Mousekedecade

Ever look for those moments where, if you had made the "other choice," your life would undoubtedly be a very different place? August 1, 1993 was one of those for me. Ten years ago today, I had my first day of work for The Walt Disney Company, with The Disney Store at Clackamas Town Center near Portland, Oregon. I had just graduated college two months prior, and was already moved in to my parents' new house in Portland, Oregon (before they did). I don't remember exactly what I did that Sunday, but I presume I watched the first half of the video of their "Traditions" orientation class. I probably filled out a ton of paperwork, had my picture taken for my employee ID, and selected my work "costume" pieces. Later in the month, I remember we had a staff meeting with a trivia contest, but I was ineligible because the cut-off date was July 31.

In 10 years, I've held 11 different jobs (or same job at different places), and had a brief hiatus while I moved to Orlando^*. In fact, had I not already been employed by the Mouse, I probably would not have moved here. The "other path" is so distant now I can't even imagine what life might have been like had I pursued employment somewhere else.

^* Because of said hiatus, my "official" Company-recognized 10-year anniversary won't happen until early 2005.