We're "them." We're "they." We are the Men in Black.
It is wild to think that TWENTY YEARS ago, a little attraction opened up at Universal Orlando that would change my life forever.
No, not on their first day, but on my first day. Which, for those of you keeping record happened 15 years ago this July. 😉
And it was right there, in the middle of ordinary that the universe gave me something extraordinary.
I, of course, had no idea yet.
***
One year prior, I had left the hospitality industry (and what I thought had been my 'calling' into restaurant management) after the unexpected loss of my younger sister.
I tried to go back to normal, but...I couldn't.
Every day was a reminder that I was in no position to deal with people. Every night reality hit - we had both worked in restaurants, shared similar schedules, and near nightly late night 'dinners' of chocolate chip cookies. Now, it was just me.
Mostly, though...I knew I didn't have the heart to smile for myself...so, making a little magic for strangers seemed near impossible.
14 months later, something told me to swing by Universal and see what they had to offer. And, what they had to offer was this: "What do you think about working at Men in Black?"
I thought it sounded like a good time (with a much better attire than most attractions) ...and a few weeks later, I found myself at orientation.
What would come next, you all kind of already know.
This attraction is more than just a ride for me - it gave me my life back. It showed me that I was still a 'people person' - that I could still laugh - and that there was still a big, beautiful life out there for a 21 year old who showed up to the Universe & You pretty broken.
So, no. I may still not have maxed out 🤦♀️ -- but I think I got something a helluva lot more impressive than a score of 999,999. I met friends that would last a life time.
I'd have stories I'd never stop telling.
And, most of all, I'd meet the guy I'd eventually marry.
⬆️ I created this video the first year Sean and I started dating (2012) because we hadn't taken ANY photos together when we worked together.
To make up for it, we'd also start to collect AMAZING artwork friends would create for us that paid tribute to where it all started. ⬇️
(Top Left: Me; Middle Left: Melissa Sumby {who we worked with at MIB}; Bottom Left: Space Time Coordinates. This is where the universe was when we said, "I do." -- this is also how the MIB logo looks; Top Right: Michael Duron; Bottom Right: Bryan Bindman {who worked with us at Universal})
I also made our very own custom Funko Pops a few years back, and...yeah...I think I probably need a 'hair update' on mine. 😂
And to celebrate MIB turning 20 -- I couldn't help but hunt down a bunch of my favorite photos with my favorite Agents. So, yeah, come for that...but totally STAY for the time when we made EVERYONE do the MIB dance at our wedding. 🤣
PS: Yes, the DJ at our wedding was none other than Agent M from our MIB days too....and, no, this isn't the last time we've done the dance. 🤷♀️
1500 years ago, everybody "knew" that the earth was the center of the universe. 500 years ago, everybody "knew" that the earth was flat. And 15 minutes ago, you "knew" that humans were alone on this planet. Imagine what you'll "know" tomorrow.
Here's to you, MIB. Thanks for all the memories
(even if you'd prefer to flashy-thing us instead.) 😎✨👽
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