Round Two is Always Better

Newark, NJ

Two days OFF and a day off for the crew!  It has been so long, we almost forgot what is like.  Free time away from the building?!  That is almost unheard of anymore, so it was nice to enjoy it this once.

And then it was back to the crazy, busy schedule we are accustomed to.  

It was off to Times Square to perform for Good Morning America!  It was an experience of a life-time and one that no words can really describe how it felt to be there at that moment in time.  Yes, it was really early…3 AM pick-up time to head into the city, but in the end it was all worth it.    

I cannot believe I was there, in Times Square, performing, doing what I love to do.  There was just something about it when the music started and I was out there on the ice (glyce - plastic ice) for the first time, that just felt right.  Of course, there were the jitters and the nerves, but as soon as I stepped off the surface, I wanted to get back out there and do it all over again. 

Another life changing event that I was able to take part in this week was a welcome home to a military father that aired on ABC Family.  It was a surprise for his children on his trip home from a one-year deployment.  Moments like those really take you back and hit close to home.  There is a special place in your heart for experiences like this; ones that I will always remember.  

Aside from all of these thrilling and heart-warming appearances we all had to stay on our toes for special appearances from Robert De Niro, Chris Rock, and Bruce Willis! 

It is absolutely amazing to be a part of something like this!  It is a dream come true and it is only going to get better from here! 

See you a little ways down the road! 

In the City that Never Sleeps

Brooklyn, NY

After circling in the city for about 30 minutes, the second bus was finally able to unload at the hotel.  I swear the smallest hotels are in Brooklyn.  You are practically on top of the other person in your room at all times and there is no space to breathe.  It says something when you can't even lay your suitcases out or fit two people walking in between the beds at once.

So, instead of always wanting to go "home" everyone wanted to get out of the hotel and enjoy their own space.

Speaking of which, it was really enjoyable to be able to do some catching up with friends from college. I really don't know what I would do if I wasn't able to see people I knew while I was on the road.  It is a nice break and changes up the pace of things and it gives me a chance to get away from everything.

And with that, being in all these cities and seeing how close-quartered everything is; really makes me appreciate the country and living in the middle of no where so much more!

Yes the fancy shops and the bright lights are nice and pleasing to look at, but bonfires, open fields, trucks, and farmland are so much more appealing to me.

Aside from the hustle and bustle, it was having already been to Brooklyn to see things that I haven't seen before.  On top of that, this time we were not walking everywhere in over a foot of snow either!  That was a definite plus.

It's funny what you notice the second time around.

See you in Jersey!

Happy 100!

Uniondale, NY

We are back at it again.  It is round two for these next 4 weeks of cities in the New York City and New Jersey areas.

For now though, it was a short walk to the venue and even though it's the second time performing in this arena, there are still things that differ each year.  Even with these small changes it is still nice to already have an idea of what to expect.

I think the same can be said for most things.  Just like the contrast for me between my first year on the road and this year.  It definitely makes things a little more comfortable and easier.

With that being said, I cannot believe how far we have come as a family.  From those long, long hours at rehearsals to our opening city in Orlando, to our first flight day, to our first city on tank ice, to our first round of break workers, and here we are now…100 shows in and still going strong!!

Happy 100!

I cannot believe that we have done this many shows in this short of a time period.  Yes, it has been hard, but it has totally been worth it.  I have had so much fun with this group of incredible people and without each and every one of you, this would not be possible.

No sleep until Brooklyn.  See you there!

Harbor Town

Baltimore, MD

Back for Round 2 in this city.  Although there are a lot of differences coming into this city for the second time, there are a lot of similarities as well.  Sometimes there are things that just stick with you, like layouts of the buildings or streets or even just the general surroundings.  Having already performed in Baltimore and just last year, most things were still fresh so that made navigating in the city quite easy.

Having a friend in the area always makes it nice because you get to see more of the city, than just the typical tourist attractions.  It is all about the complete experience.  Also, the second time around, I was able to see a few more places than what I did last year and do more exploring.

Aside from getting out around town, it was time to get ready for our Halloween celebration.

Even though it was a busy week and at least two additional shows were added to the schedule, we still found time to celebrate All Hallows' Eve!!

This holiday came just in time and gave everyone a break away from work.  Everyone could just let loose and breath and being in good spirits helped the night.

Since everyone is so busy at work, it was a well-needed escape from it where everyone could be themselves and just enjoy the night.

We all definitely had our fair share of laughs and giggle-fests, but it was all in good-fun.

The first holiday on the road this season was complete…looking forward to the ones to come.

See you in Nassau County!

Virginia Again

Fairfax, VA

Although having been here years and years ago to train for skating, there is something about coming back after all this time that makes everything seem like it was just yesterday.  All the memories come pouring back and seem so real and vivid.  Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to relive those moments.

However, we are here in the present and are back in Virginia for the third time already this tour season; close to the nation's capital this time though.  While some chose to venture into Washington D.C. I took the more relaxed route and decided to catch up on sleep during our day off and take full advantage of some movie watching.

Preparing for another crazy, busy week; a day of relaxation was in need.

As our work week approached we knew we were going to have our hands full.

We were back on tank ice at George Mason University and it was our first time on man-made ice in a facility since rehearsals in Ellenton, FL.  It was definitely an adjustment and made for some very tight quarters not only on the ice, but also backstage as well.

We were definitely getting cozy in the make-up rooms as we were literally on top of each other getting ready.  At the same time though, we were all in the same room and with three-three show days in a row (9-pack), well that made for some pretty entertaining laughing sessions.

With space limited all around, it was fitting to warm-up outside and enjoy the rays of sun on the beautiful college campus of GMU!

In closing of this week, it was time to celebrate the completion of our second 9-pack!

Heading into another busy week with more additional shows, we are off to Raven and Oriel country.

 

The Sweetest Place in the World

Hershey, PA

Back on home soil!  So happy to be back in Pennsylvania!  The leaves are changing colors and look beautiful.  The air is filled with the smell of fall and bonfires around and to top it all off, there is a tiny pond in front of the hotel with so many ducks!  Clearly, feeding the ducks was one of the highlights this week! Haha good times.

Sometimes, more often than not, its all about the small things like the leaves crunching under your feet, or carving pumpkins in the lobby of the hotel, or seeing family and friends and surprise visits!

While we are soaking in all the things that make us smile, we couldn't help but notice the smell of chocolate in the air.  

Just up the road is Hershey Park and the World of Chocolate where Hershey's Kisses, KitKats, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Hershey's chocolate bars, York Peppermint Patties, and so many more are made and manufactured! 

Ah…it truly is the World of Chocolate!! 

Having so many sweets at our fingertips and within easy access, it is no wonder that there is a gym that opens their doors to the hotel guests allowing us to have full access to the classes, weight machines, a pool, and all of the fitness equipment.  It was so nice to get a workout in at a real gym instead of a smaller hotel gym that we normally have access to.  

Back to reality though, it was time to get down to business and conquer the first early morning PR (public relations event) of this tour season and the earliest show ever at...9:30 AM!! 

After all the work was done, it was time to experience Sheetz one more time!! 

It is not the fanciest, it does not require a reservation, but it is just what I needed!! Sheetz is definitely a PA thing and it was a college thing for me.  So many trips were made to this gas station for late night snacks or even dinner! 

I was in heaven and just in time to leave on a good note and head to the next city.