2012, here we go!

Everyone is doing somewhat of a review of 2011 and then listing things they would like to accomplish or goals they would like to set for the new year. Now, I don't really believe in New Year's Resolutions. It has a terrible reputation of being resolutions done in that year, that year alone, and it is more than likely it will never get done. That is why, my friends, I instead, want to write down my dreams. My life dreams. A bucket list, if you will. Things that I know I will do at some point or another but this year, I would like it all written down.

So 2011...

Meh. 2011 was full of a lot of ups and downs. Unfortunately, when it comes to my personal life, mostly downs. However, I finally finished school, graduating with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts from the University of Florida. The fact that I'm the first in my family to finish college is a really big deal. I'm very proud of myself for accomplishing school not only in terms of studying for four years, but also that I majored in something I love. That is something that is incredibly important to me. I can't imagine myself doing anything else for the rest of my life. Sure, I have a great job right now, but I'm not going to be a Concierge at WDW forever.

This past year, I also moved out. I didn't go to a campus and stay in a dorm, so this was a huge step for me. I was so grateful for being able to live at home with my amazing and supportive family, but I knew it was time for me to leave. So the day after my 22nd birthday, I loaded up my new car, (whose name is Daisy if you wanted to know) and headed to Orlando. My roommate and I went to Orlando with no job. Just interviews for Disney. We were both lucky enough to get hired within a month of us living there. Having a steady income, working full time, paying bills; this life was completely new to me. But I was excited. I knew I was in the right place in my life to start this new "chapter."

But as months continued, things got harder. I didn't care for my job, even if it was for the best company in the world. I was barely making any money, and not being the most responsible with it in the first place was not exactly helpful. I kept auditioning to be in entertainment at Disney, but never got a callback. But I kept my head up. I kept thinking, things could be worse. I am lucky. There are worse things in this world than my situation.

As hard as I tried to stay positive, and even with my promotion to Concierge, I was still irresponsible. Not to mention, very lonely. I would make friends, and they would disappear. One in particular really hurt my heart in a way that it hasn't hurt for quite some time. But I can't control other people. I have to know and remember that I am a good person and if for whatever reason people do not want to associate with me, I have to respect that. As out of the blue and hurtful as it would be.

So with that, along with a few other things that I don't really care for sharing all throughout the internet, this year has been rough. But a rough transition. Everyone has a transition phase/year in their lives where they're trying to figure out where to go, what to do. What the right steps are. I'm in that part of my life where i need to try anything and everything to make my dreams come true. So throwing 2011 away and starting anew with 2012, here is my dream list.

1. Get back in dancer shape
2. Run the Disney Marathon
3. Move to California
4. Get an agent
5. Become a voice over actress
6. Become a dance teacher/choreographer at studio
7. Get cast as Ariel in The Voyage of the Little Mermaid
8. Take a trip to Ireland
9. Take a trip to the UK
10. Go on a Disney Cruise
11. Record an album
12. Write a book
13. Perform on Broadway
14. Be the original voice of a Disney character (preferably a princess, but it's ambitious)
15. Open up my own dance studio/company
16. Go on tour
17. Perform my OPS in a local theater
18. Meet Jo Rowling
19. Visit the set of Harry Potter
20. Tour the Disney Animation Studios
21. Visit Walt's Apartment in Disneyland


I'm sure there is plenty more where that came from, but for now, that's what I've got. I encourage everyone to create a dream list and save it on your computer. Hang it on your wall, your fridge. To remind yourself of your dreams and to not give in to the inane day to day life we all lead. We forget about what makes our heart race and makes us happy. It's important to remember these things, even if they're not always the easiest things to achieve. We've got to remember what Uncle Walt always said: "If you can dream it, you can do it."

Until next time,
Kayla