I'm now an official Disneyland Cast Member!!!!

So...today was my first official (paid) day as a Disneyland Resort Cast Member. But before I go into what happened today, I should probably update you all on the recent happenings. So let's rewind to yesterday....

Yesterday was our first day of orientation stuff, we were really only at the Education Center for about 3 hours. So we spent the rest of the day back here at our apartment. Later in the day, me and my roomate Cassidy decided to go get some much needed shopping done, so we went to Target and bought a few things, where I then lost my phone. Luckily...the guy who found it answered my phone when we called it, and was still in Target, so I got my phone back. Then we went and a bought a few quick things at Vons. While we were in Vons, we got a phonecall from casting saying we needed to come to the office that "we were on the list". So on top of driving in anaheim for my first time, losing my phone, and having to buy new shoes (that I only wore today, and are too small for my feet), I was on "the list". Well long story short...I was switched from doing Entertainment Costuming, to doing Attractions. It was a bit of a bummer, but I'm still excited and happy to be here, so it's all good!

So fast forward back to today...Today was our first day as a Cast Member for Disneyland Resort! EEE!!! Which it was refreshing to know we were getting paid today, since we had to sit in a auditorium from roughly 8-4 going through presentations (orientation stuff). But we did get a tour of the park. That was pretty fun (and exciting since I hadn't been inside Disneyland for two years!!!) So our day ended with us getting our name tags (btw if you come, mine will say Christine and not Katie) which is going to take some serious getting used to! haha. So we then decided we wanted to go to Disneyland for the first time for the rest of the day. However, I would soon learn that I wouldn't be able to enter the park until I get my actual ID (I was one out of a small group of people, who didn't get mine). This was a bit of a bummer, but I know I have time to go again! haha...So I had to take the bus home, since my roomies got in. It was a little sad, but it's okay, I'll go soon enough! But I have training tomorrow, where I'll get my costume and stuff, so I'll update you soon on how training goes! But I have training before dawn this weekend, so that should be fun. Haha

Love you all! Talk to you soon!

Goodbyes the hardest word...

I keep hoping that as the years pass, and the older I get, that goodbyes will get easier. But everytime it comes time to say goodbye again, it's just as hard if not harder than it was before. And it hurts to know that not only is it goodbye, but that every year older we get, the more goodbyes will come. We all grow apart, and we all have to move on with our lives. So every goodbye is hard. If this doesn't make any sense, it's probably because of the tears that are flowing from my eyes as I type this. Tonight is one of the nights I'm talking about. I'm excited about moving to L.A., yet sad to leave home and my friends. However, I know I can find hope in Heaven when there will be no more goodbyes, and even if there were it wouldn't matter, because I'll be with my Savior, praising him forever!

So you know how I've been waiting for it to sink in that I'm leaving, well, unfotunately now it has. Now that I've said my goodbyes to the people I love the most, and my bags are all packed, it's finally hit that I'm leaving...tomorrow, for 8 months. Who knows what will happen while I'm gone? So much could happen! To all of my friends, I love you so much, and I'll miss you terribly! It breaks my heart to have to say these words, but I want you all to know them. I'll keep in touch! And I'll be posting updates here hopefully weekly, or as much as possible!!! Peace and Love

God Bless
~Katie~

Sweetly Broken

Today in young adult group at church, we sang the song "Sweetly Broken" by Jeremy Riddle. This song is so good, and the words are so good, the message and the glory of the cross! So I wanted to share this song with you all!

To the cross I look,

to the cross I cling

Of it's suffering I do drink

Of it's work I do sing

For on it my Savior both bruised and crushed

Showed that God is love

And God is just

Chorus:At the cross You beckon me

You draw me gently to my knees, and I am

Lost for words, so lost in love,

I’m sweetly broken, wholly surrendered

What a priceless gift, undeserved life

Have I been given

Through Christ crucified

You’ve called me out of death

You’ve called me into life

And I was under Your wrath

Now through the cross I’m reconciled

Chorus:

In awe of the cross I must confess

How wondrous Your redeeming love and

How great is Your faithfulness(2x’s)

Chorus:

Quick to forget...

Last night when I was journaling in my prayer journal, I stumbled across one that I'd written down towards the end of our nonamestan trip. I wrote it on the last Thursday we were overseas, 5 days after missing our flight. So I was ready to go home, and on top of the anxiety to be home I accidentally had deleted my photos from the entire trip. We're talking hundreds of photos here!!! (which I managed to get back thanks to my neighbor's retrevial software). But at the time I was really upset about it, anyone who was on the team could tell you that. Anyway this entry read as follows...

"Please forgive me for remaining to be selfish this week. I've had a very sour attitude about being here this week. And I'm so sorry for that. Lord, also please forgive me for valuing my posessions of my pictures over this trip. I shouldn't be worried about having recorded memories of this trip, all that should matter is this trip itself (and you)."

When I read these words last night, I couldn't believe that I'd written that; but the harder part was realizing how all throughout the trip I had been learning how much I needed to realize the aspects in my life where I idolized other things/people more than my Heavenly Father, who deserves all glory. But what hurt even more was how quickly I forgot this lesson, and returned to my old (worldly) habits and ways. I let what I didn't want to happen, happen. So this is a reminder for when one strays away from an Amazing God, who provides for us, despite our sinful natures.

What's on my heart, with a week to go...

As most of you know, I'm leaving for Anaheim in a week from today for the Disney College Program at Disneyland. Alot of you want to know and have been asking me if I'm excited, nervous, scared what not. So I thought I'd post a blog filling you all in with where I'm at emotionally, spiritually, etc as I prepare to leave.

So first, I was wondering when it'd sink in that I was leaving, and although it mostly has, I don't think it will fully until I'm on my way to L.A next Monday. I'm waiting to wake up and realize it's not real, but I know that's silly, because it is. Since I've wanted to do this program, and work for Disney for so long, I'm excited that it's only a week away. I'm not nervous or scared about the working/learning aspect of the program. However, I am nervous about the aspect of not only living hours away from home, but about my roomate situation. I dont' know who they are, I'll find out on the day I move down. Since I've always lived at home, (with the exception of one summer at hume), I've never lived with strangers, and am worried about clashing with them. I'm worried about conflicts and confrontations that may occur based on being strangers with them, and varying beliefs to mine. So for all you here at home, I would love it if you could pray about this for me. That I might be able to be a light despite whatever I encounter. That I would remember who it is I'm serving.

I ask that you pray for me as I head down there, because, as most of you know, this is where I feel God has called me to work for Him. Therefore, I know that He is in control of the situation, and I need to trust in Him. That I might have the strength to live a life with intention, like I have not done for so long. So please be praying for me as I go to Disneyland.

Here are some passages that I've been reading lately that have encouraged and helped me prepare for this...

Ephesians 5:1-2 "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

Colossians 4:2-6 "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let you conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."

Also please pray that I find a church I can go to, and that I can find one that meets when I'm available. That if I can't find a church, I could find a group of believers to meet with or some other way of fellowship would present itself. :) I'll try to keep you all updated on what I'm learning and what God's teaching me throughout this journey he has me on. Have a splendid day! And God bless!

High School Musical 3: The Review

So, I know some of you read reviews on other blogs, but I want to start posting mine here. I really think I could be a critic, (even though I love most movies), I can talk about them as an artform and form of entertainment as well....So here's my HSM 3 ReviewFirst I must say that HSM 3 is probably not going to be a hit with one who is not a fan of the other movies. This being due in part because it follows the same pattern as the previous two movies do; the high school romance, the non realistic portrayal of the modern high school, and the big song and dance numbers. However, those who love film musicals will love this film I believe. It continues where the last film ended, with the East High Wildcat gangs' Senior year. It follows the activities and worries of the average high school senior, in a cheerful and lightweight manner. Now, those who have seen the prior two films will notice that the numbers are bigger and better and are not as few and far between in the third installment. It is obvious that this is a feature film vs. a television movie, in regards to this fact. The bigger dance and music numbers are likely due to the actors gain of experience, and no doubt to a larger budget. Any person would find themselves captivated by wanting to dance in their seats, and would be smiling through the entire film. Despite it's cheesy parts, and bad acting in moments (mostly due to Vanessa or lower cast members), it has an innocent and cheerful tone throughout the movie. Is it predictable? Yes, but the film and director Kenny Ortega, did a marvelous job at taking risks, and going from the small screens at home, to the large screens of the theaters. The crew also did well with catering to an adult audience who takes their young children to see the film. It resembles many other moments in musical film history, making it enjoyable to various ages; from young to old, and anything between. And unlike most threequels, this one is the best of the three movies, a perfect end to a much loved and popular series of films. :)

The holidays

Are right around the corner! So I thought'd I'd post about them. Since I didn't post a thanksgiving blog, here's a list of just a few of the things I'm thankful for...

• First, I'm thankful for all my friends are family who have made my life so special. And I'll miss you all when I'm gone this next semester!

• Second, I'm thankful for my group of friends at school, you all make life so much easier on a girl who would otherwise be "just a girl who is obsessed with theatre and media" a nerd as some may call it, so I'm glad you all share my passions!


• Third, I'm thankful for the blessings the Lord has given me this year. A great internship, financial support for both my trip overseas, and life in general. Thank you Lord!


• Finally but not leastly, (The last shall be first) For the reason of the season, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Yes it is now when we celebrate his birth, but we also need to remember his death at this time of year. So I'm thankful for the fact that He died for me. Without his death, I couldn't recieve the gift of life. His birth would have met nothing, but because he died, I can live and hope. It is Him on who I give all my praise, and worship this season and everyday to come. May we not forget!

Here are a few more pictures of my holiday's so far.

Girl's night at the Micus.

This was my gingerbread house!