Go With the Promise of Possibility

Tonight at midnight, we can all say that another year has passed, and we inevitably survived it. When that ball drops in Times Square, are you going to be satisfied with what you have done this year?

Into the Woods and Out of the Woods, to Happy Ever After

So, tonight I FINALLY got to see Into the Woods. I laughed, I cried, I even beamed a little bit. All in all I think that this was a really well-done stage-to-screen adaptation. From the actors to the beautiful scenery, Disney deserves an A+.

There's No Such Thing as "Quick Results"

Ok, that title is partially correct. But you'll understand what I mean by the end of this post.

In my last post, I talked about how a friend got me a 30-cleanse program called "Isagenix."

Well, I just finished Day 5, and, well, this program is terrible.

Semester Reflections and Lifestyle Change

Yes, I know I haven't posted for a month. I'm sorry, life has gotten crazy. Let me explain to you how crazy this month has been:

It's All Happening

So, things are slowly going back to normal. But normal means that life is getting a little bit more hectic, but in a good way. Things are coming together, events are happening, and technically, it's normal. And that makes me feel better.

But even though things are happening around me, I personally feel like nothing is happening with me. A lot of my friends are getting all these cool opportunities coming their way, which I am truly excited about, but I have come to a standstill. While their lives are going 60 miles per hour in the fast lane, I feel like I am creeping along in the slow lane at roughly 35 miles per hour. Isn't senior year supposed to be the time when life comes at you so fast?

So Many Things Unclear, So Many Things Unknown

This semester, as you have read about, has been a complete whirlwind. When I came back from Orlando to begin my senior year I honestly did not imagine half of the things that happened would happen. But through the ups and downs, I have grown immensely from all of it.

Yet, I can't help but feel like so many other things are unclear and unknown.

With about six weeks left of the fall semester, I am beginning to truly think about what I am going to do after college. Do I stay in Lynchburg and work at Liberty? Do I begin the search for jobs in New York and figure out where I'd like to live? Where do I really stand with my employment with Disney? Which professor do I ask to write me a letter of recommendation for the master's program? These are all questions that I need to seek answers to, and sooner rather than later is preferred.

A Much Needed Fall Break

Two weeks ago was Liberty's fall break. Normally, I do not go anywhere for fall break; I just stay home and work a little extra. But this time around, I was able to go home with my friend Jess and on Friday we got to go to my favorite place: New York City. I was so excited to actually be traveling for fall break, and maybe it would actually feel like a break.

And it did, especially this year.

Life is the Bubbles Under the Sea

For about the past month, I have been fulfilling my Christian and Community Service (CSER) requirement by being an usher at my school's theater. When I learned this summer that the first show would be "The Little Mermaid", I was ecstatic! I knew that I would be having a slight case of post-Disney depression upon my return to campus, so being able to have some Disney magic in Lynchburg was going to be a dream come true!

It Is Unbelievable How Enough You Are

C.S. Lewis said, "Some day you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again." As a girl, especially as a girl who was raised on Disney and worked for Disney, I know all too well about fairy tales. Damsels in distress, far away places, daring sword fights, princes in disguise, all of that and more. And as a Christian, one of the most amazing fairy tales is that Jesus gave his own life so that those who believe in him can have everlasting life. So I have been asking the question for years when will my fairy tale begin? When is someone else (in addition to the Lord) going to rescue and fight for me?

When Things Go Bad, Fate Steps in to See You Through

It's hard to see things spiral out of control, especially when we don't believe we caused the spiral. But there comes a time when you have to let things go, and let those in control take the driver's wheel and pray to God they have an accurate GPS.

New York State of Mind

I should have posted almost a month ago, but with the show’s closing, I guess now is a better time than ever.

The Back Story

Back on August 6, I got to return to New York City for the first time in 9 years and spend the day there, and that night I got to see the show that changed my life: Newsies the Musical. Whether you follow me on Twitter or you know me in real-life, you are most likely aware of how special this show is to me. When I found out back in July that it was closing, I knew I had to see it before it left the Nederlander. With the help of a friend and parents, that was made possible.

See Y'all Real Soon

I am entering into my last week of completing my seasonal hours for this year at Disney. As much as I will miss spontaneous trips to MK to catch Festival of Fantasy or to Downtown Disney to get ice cream, I am more than ready to go home and close this chapter of the book of my life. As I tell every person when they ask about Disney, it was a growing and learning experience, and I mean that in the most honest way possible. I most likely would not have learned these many life lessons if I had not come here. Working here will always be a special memory and life accomplishment.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

I am beginning my last 10 days of my summer in Disney. It has been quite the ride, but I have enjoyed the moments I've shared with everyone around me.

As with every time I come to Disney, I have grown immensely. I have learned the value of people, relationships, and money. I have learned what it's like to really live on my own (literally alone). But what I have learned most of all is that I have fulfilled a childhood dream of mine and continued a now family tradition. But the book will be closed on working at Walt Disney World. I have fulfilled my seasonal hour requirement for this year, but due to being in school still and the great expense it is to travel to property to work, the challenges outweigh the benefits.

Keep Holding On

It has been about a month since I've been here in Florida for the summer. Time sure is flying by, and I am unsure as to whether I am ok with that, or sad about it. I'm ok with is because that means I am closer to seeing my friends again, but I'm sad about it because that means summer is close to being over.

Another thing that is coming to a close that I am very sad about is Newsies the Musical. After running two years on Broadway when no one expected it to even make it there, the show that has changed the lives of many, especially being the Broadway debut for many cast members will be leaving the Great White Way. I honestly did not see this coming. I was expecting it to still be on stage for years like The Lion King. But, not everything lasts forever. I'm hoping/planning to see the show before it closes. I will keep up to date on what goes on with that plan.

I Can Be Whatever I Want to Be

I know I haven't done the BEST job in keeping everyone up to date on what is happening while I'm in Florida. But, now that I have some time to myself after a crazy few weeks, here it goes.

As of a week ago, I am no longer a campus representative, but now seasonal in Frontierland merchandise. I am really sad with the change to be honest; I loved everything about campus representative. However, the only thing constant in business is change, and this is one of the changes Disney decided to make in the business. But I am fortunate enough to have the chance to still be with the company while I am still in the where-do-I-want-to-work-when-I-finish-college stage in my life. 

Another thing: I am not a HUGE fan of Florida anymore. Even though I complain about snow (as does anyone), I would prefer to live in a place that has all four seasons, not just one. I like the transition from Ugg boots and scarves to sandals and tees to flip flops and tank tops to light sweaters and jeans back to the Ugg boots and scarves. I guess that comes from living in a place all my life that had those four seasons, in very drastic forms I might add (thanks New England). And contrary to Floridians' belief: IT DOES NOT GET COLD HERE. 50 degrees is fall weather, who are you kidding?! Anyway, I digress.

I bet if you have read this far you are wondering if I still want to work for Disney. Well, the answer is: I'm still not sure. I have enjoyed my time so far through all the ups and downs, but I feel like there is more out there, especially outside of Florida Disney. If you have read any of my recent posts or know me very personally, you may know that for the longest time, even before I was deciding on college, I have always loved and wanted to be in New York City. Now, as my parents told me back then that now I do agree, I was not ready for New York City at age 18. But, I was ready for southern Virginia and Lynchburg at 18, and then ready for Orlando at 19-20. When you grow up in the same town for your entire life, especially a small one, you have to explore in stages. And that is what I did. And currently living on my own here in Orlando this summer is also helping prepare me. And I also have come to realize that having at least one roommate, when I know them well, will be a pretty good thing. Being by yourself is not that much fun. It's peaceful, most definitely, but not so much fun. I do plan on adding this experience to the list of things I've learned about myself. But anyway, I think that after graduating I could be ready for a city as long as I have a job. And that's where Disney could possibly come back into play, because Disney Theatrical Group is up in NYC on 42nd Street in the heart of the city. And what I would give to be a marketing or social media something for them! It would basically be everything I have ever wanted: entertainment industry, a REAL job, Disney, NYC, all four seasons, and kind of close to home. 

However, the next thing on my mind is do I go to graduate school in order to obtain this "dream"? I could always be in online school while working, if I obtain a job, but where? Do I continue with Liberty? Do I look at other schools? Do I even bother with graduate school and getting into some more debt (not that I have a lot right now, thanks to my wonderful parents)? Life is filled with choices as you head into your last year of study for your bachelor's degree, and I am learning that right now.

So, all in all I guess you could say that this summer I am trying to find answers to these decisions. It seems that many of my friends already have their lives in good order, so it's time that I finish that step. If you want to learn more about my day-to-day adventures, follow me on Twitter and Instagram at @danielleashly.

Fade In On a Girl

Well, I am about to enter my third week here in hot and usually sunny Florida. I honestly forgot how warm it is here, and it's not even truly summer yet.

If you are following on my journey, you are most likely wondering how my transition back to work has been. Well, it has been bumpy. I have some new things to learn and some new people to work with. I guess the best word to describe it all is: different. I knew it was going to be different because most of the people that I once worked so close with are gone and off in different places. 

I've been getting asked why I came back. Yes, the original concept was for networking. Then the addition of staying with the company was added as of last month. But now, above all those things, I had to explore all my options. I knew that I had missed out on things during my college program. And now that I'm back, it is helping me decide who I am and what I want to do. No, I'm not 100% sure yet, but I still have some time to decide. 

Did Somebody Say Adventure?

I never realized that 138 days could fly by as quickly as they have. Around 2 p.m. this afternoon, I will be on the road to Orlando for the summer.

This time last year, I could not wait to get out of Orlando. But, I was definitely not my best self a year ago. I struggled with more internal emotions than I ever had. However, those struggles made me a stronger person. Many times I was so close to quitting, but I made it through. And here I am going back to the place I thought I wouldn't return to for quite some time.

In my life, I have gone back and forth to places many times. If you were to draw a map of my life journey, there would be a lot of zigzags and paths crossed twice. It would look like a mess most likely. But those zigzags and locations traveled to are what made me who I am. And now I'm going down another path for the second time.

But there's a difference: I'm going as a different person. I'm more open minded, willing, and expecting the unexpected. I'm looking forward to see some of the past I left behind, but also hoping to find a future.

For now, I'm going to have fun! No classes, no homework, and no shifts for a week! It's time for adventure, just please pray I get there safely!

When there's a smile in your heart
There's no better time to start
Think of all the joy you'll find
When you leave the world behind
And bid your cares good-bye
You can fly! You can fly! You can fly!

Seize the Day

As I sit here angrily finishing up a group projects, I am quickly reminded that I will be back in WDW in 11 short days. It feels like just yesterday that my countdown was at 150 days and time was crawling slower than a snail. And it seems that in just a blink of an eye, two semesters are in the past, a job is in the past, and a position of class leadership is in the past. How often the things that seem to have no end are the ones that pass by the fastest.

Another thing that is coming to an end that I also thought was timeless is the campus representative program. I have been fortunate enough to have spent the past two semesters promoting the Disney College Program on campus. I have gotten to be at career fairs, given small announcements in class, and mentored new participants who were as excited as I was upon acceptance. I was absolutely devastated when I got the bad news email that was surrounded by much fluff and Disney happiness (the perfect example on how a business should deliver bad news). I got the same emotion that the newsboys in Newises must have felt when the price of the “papes” was raised. How could this happen? Why? It was my job security in the Walt Disney Company until I graduated and was ready to move onto the next level of internships, or so I thought. But, everything happens for a reason. And the summer I had been looking forward to for the past 150 or so days was not only going to be filled with joy, but stress on trying to transfer to seasonal.

Me deciding back in December to work this summer was actually a blessing in disguise, and was preparing me for the news that was to come. If I had not decided to work in Disney this summer, my chances of even trying to go seasonal would be slim to none, since there is a certain requirement of hours worked per year that would not likely be filled. And I am proud to announce that I am in contact with my AMAZING leaders who are looking into opening up a seasonal position for me. I am one of many testimonies that when you work hard in the job you’re given, it pays forward. Being a CP is hard stuff, especially in the Magic Kingdom. There’s long hours, crazy guests, rain, busy stores, rain, tired feet, and did I mention RAIN?! But at the same time, there’s a front row seat to the parades and fireworks, magical moments to create and witness, rain storms that bring rainbows, and more smiles among the frowns. So I worked my hardest as a CP, and now that I am in need of help, that hard work is appearing to pay forward to my future positions.

And as the Newsies said in the face of Pulitzer:

Now is the time to seize the day
Stare down the odds and seize the day
Minute by minute that’s how you win it
We will find a way
But let us seize the day

I've Been Searching My Whole Life to Find My Own Place

If you've seen Disney's FROZEN (which is currently my favorite movie), then you probably know that the title to this post is from "Love is an Open Door", and the next line is "maybe it's the party talkin', or the chocolate fondue." Before you go anywhere, please know up front that even though the title is from a love song, this post is about love. It's actually about life in general. When Hans sings this line, I believe he is really talking about finding himself more than finding love. And to not add any spoilers to the mix, I will digress from my FROZEN reference.
As I am quickly coming to a close on my third year of college, the time has truly come to find my own place. No chocolate fondue, just lots and lots of job searching. I have been beyond blessed to have the opportunity to return to Walt Disney World this summer, and to also have a job back at school when I return from Florida to begin my senior year. But I can't help but wonder if what I have been working so hard for is what I want to do.
All I know is that I want to work for The Walt Disney Company. However, there are three main different places where jobs are located: Florida, California, and New York. For the last few months, I have been really getting into Broadway shows. When I was thinking about college in high school, I always had the dream to go to New York. Unfortunately, my parents shot down the idea of me heading to the Big Apple since I came from a small town. They did not believe I was emotionally ready to handle a large city.
And looking back, I believe they were right.
Over the last three years, I have grown immensely. Moving many states away from my home-state, doing an internship at Walt Disney World in Florida, and leaning on the Lord has really shown me that 17-year-old Danielle would not have been able to handle New York. I probably couldn't have even handled Orlando at that point in time. Things go the way they do in our lives for a reason. And now, after learning and growing, I do believe that I will be ready to handle a big city. Whether I'm in New York, Orlando, or maybe even Burbank, I know that I will be able to succeed and do well. I just don't know exactly where I will be going yet.
But that's okay. Spending 8 weeks in Orlando this summer will definitely help. And I will end with a reference to my current favorite musical, Newsies the Musical.

They say folks is dyin' to get here.Me, I'm dyin' to get away,to a little town out westthat's spankin' new.And while I ain't never been there,I can see it clear as day.If you want, I bet'cha you could see it, too.Close your eyes...Come with me,Where it's clean and green and pretty.And they went and made a city outta clay.Why, the minute that we get there,Folks'll walk right up and say,"Welcome home, son, welcome home to Santa Fe!"—"Santa Fe (Prologue)", Newsies the Musical

Spring Break Trip Reflection

I wanted to post about this sooner, but getting back into the swing of things after break has been a bit difficult. Overall, i had a great trip at WDW, and I also learned a lot of things. Here's what I learned:

• I prefer working in an office than in a store
• Lots of things have changed since I left 7 months ago
• I forgot where the bathrooms were
• I missed Disney ALOT

Yes, of all the things I learned, I learned how much I had missed Disney. I missed the excitement, the magic, and my friends. Seeing all my coordinators again felt almost like I had never left. I watched the 3 o'clock parade like I always did, except this time was the new "Festival of Fantasy", which absolutely BLEW ME AWAY. I will love "Celebrate a Dream Come True" always and forever, but "Festival of Fantasy" is definitely my new favorite.

Besides the fact that my feet hurt A LOT, playing in the parks again was a blast! We went to Magic Kingdom at least once everyday, and had so many fun adventures! From dancing with Mr. Incredible, to eating a special lunch at Be Our Guest, WDW was the best choice for spring break!

I honestly don't know what God has in store for me this summer, or next year after graduation. But being back in Florida honestly felt like home, but I was unsure of where I will end up. I mean, I'm actually open to all kinds of possibilities now, and that will be remembered when I apply for professional internships next year. But for now, from May 20-July 24, I will be back in my Magic Kingdom in the Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, figuring out exactly when my life will begin.

Adventure is Out There!

So, in about 26 hours, I am heading to Disney with two friends for Spring Break! It's crazy to think that tomorrow will mark seven months since I completed the college program and came back to Liberty. It's been sort of a rough transition, but many opportunities, lessons learned, and friends have come with it.

One of the things I'm most excited about, surprisingly, is working on Monday. I get to work a stock shift back in my Liberty Square home, and will get to share my first time seeing the new parade with some of my favorite cast members. I'm preparing for tears of joy, lots of laughs, and getting covered in glitter from stocking ornaments!

If you asked me seven months ago if I'd be looking forward to going back to Disney for a trip, especially to picking up a shift, I would probably say "I'm not sure." At that time, I just really wanted to be home and get back to "normal." But, coming back made me realize there's no such thing as normal. Normal is just where you feel the most comfortable, and at that time, I felt most comfortable in Virginia. Now, I'd say I am comfortable with both places, but I'll let you know about that when I return.

In just a few hours it'll be time to follow the second star to the right,straight on 'till morning, because adventure is out there!

Writing Again...

Long time, no see, blog. Lots has been happening. I became a Disney Campus Rep, and am returning to the lovely Liberty Square to work again this summer! I returned to Liberty in August, became vice-president of the junior class. I got a new job in the marketing department, and have been enjoying every minute of it! I guess you could say that the one thing that has changed greatly since the last time I wrote was my passion for Disney was set aflame again. I was so down-in-the-dumps because of being upset by so many things that I could not control. And once I realized that the only thing I could change was myself, things got a whole lot better. I was excited to leave because I needed to go home and finish school. But now that I'm back, I realized what an amazing time I had as a CP, and surprisingly, I wouldn't trade any minute of it.

I wrote about new beginnings in one post, but new beginnings are happening once again. I have opened a bow shop on Etsy, called Kingdom Ribbons. It has allowed me to have a creative outlet, and be proud of something I create. I have also found a new interest for musical theatre and Broadway. One of my current "obsessions" has been Cinderella on Broadway. The soundtrack is absolutely breathtaking. Although the original cast has changed, the recording remains the same, so I highly recommend checking it out!

And, I also haven't exactly found my place to shine yet, nor have I found my own little corner. I'm still searching and that's ok.

In my own little corner in my own little chair
I can be whatever I want to be.
On the wings of my fancy I can fly anywhere
and the world will open its arms to me.
-"In My Own Little Corner", Cinderella on Broadway