Holiday Spirit

Ontario, California

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

So, this is year number two on the road where I have not been able to make it home and I know that for a lot of others it was the same way all things considered.  We had two shows on Christmas Eve and two on Christmas Day as well, but that did not dampen our spirits.  If anything, we were all full of holiday joy and smiling from ear to ear.  Yes, we were all missing our families, but we had the greatest gift of all; we were someone else’s gift.  We were able to perform for so many and bring them cheer and see their faces light up and that is the best gift of all. 

That along with the fact that most of us all called or video chatted with our families before the show and even though we may not be able to be there in person, seeing everyone else and the celebrations taking place at home lifted all of our spirits. 

And then came the gift giving on our part.  From the make up room presents to the surprise presents no one ever expects to the Secret Santa gifts everyone was trying to find that one person to make smile for the day.  But no one can forget the gifts that came from home in the mail from either friends or family.

My personal favorite was a box that I received on the 11^th of December and I was given special instructions from not only my Mom, Dad, Grammie, and Sister, but also from Santa.  I was to only open presents starting on December 14^th.  Further instructions read that I was to open the appropriate date in accordance with the number on the package in the right order.  I couldn’t open more than one either.

After a few days I came to realize that my family had re-created the 12 days of Christmas for me and were giving me my own Home-Away-from-Home Christmas.  Not only did I receive decorations for the room and candy canes, but I was also given things to make it feel as if I was with them.  They made special reindeer food that we always set out for Santa’s reindeer (oatmeal and glitter) and even included me in the games that we play.  Of course its like the game show Deal or No Deal and clearly I didn’t choose right because I ended up with the penny.  At least it wasn’t an orange.  (Family joke)

However, the fun wasn’t over yet.  There was still the Christmas class, the group photo, more gift giving, our very own Christmas Eve Potluck, and our Gingerbread House making contest Boys vs. Girls.  We carried out the holiday spirit for the rest of the week even without the snow this year. 

Next stop…Long Beach for the New Year celebration!

Fairytale Land

Anaheim, California

It was time to go to Disneyland!  As if we don’t get enough Disney every day of our lives, it was time to experience the real thing at the park and it was my first time!  I never went as a little kid, I never went on a vacation, and when I was in the area a few years ago I never made it either.  So, this time I couldn’t pass it up. 

Maybe we were some of the oldest big kids there and maybe we were a little critical, but we were just letting the little kid inside of ourselves let loose. 

I was so excited to meet Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse in their Christmas attire and we saw Goofy and Pluto from afar along with Cruella de Vil, Arielle, and Tiana. 

And when were weren’t exploring Frontier World or Adventure World, we were in all the hustle and bustle of Star Wars and in and out of New Orleans tasting some of the yummiest treats we could find. 

Traveling all around the world and in and out of different galaxies, we were exploring all the shops that lined the streets all decorated in their Christmas-best.  Even the rides like Small World were holiday themed!  I finally know now what one of my previous show numbers was about.  It was so surreal.  I was all warm and fuzzy on the inside and the holiday spirit was becoming more and more prevalent.

Just in time for our company Christmas dinner.  It brought all of us together at just the right time and maybe there wasn’t snow on the ground and we wont have a white Christmas, but its still that time of year.  And as the saying goes, its not what is under the tree, but who is around the tree and being on the road really makes you realize what you are grateful for.  We are all away from home and missing our family right now, but we do have each other and are all very grateful for that. 

So its time to start counting down until the big day!  See you all in Ontario, CA!

  

I Got Off the Plane at LAX

Los Angeles, California

I couldn’t believe it; we were finally here.  Never in a million years would I have ever thought that I would be performing in Los Angeles, California let alone going to sight see around Hollywood!  It always seemed like the place to be growing up from all the movies and never did I ever see myself being there at any time of my life.  It all seemed a little surreal.  I couldn’t even grasp that real-life celebrities were actually coming to see our show!  I know that they are real people too just like all of us, but I cant help admit that we were all a little star-struck seeing them sitting in the audience of our show. 

I mean who wouldn’t get excited to see Alessandra Ambrosio (Victoria Secret Model) or Aubrey Anderson – Emmon (“Lilly” on Modern Family), David Beckham (Soccer player), Channing Tatum (Actor, Magic Mike, Step Up), Kris Jenner and the Grandkids, or Josh Gad (Voice of Olaf) and Santino Fontana (Voice of Hans), Dave Navara (Host of Ink Master, Guitarist for Jane’s Addiction) and even Adam Sandler (Actor, Mr. Deeds, Happy Gilmore) sitting in the audience!  Of course we were all on the look out trying to see whom we might be able to spot. 

Topping it all off, the choreographers of the show were in to visit along with the CEO of Disney and fellow Disney comrades!  With all these special visits we were definitely on our toes and slowly running out of steam. 

But there was still more to do aside from the busy schedule, there was so much to see!  From the Walk of Fame to the Hollywood sign to Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard to China Town and the Chinese Theater and somehow there still just wasn’t enough time to see everything.  I still can’t believe we were actually here!  It seems like a dream, but it was time to snap out of it because we were off to where Dreams Really Do Come True…Anaheim, California; home to Disneyland!

Show Buzz #3

D34!

We were in the desert!  Sand, dust, cacti, snakes; they were all around.  And even though it may have seemed not too inviting, the beauty was magnificent.  Watching the sunset over the mountains was breath taking and waking up every morning to the sun shining was such a pleasure since in most of our homes they have already seen their first snowfall.  So, I would say that we are truly blessed to be able to travel the world and do what we do for a living instead of being confined to sitting behind a desk all day.  Instead we are able to see the world while we work and not too many people can say the same.  Of course though, like any other job, it can’t be all play and no work, but we do need our free time to escape and these three days off in Tucson were just that. 

There were some had side trips to the Grand Canyon or Las Vegas, some of us went hiking in the Saguaro National Park, others went to Mt. Limmon, while still others chose to stick around a little closer and soak up the sun. 

Arizona had a lot to offer and we were right there in the middle and aside from the Happy Helper Auction we were off and running.  Not to mention the fact that one of the hotels that our group was staying in had a full kitchen!!  I mean how often does that even happen?!  It was a nice to surprise to be able to cook more and even bake!  It was kike we were in a little apartment.  That’s how real living feels like!

Too bad it couldn’t be like this every week, but we were all excited to get to our next stop and experience Fall weather again.

Onto Portland, Oregon; home of VooDoo Donuts!

Aside from the amazing donuts with combinations you could only dream of like chocolate icing, oreos, and peanut butter on top of a donut or M&M’s or bubble gum or Trix on your donut; they probably have it, including donuts the size of about six combined!  They were so yummy!  Thank goodness we didn’t have weigh-ins this week…NOT!  It’s funny how that always seems to happen.

Anyways we probably all worked it off either walking around downtown, dancing at one of the many concerts that were also in town this week like Hozier and Florence and the Machine or hiking miles and miles into the wilderness.

No, we didn’t get lost or fall off a cliff, but there was a downed sign that could have pointed us in the wrong direction.  Thank goodness, there were only two ways to go at that point and one was a dead end unless you wanted to try out your swimming skills down a waterfall. 

Getting so far out and away from the hustle and bustle of the city was nice for a change.  Not too many times are we able to do that on tour and this was the perfect opportunity. 

It was a long nine miles, but totally worth it after the views and the beauty that we were a witness to.  Of course reaching the top is an accomplishment in itself also. 

It was a perfect way to take in the fall season with the changing of leaves and the chilliness in the air. 

I’m pretty sure that time could stand still here and most of us would be pretty content, but we all know that wont happen and the show must go on, however not with a little excitement before doing so. 

Who would have ever thought that this would be the city that our Stage Manager (Shaun Tilley) would come out of retirement and make his appearance in the ice show?!  We were all in for a treat!

Speaking of “treat” it was time for Halloween class a little early, but just as we were getting comfortable here, we were off to Idaho. 

Potatoes, potatoes, potatoes…

However, Idaho had a lot more to offer than just its’ potatoes.  It had the perfect Fall feel and picturesque landscape for Halloween and a BBQ! 

And regardless of how busy and sore we may have been from Tony Paul’s pair classes, it was all about setting time aside to get out and walk along the water, or around the Boise State University campus was a must.  Yes, their football field is blue; blue turf that is.  For some of us, that was the color of our tongues after we ate all the Halloween candy that we did.  We will be on a sugar-high for weeks.  Hopefully it will help us power through our next city.

Off to the Lilac City.

Spokane, Washington welcomed us at about 4:30 AM after a time-zone change, adjusting the clocks, and about a seven-hour bus ride.

Offering to us in the morning the Spokane Falls for the nature seekers, a shopping mall right down the street for the fashionistas, a comic book/card store for those gamers, and the Chinese Lantern Festival for those cultural explorers. 

While some couldn’t get enough, others just soaked up the easy week that we had with a special treat of only a two-show (1 and 5 PM) pack-out Sunday!  

And just like that, we were on the road again crossing the state to Seattle.

Fortunately, we arrived at a decent time, which was a first; it was only about 1:30 AM when our bus pulled into the hotel instead of 5:30 or 6 AM like it has been recently. 

Most of us tried to cram all the sightseeing into one day and the other was spent doing the typical grocery shopping and sleeping per the usual. 

And with some luck from Mother Nature since it is literally always raining here, we all ventured downtown to Pioneer Square and Pikes Place Market where you can literally find everything and anything including the Original Starbuck’s! 

However, unlike the Space Needle, which will always be here, the city is actually cleaning up the well-known attraction, the Gum Wall and it will no longer be so.  As sad as it is to see it go, they have bigger dreams for the area. 

Just like it is our job to keep moving.  We were on the road again, but this time an even shorter ride lie ahead – off to Everett; Home of the Boeing Manufacturing Plant and School of Flight. 

If you ever get the chance to go, Go!  Even if you don’t know a lot about planes, it will give you a whole new respect for flight and what it does for everyone. 

And just like that we were crossing the boarder and heading towards Vancouver, Canada.

Vancouver was home to the 2010 Winter Olympics where the torch still stands and we actually performed on the very ice that the Figure Skating Competition took place! 

Aside from all the Olympic fever that this city brought to us, it was also the start of the holiday season and smells of Thanksgiving were filling the air.  So, it was appropriate timing to see many familiar faces within the ice show family from the past and present including Judy Thomas!

However, aside from all the excitement and special visits, we all had some time to spare and were able to get out and see what the city had to offer.  From the Rogers Arena to Stanley Park to the Sea Wall to Gas Town to the Capilano Suspension Bridge to Canada Place, there was something for everyone.  This city had so much to offer that there was never a dull moment.   Everyone seemed pretty content to stay, but were grateful to return to the states where all of our cell phones worked again. 

Our first direct flight of the season brought us to Ski Town USA!

It is something that you must do when you go.  You will not regret it.  The sights are beautiful and whether you are a professional out there on the mountains or just a beginner you are bound to find a course that you can enjoy and if you aren’t all about the steep slopes, maybe the moguls or the terrain parks are more your style.   Either way the views will not disappoint especially being all the way up over a mile in the air!  Plus, all the snow around made it feel more and more like Christmas and no better way to bring in the holiday spirit than the start of Secret Santa and the naming of our Elf on the Shelf!! 

Anyways we were about to leave the snow and hit the bright lights and star-studded streets of Los Angeles, California!

Places to See:

Tucson – Saguaro National Park, Happy Helper Auction! Dairy Queen, Platinum Fitness

Portland - Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Pool of the Winds, Hamilton Mountain Summit, VooDoo Donuts

Idaho – Halloween party, two show Saturday – First Ever! Company BBQ!

Spokane - Spokane Falls, Chinese Lantern Festival, Riverfront Park

Kent – Space Needle, Pioneer Square, Pikes Place Market, Seattle downtown, The Gum Wall, the Original Starbuck’s

Everett – Boeing Manufacturing Plant, Denny’s, Subway, Starbuck’s, Quiznos

Vancouver, Canada – Capilano Suspension Bridge, Olympic Torch, Gas Town, Rodgers Arena, Canada Place, Stanley Park, the Sea Wall

Denver – Keystone Ski Resort, Biker Jack’s Hot Dogs, Downtown Denver, Pepsi Center

Ski Town USA

Denver, Colorado

After a long travel day all you want to do is get to your room, well that was the fun part.  It probably took us all about an hour or more just to get to our rooms since there was only one elevator in the hotel and well were all on the same side.  I would have hated to see what it would have been like if we were all checking in at the same time and didn’t already have half of the group check in days in advance.

Anyhow, we all made it and wow it was chilly!  There was even snow on the ground, which was a good sign since we were off to ski bright and early the next morning. 

And just like that we were off to the Keystone Ski Resort and wow we were in for some really large mountains!  Colorado definitely didn’t disappoint and truly showed us why it is the number one spot to go skiing and snowboarding.  It had absolutely beautiful views where you could see snow covered mountains tops in the distance to pine trees dusted with snow, to the frozen lakes in the glimmering rays of sun. 

We were all definitely spoiled here and me especially since it was only my second time skiing!  The bar was set really high and I’m not sure that much else will top this; from the mountains themselves, the powder-like snow, and the views!  It was a shame that the day had to end and we had to head back, but not without stopping at Biker Jack’s first.

It may sound strange, but what was even stranger were the hot dog combinations and milkshakes that you found inside.  From the reindeer to the pheasant to the bison to cream cheese and onions on them, but one thing was certain, they were sure yummy and filled our hungry tummies. 

It was a long day, but worth it in the end spending it in the mile high city.  I now have a renewed respect for ski and snowboard athletes especially those moguls: and all those that travel and move to Colorado to train.  It surely is an endurance test and we had one as well with a nine-pack at this altitude.  However, there were a few things that kept us all going.  Not only was I able to see a friendly face all the way out here, but it was the start of Secret Santa as well!  Plus, there was the traditional Christmas music playing in the make-up rooms, but this year we even have our very own Elf on the Shelf; Pip!  We were bringing in the holiday spirit right; all before we left the cold weather and headed to warm, fancy, bright, star-studded streets of Los Angeles, California. 

           

Olympic Fever

Vancouver, Canada

Welcome to Vancouver, Canada – Probably the most excited I have ever been crossing the boarder. 

Ever since I was a little girl I always dreamed of going to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Canada.  Well, that time came and went and I did not compete in the games, but now I was finally here and able to see where the most famed competition took place. 

Not only was I able to see where the torch was lit, but I also had the experience of a lifetime performing with the show on the very ice that the Figure Skating Competition took place on during the Olympics. 

And just like the State Farm commercials always say,” Little girls have big dreams too.”  I was loving every minute of it and looking back now it almost doesn’t seem real.  I couldn’t believe it, but I had to and I had to live in the moment taking everything in. 

That, along with all the yummy food and even though we did not have a meal on Thanksgiving, we still did get our turkey dinner.

There was also some family time as well as seeing familiar faces from the ice show business and meeting new friends and family and what made the holiday seem a little more like a holiday was watching the famous Macy’s Day Parade!  Some traditions never change even if I am a million miles away from home. 

Being so far away is difficult some times, but it does offer opportunities to see things that I may have never been able to, such as the downtown area called Gastown where it’s all about places to eat and shop.  And then there is Rogers Arena, where the Canucks play as well as Stanley Park, Canada Place, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.  Something a little smaller than all of these places, are seaplanes!  I have never seen a seaplane before other than in movies so it was an interesting experience to see them floating along the coast as well as how they take off and land in the water.  Sometimes it’s all about the little things. 

And just like that we were headed back to the states to the ski capital of the world!