I had absolutely every intention of writing a "goodbye to Disney" post - detailing the incredible experience I had and the amazing imprint that it left on my heart. However, i've been in quite a rush over the past few days, and suddenly, I am 15 hours away from leaving for Semester at Sea! It's crazy, crazy, crazy!!!
One week ago exactly, I was midway through my very last shift at Disney. I was at Epcot, hanging out with Mickey Mouse himself over at Character Spot, cherishing every moment knowing it was my last. After work, I came home around 10:00 and completely finished packing up all of my things. It was a surreal experience, because at that point 3 of my roomates had already moved out and the other 2 weren't home. A place that was a few months ago buzzing with noise was now empty and abandoned, a realization that this was the end.
After packing up the rest of the eery and empty apartment, I ventured to the first floor one last time to help Dain pack. It took us all night and all morning, but just in time, 1:45 the next afternoon, we finished and were able to leave. So we said goodbye to Chatham, dropped off our ID's, parking stickers and keys, and headed to the autotrain. The next morning we woke up in Virginia, and to Boston with stops in D.C and NYC. The five days were spent packing and prepping for Semester at Sea, while enjoying as much time together as we could before being separated.
This morning, Dain flew back home to Michigan. We spent the night before entirely awake, laying in each other's arms, remembering the memories, crying about being apart for 4 months, and planning our futures together. I parked at the airport and stayed with him through check in and up until security, and walked away with tears gushing from my body and a limp in my step that can only come from something so emotional. I have every faith in our relationship, despite how new it is (we are about to be apart longer than we have been together) but neither of us are in denial of how hard this is going to be. Going into this adventure, I never ever pictured being in this situation. I didn't cry when leaving Disney, and I don't think I would've cried when I left for SAS if it wasn't for this amazing, amazing person who I have grown to love and adore.
After I had a few hours of sleepless tears this morning, and then ran out to do some last minute SAS errands, and changing my focus was exactly what I needed. Though I find myself checking every method of communication constantly hoping it's Dain, I stopped crying and started to regain some excitement that I temporarily misplaced. That isn't to say that I am sad about SAS or in anyway not esctatic, I know how incredible this is and how blessed I am and I am so looking forward to this adventure, I just wish we didn't have to do it at separate times (he is looking into Spring 2012 - which means we will be going through this again in just a year). But now I am home, and both of my extremely packed suitcases have been forced closed and ready to go. And now I am taking a small break before getting started on this carry on stuff. In some aspects, I feel like i've packed way too much, and in some I fear I don't have enough. But, this suitcases are stuffed to capactiy, so I'll be making due. I also, of course, fear I forgot something vital. But whatever it is...i'll learn to live without it. Nothing except for clean water is truly vital.
I've had a few great, last minute, SAS updates that I would love to share. I spoke with one of the SAS directors, who has managed to allow me a third, small bag, to bring on board soley for food! I was worried about this at first because I was taking up so much extra space in my regular suitcases due to my celiac necessities, but being able to take a separate bag is so wonderful. Also, I have begun contact with my vicarious voyage class. Vicaroious Voyage is a program that sets SAS students up with a classroom near their home that they can connect with for the duration of the voyage. My class is a second grade class in Lakeville, MA..which is about an hour from me. Yesterday, I recieved a package with a letter and a flat stanely from each student. I am so exicted to connect with this class and truly feel involved in what these children are learning.
I've booked a few trips for SAS, but i still feel beyond unprepared. There are plenty of days where I have no plans at all, and others where I have booked trips, but don't know how to get there and what not. Everything will find a way to work itself out I am sure, but I am still nervous to the extreme. I can't believe it's tomorrow.
Rerouting back to Disney really quick, I cannot recommend the College Program enough. This isn't because I met a boy who has truly changed my life (although this is a definite bonus), but because it truly is the world's most magical adventure. You make people smile everyday, and the personal satisfaction is just so mesmorizing. Many people probably look at the Disney College Program website and think "none of these roles apply to my major," and the truth is, that's probably true. But Disney teaches invaluable skills by forcing you to handle mass crowds and thousands of transactions every day. Cast members learn exemplorary communication skills that are vital everywhere. Plus, it's an absolute blast. When else can you decide you are bored, and go walk around the Magic Kingdom for a few hours? I've built lifelong relationships and memories i'll hold forever.
What an incredible, incredible year.
Until I am at Sea,
Alisa
Saturday, January 8, 2011
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