"Seasons Change And So Do We." Chapter 13.

Around this time I remember very well the feelings that engulfed me every morning for breakfast. Sometimes it was lunch because I too skipped breakfast just to make sure I got to work on time. There is something special about waking up to a humid Florida morning and seeing the sun glaze the white buildings outside my Patterson appartment window knowing that in just a few hours I will once again be a part of the magic. My costume would always be on just minutes after waking up, rolling out of that tiny bed from an army surplus store. I slept on the covers because I hated leaving a messy looking bed behind and didn't want to risk leaving something like that on my way out. A quick walk across my living room past a little less than tidy kitchen I stolled casually out the door with my earbuds in and had that music blaring to the bus stop. Along the walk there were palm trees, tropic looking shrubs on my left, random critters crossing my path (such as lizards that do pushups), and some really pretty pink flowered trees over head behind a tall black fence of a neighboring complex. Busses where coming and going with some gaps between them seemingly longer and longer than the last. That's the nature of Disney busses that has plagued every CP since bussing began and even now (according to sources) is still prominent.

I waited there 'standing' in my way-past-comfortable-work-shoes toying with the ipod and the gold doubloon buttons on my vest knowing by that point I was well on time. It's moments like that where I realize how far I've come in this program. This is life as a cast member that most would find incredibly interesting despite its mundane overtone. I was just looking for (Bus A) to chug on down and ship me to the parkinglot of Magic Kingdom. After 600 times it doesn't feel so galmorous, but it's always fun to say after years of childhood waiting to go now nearly dreading it.

*Yep, (walking past the smoking area behind Fantasyland) there's Cinderella smoking a cigarette in a grey tshirt and black sweat pants, just another normal day I'd think to myself.*

We love to think of cast members as anything but human. You are human and you may crack. This is no excuse to pick up and leave because we all heal. I never thought I was tough enough for this and I certainly knew I wasn't after week 3, but I somehow survived and made a vow to look at my Disney struggles as a bridge to cross. "Once you cross that bridge my friends the ghost is through his power ends." I hope you realize how amazing you will feel when this is over.

"A Christmas Miracle?" Chapter 12.

So today is officially Christmas Eve close to the bussiest shopping day of the year. I was thinking of so many ways I could save money and just recently was given a most interesting opportunity to save.

Disney sent me an email informing me that they are way overbooked on CP arrivals in the month of January and they would like me to arrive Febuary 21st which also means I'd be leaving a bit later than expected. Been weighing the pros and cons, but I still can't decide. On one hand I could stay where I am and have a better chance of working at the work location I'm really hoping for. On the other hand if I arrive when Disney will be ready for me, they are willing to offer two free 1 day park hopper passes. This delay in arrival will give me another month of work at my current job and help me to earn more money, also allowing me to visit my friends in New York City to see 'The Addams Family Musical' on Broadway. It's a tough choice, but it's probably worth considering. I have 'til December 31st to decide.

"All Ears." Chapter 11.

There are ears for each of us. It seems like there are new designs cropping up to be sold at the parks every few months. I knew during my last program that I had to find a fitting souvenir for each of my cousins and there was no better way than to pick a pair of Mickey ears. A pair of "Disney Princess" ears, "Buccan-ears", and ones with 'Cars' graphics for the youngest. We had the names stitched to the back to complete them while me and my family visited the park. There are many places to get it done while you stay at the resort. There is a place in Down Town Disney that can do it without an admission ticket required. (A place right across the way at the Christmas store embroiders stockings). My head may be to freakishly large to wear these things, but it's fun to adorn my living space with. And when they have a 'piraty' flair to them, then my house guests can see what I'm about.

On our final day, we will each recieve a free pair of ears with a little gold tassle attached and you can have your name stitched on for free too :) I was only able to get it done for free at the Magic Kingdom, but everywere else is $3. Eitherway it's totally worth it. Most have skipped on the graduation ceremony, which includes no more than standing in line to pickup your deploma, your grad poster, and your ears. There is a free lunch and trivia games to win some prizes. Plus, it's a great way of mingling with your fellow CP's to reflect on the exciting year you've had. Overall, what's wrong with free Disney swag???

You'll have the opportunity to purchase several discounted Disney items during your stay, but I strongly advise you to use caution. Dollars tend to get stretched on Disney pay after your rent is deducted from each check. Not only will you have less money, but you'll find that there is less space to put things in your limited appartment. At the least you should expect to ship your items home little at a time in the short weeks prior to leaving the complex. Another great idea if you have limited space in your suitcase or vehicle is to have some of your personal things shipped to your new place once you have your official address.