Merry Christmas 2009

  Here we are the final weeks of 2009.  As if I was not sentimental enough, I always get introspective as a year grows to a close.  I am still having so much fun at Disney.  I listen to the kids complaining.  All I can figure is they have never had a real job in their lives and don’t know what is like to really work.

I always thought since I did not have a college education that I would never be good at any kind of work or career.  I really thought for the longest time that the only thing I was good at was my two sons.  I am really not one to compliment myself, it makes me uncomfortable.  But honestly, working at Disney is something I am very good at!  and today I think I know why.  It is a simple talent I have.  I make people comfortable.  I talk to them, not at them.  I listen to them, I explain to them, and most of all I sympathize with them.

I am not afraid to be the fool for them, not afraid to get up in front of thousands of them and tell them that I am a toy in Andy’s Room and I am so very, very happy to see them.  Every day I hear other cast members telling me how they have been yelled at all day.  Maybe I am lucky to have missed crossing paths with those grumpy guests.  Maybe I am on borrowed time and my day is coming that some guest hits me, or spits on me, or pushes me, or yells at me and tells me that I am the worst cast member ever.  Maybe I have just been lucky.

But I am hoping that being kind will rule out.  I am hoping and praying that it will always keep me safe.

I did have so much fun today, despite the fact that I lost my voice from two hours at the grouper position.  Wanted so bad to keep that line moving.  Love making them laugh.  I asked a family how many in their party? the woman says 4, and then oh and him and points to her husband.  I just look at them in front of probably a hundred people and say, Wow sir what did you do to her?? she seems to not want to claim you!  which had everyone laughing. 

I have no problem talking to them like I have known them for years, and I think they know that.  My favorite moment today, was when a  guest asked me how was I doing?  I thought that was nice that she cared.  That she understood we really are doing our very best to keep them happy.  Thankfully the good guests still out number the bad.  I am very thankful for that!