Aventuras: A Cross Country Adventure With Two White Vans and a handful of Actors.

To All My Loyal Readers

2006-04-22T17:31:00.000-04:00

Some of you may be asking yourselves: now that tour is over...will the blog continue? Will the blog live on??? What the heck is Cristina doing with her free time?

I'm sorry the answer to these questions has been so long awaited...but I'm in Va Beach, and my parents have dial-up. No, that wasn't a typo. They don't have cable either. It's like living in the 1950s... just kidding mom and dad :). Thanks for the free food!

And I typically use my dad's computer to sign online because I can't get my gmail on my mom's comp, but my dad's comp won't let me do blogger! Soooo...I finally made it over to my mom's comp, and I'm typing this message to all of you...the loyal few.

So listen. Here's the scoop. I love blogging. I love random adventures. And I love telling stories! So, I've decided that as long as the adventures and funny stories keep coming, I'll keep blogging! But to distinguish between the tour blog (that started it all) and my new real-life blog, I will be starting a brand new blog website...with a new URL. Goodbye "Aventuras" with your pick background...hello new blog! I will probably wait until I've got some sort of high speed connection, which may be in a week, or if I find a cafe around here it'll be sooner!

But check back because I'll put a link to the blog on here for y'all...easy peasy.

I'm currently gleefully unemployed...and next week I will be attending a bartending course here in Va Beach! Oh, you know that will create some great stories...

So you all get the (not so distinct) pleasure of seeing some random pictures that were on my mom's computer. It's baby Cristina! Well not really baby...but high school (and that is getting farther and farther away...)

This is me after a perfeormance of The Sound of Music. I played Maria...the singing nun! That little doll, Veronica, was our gretyl. I just got a message from her on mySpace and she's like 14 now. That made me throw up a little in my mouth.

Wow. Dial-up is so slow that you all only get ONE PICTURE. I have no patience for this. Remember to check back for the new link sometime in the next week or so...

Finally.

2006-04-14T09:55:00.000-04:00

Hi, everybody!!! I'm back (temporarily...I can't make any promises) from my disappearing act. See, my parents have dial-up...and I don't even want to think about how long it would take to upload all my pictures on their computer...so now I'm up in DC (again, very temporarily) and using my friend Eric's high speed monster.

So, tour is over. What am I doing now, y'all have asked? Nothing! Well nothing, if nothing meaning I'm running around all day every day looking for a place to live and a job to pay the bills, and auditioning, and seeing wonderful friends, etc, etc, etc. I took the bus up from Va Beach on Sunday for some auditions up here in DC this week, and I've been staying with Eric in Dupont (love the house!) and Koffi of course! Koffi the wonder dog.

Here are some picture galleries for you. The first group of pictures is the cast and crews last night together. We all went to an Italian restaurant to celebrate the end of the tour with pasta, wine and BREAD!

After dinner, we went back to the hotel bar for some chatting. And fun with roses.

One of the best parts of being back in DC, other than the fact that it's gorgeous out, and this city is beautiful in the spring, is seeing my wonderful wonderful friends. Matty. You make me laugh so hard. Matt is a famous composer. No. Really. He's famous in Shirlington and parts of Europe. And those men behind him think he's the coolest. hehehe.

Steve and Matt cooking up a wonderful gourmet concoction. They rock my world. I only wish I had gotten a picture of the babushka!!!

Alright folks...more to come. I'm probably going to redirect how I do the blog...maybe even start a new one...but, of course, I'll be sure to put the link on here. I just think it would be nice to seperate the tour blog from a "normal" one...but then again, what is normal. Who am I kiddin. Ain't gonna be nothing normal about it.

**Ciao**

All done.

2006-04-08T15:51:00.000-04:00

Okay people. Listen...I'm all done with tour!!!! And I have pictures from our last night out and everything. But I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I promise to update tomorrow. PROMISE. And my promises are golden.

Newark, NJ and NYC

2006-03-31T19:56:00.000-05:00

HI, JOE!!!!!

We rolled up into Newark, NJ on Tuesday night. Some of you know that I have two "big brothers" from Newark: Joe and Bruce. Joe was my RA my sophomore year of college, and Bruce is his friend from...gosh...grade school? They've known each other for a long time. And they are my big brothers. It's complicated, but I'll just leave it at that.

Joe likes my blog. And, gosh, that makes me super happy :). So this entry is dedicated to Joe.

Bruce was in Vienna, Austria when I was in Newark, so we couldn't have a full big brothers/little sister reunion, but Joe and I had a great time at a local diner. Did you know diners serve margeritas? And GOOD ones!

Jow (that's not a typo) and me at the diner.

The next day we had a day off. I went with Caitlin into NYC to meet up with her friend, Gina, who is getting married in July. Caitlin is the maid of honor, and today was all about veil shopping!

But first, Barry had a little bit of adventure in NY...

Barry loves New York's finest. Especially the cute ones in Times Square! Oh wait...maybe that's ME...

Barry loves his NY pizza.

Here are Caitlin and her friend, Gina. In Gina's hand is the perfect veil! But I won't say anything about what it looks like, cause Dustin's a sneaky guy and he'll probably find this site!!!!

Yesterday we left our Newark hotel at 7:30am to make it to our Staten Island venue by 8:30...we rolled up about 8:45. Damn that morning NY rush hour. This morning was a special show, because Emily came to see it! If you wanna know about Emily, click on the September (or maybe it's August) archive. Emily and I go way back. Back to ballet class. Back to snowmen in our yards facing each other. Back to over-alls and yellow boots. Way back.

Emily and me after the show on the Staten Island Ferry.

Emily gave me beautiful Freesia flowers, and they have been brightening up the van in the cup holder :).

Last night we stayed somewhere in NJ...Leisure Park? Lakewood? Something. We got in at 11:30pm, after being up at 6:45am...wow. This morning we got up and headed to the theater at 8:15am. It was beautiful outside...so I had to immediately FREE THE TOES! Right in the breakfast nook of the hotel.

Get them off! Free the toes!

I. was. exhausted.

Can you believe I ran into Joe on my way to the breakfast nook...DOING HIS LAUNDRY!? Can you even believe it??? What a silly head.

After the show today....loading it out. Get it OUTTA HERE. 3 shows left.

Concord, NH...ONE WEEK LEFT

2006-03-27T22:29:00.000-05:00

We have ONE WEEK LEFT!!!! And that's cause for celebration!!!

Ashley and I wanted to make a special "one week left" video. Weeeell, it was a little more of a challenge than we thought it would be. JJP should keep his theater job, and stay out of film (just kidding!).

Check it out.

Blooper One
http://youtube.com/watch?v=qJpg5MSSOBU

Blooper Two

http://youtube.com/watch?v=ITVG3yz-PQ4

Final Take

http://youtube.com/watch?v=lUu9e_Dodlw

Also, here are some things that happen when it's the end of tour and you are bored out of your mind and ready to go home.

You might be in the last week of your 7 month tour IF...

You let Santi do your hair for the show...

You wear two completely different socks to the theater because you were too tired to look for a matching pair that morning.

You get Patty McFatty to corn-row you hair. woah.

Today we are in Vermont, performing in a bordering New Hampshire city tomorrow. We will be in NY tomorrow night. Wha???

New Haven, CT

2006-03-25T10:36:00.000-05:00

Hi, folks! First off...I want to thank everyone who has sent me emails and messages regarding the headshots and which ones you like. I will post the final product when they are retouched and cropped!

I find myself now in New Haven, CT...home of Yale University, and (more importantly) Kelly...my best friend from college! We have spent more time together in the past three days than we have in the last 9 months, and I'm a happy clam! You might have heard things like, "Let me get my MONOCLE out and see what you have there!" or "Rrrrrrusty Scupper....ARGH!" if you were a fly on the wall around Kelly and me. Here are some photos from the lovely visit.

Kelly and I ran into this HUGE sign for Alexander while walking around New Haven.

The next day, I went to the spa to use a gift certificate Kelly gave me for Christmas. Caitlin came, too, and we explored Bridgeport a little after our appointments. Here we are at Bridgeport park. The camera is on a shoe, and right before this picture snapped, the wind picked up and the camera started to teeter. Hence, the huge smiles and laughter.

That night, Kelly and Caitlin and I went out for some Connecticut seafood. This is Kelly struggling to reach the drive-up ATM. "Can't they make ATMs for normal cars! Something in between the SUV and the sedan at least!!!"

At Lenny's...Lenny's only accepts cash. Hmmm...interesting.

Firehouse 12. Kelly and Caitlin.

Firehazard, I mean Firehouse 12...Me and Kelly.

After my show the next day. I love Kelly! She's so cute in her scrubs!!!

I simply can't keep up with the blog with the speed we are taking on the country. We just performed at UConn in Storrs, CT...and now we are in Concord, NH. Yikes! All this in 2 days. 8 DAYS LEFT.

New Headshots...not quite "finished"...what do you think?

2006-03-21T20:44:00.000-05:00

I got some new headshots taken in Chicago by a good friend of a good friend. Here's are a couple of the ones I picked...they haven't been retouched or cropped yet (for those of you who don't know...the photographer will retouch the picture with photoshop...clean up stuff, under eyes, hair, blah blah) What do you think? Anyone have a favorite? Go ahead and leave a comment and let me know...

Strep, Cont'd.

2006-03-21T20:21:00.000-05:00

I am all better! But here are some pictures from when I had just received my diagnosis, and I met up with my buddy Eric from Willy Wonka! And then we ran into Matt at Ray's Pizza!

Me and my push-pop...makes my sore throat feel better!

Eric stuck around even though I was contageous...what a friend!

Matt and I worked it out at Ray's Pizza. Check out Matt's Willy Wonka blog at www.gogloop.blogspot.com We are the tour bloggers!!!

Right now we are in Buffalo, NY...One show tomorrow and then we drive 450 miles BACK TO CONNECTICUT. They are trying to kill us.

Alexandria, LA (this is from a little while ago)

2006-03-19T18:26:00.000-05:00

These pictures are slightly old, and this entry is overdue...but I left my camera at home the night in question, so I had to get these pictures from Miss Moria!

So, we had to create our own experience for Mardi Gras, but there was another Louisiana cultural experience that we found was ever-present. CRAWFISH.

Pictures say it all:

The restaurant we went to has some interesting specials. Take a close look :).

Caitlin...it's not nice to play with your food...

I was a little scared, but I dug right in!

This is what your fingers look like when you're eatin' Crawfish.

Up close and personal with the Crawfish.

We finished 3 pounds.

Thank you, Moria, for taking pictures!

I am alive! Barely...

2006-03-16T06:08:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody...I am sitting in my best friend's Brooklyn apartment. Awake at 6am due to the persistant pain that continues to plague my throat. Yes, folks, that's right, I have been diagnosed with Strep...yeeee haw!

I flew to New York on Monday planning to hit a bunch of auditions while I was hear, but that didn't happen after the sore throat I had had during two of the past shows just kept getting worse and worse, and the amount of Motrin I took didn't seem to put a dent in the pain.

But the best part of the story is that I was in Times Square, suffering, and thought to myself "There ain't no way in HELL that I'm going to get in to see a doctor today." Well, would you believe that I did. Walked right in, with NO wait!? Pat told me about a little clinic in the Duane Read drugstore On 51st and Broadway that he gets his flu shots at...aparently, since it was a super nice day outside, no one wanted to take the time to go to the doctor, and I was seen immediately! My doc (a nurse practitioner--go Kelly!) was awesome, very friendly, and gave me the name of a great ENT in New York to see about maybe getting these troublesome tonsils taken out. Hey, as long as I get to eat ice cream, I'm all for it! :)

So, I don't have my camera connection with me, but I promise to update the blog as soon as I get back to my own computer. As for now, I can tell you briefly about my experience in Chicago, which was awesome. What a great city! Too bad it gets so cold in the winter. Gosh, I just don't know if I could handle that!

I got some new headshots in Chicago, taken by a friend of a friend, and they turned out great! When I pick the final shot, and it is cropped and retouched, I'll be sure to put it on here.

My friend, Joe, from DC joined me in Chicago Saturday evening. We had a drink at the John Hancock building, dined on Chicago "Stuffed" Pizza (Soooooooo deliscious), and saw a performance by The Second City comedy troupe. The performance was entitled "Iraqtile Disfunction", and although it had many political references (what sketch comedy doesn't?) it wasn't completely focused on it. I was suprised at how funny it was...I don't think I've laughed so hard in a long long time. It's like a Saturday Night Live type review show, except so much better because they can be over the top eccentric and crazy since they don't have to appeal to a standard television audience. Really really good.

The view in the evening from the 96th floor of the John Hancock building.

This sign hangs in Giordano's Pizza, where we dined on Chicago style pizza...mmmm...

Second City is amazing!

Alright, folks...stay tuned, I promise more updates later. And say a little prayer, or whatever you say that this sore throat goes away PRONTO!

Jordan and Miss Laquita...live.

2006-03-02T01:21:00.000-05:00

This is my first attempt to add a video to the blog. If it works, I will definitely be adding more! I haven't had any luck with "embedding" a video, so you'll just have to follow this link. Trust me, it's worth it :).

www.youtube.com/watch?v=evlVj2aoBQg

Orange, TX--HOME COOKIN' and Alexandria, LA--MARDI GRAS!!!

2006-03-01T23:05:00.000-05:00

Orange, TX

Apparently, Orange, TX is on the map when it comes to children's tours. Is it because of the superior stage quality? The acoustics of the theater? The fabulously luxurious dressing rooms? None of the above. It's because of the volunteer ushers, a group of local retirees, that create a bangin' home cooked pot luck lunch for the casts that come through their theater. Since children's shows are typically performed during the day, they make this lunch a ritual for all the hungry actors that perform on their stage. To a touring actor, this is Nirvana.

The food. A table full of delectible entrees prepared by Orange locals.

That's one happy cast and crew!

I was quickly becoming part of the clean plate club (numbers 1, 2, and 3!).

After lunch, the gentlemen helped with load out. Bless their hearts!

While Miss Laquita taught a few of us some dance moves!

Miss Laquita was the bomb.

MARDI GRAS!!!
After we gorged ourselves on food, we hit the road for Louisiana. How amazing, we would be in Lousiana for Mardi Gras!, we thought. Weeeeell, it seems that most of festivities in parts of Louisiana other than New Orleans take place on the weekend before, since it's the middle of the week and folks have to get to work and what not. This did not, I repeat DID NOT hinder our fun. Our motto? Create your own fun!

Jordan, Santi and I started the night out with an Irish Car Bomb. Good idea, right?

Mmmm...so tasty. :)

Something happened, I'm not exactly sure. Something about Caitlin daring Santi to kiss her...gosh, I'm not completely sure. But he got up and attacked her.

1. Caitlin is caught off guard.

2. The attack.

3. The elbow to the gut.

Next, there was some discussion of cup size. No, not cups of beer.

The following pictures depict the old adage: you can grab your friends, you can grab your boob, but you can't grab your friends boob...

Let the games begin...

***

***

***

***

"The end."

*********

Alexandria, LA

After that fabulous night on the town, Caitlin and I were motivated enough to go out and explore Alexandria in the light of day. Just like the empty bar on 3rd street, most of the town seemed empty as well. When we stopped at a local coffee show, the man who fixed our lattes said "Shops? Oh, no, there aren't any shops. We're working on that. There are plans. Come back in 5 years!" He gaveus a big smile. Cute. We had a couple of delicious sandwiches and then walked along the Red River in the beautiful 75 degree sun...ahhhh....

This cutie guy was on the side of a building...not sure why.

Historical sights! YAY!

Caitlin makes a phone call at the phone booth. Except...she has to use her own cell phone, these phone booths had been gutted.

Big ups to Lousiana. At least the weather's nice.

Puppy Love

2006-02-27T21:52:00.000-05:00

Today was just a normal, boring travel day...until we stopped for lunch and there was a pick-up truck full of beautiful puppies in the parking lot! We're all a little puppy crazy, so we ran over to get some puppy love before we had to hit the road again.

THIS IS A SPECIAL FEATURE to my blog...called WHAT NOT TO WEAR ON TOUR. Thank you, Patrick A. Elliot, for giving me the material to work with for this special feature. I couldn't have done it without you. Perhaps we will see this feature again, that is if you wear something else crinkle crunkle.

um...no.

Fort Worth/Dallas/Richardson, TX

2006-02-26T22:55:00.000-05:00

On Saturday I rented a car in San Antonio and drove apart from the group to catch an audition in Fort Worth about 4 and a half hours away, conveniently on the way to Richardson which was our next stop on the tour. So I did the audition, and then hit the road to see my cousin, Scott who lives in Dallas. I had dinner with him and his friend's parents at Blue Fish, a delicious sushi place. I went back to Scott's apartment to see his place and watch the UT basketball game. Very fun! Hanging out in an apartment is sooooo much better than a hotel room. Today I had two shows and then dinner with Scott and a friend. It's been a wild weekend, and we're about to go from Texas to Louisiana and back to Texas again. Gotta love this "Star of David" tour! Here are some pictures from the weekend.

Posted at the Eismann Center in Richardson...what a great reminder for the divas of the world!

Scott and me in front of my hotel.

College Station and San Antonio, TX

2006-02-23T22:47:00.000-05:00

A couple of days ago we rolled up to College Station, TX, home of the A & M Aggies. We did two days of shows there, although it really all seems like a blur cause I've been fighting off a wicked cold for the past few days. But that didn't stop us from having fun as always. Here are some pictures from the campus of A & M:

Patrick and I had some fun in the school bookstore.

Patty liked this bag a lot.

Work out the A & M gear.

Apparently, the students at A & M like riding bikes!

Okay, so. Let me explain this picture. You know how on college campuses there are tables set up for different organizations..."Sign up for Ultimate Frisbee!" "Join the Math Club!" Well, there were a few of these tables set up around the courtyard offering free snacks and pens and such. I spotted these guys across the courtyard and HAD to go and get a free hug. After I got my free hug and this picture I turned to the guy on the left and asked, "So what organization are you with?" "Oh," he said, "not with any organization. This is just my third Wednsday out here giving out free hugs." I didn't really know what to say. This dude was just out there to get some hugs. I guess there ain't nothing wrong with that. Good for you, hug man!

After our second show on our second day at College Station, we hit the road to San Antonio! Today was a day off, and it was finally...GORGEOUS! 75 and sunny was a perfect day for seeing the Alamo and walking the River Walk. Beautiful...

San Antonio's River Walk is lined with restaurants and shops, and is a perfect place to walk on a sunny day like today!

Some shadows provided by the high San Antonio sun. Mike, Jordan, me, and Caitlin.

Caitlin and me outside the Alamo.

It's always polite for gentlemen to remove their hats! This sign outside the Alamo reminds us of that.

In the courtyard at the Alamo.

BARRY is back.

Barry poses with the Alamo is the distance. It makes him feel heroic and proud. "Remember the Alamo." --Direct, and original quote from Barry D. Gnome.

Although Mike wears black...he's on our side. He's a good cowboy.

Shows in San Antonio tomorrow! Then it's off to Richardson on Saturday...

When I think about...(computer chair required)--Abilene Cont'd.

2006-02-21T19:38:00.000-05:00

We had two whole days off in Abilene, and y'all know how rare two whole days of is! Friday night, Caitlin, Joe and I headed to a bar called "Cowboys" to check out the free admission for ladies, 75 cent longnecks, and singing contest. Well, the website was wrong, so we shelled out $3 bucks each and started a tab instead. The bar was pretty dead, and we found out this was due to the "monster truck show" in town that night. People watching was hilarious. We got to know the people in the bar by the nicknames we had created for them: vest guy, hand man (a guy who danced the two step with a very spastic leading hand), red shirt guy, etc. Joe and I got up and danced a little two-step (he taught me, and it was a blast).

On our way out, I turned to Caitlin and said "Boy, I'm hungry" and sure enough a couple of guys came up to talk to us while we waited for our cab. They were about to go to IHOP right by our restaurant, and why don't we join them. We met up with them at IHOP about 20 minutes later, and the place was PACKED. Since the bars close at 12 midnight in Abilene on Friday nights (I KNOW...DISGUSTING!) people need a place to go! It was wild. I think we waited in line for about 30 minutes just to pay, at 2:30 in the morning mind you!

This is Carl (Prince William for short)...Abilene tour guide, theater-goer, ranch lover, hat wearer, sentimental, goofy...well, I could go on and on...

Carl loves his ranch dressing. Really, this was to prove a point to me and Caitlin, and it ruined his meal. Sorry, darlin!

IHOP fun :). Does everyone see Billy Bob Thorton!? (Here's your picture, Dave!)

Cover band love at "The Zone". Why were they singing "Hotel California" when I walked in...I miss my band!

These guys rocked.

Today in College Station. What a sign.

These Texans are NOT playing around. Can you picture a Virginia shaped stepping stone, or a New York shaped stepping stone? Naaaaah. Texas is serious.

"The Actors" in College Station, TX.

So, yeah, we're in College Station now. Today we performed two shows at Texas A & M. Apparently, the A and the M stood for Agriculture and Mechanical, but hasn't stood for that since the 60's. Now it's just the letters. But, come on now...that's sort of silly. It's not like people will forget what they stood for. Initials without a word. Like Harry S Truman or something. Okay, I'm going to go to bed now.

Abilene, TX

2006-02-16T19:54:00.000-05:00

Texas is a proud state. Everything is labeled "Texas". Everything is stamped with a Texas star. We have only just arrived to this special state, but I have a funny feeling if we're not careful we'll all be stamped with a little star somewhere by the time we leave in March.

Everything's bigger in Texas.

Making our way to Texas...

2006-02-15T22:38:00.000-05:00

Alrighty, I promise more fun pictures to come, because I'm currently writing from Texas. It's warm: my flip-flops are on, and I've been running outside. Brilliant! Here are some pictures from the road to Texas:

Tiffin, Ohio had these squirrel mascots. Caitlin doesn't like squirrels. They got in a fight.

Tax time equals fun hats.

In Alma, Arkansas we performed at a high school/performing arts center and got to eat in the high school cafeteria. We GORGED ourselves.

mmm...Patrick thinks this bandana/ascot is cute. Yeah. Look at Ashley's face in the background...I agree, girl.

We are in Texarkana, TX currently, right on the border of Arkansas and Texas. Tomorrow we travel to Abilene, TX and have a couple of days off, so you know there are going to be some adventures!

Visiting with Aunt Debbie...first time since 1994!

2006-02-08T01:10:00.000-05:00

Today, my lovely Aunt Debbie of Minneapolis, Minnesota traveled through sleet and rain and tornados to see my show. Okay, maybe there weren't any tornados, or sleet or rain for that matter...but it's cold here in Minnesota! It was wonderful to see, you, Aunt Debbie! Thank you for coming, and thank you for spending the afternoon with me! I hope you like the Wallace and Gromit DVD :).

Me and Aunt Debbie after the show. See where I get my theatrical flair?

Enjoying a microbrew at Granite City for lunch. Woo, we stuffed ourselves!

Awww...feel the love in the Valentine's Day section in Target. My aunt is as obsessed with taking pictures as I am!

Super day, super fun...let's not wait another 10 years until we meet again!!!!

Madison, WI and the Superbowl in room 305 (St. Cloud, Minnesota)

2006-02-06T12:24:00.000-05:00

What a disappointment. To spend only 12 hours in a town as cute at Madison, WI! We were only there for the night, just passing through, but from what I saw, I'd like to go back. So far, Wisconsin has impressed me all around for friendly people, clean urban areas, and neat shopping and restaurants. Oh, one downside however...IT'S SO FREAKIN COLD! We ventured out to a couple of bars...not too many pictures...here are two

Me and Moria

These girls can touch their noses with their tongues. So weird.

Sadly, we left Madison the next morning and mosied on to Minnesota. Even colder. Greeeeeat. Last night was the Superbowl, and we had a lovely party in room 305 (Patty and Santi's room).

Me and Caitlin

Patty, Ashley, Jordan, and Santi

Patty asked me if he could make a tattoo on my arm.

awww...he is so proud of his work.

And so am I!

Sam, Ashley's BF is here visiting from Minneapolis! Look at how he's watching football and Ashley's cheesin for the camera. Cute :).

Today is a day off, and tomorrow we have two shows. I get to see Aunt Debbie...the family month begins!

Random Pictures

2006-02-02T12:53:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone! Glad you're still tuning in to see what kind of raucous and vulgar adventures we're up to in month 5 of the tour. Unfortunately, things have been a tad "boring" lately. Hey, no news is good news...but it doesn't make for good blogging. So, to make up for lack of interesting surroundings, I am doing a little flashback post. Here are some pictures that never quite made it to the blog for one reason or another, but are worth viewing! Hope you get a chuckle out of them, and they keep you coming back for more :).

Me teaching Mikey how to knit a scarf for his girlfriend. Everyone on the tour has knitted...except Joe. I'll get you Joe! And your little dog, too!!!

Yeah.

Remember the BBQ in Arizona, by the pool, in NOVEMBER. Ahhh...those were the days. I can't wait for Texas!

Yeah.

The hanging lamps in Fazoli's make cool hats!

Yeah, Lafayette, KS! I can't believe someone actually printed that out for them.

We drove by the town of Truth or Consequences. Very neat!

The cutest roommates on tour. If you disagree, I'll fight you!

Jordan thinks he's so funny.

And Santi's a copycat :).

(My butt, above. Ashley butt, below)

Santi. This is so wrong.

The story behind this one is...I ate some Indian food one night. It was a spinach meal that you heat up in the microwave. I didn't have any bowls, so I used these two hotel mugs. When Patty came over, Jordan and I convinced him that these dirty mugs had been left in the room and I found them when I got there...ewww!!! What's in there!!! I put the mug to my mouth, and looked like I was going to lick it, and Patty nearly passed out. That's when we told him the truth. Awww...tour antics are the best.

I'm watching you. I can be scary in the van sometimes.

This is the best sign I've ever seen. We should definitely try to find the story behind this!

Alright folks, there you have it. Random pictures are fun, aren't they? As soon as more adventures hit, I promise to get to posting NEW pictures. Right now we're in Fostoria, Ohio. Yeah, don't hold your breath :).

Sorry, guys! It's been a while...

2006-01-30T13:06:00.000-05:00

So we're in Elizabethtown, KY...yup, same as the film. It's a town about 40 miles outside Louisville...and we've had two days off here. Thing is, a couple of us weren't around yesterday to enjoy it...cause we went to an audition in St. Louis! Santi, Patrick, Joe and I went to the local call for Stages St. Louis. 5 hours there, and 5 hours back. But hey, we are "the actors"--sorry, private joke for those of us in the rental car. Never got old. "Man, I didn't ask the people in Fazoli's if they have an actor discount."

Santi looking smashing at 6:30am

Me, on the other hand, I was determined to get some beauty sleep. Man, I really look like a diva in this picture.

We're here!

********Audition********

Aaaaand, home again. Not much to do but organize receipts.

"The actors"

So, yeah I'm glad we went. It was a good audition experience! Here are some other Kentucky images.

We are in the land of sweet tea. And I am one happy girl.

Barry! What are you doing!!!

"Hey, man. That stuff you gave me is WHACK. It's Sweet N Lo!!!!"

I just want to say, this was in no way my idea :).

Omaha, NE...SO much has happened!

2006-01-22T20:09:00.000-05:00

This entry will be in chapters.

CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
We arrived in Omaha on Thursday evening, and Friday morning Joe, Ashley, Patrick and I were picked up at the hotel and taken to the local Children's Hospital, a beautiful 3 year old facility. Patrick and I were escorted to the toddler floor and visited kids there...talking to them about our show, and giving them an Alexander book, donated by local Omaha physicians. We met kids with various levels of illness, some more obvious than others. My favorite was Emily, a beautiful 3-y-o with cancer, who had just had a chemo treatment. She was quiet but incredibly alive in her eyes, smile, and laugh. What beauty.

Here we are after our visit at the Children's Hospital.

We had a show that night at 7:30pm, which went great, and then it was....

CAITLIN'S 30's BDAY CELEBRATION!!!!!

It was our lovely stage manager's birthday, and being that she's a good Irish girl, we celebrated at a bar so perfectly called...The Dubliner :). Not the one we're all so fond of in DC, but close enough.

Guinness.

Side ponytails rule.

Caitlin is the epitomy of SEXY.

What DO you do with a drunken sailor????

A 30th b-day buddy!

So I MAY have asked the Irish musician if he MIGHT embarass Caitlin for her bday, and he MAY have suggested something called the "Unicorn Song" and Caitlin MIGHT have almost blown a fuse when I told her she was doing it but she MAY have done it anyway!!! The musician had a guy named John come up and help Cailtin out...and how about he humped her when the song got to the "the horniest of all was the unicorn" part of the song! It was pretty hilarious...

Caitlin shocked...

Caitlin giving it RIGHT BACK! haha!

After a long night at the bar...Jordan, Ashley and I were hungry. So we hit the snack machine. Which MAY have been right next to the fitness room...I think we got a little distracted :). Notice how I'm double fisting the snacks. I was starvin.

The Orpheum

The theater we performed in on Friday and Sat. in Omaha was beautiful. Built in the 20s, it was originally built for the vaudeville circuit, was once turned into a movie theater, and once almost destroyed...but it did survive, and we had the priviledge of playing there...stunning!

For more information on the history of this theater, visit THE ORPHEUM

New Friends

At the Dubliner the night of Caitlin's birthday, I made some new friends :). Juanita, Samuel and David from Columbia (not South Carolina...South AMERICA). Juanita lives in North Carolina and was visiting, but David is a Master's student in Omaha, and Samuel works there. They all went to high school together in Columbia. Saturday night they were my tour guides and took we to a totally swanky lounge called RED in West Omaha...On the way Samuel drove us through a very elite neighborhood in Omaha with gigantic mansions, one used to be owned by the owner of Kentucky Fried Chicken...Omaha. Who knew? OH, and my new friends came to the show on Saturday...they're super duper :).

"RED" A very cool bar!

My new friends: Samuel, Juanita, and David.

Me, David and Juanita

Samuel is trying to explain the geography of Omaha to me using the stirrers in his drink. Very fun :).

This guy was having a great time at the bar. He deserved to get his picture taken.

Well, I think Omaha provided was too much entertainment for one city. Thank you to Samuel, David and Juanita for making me feel at home. Next stop: Indianapolis...wait, haven't we been there once before???

Biking in Kansas

2006-01-18T21:11:00.000-05:00

With a day off, and not that much money left in our bank accounts (payday is Friday!) I was delighted to see a sign at the front desk of our hotel saying there were bikes for rent...$2 and hour! And the girl at the front desk informed me that the bike trail was just outside the hotel. Deal, I'm in. I convinced Santi and Mike to join me, and we biked all the way to Clinton Lake...10 miles round trip...just as the sun was going down. It was cold, but very beautiful.

Who says you can't hold hands while you bike?

I love the sky.

Ballet goes with every activity :).

Mikey.

Clearly, this picture proves I was the FASTEST biker of the bunch...(ok maybe that's a lie, hehe).

Again, what a sky.

Kansas...

This was what we saw on our way there.

We made it all the way to the lake!

It was a little cold, but they'll never know if you don't show it on yer face...

The sky was stunning on the way home...

Tomorrow we're off to Omaha, NE. Why are we going back north?

Vintage Shopping in Lawrence, KS

2006-01-17T00:43:00.000-05:00

Lawrence is a mecca of vintage stores...CHEAP vintage stores. In the "downtown" area there are a lot of eclectic boutiques along with the standard presence of Abercromie and Gap. These boutiques provided hours of entertainment. During our visit to one store in particular, Ashley was amused by me and Patty entering and exiting the dressing room wearing outrageous outfits.

So here, for YOUR entertainment and amusement, is a little vintage fashion show. Pictures taken by Ashley Honore, and a little spice added by Photo Impression :).

2 shows tomorrow at the Lied Center...University of Kansas. There's no place like home, there's no place like home, there's no place like...

Des Moines, IA

2006-01-15T20:52:00.000-05:00

We had a day off in Des Moines yesterday, on our way to Kansas. The tour of the off-broadway show, ALTAR BOYZ, a musical parody featuring a Catholic boy band, was playing at the smaller sister theater to the one we're performing at in February. We caught the matinee which was...hysterical. We laughed our asses off, the boys were great, very talented, and hilarious. After the show, we caught a few of them outside the theatre and let them know we were fellow tourers...we set up plans to meet later that night for a collision of the tours.

Before that, though, Shannon, Caitlin and I saw a hockey game at the Wells Fargo Arena....the Detroit Stars vs. the...honesly, I have no idea...is that bad? It was a blast :).

Here are a few pictures from our collision of the tours at the Royal Mile...a bar in Des Moines.

Happiness is: a day off.

Patty maaaaay have had a couple of drinks already...of apple juice of course!

Corey! Such a sweetheart and so talented.

Corey and Eric were getting to know Jack pretty well last night.

Corey and I liked this sign. Did we want to sit upstairs? naaaaah...but we wanted to stand under it, just for fun :).

Corey, me and Eric.

Hopefully when we come back in February, we'll be able to convince a few more of the guys to hang out with us (they were in the middle of a five show weekend)...but we'll have a 9:45 am show the next day...oh well, such is the price we pay for making new friends :).

Appleton Cont'd--Party with the Locals!

2006-01-11T17:08:00.000-05:00

We had a lovely 8am call at the Foxcities Performing Arts Center for a 9:30 show. This theater seats 2,100 and is only 3 years old...it's simply gorgeous! We immediately met Gerald, the stage manager of the theater...he's been on tour with Metallica and Tim McGraw, and runs the rock stage at a huge summer music fest in Milwaukee every year. Gerald hooked me up with a piano and a location for my audition video, which me and Santi taped after the show...went really well!

Here's a picture of the inside of the theater:

Gerald has created a bunch of colorful boards with Sharpee decorations and signatures from all the road companies that come through the theater. I love drawing, so I took one of our colorful programs from the Kennedy Center and replicated the picture on the board. It turned out great, and now Alexander will be remembered forever!

Gerald gave me a ton of beautifully colored Sharpees to color in the picture!

Turned out goooooood.

Later that night, Gerald gave some of us a ring and told us to meet him at the Speakeasy on the next block. We had a blast with our new friend and met some people that Gerald new who came in and out of the bar all night.

Thank you for such a fun time, Gerald!!!

Uh oh, the hoodie's on...I got made fun of a lot for this look.

Caitlin doesn't like it when I get up on chairs, for fear I may hurt myself...but if I do it reeeeally quickly, she doesn't catch me! And if there's really good music on...I just can't help it! (And Gerald is totally spotting me back there)

Shane, our bartender, had this awesome tattoo...Follow Your Dreams!

Shane--the best bartender in Appleton!

Look at those mugs. Red heads rule...

We are now in Eau Claire...still in Wisconsin, and I'm glad. This state has been lovely so far.

Adventures in Appleton (Wisconsin, that is)

2006-01-09T20:44:00.000-05:00

We left Michigan at 9 in the morning on Sunday and faced a 530 mile trek to Appleton, WI...it was about 11 hours in the car, but we finally arrived at our chilly destination. This morning Patty, Ashwee and I scheduled an 11am breakfast meeting to fuel up on bagels and muffins for an Appleton Adventure. Armed with maps and curiousity we hit the road for the post office...

It is cold. Patrick and Ashley are troopers.

Patrick took this candid shot of me intensely studying the map.

Must be a lot of tourism in Appleton, cause there was this map on the sidewalk.... but where are all the tourist? Must be here in the summer.

This marquee is outside the theater we're performing at...which is right across the street from our hotel! Very convenient.

Here's the theater we're performing in.

After our brief downtown adventure, which consisted of a Walgreen's visit, and me finding a music store where they are going to let me record an audition tape tomorrow, we organized an outing to the St. Mary's parish cemetary to view the gravesite of former Senator Joseph McCarthy, known for his leadership role in the Communist witchhunts of the 1940's and 50's. I parked the van in the middle of the cemetary and we all jumped out. Patrick yelled "First one to find his grave wins!" And we all went running. A woman at the St. Mary's Parish a few miles away told us it was over-looking the water somewhere, so that was a big hint. I found it first and called to the rest of the crew to come join me. It was large well-kept tombstone with several smaller ones littered on the ground around it labeled "mother" and "father".

For more info on McCarthyism see: the McCarthyism entry in Wikepedia

Last, but not least, we are left with this image of Appleton. When I entered the small sandwich shop that displays this sign and asked what "Free Smells" are, the teenage girl working behind the counter looked at me like I was one sandwich short of a picnic and replied, "They're just free...smells." And she was right, the pungent smell of fresh bread and sandwich fixin's filled the small shop. I was smelling, and I didn't have to pay for it. These smart Wisconsinites.

Tomorrow we perform at the theater across the street and I will make an audition tape...we'll see how that goes!

Sterling Heights/Clinton, MI

2006-01-09T02:07:00.000-05:00

We had the best hotel rooms in Sterling Heights, MI. They had full kitchens, with DISHWASHERS...yes...and two seperate rooms for each roommate! It was unreal. So Santi decided to cook a cajun shrimp alfredo pasta for a couple of us. It was awesome, except he burned the bread. And that set off the extremely loud, extremely annoying fire alarm RIGHT when we were about to sit and eat and were starving. Yeah.

Patty was working it out tryint to fan the smoke away from the fire alarm.

Cindy thought maybe covering it up would be helpful.

Santi was making sure that the one in the bedroom wasn't the culprit.

And, well, then Patty and I starting dancing with our towels. We pretty much turn everything into a dance.

All was well, and the pasta was good even without the garlic bread! Thank you, Santi! :)

Ode to Law and Order

2006-01-09T01:14:00.000-05:00

We're back on the road,

It can be a hard life

To be far from home,

Your friends and your life

But there's one thing to count on

When you're feeling alone

Familiar faces and voices

That make you feel at home.

9 times out of 10

It will definitely be on!

Try TNT or USA

You won't have to wait long,

for one or the other

SVU or Criminal Intent

And there's always the orginal

Which is time well spent.

Detectives Green and Briscoe

Our original guys

Olivia and Elliot

Uncovering lies

Goren and Eames

Following intents that are criminal

None of their case loads

could be said to me minimal

(okay, give me a break...it's 2am..I'm strugglin here!)

In conclusion, I say, we love this show

My roomie and me can never say no

To the excitement, suspense, blood and gore,

Jailrooms and courtrooms, we always want more.

If you're looking for Ashley, or Cristina or either

Look in their room, ain't no coincidence neither

That the TV will be on, and you'll hear the "bum bum"

And these two girls will start to hum...

DA da da da da daaaaaa, dadada daaaaaaaaaaaa (Law and Order theme song...)

Law and Order, we love you...

Happy News Years!

2006-01-01T23:46:00.000-05:00

What would possess me, you ask, to sit on a Greyhound bus for a total of 8 hours in less than 2 days when I'm about to hop back into La Fonda The Van and drive cross country for the next three months? Two words: Patrick O'Neill. My lil bro was having his first adult dinner party in his new swanky Borum Hill apartment (an apartment that I was supposed to be residing in with him until I got this tour!) and I had to, I repeat HAD TO be there. So, I dealt with the driving problem by agreeing to come right back the next day (New Years day...today in fact!) so I would have three full days to rest before hitting the road again.

I putzed around yesterday morning, met the new housemate, Siebe, from Holland, wrote down some things for him (cell phone companies, places he could get internet, etc) and finally mobolized myself to catch a cab. After a lovely talk with the cab driver (as always) I arrived at the station just in time to catch the 12pm bus, which put me into NYC at 4:15. I caught the 2 train to Atlantic Ave. and walked around the corner to Pat's delectable apartment. He met me at the door int he courtyard...that's right courtyard :)...and led me upstairs. I haven't seen my Pat in, well...let's just say it's been too long. It was GREAT to see him again.

My job was to light all the candles in the apartment...and there were a lot of them!

Pat makes chocolate mousse with such style. Look at that leg.

Best Friends reunited at last.

Miss Erin Graham was my New Years Kiss!!!

She got me right back!

This is a nice shot of Pat's beautiful apartment.

Glamorous. Taking out the trash from the party.

And random run-in in the city #2...Miss Laura Kutner...my freshman roomie from Catholic. Walkin down Conn. Ave...amazing. Love you, Laura.

OHHHH...AND!

2005-12-31T00:38:00.000-05:00

How about as I was leaving the Dubliner with my family...I hear "Cristina." and turn around to see none other than Mr. Jow (that's Joe with a "w") Sousa!!! And his beautiful fiance Maria! What a wonderful gift to run into my dear big brother like this. We had just talked to each other on IM the night before and lamented that we would be missing each other as I travelled to NY and he came down to DC at the same time. But we were able to see each other, in a huge city, by pure chance...and that's why I'm a VERY lucky girl. I love you, Jow!!!

Joe, Maria, and Maria's brothers

It's Official: I have the best friends in the world!

2005-12-31T00:20:00.000-05:00

So, at practically every show this week I have had someone there in the audience to see me. I feel so loved! I feel so grateful! My friends are super duper!

I was suprised by my old high school friends...Dorothy and Melissa, Tallwood reunited!

Charlie and I have a lot of pictures like this...happy and embracing!

Mark was like "Let's take a picture next to the sign so I can point to your name!" I said, "That's so funny because my mom said that same exact thing!" Mark responds "Well, I am your mom!" Oh, Marky...

And today, Chris and Vicky came with the kids! Miss Sara and Mr. Connor are the family experts on what makes good children's theater! A direct quote from Sara Bish about the show: "It was incredible!!!" I've done my job.

At the Dubliner for dinner after the show.

Sara had no idea I was about to take a bite out of her! Look at her clueless expression...silly child...

That's my girl! Sara with no H and Cristina with no H!

Connor and me making funny faces.

Tomorrow I head up to Brooklyn for NYE...for my first adult dinner party :)...yay patty!

And thank you, Jamie, for coming to the show too! We gotta get a pic of you on the blog soon!!! :)

Kennedy Center Love

2005-12-26T18:16:00.000-05:00

Well, I was home in Virginia Beach for about 24 hours yesterday. Just long enough to open a few presents, eat a slice of my dad's pumpkin pie, and hit the road again. We drove back up last night and stayed in the Embassy Suites in Tysons, which is the hotel we ALWAYS stay in when something's going on...just enough outside the city to be relaxing, with free omelets in the morning :)...mmm...

They came to the show today, momma and dad were in the front row loving it...here is a picture of us after the show...momma pointing to my name on the equity board...I can pay the bills and get health insurance!!! woo hoo!

Last Friday, my Spanish teacher (I took a Spanish class just for fun this summer with Arlington Adult Education) came to see the show with her daughter! It was so cool to see her again.

And last week there was a little fun with Bill and Craig...my former band-mates...they met me out in Nova for dinner and a few drinks...and it was awesome to see my buddies again...

these boys are such a bad influence...getting me cabs and what not!

old times...old times...

Well, many more friends coming to the show this week...so pictures will abound!!! merry holidays, friends :).

Merry Xmas everyone...from (gasp) va beach!

2005-12-25T14:11:00.000-05:00

This is my friend Eric's dog Kofi...him wearing the sweater I made him, and me wearing the sweater I made me. Thank you to all my wonderful friends who are driving me around, feeding me, housing me and keeping me company in DC. I feel so at home.

Back in DC

2005-12-20T22:30:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all...sorry it's been so long since I last posted. I have been enjoying being back and being on "vacation"...but now we are performing again..at the KC! It's great :). Here are a few pics from Nashville that need to be displayed...This was a stop on our way home from Boise. The hotel bar was awesome...great live band, great draft special, and great friends, of course.

love you guys.

A Tribute to the "First Leg"

2005-12-04T23:07:00.000-05:00

The "first leg" of our tour is nearly over...oh the fun we've had.

Remember Davis? It seems like just yesterday. I taught Patty how to partner me.

Doing ballet at the winery in Napa.

Was there really a time we were walking around in tank tops and flip flops?

We rock the mic check with our white t-shirts...looking like a Gap ad.

Ashley and I found a potato chip shaped like a heart in Taos...roomie love!

Mike's mohawk is getting longer and longer.

I like to drive the van with my foot up on the seat. Santi found this to be photo worthy.

Patty likes to make himself at home in OUR ROOM!

Here's to tour. It's rough.

Helena, Montana and Boise, Idaho

2005-12-04T22:52:00.000-05:00

It is very cold. But it is very beautiful. The beauty of the snow and the mountains makes the cold justified.

The driving has been a tad trecherous and snowy, but Helena, MT was a blast...because it was Ash-wee's b-day!!! We went "cosmic bowling" and caused quite a scene. Well, there was music, and we haven't gotten the dancing bug out of our system in a long time...so we bowled and danced in equal amounts:

Here are a few more pictures of the landscape. Are we in Siberia? We perform in Boise tomorrow and immediately after we hit the road starting back for DC. We'll be home in a week!

DC, here we come.

My First Sweater--Colorado Springs, CO

2005-11-29T00:33:00.000-05:00

Hey y'all...so I knitted my first sweater...and this is what it looks like! I'm so excited! Happy day.

We're in Colorado Springs, CO. There is some crazy weather stuff going on around the country...let's hope we get home to DC on time! Our last two stops are Montana and Idaho...and guess what...it's snowing every darn day!

So today we had a day off, and you know what that means...trouble! We went to a knitting store so I could get some needles to finish my sweater (which was a success)! Then we moved on to downtown Colorado Springs where we found a snazzy boutique with cutie clothes, and I bought a way expensive shirt that is beautimous. I'm in love! Oh well...gotta live like a rockstar sometimes.

Then we found an Irish pub (you know Caitlin was all about it!). So at around 2pm we all had a round of drinks. And I had...(drum roll please) a REAL SNAKEBITE! Yes Emily Vick, that's right :)...a snakebite! Half Harp, half strongbough, and black current! it was amazing. Jordan had his first snakebite and he liked it, too!

Jordan and I had Snakebites for lunch!

This is the drinking before 2pm club. Man, tour is rough.

And I just have to say. Everything has become right with the world. There is a Fazoli's right across the street. Barry is very pleased.

For the love of Barry.

2005-11-25T13:49:00.000-05:00

Well, Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We spent yesterday going to see the much anticipated movie version of RENT and eating our Thanksgiving dinner in the hotel restaurant. As for RENT, I was very disappointed. In my opinion, there was no clear vision with the direction. It was all over the place...flashbacks, fantasy dance numbers, music video montages...pick one! The performances were great, of course. The actors are so talented. But the movie making was poor...lengthy blackouts between scenes, forced musical numbers. I'm so glad I saw it, but I think so much more could have been done with this beautiful musical. Rosario Dawson was great in the part, but way too pretty to be a crack addict. Adam Pascal was weak as Roger. His Bon Jovi style haircut was too pretty boy and distracted me the whole time. Yeah. I feel like, did I really just see this movie? It didn't impact me at all like when I saw the musical on stage.
Jesse L. Martin, however...is hot and awesome. Is he married? :)

So, this movie experience leaves me wondering...with all the money and all the resources and all the talent these people had available to them, why wasn't this movie better? Is the musical dated? Have our standards already been raised by the musicals that came after Rent, which it undoubtedly opened doors for? Will the Producers be any good? haha (of course it will, Pat O'Neill is in it!!!!!)

Oh and by the way, I'm sitting in the hallway of the 5th floor (my room is on the 6th floor), because the internet is not free, and Mike bought a wireless router and hooked it up, but the signal doesn't go all the way to the 6th floor. It's funny...we're staying in a Marriot, but there's no complimentary breakfast or internet...the more expensive the hotel, the less free things you get! Go figure!

In honor of Thanksgiving, I would like to do a dedication to Barry, whom we are all thankful for on this tour. Barry, this one's for you (and your father out in NYC).

We are thankful for Barry, who brings fun to our tour!

Avon, Colorado

2005-11-22T17:06:00.000-05:00

So...keeping up with the blog is difficult when we're in fun and exciting places such as Colorado. But, the upside to that is that I have more fun and interesting things to put IN the blog!

Our drive into New Mexico on Saturday was stunning. Here are some pictures from that drive as the mountains of the desert turned into snowy mountains of a skiers paradise.

watch out for runaway cows!

The famous (okay, or not so famous) Double D Ranch...

I think I see snow!

ahhh...here we are.

So, it's cold in Colorado. Forget the pool-side BBQ's of Arizona and California...we're into long john and down coats weather. I've purchased TWO pairs of long underwear so far at our friendly neighborhood Walmarts! I will not be caught unprepared.

So, to get out of the cold and warm our blood, we found a great local authentic Irish pub called "finnigan's wake" right across the street from our hotel. We went there our first night and ate some lovely irish food, drank some lovely irish beer, and played so much darts that my arm was sore the next day!

The next day, I had a visitor coming into town. Phillip decided to stop by Colorado for a visit! It was perfect timing for a vacation in Denver...due to the fact that it's "pre-season" a lot of the really nice restaurants in Vail (the ski town about 10 minutes down the road) are having great specials like 2 for 1 entrees and such. We had a really nice dinner at an Italian restaurant called Vendetta's (after Phillip drove on the "sidewalk" :), and then met up with everybody back at Finnigan's Wake for a little pool and some more darts, and some more beer (or cptn and cokes if you don't like beer...).

The following are some pics from that night...we won the darts game with a super lucky double bullseye throw by...me!!!

hellooo...I see you...

love the guiness!

Eric, I made this face JUST FOR YOU!

Who's that cute boy? He's not on our tour!

We won!!! The P/C team could not be beat, after my FREAK throw of two consecutive bullseyes. The more beer I drink, the better I get at darts :).

What a COINCEDENCE...another 05-06 Alexander tour was in the men's bathroom of this same sports bar! hehe.

Today we had two shows...the breathing thing is still a challenge in this high alltitude...but it's totally do-able. Life is good...and I heart Colorado.

Taos, NM

2005-11-18T18:44:00.000-05:00

Taos is a ski town. It's quaint and small and the smell of winter is in the air. It reminds me a lot of Santa Fe, which is about, ooooh, 40 miles away...but smaller. We had a performance today at 1:30, and we will have one tonight at 7. It's probably the smallest venue we've played so far, maybe 500 seats, but it was so packed that they had to set up chairs on the sides. This community is excited to have us here. There is a two page spread on our show in their local arts paper, with pictures and a very detailed article. There are posters for our show up in local coffee shops. We are local rock stars :). The air is thin up here, so the show is really making it hard for me to catch my breath. I'll bring my inhaler back with me to the theater just in case :).

Here's a sign for the Taos Performing Arts Center

Ahhh...we made it on the marquee...hehe

It's our poster!

Well, we have one more show tonight, and then it's off to Colorado tomorrow. A couple of us are thinking about getting up at sunrise to see the Rio Grande Gorge tomorrow mornin. I'll take pictures if we do! Oh, and tonight we're going to see Harry Potter! Yippee!

Santa Fe, New Mexico

2005-11-14T23:40:00.000-05:00

We arrived in Albequerqe on Saturday around 5:30, grabbed some dinner and crashed. Sunday was (another) day off, so 8 of us headed to Santa Fe for the day...about an hour away. Moria works there every summer at the Santa Fe Opera, so she knew her way around. We went to the Plaza of Governors where jewelry makers lay out their wares...all hand made....turquoise, silver, gold, amber...beautiful.

Then we walked around the city, the air crisp and the leaves brilliant with the colors of fall. This was definitely the coolest weather we've experienced so far on the tour.

plaza de governors

the colors of fall

the streets of Santa Fe

After we were done walking around, we drove to a local Japenese style spa called Ten Thousand Waves. For $14 we hung out in the communal jacuzzi tubs/sauna out under the stars! It was gorgeous. They had this cold dip that was 35 degrees! I dipped in it once and then ran right back to the hot tub...it was freezing! The spa was so nice, and my pores were very invigorated! :)

here's a pic of the tub from the website...they give you a komono! we chilled in the tub at night, though...so it was dark and the beautiful stars were out.

Well, today we had two shows, and they were good...and tomorrow we go to Silver City.

BBQ fun by the pool...and Goodbye, Arizona!

2005-11-13T13:19:00.000-05:00

After the show on Wed, we had a BBQ by the pool! It's November and we're swimming in a pool...yummy...

Friday night we went to Tempe to hang out and played a little pool...Barry got a lot of action...

chug chug chug

This girl sat her butt REAL close to Santi's face. hehe

Barry found his way into Jordan's bum crack. Poor Barry.

Barry doesn't like people making fun of Tina...someone will get punched.

So we left Arizona on Sat. and now we're in Albequerque! We're taking a day trip to Santa Fe, so lots of pics to come I do promise that. Miss you all.

2005-11-08T01:15:00.000-05:00

I have the best friends. This is all the mail I got today!!!!

2005-11-08T01:14:00.000-05:00

Me. Eating Ramin. Out of a hot pot. With a knife. This moment is so "tour".

2005-11-08T01:13:00.000-05:00

Old Town Scottsdale

2005-11-08T01:12:00.000-05:00

I like this store!

2005-11-08T01:11:00.000-05:00

Patty wanted this to be his "riding in the van poncho". "Hey guys! Hold up the van! I can't find my poncho!"

2005-11-08T01:10:00.000-05:00

Ashwee looks good in a Mexican muu muu!

I love my friends.

2005-11-08T00:56:00.000-05:00

Today I got a call from Caitlin:

"Hey, I got the fed ex package. You have like 9 things to pick up."

I was a little suprised...I mean my mom usually send me a package once a week, and I get a wonderful occasional package from my dear friends, but today was unreal. I had packages of love from so many great friends...just so you know, guys, I was on cloud 9 all day long. I felt so loved and happy. THANK YOU!

Today Santi, Ashwee, Patty A and I traveled to Old Scottsdale, a downtown area of shops and restaurants with an oldtime western feel. There are lots of jewelry stores with Turquoise and Amber, boots and moccasins, and Mexican imports. There was even a "Flagg's" Gift Shop! Pretty cool :).

I spent the evening in, getting things down and organizing. I sent a box of things home today. It's gotten to that point on the tour where it was time to clean house. We know what we wear and what we don't, what we need and what we don't. We're old pros...

2005-11-07T00:48:00.002-05:00

Tempe, AZ

2005-11-07T00:48:00.001-05:00

Jonathan Mills from the cast of 42nd street. You're the best Millsy!

2005-11-07T00:48:00.000-05:00

ordering taco bell out the van

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wow.

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Jordan loves Eric.

2005-11-07T00:47:00.001-05:00

Me kissing Jordan's phone cause Eric Thompson is on the line!

2005-11-07T00:47:00.000-05:00

Patty talking to Eric.

2005-11-07T00:46:00.001-05:00

Barry likes Jordan's new belt buckle

2005-11-07T00:46:00.000-05:00

He promised he wouldn't leave it up. Patty is a liar.

Tempe, AZ

2005-11-07T00:21:00.000-05:00

Well, Arizona is a huge HUGE HUGE improvement from Las Vegas in so many ways.

1. We are staying at a Hampton Inn...free internet, free breakfast (with eggs), shuttle service around town, and the comfiest beds around!

2. There is reasonably priced food...a pizza place across the street, some taco bells, some grocery stores...ahhh...

3. I had a friend in town that I didn't even know about!

So Sat. morning at breakfast Jordan says "Hey, guess what, the 42nd Street tour is in town..."
I was super excited, cause the one and only Jonathan "Millsy" Mills is in that tour! So I sent a little text to Brian Cali to get his number, and voila! Here's the conversation:

"Hi, Jonathan! Where are you?"

"Uhh...Mesa, Arizona...where are you?"

"Mesa, Arizona!!!"

"No way!!!"

It was a nice suprise for the both of us! So Jonathan hooked me and Patty A up with some compy comps...and we saw his show last night. It was super night to see it, it was really good! Lots of talented young dancers, flashy costumes, and loud tappin. Gotta love it. So proud of you, Millsy!

Then last night there was a little bit of mayhem in room 222. Patty and I had some good water. Patty tried on my work out clothes. We talked to Eric Thompson of the Willy Wonka Tour for a long time on speaker phone. Barry even got in on the action. It's all documented in the photos above.

This morning I dragged myself out of bed for the free breakfast. Here's the phone conversation between Patty and me:

"hehmmm..."

"hehmmm..."

"wanna...mmm...breakfast...mmm"

"yeahmmm, k."

"k"

it was very articulate...man we were tired.

Today I went to Mill St. in Tempe...very cute with lots of shops and such, and got a hair cut at an Aveda Salon...woo hoo! It was lovely. Bought the book "A Million Little Pieces"...I let y'all know how I like it.

Tonight...Patty and I went to see Savion Glover at the Scottsdale Performing Arts Center, where we'll be performing on Tues and Wed. His show was called "Classical Savion" and he tapped to classical music with over 10 on stage string musicians playing famous pieces in the background...amazing! We tried to catch him after the show (okay...I tried to catch him) but we got to talk to a violinist instead. He was super nice and said it's SO loud on stage with Savion hoofin all over the place. Wow. I bet!

So now we're home, having seen two shows in two nights...with another day off tomorrow! Free time= spending money...yikes!

2005-11-05T20:33:00.001-05:00

Since I didn't find the real life sign, Barry humoured me and posed in front of this mini replica.

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Hotel acrobatics..I was hoping they would ask me to JOIN the Cirque Show...

2005-11-05T20:32:00.001-05:00

Me and my flower and Moria and her inner tube. In front of the "O" sign. Happy girls!

2005-11-05T20:32:00.000-05:00

The flower I received from the actor in Cirque du Soleil!

2005-11-05T20:31:00.001-05:00

Caitlin displays the Leatherette...who knew.

2005-11-05T20:31:00.000-05:00

Me and Caitlin and Scott and Stephen...and the Vegas lights behind us...thanks guys!!!

2005-11-05T20:30:00.000-05:00

oh Stephen...we'll miss ya :)

Leaving Las Vegas...Sorry had to :)

2005-11-05T20:03:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone...sorry it's taken me so long to update...but I think I've just been enjoying the departure from Las Vegas so much that I didn't quite want to re-live the whole experience quite yet! However, I must admit, there were some awesome happenings in Las Vegas that need to be shared.

The Las Vegas kids, like I said, were amazing audiences. So that made Vegas worth it all the way. Then on Wed night, Moria and I went to the Bellagio to see "O" by Cirque du Soleil. We splurged for the $150 the week before, and had decided on purchasing the front row center seats rather than the $95 back balcony partial view seats. Boy, was that the best decision ever!

The show started with the classic Cirque clows entertaining the audience right before the show. They were hilarious, detailed, masterfully physical performers, making me feel a twinge of desire to go to clown school someday. Then the lights went down slightly and some of the other characters entered the arena (it was a huge house...probably close to 3,000 seats). A man was picked out of the audience "randomly"...I knew he was a plant right away, he was just too darn cute! They dragged him to the stage and he read the "turn off your cell phones" speech off a sheet of paper...the next thing you know he was flying towards the ceiling...seems that when he was yanked off stage for a mili second, they hooked him to a flying aparatus, and the secret of his true identity was revealed to everyone by his sudden flight to the rafters.

The large red silky curtains were majestically pulled very quickly up and away and the show began. Cirque always creates a magical world in its shows of recurring themes, abstract plot lines, romantic entanglements, and really hot bodies :). The music is ethereal, the skill is incredibly death defying, and I always leave the theater feelings as if this company of acrobats, musicians, and artists deserves every penny I paid for my ticket. What a good feeling.

As I mentioned, we were indeed front row dead center and this was an incredible place to watch the show. At one point, the clowns were doing a bit and flung some inflatable inner tubes off the stage...Moria caught one of them and was able to take it home with her! I got a little souveneir of my own. The lead guy, that had been the plant in the beginning, was given a flower by another one of the lead guys, a strange butler-esque man with electrocution style blonde hair. The butler had scoured the audience moments before handing him the flower, and finally his eyes rested on mine (little did I know, Moria was pointing fingers at me the whole time...thanks Moria!!!). The lead guy locked eyes with me as well...he went to give me the flower, so I started to stand, but the butler yanked him back...and admonished him for his poor presentation skills. He was taught how to bow to a lady (all of this was done physically of course, as there is not usually any understandable words spoken during their shows), and finally he came back to me to do it the right way. I was motioned to stand, and I did...bearing my bum to the 3,000 people in the theater, and when he bowed and gave me the flower...I gave a curtsy and took it from him. It was a beautiful yellow flower...sunflower like. What a cool moment to be in the show! And to get to stare into that man's eyes for a good 20-30 seconds :). Made my ticket price worth it!!!

So after watching the divers, acrobats, fire throwers, dancers, hilarious clowns (ay yi yi, ay yi yi)contortionists, and wonderful actors, Moria and I left completely content with our theatrical experience. I was hoping to maybe find an actor or two (or maybe one specifically, hehe) and get a picture...but they had another show in an hour. I can't imagine doing two of those a night...incredible.

We had more shows the next day, and our last night in Vegas was also a memorable one. My new friends, Scott and Steven, took me and Caitlin to a dinner at the Top of the Word in the Stratosphere. This restaurant in a revolving one, with an incredible view of the lights of Vegas from every angle. It was great spending dinner with these guys and wishing them well as they start their new adventure in Vegas selling Mardi Gras beads! If you become rich and famous, don't forget the little people!

Friday morning we departed Las Vegas for the last time...having spent a good 10 days there, my oh my. I was not sad to leave this city behind, but I'll not say I'll never go again...who knows. With the right people, it could be fun I suppose ;).

We are now in Tempe, AZ...and tonight Patty and I are going to see 42nd street which has one of our Catholic friends in it: Jonathan Mills...pictures to come!

2005-11-01T21:26:00.000-05:00

Barry and Patty went shopping at the Gap.

2005-11-01T21:25:00.002-05:00

Barry breaks the rules.

2005-11-01T21:25:00.001-05:00

Barry had one too many. It's okay, it's Vegas.

2005-11-01T21:25:00.000-05:00

Barry made friends with this Las Vegas Showgirl (it's okay, Sven, he just liked her feathers).

2005-11-01T21:24:00.001-05:00

Barry in front of the Paris Hotel and Casino's Eiffel Tower.

2005-11-01T21:24:00.000-05:00

Barry in front of Caesar's palace.

2005-11-01T21:23:00.000-05:00

I met the "Chipendales" dancers on the strip and they were eager to take a picture with a Rockstar.

2005-11-01T21:22:00.000-05:00

Here I am flinging some Mardi Gras beads(rather than a coin) into the fountain at the Wynn. Scott and Steven are opening a Mardi Gras beads store (that's Scott in the background) so there's an abundance of beads to be had and thrown around!

Barry the Gnome. And Halloween in Vegas.

2005-11-01T21:08:00.000-05:00

Ladies and Gentlemen, now introducing...the one, the only...Barry the Gnome.

Barry comes from Oooobenflouzendorf, Deutchland. He has been sent to me by a very special little brother friend to provide hours of entertainment (which he already has). Barry is here to keep an eye out on me, but since he is so far away from his lover, Sven, I have to take pictures of him so Sven knows he's not out carousing with the "wrong kind of people". Thank you, PTO :). You are the bestest. Everyone welcome Barry to the Blog.

So last night was Halloween. I woke up nice and early and put on some running clothes and my iPod and a ballcap (keeps people from talking to you...they think you're a local) and walked down to Ross...bought myself a makeshift Vegas costume--Rockstar. At Starbucks I met some great new Vegas friends, Scott and Steven who are here to open a new store in a mall on the strip. I met them on there first day in Las Vegas! What are the odds. That night we met up for sushi dinner and then we walked the strip a little...saw some hilarious costumes, and ended up at the Wynn's outdoor patio/bar/light show extravaganza. It was a fun night...see above pics :).

Today we had our first shows in Vegas...4 more, and then we leave Friday for Arizona. Can't wait to get out of here.

2005-10-31T00:59:00.000-05:00

Zion National Park. For ALL of the beautiful pictures from my trip to Zion and the Grand Canyon...go to: www.cristinamary.shutterfly.com Enjoy!!!

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Stunning

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a delicate water fall

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A ray of light

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moria and me

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"Peaks!"

2005-10-31T00:53:00.001-05:00

So sad to leave!

2005-10-31T00:53:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Grand Canyon

2005-10-31T00:52:00.000-05:00

the colorado river below us

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Don't look down :).

2005-10-31T00:50:00.000-05:00

It's Grand.

2005-10-31T00:49:00.000-05:00

So Happy

I escaped Sin City...Springdale, Utah

2005-10-31T00:28:00.000-05:00

To what I owe the luck of having been invited along this past weekend to escape Las Vegas with Moria and her mom, I do not know...but I am forever grateful and blessed by the experience!

A while back Moria mentioned to me that she was thinking of escaping Las Vegas while we had the time off there and going to Utah to hike. Would I be interested? she asked. I'm always up for an adventure, so it definitely peaked my interest. Moria said she'd been to Vegas before, and trust her, it's not somewhere you're going to want to spend that much time in. Boy, was she right.

I remember Utah from our drive cross country. I loved the sky and the skyline. Well, that was mearly a taste of what there is to discover in this beautiful state. When Moria worked for Utah Shakespeare festival, she and her co-workers would travel to Zion National Park on the weekends for 100 degree hikes through the park...particularly a place called the Narrows. The Narrows is a hike in the park that is through water. You walk in water mostly up to your ankles or calves, but sometimes all the way up to your armpits (where you have to hold your bag over your head to keep in dry). This hike is best done in the summer months when it's so hot that being in the water is refreshing and welcomed. I will come back to do that hike this summer...it must be done.

Moria, her mom, and I traveled to Springdale and settled into our Quality Inn less than a mile from the Zion entrance on Friday evening. It was about a 3 hour drive from Vegas, but beautiful the whole way. We zonked out at around 10pm which was AWESOME. We woke up 8, had some breakfast, and caught the free shuttle to Zion. We walked the Emerald Pool trails first(stepping in some lovely, pottery worthy mud along the way...yummy), then we walked a trail that took us to the edge of where the Narrows are (what a tease...must come back). The hikes were magnificent. The rock, orange. The sky, blue. The leaves were changing color for fall, and the result was breathtaking. What a contrast from the Vegas we had so eagerly left behind. We hiked for nearly 5 hours, and it went by in a flash.

That evening, after heading back to the hotel to change clothes, we headed to Cedar City, where Moria had worked at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. They have a little Globe replica (very neat), and we ate at a little "pub" (although there was no alcohol served) and then headed home.

We decided, since we had done all we wanted to do at Zion, that since the Grand Canyon was only about 2.5 hours away...why not go see that, too! So we departed early and drove through the park and south to the Grand Canyon's North Rim (supposedly the less frequently visited rim, but the more beautiful). We walked to various vistas and gazed at the majestic canyon for a couple of hours before departing for the 5 hour drive back to Vegas (the only way back was back through Zion)...we got to say goodbye to Zion, or more like "see you again soon" as the sun was just starting to think about setting...the light was perfect for our "till me meet again".

Moria's mom and I knit as we drove back to Vegas, she tried to show me how to "turn the heel" of a sock, and we all stopped and grabbed some fish tacos at the Del Taco for our one last cheap meal before heading back to the money pit of Vegas.

What a special experience to see the beauty of our own country. I've seen beauty like this in Wales, Scotland, England, but never here. The kind of beauty that puts everything in perspective and makes you feel small (you're right Moria, it is a good thing). This is the best part of tour; having the time to see these things I've always wanted to see, and being giving the resources to get there to see them. I am lucky. I am grateful.

2005-10-27T03:37:00.000-04:00

Ash-wee and Tina in front of the Eiffel Tower (it's a little smaller than the original).

2005-10-27T03:36:00.001-04:00

Santi has the gambling bug...uh oh!

2005-10-27T03:36:00.000-04:00

I lost $2. But it was fun pushing the buttons that light up!

2005-10-27T03:35:00.001-04:00

Mr. Holiday Porter, the shoe shine man in my hotel. He fixed my boots up real nice.

2005-10-27T03:35:00.000-04:00

Peter and Rick, the Las Vegas police officers that let me sit on their motorcycle. There was a 6-year-old getting his picture taken on it, and, well, I wanted my picture on it, too!!!

2005-10-27T03:33:00.000-04:00

Bikini Bull Riding! Finally! My favorite!

Las Vegas, Nevada

2005-10-27T03:15:00.000-04:00

Wow. Sin City. Get me out of here, quick.

Due to the fact that a block of time that was TBA as far as whether we had shows or not did not fill up with shows...we have a whopping 6 days off from performing. And it's all in Las Vegas, baby.

We arrived last night at around 8:30pm. The drive from Stockton was 530 miles, and it took all day. We drove into Vegas at night, with the full impact of the lights flashing around us. We are staying at the Boardwalk Hotel and Casino right on the strip. The room is amazingly quiet (I slept until 11:30am this morning)...they must have soundproof windows or something.

We had a brief company meeting and then hit the strip to see what there was to see. Jordan and Ashley were heading out the next day to travel home to see loved ones, so they wanted a little tase before they left. We walked to the Bellagio, and Ashley and I tried on $12,000 diamonds at a jewelry store there (that was fun :)...then we headed to the casino. Jordan lost a little money on the roulette table (so confusing!), and Santi, Jordan and I played some 5 cent slots (I just like pushing the buttons). I lost $2 and decided gambling is not for me :). We walked around some more, and then I went to the CVS to buy some food...the food here is super expensive, think Disney land for adults. I bought a loaf of bread, some pretzels, and some ritz cracker sandwiches...welcome to the week of cheap carbs!

This morning I slept in, bought a $7 bagel and coffee at Starbucks, Moria and I bought hot pots at the Walgreens across the street so that we can make some $2 thai noodle dishes in our room, went to the fitness room, and played some guitar. . After I got showered and dressed, I headed down to the lobby to ask where the shoe shine guy was that I had heard about. Mr. Holiday Porter shined my boots and fixed up the scuff mark that I had created in San Francisco. It was my first show shine, and it was wonderful! Mr. Porter came to Vegas in 1953 for, as he put it, "adventure". Did you find adventure? I asked. I found adventure, after adventure, after adventure, he replied. He told me about how Paula Abdul was sitting at the slot machine right next to his shoe shine stand last week, cause American Idol auditions were in town...and the only way he recognized her was from the fact her picture was on the front page of the paper. He's had this shoe shine stand for 8 years. He gave me advice on how to keep my boots looking good. It was a great shoe shine.

Moria and I hit the strip and walked for 2 hours, not going into any of the hotels, but just walking. It's easy to walk away two hours. I got a lot of comments on my cowboy boots. They were definitely a hit.

This city is dirty. It's crowded. There is lust and greed everywhere. The glazed eyes of the slot machine monsters are scaring me. I'm ready to go hiking in Utah (I go this weekend with Moria and her mom). Oh, and we bought Cirque de Soleil tickets for next Tuesday :). It's so worth the money. Tomorrow there will be more adventure to come. I'm going to the 9am poker lesson (it's free) at the Paris hotel down the strip. I will find free fun.

2005-10-23T22:42:00.000-04:00

bro bro

2005-10-23T20:36:00.000-04:00

ken and his neighbor going to a gallery exhibition