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  1. It’s #DisneySMMoms Fault!

    April 7, 2011 by Leanne

    Yes – it’s totally the fault of the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.  What?   My lack of updating my blog.

    The event was March 17-20. I know, three weeks ago! A full year’s worth of planning goes into such a big event and getting over it (as far as recuperating) takes quite awhile.

    I love being part of such a big program. The best part is the relationship side – meeting so many new people and reconnecting with so many people I’ve been social with online. My only regret is not getting to spend time with everyone.

    I love meeting the moms and meeting their families.  I’m so struck by how they manage so many things at one time and still maintain huge smiles on their faces.  I tend to usually get the comment “You look stressed.”

    I love seeing the looks of joy and awe in the eyes of the children.  At the Disney Junior dance party the kids seem to be mesmerized by the characters and the action on the stage.  It was so much fun to watch.

    At the Talk with a Disney Chef & Sommelier, I was so impressed by the questions asked by the group. They were asking things I never would have thought of – so insightful!  This was a big hit.  Who doesn’t enjoy some serious Disney dining?

    The speakers were awesome!  Chris Brogan (above) delivered another humorous yet informative talk.  He’s just plain spectacular.  What I love most is how he engages with the audience.  He mingles with them during the entire conference. This means so much to people – uh – called relationship building!  He’s a master at it.

    We scattered little surprises throughout the Celebration, like a Duffy surprise after lunch.

    Ah, to be back at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort – lakeside, on a gorgeous spring night, listening to live music. That was nice!

    This weekend I’m planning on a super-duper mani/pedi to get relaxed.  I may even pay a few bucks extra for some extra foot massage time. Just sayin’…..


  2. Head Tilt 3 Years later

    March 24, 2011 by Leanne

    I love my dog!!


  3. Big Week Ahead

    March 13, 2011 by Leanne

    I don’t often talk about work here, at least anything ahead of an event.  But the biggie I’m working on right now is no secret to anyone – the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration.  We’ll be hosting just under 200 moms from all over the country and a few from the other side of the world,  at Walt Disney World Resort this week.  It will be the second year for the event and one I’m very excited about.

    I’ve been spending this morning working on last minute emails and documents for the conference.  My Mikita has been right by my side waiting patiently for me to get done and spend quality ball time with her.  I’ll take a few breaks and entertain her since she’s been such an angel today. I’ve got iTunes cranked to my favorites songs and looking out the window at a spectacular gorgeous day.

    I love putting events like this together.  While some days it’s no picnic the reward happens when it all comes together when everyone arrives.  There is an extremely talented team working together on all the details.  That’s also what makes it rewarding.  I’m blessed to work with awesome people.

    The weather forecast for this week (as of this morning) was sunny and warm. Let’s keep our fingers crossed it stays that way.

    Looking forward to meeting and seeing everyone in a few short days.


  4. My Wild Africa Trek Experience

    February 28, 2011 by Leanne

    The name totally fits the experience.  It is wild – it is Africa and it’s a trek.   The Wild Africa Trek at Disney’s Animal Kingdom is an amazing adventure like nothing Disney has ever offered before.

    Our journey was a three-hour trek from start to finish which included gearing up and the mini-training.  Walt Disney World Moms Panelist and blogger Suzannah of Zannaland has a terrific summary of the experience on her blog – here.

    For me the most terrifying  (and yes, I mean terrifying) part were the two walks across the shaky, swaying rope bridges.  First over the hippopotamus river, then once you catch your breath from that it’s on to crossing over the crocodile pit.

    Yes, those are real live 20-foot crocs below sunning on the island and swimming in the water.   Oddly, I was so nervous being so high up and concentrating on the swaying bridge that I never looked down at the ground.  I was holding on to both sides of the ropes so hard and focusing on where my next step would go.  As you look closely at the bridge you can see the planks are unequally spaced and purposely broken so you have to walk very slowly and carefully to not fall in between them.  UGH!!  I have no idea how those other people managed to stop and shoot photos while on the bridge.   The cool thing about Disney is they have the trek guides taking professional photos of you all along the way.  So when I download my Disney Photo Pass pictures later today there will be some of me actually on the bridge making the terrifying journey across.

    The good news is – I did survive.  I made it across both bridges albeit with quite a few more grey hairs on my head.

    And from there the trip was a piece of cake.


  5. Wild Africa Trek Coming Up

    February 27, 2011 by Leanne

    In just a short time later this morning I’m heading out to Disney’s Animal Kingdom to experience the new Wild Africa Trek.  It’s best described as an Africa-safari style adventure that goes on unusual, off-the-beaten paths giving an amazing and often thrilling view of the theme park.  (Check out these stories from the Disney Parks Blog for more background and information)


    My biggest challenge with this experience will be the high-in-the-air rope walk over the crocodile pit.  Yes, the height scares me some, but my bigger fear than that are the crocodiles.  Living in Florida my whole life I have a huge fear of alligators and reptiles in general. Huge fear!  So, if I can overcome this I think I’m going to have an amazing time!

    Wish me luck!  Check back here for post-trip pictures.


  6. My Florida February

    February 22, 2011 by Leanne

    Sorry northern friends…

    but this weekend I put away my winter clothes.  I folded all the turtlenecks and moved all the heavy sweaters into the spare bedroom closet.

    I moved the thermostat notch from “heat” to “cool”.

    I changed out the bedding from the heavy comforter to the lightweight bedspread.

    And I even put on my bathing suit and laid out by the pool for a little while.

    The calendar may say it’s still winter but it’s spring in Florida.


  7. Appliance Shopping

    February 20, 2011 by Leanne

    I find shopping for appliances gut-wrenching.  How on earth am I going to make the right decision spending so much money?

    My refrigerator is slowly falling apart  and I want to replace it before it dies.  I started online at Consumer Reports then check out retailer’s websites – looking at customer reviews, then check other online reviews to see if their sentiments are widespread.  Turns out, apparently there is not a product around that everyone loves.  Someone inevitably will have a complaint about something.  Then there’s the other problem of having found the perfect product only to find no-one locally carries it in stock. Ugh.

    So after much analysis, angst and anxiety – I decided on a Frigidaire refrigerator from HH Gregg.  And that was another drama  because I’ve never shopped with them before and don’t know anything about their customer service.  I can only hope it is stellar.  I’m waiting on a call from their delivery team to find out when my new kitchen addition arrives.


  8. New Theme – New ???

    February 19, 2011 by Leanne

    You may have noticed I’ve changed the design of my  blog this month.  I also rearranged my office and changed out all the art on my walls at home.  I’m someone who needs change to stay motivated.  Change is good.  It keeps me inspired and motivated.

    Do you change things around periodically?

    TV also changes for me regularly.  Here are the shows I’m most interested in for 2011.

    My MUST SEE shows for 2011 so far are:

    • Survivor
    • American Idol
    • Gossip Girl
    • Grey’s Anatomy
    • Glee
    • The Big Bang Theory
    • America’s Next Top Model
    • Chelsea Lately
    • David Letterman
    • American Idol
    • Harry’s Law – this is a surprisingly great show!!

    Yes- I DVR most of these shows and watch them when it is convenient for me.   What are your favorites this year?


  9. Blame it on the iPad

    December 5, 2010 by Leanne

    I am blaming the iPad.   Ever since I bought my iPad this summer, I have not been using my laptop or desktop nearly as often. And because of that, I haven’t been updating this blog.

    This awesome new gadget makes it way too easy to plop down in my recliner and surf the net while being extremely comfortable.  The downside is it’s not very easy to update my blog on it. So,  I get lazy and let the blog slide.  I know – not good.  But that’s the truth of it.

    Although the iPad isn’t perfect – no USB port, slow page loading, no camera – it still is an amazing piece of technology. I’m addicted to so many games that are visually stunning on the HD screen. (Angry Birds, Fragger, Flight Control)

    It’s totally the iPad’s fault that I have been ignoring this blog.  I’ll try to do better in the future.


  10. VPs Share Thoughts on Getting Into PR

    October 16, 2010 by Leanne

    Good video from Mark Ragan’s PR Daily on how to get into PR in today’s business environment.  Three Vice Presidents share their insights.
    Click Here to watch#