Thursday, December 31, 2009

Busy day.

Hey everyone. Man, have I had a busy day. My mom basically recruited me last week to run errands with her today, so I had to do it. She's moving into a bigger office at her work, so she wanted me to help her re-decorate and such.

Before that though we went to lunch at this place called George's. Apparently it's been in my town forever, but we've never been. It was delicious! It was so...hometown. Like it seemed everyone knew everyone and all the customers were regulars. I felt like I was an out-of-towner, haha. Unfortunately I doubt they had a healthy item on the menu, so I probably won't be back anytime soon.

I am sooo sleepy. I stayed up til about 1 am last night chatting with the fall hopefuls, and when I left there was still a lot of people in there. Then I had to wake up early this morning. Ugh, how will I ever make it to midnight?

I just got home from my busy day to freshen up and get ready for dinner. We're supposed to go out to dinner with some of my mom's coworkers.

So to all the future-CPs, if I'm not in the chat tonight or on facebook, you'll know that I seriously must have passed out after and/or during dinner. Happy New Years Eve everyone!

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Mish-mash post.

So, I'm really liking blogger so far. What really made me move was when Abby showed me 'cutest blog on the block'. They really are adorable, and seriously my style. I couldn't really do that kind of thing on livejournal. PLUS, most people are using this now, so it's a good way to get more readers.

Speaking of readers, I want to thank all 13 of you currently following my blog! It helps a ridiculous amount to know that someone, anyone is reading.

What I love about these fall 2010 kids is, it's still almost 3 weeks before applications go out, yet we already feel like friends. For the past few days the chat has been full of awesome people at night, and last night we did a big video chat with Molly B, Lauren, Abby, and Kris. It was super fun actually TALKING to them instead of just typing and such. We'll still do the AIM chat though, because I know a lot of people don't have webcams & I really don't want to leave anyone out.

I want to make a vlog now that I have a webcam to do it with. I probably won't film it til next week sometime, since I'm still thinking about what I want to talk about. Don't get too used to it though. I don't really like seeing myself talk and stuff on a camera! I feel like I'm more eloquent if I get to think things out and form my words, which I can't really do if I'm just talking. And I'm trying to make a good impression here, hahah. BUT, I want to try it out. Who knows, I may love it!

Right now I'm going to finish my soup that I made today, eat dinner, and then probably see if anyone is in the chat. Ta ta! :)

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Hello Blogger!

I have successfully moved my blog over here from livejournal. I think I like it much more.

That is all. :)

Kind of a continuation on my last post.

I was reading old CP facebook pages, and I came across this one thread on the Spring '09 page. It was about how the program isn't at all what they expected, how there's too many rules, how they aren't making any friends, how the managers don't care, etc. It's the ONLY thread I've found on these groups that was negative.


I honestly don't mind hearing different points of view, although it was kind of depressing. To be honest though, it seemed to be mostly people who expected it to be a joyous 4-7 month vacation.
I actually understand and respect why Disney has the housing rules that they do. They have to keep those apartments relatively nice or people ARE going to complain! Sure, it kind of sucks having to be creative on how you hang up posters and such, but it's really not that big of a deal.

It was also said that all people wanted to do down there was sleep, so they never had anybody to have fun with. Well, yeah I get that, but...we are young, healthy people who have this once in a lifetime experience, so I say get your lazy tookus out of bed! I know we'll work a lottttt and we'll be sleeeeepy, I do. Just, I think I'd rather be out having fun with my friends than just sitting around in my apartment being in a bad mood. And really, you can always find SOMEONE to go play in the parks with. Hell, just post something on the facebook group, and I'm sure someone would respond. Or knock on your next door neighbor's door and invite them. You just have to WANT IT.

One thing someone mentioned was how the people didn't seem at all like what they seemed on facebook. This kind of worries me. I mean, almost everyone (a few excluded -- some of you know what this means, lol) seem so incredibly hyped and friendly. I hope they're really like that! I don't like unfriendly or snotty people, and thankfully almost nobody that I've 'met' seems to be that way. So, can we 'originals' make a pact to stay just as friendly and Disney-lovin' as we are online?

Because really, nothing would suck more than to get there and realize nobody was like you thought they'd be, and have awful roommates and friends. Like seriously, I understand that sometimes people are a little reserved and shy at first (me too) but we'll already be good friends by the time we get there! So there's no need for any of us to seem different in real life. Plus, I think vlogs help.

I know I can make friends with practically ANYONE, and it seems like most of the people I meet are like that as well. (I'm talking in circles, sorry).

So yeah, I just don't want to get there and realize most people were being fake online. So no fakers! Just friends! Haha.

I hope other people feel the same. :)

Glass half-full kind of person.

That's who I am. Apparently, that's not who some former-CPs are.


I was reading this kid's blog from 2005. He was on the OPENING TEAM OF EVEREST, yet he still managed to make it sound crappy and he eventually self-termed. I mean, the blog had a ton of good, detailed information about costuming, attractions, etc. But he was such a Debbie Downer.

And then last night Mike was telling us some things about equity performers...like how they didn't appreciate the Disney magic anymore.

Call me naive, but I prefer to stay in a positive mindset about Disney. I'm looking so forward to interacting with guests and making magical moments and seeing a child's face light up. That is one of the major reasons I'm doing this after all.

I understand that some people go down there to party, have fun, and that they don't really care about maintaining the magic...but to be frank, I'd rathar not associate myself with those people! If I don't make any friends down there before of it, then so be it.

...but I know I won't! Most of the people I've talked to are sooo in love with Disney's magic like I am. And then I look at people like Joanna, who has done 6 CPs so far, and she still seems super in love with every little part of Disney. I really hope to be like that.

I know it will be tough sometimes. I'll miss my family and home-town friends, I'll get tired at work, etc...but I really think with the help of my D-fam my love of Disney will shine through.

Happy Holidays!

Yes, I know it's December 27th, but it's still technically the holiday season. I hope that everyone had a great Christmas, and that they got to spend it surrounded by people who love them. I know I did. :) I also happened to get a new adorable purple mini netbook! It will be perfect for taking to class.


In other news, final grades were posted the other day, and I got all As. This means I have maintained my 4.0 GPA! I would say all my worrying was for nothing, but I really think it helped me strive for better grades. I know that I probably won't keep such a great GPA for long, but I will keep working towards it no matter what. I am a true perfectionist.

As for the college program...well, I think I'm doing okay. I've found a good medium -- as in, I'm not too obsessive, but still really interested. I've spent some time reading old blogs and looking at as many pictures and such as possible. I actually found some really great pictures on facebook book of one of the costuming buildings. It's this humongous warehouse type thing with rows and rows and rows of costumes. It looked like maybe you get the costumes, then check out? Anyway, It was GREAT to be able to see the backstage, as I really haven't found many pictures of it so far. So, if anyone knows of some great 'backstage' pictures, I'd love for you to share them.

Last night we had a bunch of people in the chat, and it was a lot of fun. Abby mentioned a Boma dinner, which I think sounds perfect. It wouldn't have to be a big production with tons of people or anything. I was thinking, maybe it could be way for us 'originals' to meet back up after being there for a while? Unfortunately, I've heard that sometimes you kind of lose contact with some of the people you've talked to on FB, what with the crazy schedules and meeting new friends and all. So maybe we could plan the dinner in advance, and we could spend the night talking about how things have been going.

As much as I would love to room with one of the 'originals', I don't know how that will go. A lot of them are doing fall, and I think I'm still set on fall advantage. I'm sure I will find the perfect roommate when the time comes though!

Lol, and as for the 'originals' thing -- someone mentioned last night that we're like the group of people who've been together since the beginning. I think I joined the group when there were only a few people, and nobody was really talking, but slowly it's grown and now it's around 140 people. Anyway, so I have dubbed us The Originals. This may or may not have spawned from me watching The Incredibles last night while chatting.

So, I wish this blog could be more 'informative', but I honestly see it more as a place I can write about MY journey, and I think that will actually be imformative in it's own way. I know a ton about the CP (at least as much as you can know from the internet), so I hope some of the spills out onto the blog.

Okay, well that's it for now I think. I'm aiming to make at least a blog a week, so we'll see how that goes. I hope everyone is enjoying what I've written so far!

I've found the answer...

...to how people live with the obsession. They just...do. Fortunately CP has kind of drifted to the back of my mind. It's probably because of finals. I cannot tell you how worried I was about all my finals, but I did pretty good on all of them. I think I probably have some form of anxiety/panic disorder. No, really. From my undergrad psychology opinion, lol.


Anyway. I'm actually very happy about that! I don't know if the obsessing will come back now that finals are over and it's break time, but...I kind of hope not. I hope I can be all calm, cool, and collected even when apps come out. My brain needs rest.

So, that's the school update I guess. I'm pretty sure I have maintained my 4.0 this semester, but I won't know for sure until grades come out on Friday.

Nothing much interesting to talk about though. I would like to see Princess & the Frog sometime soon. I'm eating a turkey sandwich and sunchips. We just finished decorating the christmas tree. All the mundane stuff of my life. :)
I'll post as soon as I figure out what I want to talk about that's Disney related, lol.

OH! Everyone needs to keep checking the chatroom and facebook page. I think things will pick up now that fall is over. :)

Monday, December 28, 2009

Stolen from Abby's Blog.

No, I'm not a kleptomaniac, okay? I just saw it on her blog and though it was really cute. Besides, I think she probably stole it from somewhere too. Lol.







Movies


Which movie is your favorite? I have so many favorites. Peter Pan, Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Hunchback of Notre Dame, 101 Dalmations, Snow White, Alladin, Little Mermaid. I love it all.


Which movie has the best story? I think it's Peter Pan. My favorite quote by Walt Disney is "Adults are only kids grown up anyways". This movie embodies that.


Which movie did you laugh the most at? I might say Hercules, just because the special effects are so hilarious. Also, Beauty and the Beast.


Which movie made you cry? Definitely Lion King. How can you not cry!?


What is your favorite song from the movies? How can I choose? Disney has the BEST songs. Obviously, I love Once Upon a Dream from Sleeping Beauty; When You Wish Upon a Star from Pinnochio; and of course, Part of Your World from Little Mermaid.


If you were sucked into one of the Disney movies, which would you prefer? Gosh! I don't know. Monsters Inc, I think. Lol.


Which Disney movie probably shouldn’t have been made? ALL of the sequels. And maybe Hercules.


Are you sick of the sequels? Very.






The Park


Have you ever been to Disneyland? Once.


Have you ever been to Disney World? Yes, seven times.


Have you been to any of the other Disney Parks around the world? Unfortunately, no.


Which park is the best? Magic Kingdom, no doubt.


What’s your favorite ride? I have so many! Splash, BTMRR, HM, TTA, Safari, GMR, JC, TOT, Space, TSMM. If you don't know what all thos acronyms are, then...we can't be friends.


What’s your least favorite ride? STITCH. I love all others. :)


Who have you been to Disney with? The family.


Would you go back? No. ...Seriously? What kind of question is that? Haha.


Did you get autographs and/or pictures with your favorite characters? I get pictures, not so much autographs anymore.


Which character is your favorite picture with? I have a picture of me at 9 with all the princesses. It's amazing. And oh! One from when Donald had stolen my pen/autograph book when I was 8.


Would you ever work for Disney? ...


Would you remember where they were if you went back? Okaaay....


Which is the best show at Disney? Wishes. FOTLK. BATB. Fantasmic. Illuminations. Country Bears (shut up, you know you like it too).


Which is the best restaurant? I've been to many many many. I really can't narrow it down. I love so many! Coral Reef, Ohana, Kona Cafe, Tusker House, Chefs De France. Oh my gosh, I have to try Boma on the CP!


Which is the best hotel on Disney property? I love the Boardwalk and the Beach Club. And Poly, of course. AKL. Wilderness Lodge. POP.


So much Disney love. :D

Just call me superficial.

That's my hair now (the icon), when I straighten it. It's generally not too bad, and I can be pretty versatile with it. Even when my hair is curly, and I use enough Frizz-Ease, it's good enough. I'm really not that high maintence, but all girls like to have their hair look semi-nice, right?


So, this is my problem with FL. EVERYTIME I go on vacation there, my hair looks like I rubbed it with a balloon or something. I did it differently though. You see, if I'm going to wear my hair curly, then I take a shower at night, put all my product in it, then sleep on it. When I wake up in the morning, it's generally frizz-free and managable.

At FL though, I just took a shower in the morning and didn't really have time to dry it properly. It seemed that as soon as a I walked out of the hotel room is went nutso. Like Stitch. See how I related that to something Disney? Hah.

Anyway, so that's not going to work. I'm not sure if my normal curly hair procedure will work either. Since I was on vacation, I really didn't want to bother with straightening my hair, so I don't know how good or bad that will look with the FL humidity.

I'm worried. Obviously I will be bringing my flat iron. But I'm not really sure of what other things I can do to make sure my hair doesn't resemble something Stitch destroyed, if you know what I mean.

So, I need everyone's suggestions to tame hair. If I get enough, I'll post another blog dedicated to it. I hope everyone has a magical finals week! (LOL, yeah right.)

Housing & such.

Hello everyone! I decided to post a new entry instead of writing up my museum review for history class like I should be doing. Lol. No really, I've been studying all day, so I decided to do something fun for a change.


If you can call 'obsessing over something that I haven't even applied for' fun. Seriously, it's torture! How does anyone live like this?! How will I make it til January when the applications come out? OR TIL MAY WHEN I FINALLY LEAVE? Oh, yeah. I decided on fall advantage. :) One decision down, 6178 to go.

Anywayyy. Back on topic.

There are 4 apartment complexes that house the college program kids. Vista Way, Chatham Square, Patterson Court, and The Commons (which is just for the international program).

Vista Way is the oldest complex. If you listen to alumni, it's also the loudest and craziest. Look, I like to have a good time, but I also like it to be quiet when I'm trying to sleep. From what I hear, Vista and 'quiet' should never be used in the same sentence. Sure, people may be exaggerating, but I'm not taking a chance on it. Plus, I've heard it's infested with mold and bugs. If you learn anything about me through this blog, learn that I am absolutely 100% terrified of anything with 6-8 legs that flies, crawls, or jumps. In other words, BUGS. I am THAT GIRL. The girl who shrieks and jumps up on a chair or into the arms of the nearest manly man. So, Vista is off of my list.

Chatham Square is next. It's next to newest and most people I've found recommended this complex. They say they're the biggest and bestest. It has ridiculous green carpet, but I'm not THAT high maintenance. It appears nice, casual, and just right for people our age. At least from the pictures. Also from what I've heard, it's about 50/50 on the loud/party level. It's quiet, yet fun. The parties are 'hidden and behind doors' instead of EVERYWHERE and crazy like Vista. And it has a bus stop, which...

Patterson Court does not. PC is the newest, but does that really make it better? I don't know. I've heard mixed reviews. People say it's REALLY NICE, but that also makes it the most expensive. The bus stop thing really bothers me. I would absolutely not mind walking from Patterson to Chatham's bus stop (they're pretty close) on nice, relatively clear days. I actually like walking! But on rainy days...I would be very upset. I hate getting rained all over.

YES. I realize I'm going to FL where it rains almost everyday for at least a little bit. It's just, I don't like getting my clothes wet. I'll get used to it, I'm sure.

Anyway, as you can tell, I think I've decided on Chatham Square. That might change, but for now, I'm pretty set on it. So now it's two decisions down? I love being decisive.

Next up...I think I'll talk about hair. Yes, hair. I am a girl after all, and hair is very important to me. So hair. Stay tuned for that. :)

I just can't do it.

I guess I'm not going to leave? The blog, that is. I can't seem to distance myself from the college program. I've been reading blogs and watching vlogs (check out John Henselmeier's -- it's pretty detailed and awesome) and just filling myself up with as much information as possible.


Especially now that the semester is almost over (yay!), I'll probably read about it even more. I bet that once christmas break starts more and more people will hop over to the AIM chat and start...chatting. I've already met a bunch of great people through that, and I hope to continue to meet even more!

Finals are coming up, so that's not so great news. I only have two comprehensive finals, and those are the only ones I'm really worried about. I'm on thanksgiving break right now, and I'm just studying studying studying. I'm actually being more productive than I thought I'd be!

Also, I'm trying to get this internship with a counseling center down the street from me, so that's putting me under a teensy bit of stress.

I'm sorry guys if these first few posts have seemed all over the place. I will start to make some kind of sense, I promise! I'm usually very organized, but I just jumped into this blog one day with no plan. I want to make it really interesting and fun, so if you have any good ideas, I'd really appreciate it.

So basically, I'm really hyped for the holidays. I love christmas and thanksgiving and all that stuff that surrounds it. I even baked cookies last weekend, something I pretty much only do this time of year. I screwed up the first batch (not enough flour) but they actually came out pretty tasty. :)

Also, I'm debating moving this to blogspot. I can't really seem to navigate livejournal very well, and the layouts are kind of typical. Blogger seems more organized. So if I do move it, don't worry, I will post the link to the new spot.

Uhm, so pretty much none of that had to do with Disney. My next blog will be about housing, and I'm trying to come up with some kind of good schedule that I'll stick to.

In the mean time, uhm, come join the AIM chat, friend me on facebook (Jennifer Pegg), and bake some cookies with not enough flour -- you won't regret it! :)

Oh ladeda.

TGIF everyone!


Well, as most of you know, finals are coming up soon. Unfortunately, I really hit a kind of slump where I wasn't studying and was spending way too much time reading about the CP. I had a really good day though today, where I realized studying pays off and no studying...well, it just doesn't. So, I think this will probably be my last post until January.

School is pretty much going good. I have one test Monday, then only four more class days after Thanksgiving! :) I'm pretty much over all of my big projects (papers, presentations, required volunteering, etc).

I just registered for spring classes, and I'm taking 16 hours. So HOPEFULLY I become good at dealing with my tendancy to obsess over the CP by them! I'm actually really excited for all of my classes next semester. I'm taking yet ANOTHER english comp class (but I'm really good at writing), philosophy, psychology: a life span, psychology: probability and statistics, and french! Probs and stats will be boringgg, but it's a part of psychology I have to live with. I'm excited for philosphy, life span, and french though!

Also, I've been networking a lot of the psychologists at this counseling and guidance center down the street from me. My teacher works for them (she works with kids, which is what I want to do) and my mom works with them too sometimes. I'm trying to make connections, and of course, my professor knows what a great student I am. ;) I hope that will pan out eventually...preferably paid. :D

For CP, I'm still debating on all those things I posted about last time. I'm sure they will work themselves out before applications come out though. Another big decision I have to make is what apartment complex I want. Elliot from the AIM chat was making me think Vista wasn't too bad until I snapped back into reality! Patterson doesn't have a bus stop and I can be oddly lazy after a long day at work or night out. I'll probably pick Chatham, but still...Patterson is newer.

Anyway, don't worry. I will be back! :)

Decisions decisions.

Okay, so as you could see on my last post, I haven't settled on what my top 3 role choices are yet. Hospitality or concierge are most definitely my number one choice, but I'm having trouble deciding on the other two.


I think vacation planner sounds like a nice role, and I already know a ton about WDW tickets. I have experience in merchandise and after reading Bethany's Fall '09 blog it sounds like a good choice. Attractions is exactly what I used to think of when thinking of working at Disney, but now I'm not so sure. I think you might get more guest interaction in a few other roles. Plus, counting out guests and pointing and telling everyone to 'have a magical day here at Disney's Animal Kingdom!' might get a tad bit repetitive. Which role do you think has the most variety?

Don't get me wrong, I am absolutely giddy at the thought of being a smiling CM telling people to have a magical day and pointing with two fingers, but still...you know? 4-7 months is a long time to be doing the same things day after day. Variety is key to happiness in my world. :)

Next on the agenda is to decide on a term. Fall or fall advantage?

Pros for fall: This would give me a chance to potentially work during the summer and save up extra money for the CP, so I won't be broke all of the time. Also, I could take a couple classes. Plus, I wouldn't have to endure the heat of the summer, which would happen with FA.

Cons for fall: Shorter time. This term only lasts like 3-4 months, so maybe JUST as you were getting into a routine and had a good group of friends...you'll have to leave. I mean, I could always extend, but a lot of the people I've already met would leave. And I'll have to buy health insurance if I'm not in college at 19.

Times like this is when I'm glad I still have a month and a half before applications go up and I have to decide!

Anyway, here's a list of all the roles I'm interested in. I need everyone's opinions please. :)

1. Hospitality/Concierge (they're seperate now though, right?)

2. Attractions

3. Recreation

4. Merchandise

5. Vacation Planner

6. Transportation

7. Character Attendant

8. BBB Hostess

9. Costuming

10. Photopass Photographer

11. Main Entrance Operations

I doubt I have much chance with BBB or Photopass because I have no experience with hair or photography, but I don't think it will hurt to check them off anyways.

(OH! And the AIM chat has been created for Fall/FA 2010 just in case you didn't know. Here's the link: http://chat.aim.com/chats/a-place-to-start/wdw-cp-fall-2010- )

Interview practice.

Hey, I saw on Marissa's blog that she was making up some practice answers for her interview. (Good luck!) So, I thought I would mimic that and make up my own. I've just written down a few general questions that I've found on the DIS and facebook.


Top 3 role choices:

- Hospitality/concierge

- ?

- ?

Why do you want to work for Disney?

- I was 18 months old the first time I visited a Disney park, and I’ve been hooked ever since. There’s this magic that surrounds all things Disney, a kind of magic that encourages you to believe in miracles and fight for your dreams – I’d give anything to be a part of making that magic. Plus, the chance to work and gain experience from a Fortune 100 company like Disney is something that I absolutely can’t pass up.

Previous work experience?

- I worked retail at a shoe store for almost a year, and I gained a lot of knowledge of business, customer service, and sales from that experience. I also gained maturity and responsibility, which is something I believe Disney is looking for in a cast member.

Attractions: You’re working Space Mountain, and a child comes up who is too short to ride. What do you do?

- Well, I would get down on their level because I think kids respond better to someone they can see as their equal, and I would apologize and explain that he wasn’t quite tall enough to ride this year, but I’d suggest he try out Tomorrowland Transit Authority (so he can see the inside of the mountain) or Goofy’s Barnstormer because it’s one of my favorite rides. Then I would stand up and explain ‘child swap’ to the parents, if they still wanted to ride.

Merchandise: A guest is looking for something that is sold out, what do you do?

- This actually happened to me once at Magic Kingdom! First I would definitely re-check, because I know that’s what I would want the cast member to do, and if it’s definitely not available at that store, I would call to see if any other stores on property had it. And if it really wasn’t available anywhere, then I’d apologize and suggest a similar item.



How do you see the program fitting into your future career goals?

- Well, I’m a psychology major and I plan to go on to graduate school and eventually get my PhD. I think working for Disney would not only be something great to put on my resume (everyone knows what Disney is, so it’d be a great conversation starter), but also be amazing for the people experience. I would get to meet so many different people from different walks of life, and psychology is basically just the study of people.

Would you be interested in QFSB?

- Unfortunately, no. I’m sorry.

I would love some help with the last two. I just absolutely cannot work around food, but I don't know how to deny QFSB without sounding snotty and ungrateful.

I'll just use this as a kind of guide, and hopefully I'll be finding a few more questions to add to it.

Anyway, I'll post a more 'regular' type entry later. I'm about to leave for dinner and then a movie on campus! :)

It all starts here.

Hi everyone! My name is Jennifer, but I also go by Jenn and Jenny. I've decided to follow all my fellow CPers and start this blog a little bit early. Basically, it will be centered around my journey to join the Disney College Program. Applications don't come out until January, unfortunately, but I will be spending the time until them talking about the DCP itself and my Disney background. Let's start with what makes Disney so special to me, shall we?



Basically, I've been surrounded by all things Disney since I was born. My first trip to a Disney park was in fact at the age of 18 months! I have the most adorable picture with Mickey, and I was half-asleep, but you could still see the awe in my eyes. I've grown up obsessed with Disney movies (we have every single Disney classic, and I've seen them all probably 5+ times) and sleeping with Mickey plushies and all of that.


When I was 8 my family took our first trip to WDW. Let me tell you, I think that changed my life forever. Without that first trip I never would've thought of doing the College Program. But I did, and here I am.


There's something about Disney that's truly magical. Whenever I visit, I feel like miracles happen, dreams do come true, and my life will turn into a happily ever after fairytale. That's why I want to be a part of that. Be a part of all the magic. Make a guest's dreams come true. I want to see the magic happening when a little girl meets Mickey for the first time. I want to do it all everyday.

Don't get me wrong though. I hardly live in a fairytale, so I know it will be a lot of work! I'm sure there will be some trying times when I miss home and get fed up with everything, but I'm an optimist at heart. I truly believe that this will be an experience of a lifetime...


...that is, if I get in. It's going to be a longggg two months before applications come out.


SO. Sit down, buckle up, and join me while I try and make this once in a lifetime dream come true.