One Resolution: No Resolutions

I was not prepared in December, and had I been, I would have taken the initiative in putting together a comprehensive list of, what normal folks call, "New Year's Resolutions". Better yet, I could have worked and improved a bit more on what was my apropos substitute of such a list, my 101 goals in 1001 days. It was not procrastination, or laziness, but sheer lack of interest in scribing anything in particular on paper (or through a computer screen) that I would want to achieve in the next calendar year, or perhaps three and a half years.

This does NOT mean, however, that I have sulked away in apathy. Given I have currently taken it upon myself to be sure I have a consecutive 2-day weekend (at least for the next four months) I am making it a point to focus less on what I do not have and wish to gain, and more on those aspects of my life that matter now. Is it wrong for me to set goals and hope for something in my life to appear which is not here at the moment, such as a larger paycheck or a dream role onstage? Absolutely not, and these too shall come to pass if meant to happen when the time is right. Instead, my focus of 2015 has and is directed elsewhere at the moment.

Beknownst to me, Frozen has now been incorporated into California Adventure; surprise, surprise. Naturally, we had to check it out. Despite my reluctance in indulging on the fad that has infringed upon my poor Muppet theater and surroundings, it's actually a very cute area, with white hot chocolate, snow sledding, and you can give Olaf a warm hug.

I also made it through my first timed Disneyland 5K. It was, unfortunately, my fault for underestimating how sore I would be. After all, I ran a 10-miler only three months prior with little pain, how bad could a 5K be? Suffice to say, I will not be making that mistake again before my next 5K in a few weeks.

What would a themed Disneyland run be without themed souvenirs? Ours, in particular, being a Stormtrooper souvenir mug and three glowing Death Star cubes.

On yet another Disneyland excursion with friends, we were stopped by a friendly fellow who challenged one of us to name 5 Disney princesses. Needless to say, the challenge was accepted and complete, and we earned our reward.

If it seems that thus far 2015 has revolved thematically around friendship, running, Disneyland, and good feelings, that's because it has. It will only continue as the year progresses, and I anticipate other momentous events will spiral through in turn: birthdays, weddings, showers, musicals... and more Disneyland. It is not necessarily my intention that the new year continues in such an orbit, but if it should, it would not be unwelcome.

Life is good.

As I Bid Goodbye to Another Year

I did not expect 2014 to be as eventful as it was.

I said goodbye to my car of six years:

I moved into a new apartment with a cat, a very cute one if I may add:

I played a very green bridesmaid:

I went blonde for the first time onstage:

Then I went a little blonde in real life:

And I went blonde onstage again:

I did some running:

And some more running:

And MUCH more running:

And this running took me all the way to Florida:

But the best part of this year was all of the awesome people I shared these memories with:

If 2014 was any indication, then 2015 is going to be a great year.

Truth from Constantine

I have many thoughts I could expand on, but with no explanation necessary, this quote pretty much sums up my life. GOOD stuff:

"I walk my path alone because, let's be honest... who would be crazy enough to walk it with me?"

It IS The Most Magical Place on Earth

I have been procrastinating on writing, partially because I do not have time, but also because there are not enough words to describe how awesome life has been. Given, life in general has been pretty darn good, but this month, while extremely busy, has been tops.

About a month ago, I left for a week-long trip to WDW with a couple of friends. Aside from the company, there were so many moments that made this trip a great one:

The Art of Animation Resort

This hotel was super cute to say the least. One of the things I loved about this place is it immersed you in animation, from our themed hotel room, to the lobby area with a wide palette of colors and original sketches, to the hotel building exteriors and fun facts about Disney films along the jogging path. I am continually impressed by Disney's attention to the details.

First night at the hotel, this was on my bed. Disney in the details.

Late-Night Cartoons

Every night in our room, after 10:00 pm, we had the viewing pleasure of 2-minute versions of the same 10 Disney cartoons. Okay, maybe it was more like 20 cartoons. Either way, it was repetitious hilarity. Go P.U.!

This particular cartoon played twice as many times as the others, with different audio every other viewing.

Rain!

It's a killer to be in a current drought, and to be in Florida during the middle of their hurricane season knowing I could not take any of the rain back with me was painful. Regardless.... rain!!! And we got quite a bit of it for the majority of our time there. I love rain.

My poncho was put to use much more than I anticipated.

Dole Whips

Yes, we have them here, but the Magic Kingdom has MULTIPLE flavors of Dole Whip. Incredible.

Specifically, an orange-vanilla swirled dole whip float.

Fancy Dining

Aside from the yummy small treats and meals, we had the pleasure of dining at Cinderella's Castle one night and the Beast's Castle another night.  I especially enjoyed the Be Our Guest restaurant, and the grey stuff was delicious.

Our host allowed us the pleasure of a picture with him after dinner.

Old-Time Attractions

The Magic Kingdom may have changed up a number of their older attractions, but they still have the People Mover AND The Carousel of Progress. They also have the Country Bear Jamboree. Epcot's Maelstrom ride closed its doors for refurbishment the day we flew home, so I had a chance to ride it again a few times while we were there, may it RIP. What a crazy trip down memory lane; I remember these attractions being bigger before.

Spending a rainy evening on the People Mover!

Newer Attractions!

Even though I had been to WDW years ago, it was my first time at Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom. I rode Rock'n'Roller Coaster in Hollywood Studios four times altogether, Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom six times, and experienced a slew of other rides and shows in those and the other parks. I also got a chance to try out different versions of the rides I enjoy at Disneyland, and the new Seven Dwarves Mine Train ride! All kinds of awesome. Overall, I have to give them props for their better Winnie the Pooh ride, faster and easier spinning teacups, and the extra room of staircases in the Haunted Mansion that was very reminiscent of the Winchester Mystery House. And I liked the old version a lot, but I am a fan of what is now the Three Caballeros ride.

Side note: Air Supply was performing at Epcot the two days we were there, and they sang that one song I know... and the other song I know... and lots of other songs I don't know... while we never actually sat in on their concert, we could hear them very well.

In line for the newest WDW ride, the Seven Dwarves' Mine Train!

Traveling the World

I LOVE the World Showcase area, and with the Food & Wine Festival happening, what better time to sample the food and drinks that the world has to offer? I'm talking haggis, potstickers, Belgian waffles, pierogi, escargot, baklava, pavlova, curry, pao de quiejo, and MUCH more than my stomach could imagine trying in the course of two days. And then of course there was the entertainment of the Chinese acrobats, the Mexican Mariachi band, the Italian street performer, the Voices of Liberty, and the sights and shopping of each country. And all of the foreign workers were just so darn nice and helpful too. Man, there are some beautiful people around the world...

Sweet treats from each of the 11 nations represented in World Showcase.

10-Mile Run!!

My main reason for traveling to WDW: to run the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler. I discovered it on a Twilight Zone fan page on Facebook at the beginning of this year, and impulsively decided to sign up for it, not knowing what I was getting into or if I would even make my way to Florida in the first place. Well, obviously, I did, it happened, and I had a BLAST. Next time, I'm thinking a day afterwards to just relax and recuperate though; the after-party went late, but worth it.

I was so excited to make it to the end, I forgot about getting the medal and just wanted to take a picture.

It was a much needed vacation, but also an exciting nostalgia trip simultaneously packed with new adventures. And I'm still dreaming about it almost a month later. Guess I'll have to go back sometime.

I Finally Made My Move

Yes, it's happened, and surprisingly quickly too. It's a move I didn't think I would make so abruptly. It's a bittersweet feeling because I have spent the last three years in the home with this family, but I really like my new place. Moving is so much simpler when you're only down the freeway, not to mention when you already know who you're living with, and what great company they are too.

Other fun things about this place:

~One of my new roommates is a cat who is a cutie pie, and she is the only cat I have been around recently that does not give me stuffy, itchy, sneezing fits.

~Fitness room!

~Always a plus to save a bit of $$.

~Welcome, guests!

~One of my favorite ramen places is down the street. Actually, maybe that's not so good....

I already miss my family I lived with before, but the adjustment to this new place has been fairly easy, and I am really happy to be living back in this city again too. I'm sure I'll have more to update in the coming days, maybe weeks, while I continue to move everything into its place here. It still feels surreal, like I'm still on vacation mode, not to mention I don't actually have a bed yet, so I'll be camping on the floor or the couch for the next two weeks! It's nice though, and I'm happy.

Here's to change, may it always be the only constant.

.........I'm Still Mad at You

Two months from yesterday, I'll be getting my butt kicked in a 10-mile run at Disney World. Regardless, the closer it gets, the more and more I feel like this:

Another Educated Guess

If there is one thing I am happy to have again that makes me feel like I'm back in high school, it's online quizzes.  This time, I'm enjoying them because they're helping to give me more insight on my bizarre personality.

In an ongoing journey to discover more about myself, I gave PlayBuzz a shot in guessing who I am in 20 questions.  I have to say, I applaud the effort.

Male, Late teens

Here is our best guess at who you are:
1. You are male.
2. You are still a teenager, but won't be one for very much longer.
3. You're in college and are already worried about finding the perfect job that will be both fulfilling and will pay well. Your future worries you more than you'd like to admit.
4. You have beautiful, silky brown hair and big eyes.
5. You know that if you'd only believe in yourself more, things would be much easier for you. Yet you still doubt your instincts more than you should, instead of trusting them every time.