Disneyland solo!

I had wanted to go to Disneyland during their 60th Anniversary Celebration, but I didn't see a way to make it happen. And then I lost my job. And I decided that when I got a new job, I was going to celebrate in Disneyland.

And that's what I did.

THE FIRST DAY

On Instagram: "Megan, you have accepted a fabulous new job! What are you going to do now?
#imgoingtodisneyland #missdizzyatdisney #disneyland #disneyland60 #kidatheart #sleepingbeautycastle"

The "Season of the Force" in Tomorrowland was a lot of fun. Very first thing, I took photos with Star Wars' Chewbacca and Kylo Ren. 

Chewbacca was stoked about my new job. He gave me a huge hug and a high five. I imagine his growling meant, "Way to go, gorgeous! Nothing can stop you now!"

Kylo Ren was terrifying. Right before I went in, I asked the attendant "What do I say to Kylo Ren?" He suggested I pledge myself to the First Order. Kylo got right in my face and said, "I sense fear in you." He wasn't wrong. He was really chatty, and my pledge was one of the most awkward moments of my life, but I love the photos. Too cool.

The gumbo and bread bowls in New Orleans Square is one of my favorite meals at disneyland. It was a no brainer that's what I was going to eat for my first meal.

One of the perks of going to Disneyland alone are the Single Rider lines. I waited maybe 20 minutes for Splash Mountain. I sat in the very back and did not get wet at all either ride.

The women at the front were soaked

Pirates of the Caribbean used to be my favorite attraction. I still love it for the nostalgia factor, but this time the ride broke down right as I got to the really annoying drunk guys singing the song off-key and sitting on cannons trying to shoot each other. Ten minutes of obnoxious singing later, I NEEDED to get out of there! Haha!

Fast passes for Hyperspace Mountain were long gone by the time I got to the park that first day. So I waited in line for over an hour. Space Mountain is one of my favorites, so I wasn't a fan of the changes during that first go. I liked it better the second time once I knew what to expect. The storyline where we're resistance fighter pilots dodging and chasing tie fighters is pretty cool, but I hope they don't keep it that way forever. I like the old school "barreling through space on a roller coaster" version better.

THE SECOND DAY

I started the second day bright and early at California Adventure. I was there an hour early so I could be first in line for a fast pass for Tower of Terror before running to Toy Story Midway Mania. Turned out to be smart. I waited in line for Toy Story only about 10 minutes -- that's practically unheard of!

I get my best scores when there's no one else shooting at my plates and such ;)

I was walking past the theater where the Aladdin live show used to play, and spotted a couple of people sitting in a line. I asked them what they were waiting for. "Nick and Judy from Zootopia. They'll be here in 10 minutes." So, I got in line. And then I spotted Captain America across the street, and while I was in line for him, Spider-man showed up for photos. I am the luckiest!!

Nick and Judy may be my new favorites. They were perfect! The lady before me left her bag, and Judy freaked out and started pointing at the bag and waving at the woman to make sure she didn't get too far without it. When I told Nick I got a new job, he went to shake my hand, but Judy grabbed me in the biggest bunny hug and would not let go. Nick hugged me, then shook my hand vigorously. They acted so proud and neither seemed to want to let go. I felt like the most important person in the world for a few minutes. It was so great!

Captain America didn't say much -- it was 85 degrees and I couldn't believe how calm and collected he was in his uniform. Spider-man told me that he liked my shirt because it looked like a blood splatter... I had no idea what to say to that -- haha! I'm still laughing about it! (Seriously, I'm giggling while I type this.)

I wore the polka-dot shirt and a Minnie Mouse bow in honor of Minnie's style, so I was pleased that she got excited about my outfit. She was honored! I was first in line to see her. I'd asked a cast member where she was, and he said she plays in the Newsies street show, but if I waited in a certain place I could be first in line, and I was! I love little moments like that. The cast members are great.

Again, I was walking around the boardwalk when I saw a line of people, and it turned out they were waiting for Jessie from Toy Story 2 and 3. She was darling! Someone made a comment about her being an "old lady" and I joked they meant me, and she shook her head vigorously and I laughed.

Minnie Ears ;)

I went on a few of the Boardwalk rides like Goofy's Sky School (super lame) and the Silly Symphony Swings (I flew!!) Kinda cool to go on some of the rides none of my friends ever want to go on, even if I can understand why they don't.

I ate most of two corn dogs from Corn Dog Castle for lunch. I love me a good corn dog. These were HUGE! Two is too many for one meal (I can't believe I just wrote that).

Immediately after, I went on California Screamin' twice. I'm proud of the fact I did not throw up those corn dogs. Iron stomach!

I scraped my foot while stepping into the ride the second time. It wasn't too bad, but I decided to go to First Aid for a band-aid to keep it protected. Oh, my goodness, they take wounds seriously at Disney! They offered me several sizes of band-aids (none with characters on them, sadly) and wrote down my name and hotel and home address. Maybe they were just really bored? Or trying to avoid a lawsuit? I'm glad it was such a tiny injury, but it was kinda neat to visit First Aid. Another new adventure ;)

I didn't get at all wet on the Grizzy River Run. My luck continued, though it was a hot day so I wouldn't have minded.

Remember how I was nuts over the Food and Wine Festival at EPCOT last year? Well, they did a mini version at California Adventure. I only tried a few things, but they were awesome. I hope they do it every year!

The maple-flavored whoopee pie with bacon was just okay, but the lemon macaroon with blueberry filling was AMAZING!
Apparently, I've learned to like macaroons.

I taught the family who rode on Radiator Springs Racers with me the trick to winning the race: Raising your arms in the air and smiling and screaming. We all had a blast. Those kids were cute!

About 3 o'clock, I headed over to Disneyland.

The cast member who took this photo told me a joke:

"Why should you never give Elsa balloons?"

I guessed the answer: "She lets them go."

He was impressed and tried to tell another, but he couldn't remember it properly. Oh, well!

The lady behind me in line for The Matterhorn was impressed that I could french braid my own hair (I did it while in line). I had a lot of good conversations hanging out in lines. There were a lot of families from Utah celebrating Spring Break. Felt like bringing a bit of home with me. I was never lonely!

Note: I try and try to like the Matterhorn, but I don't like it

I was disappointed that the Mark Twain Riverboat wasn't running -- I don't remember the last time I took the time to ride it. They had it open so that I could look around or sit and eat or whatever. I was taking selfies when suddenly this guy walked up:

Me and Doctor Facilier from The Princess and the Frog

He looked to be about twenty, so I thought at first he was just some kid in cosplay (to be fair, FanX was a week before). He gave me a look, and I realized I was in his spot. So I moved, obviously. Then I got in the quickly forming line.

Disneyland: where awkward encounters become treasured memories!

Managed to get in line for Splash Mountain just as the sun was going down. But again I didn't get wet, so it isn't a bit deal.

And then, just because I could and the mac and cheese at the Food and Wine Festival were calling to me, I hopped back over to DCA and ate that and some fried artichoke while in line for Toy Story Midway Mania again. And then I went on the Little Mermaid (probably my favorite ride of its type) and Soarin' Over California again.

I finished at about the time for the fireworks, so I watched those from the parking lot. I'd been going since about 8am, so I considered going home, and then I thought, "It's almost time for the Paint the Night Parade. I might as well hang out a little longer."

Honestly, I'm not normally a parade person. I'm usually going, going, going. But I'd caught snatches of it the night before and it looked cool.

It wasn't cool. It was WONDERFUL! Magical and mesmerizing and clever and gorgeous. I absolutely loved it. I am glad I sat around to save a good seat in the front around Castle Circle.

I cannot tell you how bummed I am that I missed getting 30,000 steps by less than 300. I've never had so many before! I was SO CLOSE!!

THE THIRD DAY

The next morning, because I'm crazy, I got up at 5am so I could be at Disneyland as close to 7am as possible for Magic Morning. I didn't get in until 7:30 but made a beeline for Hyperspace Mountain. The stand-by wait was already 40 minutes long. So, I got in the fast pass line which would open at 8am. I was sixth in line for a fast pass. Totally worth it to basically walk onto the ride.

I hadn't been on most of the Fantasyland rides yet, so I spent a solid couple of hours there. The lines in the morning were particularly short. I'm amazed at how much I accomplished! I did everything except for Casey Junior (which I rode the day before and love). I wished that the Finding Nemo Submarines had more content. It feels like a big nothing for the first five minutes. I continue to love Mr. Toad's Wild Ride and the Storybook Canal Boats and the Dumbo Elephants. I think it odd that Snow White doesn't show up in most of her story and it ends so abruptly (am I supposed to BE Snow White on the ride?). I thought it odd that all of the horses on Cinderella's Carousel are white, so I looked it up on wikipedia and learned that the one original white horse was so popular they just painted them all white. I adore It's a Small World. I could go on it fifty times and be just fine. I cannot get enough of all of the children in their native costumes, and the movie themes they threw in when the storybook characters appear. "A Whole New World!" And I'd like to point out that the photo of me and my only churro on the trip includes Sleeping Beauty's castle with the 60th Anniversary flags in the background. I'm ridiculously proud of that selfie.

Again, I was walking by Pixie Hollow and suddenly the Evil Queen from Snow White showed up, so I got in line. She was hilariously rude. The people in front of me tried to show her their pin collection and she was offended they didn't have any of her. They obviously hadn't looked hard enough. Another kid had a signature of Snow White and the Queen was miffed. So funny.

She told me, "Try to look as good as me." I don't, but that's okay. I'm the fairest in my own mirror ;)

When I walked away from the Queen, I saw Bert and Mary Poppins just across the road and their line wasn't bad, either. They didn't have a cast member to wrangle the crowd, but Bert did just fine handling us on his own. Mary was grateful when I fixed one of her spats. Such a dear, lovely pair :D

Mental note: When you go to Disneyland at a time when the crowds are crazy, they also have a billion characters walking around.

I tried with all my might to life the sword in the stone. And then I realized that kings don't get to retire. So, I'm okay as a regular Tomboy Princess.
(The man who took these photos thought I was a weirdo. I didn't care.)

While in line for The Haunted Mansion, the woman in front of me got pooped on by a bird (at least, that's what we think it was). It was weird. And a little funny. I was glad it hadn't happened to me. I was also glad I had some napkins in my bag and could help her clean up a little.

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. A classic. I love it.

Oh, yep, ran into Woody from Toy Story, too. I'd say "Such a doll" (and he was) but it's too punny!

I had intended for Star Tours to be my last ride before I headed back to my hotel for my ride to the airport, but it made me so ill and sad, I couldn't bear for it to be last. So, I headed to It's a Small World one last time. But not before I stopped at the Launch Pad for this little guy:

I told myself that if this BB-8 container was less than $20 I would buy it. It was quite a bit less. It's funny that he's painted to look dirty, but he's adorable so I'm over it. The diet coke I put in it was terrible, but that wasn't the point ;)

My friends are amazed that I went to Disneyland alone, but Disneyland is Disneyland no matter who you are or aren't with:

• I made a point of getting photos with characters I'd never had photos with before (with the notable exception of Minnie Mouse, who should be photographed as often as possible, especially when I wear an outfit in her honor).
• I got to ride all the rides I love most, and eat at my favorite locations.
• I wasted a lot of time just hanging out. I stopped at one point to watch part of a short, live retelling of Beauty and the Beast which was adorable. I could have used the time to wait in the long line for Hyperspace Mountain again, but I'd been on it twice so I didn't feel the need. There were certain things I wanted to do, but I also gave myself permission do to nothing in particular if I felt like it. I ran around like crazy, and felt chill and relaxed at the same time.
• Even though I was only there one full day, the park was open for long hours for Spring Break, so that first day I was there a good 6 hours and the last day for 8. That middle day was something like 16 hours. So, in a way, I was there for four days. Four days at Disneyland to celebrate a new job.
• The weather was perfect. About 85 degrees all three days; warmer than I'd expected. Thank goodness I took a pair of shorts. Sunburned the backs of my legs, and tanned the rest of me. The sun felt so good after the long winter. Thanks, Southern California!

Have I mentioned yet that it was a great trip? It really was. I don't know when I'll get to go back. There are a couple of other places I'd like to visit first, and I haven't built up much vacation time at the new job, yet, so it may be a year or two or more. And that's okay. I've stored up a lot of memories. They should keep me satisfied for now :)

It was a perfect and magical way to celebrate my new job. On to the next adventure!

Two of the three souvenir plates I purchased on the trip, and my BB-8 drink container.
Brought a little bit of Disneyland home with me.

March mayhem

March roared in like a lamb and out like a lion. Wait, is that the phrase? It doesn't matter. This was during the height of my post-NYC-feeling-sorry-for-myself-for-not-having-a-job funk. I took a break from life and interviews to attend all three days of FanX. And on the very last day of the month I was offered an amazing job with a surprisingly high salary. A Mercurial month indeed!

On the first day of the month, I joined Nichole as she fulfilled a wish: we saw the touring production of A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder. She was the one who first brought it to my attention, and seeing it with her was perfect symmetry. The musical was brilliant! Witty, and quick-paced, and very, very British. We laughed and laughed and marveled at the leading man's stamina (he rarely left the stage) and the other leading man's versatility and quick-changes. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for something silly and clever.

Mom and I drove to Provo to see the Provo City Temple during one of the final days of the open house. It is beautiful inside. I admired that they strove to keep as much of the original architecture and furnishing style as they could. I like the contrast between the dark wood and the bright and airy carpets and tapestries. It's a tiny building, but filled with everything necessary for a House of the Lord. I'm glad Mom wanted to go. I wouldn't have known what I was missing, and I'm glad I didn't miss it! Afterwards, we had uncommonly good pancakes at Penny Ann's. I love having one-on-one time with my mom. Our day trips were one of few good things about being out of work!

Liz and I intended to go to the Ogden Temple, but unluckily it was closed and neither of us had thought to check. So we drove a little further to the Brigham City Temple. It was smaller than I expected and really cute inside. One of the workers showed us around a few of the sealing rooms and explained that each of the temples pays homage to where it is located, so this one has a lot of peach blossom motifs (I didn't know before that Brigham City is known for its peaches. I'll have to check them out in the autumn). 

Aaron and Anna hosted a swimming and pizza party at Aaron's apartment complex. It was low-key and fun. He's a darling uncle and the kids love him. The adults do, too, come to think of it. It's hard not to love Aaron!

I saw Zootopia on opening night with a couple of friends. I liked it a lot! Pixar lately seems to have an agenda in these movies, but oddly it was one of the first couple of lines that really resonated with me. Judy as a tiny bunny tells her parents she wants to be a cop. Her parents know this is an unlikely career bath for a rabbit, so they tell her that sometimes you have dreams and you don't achieve them, and that's okay, too. Judy then goes on to achieve her dream of being a cop and solving a huge mystery and all that, but I appreciated the almost throwaway moment where her parents acknowledge that even though your life may not be what you dreamed it might be when you were young, it can still  be pretty darn awesome. Sometimes dreams change. Sometimes you change. I needed to hear that right then.

Later that night, I blew a tire, but that's another story.

I saw one of my oldest friends perform as a narrator in a delightful Stake production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat. Michelle hadn't done a play since we were in high school. She sparkled onstage -- she should do it more often!

I saw one of my oldest friends perform as a narrator in a delightful Stake production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Michelle hadn't done a play since we were in high school. She sparkled onstage -- she should do it more often. I sometimes complain that Joseph is performed too often, but it doesn't stop me from enjoying it every time I go. I love the music!

On Saint Patrick's Day, my mom invited me over for corned beef and cabbage, and her famous sugar cookies. I played with baby PJ in his new cardboard-box house. He's such a charming boy!

I saw the movie Brooklyn later that night. It felt appropriate to see a movie about an Irish girl who finds herself in New York, then goes home to see what might have been had she stayed. All those lovely accents and costumes. Highly recommended!

 Nichole and I supported Larissa in a darling production of Snoopy. It had similarities to You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, but not many. It was a lot of fun, though, and I liked a lot of the music. Talented people having a good time together. And Larissa was wonderful as always!

I auditioned for Big River at Hale, and to my surprise, I was called back, too! I wasn't cast, but I felt good about my work, and grateful they wanted to see me a second time. To celebrate, I ate a donut. The fluffy kind with chocolate frosting. YUMMY!!

Free pancake day at IHOP (I donated to charity, so it wasn't free, but I didn't mind giving money for a good cause AND good food). Then some time at the Salt Lake Temple. I tried to spend some time at a temple every week while I was unemployed. I didn't quite make it every week, but I got pretty close.

After my first job interview, I decided that I had to treat myself. McDonald's ice cream is only a couple hundred calories, so I thought it was a decent choice. I needed something after that interview. It was two hours long and it was harrowing!

Not my cutest outfit ever. If I ever interview for another new job, I'll have to buy something new.

After a few months' respite, we had snow near the end of the month. I got to wear the squashy purple coat and stylish boots I bought for New York City, so I didn't mind traipsing all over to do errands on a particularly snowy day.

Volunteered to judge a high school drama competition. It was hard work and I enjoyed it. The kids had worked hard. Some were better than others. But they were all supportive of each other and positive and the excitement was palpable. Trying to pick a first, second, and third place during the medals round was TOUGH! Everyone else by default tied for fourth place, but there were at least five kids who could have been in the top three. Made fifty dollars and had my faith in the future restored. Not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

This photo of my nieces makes me giggle. Zonks isn't paying attention, just walking away with her dessert, and Breezy is posing like a loon. They are such dear girls.

Lastly, on Easter Sunday I pulled this dress out of my closet. I bought it five years ago and it didn't quite fit back then. Now it fits perfectly. I had a lot of compliments on it. Adam said I look like Belle from Beauty and the Beast. And now I want to cosplay Belle. I feel pretty when I wear it. Not bad for a $6 find!

April is going to be big!