Adventures of the "Moms" Panel

[DISgeeksfromDC]

I really am just assuming maybe that I was maybe #13 or 14 on the list of finalists???? So I guess they are just looking for another mom other than those on the panel and I happened to be next on the list? I really don't know, I was just me!

The questions were much like the essays (about you, your family, best tip etc). My "Mom" angle is that I relate to both SAHM's and working moms because I sorta do both. We have "stay at home kids" and my husband and I flex our schedules to make it work (although I'm guessing this isn't all that uncommon).I have weeks where my husband works days so I am the SAHM (and I know how darn hard that is)...then there are weeks where I work outside the home and know the challenges of being a working parent.

I am DVC and worked at the Hall of Presidents while in the college program years[ ago, But none of that was in my initial Mom's panel applications.

Thanks for all of the (behind-the-scenes) details. I'm looking forward to receiving our next newsletter and will keep an eye out for your story!

BTW, please forgive me if I'm being forgetful, but were you one of the semi-finalists who made it all the way the the phone-interview phase of the contest?

 

[KarenP99]

Thanks for all of the (behind-the-scenes) details. I'm looking forward to receiving our next newsletter and will keep an eye out for your story!

BTW, please forgive me if I'm being forgetful, but were you one of the semi-finalists who made it all the way the the phone-interview phase of the contest?

Yes, I was (I'm pretty quiet on the boards though )

 

[DISgeeksfromDC]

Yes, I was (I'm pretty quiet on the boards though )

A-HA!! Well, a belated congratulations for making it as far as you did! (I didn't think I remembered your screen name from any earlier announcements. I've been following this thread since the beginning... )

One more question: How did you ever manage to survive all of the suspense without telling everyone?? I'm thinking you must have been "venting" a lot to your family at home!

 

[PartyOf5]

I really am just assuming maybe that I was maybe #13 or 14 on the list of finalists???? So I guess they are just looking for another mom other than those on the panel and I happened to be next on the list? I really don't know, I was just me!

The questions were much like the essays (about you, your family, best tip etc). My "Mom" angle is that I relate to both SAHM's and working moms because I sorta do both. We have "stay at home kids" and my husband and I flex our schedules to make it work (although I'm guessing this isn't all that uncommon).I have weeks where my husband works days so I am the SAHM (and I know how darn hard that is)...then there are weeks where I work outside the home and know the challenges of being a working parent.

I am DVC and worked at the Hall of Presidents while in the college program years[ ago, But none of that was in my initial Mom's panel applications.

Ah yes - my DH and I used to call these "hi-5" days...where we'd literally see each other long enough to "hi-5" and switch off with parenting duties/jobs. It much easier now as I'm full time WAH.

Thanks for coming out of the woodwork KarenP99! I was also a reject at the final stage. It took me awhile to get over it but things happen for a reason...I'm just waiting to find out what that reason is! LOL You give me hope that they may one day call me! Can't wait to read about you in the newsletter.

Diane

 

[Marshay]

Congrats Karen! That's actually pretty exciting to know that Disney keeps track of this information...

 

[dollhouse]

Hey all!

Well, we are back from Disney World! It was very fun but exhausting! The weekend crowds were bad (16,17, 18th) but the other days were great. It was 120 minute wait for Test Track and Soarin...FP out by 1pm! A little disappointing! Overall, it was a great time but I did have some "not so nice" experiences with a handful of very grumpy cms...can you believe it? I will fill you all in later..didn't complain about it or let it spoil our trip though!! I just put a big smile on my face and moved on! I do believe our new favorite park is Epcot. It was very cool to move on to a NEW favorite park! That is what I love about Disney! No magical wishes....bummer! All in all...it was a great trip but as you all know returning to the real world after a Disney trip is very difficult!

I also got my email from the Mickey Moms Club but was unable to vote! I am glad someone said something..thanks! I was unable to do anything on the email.

Karen, that is too cool about your interview! Erin...wow another trip for interviews....how awesome!

Anyway, I have been following a little here but very busy with preparing, visiting and returning from Disney! So sad to be home!!!!!

Take care all of you!

Leslie

 

[DVCsince02]

Hey all!
I also got my email from the Mickey Moms Club but was unable to vote! I am glad someone said something..thanks! I was unable to do anything on the email.
Leslie

I still haven't gotten my e-mail....

 

[KarenP99]

Thanks for coming out of the woodwork KarenP99! I was also a reject at the final stage. It took me awhile to get over it but things happen for a reason...I'm just waiting to find out what that reason is! LOL You give me hope that they may one day call me! Can't wait to read about you in the newsletter.
Diane

Hi Diane - I think I knew right after my phone interview (during the panel final round) that I wouldn't make it. I felt like I blew it there and immediatley had better answers running in my head. Hind site is always 20/20!

So this opportunity really helped me to get past this - the questions were a lot the same so I felt like I got a do-over (not quite...but I feel better).

Good luck - I hope something opens up for you!
~Karen

 

[KarenP99]

A-HA!! Well, a belated congratulations for making it as far as you did! (I didn't think I remembered your screen name from any earlier announcements. I've been following this thread since the beginning... )

One more question: How did you ever manage to survive all of the suspense without telling everyone?? I'm thinking you must have been "venting" a lot to your family at home!

I think I did "come out" for the final 26 roll call - but still remained pretty quiet. My sister is a DIS'r so I had her to lean on! I was actually at WDW when I got the phone call telling me I didn't make the panel - that helped distract me.

 

[BellaBuggy]

I'm sorry I've not been checking in much - a lot of craziness at home these days. Just wanted to say Hi and welcome to Karen! I can't wait to read your article!

 

[PartyOf5]

Hi Diane - I think I knew right after my phone interview (during the panel final round) that I wouldn't make it. I felt like I blew it there and immediatley had better answers running in my head. Hind site is always 20/20!

So this opportunity really helped me to get past this - the questions were a lot the same so I felt like I got a do-over (not quite...but I feel better).

Good luck - I hope something opens up for you!
~Karen

Hi Karen: I know exactly what you mean! But then my hope was renewed when I realized many of us felt the same way. Believe me, I've been doing redos in my head as well! It just wasn't meant to be.

Happy Leap Day everyone! It's going to be a great day! My federal taxes were deposited in my account day - 4 days early!

And I can't believe March will be here tomorrow! Warmer weather is coming!

 

[PartyOf5]

I was actually at WDW when I got the phone call telling me I didn't make the panel

How ironic is that? You were at the Happiest Place on Earth when you received the unhappy news. But, it sounds like things are turning around for you...I can't wait to read about you in the newsletter...

Diane

 

[DVCsince02]

Hi everyone! Hope all are doing well.

I have a few questions for the panelists.....

Do you feel overwhelmed by the number of questions you are answering?
Are you frustrated that you may be answering more then you feel you should or is appropriate?

I am still terribly interested in becoming a panelist in the future, but I guess what I am asking is ... What are the down sides to your "job"?

 

[PartyOf5]

Now that we are almost in March, I'm wondering if the panelists have started to plan their free trip. I believe in the phone interview, Amy said the trip could be taken anytime in April or after. That's almost next month!

Do you get to choose where you can stay? I hope it includes tickets and dining...you guys deserve it!

 

[Mcmillanmom]

I guess what I am asking is ... What are the down sides to your "job"?

For me, absolutely none. I feel like I'm an official Fairygodmother or a human Tinker Bell. I am having the time of my life. . .

L

 

[poohmomof5]

Hi everyone!

How is everyone doing? I haven't been around in awhile and I don't even have any vacations to blame it on. Bummer!

I live here in wonderful Wisconsin and we have about 2 feet of snow on the ground still and it is snowing again! This had to be the one year that I didn't plan a warm getaway in Winter Oh well, we are to the point that we have even given up on shoveling. It will just snow soon anyway, so why bother...right? This has been the 9th snowiest winter on record, so it is quite unusual. But, it is beautiful and better than gray dreariness...at least that is my rationalization!

So, in looking back, if any of you recall, I was also one of the 24 finalists. I can truly say, someone was looking out for me when I didn't make it. I had a very hard time immediately following the bad news as I had a very difficult 6 months prior. I thought that this was going to be the thing that helped me get over the "hump". I am typically one of the most optimistic happy people around and not feeling very happy was a little tough for me. (That was because of my personal issues, not the Panel rejection...fyi). So when I didn't make it, it was another bummer. But I was seriously so happy for the very wonderful people that I met here and via email during the process. So that made it much easier. You guys here were so supportive and kind, it was awesome!

Anyway, the week that I would have gone down for the training, my whole family was horribly ill. My 13 year old son lost hearing in both ears and cried constantly. (This from a 5'5" tough kid, so it was very hard for me to watch!) I also lost hearing in one ear and I think it would have been horribly stressful to be away from my babies (even though some are bigger than me) and I wouldn't have gone. Now that would have been even worse! Also, I work in the mortgage industry and in case anyone hasn't heard, we are going through some difficult times. My staff really needed me around as much as possible and my customers need me too. I specialize in first time buyers and economic redevelopment so I have been really really busy. But I feel like I have been able to help a lot of people and even save some people's homes.

So, 2008 has been really great and I am back to my normal self. The kids are doing great and they are all healthy again. (My 13 year old had missed 21 days of school and still managed to make honor roll. It was a lot of work for both he and I to try to help him get caught up and stay on track. It was overwhelming to make up soooooo much work, but we did it!)

Anyway, I have looked over the website and given you guys lots of good ratings!!!! (That must be so stressful to be rated!) I was on day one and watched every second of the interviews and video. Everyone looked just as I expected and I felt I already knew so many of you! I am so proud of everyone and so happy to have a little time to be back! Take care!

 

[PartyOf5]

Hi PoohMom ... thanks for checking in. Haven't heard from you in awhile! So glad you and your family are healthy again. Wishing you a continued happy and healthy 2008!

 

[BellaBuggy]

I'm sorry everyone was sick - sounds like you've had a rough time of it! I haven't been on as much lately either because of personal chaos (I can't even imagine the chaos of 5 - 3 is crazy enough! ), but I haven wondered where you were so I'm glad to know that everything is ok now and your family is on the mend.

As for the questions about the downside to our job...I really don't know of a downside. For me I guess it would be that I only answer questions when my girls are asleep, napping, at Grama's, etc and I wish I had more time to devote to it. (not that I'm wishing my girls away, mind you, I guess I just wish I didn't have to sleep! ) It's just soooo much fun to help people, especially with that first trip, when they have no idea what they're in for. The only other negative thing I can think of, and it's not really a bad thing about the 'job', is that sometimes I'd like more space to give a longer answer! You know how we Disneyphiles are - once we get going, it's hard to stop!

 

[poohmomof5]

I'm sorry everyone was sick - sounds like you've had a rough time of it! I haven't been on as much lately either because of personal chaos (I can't even imagine the chaos of 5 - 3 is crazy enough! ), but I haven wondered where you were so I'm glad to know that everything is ok now and your family is on the mend.

As for the questions about the downside to our job...I really don't know of a downside. For me I guess it would be that I only answer questions when my girls are asleep, napping, at Grama's, etc and I wish I had more time to devote to it. (not that I'm wishing my girls away, mind you, I guess I just wish I didn't have to sleep! ) It's just soooo much fun to help people, especially with that first trip, when they have no idea what they're in for. The only other negative thing I can think of, and it's not really a bad thing about the 'job', is that sometimes I'd like more space to give a longer answer! You know how we Disneyphiles are - once we get going, it's hard to stop!

Sounds like you are having a BLAST! I am so happy for you all!

Things are fun around here as usual. Never a dull moment! We are actually preparing to go down to WDW in 17 days. My son's high school marching band is playing down there! How exciting. Most of the kids on the trip have NEVER been down there, so I am really looking forward to watching them experience it all. That does bring me to mention that there aren't really many teens represented on the Mom's Panel. I directed some of the parents to the site and they loved it, but were looking for teen suggestions. But, they have me, so hopefully I can show them a GREAT time and earn my helping ears.

I did have a momentary panic attack last week. My DD16 brought me the updated itinerary for the trip and several of the plans had changed!!!! OMG right!?!

I had my plans perfectly figured out especially since I am treating my mom and dad and want everything to be perfect. They are among the "you are going down there...AGAIN?" crowd.

Anyway, 3 of the days had completely changed. They were supposed to play at Magic Kingdom on Wednesday but now it was changed to them playing at Epcot and Downtown Disney. Thursday was supposed to be a beach day but now they are playing at the Contemporary for the actual competition part and Friday was supposed to be the competition day at the Studios and now it is Beach day.

Well, you guys would be very proud, I didn't panic and didn't freak. I calmly asked him..."what the heck happened"? He said that his band director said it would probably change again. I asked him what I should do then, well my son very nicely says..."mom, if you want to spend any time with me, just don't make any plans!". I giggled! Not make plans. How cute!!!

Anyway, good night everyone! Nice to catch up with you!

 

[WishesQueen]

I have been lurking for a few days and I am so happy to see everyone chit chatting again, that I just had to post a quick note!!!