Just one-and-a-half days left until I embark upon the journey of a lifetime!

In the spirit of my new adventures in California, I thought I'd take the time to list some of the tourist attractions I'm hoping to explore while I'm in So Cal for the remainder of 2010 ;0) The list is ever-growing, so check back for additions to it!

--Universal Studios Hollywood (and Halloween Horror Nights!)

--Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum: Hollywood

--Knotts' Berry Farm

--San Diego (Water skiing, parasailing, and surfing--if I get up the courage, that is ;0)

--The Winchester Mystery House

--Legoland

--Hollywood Tours

--The Hollywood Bowl

--Palm Springs

--Six Flags Magic Mountain

--The Hollywood Walk of Fame

If any of you avid readers have any suggestions, I'm "all ears." Haha, no Disney pun intended! Get it? Disney? Mouse ears? Yeah, I know I'm lame ;0p

Have a most wonderful night!!

“There is magic in long-distance friendships. They let you relate to other human beings in a way that goes beyond being physically together and is often more profound.” –Diana Cortes

Before I was born, before I was even a “thought,” God knew all of the wonderful angels He would send into my life in the form of people. Obviously, my first and most important angels were my parents. They devoted every second of every day and sacrificed sleep for my well-being. Twenty-one years down the road, they continue to make sacrifices every day for me. My sister, Michelle, is not only an angel but my best friend—my precious Shelly Belle—words just aren’t enough for all she has done for me. I could spend an endless amount of time speaking highly of my parents and my Shelly Belle and there still would not be enough justice done for everything they’ve given to me—a lifetime of love and wisdom neatly folded into twenty-one years. So, I won’t even attempt it. I’ll just say this: I will miss my immediate family with every fiber of my being. A little piece of my heart will be broken by not seeing them on a daily basis for a very long time—time may eventually mend the wound, but the hole will never close up.

I am constantly in awe of the wonderful, beautiful, people God has sent into my life—precisely at the most needed moments. Hundreds of people have walked in and out of my life but very few have actually left footprints on my heart. Over the past five months, I have heard the phrase, “I’m so proud of you,” frequently. It has become music to my ears, and of course, we always graciously say, “thank you,” but do we ever take the time to truly digest what that means? Being proud of someone is such an honor. It’s saying “you make me shine through what you’re accomplishing.” I may have gotten myself accepted into the Walt Disney College Program but believe me, I did not get there alone.

Of course, without God, this opportunity would not have even presented itself. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11

Rather than saying tear-filled, heartbreaking, goodbyes to my angels, in person, I’m choosing to say my farewells through this note—something a little bit different. Although we may not be able to physically see each other (and believe me, I will miss all those hugs!), we will still keep very much in contact...just in a different way. I’m choosing to do this on Facebook, for all of my friends to read, because that’s the kind of impact you’ve all had in my life—you’ve been presented with the chance to make a difference in my life, you’ve taken that chance, and it’s made all the difference!

To my sweet, beloved, Connie, Sandy, and Isabel: You’re still with me. Tell God “Hi” for me while you ladies are playing it sweet in Heaven.

To Miss Nora, Lauren, Laynee, Ethan, and Mark: Y’all are my family. We’ve been given such a remarkable relationship by God and I am so excited to see all of the blessings He has in store for all of us as we readjust to keeping in contact in a new light. You are all an inspiration to me and the motivation to never give up. Lauren and Laynee: Girls, I truly don’t know what I’ll do without you. You’re my girls and nobody will ever take your place. Lauren: I’m not a perfect cousin but I’m thankful for the one I’ve got...never quit smiling, singing, or dancing, beautiful girl. And Laynee: I’ll especially miss your “cuddles,” but they’ll keep me warm on the longest and darkest of nights! Keep fighting the good fight against CF, my ‘lil bug ;0)

To my FCS Family—Amy, Charmaine, Lynn, Sarah, and Kyle: I’ve already had the time of my life with you all. So much about life has been learned through the many experiences we’ve shared together in our little family unit. Words cannot express how much each and every one of you mean to me. I wouldn’t have changed one thing...everything was a learning experience. Amy, Lynn, Sarah, and Kyle: Thanks for being such wonderful friends and sharing your gifts of laughter with me! And Char: You’re one of the most inspiring people I know. You already know how much I love, and will miss you—especially your hugs.

Felicia and precious Wyatt: You’ve both helped me through many a dark day and I just can’t say thank you enough. And Wyatt: Buddy, I’m proud to be your “Boppy.” I love you, Monkey-Butt ;0)

When I first opened a Facebook account (actually, it all started with MySpace), I decided to use it in a positive light. I wrote a series of blogs about how wonderful life was. Many of the blog entries revolved around my darling angels, Connie and Ann, and every pearl of wisdom they bestowed upon me as I embarked upon the final chapter of high school. I could find miracles and inspirations in the smallest of items—a sticker that says, “You go, girl!” for example, and they really spoke to the many friends I had reading them. Their kind words of encouragement motivated me to continue writing—to continue seeking out the miracles God performs on a daily basis—and lives were changed in the process. Without those loving, and kind, compliments, I may have never continued pursuing writing and my life would not be the same. Upon my decision to participate in this program, those supportive words continued flowing. Nita, Heather, Carrie, Jamie, Christie, Starla, Josie, Rebekah, Julia, Dorothy, Tiffany, Amanda, Jerome (and the list goes on and on): Thank you so much for your support and words of encouragement through the doubts I’ve been having. I could not have made it through without you all. And, of course, everybody I’ve already mentioned added a heap of support as well that was equally appreciated.

To all of my former teachers who are now my friends: Without your pushing and prodding to always do my best, and accept nothing less, my academic career may have taken a turn down the wrong path. I hope I make you all proud and can be a witness to the difference a teacher makes in the lives of her students.

Last, but certainly not least, to my extended family for loving me unconditionally.

I know I’m forgetting to list people, but it’s not intentional by any means! If you’re reading this, that in itself, means you’ve made a difference in my life and I wouldn’t be where I am today.

“I’m everything I am because you loved me.”

Peace out, New Mexico...it’s been real ;0)

Love,
Kathy

"See Ya Real Soon!" --

Tonight, I received one of the last e-mails I'll receive prior to arriving at the Disneyland Resort on August 18th to begin the experience of a lifetime. It was entitled, "See Ya Real Soon," and gave a basic, simple, outline of what the first few days of the college program will be like. It's feeling so official now! (Which makes me a combination of being stoked and nauseous ;0p)

So, the first day, I'll check-in at 10 a.m. (the entire check-in process should take approximately 90 minutes as we not only get our apartment assignments, but complete our I-9 paperwork...gotta love the legal side of work!) and attend a short 45-minute meeting. WHICH means that the rest of the day will be spent with my awesome roommates, hanging out and doing last-minute shopping for apartment essentials!

The second day consists of an orientation at the Walt Disney Casting Center as well as a one-hour long information fair that evening. Traditions, which is an eight-hour, PAID, day full of videos and information about the Walt Disney Company (Ah! I love my life!) which concludes with a tour of Disneyland (like I need one! Ha!) will take place either the third or fourth day and from then, we move onto our on-the-job training.

I owe so much of my life to those ears...

Today marks yet another milestone on the countdown to my arrival in Anaheim, California for, as my roommate Natalie says, "the happiest internship on Earth! ;0)"

And that milestone would be: Exactly one month from today, we'll all be moved into the apartment anxiously awaiting Traditions.

That is all ;0)

--Kathy--

Hi Everyone!

Welcome to day two of the countdown to departure! Exactly one month from today, I will be having dinner with my awesome new roommates: Natalie, Jillian, Lauren, and Ellen. This is all becoming an exciting, official, reality! I just cannot grasp how fast time is slipping away.

Today, sadly, was one of the hardest days I've ever endured however as I had to push "pause" on my happiness to officially celebrate, and ultimately say goodbye, to a dear friend. April was one of the happiest, and saddest, months of my existence. On a Sunday night, I officially accepted my invitation to the Disney College Program. The next morning, I got the call that my dear friend, and sweet mentor, Connie, had passed away after battling cancer for fifteen years. She was only 44.

This post--and her life, as a matter of fact--have much to do with DCP, I promise ;0) Had it not been for this incredible woman (whom everyone should have had the blessing of knowing and loving on), I might have taken a different path in life...and that could have made all the difference. I attribute my being able to do this program to the guidance, from people like her, that has been bestowed upon me. Connie, you're still with me and your story...needs, and deserves, to be told.

"For Connie, Part II"

No matter how far we are apart, no matter how many years or miles are in between us, it won't matter--because God has given us a gift of love that will last forever.

Today was one of the hardest--and yet, most joyful--days of my life. A group of us gathered at the park to celebrate the life, and legacy, left behind by one of the finest women I've ever known--one of my lights, my mentor, and most importantly, my friend, Connie Edwards. I wish I could say there were no tears...just laughter and memories, but that wouldn't be a true statement. For the truth is, God put Connie into this world to make it better, she did that, He was proud, and there is now a hole left in each of our hearts as we're the lives she not only touched, but left behind. God's presence was very much a part of the celebration, from the prayer that was whispered with broken tears, to the birds flying above the water, to the pink balloons that became stuck in the tree--ironically, they were to be released as the unveiling of the memorial bench occurred--proving that God does have a sense of humor as did Miss Connie!

Connie became my friend after I had her as a teacher. She saw the "spark" for the writing talent I have, and nurtured and supported me in every aspect of my life. She was simply magical. And, once magic touches your life, it's never the same.

So, today marked the end of the mourning: It is now time to readjust to life without her presence. But, she lives on in my character, heart, and soul. One day, I'll be sitting around the fireplace, rocking my grandchildren to sleep, telling them about the wonderful life she lived for God. And I'll be oh-so-proud.

I can't help but be filled with gratitude--she was my angel for seven years--for everything Connie did for me...which was a LOT. She comforted me, and dried my tears, as I cried at the possibility of losing her every time the horrible, ugly, cancer returned. Had it not been for her love, and her push when needed, I would not be embarking on a new life journey in just a few short weeks. I shudder to even think where I may have been had I never known her.

Sooner or later, in this life, we are all chosen by God to do something wonderful, miraculous, and beautiful so long as we say yes when the time comes. However, it is not always easy to do the things that God asks of us. Be He can, will, and does use us in His timing to witness to others...to set a fine example of how to handle adversity.

Do we remember the story of Esther often enough? Esther was the queen of Persia and she held a secret: She was Jewish. One day, she discovered the entire Jewish nation was about to be wiped out. Yet, she held the power to change that. At first, she didn't--out of fear for her own life and the possibility of losing her throne. But, then, her uncle said to her: "Who knows? Maybe this is what it's all for. Perhaps you were brought to the kingdom for just such a time as this!"

Connie was my Esther.

I'm a firm believer in inspiration. God gives us inspiration for a very special reason: He carves into our spirits words and thoughts that could never possibly come out of our human minds. The form of inspiration He has given to me--aside from my love of writing--is the gift of music and lyrics. There are songs that are so powerful to me that they rise in my spirit again and again. When the going gets too tough, and grief overcomes me, these songs of praise for life help me see another morning. One of these songs is Wayne Watson's "For Such a Time As This," inspired by Esther's story. And, I'd like to share it with all of you now.

Connie lived this song and I'm oh-so-glad she did. This is the first, and last, blog I'll be writing about my beloved, sweet, Connie this fall. But she is still with me, and will be, forever. Who knows? Maybe she'll be one of the angels God sends to protect and watch over me this fall in California--if our loved ones really do, in fact, become our guardian angels like some believe. And, one of these days, when I make it to Heaven, I just may have to ask her ;0) Thank you, Connie, for the memories. I will ALWAYS love and miss you.

"For Such A Time As This"

Now, all I have is now--

To be faithful, to be holy, and to shine lighting up the darkness,

Right now, I really have no choice but to voice the truth to the nations, a generation looking for God.

For such a time as this, I was placed upon the earth,

To hear the voice of God, and do His will, whatever it is.

For such a time as this, for now and all the days He gives.

I am here! I am here! And I am His...for such a time as this.

You, do you ever wonder why?

It seems like the grass is always greener under everybody else's sky?

But right here, right here, for this time and place:

You can live a mirror of His mercy; a forgiven image of His grace.

We can't change what's happened 'til now,

But we can change what will be.

By living in holiness, that the world will see Jesus.

For such a time as this! I was placed upon the earth!

To hear the voice of my God, and do His will, whatever it is!

Oh, for such a time as this! For now and all the days that He gives!

I am here! I am here! And I am His! For such a time...as this :0)

Hi Y'all! :0)

Well, it's official! Disney College Program is four weeks away, and although I'm so stoked that I can hardly focus on anything else at the moment, to be honest, there are really a range of emotions I'm feeling as it draws close.

I'm leaving behind 21 years worth of security, memories, and love to take a leap of faith--risk it all--and embark upon the journey of a lifetime.

At this moment, on Friday, July 16th, 2010, the following poem sums up pretty much everything I'm feeling about this final step of "growing up" and learning how to appreciate youth. One day, when that youth is taken away and old age sets in, I know I'll look back on this note with great pride and laugh at the anxiety I'm feeling--I will know that DCP was perhaps one of the greatest times of my life...We NEED to appreciate life right now before it's taken away.

I'm going to do something out of the ordinary--share something written by someone else. Let us always remember the golden wisdom given in this gem of a poem--even now in our youth--so we'll appreciate it twenty years earlier ;0)

"Wear Sunscreen" By Mary Schmich

If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proven by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagine.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing every day that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.

Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good. Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle, because the older you get, the more you need the people who knew you when you were young.

Live in New York City once, but leave before it makes you hard. Live in Northern California once, but leave before it makes you soft.

Travel.

Accept certain inalienable truths: Prices will rise. Politicians will philander. You, too, will get old. And when you do, you'll fantasize that when you were young, prices were reasonable, politicians were noble, and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse. But you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair or by the time you're 40 it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia. Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

But trust me on the sunscreen!