Mariah Bell Wins Gold

Dreaming

 Disneyland has a new annual pass program, except the passes are called, “keys”. There are apparently 4 keys. I learned about the “Imagine Key” pass, which is for Southern California residents only. It’s $399/yr which can be spread out into monthly payments after a down payment of $179, so that’d be $18.34/mo. This key comes with several perks such as being able to make 2 reservations at a time. There are select days that we can’t use this pass, of course Christmas and such, but I appreciate the affordability of this pass. The parking is not included and sometimes you can get lucky with parking and other times it can cost up to $20+/visit. 

For parking reasons, I opt to get parking that is included with my pass. With the new “keys”, this would be the “Dream Key” pass. This is the one I’d like to get. I like to park in the structure where I can catch the tram into the park, etc. The “Dream Key” pass is the one for me. It’s $1399/year, with a 15% discount off of food and beverages and a 20% discount off of merchandise. And, of course, free parking in the structure with this “Dream Key”. With the “Dream Key”, we can make up to 6 reservations at a time. 

These two are the passes I found most useful knowing about on my quest to find out more information about the new annual passes. 

Traveling

 I wonder what the park is like now. We haven’t been since the pandemic started. We all miss Disneyland. It’s come up several times in conversations among our family since we’ve found a new routine. The kids really miss it. To say I’d like us to get the new annual keys would be an understatement. 

A part of me wants to fly… to be among the people at the Disneyland in Paris, France. To hear my boys speaking French and learning to live in a new place. My mind… thinking of far away ideas that… I don’t want to let myself think it could ever happen. But I’d sure love to blog about it. 

I applied to be a Creative Director at the Disneyland in Paris, France and I look at the dashboard once in a while on my Disney Careers page. It still says my application is being reviewed. It’s been a while so I’m guessing someone who speaks French looked at it, and it went no further. Nevertheless, I still like that it’s an open application because it leaves me some room to believe in the possibilities that might be. 

Not Today Bruno

“ 2022 is your year! 🎉 When in doubt: Silenzio, Bruno!” - @Disney 

“Silenzio Bruno!!!”, Ellington and Maximillian say as they ride their bikes down the hill. I laugh. It’s such an endearing term we’ve learned to love. 

For those who don’t already know what it means:

In the movie “Luca”, the one kid tells the other kid that when he gets scared and doesn’t think he can accomplish what he set out to do, that voice inside of his head is named “Bruno” and he just needs to tell it to be quiet. Since the movie is based in a small Italian village, the language he uses to silence the voice that makes him not think he can accomplish his goals is, “Silenzio Bruno!”. This year, in our goals and resolutions, may we remember to “Silenzio Bruno” when we need to. 

Thanks to the quote board in Starbucks I found this gem:

“Let go of the thoughts that don’t make you strong.” - Karen Salmansohn

Mind Travel

 The World Cup 2022 is expected to take place in Qatar from November 21 - December 18th, according to FIFA. A place I didn’t even know existed until this scheduled World Cup. I’m happy I am aware of it now because it appears to be remarkably gorgeous. 

As I learned about Puerto Rico last night because of the coverage received in New Years celebrations on ABC, I longed to travel to experience the bliss of those beaches. 

I remind myself to keep an open mind and remain hopeful through this pandemic. 

2022 Resolutions

 I’ve started to think about some New Years resolutions to set for this upcoming year, 2022. 

Of course I decided to have a look at the Merriam Webster for some synonyms of the word, resolution for inspiration. One of the synonyms for the word resolution stayed with me. That word was “call”. This New Year, 2022, we want to call our best resolutions as often as possible. Let us remember every time we pick up the telephone to call, first our resolutions. Let’s make some good ones. 

A

 Before you were born I didn’t think I had it in me to love someone as much as the ones I love. And then you came along and baby, I’d gladly lay down my life for you. 

Even more than that, I’d gladly give every day for the next 100 years to love you and your brothers and your Dad. That’s my hope. 

My dreams you interrupt with reality. I stare into your little face and happiness fills every chamber of my heart. God, such a gift. Thank you.