Puppy-Port: April 24, 2004--May 3, 2004 About This Page:

[buckysmom]

NOOO....I knew it was McCoy Airport! I did! Really!
OK, need to stop being so competitive.
Lucky Pup, tho' you're killin' us! How did the interview go? We need to know...NOW
(impatient and competitive, not terribly good qualities, eh?)

[LuckyPup]

Back again to spread the Puppy love!! I'm going to hustle through the first two days and get to the Disney part so no one will get too bored. Of course, if you want the all the juicy details, you may request them!!

April 25: Will the boys EVER stop playing video games?!
Sunday, Dizzy and I woke up at about 12 PM after doing some heavy sleeping. We were both very tired from the night before (because we had gone to sleep late--really!!). After lazing around the house a bit, we got cleaned up and went the MALL!! Well, we really only went there to pick up a piece of art that Dizzy had framed (he loves Cal McDonald comics, and had purchased a new original piece of art from the comic. We met up with Chuckles at the mall--one of Dizzy's friends, and after getting the art, we went out to get lunch at Ruby Tuesdays.
Chuckles lives in an apartment with Joe Groupie and Dr. Doom (all names changed to protect the innocent, mind you! ) Now, JGroupie and Chuckles are dating, but not for long. So, the boys have offered me her bedroom spot (the BIG bedroom, with an attached bath!!) I wanted to check out the apartment while she wasn't there, so after lunch we headed out to the apartment.
(Note: Don't feel too sorry for the girlfriend--she's not very nice, and can be very manipulative. It's a rotten situation, but it's in everyone's best interest. Really--she's not nice.)
When we got over there, Dr. Doom was there!! Now, Doom is a Cast Memember and works in Central Reservations. (Trivia Time: Are the names that the CR people give you when they answer the phone their real names? 20 Canine Crunchies to whoever knows that!)

It was nice to talk Mouse with him because we are both "Mouseheads" However, the boys have lately been into a computer games called "City of Heroes", and Chuckles and Dizzy immediately plugged into the computer. Normally, that doesn't bug me, because they can talk and play at the same time. But we were just sitting around, and I started getting really sleepy. I ended up crashing again, and slept for nearly an hour while at their place.
Eventually, after I woke up, Diz and I went back to his place. I was glad that I got a chance to snoop around the apartment though, so I could see what I was getting into and how much space I had. Diz and I stayed home the rest of the night and cuddled!

April 26, 2005--Honey--in America, we drive on the RIGHT side of the road!"
Monday morning, Dizzy got up and headed out to work. He was very cute, and I warned him to "play nice with the others"! In the meantime, I was at home alone. Well, not quite alone...see..Dizzy lives with three other guys. Two of his mates were home, and we talked for a bit. They are very nice guys, and we even split a pizza for lunch! What did amaze me was the fact that they had no idea that there were two very nice citrus trees in their backyard!! I went outside and picked three wonderful oranges and ate them for a snack. How cool is that?!? I love Florida--you totally can't do that in Chicago!

Now, I figured that I would need to rent a car for the interview the next day, so I went to Budget, and using a code from USAA insurance, I got a nice rate from them. When Dizzy came home later that evening, one of his roommates volunteered to take Dizzy and I to the airport to get the car (it was the only place that was open when Dizzy got home.) Orlando is amazing, in that it takes you almost an hour and a half to get anywhere you want. And I-4 is, like, the only way to get anywhere as well! Le Sigh.

Anyway, I got a cute little Ford Focus. Now, I have immpecable insurance, and a great driving record. However, I forgot to bring my insurance card with me!! So, I was PRAYING that I didn't get into any accidents as I hadn't taken out the insurance from Budget. I also declined the tank of gas, figuring that I could buy my own cheaper. Diz and I got the car rather quickly, and set out towards Winter Park again. Since my Saturn pulls to the right (even the alignment is correct--it's an odd car) I tend to over-compensate. Which made Dizzy a wee bit nervous as I kept pulling into the left hand lane!! Eventually, I got the hang of it. Since I was going to Central Casting the next day, Dizzy had me drive to Downtown Disney to find Casting (total snap to do, btw) and then drive to his house. I'm used to the N-S-E-W straight roads of Chicago, so the urban sprawl of Orlando and suburbs were a bit tricky for me to remember. Fortunately, I sort of got the hang of it. By the time "Dizzy's Driving School" was over, it was well past Puppy bedtime. We parked (and Parked! ) and then heading in for bedtime.

April 27, 2005--Will the Pup live up to her name and get Lucky?

So, I woke up at 8 am, just in time to see Dizzy off to work. He wished me luck and kissed me! I slept for one more hour, then made myself wake up and get moving. I wanted to have lots of time to get ready, so I didn't feel rushed. I have epilpsey, and sometimes, when I get nervous, I knock stuff over and can't control my hand tremors very well. It's not a terrible thing, but I really don't like to be rushed and nervous. So I took my time.

I took a nice long shower, dried my hair, got into my suit and did my makeup in the most Disney-like fashion I could imagine. (light eyeshadow, no eyeliner, light lipstick, etc) and wore post earrings, one necklace, one ring (my mickey head one) and my med-alert bracelet (which I have to wear anyway.) My suit is a pinstripe skirted suit (it goes over my knees) and wore my darling little kitten-heel croc pumps. I looked good. Not only Disney-riffic, but also fab in general! Since I knew I would head to Downtown Disney after the interview, I also packed a black linen skirt, a purple cardigan and my black Kenneth Cole comfy Mary Janes. One note, I wore garter stockings because A)they are comfyier than pantyhose, and B) I found it funny to wear garters for a conservative interview!

Anyway, the weather had been a bit spotty all day, and it looked like it was going to pour, Florida-style! I was not disappointed, as it did, indeed pour buckets of rain, during my journey to the Mouse house. My hands were latched so tightly to the steering wheel that they hurt a bit afterwards! I was really afraid that I was going to get into an accident, but my little Focus had great traction and excellent windshield wipers! It got me there on time and in one piece!!
I easily found a place to park at Central Casting and made my way to the building--right on time!!

Now, Central Casting is really a neat place--I would highly recommend a visit to anyone. I believe it is "sort of" open to the public, in that anyone can park there, walk into the atrium area and then walk up the side hallway/ramp and look at the murals. After that, unless you are interviewing, you pretty much have seen everything you can. I do love the murals there--there's a really pretty one of Walt sitting on a low wall and he's looking over the Magic Kingdom and sketching it. It makes my heart melt!

So, I made my way into the atrium and up to ramp to the "Appointment" section of the line. When you get to the end of the ramp, there are two lines--ones for apppointments and one is for walk ins. After a brief wait, a CM took my name and made a file for me. He marked it FCM (Former Cast Memember) and asked me to fill out some paperwork. WARNING: Disney asks you for your seven-year employment history. Actually, they ask for you to write a lot, and my handwriting is not the best. Be warned, jog your memory and bring a resume if your hands aren't the best! Heck, bring a resume anyway.
Things I noticed about the people who were waiting to be interviewed:
--lots of tattooed people. I like tattoos. But when you are applying for a Disney interview, and you have ink around your wrist? C'mon--how can you hide that? Or you've got full sleeves? Really guys!
--lots of people in (what I consider) innappropriate interview attire. OK--I know it's FL and everyone is casual. But shorts, jeans and tees for an interview? Huh?
--Lots of little babies at the interview. There were people who brought their whole family to the interview. I guess, if you have only one car, but can't you have the kids sitted with someone? Or have the wife or husband drop you off and then interview? Strange.

Oh, and Kelly, was it just me, or was the video that they showed a bit cheesy? Everyone had to watch a video that detailed what Disney wants in their CMs. It was cute, contained lots of good info (esp for first timers), but it was heavy on the cheese!

After waiting about a half an hour to an hour after my meeting time, I got called into an interview. My interviewer was Terry--a total "Grandpa" type. I really wanted to interview with an older man, as they usually have lots of experience and lots of connections in the company. Plus, they make great mentors. (Not like women don't RULE, but some women don't like to help each other for some reason, you know?)
I was slightly nervous, but he really put me at ease. We talked about my hometown, about architecture (I'm from Oak Park--Real estate is our only industry!), about Hemmingway, and about Disney. He asked me what I wanted, I told him Guest Relations, Attractions or a "real job". I felt a bit like Pinnochio talking to the Blue Fairy!! (I want to be a real boy!! ) Terry looked up my record, and commented that I was on re-hire status (YAY ME!!) and that my record looked great (YAY ME!!) We talked about my time at Pecos and GMR. I told him that after Pecos, I could handle anything. Since Pecos, whenever I have a bad workday, my matra is, "I could always be at Pecos!" He laughed at that. Everything was going perfectly!! I was acing the interview!! He then asked when I was available, and I said that I was relocating in July. And then things went into scary American Idol mode.....

So, is the Pup safe this week? Or is there an amazing upset? And if there is--what could possibly console a sad Puppy? Tune in tomorrow for the update folks!! All shall be revealed!!

[wdwlovers]

ACK! You left us hanging! Can't wait to read more!

[luvnwdwgal]

Ughhhh!!!! Not a cliffhanger!!!!

[OffKilter_Lynn]

[ QUOTE ]
Tune in tomorrow for the update folks!!

[/ QUOTE ]

Come on!!! Don't leave us hanging!!!

[WDW Novice]

You are too cute, Pup. Please bring on the update!

[vsonnier]

No fair! You left us hanging!

[HiddenMickey]

Waiting.......

-HiddenMickey

[LuckyPup]

OK, Ok, no more teasing!!! I'll get straight into the results, promise.
April 27, 2004: "So, what exactly are you saying?"
Last we left the Perky Pup, I was sitting in an interview office with Terry, the Disney recruiter. I was aceing the interview--I was saying everything "Disney" and he was giving all the right feedback. He loved me, I loved him--an employment marriage made in heaven, right? Not quite.
After I told him that I was available in July, Terry said that he didn't have anything available to hold for me.

What? But--but--he said I was wonderful--just the sort of person he was looking for!!! Well, it turns out that he would have hired me on the spot if I was available just then. But, I wasn't, so he couldn't. Plus, they do their big hiring swing in March/April, and I just missed it. He did mention that the opening of Saratoga Springs might open up possiblities, and after looking at my resume, he said that he could see me at Disney University. And he did ask whether he could pass it around to the Professional Recruiting people. He also asked for a way to get ahold of me while I was in Flordia (just in case anything came up). He also wanted me to keep in touch with him, and to let him know if anything changed time-wise. So, while I got a turn-down, it wasn't because he hated me, it was just because the timing wasn't quite right.

When I left Casting, I wasn't quite upset, but I wasn't the chipper PuppyGrrl that I usually am. I felt like I had put all my eggs in one basket and then dropped the basket. I knew I needed a real "pick-me-up". And where's the best place for that? Downtown Disney: Mickey and Retail therapy all mushed into one!
I changed into my "play clothes" in the car, and drove across the street to DD. I found a primo parking spot, and went straight to Basin because everyone here RAVES about it. Now, it was still overcast and a bit rainy, but I knew that I wouldn't melt, so I decided to brave the rain sans-poncho.
WOW--Basin is as good as you guys say it is!! I looked at all the soaps and bath bombs. I had just seen bombs like them at Las Vegas, so, it wasn't that unusual, but they were still cool. Then, I went to WOD, and went silly!! OMG--I love that store. I especially loved (although I didn't buy) the retro print shirts of Alice in Wonderland, MK, Bambi, Cinderella, etc. Very neat shirts!! I did buy a little Mickey Beanie who was dressed in graduation robes. My brother is a Mousehead too, and he's graduating (just did this weekend, actually) this year. He's worked so hard, and I knew he would love the little Mickey! I looked at all the pins too. Now, I have to admit--I'm not a pin person. Sorry guys, just not into it. I may make a lanyard of two to comemorate a vacation, but I'm not a crazy collecting pin trader person.

Potato Heads, however, are a different story.
When I was a kid, I had the hard plastic, pipe-smoking, old skool potato. By the time the cutesy-wutsey potato came out, I was too old for that. So, I feel like I missed something. And now that Once Upon a Toy has the "Disney Potato" (BTW--they have a Pirate Potato accessory pack!!!), I'm hooked!! They came out with new parts as well, including Mad Hatter hats, Bride and Groom mouse ears, Princess ears, fairy wants, Disney tickets, Guest of Honor name badges, Mickey shoes, Mickey gloves (they fit over the hands--be careful cause they come in a left and right version), Mickey Santa Ears, X-Mas tree hats, Buzzy Lightyear ride cars, and Disney teddy bears!!!

I'm also addicted to the Disney mini-figs. You get them 3 in a pack, and it's assorted. I was totally enthralled with the toy story--just all over the place!!

After I dragged myself out of the toy store, I felt a little hungry. All that excitement and no sugar, you know! I saw Earl of Sandwich and decided to check it out. Very swanky lil'sandwich shop, I have to say!! However, for some reason, nothing quite appealed to me. Go fig. So I continued on my way and noticed that the shop lead directly into Goofy's Sweet Shop. And there I met my downfall!
I have loved the chocolate chip cookies at Disney ever since I started working for the Mouse. So when I saw them, well--instant drool. I got a cookie, and continued walking.

I headed back around to World of Disney, and walked down by Cap'n Jack's and the pier area. There was a duck food machine on the pier, and I popped a coin in and got a handful of duck food. I have to say, feeding the ducks is one of my favorite activies at Disney. Seriously, you can leave the rides and just hand me some duck chow and I'm a happy camper! So, I fed the ducks and continued on my way.

Although the cookie had relieved some of my hunger, I was still a bit munchie. So, I went up to the McDonalds. Ok, I know--Earl of Sandwich vs McD's--there should be no contest! But, it was a weak moment. I thought that I might also be able to get another Dog from the Dog collection, but, alas, they had ended that promotion!

After eating and wandering around a bit more, I headed home at around 5 PM. I knew traffic would be horrible, and I was not surprised at all. It was miserable. Total bump and go all the way to Winter Park. I got home at about 7 PM and met Dizz at his house. After giving him the down-low about what happened, I rested a bit while he played "City of Heroes" some more. I swear, that game was starting to get on my nerves.
Diz called up Doom and Chuckles to invite them out for dinner. We ended up going to Chili's for dinner, and we had Chuckles, Doom and Joe Groupie with us. I nearly ended up telling Joe Groupie about my move (remember--I'm taking over her room!!), but Dizz saved me with a traditional movie "under-the-table-kick-to-the-shins". It was pretty funny.

After that, we headed home and went to sleep. Day done, slight disappointment, but at least I was going to Disney the next day!! Or was I?

Will the Puppy get to Disney? Will she get a call from the Mouse? Or are there other jobs in store for our lovely Puppy? Tune in Tommorrow Mousefolks!!

[SarahJ]

I finally got around to reading your report and I'm loving it! Thank you so much for Madeline's postcard too, she loves it. We've put it up on the fridge where she can get it whenever she wants.

[OffKilter_Lynn]

Oh nooooo!!!

Right place, wrong time! I'm so sad it didn't work out like you wished... or will it?

Keep us posted!

[saremca]

Oh darn. I'm disappointed for you, but maybe something better is in store?

I love the way you end your daily reports. It makes me want to read the next one as soon as I can!

[luvnwdwgal]

Oh no!! Another cliffhanger!! Hope you got a call from the Mouse!!

[MegglesMom]

I'm so sorry about the job situation! Hopefully you'll have some good news for us soon!

[buckysmom]

NOOO!!!
Please tell us something wonderful soon!