Hanging with the Hansen Brothers at Epcot®

I think one of the funniest parts about meeting the guys was when Sig asked me where I was from and I told him that I was enjoying my day off and that I worked at Disney. He started teasing me about it and had some funny comments but I can’t repeat them on here.

Captain Sig Teasing me

Birthday aside, work is steady again. We are in the middle of Cast Member Comp Ticket Distribution again and my schedule has changed to help out the team more with production. I am really excited actually about this distribution as it is the first where I really got a chance to help design the ticket and give my input. I’m excited with how they turned out. I will post images of them at a later date once they have mailed. I want to keep them a suprise to those Cast Members that read this. Hint though, think heritage.

As far as the Leadership Casting Call went, I did have my interview and have heard back. I was not selected this time however. Although I am slightly disappointed, ok, a lot disappointed, I was given some great feedback of what to work on for the next time and was encouraged to for sure come back at the next posting. As a side note, most people do not get it on their first try. I would say 9 out of 10 managers at Disney have gone out at least twice before getting in to the pool. I am working with an awesome mentor to develope a plan of action to take me to the next step.

Today is just my day to relax and do nothing. It’s been a crazy week at work and having to work late nights has just drained me. IKEA is have ing a sale this weekend so I think it’s time to head up there when Sawyer gets off of work. Anyways, that’s it for now folks.

NASA Launches New Education Initiative With Disney Parks and Buzz Lightyear

WASHINGTON — As seven, well-trained astronauts begin an important mission to the International Space Station on Saturday, May 31, one toy astronaut, Buzz Lightyear, will begin a journey to help educate children across the country.

The liftoff of space shuttle Discovery kicks off a new education initiative between NASA and Disney Parks. A 12-inch-tall Buzz Lightyear action figure will be carried aboard the shuttle as part of the partnership to encourage students to pursue studies in science, technology and mathematics, one of NASA’s main educational goals.

Disney’s Youth Educational Series and NASA have developed an online program known as the Space Ranger Education Series. It includes fun educational games for students, as well as materials for educators to download and integrate into their classroom curriculum.

“NASA is excited to help students understand the science and engineering currently underway on the International Space Station,” said Joyce Winterton, NASA assistant administrator for Education. “The educational games and resources from this partnership will allow students to explore the science and math behind space exploration with a beloved character.”

Beginning Saturday, May 31, the online games featuring Buzz Lightyear will be available by visiting NASA’s homepage and clicking on the box for the NASA Kids’ Club at:

http://www.nasa.gov

The five educational games are:

“Mission Match Up: Create a Game” — Match the International Space Station partner countries to space facts

“Connect it! Flight Path” — Attach the Kibo laboratory to the International Space Station using a sequence of commands

“Load the Shuttle” — Fill the shuttle with cargo to a certain mass

“I Spy: Reflections from Space” — Find everyday objects on the International Space Station that were built on NASA technology

“Toys in Space” — Navigate Buzz Lightyear to different toys to see a movie on how they behave in spaceSince 1985, NASA’s Toys in Space project has used toys flown aboard the shuttle and the International Space Station to help children learn science and mathematics. Scientific and mathematical principles make these toys work. For example, wind-up toys convert stored potential energy in their springs into kinetic energy as the springs unwind. Gravity often plays an important role in the actions of toys, but how would the same toys function in an environment where the effects of gravity are not felt? Only NASA can provide the settings, so students can discover the answer to questions like these.

“We are thrilled that Buzz’s lifelong dream of space travel finally will come true thanks to NASA,” said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “This launch fulfills his dream, and we hope it will inspire countless children to stay interested in science and believe in their own dreams.”

The beginning of Buzz’s space mission coincides with the opening of “Toy Story Mania!,” a new 4-D interactive attraction, on May 31 at Walt Disney World, Fla., and on June 17 at Disneyland Resort, Calif.

For information about other NASA education programs, visit:

http://education.nasa.gov

For more information about the space station, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/station
For more information about the STS-124 shuttle mission and its crew, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle

Other than the posting and the meetings, not much else is really going on. Sawyer is moving in on June 10th which will be a nice change. I will have some great company and someone to help with the bills. I went and saw Indiana Jones the other night and I have to say I was pretty entertained but, I can see where others are still disappointed with the film. I still want to see Prince Caspian and Speed Racer if anyone is intersted. 

Taking a relaxing night tonight. Was in the office most of the day today catching up on things so the extra holiday pay will be a nice bonus. Greek is on at 8 and then I will probably hit the gym from there. So there is your Catch Me Up-To-Date post for this month.

Back in the office today. Things are crazy this weekend. Not So Scary and Very Merry Tickets are on sale and everyone is booking them in fears they are going to sell out. So files are way above what they normally are. Just lots of longer days coming up I guess. I’m still working hard on the networking for Leadership Casting Call. I really feel that this time is my time. I really hope it works out. I’m ready for the next step.

Well, I think I’m going to crash for the evening. If anyone wants to do something this week, let me know. I’m free evenings and Friday/Saturday. Cheers!

Back to a normal two day weekend this week. I’m just relaxing at home and was able to get some laps in at the pool earlier today between cleaning. Not much else planned. I’ve got tentative dinner plans with Mark and Kent tomorrow but that’s really it for now. So Thanks again Dad for a great weekend!

This weekend though made me realize how much fun I used to have being a lifeguard and training. I remember living Lifeguarding and all things safety. May be I should consider a teaching career again after I am done at Disney. So many options. Well, I am beat after a day at the office and then an evening catching up with old friends here in Orlando. Normal day tomorrow with some more networking meetings later in the day. Ta Ta for Now.