Happy Wednesday! This past week has been quite crazy. Adventure is indeed out there, and we have a lot to talk about! Lets get to it!
We’re in the middle of back to school week here in the Orlando area. So early, yes, but it is what it is. That being said, the past week I wanted to fit in some family time with the boys before school life took over. I asked what they wanted to do last Friday, and gasp, they chose Universal Orlando! Oh yes, my Disney kids wanted a Universal day, so that’s where we went. All kidding aside, Universal Studios is fun. The rides are a bit more intense than Disney, but the boys like that. I take motion sickness medicine and just go with the flow whenever possible, I try to be a good sport. The kids wanted to go on the new Fast and Furios ride so we made sure it was on the list. Well, truth be told, it got mixed reviews from our group. Simulator rides aren’t really my thing, I get woozy, I’d rather actually be moving on a track rather than it just feeling that way. The only simiulator ride I actually love is Soarin’ at Epcot. Yes, I’m a true Disney girl through and through. However… we did enjoy our day, the kids got to go on the Harry Potter rides which they love, and I was thankful that we actually took time out just for us, it was needed.
Saturday was a work trip. Those who are fans of AMC’s The Walking Dead know about the Walker Stalker Convention that travels to different cities. We had been asked to cover it before and really enjoyed it, so I was excited to go back and check things out. Walker Stalker is basically like a comic con type of event, with merchandise booths, panels, art, and celebrity meet and greets. It’s a lot of fun. Having a media badge helps too because we can get up close and personal with some of the guests. I got some video of Chandler Riggs who played Carl on The Walking Dead, and I was really impressed with how sweet and genuine he is with the people who come to meet him. We also talked to Ross Marquand who plays Aaron on TWD and was in Avengers Infinity War. He signed an Avengers Pop Vinyl for us and spent a bit of time talking about the show and what it was like to also work with Marvel. Ross is such a nice guy, talking to him, you’ll feel like you’ve known him for years. If you ever get the chance to see him at a convention, be sure to stop to say hello. He’s pretty darn awesome.
Sunday we ran over to Disney Springs to check out some Halloween merchandise that hit over at the Co Op. We took the boys to lunch at Wolfgang Puck Express. While we were sitting there waiting for our food, I could feel my nose start to burn and could feel my eyes welling up. Yes, at the restaurant! I was looking at my boys, and how much they’ve grown and found it so hard to believe that they’re both in high school now. I didn’t want the summer to be over, I wasn’t ready. Speaking of not ready, it’s so unbelievable how FAST kids grow up. When the boys were babies people would tell me to enjoy it, because their time being little would fly by. Oh how true that is. I wish I could stop time, or at least slow it down a bit, and enjoy them being “kids” just a bit longer. They will always be my babies regardless, and they have pretty much accepted that, they know I’m “that” doting mom. I make no apologies for that either. Whether I liked it or not, Monday morning came and it was time for the required first day of school pictures, then I just pray that they have a good day. Low and behold, they did have a good day, thank God. They’re just not liking getting up so darn early, and I’d have to agree, it’s exhausting. Yesterday we did however go over to the Magic Kingdom early (since we were up anyway) and get footage of the Halloween decorations that went up overnight. Just like school starts early here, so does Halloween! The first Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party is FRIDAY! I’m actually really excited that we were invited to go and cover at the media event, I love my job. Speaking of…
Added to my list of jobs that I do… I’m now a contributor on Disney news for a morning radio show here in Orlando! It’s for 96.5 WDBO! I have been on Joe Kelley’s (the morning show host) show a few times this summer, but today I actually went into the studio to see how things work, to meet others who work there, and get a quick tour. I’ll send them Disney news a few times a week (recorded) for their show. The boys are excited to hear me on the radio, it’s pretty surreal. I called my parents as soon as I got to the car to tell them the good news. This is an excellent opportunity to get TMSM out there even more, I’m so thankful. Oh, and one of their reporters interviewed us so that will be coming out soon too, so stay tuned. I’ll link the video from this morning below. So like I said before, adventure is certainly out there. Even when you’re scared to take a look. Often after people read my book, I get messages from readers saying they appreciate our story, find inspiration in it, and sometimes even say that I’m “brave.” Honestly, I never consider myself brave, I’m scared about things all the time. Everyone who knows me knows that I’m afraid of change and have a hard time stepping out of my comfort zone. I really do. I literally have to FORCE myself to move sometimes….. just hold my breath and face my fears anyway. One would think it will get easier the more you do it. I suppose it is. I’m a work in progress for sure. My point is, if I can keep trying new things and work on my fears and self doubt, ANYONE can! There’s nothing wrong with being unsure or afraid, we all feel that way at times. You have to try, regret is so much worse than failure. When and if you fall, there will be people to help you back up, and you just keep trying. Yes you can, I promise! Well, that’s my message of encouragement for now. To say I’m thankful for the love and support all of you give me and my family (and my staff) is an understatement. You’re all so wonderful and I’m beyond grateful. Until next week, sending you all lots of love, blessings and pixie dust! See ya real soon! ~M
Follow on Instagram at themainstreetmouse for coverage of the Halloween Party on Friday!
Michele also contributes theme park news for Fox 35 Orlando 11pm news and on the radio on WDBO.
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