Its been a LOOONG time!

So its been a loooooooong time! Ive been so busy and have changed roles so I wasnt sure if it was even appropriate that I blog about my experiences on here anymore.
Since my last blog I was deployed again. This time it was for 2 weeks to Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom during the weeks of Christmas and New Years. Parts of that location were outside (the Market,  turkey leg stand, and pizza stand) and there was also Sleepy Hollow where we sold drinks and funnel cakes. I got deployed with a fellow Seasons cast member Porsha and we made the best of the situation. Porsha was bummed to be deployed when she was because her program was over January 3rd so it seemed like she would never work at Seasons again but our managers found a way to bring us back on New Years eve. It was nice because it was a chance for us to say goodbye to alot of people. Me, Porsha, Bryan, Jaime, and Christine were some crying fools at midnight lol.
I came back to work at Seasons for like 1 more week and then was switched over to the Polynesian Resort, more specifically Kona Cafe. At first I was very upset because my Seasons managers had told me id be at Ohana but Im actually happy that turned out to not be true...more on why later.
Along with a new job location came new roommates. This time I was in a 2 bedroom instead of a 3 bedroom so there were only 4 of us. It started out being Me, Jocelyne, Andrea, and Kelsey. Jocelyne then moved out (for reasons we're still not 100% sure of) and we got Amy. This set of roommates got along WAY better than my first set; we would actually hang out with each other and all talk to each other. We even got into this routine where we would watch our 'raunchy television' together in the mornings (Maury, Jerry Springer, Cheaters, and then Tyra) lol.  
Well since then that program has also ended and Andrea became seasonal in childrens activities at Yacht and Beach but has returned to Michigan, Amy is finishing her program as merchandise at Blizzard Beach, Kelsey went back to Illinois but has now moved back to Florida, and I am now seasonal at the Polynesian (working at both Kona and Ohana).
I moved to Clermont. Its FAR from everything but is extra cheap. I moved in with 2 coworkers; Alex and Valeria. and was lucky enough to have a friend with a car he couldnt take back to Jersey with him so he gave it to me (THANKS BILL!!). I have also put in a request to transfer as a part time server so that I can make tips. Those servers at Kona make the same amount as I do working 7 days in 2 or 3!
So thats my life in the past 7 months in a nutshell lol The college program was interesting. Im glad I did it but im also glad its over

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Deployed & Extended

So I did NOT in any way forget I had a blog, I've just been reallllly busy. I just found out last night that my program got extended, so now my departure date is May 13, 2011. I also switched roles, I'm now in Full Service Food and Beverage which means I'll pretty much be a hostess.


Full Service Food and Beverage
Full-Service Food and Beverage is a non-tipped role.
Responsibilities may include:

• Greeting and seating Guests in restaurants
• Managing a seating chart and resolving Guest situations
• Utilizing a computerized reservation/seating system
• Cash handling - both manual and using computerized registers
• Rolling silverware, folding napkins, and keeping area stocked
• Light cleaning, multi-tasking
• Standing for extended periods, working outdoors 

Since my last entry I've also gotten deployed to the Magic Kingdom. At first I was sooooo upset because unlike everyone else that is my least favorite park, but it's not as bad as I thought. I work in Tomorrowland at the Tomorrowland Terrace. It used to be called the Noodle Station but for some reason that part has now been dropped from its name. Its funny because since the place is only open during a few weeks of the year no one knows what they're doing. We're all helping each other learn, so no one's yelling at anyone (I LOVE that part). The part I hate is that we have to tuck our shirts in (so we all look like someone's grandma) and the guests complain about EVERYTHING. I've had people say theyre never coming back and that we ruined their vacation because there's no more seating....they're VERY dramatic.But all in all I'm glad I've been deployed because now I can say I've used the A-Vac, and now I have a better appreciation for Sunshine Seasons!

Costume pic!

I finally got a pic of me in my costume! It's sad cuz I only have it cuz Jose's program ended :-( but now ppl dont have to ask about what I wear to work. I personally feel like it looks like ketchup and mustard... lol

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I finally got sick :-(

So I finally got sick :-( And I called in today because my job is crazy and scheduled me for 2 11hours shifts 2 days in a row. They let me go home 8 minutes early yesterday which did absolutely nothing for me lol. I slept allll day today.
Luckily I have people down here looking out for me. One girl switched shifts with me so I would only have to work 6 hours. I still called in but that was real nice of her. Another guy cooked me breakfast and another guy cooked me dinner and gave me some nyquil :-)
My uncle just arrived in Orlando today. He's spending the weekend here and is staying at the All Star Sports Resort. Tomorrow we're heading over to Hollywood Studios at 8am! Anyone who knows me knows that I'm NOT a morning person, but they'll only be here for 2 days and I want them to see as much of the parks as possible. My friend is getting them in free tomorrow and I'm getting them in free on Sunday.

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Check out my vlog! http://www.youtube.com/user/yaya1027

I passed my assessment :-)

Yesterday I passed my assessment and earned my ears! Basically that means I'm done training. It took forever because our restaurant is so big and there are so many positions; bussing, stocking, shops, etc. We had to be trained at each one and then was given a week to practice. We had 2 rounds of training, so we had 2 weeks to practice what we were taught and about a week of training. There was alot to remember and I'm sooo happy I was given my assessment with Ashley because when I forgot something she was there to answer (and vice versa). It also helped that we were crazy busy so the coordinator and manager that gave us the assessment were both sidetracked lol.

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Check out my vlog! http://www.youtube.com/user/yaya1027

Soooo busy!

I have been soooo busy, it's ridiculous. I was looking back at old posts and started laughing. I love how I thought I'd have time to post a hidden Mickey picture every week and to research dining restrictions throughout Disney. That stuff is definitely NOT going to happen. I barely even have time to get to Walmart to buy stuff I need. (SN, the grill at Sunshine Seasons is all Gluten free, even the gravy).
So obviously I've been getting crazy hours at work, which is good. More hours at work means more money, i just wish I had time to spend it lol.
Peak season is officially over at Epcot. For the past 2 days the ride Soarin has had a wait time of 5-10 minutes. A couple weeks ago I waited more than 2 hours for it. We've also all been getting Early Releases (ERs) from work. I've only gotten one, it was last night and it was only 15 minutes early but still, thats crazy especially because a couple weeks ago we were rushing to close on time.
They finally trained me in something other than the dining room. In the dining room you clean tables, sweep floors, stock the condiment bar, and take out the trash. It is soooo boring, time drags on so slowly. Last week I got trained to work all of the stations; the grill, soup and salad, wok, sandwiches, and bakery. Time flies by when I'm placed there because it's not as boring and you're always busy even if it's just joking around with the cooks. I also think time goes by quicker because the trainers always introduce you to people. When you start in the dining room alot of other cast members will totally ignore you for the whole shift, but in the shops (bakery, grill etc...) they're more likely to talk to you. So because of this I've been hanging out with them outside of work a little bit. I saw them at House of Blues, went out on Tuesday and one guy was there, and then last night I went to dinner with a big group of them. A group of International CPs are leaving tomorrow. I think this batch is all going to Europe. We went to a restaurant that had karaoke and turned it into a little club. Everybody was up singing and dancing. We even had a few of the employees dancing lol.
Anyone who's doing the program with a medical note- youre medical note will arrive after you do. I dont remember if I talked about this before but it took about a week for mine to arrive. Disney had already received it but my work location hadnt. I was still battling with them last week (or earlier this week, it's all a blur to me) about the medical note and what exactly it meant. The good thing is that I talked to enough people (even those other people said didnt matter) so they brought me into the office twice about it and for the past two days they havent even given me the assignment that I have issues with. They even said they'd train me on the registers so that I'll be less likely to get it (I think they were just tired of hearing me complain lol).
On a darker note, one of my roommates already got termed. Another cast member heard her curse while onstage in her costume and told a manager. There apparently were no guests around but she got no warning, she left earlier this week. Moral of the story: Disney doesnt play. Think before you speak and follow the rules!
Tonight is one of the last welcome pool parties. I think there's only one more. I'm excited to see some of the ICPs for the last time and for the free pizza lol. I'm hoping to go see Fantasmic with Megan, Dana and some other people later if my feet dont go numb first :-(  Just one more day til I get a day off :-)

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Check out my vlog! http://www.youtube.com/user/yaya1027

Our tub drains!!

Everytime we take a shower we end up standing in our dirty water :-( I feel sick just thinking about it! But the guy came this morning to fix it, I'm soooo happy!

Yesterday was my first day working at my work location in my costume. It was soooooooo much easier than I expected. We get paid to talk to the guests!! I'm used to working at the dining halls at my school where we get in trouble if we stop and talk. I can already tell I'm gonna like it. We also get to do the chicken dance and hokey pokey every day with the kids which def is NOT a bad way to spend the day (especially when you're getting paid to do it!).
It has been sooo crazy out here. Training took up so much time and now working is too. I just calculated it and I'm scheduled for 46.5 hours next week from sunday to saturday! That will def make up for this joke of a paycheck i got today ($30).


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Check out my vlog! http://www.youtube.com/user/yaya1027

Dead Tired

I now see why the vast majority of CPs lose weight! EVERY time I come from work I'm so tired I feel like I've been drugged (I havent!). Disney drains all my energy for some reason. I've skipped sooo many meals because I'll come home from work and my sleepiness will outweigh the grumbling of my empty stomach and I'm too tired to care. I havent even started working in my work location yet! 

Today I had my park orientation. I dont know if I said before or not but I'm at Sunshine Seasons at Epcot which is located in the same building as Soarin. We briefly visited it today and it was VERY busy. Something tells me it wasnt even considered 'busy' because there were a few empty tables. 

This location serves healthier quick service food. While looking around I noticed all of the roasted chicken they were serving. It's a food court style restaurant that allows you to see back into the kitchens and from what I've heard there is absolutely nothing fried being served there. 

During our orientation we got to ride Spaceship Earth, walked around the park, took a boat ride on the lagoon to save us from walking the World Showcase, and saw some videos on the history of EPCOT. Once all of that was done my trainer came to get me and a few other people and took us to get our beautiful [sarcasm] costumes. They're honestly not the worst I've seen but def not something I'd choose to wear all day and night. 

We then got to do more of those boring computer assessments that put me to sleep during my food and beverage class. All of this lasted from 8am- 4:30pm. Once I got home I put my costume in the closet and fell out on my bed. I'm surprised I even remembered to change my clothes lol. 

Tomorrow I'm lucky enough to close and the night after I get to stay til 1am (Lucky me! [sarcasm]). Hopefully it wont be as bad as it sounds, I cant wait to get paid for all my 'hardwork' lol

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Check out my vlog! http://www.youtube.com/user/yaya1027

Hello Orlando!

So I'm all checked in, unpacking the last of my stuff, and just finished traditions and my food and beverage class. I can't believe I'm FINALLY here.

It already seems like I've been here forever and its only been 4 days. For those of you worried about the check in process and everything I can honestly say; dont worry! Everything is so straight forward and laid out for you.

For your arrival at Vista Way do make sure you get there early. I arrived in line at 7:30 and the line was already wrapped around, but I did get the apartment I wanted. When you get to the station to pick your rooming situation know that the person that assigns it to you does not have all options available at their computer. A girl in front of me was told Chatham was full already yet I live in Chatham and I was only given the option of Patterson and Chatham yet I know tons of people that were placed in Vista. I'm sure this is to accommodate as many people as possible.

I was placed on the first bus over to casting right after I was done checking in and happened to sit next to one of my roommates. I got really lucky, all of the girls in our 3 bedroom apartment get along great.

Casting took a long time! The biggest headache for me was fingerprinting. My right ring finger didnt want to cooperate for like 10 minutes but the people are all really patient so it really wasnt a big deal.

Then we got dropped off at Vista and were then allowed to get moved into our apartment. My mom picked me up and we drove straight to Chatham so I could pick my room. I had the option of the room right off the living room, a room with the closet in the bathroom, or a room with the bathroom door going into the hallway and into the bedroom. I chose the 2nd room because I dont want to be kept up by anyone in the living room and I dont feel comfortable with people's guests using our bathroom and having so much access to our room.

A few hours later we had the housing meeting where we were told about what is and isnt allowed and why. One piece of advice: DONT wear flip flops. It's freezing in there! But believe me, you'll appreciate that once you get to traditions...

I had the 12th free and I spent it getting to know my roommates, at the outlet mall down the street from the commons, and by going to the Vista Way pool party. The pool party was interesting lol. We got there early and it got crowded really fast. We met some cool people (like some gorgeous Norwegeian guys) but it got to be too much so we left early.

The next day I had to be on the bus bright and early for traditions because I had the 8am class. It was soooo hard to stay awake, I'm not gonna lie. It was warm in the room so it was the perfect environment for a nap! LOL Me and my roommate kept falling asleep and she said she even had someone come up and wake her up. It was informative though. We got to go into Magic Kingdom and explore Fantasyland (i think) for like 15 minutes. We didnt get on any rides but we did see some 'princesses' getting the royal treatment :-) I ended up winning 2 little Disney figurines. One was for sharing a Disney memory and the other was for being on a winning team. We left Traditions that day with out pass that allows us to get in the parks free and official name tag.

I came back to the apartment, took a nap, and then went to Hollywood Studios for 2 hours. It was pouring so I only found one person to come. I've never understood why people act like theyre gonna melt in the rain but me, my rainboots, and umbrella made it to DHS in one piece and went on Tower of Terror and Rockin Rollercoaster without waiting in lines. The park was pretty much empty, it was great!

I had the day off on Monday and I went to Animal Kingdom, DHS again, and then the Polynesian to watch the final night of the Summer Nightastic fireworks from the beach. I love the Polynesian and was excited to find out we get cast discounts on DoleWhip :-)

Today I had a food and beverage class at Disney University at 8am and once again was struggling to stay awake. We had a great facilitator who LOVES his job. He told us of little magic moments he created for some kids. One example was of a boy in a wheelchair. He overheard the mother telling him she'd try to get him to meet Mickey. He issued the a 'no strings attached' form that allowed them to bypass the line in Toontown to see him. He later found out that this boy was terminally ill and wouldnt make it to the end of the month. I almost cried, it was so sad/sweet. Later we had to log into the hub and take little quizzes on info that was given to us about food safety. It was all on the computer so I got done early and was allowed to get home and take a nap haha.

Looks like me and my roommates are going to the parks again, probably MK or Epcot. Wishes starts again tonight and I cant wait to sing the beginning song lol

Oh, for those of you coming soon, the Electrical Parade has been extended so it will still be here into September and so will Star Tours even though there were rumors that yesterday was the last day before renovations.

I've definitely come to learn that free time does not exist at Disney. This post has taken me like 3 days to write lol I guarantee you'll love it down here despite all the sleepless nights (you'll be so busy meeting people and having the time of your life)

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Check out my vlog! http://www.youtube.com/user/yaya1027

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

This is one of Disney's deluxe villas with rooms starting at $295 per night. This resort is equestrian themed and Victorian style that was inspired by the late 1800s New York retreat that was famous for its spas and horse racing. This resort is broken up into 6 sections: The Springs, The Paddocks, Congress Park, The Carousel, The Grandstand, and the Tree House Villas.

The Tree House Villas stand 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams and offer 60 3-bedroom vacation homes.

The 3 bedroom grand villas sleep up to 12 people.

High Rock Spring Pool is the 161,000 gallon pool that features a beautiful waterfall and unique waterslide. Overall there are 4 pools and 2 playgrounds.

QSFB Locations

The Artist's Palette

This location is featured on the Disney Dining Plan, is generally open from 7:30am-11 pm, and is located next to the Turf Club. Mickey waffles, salads, chicken nuggets, sandwiches, and hotdogs are served here.

Hidden Mickey

Hidden Mickeys are 'a subtle tribute to Mickey Mouse'. They are hidden all throughout the parks and resorts. A common place to find them are on walls and on the ground. They can be a cluster of three types of flowers, or simple three pebbles situated to resemble the ears of our favorite mouse. There is even a book available at Barnes and Noble that has documented hundreds of them. If I can remember and have a camera on hand I will try to post a hidden Mickey of the week

*No, that's not my tattoo :-)

Disney's Old Key West Resort

Designed to resemble the Florida Keys, this is a Deluxe Villa Disney resort with rooms starting at $295 a night. To make reservations you can call 407-827-7700.

There are 761 studios and villas that consist of studios, one bedrooms, two bedrooms, and in this three bedroom villas. A studio consists of 2 queen sized beds, one bedroom has a king size bed and a queen size sleeper sofa, two bedrooms have a king size bed, two queen size beds in the second bedroom, and a queen size sleeper sofa in the living room, a three bedroom has a everything a two bedroom has plus a third bedroom that includes 2 double beds.

Studios and one bedrooms can sleep 4 people, two bedrooms can sleep 8 people, and the two story 3-bedrooms can sleep 12 guests. Villas include kitchenettes, living rooms, and their own individual laundry facilities. This resort is the original Disney Vacation Club resort but is available to all guests when not occupied.

QSFB Restaurant

Good's To Go

This restaurant is featured on the Disney Dining Plan and is generally open from 7:30am- 10pm. It is located near the main pool and is counter service with outdoor seating under umbrella shaded picnic tables. It serves salads, chicken nuggets, sandwiches, chips, ice cream, and an assortment of beverages.

Turtle Shack Snack Bar

This is a poolside bar that is only open seasonally. It is included in the Disney Dining Plan and serves sandwiches, salads, a full service bar, pizza, and packaged snacks.

Disney's Port Orleans- Riverside

This resort is set up with a rural south feel. The resort is divided into 'parishes', quest rooms are either in the Mansion homes or farther upriver on the Bayou. To make a reservation you can call 407-934-6000.

2,048 Mansion and Bayou guest rooms are all the same size. Each room has 2 double beds and 963 of the rooms have trundle beds which are designed for children. An additional fee of $15 per night is included with the trundle.

All buildings have 2 or 3 floors but only the Mansions have elevators. Rooms are a little small but can fit 4 guests. Rooms include a refrigerator and coffee maker.

The bayou rooms surround Ol' Man Island. This is a 3 1/2 acre recreational area with a pool, playground, and fishing hole.

Doubloon Lagoon is the pool complex located between French Quarter and Port Orleans. It features a water slide in the shape of a giant sea serpent.

QSFB Locations

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court

This restaurant is featured on the Disney Dining Plan and is generally open from 6am-midnight. This is a Mardi Gras food court that serves bagels, pancakes, waffles, salads, sandwiches, and chicken nuggets. Refillable mugs are also available for $12, can only be used at the resort, and is good for the guests' entire stay.

Disney's Port Orleans- French Quarter

This is one of Disney's moderate resorts and rooms cost $149 a night and up. In the lobby there is a mural with musical notes, those are the notes to "When the Saints Go Marching In". To make reservations you can call 407-934-5000.



This resort includes 1,008 guest rooms. The guestrooms are all located in seven 3 story buildings (they have elevators). Each room has two double beds (king sized beds may be available). The rooms are a little smaller than the more expensive Disney resorts, but they can comfortable fit a family of four.



It is possible to get connecting guest rooms but it is not guaranteed. The least expensive rooms overlook gardens or parking areas and the most expensive rooms offer water views. All rooms have coffeemakers (with coffee) and refrigerators.



Doubloon Lagoon is the pool complex located between French Quarter and Port Orleans. It features a water slide in the shape of a giant sea serpent.

QSFB Locations

Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory Food Court

This restaurant is featuredo n the Disney Dining Plan and is generally open from 6am-midnight. This is a Mardi Gras food court that serves bagels, pancakes, waffles, salads, sandwiches, and chicken nuggets. Refillable mugs are also available for $12, can only be used at the resort, and is good for the guests' entire stay.

New vlog

I finally made another vlog. In it I talk about 5 Disney CP must haves, renters insurance, and Disney vacation DVD and maps

'A Few of My Favorite Things' Disney Quest

Disney Quest is located on the West Side of Downtown Disney. Disney Quest is made up of 5 floors, is open from 11:30 am-10 pm on weekdays and 11:30 am- 11:00 pm on weekends, and costs $35-41.

Attractions featured include Animation Academy, Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam, Cyberspace Mountain, Ride the Comix, Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride, Virtual Jungle Cruise, and Pirates of the Caribbean- Battle for Buccaneer Gold. There is also a Replay Zone that includes old favorites such as Pacman, Donkey Kong, Frogger, and Centipede.

'A Few of My Favorite Things' Cirque De Soleil-La Nouba

Cirque de Soleil- La Nouba is only shown at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. 'La Nouba' is french and means 'to party, to live it up'. The show features acrobats, whimsical characters, trapeze artists, cyclists, mimes, dancers, and live music. The stadium seats 1671 guests and the show contains no intermission. It is performed 5 days a week and is described as "indescribable". The average age of the performers in this show is 28.

Here's a behind-the-scenes view of the show:

'A Few of My Favorite Things' Bibbity Bobbidi Boutique

Bibbity Bobbity Boutique is a salon for little girls to become princesses. They can get their gowns that resemble each of the Disney princesses, a wand, shoes, crown, and picture.

There are different options for the young princesses and princes:

• Cool Dudes package - boys at least 3 years old can get a cool makeover of colorful hair gel and confetti. cost is $7.50 plus tax

Girls aged 3 years and older can choose from 3 different hair styles

• Fairytale Princess
• Disney Diva
• Pop Princess

3 packages are available along with the 3 hair styles listed above

• Coach package- includes hairstyling and shimmering makeup. Price starts at $49.95
• Crown package- includes hairstyling, shimmering makeup and nails. Price starts at $54.95
• Castle package- includes the Crown package and the Imaging Package (one 6" x 8" and four 4" x 6" photos in a princess-themed photo holder) and complete costume of your choice with accessories. price starts at $189.95

Downtown Disney

Downtown Disney opened in 1975 and is all about outdoor shopping, dining, and all around entertainment. Parking here is free along with admission and transportation to all Disney resorts.

This part of Disney World is split up into 3 parts:

• Pleasure Island
• Marketplace
• West Side

Pleasure Island used to be the place for adults to go clubbing, but in 2008 the clubs closed to make the park more family friendly with restaurants and shops.

QSFB Locations

Earl of Sandwich

This locations is featured on the Disney dining plan and is open from 8:30am- 11pm. It features indoor and outdoor seating and is home to the infamous sandwich that resembles a Thanksgiving dinner. Other food that is served includes, jerk chicken, salads, soup, smoothies, muffins, brownies, and a wide variety of sandwiches.

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain

This icecream shop is open from 10:30 am- 11:30 am and is not on the Disney dining plan. It features 2 sections, one's a retail store where guests can purchase chocolates and a soda shop where the ice cream is served. Sundaes, floats, drinking chocolate, hot chocolate, coffee, and a wide variety of ice cream flavors are served.

Wolfgang Puck Express

This restaurant is featured on the Disney dining plan and has covered outdoor seating and very limited outdoor seating. It serves, pizza, waffles, omelettes, sandwiches, salads, and pasta.

Wetzel's Pretzels

This pretzel shop is counter service. It places a new twist on the classic pretzel with creations such as 3 cheese pretzel, sinful cinnamon, and the Mexicali.

Renter's Insurance

So the buzz on the Fall 2010 CP facebook group is renter's insurance: do we need it or is it optional?

Well it's official, we need it.

The Disney College Program website says:

Liability

Cast Members living in our complexes are required to secure renter's insurance.

Apartment management assumes no liability in the event of fire, water/flood damage, theft or damage to apartment property and/or any belongings of Cast Members who live in our complexes.

The College Housing Department can point you in the right direction, or you can check with your parents' homeowner's insurance if applicable.

Someone called recruiting today and they actually said that if we don't have it at check-in we will be turned away. This is only applicable to those of us who haven't checked in yet, the lucky Fall Advantage people don't have to worry about it.

I'm personally NOT happy about this...at all. Maybe I'd feel different if we weren't in a recession and i had money just laying around for things like this but I obviously don't.

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Check out my vlog! http://www.youtube.com/user/yaya1027