These days I feel as though my body's been running on auto-pilot. All I remember doing during the day is wake up, gym, work, home, eat, sleep - and do it all over again... until of course my day off. I'm at that point where I can't even remember what day it is, nor do I have any clue, when asked, what time of the day it is. It's just so weird. It's as if I'm a machine, but a machine with the ability to swear when pushed to the edge and even cry when overly frustrated. Yep, that's been happening lately, but I know this won't last long. I'll get used to it in no time. I've already expected that the first few weeks or even months would be hard, and hopefully this is the worst that it gets, hopefully.
It takes a lot out of someone to exert so much effort into their work one day only to feel like they have to keep up the same effort the day after. Sooner or later, you're going to have to give in and loosen up a little. Even though I think it's too soon, I'm already starting to realise this - you feel like you have to constantly live up to people's expectations, which is impossible. It's amazing how most people that work in Disney are still so passionate about their job and become so animated when they talk about it; these people are the ones that make me have a reason to come to work. I want to have that same dedication and excitement they have that will make me get up in the morning. In time, I know I will.
This week all of us July intake students applied for our social security number, which allows us to legally work here in the US and also apply for such things like a bank account. We should be getting that in about 3-4 weeks' time. I've been working late nights every night this week, allowing me to be able to watch the Summer Nightastic fireworks at 10pm in the Magic Kingdom. This never fails to put a smile on my face, especially seeing all the guests' faces light up, and even their jaws drop. Hehehe.
My job allows me to meet people from all over the world, and they get a kick out of discovering where I come from since I don't particularly have such an OZ accent. It's kind of flattering actually, I think I'm getting a bit of OZ pride in me, especially when guests say that Australia is one place they would love to visit. I guess you can say that this is another part I like about my job, that I can educate and amuse people about my new home country, whilst at the same time, feeling proud.
Til next time again.
xx aBz
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
[[Update...]]
So, here's a continuation of my life here in Orlando at the moment...
I moved in to Vista Way on the 17th of July, and this will be my new home til January. The first few days was ridiculously awesome. I get to gym it everyday and lounge round the pools whenever I wanted. My roomies are always game as well. We had the first three days off to adjust from jet lag, time difference, etc. We were then informed of our positions and which theme park we were to work in, and this was mine:
Position: Merchandising
Location: Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland
My reaction: chyeeaahhhhh! =)
Afterwards, we received our Disney IDs and had the privilege to tour the parks for free; our IDs now served as our free ticket entry into any of the 4 major theme parks in Walt Disney World (WDW) - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom is THE place to see when you're in Orlando, so I'm very blessed to have been assigned here. I went through training for about 5 days (3 of which were one-on-one days with a trainer), and before I knew it, I've as they say, 'earned my ears' and I was without a trainer. I gotta admit, it was daunting. I felt quite sick in the stomach just at the thought that I was on my own. I thought to myself, 'God, Abbie, MAN UP!' Hahaha! 'Just be yourself and keep your training in mind'. Eventually, I got a hang of their system, and felt myself loosen up, and most importantly, having fun!
In my first week, the hours were long, but bearable. I'd go to work early morning, and before I knew it, it was night. The days were long and uncomfortably hot, the nights were quite short, yet still hot - but I managed nonetheless. Although the hours were long, I still found myself thinking that I was so blessed with such an opportunity. I'd go home thinking that I was so lucky. But soon enough, not getting enough sleep, not eating properly and an overall lack of energy took its toll, and dare I say, I felt REALLY homesick... I was at my lowest.
More next time.
xx aBz
I moved in to Vista Way on the 17th of July, and this will be my new home til January. The first few days was ridiculously awesome. I get to gym it everyday and lounge round the pools whenever I wanted. My roomies are always game as well. We had the first three days off to adjust from jet lag, time difference, etc. We were then informed of our positions and which theme park we were to work in, and this was mine:
Position: Merchandising
Location: Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland
My reaction: chyeeaahhhhh! =)
Afterwards, we received our Disney IDs and had the privilege to tour the parks for free; our IDs now served as our free ticket entry into any of the 4 major theme parks in Walt Disney World (WDW) - Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom.
Magic Kingdom is THE place to see when you're in Orlando, so I'm very blessed to have been assigned here. I went through training for about 5 days (3 of which were one-on-one days with a trainer), and before I knew it, I've as they say, 'earned my ears' and I was without a trainer. I gotta admit, it was daunting. I felt quite sick in the stomach just at the thought that I was on my own. I thought to myself, 'God, Abbie, MAN UP!' Hahaha! 'Just be yourself and keep your training in mind'. Eventually, I got a hang of their system, and felt myself loosen up, and most importantly, having fun!
In my first week, the hours were long, but bearable. I'd go to work early morning, and before I knew it, it was night. The days were long and uncomfortably hot, the nights were quite short, yet still hot - but I managed nonetheless. Although the hours were long, I still found myself thinking that I was so blessed with such an opportunity. I'd go home thinking that I was so lucky. But soon enough, not getting enough sleep, not eating properly and an overall lack of energy took its toll, and dare I say, I felt REALLY homesick... I was at my lowest.
More next time.
xx aBz
Friday, July 23, 2010
Riding Solo...
Oh dear, oh dear. It's been literally ages, since my last post.
Where should I start?
Maybe I should start slow... okay, so here's the latest.
I'm In Orlando, Florida! What am I doing here? I'm undergoing an International College Program run by the Walt Disney World Company.
The flight from Sydney to San Francisco was 13 hours, plus a 4 hour stopover and then another 5 hours to Orlando airport. Whilst on the Sydney-San Fran flight something hit me, was I seriously doing this- flying on my own into a city I have never been to before, not knowing what challenges were ahead of me? This was made worse after reading my best friend's letter, the water works started. I thought to myself, MAN UP! I'll be home in no time =)
I arrived in this B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L. city (officially) on the 15th of July at 11:45pm. An airport staff had assisted me with my luggage and I made sure not to forget to tip him (this actually made me feel like one of the locals!).I managed to check-in to my hotel fine and did not get to sleep until 3:30am local time, as I was skyping with my sister (Sydney time was 5:30pm). I could hardly sleep, excitement was rushing through my veins. What was I going to do in the morning? I had no one with me, no one to control my schedule, no one to depend on or to wait on. But hold on a second, it did not sound too bad at all. I felt liberated.
I decided to take my time, chill, relax and unwind. I was gratefully thankful to have been given this extraordinary opportunity. I deserved to relax and have fun, leave all the stresses behind me. So I decided to buy some pop tarts, hit the gym and then go for a swim. Man oh man, did it feel goood! Afterward, I caught a shuttle from my hotel to Disney's Hollywood Studios, EPCOT and finally to Downtown Disney (where I was meeting a few of the people who have been accepted into the same program as I have, for dinner). So much to see, not enough in the space of 4 hours and before I knew it, the 4 hours were gone. I walked back to my hotel (a 10 minute walk), chilled and watched TV a bit then headed back upto Downtown Disney, where I met my new-found friends at the Rainforest Cafe. The Lava Nachos were awesome, not to mention huge! Despite the flirtation going on between me and Clarence the waiter, nothing happened. Hahahaha!!
The next day was the Disney International College Program orientation day, where I would meet the rest of my fellow Aussies and Kiwis. I had requested for a late check out (3pm) but found out at 11:30am that it had not been approved and they were giving me until 12nn to check-out, free of charge. There goes my relaxing afternoon. I scurried around the hotel room to get all my belongings together and who woulda thunk, I managed to check-out on time *pat on the back Abz*.
I anxiously caught a shuttle taxi to my new home of Vista Way, which was about 10 minutes away from my hotel. The taxi driver did a good job of calming my nerves and when he dropped me off, he actually gave me his name to add on facebook (biggest LOL!).
My luggages were dropped off and I entered the orientation along with a few other Aussies. Here I found out my (soon to be legendary) Apartment number: room 3602. I then had to lug all my stuff to this unknown place, and as I was about to carry it a flight of steps, who came to help me? Who else but my new roomie (Tegan Livingstone)! Well, found out our room was on the bottom floor, so I was sweet on not having to suffer carrying all my stuff up. I'm with 4 awesome people (plus 1 squatter) in my apartment and I am absolutely loving it so far. I thought it would take a while before I started getting homesick...
Hm, perhaps I should continue this in my next post.
Til next time y'all!
xx aBz
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Another thing to ponder about being a Filipino...
Philippine politics – a background analysis and a hopeful plea for change.
The author, cousin of a classmate was recently honored in Hongkong by the Asian Journalists-his novel
the Illustrados halled here in NY as well.
From the NY Times ... about the new RP president.
May 19, 2010
And if This Leader Should Happen to Fall...
By MIGUEL SYJUCO
Once upon a time, everything made sense. Ferdinand Marcos was evil, Benigno Aquino was good. Poverty was caused by the dictator and his Iron Butterfly, Imelda. The fastest progressing nation in the region became "the sick man of Asia" only because of the loss of democracy. There's no better excuse for problems than having had a despot.
Last week's Philippine elections, however, prove that things aren't that simple for us. If indeed they ever were.
During the Marcos years, my family lived in Vancouver. My earliest memory of being Filipino was watching my parents glued to the television. People in yellow massed in Manila, linking arms, praying, singing. On the "Edsa" (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue), they peacefully confronted soldiers. The anchorman that night, I remember, declared: "We Americans like to think we taught Filipinos democracy. Well, tonight, they're teaching the world."
In 1986, "People Power" repudiated Marcos's electoral fraud and enshrined as president Corazon Aquino, widow of the martyred Benigno. The Edsa Revolution inspired the world. It was bloodless, clean and simple. It brought my family home to a hopeful country.
In my first years back, I saw many illogical things. On the streets, kids my age sniffed glue and begged with glassy eyes. By the church, lepers held stumps out for coins. In government, movie stars, newscasters and basketball players ruled. My father entered politics, and I encountered deep poverty on the campaign trail. Unsuccessful coups rocked Aquino's government. It was easy to sympathize with the president and the mess she'd inherited.
In 1992, I saw another Edsa Revolution hero, Fidel Ramos, democratically elected president. His tenure inched us toward "Philippines 2000," a plan to turn us into an industrialized country.
After Ramos's six-year term, the actor Joseph Estrada won the top spot. Despite doubts about his ability and integrity, his landslide seemed to be a testament to mass movements and democracy. Hope crumbled quickly. As Estrada's failures turned into outright crime, Filipinos were faced with a leader who let them down. Again.
As with Marcos, Estrada's reign reinforced the facile absolutes of good and evil. Estrada was clearly the latter, with his mistresses, his disdain for respectability, and the cronies of his "Midnight Cabinet" feasting on late-night buffets and slurping Château Pétrus by the case. The scandals led to corruption charges and impeachment.
In early 2001, during the Second Edsa Revolution, I joined the thousands marching against Estrada. His Senate cohorts were handling his trial, and they'd refused to open an envelope believed to contain damning evidence. We converged on Edsa, at the statue of the Virgin commemorating the events of 1986. Songs were sung, prayers prayed, and jet fighters screamed across the sky as a sign that the military had switched their support. Estrada was ousted. His vice president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, took his place amid fanfare. Estrada was given a life term for plunder.
When I left to study abroad that year, the mood was once again hopeful. Arroyo seemed a breed apart. In a country where corruption may be considered a tolerable necessity to make ends meet, she was wealthy enough to eschew embezzlement. Arroyo had been Bill Clinton's classmate at Georgetown and received a Ph.D. in economics. I'd gone to school with her kids, and they seemed decent.
But in 2004, Arroyo reneged on her promise not to seek reelection. She faced Fernando Poe Jr., an iconic actor and pal of Estrada. Poe's victory would likely have seen Estrada pardoned, and the cycle of disappointment would continue. The funny thing about hope is that it can give you tunnel vision: Claims that Arroyo rigged the election seemed, to me, the lesser of two evils - as if it was better to have good people cheat than bad people win fairly. Arroyo's goodness, however, was disappearing, gradually and then swiftly.
At first it was easy to dismiss her scandals as black propaganda, flung by those who'd backed Estrada. But the allegations grew kilometric. Her responses became insouciant. Arroyo's popularity plunged lower than any president since Marcos.
I, like many, saw the Philippines heading for a dead end. If this president had betrayed us, who else was there to lead us out of the hole dug by her predecessors? In fact, many of those opposing Arroyo were those who'd sanctioned Estrada's larceny. If there's one instance of pretzel logic I've learned from Philippine politics, it's that bad people doing selfish things can sometimes move toward the common good.
But what of the clear lines between good and evil? I still wonder: Was it Arroyo who was corrupt, or was it the system? This is an important question for our next president.
Now we've come to Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, son of a martyr and a saint of democracy. Entering the race after his mother Corazon died last year, Noynoy's landslide speaks to his apparent integrity, the paucity of palatable alternatives and the bling of the Aquino brand. His critics say giving him power is only handing it back to the same elites who've let us down for the last century.
However noble Aquino's intentions may be, he now faces a minefield of corruption, political patronage and shifting allegiances. And Arroyo is sticking around like a bad virus - she's won a seat in Congress and is maneuvering to be speaker of the house. As the Marcoses have shown, there's always a second act in Philippine politics.
Just as Ferdinand won it for Corazon, Gloria has made possible our faith in Noynoy. There's nothing like a despot to simplify choices. But that recurring cycle of optimism and disillusionment has turned Filipinos cynical. And cynicism, to paraphrase, is the last refuge of the hopeful.
In a country where celebrity trumps ideology, nobody knows if Noynoy's star power will give way to the idealism we hope he has. And if experience has taught us anything, nothing comes that easily. Ninety million people are watching, waiting. Please, Noynoy, don't let us down.
Miguel Syjuco is the author of "Ilustrado," a novel about Philippine politics.
The author, cousin of a classmate was recently honored in Hongkong by the Asian Journalists-his novel
the Illustrados halled here in NY as well.
From the NY Times ... about the new RP president.
May 19, 2010
And if This Leader Should Happen to Fall...
By MIGUEL SYJUCO
Once upon a time, everything made sense. Ferdinand Marcos was evil, Benigno Aquino was good. Poverty was caused by the dictator and his Iron Butterfly, Imelda. The fastest progressing nation in the region became "the sick man of Asia" only because of the loss of democracy. There's no better excuse for problems than having had a despot.
Last week's Philippine elections, however, prove that things aren't that simple for us. If indeed they ever were.
During the Marcos years, my family lived in Vancouver. My earliest memory of being Filipino was watching my parents glued to the television. People in yellow massed in Manila, linking arms, praying, singing. On the "Edsa" (Epifanio de los Santos Avenue), they peacefully confronted soldiers. The anchorman that night, I remember, declared: "We Americans like to think we taught Filipinos democracy. Well, tonight, they're teaching the world."
In 1986, "People Power" repudiated Marcos's electoral fraud and enshrined as president Corazon Aquino, widow of the martyred Benigno. The Edsa Revolution inspired the world. It was bloodless, clean and simple. It brought my family home to a hopeful country.
In my first years back, I saw many illogical things. On the streets, kids my age sniffed glue and begged with glassy eyes. By the church, lepers held stumps out for coins. In government, movie stars, newscasters and basketball players ruled. My father entered politics, and I encountered deep poverty on the campaign trail. Unsuccessful coups rocked Aquino's government. It was easy to sympathize with the president and the mess she'd inherited.
In 1992, I saw another Edsa Revolution hero, Fidel Ramos, democratically elected president. His tenure inched us toward "Philippines 2000," a plan to turn us into an industrialized country.
After Ramos's six-year term, the actor Joseph Estrada won the top spot. Despite doubts about his ability and integrity, his landslide seemed to be a testament to mass movements and democracy. Hope crumbled quickly. As Estrada's failures turned into outright crime, Filipinos were faced with a leader who let them down. Again.
As with Marcos, Estrada's reign reinforced the facile absolutes of good and evil. Estrada was clearly the latter, with his mistresses, his disdain for respectability, and the cronies of his "Midnight Cabinet" feasting on late-night buffets and slurping Château Pétrus by the case. The scandals led to corruption charges and impeachment.
In early 2001, during the Second Edsa Revolution, I joined the thousands marching against Estrada. His Senate cohorts were handling his trial, and they'd refused to open an envelope believed to contain damning evidence. We converged on Edsa, at the statue of the Virgin commemorating the events of 1986. Songs were sung, prayers prayed, and jet fighters screamed across the sky as a sign that the military had switched their support. Estrada was ousted. His vice president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, took his place amid fanfare. Estrada was given a life term for plunder.
When I left to study abroad that year, the mood was once again hopeful. Arroyo seemed a breed apart. In a country where corruption may be considered a tolerable necessity to make ends meet, she was wealthy enough to eschew embezzlement. Arroyo had been Bill Clinton's classmate at Georgetown and received a Ph.D. in economics. I'd gone to school with her kids, and they seemed decent.
But in 2004, Arroyo reneged on her promise not to seek reelection. She faced Fernando Poe Jr., an iconic actor and pal of Estrada. Poe's victory would likely have seen Estrada pardoned, and the cycle of disappointment would continue. The funny thing about hope is that it can give you tunnel vision: Claims that Arroyo rigged the election seemed, to me, the lesser of two evils - as if it was better to have good people cheat than bad people win fairly. Arroyo's goodness, however, was disappearing, gradually and then swiftly.
At first it was easy to dismiss her scandals as black propaganda, flung by those who'd backed Estrada. But the allegations grew kilometric. Her responses became insouciant. Arroyo's popularity plunged lower than any president since Marcos.
I, like many, saw the Philippines heading for a dead end. If this president had betrayed us, who else was there to lead us out of the hole dug by her predecessors? In fact, many of those opposing Arroyo were those who'd sanctioned Estrada's larceny. If there's one instance of pretzel logic I've learned from Philippine politics, it's that bad people doing selfish things can sometimes move toward the common good.
But what of the clear lines between good and evil? I still wonder: Was it Arroyo who was corrupt, or was it the system? This is an important question for our next president.
Now we've come to Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, son of a martyr and a saint of democracy. Entering the race after his mother Corazon died last year, Noynoy's landslide speaks to his apparent integrity, the paucity of palatable alternatives and the bling of the Aquino brand. His critics say giving him power is only handing it back to the same elites who've let us down for the last century.
However noble Aquino's intentions may be, he now faces a minefield of corruption, political patronage and shifting allegiances. And Arroyo is sticking around like a bad virus - she's won a seat in Congress and is maneuvering to be speaker of the house. As the Marcoses have shown, there's always a second act in Philippine politics.
Just as Ferdinand won it for Corazon, Gloria has made possible our faith in Noynoy. There's nothing like a despot to simplify choices. But that recurring cycle of optimism and disillusionment has turned Filipinos cynical. And cynicism, to paraphrase, is the last refuge of the hopeful.
In a country where celebrity trumps ideology, nobody knows if Noynoy's star power will give way to the idealism we hope he has. And if experience has taught us anything, nothing comes that easily. Ninety million people are watching, waiting. Please, Noynoy, don't let us down.
Miguel Syjuco is the author of "Ilustrado," a novel about Philippine politics.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Finally...
Wow, it's been a while since my last blog. So I've decided to update it; and why not? Quite a lot has transpired since the 15th of May (my last post).
Hmm, where should I start? Well for one, my bestfriend and I have joined a gym. Yep, we've been going for three weeks now and it feels really good! In my opinion, having a shower after a workout is one of the best feelings in the world! We're yet to go to one of the classes, but so far, cardio equipment has done us well :)
Another thing that's new since my last post is I've been addicted to this show called 'Ace of Cakes' on the Food channel. They make the most AMAZING and life-like cakes out! Here are some examples:
How cool are those cakes?? I'm absolutely hooked on that show, Chef Duff is the man!
What else is new? Well, I've graduated if that counts. That's all. Thanks for reading. Bye now. Hahaha! Well, yes I have graduated and it's about time! I've waited all year to graduate and finally it has happened :) I can now sort of relax knowing that I have that friggin diploma! Woot woot! What follows would be the gruelling process of continually applying for jobs. Ugh. But for now, I'm totally happy with graduating. My dad and my grandma even flew in from overseas just to catch my graduation ceremony, how's that for support? Hehe. I feel so loved, lucky and blessed.
Thanks to everyone that took part in my academic as well as my personal transformation. You guys know who you are. Love you to bits!
Till next time...
xx aBz
Hmm, where should I start? Well for one, my bestfriend and I have joined a gym. Yep, we've been going for three weeks now and it feels really good! In my opinion, having a shower after a workout is one of the best feelings in the world! We're yet to go to one of the classes, but so far, cardio equipment has done us well :)
Another thing that's new since my last post is I've been addicted to this show called 'Ace of Cakes' on the Food channel. They make the most AMAZING and life-like cakes out! Here are some examples:
How cool are those cakes?? I'm absolutely hooked on that show, Chef Duff is the man!
What else is new? Well, I've graduated if that counts. That's all. Thanks for reading. Bye now. Hahaha! Well, yes I have graduated and it's about time! I've waited all year to graduate and finally it has happened :) I can now sort of relax knowing that I have that friggin diploma! Woot woot! What follows would be the gruelling process of continually applying for jobs. Ugh. But for now, I'm totally happy with graduating. My dad and my grandma even flew in from overseas just to catch my graduation ceremony, how's that for support? Hehe. I feel so loved, lucky and blessed.
Thanks to everyone that took part in my academic as well as my personal transformation. You guys know who you are. Love you to bits!
Till next time...
xx aBz
Saturday, May 15, 2010
I Heart Rusty!
This post is just all about Rusty. Kinda got lazy, but at the same time, I love our dog to bits!
The Evolution of Rusty... Enjoy!
Till next time...
xx aBz
The Evolution of Rusty... Enjoy!
Till next time...
xx aBz
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Like nails to a chalkboard
There are some things in life you just don't want to hear, but cannot avoid hearing. No matter how much you try to block it out, its sound still lingers; because not only do people remind you of it, you begin to dwell on it. For instance, in my case, I really hate people asking why I'm so skinny. Yeh, I just eat the tiniest of peas and drink water all day. Gaah! Get over it! Or when people ask, what degree I did at uni and consequently ask 'why not nursing?' Oh.my.gosh. >_< My friend shared with me her example, which was constantly being asked by either her parents or other relatives, 'why are you still single?' and the good old 'what do you wanna do with your life?' hahaha!
Two friends and I attended a money-making seminar last night where the speaker asked, 'Who wants to retire at the age of 30?', and we were probably the only three people that did not raise our hands. Because let's face it, it is a nice thought, but c'mon. Really? Retire at 30? Honestly I don't mind the idea of working my way up and striving like my parents did, rather than taking the easy way out - that way I know that I'm enjoying my own personal growth just as they did.
It's truly a lifestyle choice. Like nails to a chalkboard, questions like those above cannot be ignored, however, we just gotta learn to perhaps take them with a grain of salt and block em out with some damn good earphones. Hehehe.
Till next time...
xx aBz
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