International College Program

[minnie56]

I sure was a little off today!

I now 'get' that you meant AK as opposed to AKL Bonnie....I thought they were having a pool day...
and..
Marjorie, you meant LIVING in the treehouses NOT working in the Tree House as in Swiss Family Robinson DUH...

Going back to my corner now

 

[madge62]

My aren't we the chatty bunch!

Karen, yes, I work part-time with CruiseShipCenters in order to help support my travelling addiction! I also work full-time in an insolvency office. Certainly keeps me busy these days! I'm still a newbie at the travel game, but am having lots of fun educatin' myself, in fact I think my CDK grad kit has arrived at the post office. I can't wait for my ears!

Shanan's blog is http://dizneedreamer.blogspot.com/

Brynna's is http://www.girlmeetsworld-brynna.blogspot.com/

Much fun reading what the kiddies are up to!

We're off to see Brynna, and the Mouse of course, August 4 - 12. Hopefuly she'll have some time off to spend with us and I believe we're keeping her with us as we'll have a rental car.

Brynna's tour of duty ends on Sept. 1 so we'll be back in Seattle again collecting her.

Have an awesome night ladies!


Marjorie

 

[minnie56]

Marjorie, I work for Cruise Ship Centers here in Oakville! lol....I joined them Feb of 2005 and like you, mainly to indulge my own travel addiction! What office are you with?My husband keeps saying is it YOU that is supposed to be going away all the time!!?? I completed my CDK last month and my ears sit here atop my printer! Very cute...I almost did the Disney training in June and I see there's another this July...that price was better than anything I've seen but I couldn't get another agent to do it with me, the timing was off as they have kids in high school still so maybe another time. I wasn't crazy on rooming with a total stranger..

Shanan led me to her blog, seems I had it all along OOPS! I read some last night but she talks too much! Interesting insight though and what a great way to keep and share the memory. I wil have a peek at Brynna's...Is Shayna keeping a blog too Bonnie?

So sounds like Shayna/Shanan had fun yesterday!! They dragged around AK all day them were planning MGM last night..myself, I would have pooled it someplace nice...but that's me! I am so happy they each have a friend in each other and are getting to do some things together. Shanan tells me that she and Brynna have also spoken Marjorie so it will be great for them all to meet up!!

Well, doggie walking time again!!
Be back later ladies...
Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Oh Karen!

I just read Shanan's blog from yesterday! She's a talented writer! I was laughing out loud about Shayna and what a great day they had together! It made me realize that Shayna's having a better time than I realized. What a relief!

I'm now getting excited about heading down on Saturday. Because we're flying and not staying for a long time, it's so easy to pack and get organized! This is great!

I believe Shayna has said she's also touched base with Brynna - hopefully the three of them will be able to get together and have some fun!

Take care ladies and we'll chat when I return!

Bonnie

 

[minnie56]

Ohhhhh, I haven't read today...I shall have to go and read what they got up to! Quite a change from a couple of short weeks ago isn't it? Thank goodness..alls well that ends well!

I booked the flights for August tonight now I am second guessing that I booked too long given that I am going there in July too..typical of me! Booked Aug 22-28th...I just wish my youngest DD would come but she hates the place!! How did THAT happen?!?!?! SHanan thought it would be nice to have a few days after the fact..to unwind and do her last minute things (more like habits!) but the passes will end on the 24th and it all seems a bit silly but there you are!! I seem to often indulge the 'silly' in life!

Have a great time and we will be waiting to hear all about your visit! Tell Shayna I am thankful that she and Shanan are able to have some fun together...

Marjorie...Goodbye to your baby...you now know...she WILL be fine and have a good time too! I mean, look at ours!

Bye ladies!

 

[minnie56]

Sounds like they had a blast!
Why am I going there for so many days when she really is doing 'it all' anyways?? Me thinks I've been had again!

I take it Shayna likes to show her tonsils on those roller coaster pics?!?!?!

Nite ladies...

 

[madge62]

Karen, yes, it is a small world after all! I'm in the Nanaimo CSC and really enjoy my time there and the people that I work with. I'm usually only in on Saturdays cause of course I still have my regular job during the week.

We were recently on the Cruise to Success on the Vision and it was great. I think there were about 81 consultants, many from Ontario too!

Well.............we just got back from Seattle a few hours ago and I tell you, I still tear up when I think about Brynna!

We had a nice day travelling down to Seattle, did a little shopping, checked into our hotel for the night so she could change into her travel gear. Had a nice dinner at the Outback, did a quick shop at Target for the stuff we forgot and another book, and a Sudoku book, a PoC tank top, etc. We spent about an hour at the airport at Starbucks and gave her a $100 gc I got from the Disney store. I wanted to make sure that if she was in the parks that she could treat herself to a meal once in awhile.

When she started to hug her dad goodbye, then I started crying, then she started crying, we were just a mess! My DH and I headed back to the hotel and we could actually see her plane take off, an hour later. We distracted ourselves today by having a nice swim, a good breakfast, doing some shopping before we headed back across the border.

She did call us at 8 am this morning to confirm she'd arrived safely, they hadn't forgotten her at MCO. She was the first to check into her apartment of 6, she's in Vista Way as well. She did end up at Wal-Mart today to pick up a cell phone, pillow and groceries. Sounds like she has some nice roomies too, have no idea where they're from.

I did read her blog, it seems that will be my best way of finding out what goes on down there!

Take care!


Marjorie


PS Can you PM me Shanan's room number and/or phone number? I wanted to pass it along to Brynna. Thanks!

 

[minnie56]

Oh there was that familiar lump in my throat when reading your post...took me instantly back to those few weeks ago. But you know through us, it gets better after a few days of a very heavy heart Thank goodness that Brynna has nice roomies and has already made headway in hitting WM early. I know she will have a wonderful time and have stories to last a lifetime. Hope she is able to meet up with the girls soon..I know Shanan is off Friday and Saturday but Brynna could be in training for awhile yet..

I thought about going on the Vision but once you factor in air for us it was pretty cost prohibitive. Only one from our office went and she tied it in to a week in L.A first. Our owner was off yesterday to the inaugaral of the Crown out of N.Y. Notice none of those tickets were up for grabs! She had 2 to spare for the Freedom last month and my name went in the hat and didn't come out!! It is a fun job, like you we have a great group and I only work inside sporadically. Basically, I decided to do this when my youngest was heading off to University last year and I thought "Gosh, now what am I going to do"?? AFter all those years of it being all about them..I felt a little lost. When I began at CSC so did approx 8 others so we learned together and became good friends. In fact, 4 of us did a 'Seminar at Sea' last Dec on Carnival and had a ball!! All 4 in an oceanview mind you!

Well, do keep us posted how you are and feel free to come see us and share a tear Marjorie. I will now read Brynna's blog too and YES it is the very best way to keep an eye on them and see how they're really doing!

Hang in there Mom!
Bonnie should be back in a couple of days and then we get another insight into things!

Karen

 

[madge62]

Hey Karen. Thought I'd check in with the CM moms. Wonder if Bonnie is back yet?

Brynna seems to be doing okay down there, I just miss her a lot. She's managed to get along with her roomies, actually hanging out from time to time. Unfortunately, they all had Traditions today and the Ops/Attractions people have theirs tomorrow, which is her group. She had a pretty quiet day of sleeping in and reading and it meant all her roomies headed off to MK with their disney id but of course that left Brynna alone tonite Too bad they don't get their ID earlier. I told Brynna that Shanan had Fri/Sat off per your post and told her to get in touch if she ends up having a day off before training too.

Other than that, the rain has stopped and now she finds the heat too hot! Unfortunately, she may be working outside at MGM doing parade/fantasmic duty, doesn't know for certain until tomorrow or Friday.

The good news is that Brynna managed to get our rooms at POR with a 60% discount, because she's planning on staying with us. Really looking forward to trying the resort as we've only just briefly visited before.

Well, off to bed......take care!


Marjorie

 

[minnie56]

Hi Marjorie,

Oh I so know exactly how you feel
I was walking the dog last night and the tears just tumbled out because I miss Shanan too..what a wimp I am? It's an emptiness, how lucky we are really that we have a nice relationship with them and feel this way!! They are off having a wonderful experience (I think??) and that's why we let them go, but it's not easy is it?

That's too bad that her traditions day is out of sync with her roomies but at least they have a comraderie of sorts. Not so much of that with Shanan and I think also with Shayna?? It makes 'home' a bit more of a happier place to come back to!

I must check out the dates again, the best I saw for my time in AUgust was 50% off which don't get me wrong, is not too shabby! Two of the girls in our office have decided to do the training at Disney this coming Sunday, will be interested to hear about it when they come back.

I 'think' but not sure...Bonnie may have come back yesterday??
Shanan told me that she met her albeit briefly...there was a problem with someone stealing poor Shayna's shoes and I thought that was kinda lousy Disappoints when your fellow workers would do that huh?? When Bonnie comes home maybe she'll tell us more and I hope it was a great time and visit for them all??

Is Shayna working outside all the time?? That would be pretty cruel...there hopefully will be some inside A/C time...oh I worry about these kids...what a ninny I am...

Well, I will pop back and look for a report from Mom-Bonnie!
Hang in there Moms..this too shall pass!

Take Care and we'll talk again soon, Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Good morning ladies!

I haven't had a minute to jump on and touch base with both of you!

Where do I start?

It was a wonderful visit and Shayna looks good. I was worried about that. We had alot of rain which made doing the parks a little tough, but we had a good time and my mom actually did EEverest and T of Terror!

Shayna seems to be 'okay'. We took a cab to Vista Way and I have to say that it wasn't what I thought it was going to be. It's unfortunate that the ICPers are so separate from Chatham/Commons. I somehow thought they were clustered together, but Vista is completely on the other side of a busy highway and a long ways away from the others. Security is good, but quite honestly, we didn't even take pictures of the apartment - both my mom and I commented on how depressing the apartment seemed to be. Doesn't help that it was raining, but it sure isn't homey. Shayna's uni dorm had more life in it! Her roommates weren't home and we only stayed long enough for her to pick up a couple of things she had forgotten.

Shayna enjoyed taking a break from there and just worked and stayed with us at the resort. We were able to use her park passes which were great! As long as the CM is there to 'get you in' in the morning, you are given park hoppers and can move around the parks all day, with or without the CM who got you in! Was fabulous!

Shayna's work shifts are usually 5 - 12 midnight so she just came back to the resort after work.

She wasn't able to get any time off while we were there, but was kind of encouraged by a manager to take a 'personal day' on the Saturday we arrived which was a nice surprise. She was so excited!

Unfortunately, on Monday, we went with her to MK and she went down the 'rabbit hole' to head off to work. We continued along Fantasyland and when we got off IASW, she was standing there in her street clothes bawling her head off! Seems she walked away from her locker for a minute to use the bathroom and someone stole her work shoes! Quite honestly, I knew right then we were in big trouble! She was so upset and angry - her comment was "What kind of people does this place hire anyway!" It crushed her 'magic' let me tell ya!

She was upset because she had to call and use another 'personal day' because of not having shoes. We had to leave the park, travel by bus, and catch a cab to go off property to the outlets to get another pair. She's crying and telling me that I should just get her a plane ticket to come home with us. At the same time she's telling me she was supposed to check her computer for appt times for classes in the fall at school! It was pretty ugly! I just told her that she wasn't leaving because of a pair of shoes! Got the shoes, bought her another pair of fun Crocs and in the end she seemed to feel better and realized she had 'lost it'! In the meantime, my mom and my son are following along, not really knowing what to do or say. You can only imagine how stressful that couple of hours were!

Hard life lesson learned. Doesn't help that it happened at Disney. She's far too trusting and honestly believed that everyone at Disney was 'good'. I feel so bad for her...

Anyway, Tuesday was good, she was back at work, and there didn't seem to be a problem with her taking 2 personal days. We were worried about that. It's one thing to quit, it's another to get fired! lol

She seems to like her job, and when you see what others are doing, she's pretty lucky! (So is Shanan!)

Karen - I did see Shanan and recognized her from pictures Shayna has sent. We only were able to say a quick hello, but it was nice to meet her. Shayna said they were both out together yesterday morning.

I will jump back on here later to fill you in on some other details, but wanted to touch base before I head out to get groceries!

Thanks for all the support!

Bonnie

 

[minnie56]

So happy to hear that the visit went well and Shayna plods on! Poor kid, I was so upset when I heard about the shoe incident. I even told Terry my husband who kinda lives in that same little world that all things Disney are wonderful He was so digusted..especially to think that it was most probably a fellow worker. Disheartening, to say the least. Sadly, Shanan is also under the illusion that bad things just don't happen there! But you know, she has mentioned to me many times that so many of them are there because Disney 'looks good on a resume' rather than having any passion for the place at all which I think Cast-a-way and whomever else that hire should be picking up on? How can you excell and get the most out of it if your heart truly isn't in it?? Especially for the kind on money these kids are making??

Disappointing to heart about the apartments. Shanan has not said toooo much, her biggest complaint seems to be that the roomies are just dirty. Not just messy, dirty YUCK When she first arrived she said it looked as if the carpet was new but really has said little else..I guess I will see for myself soon enough! How is Brynna's apt Marjorie? Has she said? That is too bad that they have them off in the boonies a bit.

That's great that your Mom went on EE and TOT...I have done TOT reluctantly, but I hate it! Peter Pan's flight is more my speed!

How was the saying goodbye part?? At least it's not too long until you're off again for another visit.

If there's anything you think of that you need me to take to Shayna next month, let me know. I am certainly in Guelph here and there!

Look forward to hearing the rest of the news!!
So glad Shayna got to spend time with you even if some of it was under unfortunate circumstances.


Back later!
Karen

 

[Bonnie40]

Hey!

I hate to say it, but the goodbye this time around was harder for both myself and Shayna!

When she left we all had this grand idea of this wonderful Disney adventure so Shayna seemed excited to leave. She was comforting me - telling me it would be okay.

Fast forward to Wednesday, and after seeing everything firsthand, it was REALLY HARD TO LEAVE HER! I was crying, she was crying and it wasn't pretty! All this while we're standing in line at ASSports waiting for the Animal Kingdom bus! She had to take that bus to connect with a CM bus to take her back to Vista. I think people thought we were nuts!

Today, I learn that her laptop is acting up and she has had to contact Dell. Needs screwdrivers and such to be able to open it up and of course, doesn't have any. I'm realizing that my kid doesn't have good life skills - she's freaking because some keys aren't working...

I was a little short with her on the telephone I must say....there's only so much you can do and it's exhausting to listen to her moan and groan! Told her to go to Walgreen's and buy a screwdriver set! Call Dell and then get it figured out...no biggie!

As my mom has pointed out, she should return a much more mature young lady having lived this experience. I sure hope so!

Gotta run! Will keep in touch!

Bonnie

 

[minnie56]

That's so hard Bonnie, I totally empathize. When they're off on an adventure it's all pretty exciting if a tad foreboding but when you know they are down, it's tough. Your Mom is right, she WILL get through this and come back having learned many new life skills and many things about herself and how she copes best!! It's just hard because they cannot possibly know this...comes with time (and grey hairs!) Tell her to take her Laptop to Shanan, she's pretty savvy with Dells as she was Director of a Technology Camp last summer and that's all they used! Not a big deal...she mustn't let it be one!

Wonder if they realize how many years they put on us?!?!?

I look forward to my visit, had a little melt down last night, just missing her. Though Shanan is in Kingston through much of the year...I can and do see her, just too far away at the moment!

Too bad we three have miles between us, we could wallow over a Martini!

Till then, we'll have to meet up here!
G'night ladies!

 

[madge62]

Evening ladies. Thought I'd poke my head in here before I head off to bed, gotta try and sell some cruises tomorrow!

Sounds like you had a good visit Bonnie, even though there were a few "moments". The whole shoe situation sucks, I can't believe an employee would steal shoes at WDW! Where's the magic? How were the crowds, by the way?

Yeah, the rain, I heard a lot about it from Brynna. At least it served to keep it cooler down there but I hear it's heated right up again. Brynna fears she might melt!

So far, my kid has got on great with her roommates and spent time at the parks with them. Turns out she didn't stay home alone the other night, one of the other girls gave her one of her blue passes as she didn't have family to use them. Then of course Brynna had Traditions yesterday and now has her own ID. Spent last evening at the parks, of course. She also had today off and has tomorrow off before she attends "On With the Show..." on Sunday, which is her first day of training at MGM. Anxious to find out what her job will actually be and what she'll be wearing!

I'm hoping that she has the opportunity to meet up with your girls soon, she was hoping to meet Kevin today which is cool since they've been chatting on MSN since last December.

Anyways, off to get some zzzzzzs, hope you both have a great weekend!


Marjorie

 

[minnie56]

It sure is a HOT one too!

I worked in the office today too Marjorie...slow though. A couple came in wanting to do a Med cruise for NEXT WEEK! There was the odd cabin, but NO air! Not much point if you cannot get home? Hope your day is better!

Sounds like Brynna is settling in nicely and that's a huge plus! Kevin, is he the fellow from Ireland? I hear names, but remember them??? Not sure where Shanan is today or where she was yesterday, both her days off! Guess I better read her blog to find out! She did send me a message though saying that they have given her the Thurs/Fri off during my stay so that's great! We arrive Wednesday morning so we can hang at the pool..and she can come after she finishes. We could go into the park when she begins if it isn't too late but not worth using a pass for half a day is it? I am used to buying annuals so this is all new to me!

Well, time to walk my doggie...she/we won't last long in this heat tho!

Later!
Karen

 

[madge62]

Glad to hear you're having nice weather in your part of the world. I think we might have made 18 today, and it rained here and there. Brrrrr, can't believe it's almost summer. I need to live in the tropics!

Yes, Kevin is the fellow from Ireland. Seems Shanan, Kev and Brynna finally had a chance to meet up yesterday (you'll see from the blogs) and then they met up with Shanan later on. Brynna says she really enjoyed hanging out with them, had a lot of fun.

Nope, didn't sell a darn thing today but I'm working on more specialist courses so it kept me busy.

I didn't realize the kids had access to their schedules so far ahead. Good to hear that Shanan will have some time to hang out with you. Pehaps a trip to the outlet mall to check out handbags? (I really enjoy reading Shanan's blog)

Off to bed, been a long day. G'night!


Marjorie

 

[minnie56]

That's what we did too Marjorie...worked on the new Princess training! I'm a big-whoop Primary Officer now! Earning my stripes! Not that it gets me anything....lol

I didn't know they had their scheds that far ahead either. This is for the July visit..It's just nice to know she can relax and do things with us for 2 full days without rushing off.

I read some of Shanan's blog yesterday too..that's about the best way to find out what she/they're up to!! Sounds like they are having some fun!
Glad that they got to meet up with Brynna and it sounds like Shayna was able to run into them as well.

Wow, it is cool out there! I'll gladly blow some of this heat your way! But all in all, we can't (tho we do!) complain! It was a great winter and has been awfully nice so far. Unfortunately, we are in the midst of a kitchen addition and nobody wants to work when it's too hot!!


Well, I will pop by again later...
Have a good day ladies!
Karen

 

[minnie56]

Shanan doesn't have her schedule yet! She has only had it confirmed that she has the days off she requested...sorry 'bout that! I didn't even know she had asked for particular days off..only that she had asked that they may fall in my trip time frame!

Hope you all had a good day?? I shopped a little and not much else. Too hot...what a wimp

 

[madge62]

Hullo.....

Glad to hear Shanan actually has those days off. Will have to work on Brynna to at least have a couple off while we're there.

I got a call from her this morning, well it was actually midafternoon there, she was waiting to go back to VW from MGM. She of course wanted to wish her dad a Happy Father's Day but also to share her excitement in her job assignment.....Rock n' Roller Coaster! Soooo funny as she posted on WDWIP long ago her 10 top jobs to get at WDW and No. 1 was RnRC. Fate or what? Can't believe it's what she got. Either can she. She absolutely hates the uniform though and apparently it is very unflattering and does not fit well, and she has 5 of them in her possession!

Once again, she has time off! The next two days and doesn't start training until Wednesday and then is mostly working in the mornings and she's not a morning person. Actually they have her scheduled to work at 6 am on Friday and the bus doesn't leave VW until 6:02. We wonder whether that means she's responsible to get a taxi there. She will have to ask her trainer on Wed.

How are your girls doing? Soooo enjoying Shanan's blog, she seems to be having a wonderful time.

Take care and send some sunshine my way!


Marjorie