleaning, cooking and paying more attention to my finances, I haven't really been giving myself much time for fun. I'm kind of addicted to productivity.

It's so cool that I'm so motivated lately, although I know I need to find a balance and let myself relax and enjoy time with friends and build relationships from time to time.

Also I know I've been putting productivity and my career above my time spent with God. Those are definitely things I need to work on.

I have felt for a long time that my "spiritual gift" is encouragement. I think I need to focus my attention on that more and see how I can be more actively using this gift to bring glory to God.

Over all I am loving that my time is full, I'm becoming more responsible, I'm buckling down, and even my thoughts are more adult like lately. I was giving some friends dating advice and I could not believe the words coming out of my mouth the other day. I'm thinking more realistically and rationally, or at least I'm trying to.

OH and I've even stopped biting my finger nails! ...Will I be able to last? I hope so! I'm doing good. I think this is the sure fire clincher that I've become a full-fledged woman :) haha.

In the words of Anne Margaret on Bye Bye Birdie, "How lovely to be a woman like me!!"

Thank you God for helping me to be more diligent and responsible! Help me to keep it up!!

One last note...I would just like to say that Megan Anderson is one of the best friends I've ever had in my life and she has brought me so much encouragement over the last week or so and I am FILLED to the brim with thankfulness for her in my life!!!!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!!! Don't be lonely if you're single. Try not to focus on it and fill your time with productivity, dream pursuing, goal orientedness, hobbies, and self-improvement and love will find you when it's suppose to.

If You're Single on Valentine's Day

My Mom sent me this! Enjoy.

A Valentine may play a love song for you,
but God sings you the sweetest love song
in the universe.
–>The Lord your God…will rejoice over
you with gladness, He will keep you
quiet with his love, He will rejoice
over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

A Valentine may give you flowers, but
God sent you the most beautiful rose of
all, Jesus.
–> I am the rose of Sharon, and the
lily of the valleys. (Songs of Solomon 2:1)

A Valentine may take you out to dinner,
but God has invited you to the most
amazing feast ever given.
–> Blessed are those who are called to
the marriage supper of the Lamb!
(Revelation 19:9)

A Valentine may bring you chocolate, but
God provides you with something even
sweeter, His Word.
–> How sweet are your words to my
taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
(Psalm 119:103)

A Valentine may be far away, but God is
always with you.
–> I am with you always. (Matthew 28:20)

A Valentine may give you something, but
God has given you everything.
–> God gives us richly all things to
enjoy. (1 Timothy 6:17)

A Valentine may love you for a lifetime,
but God loved you before you were born
and will love you for all eternity!
–> Yes, I have loved you with an
everlasting love…with lovingkindness I
have drawn you. (Jeremiah 31:3)

SoCal and the magic of Disneyland!

I love my life right now. Love. It. Let me paint you a picture...

I live in Southern California (or as my Californian roommate calls it, SoCal). I work for the happiest place on earth. I work where all the magic, make-believe, hope, and joy that is Disney was born. I am one of the millions helping to keep the magic alive. As one of my trainers said today, "It's up to us now." I'm a part of something special. I have the best job in the world and in my free time I can go to Disneyland or explore California as much as I want. My job opportunities are endless. I have two roommates, Megan, who is from California, and Amber, who is from China. They are super sweet. I could not ask for better roommates and friends. I have amazing neighbors, a sweet group of nice guys who are always in our apartment and are really great to have around. I have most of my super awesome family living within reach. I have already found a nice church that hopefully my schedule will allow me to get involved in. I have so many friends and best friends all around the country and even the world. I have the best parents and siblings. I have the sweetest dog on the planet. I have so many unique and exciting experiences and accomplishments under my belt.

I am SO thankful. Thank you, God. He has truly blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without His hand on my life. I can't wait to see what He's got planned for the rest of my life. It's wide open.

My Favorites. Back into Blogging.

I have not been writing in here in recent times because I feel most of what comes to mind is far too trivial and I put off writing anything too epic or involved because I find it hard to sit at my computer for any extended period of time. I've become FAR too active. I'm hoping to correct this for 2010.

So I'm just going to bite the bullet and blog about whatever is on my mind until I can get back into writing something of real substance.

Here's something random on my mind. I like to make lists. The list for today is a list of my favorite people.

My family:

Sheilah Daws

Billy Daws

Josh Daws

Becca Daws

Jer Daws

Jon Daws

Grant Daws

Mallory Graham (Soon to be Daws)

Molly Daws (My amazing dog...she's practically a person)

Vic Berry

Cindy Berry

Paul Berry

Kelly Berry

April Tomassoni

John Tomassoni

Dante Tomassoni

My Friends:

Kristin Wood

Megan Anderson

Kristina Donahue

Brittany Findley

Cynthia Hosford

Kirsten Quatela

Amanda Lewan

Danielle Kidwell

David Bass-Clark

Patrick Griffith

Wes Goodbrad

Joseph Fluty

and a few others.

Something that has been bothering me lately is the fact that most of the people I care about live in different states. It's rather frustrating. I don't think I'll ever actually be able to see all of my loved ones at the same place at the same time. That's kind of a depressing thought. I think if it were to happen it would be some huge miracle. Maybe when I get married one day I can wrangle all of my loved ones together but that is really the only foreseeable time where they could ever all be together, that and perhaps heaven?

I enjoy adventuring and I definitely don't have a boring life, but sometimes I wish I had grown up in one place in a small town where everyone I love lived together in one blissful utopia.

I'm also a very organized person, so it bothers me knowing that all the people I care about can never been completely organized together in one place. It's unsettling. Which shows me just how ridiculously OCD I am. It's hard for me not to get hung up on this.

I hope that one day at least the vast majority of my love ones will be in the same place. Or perhaps I'll have enough money that I will be able to visit each of them as freely as I choose. I guess I just have to let God lead me in the way in which He wants me to go and trust that if these people are supposed to be in my life He will provide ways for me to keep in touch, get together with, and be near them.

I'm moving to California for 8 months the day after tomorrow. Just another adventure in my ridiculously unsettled life. I shall try and enjoy the ride.