Because I Feel Like Smiling

So I'm guessing this is starting to look like something of a trend.
Yesterday was less than glorious, so I'm posting something that makes me feel right with the world: Universal update!

Above and below you will note the progress that's been made thus far on the Rip Ride Rockit coaster. I mean wow. This is going to be a fierce little number. It's interesting to watch the progress at Project Rumble begins to redefine the skyline of Universal--especially since I have a nifty link to a webcam - the picture above was taken from said camera.
These aren't even the highest lifts. It's going to be fierce. I suppose you could find some fault with the physical planning of the coaster; it certainly doesn't fit the Disney qualifications for an immersive theming experience. No one's going to think they're in San Francisco or Amity when they can see a hulking metal structure in the background. But that's not what Universal's about. It's about capitalizing on the thrill experience, and if that means radically changing the scenery--so be it.
That's it for now. Just a ray of sunshine in a day full of law school applications. Phew.

Pretty soon I'll have a review of a book I'm reading for leisure: Disneywar. It's an eye-opening account of Eisner's ascension to the throne and devastating fall from grace. Really interesting.

And on a non-theme park note. Go see Notorious.

The Day from Hell

So yeah, today has pretty much proven to be one of those days--you know, one straight from the flaming bowels of the underworld. It's funny how God-forsaken episodes can catch a person unaware. One minute it's zip-a-dee-do-dah, the next it's ear-shattering polka music. The day started out nice enough: the first free Friday of the semester, sleeping in until one, taking a relaxing shower with my brand-new Lush soap. It was shaping up to be a great three-day weekend complete with shopping trips and movie marathons.

Oh how little I knew.



My basic experience in the last 3 hours can be summarized in two points.

1. I haven't lost any weight--NONE. Yeah, after slaving away on a low carb diet for the last two weeks with only minor slips (helloooooooo Atlanta), I haven't seen ANY results. It's just ridiculous. I had this grand master plan in mind based on our same experience about 4 years ago when I lost something like 20 pounds using the same method--obviously there have been some biological changes since then (I'm kind of starting to worry I have a thyroid problem a la Oprah--naw, that woman just likes her food). I've never been a huge pig-out person, and I don't think I'm fat...I just want to be healthier, to feel better about who I am and how I look. I know that kind of stuff has to "come from within," but that doesn't mean I don't want to drop a size or two.
I'm sure some of my literal weight-loss effort has been undermined/made less obvious by my workout plan which includes about 300 cruches a night and some walking, making more muscle rather than shaving off the pounds, it's still beyond discouraging. I'm ready for a difference--so are my parents who have been following the same plan. Looks like we try a different strategy on Monday.

2. And this is the big one--I received my rejection letter from the Davies-Jackson Scholarsip. Ick. I know I planned ahead for this to happen--especially since Dr. Richardson warned me that the odds were against me because the council only takes one person a year and a Mercer student was selected only two years ago, but the rejection still smarts like the dickens. Maybe I really didn't want to spend two years away from my family, and maybe a masters in literature isn't exactly at the top of my to-do list, but it feels like a lower blow--like I'm just not good enough. I want to go out in the world and make something of myself. I'm not saying that I haven't achieved a lot for a 22 year old...I know I'm blessed beyond anything I deserve. It's just frustrating since sometimes I feel like academics is the only field I excell in. I'm no saint; I'm not a social butterfly. I often feel really alone in the world.

Ugh. Even I'm starting to dislike myself just by reading this. I guess my real problems are direction and a bit of self-esteem. Seeing that part of my three-pronged plan shut down really threw me. I know I believe that God will show me the direction I need to take for next year, but it still comes as a shock to the system. It's honestly scary to be graduating in less than five months. No matter how adventurous I like to consider myself, it's so much more confortable to know what you will be doing with your life. I know I'll be doing something, but I want to be sure I'll be doing something that makes me happy...and there's never a guarantee for that sort of thing.

In terms of self-esteem, I consider myself to be a pretty confident person...today just came as a double whammy, both to my physical and mental state. Let me tell you, I don't care how cocky someone is, we all suffer from self-doubt about our worth and purpose. We all want others to appreciate us for who we are. Rejection is a heartbreak--but at least I had the guts to put myself out there. Those Cambridge people don't know what they're missing.

I have always been a bigger fan of Oxford anyway.

You know what's funny? My mom told me the Cambridge thing is all her fault--that she has prayed that God won't take me away for two years. I don't blame her. It's probably for the best. There are so many things I love about the United States and my family and friends--I can't see myself ever being away for that long.

After getting all my frustrations out of my system by writing this entry, it's strange to look over what has made me so upset today. In the long-run all these hurts will seem like papercuts compared to the gaping wounds they feel like now. It's easy to see how other people have much worse things to worry about, more problems than a comfortable middle-class young woman can understand, but pain is such an individual experience. We all suffer it, no matter how great or small. This too shall pass--and I just need to summon up a little more faith that God and my loved ones will help me through the stress.

So now? I'm certainly not going to sit on my butt and wallow in self-pity--I might even indulge in some carb-loaded chocolate to improve the situation. Woah! I've already been approved for a personal interview by the folks at Teach for America, skipping the phone interview stage. I'm going to hit the ground running, doing my best to fill out my law school applications, personal statement, and requests for references this long weekend. I'm not giving up. As my dad says, I'm just reevaluating the situation and taking a different approach. Life has a way of working itself out. It's sure to go on.

And I'll be in Orlando in less than a month. That's got to count for something.


Keep it rockin'.

A Little Universal Indulgence

Okay, so I'm giving in to one of my favorite guilty pleasures.

Well, maybe not so guilty since I am unashamedly a theme park fanatic.

I ran across this video today, and I couldn't help but squee with joy--just a little.

So I've known about the production of Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit for a while, but for anyone not familiar with the concept, here's some info from the ever-helpful Wikipedia:

The roller coaster's vertical lift hill will be 167 feet tall, making it the tallest in the Orlando area. Its design will allow four trains to be on the track at a time and will feature six near-miss encounters and a unique form of vertical loop.

Hollywood Rip, Ride, Rockit is an "X-Car Coaster," a proprietary design from Maurer Söhne, and will be the largest roller coaster of its kind in the world.The trains consist of two cars, with each car carrying six riders in three rows of two. A large locking lap bar holds riders safely in place. Maurer Söhne expects the attraction to carry approximately 1,850 riders per hour.

The ride vehicles will feature color-changing LEDs for a dynamic appearance, as well as sophisticated audio and video systems for each seat. Guests will be able to select a musical track from one of five genres (classic rock, rap, country, pop and disco) to hear during their experience, a feature similar to another Universal-owned roller coaster, Hollywood Dream: The Ride at sister park Universal Studios Japan. Taking this customization a step further, the ride experience will be filmed, allowing guests to obtain a digital copy of the film, complete with their chosen soundtrack, to add to their webpages or video-sharing sites, such as YouTube.

Universal officials have begun surveying guests to determine which songs should be made available on the attraction. Some of the songs considered thus far include "Gone Country" by Alan Jackson, "You've Got Another Thing Comin'" by Judas Priest, "All I Wanna Do" by Sheryl Crow, "Pump It" by The Black Eyed Peas and "Staying Alive" by The BeeGees. Other artists whose songs have been suggested include The Beach Boys, Three Six Mafia and Johnny Cash. While not confirming or denying that these particular songs or artists will appear in the final version of the attraction, it does provide insight into Universal's plans to provide a broad musical experience for its guests.

Now you know the drill, here's the deal with the video. This is Universal's official release of Söhne's design in action, and let me tell you--this is one bad ass coaster. Hang around for (or skip to) the end because it gives you the first-person experience. Just watching that first hill gives me a little thrill of excitement.


You had best believe I will be there at the first available opportunity when it opens Spring 2009.

It's shaping up to be a big year for Universal--leaving the Mouse in the dust. Just check out this article over at Jim HIll: http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jim_hill/archive/2009/01/05/monday-mouse-watch-coasting-through-2009.aspx

I'm ready to Rip Ride Rockit.