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!

  

Look It’s A Plane!

Everett, Washington

Well this was our last stop in Washington and Mother Nature was not going to let us forget it.  If the wind and the torrential down pours were not enough, then the power went out.  So much for groceries, it was fast food and gas station food for the night, but we made the most of it and were thankful that we had a warm place to stay and roof over our heads.  Luckily, we did still have power also. 

The same could not be said for most places around; even the Boeing Manufacturing Plant was struggling with high winds.  Part of the tour had to be altered by the staff workers themselves for everyone’s safety.  Unfortunately, that meant that we could not see the 747s, the largest planes being built at the site.  However, seeing the 777s, 787s, and the Dreamliners was incredible. 

The planes are actually assembled on moveable platforms and go through about six different stages within a month before they are complete.  It’s crazy to think how quickly such a large-scale form of transportation can be built. 

And once the planes assembled, their first flight is taken right outside the hanger doors where it is being built.

The Boeing Plant not only has the longest runway in the United States, but is also the largest building serving as its own functioning community with access to doctors, laundry services, a post office, multiple cafeterias, as well as numerous Tully’s Coffee Shops. 

There was so much to see and even though the tour was just over an hour, it felt as if we were there for 20 minutes. 

It’s probably best that it wasn’t an all-day event since we only had one day off and we were back at it again. 

However, walking into the arena and seeing that it was conjoined to a community rink allowed us not only to watch freestyle sessions, but also public skating sessions, and hockey games made the time pass quickly.

It brought us all back to where most of us got our start.  Ah, the memories…

But, enough looking backwards, we are only headed forwards and Vancouver was next on the map.

RAIN!

Kent, Washington

Drip, drip, drip.  Sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle.  Pour, pour, pour. Thunder and lightning and begin again. 

No one was every lying when they said that it literally rains everyday in the state of Washington.  And it may be a beautiful state with gorgeous mountains and scenery, but I could not live here.  I think I would not only be Vitamin D deficient, but also in a very, very sad state of mind.  It is once in a blue moon that sun actually shines.  I think maybe, two days for about two hours the sun was actually out and no matter what there was a raindrop to fall to the surface each and every day. 

We tried to not let that stop us from exploring the area and being so close to the light rail to venture downtown to the city of Seattle, Washington. 

The Washington River, Pikes Place, Pioneer Square, the Gum Wall, the Space Needle and the city were waiting!

Now, it was all about timing.  Fingers were crossed that Mother Nature cooperated and didn’t rain on our parade.

It was chilly and windy, but the weather held out and it was a successful trip downtown and up and down the many floors of the Pikes Place Market with beautiful over looks extending out towards the water and the Ferris Wheel.  It’s all about finding all the nooks and cranny’s in that place because just when you think you are done, there is something else right around the corner that catches your attention. 

So, if you aren’t happy with the selection of bakeries, cafes, fresh seafood, and unique boutique shops then you can easily head over to the downtown area and stubble into the original Starbuck’s!  Be careful though, the line is normally pretty long and extends out the door. 

Any how, there had been enough exploring for the time we had and we were on our way, but not before we sung  “Rain, rain go away.  Come again another day.”

Off to Everett we went!

Evergreen Nation

Spokane, Washington

Another long bus ride down.  Conquering another state we were in the Lilac City.  And as most of us know the state of Washington to be very rainy; it’s true.  However, it does depend on the location, and Spokane was on the drier side with about 200 sunny days in the year versus Seattle with only about 50.  This did not seem to be the case when we were in town though, having all but about two days with rain at some point or another.  

We made the most of it though and were able to get out and go shopping at the mall right down the street as well as take a gander down to the Spokane Falls.  They were beautiful waterfalls located right in the downtown area, just a little ways up from the Riverfront Park, which was hosting the Chinese Lantern Festival.  Chinese music, dancing, as well as animals and dragons were lit up all around the park area.  And each night around 8:00 PM, music played and a few dancers took to the stage for a short show.   

And if we weren’t out exploring the area or roaming through the park on the way to the arena, some of us were catching up on some much needed sleep or taking part in pair ice and of course catching up on some television shows. 

If you can’t tell, we were trying to stay inside for a good part of the time because the temperatures were the coldest we have seen so far this tour.  We were breaking out our winter coats and boots.  Needless to say, I was not ready for that nor did I expect to have to do so while on a West Coast tour.  It happened though and all while it was 70 degrees back home in PA.

Nonetheless there were things to do around the area; it was also kind of like a lazy week for us.  This is the first time in a while that we had three one-show days and then finished the week with only two shows on Sunday!  That has never happened until now. 

Timing was perfect because we are just gearing up for some busy weeks to come. 

See you on the other side of the state!

Seattle/Kent here we come!

College for Halloween

Boise, Idaho

So it was back to school we went.  Okay, maybe not quite back to school, but performing on a college campus, walking to work, eating on and exploring the campus, having a BBQ, and celebrating Halloween made it feel pretty similar.  It was almost as if I was feeling right at home, except of course there were the typical differences like, I was in Idaho and not PA for one. 

Anyways, the college atmosphere made going to the arena a bit more familiar this week.  That along with the beautiful walks to work along the water and under bridges away from the busy streets.   Just that little breath of fresh air made such a difference.  It was as if I was totally removed from going to work.  I could forget about everything and just get lost in nature.  And once I arrived it was more of a feeling of going to class than it was to work.  It’s amazing that I may have only gone to one university for my college career, but now each school feels like home.

And since it was Fall, not only was it time for cross-country races, football games, and bonfires; but it was also time for Halloween celebrations and BBQ’s!

From the Biker Gang to the TY Beanie Babies to classics like Sandy and Danny from Grease, to characters from Alice and Wonderland to even Grand Pabbi the Troll from Frozen, we were all bringing out the smiles and having a good time.  It was Halloween after all…AHAHAHAHA.

And now we have candy for about the next three or four weeks.  Can someone say “Sugar-high”?  Haha.

If the candy wasn’t enough, we all got spoiled with a two-show Saturday, which is literally unheard of and topping that off, we had a BBQ! 

As if the week wasn’t eventful enough with pairs class with Tony Paul, the Halloween Celebration, and a BBQ; it’s going to be hard to top a week like this in a college town. 

But we were off to the next stop.  Here we come Lilac City!