Awake My Soul

I want to live a great story.

I want to wake up every day and feel like if I didn't get out of bed, the world would be seriously missing out.

I want to be constantly learning and challenging myself to be the best I can be.

Right now- I'm stagnant. Frozen in time.

Working 60 hours a week, and yet feeling like I haven't accomplished a thing.

I feel old.

That being said, I'm not sad. In fact, I'm happy almost all the time. Sure, life is exhausting and never perfect. But it's also exhilarating. And I'm missing that excitement.

So it's time for Gypsy Jillian to pack up her little car and find a new adventure. Or perhaps a new chapter in an old adventure. One where I can feel the magic. Because it seems that here in Orlando, my well has run dry.

I'm crying a little as I write this, and my departure is still weeks away. Maybe it's from the Mumford & Sons I'm listening to in the background, but more likely it's that I'm realizing that I will be leaving a piece of my heart here in buffet crazy, outlet filled, tourist ridden Orlando. I have learned so much during my year away from home. I had the chance to meet Jillian- the real Jillian. No preconceived notions or expectations. I got to know hilarious, loving, talented, loyal, Godly, passionate, big hearted wonderful people who have helped mold me into the person I am today. I could name you individually, but you know who are you and the impact you have on my life. Please know how special you are to me.

I worked more in this one year than I did possibly my whole life. Full time internship in Guest Relations, 3 days at safari, 6 months at Festival of the Lion King, 6 weeks of Halloween Horror Nights, 2 months of Grinchmas, a few shifts as Olive Oyl, a last minute stint at Starbucks, workshops, bible studies, choirs and wonderful adventures.

But it's time to go- as impossible as it seems to leave you behind, and as scared and unsure of my path as I am, I know it's what I have to do.

As Peter Pan (well spieling Peter) once said, keep adventuring and stay not a grown up.

So thank you Orlando, and everyone that has been a part of it. I will treasure you forever.

Working 9 to 5

Considering that my work life has been fairly chaotic recently, I figured it was about time to put together a blog post that explains exactly what I've been up to.

I'm currently statused part time at Festival of the Lion King in operations. I still love watching the show, and the job itself is fairly easy. On the flip side, due to reduced hours at Animal Kingdom and a plethora of Camp Minnie Mickey cast members, my hours at Disney have been a pretty steady 6 per week. Clearly that is not going to pay the rent, so I've been lucky enough to pick up a few extra jobs in entertainment at Universal Studios Orlando.

This last week I completed training in atmosphere characters at Islands of Adventure. I'm only seasonal there so I don't know how often I'll be scheduled, but hopefully I'll get to hang out in Toon Lagoon on a pretty regular basis. Even if I don't, not to fear, because Universal has offered me 2 other seasonal entertainment roles! Starting next week I'll train as a scareactor for Halloween Horror Nights, and after that I'll be spending my Christmas season in Whoville.

I'm still in the pool for a few different spots at Disney as well as on the Full Time wait list for Attractions and Merchandise, but I'm thankful that God has been holding off on those offers for now. He must know that my schedule is far too crowded for full time this fall!

Other than theme parks I've been trying to get into babysitting, so if you know of anyone who needs some help, send them my way! My hours should be picking up soon (thank goodness) but until then I've been enjoying my time relaxing. Who knows how much I'll be able to do that in the coming months!

I hope this clears things up for everyone! I'm so thankful to have such diverse opportunities coming my way.

Looks like I'll be headed to the theatres at Animal Kingdom now. While it's not Safaris, I think it is definitely a top notch alternative. I love both Finding Nemo: The Musical and Festival of the Lion King, and working a 3D movie at Disneyland was the bees knees, so I know I will be happy with whatever gets thrown at me.

I'll be heading home for the weekend (first time since I left in January!) and I am so excited! Not only will I get to see the family, but I'll also meet new baby Harrison (and see Henry again!) reunite with some friends, actually celebrate a holiday, see my dad's show, and most importantly, see the love of my life, Ernest.

When I get back on Tuesday I know I will be fully refreshed and ready to take on the world. :)

This post is dedicated to Joe E Jackson

Joe Jackson is a man among men. Not only does his gigantic 6 foot 10 frame stand out in a crowd, but his sparking personality leaves a lasting impact on everyone he meets. A steadfast friend with a heart as big as his enormous man hands, Joe is the very definition of loyal, trustworthy, and supportive. He is a force to be reckoned with in the workplace, charming the pants off of everyone he meets (figuratively, of course). His energetic smile and willingness to try new things brings a sense of danger and excitement to every day life. Honest to the core, Joe will call you out on your errors, but then you can't help but laugh along with his goofy chuckle at your own misfortune. Joe is a Southern gentleman who gives far more than he ever expects to receive. He is one half of a dedicated, loving relationship with a beautiful woman, and I can't wait to attend their wedding later this year. Joe and Hallie are a shining model of a healthy partnership, and I'm sure through married life they will only grow closer together (and continue to make the rest of us mere mortals insanely jealous).

I am privileged and blessed to have Joe Jackson as a part of my life. I can only hope to be half the man he is some day. (hold on...what did I just say?)

I'll miss you, Joe :)

Today was one of the best days I've ever had working for Disney.

First of all, Disney always gives me the best trainers. Seriously. I've been so lucky with having some of the most encouraging, knowledgeable, supportive trainers in the world. Julie, you were great.

I spent the morning working on some land positions and having a ball joking with guests about the safari lasting 2 weeks. Then after lunch came the moment of truth - the first live safari.

That's right...this afternoon I took guests out on a real live safari. I drove, I spieled, I rocked.

Immediately after that, I gave my last safari.

That's right folks, today was my third and last day at Kilimanjaro Safaris. Turns out my anosmia (lack of smell) is a disability after all. See, out there on the reserve, we're completely alone in our trucks. Sure we have guests, but it would be irresponsible to rely on them for safety issues. Let's say my propane tank started leaking. Could I smell it? Nope.

Management had to call safety and because this has been an issue in the past, KSR can no longer allow me to be part of their attraction. To put it lightly, I am bummed.

But I'm staying positive. Silver lining, God closing a door and opening a window and all that.

Management at KSR is absolutely wonderful - they're about as upset as I am that I can't stay, and they're looking to put me somewhere close by where I can still spiel about animals to my heart's content. And hey, now I won't have to be as concerned with safety issues, right?

So to all who wanted to ride my safari, you're out of luck. Only about 40 people will ever get that privilege. But I will always remember my days as a Game Driver in the Harambe Wildlife Reserve.

Kwa Herini KSR

Life on the Reserve

I have now completed 2 days of training at Kilimanjaro Safaris, and I must say, I'm obsessed.

Day 1 was pretty much an overview of the attraction. We explored Africa, took a ride, reviewed animals, did some e-learning, and even drove the truck around the vehicle maintenance lot. No, I didn't make it onto the ride path that day, but driving that beast around the parking lot was more than enough for day 1 thank you!

Day 2 started out with learning the spiel. After around 2 hours of studying, I knocked everyone's socks off with my memorizing skills. So thanks mom and dad, that theatre training keeps managing to come in handy. :) We then took some time to learn a few of the land positions. It was fun to get back into a greeter role, and I feel right back into my old habits of encouraging people to "fill in allllllll the available space". I had actually missed it. I then learned the wonders of fastpass and how to deal with the crazy mishaps of some of the oldest fastpass machines known to man. I also got some practices subduing the masses while they wait for their fastpass time to start and laying down the law when it comes to one party at a time!

After lunch we took a truck out to the ride path. That's right, I drove a 36 passenger truck past lions, elephants, rhinos and crocodiles to name a few, in the rain, and over a tilting bridge. I'm slowly learning the art of the overwhelmingly wide turns and how to approach the dock at the exact right angle so you don't pop up on the curb. It's going to take quite a bit of practice, but even after my few hours driving around today I'm already feeling more comfortable. Driving my little honda civic at the end of the day was a bit of a jolt though. I have a feeling my driving is going to be a lot rougher once I start driving the safari all day!

My greatest accomplishment for the day was that I was able to spiel for an entire trip without any major mishaps. I know I still have a lot to work on, (and luckily 4 more days to practice!) but I have a really good feeling about my future on the Harambe Wildlife Reserve. These past 2 days have flown by. I love the work, I love the people, and I loooooove the animals. Today I saw elephants playing in the water, a baby mandrill in a tree, a newly hatched flamingo, and some of the rarest animals that exist in Africa today.

My only wish is that I could take pictures while I drive!

I'm sure I'll have plenty of wonderful stories to tell in the next few months. I'm really liking this new chapter of my life :)

Life at the Harambe Wildlife Reserve

Jambo everyone!

My internship is officially over. Basta. Finito. No longer am I a floating head in the Walt Disney Corporation - as of Sunday I am an official part time cast member. I have a seniority date and everything!

Starting now until who knows when, I will be a safari guide at the Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction in Disney's Animal Kingdom. I am so excited I might pee myself.

1. I love animals.

Giraffes, elephants, little Tommies and most of all, the elusive Okapi, who I relate to because of its antisocial ways. I get to watch these animals all day, every day, and I cannot wait.

2. I get to spiel!

Good grief have I missed spieling or what! I mean, I turned Captain EO and the Astro Orbitor into spieling attractions (be it my horrible Michael Jackson jokes or silly astro Christmas carols), so clearly talking in front of people is something I'm pretty passionate about. Each safari is about 20-25 minutes long, and seeing as the animals are real and not animatronic, each round is going to be completely different from the last. Time to get used to thinking on my feet again!

3. It's in a park!

While I really enjoyed the experiences working at Downtown Disney gave me, I realized that I just don't have a connection with Walt Disney World. Disneyland is and always will be my home. Even when things were difficult there, I felt connected to the place, and it was easier to get past the negatives. It's been more difficult to do that here because I don't love the resort in the same way. My hope for this role is that it will help me develop that bond with Orlando and everything we have to offer here so that it's easier to push past the difficulties I will inevitably face.

Things that are gonna be tough? Driving a massive truck...sitting in that heat! The fact that I'm part-time and need more hours to pay my rent...

But despite any apprehensions I'm feeling, I know that I am thoroughly going to enjoy this change. I think I'm addicted to it (change that is).

My social life these past few days has been bustling because I haven't had work, and while I've really enjoyed all the playing, I'm also ready to get back to work! I'm also participating in Encore! Cast Choir which is a musical revue that's performing at the end of July/beginning of August.

So it looks like I will indeed be staying in Florida for some time. I'm excited to see what she has to offer!