Disneyana: Collector, Enthusiast, or both? either way, a Disney-holic!

To quote Wikipedia: “Disneyana is a term for toys, books, animation celluloids, theme-park souvenirs, and other collectibles produced by The Walt Disney Company, featuring such characters as Mickey Mouse and Tinker Bell”.

I used to think myself alone in my level of interest for Walt Disney and everything that he created. While most of my friends enjoyed Disneyland, and some of the animated features, they didn’t share my interest in the man or the history. Then along came the internet. I very quickly realized I was not alone – I’d finally found MY PEOPLE!!

With that discovery, I also came across the Disneyana Fan Club. The club is for Disneyana collectors and Disney enthusiasts. I thought I was a collector, until I met some REAL collectors. I now think I just have a lot of stuff that makes me happy. I guess that makes me an enthusiast, because what I enjoy collecting the most, more than any single item, is experiences. That experience collection started in 1964, with my first visit to Disneyland. It was during that visit that we got to see Walt Disney in the park. While I don’t have the specific memory (I was only 2), I’ve heard the story enough to remember.

The park visits and experiences continued throughout my childhood. Here’s my brother and I in 1969.

In 1989, I got an opportunity to visit the Walt Disney Studios and the Archives. I knew a man who worked in animation for the Disney Afternoon (Rescue Rangers, Tailspin, etc). It was on this visit that I first met Dave Smith, chief archivist for the Walt Disney Company. He let me hold the watch that Warren Beatty wore in Dick Tracy. I also had lunch in the employee cafeteria, and sat 4 tables away from Roy E. Disney. COOL!!

Since then, I have sought out opportunities to meet Disney notables and experience Disney history. A few years ago I attended the Snow White 70th Anniversary event. This was such a fantastic gathering of people – Roy E. Disney, John Lasseter, animator Glenn Keane, producer Don Hahn, and Leonard Maltin, among others.

Leonard Maltin and John Lasseter

Roy E. Disney, Glen Keane, and (sorry, I forget)

John Lasseter and the Seven Dwarfs, introducing the film

The Disneyana Fan Club has been another source of opportunities to meet prominent Disney folks. Marty Sklar, Tony Baxter, Joe Rohde (and his earring), Margaret Kerry (Tinkerbell), Eddie Carroll (Jiminy Cricket), and one that I will always remember – Xavier (X) Atencio!

Fantastic "voices" panel - (from L to R)  Eddie Carroll (Jiminy Cricket), ? (Grandmother Willow and others), Bill Farmer (Goofy), ? (voice coordinator), Corey Burton (many many voices), Tony Anselmo (Doland Duck), Russi Taylor (Minnie), Wayne Allwine (Mickey) 

One of my favorite animators - Andreas Deja (Scar, Jafar, Gaston, and many others)

The infamous Joe Rohde - creative mind behind the Animal Kingdom park, Adventurer's Club, and now Aulani Resort in Hawaii.

My meeting with X Atencio

Last year Disney created its first official fan club – D23. ‘23’ is for the year that Walt, and his brother Roy, formed the Walt Disney Company. D23 has provided many opportunities for a Disney fan like me: film screenings, a preview of the Walt Disney Family Museum, and the first D23 Expo. It was at this Expo that I got to see some of the movie stars that, honestly, I’d never see otherwise – John Travolta, Nicholas Cage, Donny Osmond, Courtney Cox, and … wait for it … Johnny Depp!  



I'm in the floor seats of the arena, screaming like a little girl!!

All that rambling brings me to the bottom line - I’m an admitted Disney-holic, and I wouldn’t change a thing!

Whew! Three down, 13 to go - but why?

It's Sunday afternoon and I just completed my last exam for the summer class I was taking - Management Information Systems.  Of the 3 classes I've taken, since going back to school last summer, this was certainly the easiest. 

Somebody asked me why I went back to school at the young age of *nearly* 48.  Well, that's a good question.  I certainly don't need the degree in my current job.  I'm already a senior analyst in my department, and I have no desire to go into management (at least not here).  While I gain tidbits of knowledge that might help in my job, there's really no benefit there. 

So, why?  I have always enjoyed learning.  Whether it's a new hobby, a new technique in one of my existing hobbies, or maybe an interest in a place or thing, I'm always trying to add to my vast supply of useless information.   :)

I think it really came down to that enjoyment of learning, coupled with the opportunity to have someone else pay the bill!  One of the benefits in my line of work is education reimbursement.  You get a C or better, they will reimburse your tuition.  I was able to finish my AA degree using the same benefit.   So, why not??

The Dark Time, the sequel?

I was going to talk about the curiousity that is a Disneyana convention, but my thoughts are being overcome by The Dark Time II.   What's this you say?  Well . . .

Late last summer, a new contractor came in and took over the operations.  While this isn't frequent in my business, it does happen.  A new team comes in with new ideas and plans, and the first year is typically stressful for the incumbent employee.  We don't know their vision, we only know how things worked before them. 

Of the 3 contractor transitions I've been through, this is by far the worst.  Last fall brought extreme deadlines, products that no one really understood, no direction, and long hours.  We even coined a new term - ToT.  Trash on Time.  That month or so is now known as The Dark Time.   Over the past 2 months, we've had indications that we were giong to enter a similar period - unclear deliverables, poor direction, questionable approach, etc.  Yesterday it became pretty clear to me that the shadow is starting to fall over us and the dark is coming, again.

I remember when I liked my job . . . that memory is fading. 

Happy Birthday Tony!

22 years ago today, you came into this world. I didn't know much about babies. Didn't even know how to hold you the first time. But we quickly bonded, and that bond is stronger than ever.

When you were too small to understand or have a say, I chose to raise you by myself. That was one of the hardest decisions I've ever made. But we stuck together through good and bad, and I wouldn't change a thing.

I'm so proud of you. You're working hard to achieve your goals, and you have come so far in the last 2 years.

I know that you can do anything you set your mind to, and I hope you know that I will ALWAYS have your back.

Happy birthday my son, from your Mom and biggest fan.

Random encounters

Walking behind a group of 16 year old girls ... no, little girls, you shouldn't "get pregnant cuz you'd have the cutest baby ever!".

Sent from my iPhone

The Mighty Midway, and other San Diego treats

Sunday morning I visited the San Diego Wild Animal Park, which is actually north of San Diego near Escondido.  This has always been a favorite of mine.  Fortunately, the weather was still cool, as this can be one HOT place in the summer.  This park has some zoo-type animal exhibits, but the main focus is the large savannah.  An open-air tram tour is included in the price, along with many miles of walking trails.  They also have a large and diverse cactus garden - if you are into that type of thing, like I am.

Monday I headed out to visit the USS Midway.  The Midway is now permanently docked in San Diego as a tourist attraction.  You know the Midway from the movies, and the history books.  This carrier has served our country since 1945, and was the largest warship in the world for the first decade of her service.  While I never served aboard, the squadron I supported - VMFP-3, had a presence on this ship for 10 years.

The admission price is $18 for adults, not including parking.  A little high, but there is a lot to see and it's not every day that you can walk the decks of an aircraft carrier.   They offer a self-guided audio tour.  If you stopped at each marker, and listened to each audio file, it would take about 3 hours to tour the ship.  They also have a gift shop and small restaurant. 

Your can tour 3 different decks, but my favorite was the flight line.  As soon as I came up the stairs, I saw my fighter!  This is the Navy version, but an F-4 still the same.  I approaced the F-4, and stood there with my hand on it's nose . . . so many memories for me!

Following the visit to the Midway, I headed on to the San Diego Zoo.  This is a world class zoo, and another favorite stop when in San Diego.  While some of the exhibits really could use updating, their Panda and Koala exhibit spaces are fantastic.  The zoo is located in Balboa Park - a great visit on its own.  Full of museums, concert venues, shops, etc. You could spend an entire day here. 

You Can't Go Home Again

Yesterday I departed Anaheim for a couple of days in San Diego.  On my way, I stopped at what used to be Marine Corps Air Station El Toro.  This base was closed in the 90's as part of the whole base closure plan. 
I was stationed here from 1984 to 1987, when my enlistment ended.  This was a big base with many squadrons and very diverse aircraft.  I was assigned to H&MS-11, an aircraft maintenace group.  We supported several of the squadrons - from F18's to my personal favorite, the RF-4B.  The F-4 is an old plane, dating back to the 60's and Vietnam.  The thing screams when it's on approach, and there is no other sound like it in this world. 

I have many fond memories of my time in El Toro.  Sinple things like life in the barracks, working in the mobile support trailers, and the good friends along the way.  And other memories typical of men and women in their early 20's - downing a couple of beers just before a morning squadron run.  I never said we were that bright!

Anyone that's served in the military will understand that your base is your home.  You work there, you live there, your world is enclosed by those gates.  To see it go away is like losing a part of yourself. 

My base still sits there, falling apart and overgrown.  Some of the area has been repurposed, but the bulk of it is still there.  The flight line and tower, the barracks, the PX, even the guard house at the main entrance.  All ghosts of their former selves.

As I drove the outer perimeter yesterday, I spotted hundreds of RVs.  What?  RVs?  I found an open entrance, and a civilian standing by the gate.  Turns out my old flight line, which used to house F-4s, F-18s, and other miscellaneous aircraft, was now an RV storage lot. 

I asked if I could drive around the "lot" to have a look at the buildings.  The attendant said he wasn't supposed to let me do that, but given my history with this place, he would let me.  Above is the control tower, surrounded by RVs. The 4 squadron buildings still stand, along with other support facilities.

As I drove through this tangle of RVs and my own memories, I felt very sad.  A lot of good people did a lot of good things here, and now it's been left to rot.  I wonder if I would have felt better about it if they'd torn everything down?

What a day!

Saturday was my day in L.A.   First stop was the Disney Concert Hall and the LA Music Center.  The Symphonium group offers free architectural tours on Saturdays at 10:30.   I arrived early to wander the area and take in the beautiful exterior.  Below is a panorama of the entire concert hall.

The tour, depending on the day, actually takes you through all 4 venues of the LA Music Center.  The Disney Concert Hall with it gorgeous pipe organ (see below), Dorothy Chandler Pavillion (former home of the Oscars), the Ahmanson Theatre, and the Mark Taper Forum.  Luck held out and I was able to visit all 4 venues.  If you're in LA, and have a couple of hours, take the tour!

After the tour, I made my way over to Burbank for the D23 film screening - Swiss Family Robinson.  Last time I was on the Walt Disney Studios lot was 1989.  Still looks like I remember it.  Here I am at the corner of Mickey Ave and Dopey Drive, with the animation building in the background.  Billy, one of the D23 staffers working the event, was nice enough to take a picture of me at that infamous sign (and creative he is). 

I met up with some old and new friends after the screening, and we headed to a landmark in Burbank - Bob's Big Boy.  This particular Bob's was built in 1949.  I didn't know any of them were still open.  We got there at the right time, as there was a crowd outside when we left.  We then headed into Hollywood to pay a visit to Disney's Soda Fountain and Studio Store.  This ice cream shop is right next door to the El Capitan Theater, and across the street from the Kodak Theater.  You can even see Donald Duck's own star right out front! 

Tomorrow - a step back in time, and then on to San Diego.

Dumb luck, good planning, or Disney Magic?

Those that know me well, know that I exist in a rose-colored world.  I try to find the positive in everything, and am quick to forget negative things.  Because, honestly, why would I waste my time and energy on the negative?

I go into every trip with a positive attitude.  But I've found that nearly all of my trips to a Disney destination, whether Florida or California, seem to go better than okay.

Yesterday I flew from Portland Oregon to Long Beach California.  Flight departed and arrived as scheduled.  In fact, my new favorite airline is JetBlue!  This was my first time with JetBlue, and I'm impressed.  No charge for my suitcase, many choices of beverage and snack (and as many as I want!), and reasonable ticket prices.  Even the seats were comfortable.

Landed in Long Beach - not a big airport, but close to Orange County.  Had reserved an "econo-box" car with Alamo.  Being a small airport and small rental car lot, they didn't have an economy car available, he said it would be 15-30 minutes before one came in.  Well, I barely had time to sit down and he called my name.  I ended up with a Dodge Charger - not exactly an 'econo-box'.

Quickly made my way to Anaheim, left the car at the hotel, and walked to the DLR.  It was a nice cool day, and the crowds weren't too bad for July.  Stopped at the Annual Passholder office to exchange my 2 APs for the new Premier Passport.  They even gave me an extra 2 weeks on my expiration date. 

Had a 2:30 reservation at Blue Bayou, and checked in early to request a table near the water.  They said it would add about 30 minutes to the wait - no big deal, that is what I expect.  Sat down, starting to look at my phone, and a man emerged from the dark calling my name.  Table was ready in less than 5 minutes!  Had a wonderful lunch with a very attentive staff (side benefit of eating alone).

Spent the rest of the day wandering between the two parks checking out all the changes since my last trip in February.  Even met some nice "disney on-line community" folks in the lobby of the Grand Californian. 

The only downside to the day was the hotel - I went cheap, and that's what I got.   But, you know me . . . I'll have forgotten it by tomorrow!

Reunions

It occurred to me that tomorrow is the beginning of the Idaho Falls High School Class of 1980 Reunion.  Yep, that's right, my 30 year high school reunion is tomorrow.   And where will I be?  Anaheim, CAL.  

Honestly, I can count on one hand the folks that I would like to see again.  Is that sad?  I don't know.  I tried to make the best of it . . . but it wasn't a great time in my life.  As with any high school, IFHS was very clique-y.  I don't do well with cliques, so I guess I didn't really fit anywhere - other than with the rest of the "c-wingers", as we called ourselves. 

While I'm sure they will have a great time, I just don't care.  That was such a short chapter in my life, and it was so long ago ...

Ready to go!

Yep, it's time for my annual trek to Southern California for the NFFC (now DFC) Disneyana convention, and whatever else I decide to tack on to the trip.   This year I'll be in So.Cal. for 10 days.  Sometimes the calendar works in my favor.  :)

Got a lot on the schedule this year - headed to LA on Saturday to tour the Disney Concert Hall, then a film screening at the Walt Disney Studios.  Sunday I'll make my way to San Diego for a few days - Zoo, Wild Animal Park, USS Midway, etc.  Then back to Anaheim for the convention and as much park time as I can fit in.

I'll be posting my random thoughts throughout the week, along with pictures of the world as I see it.  
Stay tuned!

Getting Older / Physical Fitness

Yes, it happens to us all – age.  When you’re young, you can’t wait to ‘grow up’.  In your 20’s and 30’s, life is grand!  FORTY and FIFTY are so far away, and seem so OLD!  

I’ll be 50 in 2 years, and I can honestly say my 40’s have been the best time of my life!  There are some negatives to getting older, though, and maybe the most frustrating for me have been the physical changes. 

I was a fat teenager and a fatter young adult.  It wasn’t until I joined the military that I really got into shape.  I’ve always had a ‘sturdy’ bone structure and good muscle mass (just covered in fat for so many years).  I was able to keep in fairly good shape through most of my 20’s and 30’s – even after the birth of my son. 

In the last few years, however, it’s been more difficult to maintain a steady weight and muscle tone.  The last 9 months even worse, as my dog has aged and we no longer walk the mile every night that we used to.   I decided it was time to take control, so I joined a gym.  There is a new strip mall very close to house, mostly vacant so far, but there is a gym.  Nothing fancy – treadmills, elliptical, free weights, weight machines, etc. 

I stop on my way home almost every night now.  While I haven’t lost much weight, I have noticed some real changes in my physical condition.  Even better than that, I don’t think twice about stopping!  I look forward to the hour that I spend in there, and enjoy going on the weekends as well.

Bottom line for me?   I don’t like that it takes twice as much effort to maintain my weight and conditioning, but I’m really glad that I am making that effort.