Seattle, WA

Years ago I managed to convince my then-CIO to let me attend Disney Management Training at Disney World in Orlando, Florida. “After all,” I smiled slyly, “I work with a bunch of characters.” My boss was amused and I worked hard so he let me go. It was a fun class and we got a free pass to the park each night for the entire week. I learned a lot about the Disney operation, their hiring practices, how the parks are run and a few cool team games that I used for years afterward. Disney is a huge operation. They have their own dry cleaner, they recycle, they have a huge cafeteria and it’s all underground and hidden from visitors. Disney is an impressively run operation.

Did you know that you’ll never see two of any Disney character on the grounds at the same time? They do that purposely to avoid disillusioning a patron. Did you know that no character is above ground for more than 15 minutes at a time? This is because the costumes are hot and for the health and well being of employees the time they spend in the heat in costume is limited. Did you know that every manager at Disney is required to work as a regular “cast member” for a few weeks out of each year?

One of the employees told me that it was a pleasure to work at Disney because people were always happy to be there. One of the favourite things I heard while attending the class was this little gem about customer service:

“At Disney we don’t believe that the customer is always right but we do believe in allowing them to be wrong, with dignity.”

I’ve always remembered that. I think there is often a fine line between supporting your staff and the age old “the customer is always right” edict. As a Customer Service Manager, I didn’t allow customers to abuse my staff but I also didn’t allow my staff to talk down to my customers.

Disney artists were know as Imagineers. I think that title is made of win. If I had any real drawing talent that would have been a great job. It’s magical and Disney is all about magic.

Sadly, I just missed out on possibly the coolest job of the year! Disney is hiring it’s first ever Chief Magical Officer (CMO)! I found out about it today when registration is already closed. Still, it’s fun to watch the videos of applicants. Even thought they are no longer taking applications you can still take the Aptitude Test, just for fun!

Just in case you’re curious, I passed!

If you’re a crazy Disney fan, you might want to join the Disney Movie Club!

Join Disney Movie Club and Get 3 Movies for $1.99 each, and Free Shipping! Browse the Catalog Now!

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What: Northwest Asian American Film Festival
When: January 24 - January 27, 2008
Where: Various, see website for schedule
$$$:$10.00 Evening shows, $7.00 Afternoon shows, Student prices $7.00-$5.00
Seattle is renowned for both the sophistication of its film audiences and the vibrancy of its Asian American community. Since 2002, when it first appeared as Northwest Asian American Theatre’s “A-Fest: Through the Lens,” Northwest Asian American Film Festival has showcased the works Asian American film and video artists for an ever-growing audience. NWAAFF now occupies a place of distinction both among the many notable film festivals, that make Seattle their home and among the greater family of Asian American film festivals.

What: Seattle Boat Show
When: January 24 - February 02, 2008
Where: Qwest Field Event Center and South Lake Union
$$$: Adult Ticket (one-day) = $10.00 each Youth Ticket, ages 11-17 (one-day) = $5.00 each 3-Day FlexPass (good for any three days of the show) = $18.00 each Children 10 and Under are Free! Note: A 3-Day Flex Pass only provides ONE DAY FREE PARKING.
The 2008 Seattle Boat Show, Indoors + Afloat, launches Thursday, January 24 - Saturday, February 2. The 10-day event features more than 1,000 recreational watercraft, seminars and the latest innovations in accessories at Qwest Field Event Center, plus 200 world-class boats in their natural habitat on South Lake Union. The West Coast’s Largest Boat Show offers a convenient free shuttle service running continuously between the two venues. The Seattle Boat Show is presented by GMC. INAMAR Insurance is an official sponsor of the show.

What: Winter Festival at Benaroya Hall
When: January 24 - January 27, Pre-concert recitals at 6:30 pm, Main concert at 7:30 pm, Sun. pre-concert recital at 2:00 pm w/ the Main concert at 3:00 PM
Where: Illsley Ball Nordstrom Recital Hall at Benaroya Hall
$$$: $42.00 general admission, $10.00 for patrons 25 and under

What: Seattle Mariners 2008 FanFest
When: January 26 - January 27, 2008, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: Safeco Field
$$$: $10/Adults, $5/Juniors, Children under 5 free
Seattle Mariners Fans can get up close and personal with the Seattle Mariners at the Sixth Annual Mariners FanFest. Meet Mariner players and coaches, test your skills at hitting and pitching, and get tips from Mariners coaches. There are no reserved seats for this event. Features: Autographs from some of the players, throw from the official mound, tour clubhouse, try out the batting cages or speed pitch, meet the Mariner Moose, and don’t forget to bring the kids by the Kids Zone for activities just for them. Presented at: Safeco Field 1250 First Avenue South,

What: Lunar Spring Festival
When: Saturday, January 26 2008 @ 02:00 PM PST - 06:00PM
Where: South Puget Sound Community College, 2011 Mottman Road, Olympia, WA
$$$: $25 General, $20 Middle Tier, and $10 Students
With a performance of the Chinese Lion Dance and a concert by the Seattle Chinese Orchestra, the Chinese Festival promises stunning visual and musical experiences. The Chinese Lion Dance dates back to the third century B.C. Its movements, performed by either a single dancer or a pair of dancers, mimic a lion and are traditionally accompanied by gongs, drums and firecrackers. The Seattle Chinese Orchestra—the only traditional Chinese orchestra in the Pacific Northwest—advocates and promotes traditional Chinese music in the Western world.

What: Children’s Film Festival
When: January 25 - February 03, 2008
Where: Various. See Website
$$$:See Website
Now in its third year, Children’s Film Festival Seattle is pulling out all the stops with its biggest, boldest, and best celebration of international children’s cinema yet. This year’s festival features a whopping 88 films from 21 countries. In our cozy cinemas, parents and kids will find history lessons, whirlwind trips to faraway lands, sneak peeks at world premieres, and opportunities to chat with filmmakers and producers. Kids will also have the chance to delve deeper into movie making through exciting workshops. (Films made during the workshops will premiere on the festival’s closing night.) Join us for a fantastic journey through a wide world of moving images!

What: A Walk in the Park in the Dark
When: Saturday, 26 January, 7pm-9pm
Where: Jack Block Park, West Seattle, Terminal 5, 2130 Harbor Ave. S.W.
$$$: Adults $8; Children $6
A naturalist leads an exploration of a lesser-known park, followed by a campfire and s’mores. Call to register in advance. 206.684.7434

Our Portland, Oregon site has a new writer, stop over and say hello to Lulu!

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There are lots of things going on outside of Seattle this weekend. If you’re looking for something fun to do, here are some ideas:

What: Snowed In at Bradley Lake Park
When: Saturday, January 19 2008 @ 02:00 PM PST - 07:00PM
Where: Bradley Lake Park, 531 31st Ave SE, Puyallup
$$$: I believe this event is free
Enjoy a Snowman Building Contest, Children’s Snow Games and Crafts, “Snow Ground” play area, Vendors, Photo opportunities and Live Music. Call 253-841-5457 for more information or to register for the snowman building contest!

What: UW World Series Presents Ea Sola
When: Thursday-Saturday, January 17, 18, 19, 2008 - 8:00 PM
Where: Meany Hall, UW Campus
$$$: Single-ticket price: $40; $37 for subscribers; $20 for students
From French-Vietnamese choreographer Ea Sola comes a dramatic new dance work exploring the universal themes of war, identity, and memory. Come and experience the Seattle premiere of this powerful production, performed by dancers and musicians direct from the Vietnam National Opera Ballet-Hanoi.

What: Remembering the Dream
When: 1pm-4pm, Saturday, January 19
Where: Seattle Central Library
$$$: Free
The library celebrates the life and work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., with speakers, readings and reflections, musical performances, and video highlights of Dr. King’s most memorable speeches. The event is held in the Microsoft Auditorium.

What: Washington Sportsmens Show
When: January 23 - January 27, Wed.-Fri. 12pm-8pm, Sat. 10am-8pm, Sun. 10am-4pm
Where: Western Washington Fairgrounds, 110 9th Avenue Southwest, Puyallup
$$$: $9.00 for Adults $5.00 for Juniors (6-16) Free to children under 6
Memorable outdoor adventures for 2008 begin indoors at the Washington Sportsmen’s Show. From hunting’s giants to fishing wizards, the best in the national and Northwest outdoors scene will bring a bit of everything to anyone who loves the outdoors. The fairgrounds will be packed with boats, outfitters, seminars, recreational vehicles, field-trial dogs, expert anglers and the world’s keenest hunters.

What: Lake Chelan Fire & Ice Winterfest
When: January 18 - January 20, 2008
Where: Don Morse City Park, Chelan
$$$: It looks like there are small fees ($5) to participate in a few of the events.
Martin Luther King Jr Weekend, a host of activities in the Wintertime! Ice and Snow Sculpting, Ice Skating, Sleigh Rides, Kid’s Activities, Community Stage, Keg Toss, Polar Bear Splash, Torchlight Parade, Bon Fire, Fireworks, Chili Cook Off, Polar Bear Party, and MUCH more… In addition, The Lake Chelan Wine Growers invite you to visit their loations for wine specials, bon fires, spiced wine and entertainment.

What: Kids & Critters Naturefest
When: 9:30 am - 3:00 pm, January 19 - January 21, 2008
Where: Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Eatonville
$$$: 4 kids FREE with each paying adult. Adult rate, $9.50; seniors, $9.25. Parking is free.
Bring the kids to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park for a day of discovery and adventure. During Kids and Critters four children 17 and under can visit the Park FREE with one paying adult. Kids explore their wild sides as they participate in hands-on crafts, learn about the world of creepy critters, listen to sensational stories and compare their abilities with those of amazing animals while winding their way through the Park.

What: Bavarian Icefest
When: January 19 - January 21, 2008
Where: Front Street Downtown, Leavenworth
$$$: Varies
Winter play day includes sleigh rides, the Washington State Dog Sled Pulling Championship, snowshoe race, tug of war, ice cube hunt for kids, and games for all ages including the “Great Leavenworth Smooshing Contest.” The festival ends with a spectacular fireworks display 6 p.m. Sunday.

What: Windless Kite Festival
When: January 19 - January 20, 9 - 11 AM - Practice & Learning 11 - 12:30 PM Performances 1:30 - 3:00 PM - Competition 3 - 5:00 PM Practice & Learning
Where: Long Beach
$$$: Donation/Yes:no fee
Horizontal rain, winter windstorms don’t bother devoted kite flyers of the indoor persuasion. Participants at the Windless Kite Festival will compete and provide music accompanied kite flying that will astound all of you who are scowling unbelievably as you read this. Indoor Kite Performances: Choreographed flying to music; opportunities to learn & practice indoor flying, 2&3 person flying, trick flying challenges.

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What: 3rd Annual Piano Festival
When: January 11 - January 12
Where: Leavenworth, Washington
$$$: General $12.00, Seniors $10.00, Students $5.00, Children (age 12 and under) FREE!
Faculty Concert Resident Pianist of Icicle Creek Music Center, Oksana Ezhokina, will perform with guest artists Xak Bjerken, Christina Dahl and Jane Coop.

What: Creature Feature
When: 3-9pm, Friday, Jan 11th
Where: Imagine Children’s Museum
$$$: Free with paid admission
The museum stays open late for January’s Friday Night Live event, which features Baby Kangaroo, The Bug Man, The Bat Lady, The Reptile Woman, and presenters from Sarvey Wildlife Center.

What: Meet the Author: Eoin Colfer
When: Sunday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m. & Monday, Jan. 14th at 7pm
Where: All for Kids Books & Music, 2900 N.E. Blakeley Street
$$$:
All for Kids is delighted to announce the return of Eoin Colfer, author of the extraordinary Artemis Fowl series, on Sunday, Jan. 13, at 3 p.m. Colfer has a new novel, Airman, due for release on Jan. 2. We love this book and highly recommend it. And if you’ve never attended a book signing with Eoin, you must be at All for Kids for this event. Trust us. Colfer is a very funny fellow. I wish I was going to be in town for this one! I love the Artemis Fowl books.

What: AKC Winter Cluster All Breed Dog Show
When: January 11, 2008 - January 13
Where: Puyallup Fair and Events Center, ShowPlex, Pavilion, Centennial Building
$$$: Free
AKC Winter Cluster All Breed Dog Show and dog agility training and competition

What: Kitties Sweeter Than Wine - Cat Show
When: Saturday January 12, 10am to 6pm, Sunday, January 13, 9am to 5pm
Where: Seattle Center Pavilion
$$$: Adults $6, Children & Seniors $4, $12 Family Ticket. COUPON
A 12-ring back-to-back Championship & Household Pet Show, this show will have 8 Allbreed rings and 4 Specialty rings. And we have a wonderful surprise for you: in addition to the great line-up of West Coast judges, we have two judges coming all the way from South Africa to judge the show.

What: Winter Trail Days
When: January 12, 2008, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Snoqualmie Pass
$$$: Free
Bring the family and discover a new way to enjoy the snow - on a pair of snowshoes! Mountaineers club exhibits and demos by snowshoe companies and snowshoeing for all ages at Mountaineers Snoqualmie Campus.

By the way, did you hear that a Renton woman will be appearing on the all new American Gladiators?

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The new year has finally arrived and if you’re anything like me, you’re completely exhausted. Family has come and gone. You’ve cooked and cleaned and cooked and cleaned and yet, your house is a disaster. You have yet to take down your Christmas tree and your kitchen should be declared a national emergency site. Your motivation is at an all time low and the laundry pile is staring at you menacingly. Post holiday depression is lurking on the fringes on your psyche. What to do?

If you have no children and you can stand the mess one more day, I suggest spending just one day hanging around in your pajamas sipping tea or cocoa or whatever beverage makes you happy. Have a nice luxurious soak in a bubble filled, sweetly scented bathtub. Rub your body down with scented lotions. In other words, give yourself a much deserved break and pamper yourself. You deserve it! Don’t let the doldrums lure you into a week of lounging around surrounded by clutter and empty pizza boxes. Therein lies danger, Will Robinson. Allow yourself to sleep in the next day but then get up and shower, brush your teeth and hair and get moving. Accomplish at least one task. Doing something will probably make you feel better.

If you feel you must begin your clean-up process, start slow. Have your cup of tea and in-between relaxing, begin your cleaning in spurts. I intersperse mine with small rewards. I have my “cuppa” then empty the dishwasher before making another. Refill the dishwasher before making myself some breakfast which I eat while pouring through my latest emails. Throw in a load of laundry and start the dishwasher.

If you have children, enlist those little “elves” in undecorating the tree. How about a “farewell to the holidays” lunch? Use those holiday cookie cutters one last time to make fun holiday shaped sandwiches. Keep your kids cleaning activities to half hour spurts. More than half an hour and the whining may begin. Whining is not helpful to your post holiday blues. Between their half hour clean-up sessions allow them to enjoy their holiday gifts, help them find places for their new items. Make it fun. Put on the holiday music one last time.

Making a check-off list can be helpful and give you a sense of accomplishment. Make a separate list for the kids and give them stickers to use to check-off their projects.

Finally, I’d like to say something about resolutions. I find, for me, that resolutions are just a set-up for failure. Looking back on failed resolutions is helpful only if you can do it objectively and ask yourself why you failed. Sinking into “I failed so I suck” thinking will only lead to a need for Prozac.

Instead of making resolutions, try setting goals. Make them realistic. You may need to lose a hundred pounds but instead of making a resolution to lost a hundred pounds try making a goal to eat healthier and exercise a couple of times a week. You don’t need to go out and spend $500 on a fancy gym membership to a place you’ll be too embarrassed to actually go into. Just get out and walk. You don’t need fancy equipment. You can do it alone, with the kids, with your partner or with a friend. Start out with a 15 minute walk twice a week and build up to 30 minutes then make it three times a week. Did you know that exercise eases depression? Exercise also decreases anxiety, reduces stress and helps you sleep better at night. For me it also fights off osteoporosis and aids my digestive system.

As far as eating healthier is concerned, my motto is “Eat less of the very best foods”. It’s as simple as that. If you cut out all the good things, you won’t satisfy your taste buds and you’ll find yourself snacking on junk trying to “fill the void”. If you can, get out to the farmer’s market and buy locally grown produce. Plant a small herb garden. Weigh your food. Use FitDay to keep track of your food and exercise. It’s free and it’s a wonderful tool.

And now it’s time for me to follow my own advise and crank up the dishwasher.

Happy New Year!

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