Mister Hogpants

Let me begin by saying that I consider myself a VERY nice person. I love talking to people, and making new friends. 
However...

People. 

People are often at the root of my problems. I can't stand rudeness, the lack of common courtesy to others. This combined with not respecting the rules of the gym was the bane of my existence tonight.

I decided to watch The Mortal Instruments, the movie adaption of one of my favorite book series. I was severely disappointed; I mean, the director took out almost every single good part in the book, down played the vital plot twists, and made up absurd details. UGH. So, with built up frustration, I headed to the gym. This is my vice, my stress relief. I can sweat out my disgust for this movie through cardio and pumping some good old-fashioned iron. 

The gym at my apartment complex is... well, let's just say it's lacking. It has the bare, and I mean bare, necessities. But it's free, so I take what I can get. I got done with 50 minutes of cardio (yeah, that's how frustrated I was about a movie. Don't judge me.), and was ready to use the cable and pulley machine, but it was occupied by a tall young gent in flip flops. SCREECH. FLIP FLOPS?! I internally cringed. But wait there's more! He was standing in the middle of the machine on his phone. 

I kept my cool. Surprising, I know. 

But... I decided to work with the dumbbells until flip flop guy was done. I did every arm exercise I could do, but my back was screaming to be worked out. And I needed THAT machine to do it. Finally flip flop guy moves. I glide over to the machine and get it all adjusted. When who do you think approaches me? Flip flop guy. 

"Um, 'scuse mi" he says in a very foreign accent. "I was not feeneeshed."

I blink. "What?"

"Cuud yew wait unteel I aim feeneeshed? I need deese macheene." 

"Ummmm, well, you were on your phone AND you moved, so I kind of assumed you were done." 

"No, no, just a leetle bit more time."

Grrrrr. Fine. I slid away. But I watched him. I watched as he sat back down, pulled his phone out, and STARTED TEXTING ON THE MACHINE. That did not go over well at all. I go grab some dumbbells, and I do some squat/overhead press combinations right next to him. Looking at him the entire time. 

He was not phased. 

I am small. But trust me, my looks can send chills down your spine. He was getting every "You are a thorn in my side" look I could muster. He did one exercise. Then he got right back on his phone. I couldn't take it any more.

"Look, buddy," I say. "I want to finish working out. I need this machine. I am incredibly frustrated right now; the book I love was destroyed by a director who didn't know what he was doing, and I wanted to work arms and back tonight to burn off the let down. You are not using the machine CLEARLY, so here's what needs to happen. You, sir, either need to work out or MOVE OFF THE MACHINE." 

He blinked. He was trying to process this little, five-foot girl scolding him for being Mister Hogpants at our tiny gym. He processed it. 

"I go." 

And he moved on to the dumbbells. 

So... take this as a lesson, folks. Don't be a hog at the gym. And please, don't do curls in the squat rack either. :) 

I Love You This Much

Piglet was working in Crystal Palace last night. For those of you who may not know, Crystal Palace is a restaurant in Magic Kingdom. We call it "character dining" because as guests eat, characters walk around from table to table, signing autographs, taking pictures, and interacting with guests. It's a pretty fun gig.

Anyways, Piglet saw many, many guests that night, but one stuck out to him in particular. (Yes, Piglet is a boy, not a girl). The guest's name was Eli. He was about three years old, and this little dude was stylin'! He had on grey plaid shorts, a light blue polo, and a grey "old man" hat, the Driver's hat. But outside of his clothes... oh my gosh, Eli was one of the cutest kids I'd ever seen in my life. White hair, big blue eyes, and the biggest smile I'd ever seen. 

When Piglet made it to Eli's table, Eli wasn't too sure what to make of him. Eli's cousin ran right up to Piglet and shoved the autograph books into Piglet's hand. Piglet signed and handed it back with a hug. Eli toddled over to Piglet, autograph book clutched tightly against his chest. I remember the book looking so big compared to him. Piglet stuck out his "hand" and motioned for Eli to pet him; Piglet is super soft, and this often will comfort a guest who is unsure of him. Eli put his hand on Piglet's, and grinned. "Piggie soft!" he giggled. Piglet nodded enthusiastically, glad to be winning the little guy over. Eli just continued to laugh and laugh. He handed me his autograph book, and Piglet signed it. He was going to give it back to Eli, but paused because Eli's chubby, three year old hands were stroking Piglet's puffy cheeks. Precious, absolutely precious. Eli hugged Piglet tightly, and Piglet had to go see other guests (darn it because he did NOT want to leave little Eli!)

At the end of the night when the restaurant closes, we do a thing called Celebration. Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, and of course, Piglet march in a big circle with all the kids who are left, while the Winnie the Pooh song plays. Well I have no idea why, but ALWAYS the kids  tend to flock to Pooh and/or Tigger. Eeyore and Piglet end up awkwardly marching alone. This time was no different. The announcer told the kids to go to Pooh and his pals for a little parade! And Tigger ended up with a bunch of kids, and they were all holding hands and bouncing together. It was such cute thing to see. Piglet doesn't bounce, so he couldn't really  join in. So he just kinda stood there. 

But then he felt a little pat on his leg. He looked down to see Eli grinning up at him. "Hi, Piggie!" My heart flooded with love, as I knelt down and gave him a hug. Piglet grabbed his tiny hand, and motioned to him that they were going to march around the room together. The song started and Piglet led him around the room. Eli hadn't quite figured out marching; he tried, bless his heart, but he couldn't get his knees and feet to mimic Piglet's. But Piglet didn't mind... not one bit. Piglet took Eli around the room, making sure his parents had a good view. His mom was actually crying, as Eli went by and waved. 

The parade ended, and it was time to leave. Piglet gave Eli a good-bye hug just as Piglet's attendant came up to him and grabbed his hand to lead him away. Piglet was walking to the exit, but heard Eli calling "Wait, Piggie, wait! Gotta give you one last kiss, Piggie!"

Of course, despite the attendants protest, Piglet turned around and half-jogged back to Eli. He knelt down and enveloped the small boy in his arms. Eli planted a kiss on Piglet's nose. Then he pointed at Piglet and said "I love you thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis much!" And stretched out his arms, making his chest puff out. Piglet pointed at himself, made a heart in the air, pointed at Eli, and stretched out his arms: I love you thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis much. Eli understood.  He smiled and waved to Piglet. 

Once Piglet was back inside, the attendant said to him, "Man, Piglet, Tigger got all the kids! You only had one!"

Piglet answered, "That's all I needed." 

Life Lessons From Pooka the Cat

I strongly dislike cats.

There, I said it. Here's a joke: You know what's better than the best cat in the world? The worst dog in the world. That's my stance on cats. 

But here in the lovely state of Florida, I have been severely animal deprived. Earlier this week, I was walking home from the gym, when I heard a soft meow coming from the road. Normally I cringe and run away when I hear that foul sound. But I saw the cute, little kitty in the road, and my iciness melted away. I just wanted to pet an animal, be it a dog, squirrel, or even a dang cat! 

So I called to it. "Here kitty kitty kittyyyyyyyyyyyy". I crouched down and held out my hand. The pretty Calio kitten stalked slowly over towards me. She arched her back as my hand ran down her soft fur. She purred and rubbed against my leg. I had a revelation: gosh, cats aren't so bad! I actually understand why people like cats! By joe, I want a cat! 

It occurred to me that this little kitten (I decided to call her Pooka, and if you understand that reference I love you forever and ever), might be in need of some water. So I looked at her and asked, "Pooka, do you want some water?" She meowed. Again, my mind was amazed; what intelligent creatures! How dare I be so prejudice against these fine felines? So I slowly stood up and said, "Well, if you want water you gotta come to my apartment with me." Sure enough, Pooka remained by my side as we walked back to my place.

I ran to get her a bowl of water, convinced I was the cat whisperer. Pooka waited right outside for me. She began to drink the water, and I stroked her, deeply touched by the affection of this sweet cat. She drank, and drank, and drank, and drank... until the water was gone. I was ready to snuggle down with my new friend on the front porch, when all of a sudden, she started walking away. 

"Pooka?" I called.

Pooka didn't look back.

And just like Rose calling for the boat to come back after the Titanic sunk, "Pooka? Come back! Come back, Pooka!"

Nothing. That stupid, self-centered, conniving.... that sorry-excuse of an animal USED ME! SHE PLAYED ME LIKE A FIDDLE, FOLKS! But... Pooka taught me a valuable lesson. Cats are a lot like people-- the mean kind of people. We have all experienced somebody who used us. They are your best friend until they get what they want and then BAM you're alone again. Pooka is probably going around Florida, meowing and purring her way to fresh water and cat food from the next sucker who crosses her path. 

That's what Satan does too. Cats, the Devil... very similar beings ;) He tempts us with the pleasures of sin. Even the Bible says sin is pleasurable for a season. He rubs against us with our own personal temptations. Then drops us as soon as we give in. 

So... learn from Pooka... guard yourselves. There's a rogue Calico cat, stalking her prey. Don't let her next victim be you!

Her First Word

This is a short post today... but oh is it sweet.

I was friends with Marie today. What a little bundle of charm and sass she is! Marie got to meet two little kids today-- a brother and sister, both around seven years old. 

The brother was so cuddly! He just wanted to hug and pet Marie for as long as he could. But his sister was a little different. She just stood, stuck like glue to the ground, but she wore the biggest grin I've ever seen a kid wear. She kept giggling, that beautiful smile never faltering. 

Marie has dealt with kids who are hesitant to touch her before... so she extended her paw, letting the girl know it was OK to touch her. Marie even purred as the brother stroked her tummy; I mean, she is a kitten after all. 

The seconds ticked by, and Marie could tell something wasn't quite right. Nothing bad happened... something was just off. 

The interaction ended with a big hug from Brother and an even bigger smile from Sister. Marie and her attendant left to go back inside for a break.

The attendant pulled me aside once we got to the off set location. Urgency filled her eyes, and I was a little worried I had done something wrong. Little did I know...

The attendant said, "You know those siblings out there? The brother and sister?"

"Yes."

"Their dad just pulled me aside, and told me the little girl was autistic. She has never said a word before... until today. Her first word was Marie." 

Unseen

I couldn't decide whether I needed to blog then workout or workout then blog. I have a lot of things to say, but I need to clear my head. I think blogging first is the best option... I don't ever want to forget these thoughts swirling around in my head.

Here at Disney, there is almost a high schoolish "clique" thing between "fur" characters and "face" characters. It sometimes gets a little silly. I think we are all on an even playing field, neither above nor below the other. But let me just say that fur characters can do something during an interaction with guests that face characters can't do: 

we can cry. 

Many, many priceless moments come along while you are bringing a character to life. Some are more poignant than others. Today I had three absolutely precious "magical moments" (that's Disney terminology for you) that I will never forget. And they aren't all that uncommon either; it's just that I was the one behind the mask. 

I got to be friends with both Minnie Mouse and Marie, the white kitten from the Aristocats, today. I was so pumped to be able to bring both of these wonderful gals to life. I was outside in the 88 degree weather (not complaining mind you!), and in the costume it rises a couple of degrees. Each set is 30 minutes, which isn't all that long but you are so exhausted after a set is completed. At the end of a set with Minnie, my attendant came up to me and asked if she could borrow me for five to ten minutes. Inside, I groaned. All I wanted was some A/C and water. But the attendant told me that a group of special needs kids really wanted to see Minnie, and this was their last chance to do so. Of course, I nodded my agreement. But I must be honest, I wasn't all that excited. I was a little nervous, as I have never been around special needs children before. I didn't know what to do. But Minnie did. So I just went with it. 

Ten darling kids and their parents and teachers got to come to a special meet and greet with Minnie. Each one of them cried Minnie's name and hugged her so tightly. The parents and teachers even jumped in, getting a picture with Minnie as they professed their thanks over and over for the "magical moment'' their kids were receiving. 

I was crying. Tears, everywhere. But Minnie, gracious as she always is, inclined her head, telling them it was her absolute pleasure. And it was, oh it was. 

Then it was Marie's turn. The second incident was with a little girl, no more than six... I noticed this little girl had many scars on her body. Scars from surgery, most likely. Then I saw the little pink button on her shirt. This little pink button was given to her by Disney, so we could see that she was apart of the Make A Wish Foundation... This little pink button also signifies that the child wearing it is terminally ill. But like I said, this isn't all that uncommon. 

Anyways, I knelt down so I could look into the little girls eyes. She was a little shy, so Marie extended her paw as an invitation for the girl to pet Marie. The girl took the bait and began stroking Marie's paw and arm. Her face slowly lit up and she flung herself into Marie's soft, furry chest. Marie wrapped her arms around the little girl, and the little girl smiled up at her. The little girl whispered so nobody else would hear "I love you, Marie". Again, tears. Lots of tears. But Marie just kissed the little girl smack on the head. 

Third moment. Marie. Another Make A Wish little girl. She was probably around eight, and she had cancer. A colorful hat was on her head. And oh, I will never forget how weak she looked. She looked so tired,as she slumped in a wheel chair. I've never seen an eight year old with such dead eyes before. It broke my heart to look into her grey eyes, surrounded by dark circles... all I could see was how much pain she was in. Marie knelt down and put her paw on the little girls hand. The little girl looked into Marie's blue eyes and smiled. Two front teeth were missing. So dang cute! The little girl took Marie's paw and brought it to her cheek. She closed her eyes and just smiled. Her skin seemed to go from ashy to a pale pink, almost rosy. She opened her eyes, but didn't say a word. She just sat smiling at Marie. Inside, with my hand in Marie's paw, I began to pray. I had my hands laid on this precious child, so I spoke peace, comfort, and above all healing for that little girl. 

I knew that the time was ticking, I still had several other guests to greet. But that little girl would not let go of Marie's paw. She looked at her dad and quietly said, "I want to stay with Marie". My heart nearly exploded. 

It's moments like these, that I am so grateful to be "behind the scenes", completely unseen, but able to see everything.