Walt Disney World around 1979

When I was about 9 years old, my parents took my sister, brother and me to Walt Disney World for the very first time. I wish I could recall more from this trip. We spent only one day there. The other days on our vacation were at Cape Canaveral and Sea World. I just love looking at what everyone was wearing.

Video of 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon

Here is a short video of my journey at the 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon. Rebecca Stapleton is a dear friend of mine that trained with me (and kicked my butt as well). Her husband, Brad, made this short video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11uO3KgH4go

The Lion King essay contest for D23 members

D23 is the official community of Disney fans. On March 10, 2009 I became a member on the very first day of its existance. Not only can I say that I am "23", but I can say that I have been "23" from day one.

After the initial introduction of D23 to the world by Disney, they also announced several member only events and contests. One of those contests was an essay contest. The prize was a trip to Las Vegas to see the musical "The Lion King". In your essay, you had to describe what was meaningful to you about the movie The Lion King. I did submit an essay, but sadly did not win. However, I am still proud of what I had to say. Hope you enjoy it.

Parents have their ways of driving you crazy sometimes. Take this one instance; I am about to leave and my dad wants to know if I was taking my cell phone. Did I have sunscreen on? Did I eat anything? Take a cell phone, are you serious? Then, my mom blurts out, “you’ll be just fine. See you at the finish line.” Of course, this was easy for her to say.
In the movie the Lion King, Simba represents every child in this world that wants to live his own life. He finds that despite trying so hard to become his own lion, the voice of his dad, Mustafa, reminds him to be the best Lion King that he can be. In the end, Simba finally embodies the bravery and leadership that his dad had possessed in his life to overcome big challenges.
I believe that we all have a little bit of Simba in us. When growing up, we try so hard to keep our distance from our parents. We can deny their influences on our lives, but inevitably our parents mold us into the people we become. Even after they leave us, their presence is evident in the chooses that we make, the people that we love, and the life that we live.
That day I did finish. I spent six hours completing one of the biggest feats of my life, the Walt Disney World Marathon. The realization of this accomplishment was due largely because of the influence of my parents. They had always reminded me to believe in myself. Not only had I become a hard working adult, but a person always striving to do her best. I was my parent’s daughter.
By the way, the cell phone did come in handy. I should have known.

Welcome by Mo Jo

Life is too short to not enjoy yourself. And when you find something that makes you happy, you should incorporate that something into your life. Well, that something for me is Disney. I absolutely enjoy all aspects of Disney. From my childhood, Disney played an integral part of my entertainment. However, in my teenage years, I thought I was just too grown-up to enjoy Disney movies and the parks. Unfortunately for me, it took me several years between childhood and adulthood to figure out that it's ok to not only enjoy life, but to enjoy life "in Disney style".

In my new blog, I want to explore different ways to live life "in Disney style". From running races in the Disney theme parks to finding the perfect Disney fashion statement, it's time to have fun and be fancy free.