Reflections and Dreams

Happy New Year, my friends! :D

I can hardly believe it is 2010 in less than half an hour! As an interesting note, I heard a debate the other day concerning the pronunciation of 2010, whether it be "two thousand ten" or "twenty-ten," with the former winning because the latter sounded too "edgy." We'll see which wins out in the end. :)

I sincerely hope that 2009 has been wonderful to you as it has been for me. That is, it has been one definite roller-coaster joy ride and quite an adventure! Also, at the close of a year and the beginning of another one, it is a time to both reflect on the past and dream of the future. Both are vital to the present.
In reflecting on 2009, I have so many praises. In terms of my career here at Disney, I learned how to help: Pinocchio in the Fantasmic show, Mickey and Minnie in the Move It Shake It Celebrate It Street Party, Mickey and Minnie in the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade, Mickey in the Spectromagic Parade, Jawa in Star Wars Weekend, Sub for the Halloween Parade, and Donald in the Christmas Parade. Whew! Busy but extremely fun year, as I feel a sense of deep belonging in this Parade and Show community. I miss my family in Idaho, of course, and yet I feel like I'm starting to form a kind of family here too (granted, a large, dysfunctional family, but a family nonetheless..) :P

I did experience my first real loss and grief over the death of my friend, Mark Priest, who died suddenly and unexpectedly from a head injury incurred during work. The initial pain has ceded, yet the ache remains over the loss of a friend and mentor. I hope he smiles down from Heaven at all the antics of his friends he left here on earth. Yet with death, there is also life, and two of my good friends have become pregnant this year, which is cause of great joy and anticipation for the new year! :D That is my wish for the new year: life, joy, goodness, and hope. :D

2010 holds great promise, as does every new day. As Anne of Green Gables would say, "I love a new day! It's a whole day that doesn't have any mistakes in it yet!" :P I am excited for continued training in my career here as a Character Performer as well as my continued growth as a performer, both in parades and shows. Mostly, I am thrilled to fall deeper in love with God in this coming year and to grow in Him and His will for my life. Life's certainly never dull, once one gives one's life to God! My own life is testimony! :) My prayer for my life, as well as yours, is to constantly be reminded of His glorious love as we go about our daily lives, for it is the daily living that adds up to something significant, if we but live each day for His glory.

May 2010 be a year of love, laughter, and light, each and every day, for you and all your loved ones! Happy New Year!! :D