February 19, 2009
Yesterday morning I left for the airport a little after 5am arriving at the airport around 6am, just in time to check my bag and head to the plane. The plane flight was uneventful - I arrived in Orlando, Florida a little before 10 - My Mom and Aunt Ann's plane arrived around 10:40 and my Mom's cousin Kayo's plane arrived a little after 11. Finally we were all together ready for our adventure to begin.
We took the Disney Magical Express to our hotel, the Polynesian. It has a very Hawaiian feeling to it. Upon arrival we got leis and a nice Aloha! We checked into the room and not even 10 minutes after getting in there was a knock at the door - there was a gift for Miss Denn (that's me). I got a chocolate bar with the Polynesian print on it. I don't think ever eat it, it's to pretty.
After checking in, grabbing a bite to eat at Captain Cooks, we headed off to MGM Studio. When we got there we just made it in time for the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular Show, no matter how many times I have seen the show, it still amazes me how the it all comes together. Next we hit the Great Movie Ride followed by the Magic of Disney Animation, and last but not least for the night was the phenomenal Fantasmic show.
Today we got up a little on the late side but that was ok as we journeyed to Animal Kingdom. We saw the It's Tough to be a Bug, the Kilimanjaro Safaris ride, the Festival of the Lion King, and had a little lunch at a hot dog stand before heading back to the hotel as we had tickets to the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show. After the show we went back to Hawaii (our hotel) and watched the fireworks and lagoon show (we can see the Magic Kingdom from our hotel).
Tomorrow we are off to the Magic Kingdom. And lots more to come. . .
A Day Before Disney
It's a little after 6pm ET time and in less than 24 hours I will be sitting in the nice warm Florida sun. I am really excited about this trip as I will get to see my Mom! It will be great to have her around and create new memories. That's one thing I miss out here: creating memories - I still have them with my family and perhaps now they are even more precious since I live so far away.
Have you ever had an anxiety attack? I didn't start having them until I went home in August. It's a horrible feeling - you don't eat, don't talk and all you want to do is sleep - it's like having butterflies in your tummy that won't go away. Since I did a ropes course back in November, it's helped me with my anxiety - the mental words that I say is "Climb the Ladder." If I say this to myself during the anxiety it usually helps me through it. Why? Because I didn't think I could climb the ladder, and remember being on the pole saying to myself "I can't do this", while the other part of me said "You can do anything, just keep trying, don't give up."
A lot of people asked me today at work if I was excited for this trip? The answer was YES, with a little hesitation that I get over having my anxiety - there is nothing to worry about, everything is going to be just fine. Take deep breathes and if anything find a ladder at Disney to climb.
Vacation is going to be so much fun!!! I would also like to add this is my first vacation that I am not flying home to MN.
Have you ever had an anxiety attack? I didn't start having them until I went home in August. It's a horrible feeling - you don't eat, don't talk and all you want to do is sleep - it's like having butterflies in your tummy that won't go away. Since I did a ropes course back in November, it's helped me with my anxiety - the mental words that I say is "Climb the Ladder." If I say this to myself during the anxiety it usually helps me through it. Why? Because I didn't think I could climb the ladder, and remember being on the pole saying to myself "I can't do this", while the other part of me said "You can do anything, just keep trying, don't give up."
A lot of people asked me today at work if I was excited for this trip? The answer was YES, with a little hesitation that I get over having my anxiety - there is nothing to worry about, everything is going to be just fine. Take deep breathes and if anything find a ladder at Disney to climb.
Vacation is going to be so much fun!!! I would also like to add this is my first vacation that I am not flying home to MN.
A Christian Experience
It was a year ago this weekend I had the opportunity to travel with a group of Bethany students and alumni up to the Boundary Waters in Minnesota. There we stayed at a camp called Adventurous Christians.
It was a wonderful experience to self reflect, meet new people, discover a new culture. This was the weekend I had to decide if I was going to accept the job at ESPN. It was a big decision to make and this was the perfect place to make it. The quietness of the wilderness was very peaceful. It was nice to be away from technology for three days, put everything at home behind and think about the wonderful things God has given us.
The camp itself that we stayed in had no indoor plumbing - that's right, outhouses. The only source of water was from the cooler - no showers - only saunas and the lake. The weather was a steady 20 degrees.
Every morning we walked from our bunk to the main camp - there we had breakfast and a daily devotion. This was probably the best part of the trip. Hearing God's word and being open to talk about it with other Christians.
The afternoons consisted of broom ball, snow shoeing, nap time, and a time to have alone time. Everyday from 4-5 (I believe that was the time), right before supper was known as quite time. This was our time to gather our thoughts. The evening was full of entertainment by the fire.
It was a great experience, one that I will never forget, and one that I am hoping to do again someday.
Technology of the Web Camera
Last night was wonderful as I spent time with my family back home via web camera. The technology of the web cam is nice as not only am I am able to hear what's going on, but also see. This was the first time the I saw my niece since I went home for Christmas, I have seen my nephew a few times since then. It's amazing how fast they grow. It was fun to watch Steven open up the Valentine's gift that I sent him in the mail.
Disney World Here I Come
Yes, that's right - a week from today I will be soaking in the warm sun at Walt Disney World - I am super excited for this trip. Not only because I will get to visit all the Disney Parks or take a Vacation, but because I am going to see my Mom when I am there.
I am a little nervous about going - I have had panic/anxiety attacks since I went home in August. I still get them but not as bad, thanks to the ropes course that I did back in November. If I concentrate and say "Climb the Ladder" then I am fine. It usually happens in the morning or late at night. I had a little one Friday night on the way to my friends house, but pushed my way through it. It's just another part of life that I am dealing with. I think it's because I need to learn to relax and let go of things - everything is going to be just fine and work itself out, nothing to worry about.
I didn't have too much to blog about today as it was a quick day. The weather was gorgeous here and the temps were in the upper 50s! Spring is just around the corner!
I am a little nervous about going - I have had panic/anxiety attacks since I went home in August. I still get them but not as bad, thanks to the ropes course that I did back in November. If I concentrate and say "Climb the Ladder" then I am fine. It usually happens in the morning or late at night. I had a little one Friday night on the way to my friends house, but pushed my way through it. It's just another part of life that I am dealing with. I think it's because I need to learn to relax and let go of things - everything is going to be just fine and work itself out, nothing to worry about.
I didn't have too much to blog about today as it was a quick day. The weather was gorgeous here and the temps were in the upper 50s! Spring is just around the corner!
Valentine's Day Coming Soon
It's that time of year again, Valentine's Day - and guess what? I still don't have a boyfriend. Not many people know this, but I've never been on a real date. Yep, that's right. I have gone 27 years with out a date - perhaps one of these days it will happen. Oh, and if you tell me that he will come when you are not looking, I might getting a little mad - once again I'm 27 - do you think I have waited long enough? Yes, I am enjoying the single life right now, but I am also ready to take that next step in life. I am ready to share my LOVE with someone - it would be wonderful to have someone to share my stories, dreams, and life with. And maybe it would be nice to have someone to cuddle next to, and help with dishes and laundry and have a family with...
It's funny because when I talk to my family back home if I mention a guys name, they are like: single? age? Then I break the news that we are just friends. Yes, girls can just be friends with guys - but it would be nice one of these days if they turned into more.
Being single is something that I struggle with quite a bit (not sure struggle is quite the word I am looking for, but it works for now - perhaps challenging). It's not a big struggle, but it would be nice to have that other half to complete me. I look at most of my college friends, where are they? Married and have one or more children. When I'm out with a group of friends I am always looking - would he be a good husband? father?
I believe that I am in a great spot in my life to start dating and take the next step in my life - I have a steady job that I love, a nice apartment, a working vehicle...some people ask me if I have tried on-line dating - this is something that I have given thought, however, I tend to like face-to-face communication, you can learn a lot about a person from talking to them this way rather than via email, webchatting, etc. I go back and forth on the idea.
So yes, with Valentine's Day around the corner people ask what I am doing? I would love to say that I am going out on a date with someone, but the answer is more than likely I will be working on my taxes, or watching a movie.
Valentine's Day is a little bit easier thanks to Mom and Dad. Every year they get me some type of gift. One year we were in Disney World on Valentine's Day and I still got a box of chocolates. Another year I got a poster of my dog Augie (I'm looking at it right now in my living room). Dad once bought me a ring that I got to pick out. They've sent me flowers from the dog to my work. This year I got a package with soup (only can find it in MN), hand towels, note paper, sweater, Skittles (my favorite) and a Snoopy card.
Words of Wisdom:
Valentine's Day is not only for those who have a signifiant other, but also for those who are single and have love of their family.
It's funny because when I talk to my family back home if I mention a guys name, they are like: single? age? Then I break the news that we are just friends. Yes, girls can just be friends with guys - but it would be nice one of these days if they turned into more.
Being single is something that I struggle with quite a bit (not sure struggle is quite the word I am looking for, but it works for now - perhaps challenging). It's not a big struggle, but it would be nice to have that other half to complete me. I look at most of my college friends, where are they? Married and have one or more children. When I'm out with a group of friends I am always looking - would he be a good husband? father?
I believe that I am in a great spot in my life to start dating and take the next step in my life - I have a steady job that I love, a nice apartment, a working vehicle...some people ask me if I have tried on-line dating - this is something that I have given thought, however, I tend to like face-to-face communication, you can learn a lot about a person from talking to them this way rather than via email, webchatting, etc. I go back and forth on the idea.
So yes, with Valentine's Day around the corner people ask what I am doing? I would love to say that I am going out on a date with someone, but the answer is more than likely I will be working on my taxes, or watching a movie.
Valentine's Day is a little bit easier thanks to Mom and Dad. Every year they get me some type of gift. One year we were in Disney World on Valentine's Day and I still got a box of chocolates. Another year I got a poster of my dog Augie (I'm looking at it right now in my living room). Dad once bought me a ring that I got to pick out. They've sent me flowers from the dog to my work. This year I got a package with soup (only can find it in MN), hand towels, note paper, sweater, Skittles (my favorite) and a Snoopy card.
Words of Wisdom:
Valentine's Day is not only for those who have a signifiant other, but also for those who are single and have love of their family.
Young at Heart
Tonight I talked to my 92 year old Great Uncle Roy. (I believe he is 92) - Words can not explain what Uncle Roy means to me. My Grandpa Walters passed away when I was 2 and I don't have any memories of him, just the stories from the family and a few pictures of us together. Uncle Roy has taken me in like a Grandpa would. He is an amazing person - still living on his own, drives, LOVES to cook (have you ever tried a grilled fried peanut butter sandwich?). When I was living back home we would visit once every few months. Every time I went home this past year, we would visit on the way back to the airport - minus December when he was in Virgina. We still have a great connection that we did when I lived back in MN. At least twice a month we will chat on the phone. We like to talk about the old days of the family, how cameras work, gas prices, the weather, places we have visited. I told him about my adventure in NYC this weekend and he told me a stoy about when he was in NYC. Uncle Roy has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and thinks it's great that I am doing what I am doing. He says it's not easy, but I will find my way. He has given me strength and support when I need it.
The photo was taken a few years ago...
Well that's all for tonight - I'm sure there will be more about Uncle Roy as time comes.
Stay tuned later this week for my adventure out to CT for the first time - it will be one year Friday since my interview at ESPN - the interview that changed my life.
Words of Wisdom:
Have faith and be young at heart - make everyday count and be full of life!
Lessons in NYC Lifestyle
I had the opportunity to travel with some friends from CT down to New York City on Friday night to meet up with some NYC friends. My adventure...well...was quite interesting. Now don't get me wrong, I am glad I went, but I found out that this style is not for me.
The first place we went to had a small bar atmosphere to it. It was fun until it got really crowed. I am the type of girl who likes low key places, especially if I want to hear the person who is standing next to me. A little after midnight we journeyed to another place. To get there we took the good ole taxi. Big buildings, taxis, many people, - this was a completely different lifestyle for this former Minnesota girl.
To get to the second place you had to be on a waiting list for a party - luckily we had some insiders. This is the first time I have ever been to a place like this before. I really felt like I was in NY - up the elevator to the top and it was what I would call complete mayhem. Since I am not a big fan of clubbing, I decided to let go and soak in the NY atmosphere. I mean how often and I going to have this experience? (just a side note for all those who are wondering - I had three small drinks at the first place and never got drunk on this trip, which is perhaps why this was place was so interesting). I am a communications girl and I really enjoyed people watching. The music was set to the right volume level and we even got a table so we had our own space and didn't have to be in the middle of the floor with everyone. Perhaps one of the reasons why I don't like clubbing is because I am too short and can't see anyone...
At 3am, the party gathered to say goodbye to each other as we went our separate directions for the night. My friend and I took taxi to my friends place for the night. Did I get a wink of sleep? Um, more like 2 hours. The city noise is amazing inside NYC - I have spent the night in Brooklyn before and it was a lot quieter there.
It was really great to see old friends and make new. Next time, yes, I believe there will be a next time to the Big Apple, I will go on a Saturday night and not stay out as late. . .
So what did I learn?:
#1 I am not a fan of crowded places
#2 Taxis are a form of transportation
#3 I am getting old
#4 I am too short
#5 I have successful completed a New Year Resolution - be spontaneous, have fun, and let go...
The first place we went to had a small bar atmosphere to it. It was fun until it got really crowed. I am the type of girl who likes low key places, especially if I want to hear the person who is standing next to me. A little after midnight we journeyed to another place. To get there we took the good ole taxi. Big buildings, taxis, many people, - this was a completely different lifestyle for this former Minnesota girl.
To get to the second place you had to be on a waiting list for a party - luckily we had some insiders. This is the first time I have ever been to a place like this before. I really felt like I was in NY - up the elevator to the top and it was what I would call complete mayhem. Since I am not a big fan of clubbing, I decided to let go and soak in the NY atmosphere. I mean how often and I going to have this experience? (just a side note for all those who are wondering - I had three small drinks at the first place and never got drunk on this trip, which is perhaps why this was place was so interesting). I am a communications girl and I really enjoyed people watching. The music was set to the right volume level and we even got a table so we had our own space and didn't have to be in the middle of the floor with everyone. Perhaps one of the reasons why I don't like clubbing is because I am too short and can't see anyone...
At 3am, the party gathered to say goodbye to each other as we went our separate directions for the night. My friend and I took taxi to my friends place for the night. Did I get a wink of sleep? Um, more like 2 hours. The city noise is amazing inside NYC - I have spent the night in Brooklyn before and it was a lot quieter there.
It was really great to see old friends and make new. Next time, yes, I believe there will be a next time to the Big Apple, I will go on a Saturday night and not stay out as late. . .
So what did I learn?:
#1 I am not a fan of crowded places
#2 Taxis are a form of transportation
#3 I am getting old
#4 I am too short
#5 I have successful completed a New Year Resolution - be spontaneous, have fun, and let go...
First Blog
Well, welcome to 2009 - as part of my New Year's Resolution I have decided to start a blog so my family and friends can follow my story out on living on the East Coast. Not only to share with people but I am also hoping to learn a little bit about myself through this journey.
I remember back in college when we had the 21 writing day challenge - the project was to type a story about anything everyday for 5 mintues for 21 days. Most people complained about the project, but I took the opportunity to learn more about who I am - I was a little sad once the project was over, but am now glad to be here to share with you in the adventure.
Hope you enjoy the stories!
I remember back in college when we had the 21 writing day challenge - the project was to type a story about anything everyday for 5 mintues for 21 days. Most people complained about the project, but I took the opportunity to learn more about who I am - I was a little sad once the project was over, but am now glad to be here to share with you in the adventure.
Hope you enjoy the stories!
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