A Parade of Dreams

I've got it bad.  The vacation blues.  It hits me hard every time I board that return flight, return to my apartment, and realize I have to unpack and return to work.  I. Love. Vacation.  And I never want them to end.  Caleb says that traveling wouldn't be so special if life was one continuous vacation, but I have a hard time finding the flaws in non-stop laying by the pool, sipping icy cocktails, going to fancy dinners, and visiting places as amazing as Disney World.  Not to mention spending 24/7 with the people that you love the most.

Caleb thinks I'm crazy, but I asked him to find a job in Orlando so that I can end my career as a social worker and work at Walt Disney World.  He thinks I'm joking, but deep down it has been a secret desire for years.  It started when I was little and wanted to be a Disney Princess (preferably Belle) and continued through college when I learned about the work programs that Universities advertise in which they partner with Disney World.  I know that in real life it wouldn't be near as glamorous as being a princess, but I also wouldn't mind selling ice-cream in one of those cute little shops in the Magic Kingdom.  And I could definitely man the "It's a Small World" ride.  Just a pipe dream.  :)

I'm in love with this picture...

While at the Magic Kingdom, my mom and I braved the heat... and when I say braved I'm not sure that is an exaggeration... our butts were on fire from sitting on the blistering hot curb and sweat was dripping from every inch of our being... anyway... we braved the heat of the mid-afternoon sun to see the parade.  The one with all the princesses.  Snow White was there.  And Cinderella.  And Jafar and Aladin.  And Belle.  Yes, Belle.  When she rolled around the corner on her float accompanied by Beast I felt like a little kid again.  I could remember what it felt like being a child watching Beauty and the Beast, wondering what my real life prince charming would be like... sure that I would find him somewhere as glamorous as a castle (I did find my prince charming, but definitely not in a castle...).  At this point in the day I knew that my mom was ready to go and sitting on a curb hotter than the face of the sun to see Disney Princesses was probably the last thing on her to-do list, but she did it for me.  I love my Mama.

One of the floats read "A Hundred Thousand Dreams to See."  This phrase is magical.  Not only when applied to our trip to Disney World, but in relation to life.  I truly believe I have a hundred thousand dreams to see.  And I can't wait!

Sharing this trip with my mom was special and time that I wouldn't trade for anything.  Lets not neglect the fact that we also went to Hogwarts together!  :)  I can't wait to tell you all about that in my next post!