Yoga made me sore.
The shows were great.
The playwright was there.
He is a sweetie.
The weather was perfection.
We drove to Missouri.
I have been sitting on my tush all evening.
I got the tour blues.
Chik-fil-a + indulgent TV = happiness
I am going to beddy now.
XO.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Day...somethin' or other...
Iowa has been the pleasantest of surprises!
After reading for far too long last night I remembered I had agreed to attend an 8 AM yoga class in the morn. That alarm slapped me awake, and I almost texted my portner (yes PORTner...it all started in California wine country ok?) to say I was staying put, but I decided that was lame, so I forced myself out of the bed. We met in the hotel lobby at 7:15 (ew) and started the trek to Des Moines' East Village. Its a funky little neck of the woods with vintage clothing stores, "green" beauty salons, and trendy little people walking around in tight pants. We arrived at the studio around 7:15, but the door was locked. "Oh no." I thought. "Did my portner misread the schedule? Did we really just hike all the way here at 7 AM for nothing?" I was secretly hoping it was closed so I could go back to bed... We decided to run in to a tea shop around the corner and check back closer to 8. Apparently the instructor was just running a bit late, because when we went back the door was just swinging open. Once inside we walked up some stairs that felt like they might cave in at the slightest pressure. Whitewashed walls with exposed brick showing through in patches led us to the bright, open space of the studio. Greta (our instructor) met us at the top of the stairs and welcomed us quietly. She looked like she belonged on a beach somewhere...toe headed, tanned, eyes starting to wrinkle but in that attractive sort of way. There were just three of us taking the class, excluding Greta, so we spread through the whiteness of Revive Studio. Although I felt a little nauseous half-way through (again with the empty stomach and coffee...I need to quit that...) I left feeling...wait for it...REVIVED! It was really lovely, and ended up being a great workout. Greta gave us our first class (my first class ever!) for free, so we gave her a hearty "Namaste!" and walked down the block to find breakfast. She had suggested a diner called "Baby Boomers". I had a veggie omelet, fruit and wheat toast...all delish. We then hoofed it back about 5 blocks to our hotel to get showered and ready for the rest of the day. I have been wearing Tom's brand natural deodorant...its been working fine until I actually started sweating in yoga...I smelled like a stinky hippy.
I cleaned up, then met the rest of my cast and crew in the lobby to head to our venue. A puppet troupe from Nova Scotia was performing "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and we were invited to come see the show. It was charming. They used black light, so the book's illustrations really popped as the puppets. The kiddos ate it up! It had turned out to be a beautiful spring day, so after the show a couple of us walked back to the East Village for lunch. We went to a new Lebanese place called "Open Sesame". Again, delish. Des Moines does not disappoint. I had the vegetarian sampler, and had enough leftover to bring home and eat for dinner. We decided to walk off our impending food coma and do some window shopping. My window shopping turned into freaking buying...but it was well worth it. This "justifying my purchases" thing is getting to be a problem... The store was called Raygun. It was a cross between American Apparel and Urban Outfitters, but all local. Some hip, young guys owned the place and had their screen printing equipment in the back of the store where you could see the whole process. I bought a yellow t that said "you had me at moustache"...its cute, I promise. And if you could see my beau's current facial hair stylings you would understand.
I started to worry about my obviously loose wallet, and decided it was time to head back to the hotel for a little siesta. My nap would have been perfect if it had not been infected with HORRIBLE dreams. I woke up in a tizzy, and sort of nibbled on my leftover Lebanese food and stared out the window for a while. Then I decided I needed to snap out of it and set to doing some work. I have been researching some theatres that I would like to start a relationship with and sent some preliminary emails. It felt good to cross that off my list...now if I could only motivate myself to do my taxes...maybe in Kansas?
We have two shows tomorrow then head out to KS. I am secretly excited, because I plan to pretend to be Ms. Gale while we are there.
Namaste.
XO.
After reading for far too long last night I remembered I had agreed to attend an 8 AM yoga class in the morn. That alarm slapped me awake, and I almost texted my portner (yes PORTner...it all started in California wine country ok?) to say I was staying put, but I decided that was lame, so I forced myself out of the bed. We met in the hotel lobby at 7:15 (ew) and started the trek to Des Moines' East Village. Its a funky little neck of the woods with vintage clothing stores, "green" beauty salons, and trendy little people walking around in tight pants. We arrived at the studio around 7:15, but the door was locked. "Oh no." I thought. "Did my portner misread the schedule? Did we really just hike all the way here at 7 AM for nothing?" I was secretly hoping it was closed so I could go back to bed... We decided to run in to a tea shop around the corner and check back closer to 8. Apparently the instructor was just running a bit late, because when we went back the door was just swinging open. Once inside we walked up some stairs that felt like they might cave in at the slightest pressure. Whitewashed walls with exposed brick showing through in patches led us to the bright, open space of the studio. Greta (our instructor) met us at the top of the stairs and welcomed us quietly. She looked like she belonged on a beach somewhere...toe headed, tanned, eyes starting to wrinkle but in that attractive sort of way. There were just three of us taking the class, excluding Greta, so we spread through the whiteness of Revive Studio. Although I felt a little nauseous half-way through (again with the empty stomach and coffee...I need to quit that...) I left feeling...wait for it...REVIVED! It was really lovely, and ended up being a great workout. Greta gave us our first class (my first class ever!) for free, so we gave her a hearty "Namaste!" and walked down the block to find breakfast. She had suggested a diner called "Baby Boomers". I had a veggie omelet, fruit and wheat toast...all delish. We then hoofed it back about 5 blocks to our hotel to get showered and ready for the rest of the day. I have been wearing Tom's brand natural deodorant...its been working fine until I actually started sweating in yoga...I smelled like a stinky hippy.
I cleaned up, then met the rest of my cast and crew in the lobby to head to our venue. A puppet troupe from Nova Scotia was performing "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and we were invited to come see the show. It was charming. They used black light, so the book's illustrations really popped as the puppets. The kiddos ate it up! It had turned out to be a beautiful spring day, so after the show a couple of us walked back to the East Village for lunch. We went to a new Lebanese place called "Open Sesame". Again, delish. Des Moines does not disappoint. I had the vegetarian sampler, and had enough leftover to bring home and eat for dinner. We decided to walk off our impending food coma and do some window shopping. My window shopping turned into freaking buying...but it was well worth it. This "justifying my purchases" thing is getting to be a problem... The store was called Raygun. It was a cross between American Apparel and Urban Outfitters, but all local. Some hip, young guys owned the place and had their screen printing equipment in the back of the store where you could see the whole process. I bought a yellow t that said "you had me at moustache"...its cute, I promise. And if you could see my beau's current facial hair stylings you would understand.
I started to worry about my obviously loose wallet, and decided it was time to head back to the hotel for a little siesta. My nap would have been perfect if it had not been infected with HORRIBLE dreams. I woke up in a tizzy, and sort of nibbled on my leftover Lebanese food and stared out the window for a while. Then I decided I needed to snap out of it and set to doing some work. I have been researching some theatres that I would like to start a relationship with and sent some preliminary emails. It felt good to cross that off my list...now if I could only motivate myself to do my taxes...maybe in Kansas?
We have two shows tomorrow then head out to KS. I am secretly excited, because I plan to pretend to be Ms. Gale while we are there.
Namaste.
XO.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
You really ought to give Iowa a try.
...Provided you are contrary.
Yesterday was filled with clouds and icy rain. I bought boots that were far too expensive. I blame the weather.
Actually, other than spending my weeks budget on a pair of BEAUTIFUL brown leather boots, my Saturday was lovely. I went to a specialty yarn store with my stage manager and our sound engineer, then we grabbed lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Then the boots happened...lets just not talk about it, ok? The evening ended with a brief hangout in the hotel bar, followed by 22 flights of stairs. SO...we thought it would be a GREAT idea to walk up the stairs to our rooms because 1) to avoid the hundreds of children in the elevator that were in town for a wrestling conference...rarararandom. and 2) to be good green citizens. The scene from Mad Men came to mind, ya know...where the boss drank about 30 martini's, and raw oysters then precedes to huff and puff up the stairs, then promptly vomits all over his office? Oops...spoiler alert. Yeah, not as easy as I had hoped. I practically crawled into my hotel room and sprawled onto my bed. Well...actually I sprawled onto the desk chair so I could tweet and update my facebook status...let's be honest. I did manage to get my wobbly limbs over to my bed eventually...after searching online for the best organic, biodegradable, sustainable shampoo...did I mention we were planning on going to the Natural Living Expo the next morning? :)
It took me forever to fall asleep. The anxiety of "what happens next" is starting to get to me...
I did pop up like a little daisy this morning though...very pumped about the expo. I met two ladies from the cast and we rambled over to the convention center. I figured I would wear my new boots to start to get some use out of them...although I was worried some vegan animal rights hippy dippy would throw paint on them or something...
We were three of the first 200 hundred people (does that even make sense?) in the doors so we received a free hemp tote bag. It actually pays to be early...huh. It was a gloriously green day filled with natural soaps and lotions, gluten free goodies, chiropractors galore, reusable baby diapers and ladies pads (EW.), and the occasional clairvoyant. I. HAD. A. BLAST. I talked to some vendor about fish oil for far too long, and realized I actually knew far too much about it. I guess I am actually learning something from my Canadian friend in my book...
My head started to spin a little from all of the good energy in the room...or maybe from all the coffee and no breakfast...so I decided to stop by the food booth for some lunch. $5 got me a baby cup of some vegan tomato soup, which was delish but not all too filling. I tried to eat some wheat free, gluten free, organic, cracked black pepper crisps (I just dug the bag out of my trash can...) to fill me up, but unfortunately they weren't the tastiest. I ventured back out onto the expo floor to peruse the last two lanes of booths. I had avoided all of the chiropractors thus far, but then this man caught my eye and asked me to try his "method". I felt trapped, so I put down my now filled tote bag, and laid on the table. He told me to relax (while people walked by and stared at me) while he ran some vibrating thing up and down my spine, while he also put something practically in my rear. Um...ok? Then he dinged this tuning fork and waved it around my head...welp that did it. I busted out laughing and I don't think he was all that amused... Oops. But I mean really? By this time I had seen about all I could see, and decided it was time to head back to the hotel. The other gals were headed to the mall, but I declined, not wanting to repeat yesterday's boot fiasco/miracle...they really are fantastic boots. And I was also pleasantly surprised at how many compliments I got from the hippy dippy's on them. No red paint for me!
Since my lovely teaspoonful of vegan tomato soup didn't really stick to my ribs, I ran down to the hotel bar to get a salad and watch the Duke/Baylor game. Butler is in the final four, so I am actually interested. I talked to the bartender for a while since there was no one else there, then one of the guys from my show came and watched the game with me. Poor little Baylor! They hung in right until the end...then Dooky (thanks MC) took it. I actually like sports...sometimes.
Now I suppose its time for more online research about green beauty products (to avoid doing my taxes). I am trying to switch to all natural. I started with the deodorant, and as I run out of things I am going to try and replace them with a green alternative. Oh, I also carbon offset all of the flights I have taken so far in 2010. In my book, Vanessa had a section about Carbonfund.org. Its the number one non profit to donate to offset your carbon footprint. It actually calculated the exact miles you flew and that determines how much you need to donate to offset. My flight's this year put out about .86 tons of carbon so it only ended up being about $9 to offset. I researched the organization myself, and they are awesome. They take your donation and put it toward projects supporting renewable energy sources and planting trees etc. They were voted the number one carbon offsetting organization by TreeHugger.com....oh my goodness...listen to me...sheesh.
I am just trying to be a responsible Earth dweller. (insert pat on the back here)
Now to actually talk to my beau on the telly. We only talk every couple of days...but its always nice to hear his voice...even if he does mumble ;)
XO.
Yesterday was filled with clouds and icy rain. I bought boots that were far too expensive. I blame the weather.
Actually, other than spending my weeks budget on a pair of BEAUTIFUL brown leather boots, my Saturday was lovely. I went to a specialty yarn store with my stage manager and our sound engineer, then we grabbed lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. Then the boots happened...lets just not talk about it, ok? The evening ended with a brief hangout in the hotel bar, followed by 22 flights of stairs. SO...we thought it would be a GREAT idea to walk up the stairs to our rooms because 1) to avoid the hundreds of children in the elevator that were in town for a wrestling conference...rarararandom. and 2) to be good green citizens. The scene from Mad Men came to mind, ya know...where the boss drank about 30 martini's, and raw oysters then precedes to huff and puff up the stairs, then promptly vomits all over his office? Oops...spoiler alert. Yeah, not as easy as I had hoped. I practically crawled into my hotel room and sprawled onto my bed. Well...actually I sprawled onto the desk chair so I could tweet and update my facebook status...let's be honest. I did manage to get my wobbly limbs over to my bed eventually...after searching online for the best organic, biodegradable, sustainable shampoo...did I mention we were planning on going to the Natural Living Expo the next morning? :)
It took me forever to fall asleep. The anxiety of "what happens next" is starting to get to me...
I did pop up like a little daisy this morning though...very pumped about the expo. I met two ladies from the cast and we rambled over to the convention center. I figured I would wear my new boots to start to get some use out of them...although I was worried some vegan animal rights hippy dippy would throw paint on them or something...
We were three of the first 200 hundred people (does that even make sense?) in the doors so we received a free hemp tote bag. It actually pays to be early...huh. It was a gloriously green day filled with natural soaps and lotions, gluten free goodies, chiropractors galore, reusable baby diapers and ladies pads (EW.), and the occasional clairvoyant. I. HAD. A. BLAST. I talked to some vendor about fish oil for far too long, and realized I actually knew far too much about it. I guess I am actually learning something from my Canadian friend in my book...
My head started to spin a little from all of the good energy in the room...or maybe from all the coffee and no breakfast...so I decided to stop by the food booth for some lunch. $5 got me a baby cup of some vegan tomato soup, which was delish but not all too filling. I tried to eat some wheat free, gluten free, organic, cracked black pepper crisps (I just dug the bag out of my trash can...) to fill me up, but unfortunately they weren't the tastiest. I ventured back out onto the expo floor to peruse the last two lanes of booths. I had avoided all of the chiropractors thus far, but then this man caught my eye and asked me to try his "method". I felt trapped, so I put down my now filled tote bag, and laid on the table. He told me to relax (while people walked by and stared at me) while he ran some vibrating thing up and down my spine, while he also put something practically in my rear. Um...ok? Then he dinged this tuning fork and waved it around my head...welp that did it. I busted out laughing and I don't think he was all that amused... Oops. But I mean really? By this time I had seen about all I could see, and decided it was time to head back to the hotel. The other gals were headed to the mall, but I declined, not wanting to repeat yesterday's boot fiasco/miracle...they really are fantastic boots. And I was also pleasantly surprised at how many compliments I got from the hippy dippy's on them. No red paint for me!
Since my lovely teaspoonful of vegan tomato soup didn't really stick to my ribs, I ran down to the hotel bar to get a salad and watch the Duke/Baylor game. Butler is in the final four, so I am actually interested. I talked to the bartender for a while since there was no one else there, then one of the guys from my show came and watched the game with me. Poor little Baylor! They hung in right until the end...then Dooky (thanks MC) took it. I actually like sports...sometimes.
Now I suppose its time for more online research about green beauty products (to avoid doing my taxes). I am trying to switch to all natural. I started with the deodorant, and as I run out of things I am going to try and replace them with a green alternative. Oh, I also carbon offset all of the flights I have taken so far in 2010. In my book, Vanessa had a section about Carbonfund.org. Its the number one non profit to donate to offset your carbon footprint. It actually calculated the exact miles you flew and that determines how much you need to donate to offset. My flight's this year put out about .86 tons of carbon so it only ended up being about $9 to offset. I researched the organization myself, and they are awesome. They take your donation and put it toward projects supporting renewable energy sources and planting trees etc. They were voted the number one carbon offsetting organization by TreeHugger.com....oh my goodness...listen to me...sheesh.
I am just trying to be a responsible Earth dweller. (insert pat on the back here)
Now to actually talk to my beau on the telly. We only talk every couple of days...but its always nice to hear his voice...even if he does mumble ;)
XO.
Friday, March 26, 2010
"If you don't, you won't"
My room is filled with the scent of my new lilac blossom candle.
I have real roses and baby's breathe in glasses around my bed.
I have my OWN room for five days.
Yes, its a good evening.
After a day long drive North, we have made it to Des Moines. I suppose I should recap the last day or two...
I was last seen at Mama Joy and Grandad's house in BG. MJ took me to meet Great Aunt Judy, and cousins Becky and John at a rest stop. They were heading up to Paducah a day early, so they offered to drive me to my hotel and save MJ the trip. I hadn't seen any of them in quite a while, so it was fun to catch up. Aunt Judy was decked out in a snake skin print jacket and pants..."I don't dress my age.", she says. She was a hoot. We were definitely riding in style. A brand new Jaguar...if that ain't classy I don't know what is. After a fairly short trip, they hugged and kissed me, dropped me off at the hotel, and then headed to win big across the river. I relaxed a little then met some of the tour fam for some Mexican food in downtown Paducah. The joint was practically empty, BUT the food was glorious. Also, one of the best margarita's I have ever had. (Well...AVL's are TRULY the best, but for a restaurant these were dang close) Kipparazzi was in attendance so of course we had to take advantage of picturesque downtown Paducah. After a quick photo shoot, we headed back to the hotel. After my little vacay in BG I was refreshed and full of energy...aka not ready for bed yet. I decided a little hot tub action was in order. I went down to the indoor pool area, plugged in my iPod and, being the only one in there, sang my little heart out. It was delightful until I turned on the jets and realized they were above the water level, so it created a splashy wave-like effect. Not as soothing as I was hoping, but I decided to hold out and move away from the jets to see if that would help. I was singing a particularly soulful section of an Amy Winehouse song, when I got a faceful of water from the dern jets and decided it was time for bed after all.
The next morning was an early one. Two shows awaited. The first show was great...I felt really good about it. Which was a pleasant surprise compared to my slightly strange morning. Let's just say I showed some kids my rear. Literally. Our dressing room had these huge windows facing the street and I wasn't thinking and started to change into my costume. I was standing there, pants around my ankles, in all my polka dotted underwear glory when two school buses drove by. All of the children happened to be staring DIRECTLY into our window. Joy. So needless to say I was glad I wasn't laughed off the stage...
The second show was an exciting one for me because 9 people from my family were in the audience! Other than the occasionally familiar giggle from someone in my clan, the audience was SILENT. I hate it when the teachers shush the kids. They scare the living daylights out of them and then they are afraid to laugh and react. They need theatre etiquette in schools, I tell you!
After the show, I got to get and give lots of hugs and the camera flashes kept coming. I really am the luckiest gal I know. All of those people drove at least two hours there and back to see my show. I have the best family ever. The Robertson and Settle clans accompanied me to a leisurely lunch at a seafood place downtown. It all ended too soon...I was so sad to see everyone go. Even though I always want more time, the little time that we had was just what I needed to perk me up. After I hugged everyone goodbye, I took a little cat nap, then met the tour fam at Rafferty's for some basketball and margaritas. I was excited to be watching the Butler game, and bigolly, they won! I had fun texting Melis and Cam during the game. Cam is a bulldog through and through so I know he was excited by the win. Because we went to dinner so early, we got home early and fairly early to bed.
I didn't sleep well last night. Very restless. Hot and cold. So the morning rushed at me in the worst way. Two of the cast have traveled away for the weekend so the van was very roomy. I had my own seat the whole trip which. was. awesome! Whatever sleep I missed last night I made up for today on the drive.
We are staying in a schmansy hotel in downtown Des Moines. So schmansy that they charge for internet...but luckily the Kennedy Center came through and included it in our room! I am getting so spoiled :) I talked to my momma a few times today since she is on the road too. And its her birthday...happy birthday mommy! Also, my beau's birthday was yesterday. And my sister's birthday was Monday. And my parents' 27th wedding anniversary was Wednesday. I am happy and thankful for all of these celebrations, but wish I could have given each of these special people a big squeeze on their special day. Part of the tour blues I suppose.
Taking it easy tonight...maybe a little b-ball in the hotel bar?
I will leave you with some wise words my Mama Joyce declared the other morning at breakfast:
"If you don't, you won't."
Grandad won't ever let her live that one down ;)
XO.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
BG
Good morning world! I wake, yet again, refreshed and rested.
Aunt Nina was sleeping while I was there so I didn't get to say hello, which was a little bit of a bummer...but I did finish my project in enough time for us to race home and get ready for our dinner plans though. The day turned out to be SO beautiful. Its not everyday you are asked to paint a dog's gravestone, but it was right enjoyable sitting out in the sunshine painting away.
After we got home I threw on a long maxi dress, threw my hair up, and threw on some more makeup...lots of throwing going on...I was in a bit of a rush :)
We picked up MJ and GD's lady friend (and I think big time financial friend to Western U) at 5:30 and headed to a fancy pants restaurant downtown. It was called "Bistro" and it was in an old house close to their church...never been there before, but it was DELISH! I had the Mediterranean Tilapia. It was cooked with garlic, capers, tomatoes, peppers and onions, drizzled in a white wine butter sauce on a bed of garlic-y green beans. YUM. The conversation was lovely and only once got a little political. I just smiled and stayed out of that one...didn't want my arty, liberal ideas to come across as "unlady like". :)
Since we ate early, we were home early. MJ and I decided we needed a "little sweet" so I busted out the bag of cadbury mini eggs I had been hoarding. I love the Easter season for many reasons, BUT I have to guiltily admit that those little chocolate, crunchy eggs are one of them. MJ did some reading while I did some crafting on the couch. We couldn't really find much on TV, so I ended up settling some detective show about Jack the Ripper...my day had been a little random so why not my TV too?
Bedtime came soon and welcomed. I crawled into my big bed upstairs and read a little. I am currently reading "Sleeping Naked is Green". It is a hilarious book about a young arts journalist in Canada who started a blog keeping track of each "green" thing she added to her lifestyle. In the end she makes 365 green changed to her life...one for everyday of the year. It has made me think about my lifestyle choices a lot, and I have to admit it’s a little hard to be "green" when riding around the country in a HUGE van, when the theatre venues provide ample supplies of BOTTLED WATER....etc...I can at least unplug all my appliances :)
Today is a shorter one in BG....I sadly must get back to Paducah to prepare for tomorrow's shows. I think we are leaving around 2...so I must get my laundry done while its still free! (I am serious about this budget thing!)
XO.
The rest of yesterday was just delightful! I had a lovely little breakfast with my grandparents, cleaned myself up, then headed out on the town with MJ. By the time we actually got out we didn't have tons of time because we were meeting one of their friends for dinner. But we did make it to TJ Maxx and Wally World. After those stops we headed over to my Aunt Nina's house so MJ could do some business things there. Their sweet dog, Harley, had passed away a couple of weeks ago and my Uncle Steve had requested I make him a grave marker. Since Uncle lives in Nashville, he gave the obit to MJ over the phone and I set to work. Unfortunately I couldn't fit the whole thing on the stone...that's what happens when you try and freehand letters I suppose. I will include the whole thing here though, in honor of Uncle Tebe and Harley.
HARLEY
Beloved Pet of Jim and Nina
And friend to us all.
3-10-10
After we got home I threw on a long maxi dress, threw my hair up, and threw on some more makeup...lots of throwing going on...I was in a bit of a rush :)
We picked up MJ and GD's lady friend (and I think big time financial friend to Western U) at 5:30 and headed to a fancy pants restaurant downtown. It was called "Bistro" and it was in an old house close to their church...never been there before, but it was DELISH! I had the Mediterranean Tilapia. It was cooked with garlic, capers, tomatoes, peppers and onions, drizzled in a white wine butter sauce on a bed of garlic-y green beans. YUM. The conversation was lovely and only once got a little political. I just smiled and stayed out of that one...didn't want my arty, liberal ideas to come across as "unlady like". :)
Since we ate early, we were home early. MJ and I decided we needed a "little sweet" so I busted out the bag of cadbury mini eggs I had been hoarding. I love the Easter season for many reasons, BUT I have to guiltily admit that those little chocolate, crunchy eggs are one of them. MJ did some reading while I did some crafting on the couch. We couldn't really find much on TV, so I ended up settling some detective show about Jack the Ripper...my day had been a little random so why not my TV too?
Bedtime came soon and welcomed. I crawled into my big bed upstairs and read a little. I am currently reading "Sleeping Naked is Green". It is a hilarious book about a young arts journalist in Canada who started a blog keeping track of each "green" thing she added to her lifestyle. In the end she makes 365 green changed to her life...one for everyday of the year. It has made me think about my lifestyle choices a lot, and I have to admit it’s a little hard to be "green" when riding around the country in a HUGE van, when the theatre venues provide ample supplies of BOTTLED WATER....etc...I can at least unplug all my appliances :)
Today is a shorter one in BG....I sadly must get back to Paducah to prepare for tomorrow's shows. I think we are leaving around 2...so I must get my laundry done while its still free! (I am serious about this budget thing!)
XO.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Southern Comfort
Greetings from Kane-tuck!
1. The other day I realized we were getting to Paducah two days early, so I hollered at my Mamma Joyce and away they came to scoop me up!
I am writing from their pool room...not much pool going on these days since the table is covered in family photos. MJ is quite the project master :) I had the loveliest night's sleep up in "the girls" room and already feel refreshed and more like a human being.
So yesterday...
We had only one show in the morning and it went well. It was a mostly deaf audience so that was cool. There was a talk back afterward and it was great to hear all of the kids' questions. The lighting was dim, so they came up on stage and signed to us so we could see. After the talk back, we had a little break while the crew loaded out the set. I sat in the dressing room and worked on a secret craft project I have going on, while the other cast members grabbed lunch. I have put myself on a budget...finally...and to save mula I have started making myself a peanut butter sandwich from the hotel's breakfast bar....sneaky. I also grab and apple and extra yogurt, and voila! Instant lunch :)
Once I reemerged from the dressing room dungeon the sun had popped out and it had actually warmed up! It was a great match to my cheery mood...I was starting to get very excited to see my grand folks. We all hopped in the van and drove the 4 hours to Paducah. I was the navigator, but the driver seemed to have everything under control, so I continued to work on my secret project. We arrived in Paducah around 6 PM and just as soon as I had packed a smaller bag, MJ gave me a ring that they were down in the lobby. I hurried down the steps (that is my new workout routine...taking the steps in the hotel rather than the elevator...I know...don't over do it you say...) and gave them both big squeezes! We were all hungry so we went to O'Charlie's for a nice dindin. Grandad got us some onion rings on the sly when he went to the restroom in "celebration of Caroline bein' with us!" :) I ate a big grilled chicken salad and the more I ate the more it seemed to grow in my bowl...it was huge. I took most of it home. We piled back in the car (usually I would not be so happy about more driving...but this was SO worth it!) and drove the 2 hours back to Bowling Green. Just walking into their house made me feel stress free...a lovely feeling these days. We all did a little reading in the living room. I picked up a home magazine...I think it was Colonial living or Better Homes or something...but it made me want to decorate something new! I also saw pictures of refabed old furniture selling for thousands of dollars...looked almost just like the stuff I have in my room...that I redid...from salvation army...got my cogs turning.
Now I must got join MJ in the kitchen to enjoy a poached egg and wheat toast (her favorite breakfast).
I am happy as a clam :)
XO.
1. The other day I realized we were getting to Paducah two days early, so I hollered at my Mamma Joyce and away they came to scoop me up!
I am writing from their pool room...not much pool going on these days since the table is covered in family photos. MJ is quite the project master :) I had the loveliest night's sleep up in "the girls" room and already feel refreshed and more like a human being.
So yesterday...
We had only one show in the morning and it went well. It was a mostly deaf audience so that was cool. There was a talk back afterward and it was great to hear all of the kids' questions. The lighting was dim, so they came up on stage and signed to us so we could see. After the talk back, we had a little break while the crew loaded out the set. I sat in the dressing room and worked on a secret craft project I have going on, while the other cast members grabbed lunch. I have put myself on a budget...finally...and to save mula I have started making myself a peanut butter sandwich from the hotel's breakfast bar....sneaky. I also grab and apple and extra yogurt, and voila! Instant lunch :)
Once I reemerged from the dressing room dungeon the sun had popped out and it had actually warmed up! It was a great match to my cheery mood...I was starting to get very excited to see my grand folks. We all hopped in the van and drove the 4 hours to Paducah. I was the navigator, but the driver seemed to have everything under control, so I continued to work on my secret project. We arrived in Paducah around 6 PM and just as soon as I had packed a smaller bag, MJ gave me a ring that they were down in the lobby. I hurried down the steps (that is my new workout routine...taking the steps in the hotel rather than the elevator...I know...don't over do it you say...) and gave them both big squeezes! We were all hungry so we went to O'Charlie's for a nice dindin. Grandad got us some onion rings on the sly when he went to the restroom in "celebration of Caroline bein' with us!" :) I ate a big grilled chicken salad and the more I ate the more it seemed to grow in my bowl...it was huge. I took most of it home. We piled back in the car (usually I would not be so happy about more driving...but this was SO worth it!) and drove the 2 hours back to Bowling Green. Just walking into their house made me feel stress free...a lovely feeling these days. We all did a little reading in the living room. I picked up a home magazine...I think it was Colonial living or Better Homes or something...but it made me want to decorate something new! I also saw pictures of refabed old furniture selling for thousands of dollars...looked almost just like the stuff I have in my room...that I redid...from salvation army...got my cogs turning.
Now I must got join MJ in the kitchen to enjoy a poached egg and wheat toast (her favorite breakfast).
I am happy as a clam :)
XO.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Honest Abe
I am tired...gonna try and be brief.
Woke up
Put on dirty clothes
Walked in the cold to Panera to obtain coffee and bagel for breakfast
Walked back to hotel to loaf on the internet
Shower
Got spiffed up to visit Abe's home in Springfield
Toured Abe's crib
Took pictures
Raced back to hotel
Ate Steak-n-Shake for dinner (gross but oh so good)
Attended cookie reception held for us by a local University
Listened to presentations about the Deaf Community
(Did you know that the hand signals for "strike" and "foul ball" in baseball were created because of Dummy Hoy...the deaf pro ball player back in the 1880's? I didn't.)
Schlepped back to the hotel
Talked to my beau...well we both sort of mumbled
Watched Obama on the tube (HEALTHCARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
Got in my jammies
Hunkered down to write this.
Some wisdom from our 16th President (who was the subject of my FIRST big book report in elementary school):
"All I am, or can be, I owe to my angel mother." Abraham Lincoln
In honor of mom's birthday week :)
XO.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Irony
Today is officially the first day of spring. I like to imagine Mother Nature welcoming me to Earth's baby period with breezy sunshine, budding trees, little purple crocus, and bumbling fuzzy chicks.
She had other plans for us today...
We left snowy (but not snow-ing) Lincoln, NE around 10 am. It was my turn to drive, and I took the wheel with confidence and lots of coffee. I really prefer driving. As the one in charge of the van, the driver gets monopoly on the radio. Score. I promptly plugged in my iPod and subjected the poor riders to my eclectic musical stylings. We hopped from Beatles, to Motown, to Regina Spektor, to Sara Bareilles, to some weird (but good) music my Beau had given me. Looking in my rear view mirror to change lanes, I caught a glimpse of the gang...most were head phoned and sleeping...so I took that as a sign to crank up the tunes and sing my little heart out. We were clipping along until we got into Iowa. Then it began. That pesky white stuff started as a pretty little dust, to a full on storm. Luckily, the roads were clear and the snow didn't seem to be sticking. We stopped somewhere in Missouri for lunch, and I made a phone call to my Mama Joyce to set up an impromptu side trip. We were about 4.5 hours into the drive and I decided I was done for the day, so I gave the keys to the next person on the list. We set out and were making pretty good time, when we all heard (and felt) what sounded like a gun shot inside the van. One of the gals sitting over the back left tire exclaimed, "I think we blew a tire." with a wild horse look in her eyes. We pulled over (in the snow) and our driver got out (in the snow) to check the tire (in the snow) and it was indeed blown (in the snow). We bundled up and all piled out of the van to assess the situation. About the only thing I was assessing was how flipping cold it was outside. I wouldn't even describe it as "snow"...it was like fiery ice chips shooting at your face. The lone male in our group set in to get the job done, with some help from a couple of the ladies (I decided the best way I could help would be to stay out of the way). At first it wasn't too bad. Then my toes started to go. Then my fingers. I eventually wrapped my (very thin) scarf around my head to keep my ears from falling off. I think the word "babushka" got thrown around, but hey...it was doin' the job. It didn't help that whenever a semi whizzed by it blew not only a huge gust of frigid air our way, but muddy snow ick as well. It is safe to say we were all slightly miserable, BUT we. could. not. stop. LAUGHING. My roommate and I are actually laughing right now after watching a video she took on her phone of the whole fiasco. She just ran to the bathroom by the way, to avoid a giggling accident! SO anywho, after much giggling, and huddling for warmth, the tire eventually got changed and we piled back in the van...45 minutes later. We decided a hot chocolate stop was a must. The next exit was our haven and we plodded in like weary, wet soldiers of the open road. Really, we were all just cold and whiny...one of us even sans pants. Don't worry, she had on a really long coat. ;) We were a sorry, but generally cheery sight. I guzzled down some hot cocoa once in the van and away we went. Everyone was much quieter this leg of our journey. All of us a little waterlogged and in need of a van nap I think. We made it to Springfield well after dark, but relieved to have made it.
After a very hot, very long, very un-green shower I collapsed onto my comfy Hampton Inn bed. I never thought I would appreciate a bed that has probably been used by hundreds of people so much. Ew...don't think about it...don't think about it.
Tomorrow is a day off. Sleep is coming very soon. Like, now.
XO.
She had other plans for us today...
We left snowy (but not snow-ing) Lincoln, NE around 10 am. It was my turn to drive, and I took the wheel with confidence and lots of coffee. I really prefer driving. As the one in charge of the van, the driver gets monopoly on the radio. Score. I promptly plugged in my iPod and subjected the poor riders to my eclectic musical stylings. We hopped from Beatles, to Motown, to Regina Spektor, to Sara Bareilles, to some weird (but good) music my Beau had given me. Looking in my rear view mirror to change lanes, I caught a glimpse of the gang...most were head phoned and sleeping...so I took that as a sign to crank up the tunes and sing my little heart out. We were clipping along until we got into Iowa. Then it began. That pesky white stuff started as a pretty little dust, to a full on storm. Luckily, the roads were clear and the snow didn't seem to be sticking. We stopped somewhere in Missouri for lunch, and I made a phone call to my Mama Joyce to set up an impromptu side trip. We were about 4.5 hours into the drive and I decided I was done for the day, so I gave the keys to the next person on the list. We set out and were making pretty good time, when we all heard (and felt) what sounded like a gun shot inside the van. One of the gals sitting over the back left tire exclaimed, "I think we blew a tire." with a wild horse look in her eyes. We pulled over (in the snow) and our driver got out (in the snow) to check the tire (in the snow) and it was indeed blown (in the snow). We bundled up and all piled out of the van to assess the situation. About the only thing I was assessing was how flipping cold it was outside. I wouldn't even describe it as "snow"...it was like fiery ice chips shooting at your face. The lone male in our group set in to get the job done, with some help from a couple of the ladies (I decided the best way I could help would be to stay out of the way). At first it wasn't too bad. Then my toes started to go. Then my fingers. I eventually wrapped my (very thin) scarf around my head to keep my ears from falling off. I think the word "babushka" got thrown around, but hey...it was doin' the job. It didn't help that whenever a semi whizzed by it blew not only a huge gust of frigid air our way, but muddy snow ick as well. It is safe to say we were all slightly miserable, BUT we. could. not. stop. LAUGHING. My roommate and I are actually laughing right now after watching a video she took on her phone of the whole fiasco. She just ran to the bathroom by the way, to avoid a giggling accident! SO anywho, after much giggling, and huddling for warmth, the tire eventually got changed and we piled back in the van...45 minutes later. We decided a hot chocolate stop was a must. The next exit was our haven and we plodded in like weary, wet soldiers of the open road. Really, we were all just cold and whiny...one of us even sans pants. Don't worry, she had on a really long coat. ;) We were a sorry, but generally cheery sight. I guzzled down some hot cocoa once in the van and away we went. Everyone was much quieter this leg of our journey. All of us a little waterlogged and in need of a van nap I think. We made it to Springfield well after dark, but relieved to have made it.
After a very hot, very long, very un-green shower I collapsed onto my comfy Hampton Inn bed. I never thought I would appreciate a bed that has probably been used by hundreds of people so much. Ew...don't think about it...don't think about it.
Tomorrow is a day off. Sleep is coming very soon. Like, now.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Snow...
Sara Bareilles serenades me this afternoon.
And yes, as the title suggests...its freaking snowing. And not just a sweet little spitting...its dumping. And sticking. Joy.
I was a little scattered yesterday, so scattered in fact that I forgot to write until I was already snug in my bed. So today it is.
A side note...my beau just "tweeted" and described something as being "bossy". As in, "That shirt is bossy"...i.e. in charge, cool, hip, good, etc. A castmate and I were described as bossy in a show last year...I was confused at first and apologized...I mean I know I am a control freak, but sheesh...but then the teen explained. I think this is a fun new piece of slang. So there.
OK...so yesterday, right? It was a day off, so naturally I slept through the free hotel breakfast and lounged in my pj's for most of the morning. We had the possibility of going skeet shooting later in the afternoon so I eventually showered to ready myself for my first gun adventure. Unfortunately those plans fell through; well maybe it was a sign. I trip standing still...perhaps not the best idea to put a shot gun in my hands?
Since I was already dressed I walked to the Applebee's in the hotel parking lot (I see a theme here...) to get a salad to go for my lunchy-poo. (I just woke up from a nap so I am feeling a little cuddly) Talked to my momma for a bit and enjoyed the beautiful sunshiny day! It showed no sign of what today's weather brought...
We had a company meeting at 4PM which was good...very productive and got some things worked out. Living, playing, working and traveling with the same 11 people has its ups and downs, as you can imagine, but they had snacks at the meeting which made me happy as a clam. They also had diet coke, which I enjoyed, but regretted that decision as I lay awake at 12:50 AM....
We had two shows this morning at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln's performing arts center...very nice space. It used to be an opera hall, so the acoustics were fabulous. Since I am back to feeling healthy again, the shows were really fun! We have another show this evening at 7PM, so I came back to the hotel to relax a bit. Tried to watch my favorite serial killer, Dexter, on the internet, but the video wouldn't load so I just napped instead.
I just woke up and as I snacked on my wasabi and soy covered almonds (delish by the way!) I decided to peek out of my curtains to see if the snow had stopped. Oh no...it hadn't....EVERYTHING is completely covered....
I thought I was in the clear! Oh March...you fickle thing...we are headed to Springfield tomorrow and they are only getting rain, so hopefully this truly winter's last hurrah.
I best freshen up before show number 3...and dig out my winter hat...
XO.
And yes, as the title suggests...its freaking snowing. And not just a sweet little spitting...its dumping. And sticking. Joy.
I was a little scattered yesterday, so scattered in fact that I forgot to write until I was already snug in my bed. So today it is.
A side note...my beau just "tweeted" and described something as being "bossy". As in, "That shirt is bossy"...i.e. in charge, cool, hip, good, etc. A castmate and I were described as bossy in a show last year...I was confused at first and apologized...I mean I know I am a control freak, but sheesh...but then the teen explained. I think this is a fun new piece of slang. So there.
OK...so yesterday, right? It was a day off, so naturally I slept through the free hotel breakfast and lounged in my pj's for most of the morning. We had the possibility of going skeet shooting later in the afternoon so I eventually showered to ready myself for my first gun adventure. Unfortunately those plans fell through; well maybe it was a sign. I trip standing still...perhaps not the best idea to put a shot gun in my hands?
Since I was already dressed I walked to the Applebee's in the hotel parking lot (I see a theme here...) to get a salad to go for my lunchy-poo. (I just woke up from a nap so I am feeling a little cuddly) Talked to my momma for a bit and enjoyed the beautiful sunshiny day! It showed no sign of what today's weather brought...
We had a company meeting at 4PM which was good...very productive and got some things worked out. Living, playing, working and traveling with the same 11 people has its ups and downs, as you can imagine, but they had snacks at the meeting which made me happy as a clam. They also had diet coke, which I enjoyed, but regretted that decision as I lay awake at 12:50 AM....
We had two shows this morning at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln's performing arts center...very nice space. It used to be an opera hall, so the acoustics were fabulous. Since I am back to feeling healthy again, the shows were really fun! We have another show this evening at 7PM, so I came back to the hotel to relax a bit. Tried to watch my favorite serial killer, Dexter, on the internet, but the video wouldn't load so I just napped instead.
I just woke up and as I snacked on my wasabi and soy covered almonds (delish by the way!) I decided to peek out of my curtains to see if the snow had stopped. Oh no...it hadn't....EVERYTHING is completely covered....
I thought I was in the clear! Oh March...you fickle thing...we are headed to Springfield tomorrow and they are only getting rain, so hopefully this truly winter's last hurrah.
I best freshen up before show number 3...and dig out my winter hat...
XO.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Nebraska
Wisconsin, to Minnesota, to Iowa, finally Nebraska.
I am in Lincoln. Apparently that was going to be my name if I had turned out to be a boy, so says my momma.
I chatted a little, snoozed a lot, and Rufus Wainwright was my music of choice. Had some potato soup at Applebee's for lunch. Talked to my sis to cook up a pre-baby visit.
Talked to dad the lounge lizard while he sipped a Guinness and listened to some live piano. He was celebrating for the both of us I suppose...I am still feeling slightly puny. Nothings serious, just tired.
Feeling a little blue. I will shake it soon I am sure.
Day off tomorrow.
XO.
I am in Lincoln. Apparently that was going to be my name if I had turned out to be a boy, so says my momma.
I chatted a little, snoozed a lot, and Rufus Wainwright was my music of choice. Had some potato soup at Applebee's for lunch. Talked to my sis to cook up a pre-baby visit.
Talked to dad the lounge lizard while he sipped a Guinness and listened to some live piano. He was celebrating for the both of us I suppose...I am still feeling slightly puny. Nothings serious, just tired.
Feeling a little blue. I will shake it soon I am sure.
Day off tomorrow.
XO.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Sicky in Wisconsin
The stomach flu is the pits. With a capitol P.
So Sunday evening was lovely. I got to go on a for real deal date with my Beau, the Clock and the Crazy. We went to dinner at this lovely little Italian place called Zio. I will leave out the details of what I ate that evening (you will find out why in a moment...) We then headed to the bowling alley...my suggestion :) I am not the best bowler...very inconsistent. But I do like wearing the cute shoes. I got a couple of spares and a strike (did I make that up?...the sickness has shaken my memory) but I kept spinning the ball to the right...usually only getting about three pins down at a time. It was also COSMIC BOWLING! This is when all the lights are off and they have black lights and lazer-y type rotating light balls (what?) hanging from the ceiling. It was all fun and games until certain people in our party starting messing with the score ;)
I couldn't help but observe how bowling brings out funny aspects of people. Maybe it was the blacklight...maybe just the competitive nature of the sport? I don't know...but as I looked around at business yuppies, pregnant woman, kids, grandpa's, and my artsy fartsy folk, we were all acting a little off. I loved it. My beau even pulled me over to sit on his lap...there is something delightfully trashy about a bowling alley...in the best possible way.
I hugged my lovely friends and drifted off into dream land, only to be abruptly awoken around 1:30 AM with...dun dun dun! The dreaded stomach bug. I was up all night with the dang thing. Felt like someone had poisoned me. Needless to say, I wasn't fit to get on my flight that morning at 7, so I had my beau drive me to Urgent Care for some urgent care. They gave me some IV fluids and nausea meds, and then my poor beau started getting sick too! We were a sorry sight. Me all splayed out on the little bed with an IV in my arm, and poor Matthew laying on a makeshift pallet on the floor. The Doc finally said we were good to go and I got on the phone to rearrange my flight...luckily the airline was understanding and switched it for me. A quick nap and then off to the airport went the two sickies. Both of us being sick and crunched for time, our curbside goodbye felt rushed and unsatisfying. But a goodbye squeeze was had never the less. My three flights to WI were fine, but I was struggling. I felt like death and looked like it too. You know it's bad when I don't put on any makeup...I mean, I try not to be a terribly vain person, but I AM an actor... I finally made it to WI around 9 PM and the sweet crew from my show picked my up in the big white van. I think our reunion would have been sweeter if the road wasn't so bumpy on my still delicate tum. I collapsed into my single room and called my momma for good luck. No matter how old I get I still want my momma when I am sick...I bet I will never get over that. They just know what to do to make you feel better somehow...
The night's sleep helped a ton, and I was feeling a bit better this morning. My energy was low for the two shows, but I powered through. I came straight back to the hotel afterward and continued to sleep all afternoon. It was just what the Dr. ordered.
The stomach bug is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Seriously. Tomorrow is another travel day...Nebraska I think?
Hoping sleep will come easily tonight. I am feeling a little homesick for my family and my beau. I will get to see them all relatively soon. Must keep that in mind.
XO.
So Sunday evening was lovely. I got to go on a for real deal date with my Beau, the Clock and the Crazy. We went to dinner at this lovely little Italian place called Zio. I will leave out the details of what I ate that evening (you will find out why in a moment...) We then headed to the bowling alley...my suggestion :) I am not the best bowler...very inconsistent. But I do like wearing the cute shoes. I got a couple of spares and a strike (did I make that up?...the sickness has shaken my memory) but I kept spinning the ball to the right...usually only getting about three pins down at a time. It was also COSMIC BOWLING! This is when all the lights are off and they have black lights and lazer-y type rotating light balls (what?) hanging from the ceiling. It was all fun and games until certain people in our party starting messing with the score ;)
I couldn't help but observe how bowling brings out funny aspects of people. Maybe it was the blacklight...maybe just the competitive nature of the sport? I don't know...but as I looked around at business yuppies, pregnant woman, kids, grandpa's, and my artsy fartsy folk, we were all acting a little off. I loved it. My beau even pulled me over to sit on his lap...there is something delightfully trashy about a bowling alley...in the best possible way.
I hugged my lovely friends and drifted off into dream land, only to be abruptly awoken around 1:30 AM with...dun dun dun! The dreaded stomach bug. I was up all night with the dang thing. Felt like someone had poisoned me. Needless to say, I wasn't fit to get on my flight that morning at 7, so I had my beau drive me to Urgent Care for some urgent care. They gave me some IV fluids and nausea meds, and then my poor beau started getting sick too! We were a sorry sight. Me all splayed out on the little bed with an IV in my arm, and poor Matthew laying on a makeshift pallet on the floor. The Doc finally said we were good to go and I got on the phone to rearrange my flight...luckily the airline was understanding and switched it for me. A quick nap and then off to the airport went the two sickies. Both of us being sick and crunched for time, our curbside goodbye felt rushed and unsatisfying. But a goodbye squeeze was had never the less. My three flights to WI were fine, but I was struggling. I felt like death and looked like it too. You know it's bad when I don't put on any makeup...I mean, I try not to be a terribly vain person, but I AM an actor... I finally made it to WI around 9 PM and the sweet crew from my show picked my up in the big white van. I think our reunion would have been sweeter if the road wasn't so bumpy on my still delicate tum. I collapsed into my single room and called my momma for good luck. No matter how old I get I still want my momma when I am sick...I bet I will never get over that. They just know what to do to make you feel better somehow...
The night's sleep helped a ton, and I was feeling a bit better this morning. My energy was low for the two shows, but I powered through. I came straight back to the hotel afterward and continued to sleep all afternoon. It was just what the Dr. ordered.
The stomach bug is something I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. Seriously. Tomorrow is another travel day...Nebraska I think?
Hoping sleep will come easily tonight. I am feeling a little homesick for my family and my beau. I will get to see them all relatively soon. Must keep that in mind.
XO.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Planes, rain's, and lack of automobiles...
Put on your big girl pants...this is gonna be a long one.
I believe I left you with Oscar thoughts last. The next day was another day off...surprise surprise. For time's sake I will be brief and brisk: Day off's highlights...
1. Nice lady at Target fixed my glasses for free
2. facial waxing done...no more facial hair!
3. inhaled a HUGE Moe's style burrito
4. ate so much at dinner that I felt physically ill...but dessert was worth it
Tuesday was a work day! I was ready to get back to the show. We performed at the Cerritos performing arts center...beautiful space. It had been a few days since we had performed so the show as a little funkified...with a little vomit for good luck. One of my cast mates had a little stomach issue during the show, but I will steal a saying from a good friend..."She puked and rallied!" Sorry for the vulgarity, but it was true...she went on like it was nothing. We were all abuzz the second show because there were rumors that Marlee Matlin was sneaking in to the show. Though she did not sneak, she did a very public curtain speech before the show, she sure did attend. What an honor. Nothing like having an Oscar winning actress sitting there at your 11:30 am matinee! She came back afterward to wish us all well. She was the cutest little lady. Well, cute is not the right word. She was HOT! And very gracious, while I gushed about meeting her and how excited I was that she came to see us. She was funny too...after we took some group pictures with her she casually joked to one of my cast members about a sign blunder he had made. He had accidentally signed "I'm gonna kill mom" instead of "I'm gonna tell mom" . She definitely caught it... :) She had to go pick up her kids from school so she didn't tarry, but it was still so great for her to come see us lowly theatre folk. After the celebrity high of the morning we headed back to our hotel to get ready for a party thrown by the composer of our show. She had the cast and crew over to her beautiful home, overlooking the ocean. The view was magnificent and the company even better. She and her family prepared a lovely Mexican inspired meal while the Margarita's overfloweth! It was a lovely end to our "week". The evening even included a sing-a-long with the composer herself at the piano...its not every day... :) Just as the evening started early, it ended early. Once back at the hotel I set about getting my things in order to fly to Charlotte. The next day started my mini tour vacation. I felt like a child on Christmas Eve, I could barely sleep.
After a short "nap", four of us set out to LAX at 4:15 AM. We parted ways and I boarded my 6:10 AM flight right on time. It was THE worst flight I have ever taken. I had to close my eyes and pretend I was in a car on a VERY bumpy, mountainous road. Some people actually applauded when we landed in Cincy. Never a good sign when people start to clap... But the next leg of the journey was easy peasy. I was starting to get butterflies as the little jet approached the Carolina's. It had been a month since I had seen my Beau and I was very excited to say the least. He had had (I sort of hate/love when you have to use "had had"...) a very tumultuous couple of weeks prior (two tech weeks, 12 hour work days, flakes of all shapes and sizes to name a few...) and I was glad to be there to support him. While he was at his 2nd rehearsal of the day I ate a delightful dinner at Dish (one of my Charlotte favorites) with Matthew Keffer. I ate my usual: Cajun Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with spicy gravy, yellow squash casserole and a homemade biscuit smothered in honey. Washed it down with an icy cold La Batt...it was on special for $1.50...for a reason. I then got my exact dinner to go and Keff and I meandered over to the Patchwerk Playhaus to give sustenance to the weary Machine Theatre warriors. Well...just to Matty C. actually. Dropped off the food, gave him a smooch on the head and off I went to snuggle in my VERY OWN BED! I snuggled in my down alternative comforter by candle light and caught of on past episodes of Dexter. I might as well have died and gone to heaven. After two episode I passed seamlessly into dream land and slept until I woke up the next morning....er afternoon :) Matt came back from his morning show and we walked across the street to LocoLime...a new Mexican place. It was delish as delish could be! I then headed to CTC for a meeting about some summer employment (yeah-ah) and then to a hair appointment to get my roots done. Marylin, but colorist was a gem and pampered me like a little red headed princess. After beautifying, I gussied up in one of my Vegas costumes and had some Asian cuisine with JPD, the Clock, and Keff. After loosening my already stretchy black pattened belt, we arrived at the Patchwerk Playhaus to see the world premier of "Mum's the Word", written and directed by Matt Cosper. It was just a warm fuzzy little piece of theatre fluff! NOT! It was an awesome comment on the craziness of mothers, the lack of responsibility in the human race and the end times for us white-ies. I was just bustin my buttons! Friday was dedicated to seeing CTC's production of Treasure Island. It was opening night and it was lovely to sit in the house and watch all of my friends do what they do best. The show was beautiful, especially the lighting, and the transitions were flawless. I was very proud of my pirates and it was only natural to go to Brixx to raise a glass afterward. I was beside myself, seeing such sweet familiar faces. Everyone was pretty worn down from the weeks leading to their opening, I could see through their cheery smiles. But I loved seeing each and everyone that night. Saturday was a play day! My personal pirate didn't have to be at the theatre until 2 PM so we caught a delicious brunch at Zada Janes (another of my Charlotte faves) then headed to the Carolina Raptor Center to gawk at some birds of prey. They were very majestic, as was the beautiful Carolina sky. It had kindly stopped raining for a few hours (it had been raining since I arrived in Charlotte...I told Matt that I brought the rain so that I would be the shiniest thing in the area...heh) and I enjoyed wandering the sunny trails. We had a little extra time so Matt drove me to the Davidson family cemetery...very old, very small, very creepy, very cool. It was in the middle of a field, beside a small country road. The family names consisted of Fannie, Margaret and Sallie. I think there was a Lucretia thrown in for good measure. It was time for Matthew to be at the theatre so I dumped him there then spent a while in another of my favorite places...TRADER JOE'S! I bought too much wine and not enough turkey jerky (I am almost out already!). I started in on some light cleaning, then headed to a lovely ladies home for dinner. I spent the evening with my friend Amy, and her two sweet chillins. We made tacos, and played with babies, while watching the Disney Channel. It was a perfect ending to a perfectly lovely day.
You now find me sitting in the green room of CTC watching Treasure Island on the monitor. I didn't have anything else to do so I decided to come in and hang out with the pirate crew for the afternoon. Actually, they just took their bows. It has taken me the whole show to pound out his blasted blog. I don't wanna leave my lovelies here, but I am ready to get back to work. The rest has been much needed and appreciated, and the love here has rejuvenated me, but there has been a dark undertone here. I don't know if it was just the dreary weather, or if the rumblings of a real life mutiny were actually affecting things. A little of both? Either way, its been partly bittersweet. Things just seem to be changing. For everyone, and not just about the same things either...the winds of change be a blowin! (please read in a stereotypical pirate voice)
This has taken me far too long, with too many location changes (I am now sitting on my pretty blue couch in the apartment) so be gone!
XO.
I believe I left you with Oscar thoughts last. The next day was another day off...surprise surprise. For time's sake I will be brief and brisk: Day off's highlights...
1. Nice lady at Target fixed my glasses for free
2. facial waxing done...no more facial hair!
3. inhaled a HUGE Moe's style burrito
4. ate so much at dinner that I felt physically ill...but dessert was worth it
Tuesday was a work day! I was ready to get back to the show. We performed at the Cerritos performing arts center...beautiful space. It had been a few days since we had performed so the show as a little funkified...with a little vomit for good luck. One of my cast mates had a little stomach issue during the show, but I will steal a saying from a good friend..."She puked and rallied!" Sorry for the vulgarity, but it was true...she went on like it was nothing. We were all abuzz the second show because there were rumors that Marlee Matlin was sneaking in to the show. Though she did not sneak, she did a very public curtain speech before the show, she sure did attend. What an honor. Nothing like having an Oscar winning actress sitting there at your 11:30 am matinee! She came back afterward to wish us all well. She was the cutest little lady. Well, cute is not the right word. She was HOT! And very gracious, while I gushed about meeting her and how excited I was that she came to see us. She was funny too...after we took some group pictures with her she casually joked to one of my cast members about a sign blunder he had made. He had accidentally signed "I'm gonna kill mom" instead of "I'm gonna tell mom" . She definitely caught it... :) She had to go pick up her kids from school so she didn't tarry, but it was still so great for her to come see us lowly theatre folk. After the celebrity high of the morning we headed back to our hotel to get ready for a party thrown by the composer of our show. She had the cast and crew over to her beautiful home, overlooking the ocean. The view was magnificent and the company even better. She and her family prepared a lovely Mexican inspired meal while the Margarita's overfloweth! It was a lovely end to our "week". The evening even included a sing-a-long with the composer herself at the piano...its not every day... :) Just as the evening started early, it ended early. Once back at the hotel I set about getting my things in order to fly to Charlotte. The next day started my mini tour vacation. I felt like a child on Christmas Eve, I could barely sleep.
After a short "nap", four of us set out to LAX at 4:15 AM. We parted ways and I boarded my 6:10 AM flight right on time. It was THE worst flight I have ever taken. I had to close my eyes and pretend I was in a car on a VERY bumpy, mountainous road. Some people actually applauded when we landed in Cincy. Never a good sign when people start to clap... But the next leg of the journey was easy peasy. I was starting to get butterflies as the little jet approached the Carolina's. It had been a month since I had seen my Beau and I was very excited to say the least. He had had (I sort of hate/love when you have to use "had had"...) a very tumultuous couple of weeks prior (two tech weeks, 12 hour work days, flakes of all shapes and sizes to name a few...) and I was glad to be there to support him. While he was at his 2nd rehearsal of the day I ate a delightful dinner at Dish (one of my Charlotte favorites) with Matthew Keffer. I ate my usual: Cajun Meatloaf, mashed potatoes with spicy gravy, yellow squash casserole and a homemade biscuit smothered in honey. Washed it down with an icy cold La Batt...it was on special for $1.50...for a reason. I then got my exact dinner to go and Keff and I meandered over to the Patchwerk Playhaus to give sustenance to the weary Machine Theatre warriors. Well...just to Matty C. actually. Dropped off the food, gave him a smooch on the head and off I went to snuggle in my VERY OWN BED! I snuggled in my down alternative comforter by candle light and caught of on past episodes of Dexter. I might as well have died and gone to heaven. After two episode I passed seamlessly into dream land and slept until I woke up the next morning....er afternoon :) Matt came back from his morning show and we walked across the street to LocoLime...a new Mexican place. It was delish as delish could be! I then headed to CTC for a meeting about some summer employment (yeah-ah) and then to a hair appointment to get my roots done. Marylin, but colorist was a gem and pampered me like a little red headed princess. After beautifying, I gussied up in one of my Vegas costumes and had some Asian cuisine with JPD, the Clock, and Keff. After loosening my already stretchy black pattened belt, we arrived at the Patchwerk Playhaus to see the world premier of "Mum's the Word", written and directed by Matt Cosper. It was just a warm fuzzy little piece of theatre fluff! NOT! It was an awesome comment on the craziness of mothers, the lack of responsibility in the human race and the end times for us white-ies. I was just bustin my buttons! Friday was dedicated to seeing CTC's production of Treasure Island. It was opening night and it was lovely to sit in the house and watch all of my friends do what they do best. The show was beautiful, especially the lighting, and the transitions were flawless. I was very proud of my pirates and it was only natural to go to Brixx to raise a glass afterward. I was beside myself, seeing such sweet familiar faces. Everyone was pretty worn down from the weeks leading to their opening, I could see through their cheery smiles. But I loved seeing each and everyone that night. Saturday was a play day! My personal pirate didn't have to be at the theatre until 2 PM so we caught a delicious brunch at Zada Janes (another of my Charlotte faves) then headed to the Carolina Raptor Center to gawk at some birds of prey. They were very majestic, as was the beautiful Carolina sky. It had kindly stopped raining for a few hours (it had been raining since I arrived in Charlotte...I told Matt that I brought the rain so that I would be the shiniest thing in the area...heh) and I enjoyed wandering the sunny trails. We had a little extra time so Matt drove me to the Davidson family cemetery...very old, very small, very creepy, very cool. It was in the middle of a field, beside a small country road. The family names consisted of Fannie, Margaret and Sallie. I think there was a Lucretia thrown in for good measure. It was time for Matthew to be at the theatre so I dumped him there then spent a while in another of my favorite places...TRADER JOE'S! I bought too much wine and not enough turkey jerky (I am almost out already!). I started in on some light cleaning, then headed to a lovely ladies home for dinner. I spent the evening with my friend Amy, and her two sweet chillins. We made tacos, and played with babies, while watching the Disney Channel. It was a perfect ending to a perfectly lovely day.
You now find me sitting in the green room of CTC watching Treasure Island on the monitor. I didn't have anything else to do so I decided to come in and hang out with the pirate crew for the afternoon. Actually, they just took their bows. It has taken me the whole show to pound out his blasted blog. I don't wanna leave my lovelies here, but I am ready to get back to work. The rest has been much needed and appreciated, and the love here has rejuvenated me, but there has been a dark undertone here. I don't know if it was just the dreary weather, or if the rumblings of a real life mutiny were actually affecting things. A little of both? Either way, its been partly bittersweet. Things just seem to be changing. For everyone, and not just about the same things either...the winds of change be a blowin! (please read in a stereotypical pirate voice)
This has taken me far too long, with too many location changes (I am now sitting on my pretty blue couch in the apartment) so be gone!
XO.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Oscar Night
Princess Caroline has had a bit of a poopoo pouty day.
Today was a day off, so some sleeping in was enjoyed this morning. I did miss breakfast though, but luckily I had stolen a handful of granola bars (not actually stolen...they were provided for us...) from our last theatre venue. I munched on my granola (and mini cadbury eggs, lets be honest) while catching up on my interneting. I did this long enough to get grossed out with myself so I made my little hotel room to-do list. I crossed off "shower", crossed off "laundry" (I hate doing laundry at home, and doubly hate doing it in a hotel), crossed off "thank you notes". All the while, I was trying to wrangle the gang to take a trip in the big white van to L.A. A friend was going to an Oscar after party at the Roosevelt hotel and invited us. No one. Wanted. To. GO.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The van had better places to be, like the mall, and the movies. I get it...I get it... I mean I love a good outlet mall too...
(Ok enough whining...)
BUT I did pout around my room for a little while. The pouting was egged on by the rumbling in my belly. I thought a luxurious late lunch (a wonderful example of alliteration, thank you!) would snap me out of it. I walked over to the hotel's restaurant while chatting with my pops. I always get a little home sick when I think about how far away I am from everyone...but thank my stars for cell phones. But yes, the lunch helped. I sat at the bar and watched Oscar red carpet activity while inhaling some honey glazed orange shrimp and brown rice. And I had a beer, ok? I ate every last bite (and drop) then headed back to the hotel. I got a surprise call from an old high school theatre buddy and had a lovely little chat. It was great to hear about all the stuff he is doing out in L.A. When the work isn't coming to him, he is making it for himself. You go!
Watching the Oscars (alone in my hotel room, NOT at a hip party in L.A...just to clear that up) made me a little sentimental...ok really sentimental. There seemed to be so many "firsts", which I think is just awesome. And I have to say I am sort of glad the "biggest block buster in history" didn't win best picture. AND the director was a LADY. And Sandra Bullock made me cry. As did the guy (I forget what he won for) who told all the kids out there to create even if they don't have the support. It made me proud to be part of an arts culture that is (or should be) basically after the same thing. I am part of a little subset of a larger community that exists to create, and challenge and entertain, and push buttons. Those little moments humanize Hollywood...it was refreshing.
Now I am just watching E! footage of the after parties. In my holey jeans and my glasses with only one ear stem. I feel so glamorous. Honestly...after too many glamorous nights in Vegas, its a nice change of pace. Riiiiiiight..... ;)
Another day off tomorrow...ah the actor's life is SO hard!
XO.
Today was a day off, so some sleeping in was enjoyed this morning. I did miss breakfast though, but luckily I had stolen a handful of granola bars (not actually stolen...they were provided for us...) from our last theatre venue. I munched on my granola (and mini cadbury eggs, lets be honest) while catching up on my interneting. I did this long enough to get grossed out with myself so I made my little hotel room to-do list. I crossed off "shower", crossed off "laundry" (I hate doing laundry at home, and doubly hate doing it in a hotel), crossed off "thank you notes". All the while, I was trying to wrangle the gang to take a trip in the big white van to L.A. A friend was going to an Oscar after party at the Roosevelt hotel and invited us. No one. Wanted. To. GO.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The van had better places to be, like the mall, and the movies. I get it...I get it... I mean I love a good outlet mall too...
(Ok enough whining...)
BUT I did pout around my room for a little while. The pouting was egged on by the rumbling in my belly. I thought a luxurious late lunch (a wonderful example of alliteration, thank you!) would snap me out of it. I walked over to the hotel's restaurant while chatting with my pops. I always get a little home sick when I think about how far away I am from everyone...but thank my stars for cell phones. But yes, the lunch helped. I sat at the bar and watched Oscar red carpet activity while inhaling some honey glazed orange shrimp and brown rice. And I had a beer, ok? I ate every last bite (and drop) then headed back to the hotel. I got a surprise call from an old high school theatre buddy and had a lovely little chat. It was great to hear about all the stuff he is doing out in L.A. When the work isn't coming to him, he is making it for himself. You go!
Watching the Oscars (alone in my hotel room, NOT at a hip party in L.A...just to clear that up) made me a little sentimental...ok really sentimental. There seemed to be so many "firsts", which I think is just awesome. And I have to say I am sort of glad the "biggest block buster in history" didn't win best picture. AND the director was a LADY. And Sandra Bullock made me cry. As did the guy (I forget what he won for) who told all the kids out there to create even if they don't have the support. It made me proud to be part of an arts culture that is (or should be) basically after the same thing. I am part of a little subset of a larger community that exists to create, and challenge and entertain, and push buttons. Those little moments humanize Hollywood...it was refreshing.
Now I am just watching E! footage of the after parties. In my holey jeans and my glasses with only one ear stem. I feel so glamorous. Honestly...after too many glamorous nights in Vegas, its a nice change of pace. Riiiiiiight..... ;)
Another day off tomorrow...ah the actor's life is SO hard!
XO.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
I have officially lost track of what day it is...
Where in the world...
I have been away from the internet world for a couple of days...it was because of a problem with the internet connection at the hotel in Vegas, not because I was staying out all night... ;)
But seriously, I couldn't get my computer to connect, and I almost went insane. I missed my cathartic blogging sessions. I feel a little out of my groove.
OK...now time for a Vegas rundown!
So we got to Vegas on Monday and went directly to the venue to load in the set. We were performing in an Elementary School so they didn't provide any local help...so the next best thing? Actors! It was a little stressful to begin with because on the way to the venue the truck backed into a light pole...luck be a lady. BUT we got it all set up at the school without too many bumps. After the day of travel and the excitement of loading in I decided it was best to hunker down in my hotel room for the night and get some rest. We had two shows the next morning, and I was pleasantly surprised that no one was killed by a large moving box! The space was much smaller than we were used to, so some major adjustments had to be made, but all went well. So after a night of rest and two shows, we were all ready to experience sin city!
I got gussied up and met some ladies to explore the casino at the Hilton next door to our hotel. I gave myself a $10 limit to play the penny slots. I spent two dollars and then won $20.49. I didn't want to push my luck so I cashed out. High roller. We walked to the Sahara but didn't last too long because of the smoke factor. Florrie and I decided food was in order and then bedtime. I figured it was best to ease into Vegas.
The next days shows went well too. The kids were eating it up. After the shows, I decided it was time for some power shopping. I mean, we were in Vegas...I needed some flashy duds. (I can justify anything) I took a bus from our hotel to the Las Vegas Premier Outlets...and boy were they grand! Flashy duds were found and purchased as well as some flashy shoes and some bling. I happily boarded the bus home with my purchases and headed back to the hotel to gussy-up once again. I wore my dark skinny jeans, a Bebe strapless belted top, new suede PURPLE pumps, and purple bling bling earrings to match. I felt pretty sassy :) A couple of us met up and decided to take the monorail to the strip to explore some of the more famous hotels. We went to Paris, and I had a lovely photo shoot on the "cobble stone streets". We then walked over to the Bellagio to watch the water show outside. Impressive. The inside of this hotel was BEAUTIFUL! Very swanky. After many more photo shoots, we eventually made our way over to Caesar's Palace. We headed home around midnight because we still had two shows the next day.
The last two shows were a hit. After we were finished we were waiting outside for another Kipparazzi shoot, and some of the kids were still loading onto their buses. One little guy kept trying to get our attention and then he yelled "That was tight!" Haha...you know if a 10 year old BOY thinks your show was tight you must be doing something right. We loaded up the set and then headed back to Vegas FREEDOM! Thursday night was our official "going out" night so we were pulling out the stop in our gussy-ing. After a brief hissy fit about what outfit I should wear, I settled on the navy silk shorts jumper (say that 3 times fast...) and my brown chunky heels. Hair was up, jewelry was on, with smoky eye make up to boot. The whole gang met for a lovely sushi dinner then we headed to the Venetian to begin our shenanigans. Well tonight Kipparazzi had a field day. We did photo shoots inside, outside, in front of water falls, out on balconies...we felt like for real deal models! :) Around 1 AM we decided it was time to find a dance club and that we did...we dance all through the night! It was a little strange to go home when the sun was coming up...but wholesome fun was had by all! The worst thing that happened was one of the girls dance off her belt...literally dance it off in the club. ha. I woke up (after what was basically a quick nap...) to meet my cousin for a lovely chat. She came to meet me at the hotel and we talked for almost 2 hours...so nice to see a familiar face. After giving her a hug goodbye I caught a few more hours of sleep. Then preceded to veg on the couch until I felt compelled to take a shower and try to rally for our last night in Vegas. The shower helped and I gussied up for the last time. I met the girls and we monorailed it over to Bally's for some Eye-talian grub. It was divine, but half way through the meal my body started yelling at me for not being in bed so I high tailed it back to the hotel as fast as my little purple pump enclosed tootsies could carry me. Everyone else ended up at Studio 54 (sorry I missed this one, but I seriously might have died if I had not gotten more sleep).
SO this morning we left around 10 AM to head back to CA. We are actually staying in the same hotel we stayed in last week. Its sort of twilight zone-esque. I am currently staring out at the dark, rainy CA sky. Not as pretty as the Nevada mountains, but it just means I am a getting closer to a little time off next week. After our shows here on Tuesday the gang is driving from CA to WI. I opted out of that cross country drive and bought a plane ticket home to Charlotte for a few days. I am having a blast, but I am in need of some r and r with my sweet friends and my sweetheart.
I think some laundry and take out are just what the doctor ordered for this evening.
XO.
I have been away from the internet world for a couple of days...it was because of a problem with the internet connection at the hotel in Vegas, not because I was staying out all night... ;)
But seriously, I couldn't get my computer to connect, and I almost went insane. I missed my cathartic blogging sessions. I feel a little out of my groove.
OK...now time for a Vegas rundown!
So we got to Vegas on Monday and went directly to the venue to load in the set. We were performing in an Elementary School so they didn't provide any local help...so the next best thing? Actors! It was a little stressful to begin with because on the way to the venue the truck backed into a light pole...luck be a lady. BUT we got it all set up at the school without too many bumps. After the day of travel and the excitement of loading in I decided it was best to hunker down in my hotel room for the night and get some rest. We had two shows the next morning, and I was pleasantly surprised that no one was killed by a large moving box! The space was much smaller than we were used to, so some major adjustments had to be made, but all went well. So after a night of rest and two shows, we were all ready to experience sin city!
I got gussied up and met some ladies to explore the casino at the Hilton next door to our hotel. I gave myself a $10 limit to play the penny slots. I spent two dollars and then won $20.49. I didn't want to push my luck so I cashed out. High roller. We walked to the Sahara but didn't last too long because of the smoke factor. Florrie and I decided food was in order and then bedtime. I figured it was best to ease into Vegas.
The next days shows went well too. The kids were eating it up. After the shows, I decided it was time for some power shopping. I mean, we were in Vegas...I needed some flashy duds. (I can justify anything) I took a bus from our hotel to the Las Vegas Premier Outlets...and boy were they grand! Flashy duds were found and purchased as well as some flashy shoes and some bling. I happily boarded the bus home with my purchases and headed back to the hotel to gussy-up once again. I wore my dark skinny jeans, a Bebe strapless belted top, new suede PURPLE pumps, and purple bling bling earrings to match. I felt pretty sassy :) A couple of us met up and decided to take the monorail to the strip to explore some of the more famous hotels. We went to Paris, and I had a lovely photo shoot on the "cobble stone streets". We then walked over to the Bellagio to watch the water show outside. Impressive. The inside of this hotel was BEAUTIFUL! Very swanky. After many more photo shoots, we eventually made our way over to Caesar's Palace. We headed home around midnight because we still had two shows the next day.
The last two shows were a hit. After we were finished we were waiting outside for another Kipparazzi shoot, and some of the kids were still loading onto their buses. One little guy kept trying to get our attention and then he yelled "That was tight!" Haha...you know if a 10 year old BOY thinks your show was tight you must be doing something right. We loaded up the set and then headed back to Vegas FREEDOM! Thursday night was our official "going out" night so we were pulling out the stop in our gussy-ing. After a brief hissy fit about what outfit I should wear, I settled on the navy silk shorts jumper (say that 3 times fast...) and my brown chunky heels. Hair was up, jewelry was on, with smoky eye make up to boot. The whole gang met for a lovely sushi dinner then we headed to the Venetian to begin our shenanigans. Well tonight Kipparazzi had a field day. We did photo shoots inside, outside, in front of water falls, out on balconies...we felt like for real deal models! :) Around 1 AM we decided it was time to find a dance club and that we did...we dance all through the night! It was a little strange to go home when the sun was coming up...but wholesome fun was had by all! The worst thing that happened was one of the girls dance off her belt...literally dance it off in the club. ha. I woke up (after what was basically a quick nap...) to meet my cousin for a lovely chat. She came to meet me at the hotel and we talked for almost 2 hours...so nice to see a familiar face. After giving her a hug goodbye I caught a few more hours of sleep. Then preceded to veg on the couch until I felt compelled to take a shower and try to rally for our last night in Vegas. The shower helped and I gussied up for the last time. I met the girls and we monorailed it over to Bally's for some Eye-talian grub. It was divine, but half way through the meal my body started yelling at me for not being in bed so I high tailed it back to the hotel as fast as my little purple pump enclosed tootsies could carry me. Everyone else ended up at Studio 54 (sorry I missed this one, but I seriously might have died if I had not gotten more sleep).
SO this morning we left around 10 AM to head back to CA. We are actually staying in the same hotel we stayed in last week. Its sort of twilight zone-esque. I am currently staring out at the dark, rainy CA sky. Not as pretty as the Nevada mountains, but it just means I am a getting closer to a little time off next week. After our shows here on Tuesday the gang is driving from CA to WI. I opted out of that cross country drive and bought a plane ticket home to Charlotte for a few days. I am having a blast, but I am in need of some r and r with my sweet friends and my sweetheart.
I think some laundry and take out are just what the doctor ordered for this evening.
XO.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Day 15 part II
Today is a two parter...
The first show was a little less than perfect...half way through the sound board crashed and we had no music. The show IS a musical so this was a little problematic. I talked through a little bit of singing that I had, but then in the next scene they actually brought down the curtain and held the show so they could reboot the board. Oh the beauty of live theatre!
The second show went so well though! I was excited because I had a friend at this one AND our composer was there again. It helps to have a little nervous energy to keep my on my toes. I felt like it was one of our best shows yet. After the show (and a long line of autograph signings...) I headed out to Lala land with my friend Chris! He lives around the block from the Kodak Theatre and Graumans Chinese Theatre so we headed there first...SO COOL! They are getting ready for the Oscar's next weekend and they already have the bleachers set up to watch the red carpet. The huge Oscar statue was outside the Kodak as well...but we was under plastic to keep his golden sheen asparkle for next weekend. I was literally starstruck by some of the hand prints I saw at the Graumans...Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Groucho Marx, Meryl, Clark, Johnny Depp....SO many! AH! I am in love with old Hollywood as of late! It makes me want to don a curly up do and put on some red lipstick...
After a little bit of sight seeing we got some tasty Thai food and chatted like old buddies do! He was able to drive me back to my hotel (a 3o minute drive...not too bad for L.A....thanks Chris!) by 10:30! What a productive day and I still get some good sleepy time!
We are leaving for Vegas in the morn! Woohoo! Luck be a lady...
XO.
The first show was a little less than perfect...half way through the sound board crashed and we had no music. The show IS a musical so this was a little problematic. I talked through a little bit of singing that I had, but then in the next scene they actually brought down the curtain and held the show so they could reboot the board. Oh the beauty of live theatre!
The second show went so well though! I was excited because I had a friend at this one AND our composer was there again. It helps to have a little nervous energy to keep my on my toes. I felt like it was one of our best shows yet. After the show (and a long line of autograph signings...) I headed out to Lala land with my friend Chris! He lives around the block from the Kodak Theatre and Graumans Chinese Theatre so we headed there first...SO COOL! They are getting ready for the Oscar's next weekend and they already have the bleachers set up to watch the red carpet. The huge Oscar statue was outside the Kodak as well...but we was under plastic to keep his golden sheen asparkle for next weekend. I was literally starstruck by some of the hand prints I saw at the Graumans...Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Groucho Marx, Meryl, Clark, Johnny Depp....SO many! AH! I am in love with old Hollywood as of late! It makes me want to don a curly up do and put on some red lipstick...
After a little bit of sight seeing we got some tasty Thai food and chatted like old buddies do! He was able to drive me back to my hotel (a 3o minute drive...not too bad for L.A....thanks Chris!) by 10:30! What a productive day and I still get some good sleepy time!
We are leaving for Vegas in the morn! Woohoo! Luck be a lady...
XO.
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