What City Am I In?

I'm not going to lie, that phrase has become a common phrase. Now that we're on Week 7 (or is it 6?), the days are honestly starting to blur together. Thank god, I write down my notes for each show during the show or else I would never know what to put in my nightly reports. Which coming soon, I'm going to post a little bit about what I do for those who don't really know what a stage manager does.

This past week, we have been in the Carolina's all week. And seriously, I LOVE Charleston. Even though I only spent less than 24 hours there, it was seriously such a beautiful city. I don't think I've ever been to a city quite like that. Like its apparently a huge city, but it seemed so small, and quaint. I honestly hope to go back there this year, and actually get to see it (wink MOM wink).

The whole time I was in Charleston I was thinking of the Bravo show "Southern Charm". Yes, I will admit I do watch that show. Not as much for the people, but honestly because of the city. And getting to walk down King St, see all the gorgeous houses by battery park, and performing my the College of Charleston was a great start to the week.

This is definitely one of the reasons why I have loved touring so much. I have gotten to see so many different cities, I honestly wish I had done more site seeing and really enjoying my time before now. At the start of the tour I was honestly so exhausted, and stressed that I was nailed up in my hotel room doing reports from that day, and getting prepped for the next day. I've honestly learned how to use my car time wisely (aka set up office in the back of the car and do everything then).

This coming week, I FINALLY get to go to New York City. This has honestly been a dream of mine since I was little to get to see NYC, Broadway, and all its beauty. Get ready for many pictures and posts on my short visit there.

Till next time!

Hotlanta

This past weekend, we got to spend time in Atlanta. Even though it was only from Saturday to Monday early afternoon, I have to say I loved Atlanta. I had never been before, and even though it was not the greatest weather (it's been raining everywhere we go since Friday...) it was probably one of the best weekends I've had since leaving Chicago.

Saturday we got in late afternoon, and of course had some hotel issues (the door in my room wouldn't close, ugh). That evening my cousin set me up with tickets to go to the Atlanta Hawks game. For my first NBA game, I was definitely spoiled. During the 2nd period, I got to meet up with my cousin and before the start of the 3rd period I was able to go out onto the court. WOW, those guys are ridiculously tall. Being about 5 feet away from them definitely made me feel even shorter than I already am. After that me and Virginia watched the game from the members section which was an amazing view to watch the game.

Later that night we got to go out in Atlanta, and it is a fun town. I definitely got the friendly southern attitude from everyone, especially when we were a little confused with the Marta. Overall, it was a pretty great night and it felt good it get out and do something other than work.

The next day was more of a lazy day, and I got to see the downtown area when picking up/ dropping off people. That night I got to see my cousin again, and have my first home cooked meal in literally a month. No joke, not having something that came from a restaurant was probably the best thing all weekend. When I'm back home I will definitely be doing more cooking.

Its crazy that we are finally starting to make our way back east coast. I'm so excited to spend time in NYC for thanksgiving, and even more excited for after thanksgiving to see a lot of places on the East Coast i've never seen.

Till next time!

Better Late than Never...

You may say that these past two weeks have been crazy is a bit of an understatement. It's been insanely crazy/busy/chaotic. That's why I haven't been able to blog. Trying to keep my head afloat and also managing to try to keep myself sane by sleeping when I can. 

We left Boston about 3 weeks ago, October 9. man has time truly flown by. It feels like forever ago since we were in Boston, but it also feels just like yesterday.

The first week we were in Wisconsin and Illinois. Man did it feel good to be back in Chicago after being away for less than 2 months. I didn't realize until I got there about how much I missed it and all my friends that feel like family there. In Chicago, I was able to see friends and finally get to watch a Royals game (finding time to watch the games have been difficult). 

After that week, we are in the South till Thanksgiving. Our first weekend there we were able to drive to Memphis and celebrate Stephen's birthday on Beale Street. Definitely a fun and interesting night out.

One of the many things I love about the tour is getting to get to travel to so many different cities that i haven't been too. Last week, I was able to spend time in Little Rock, Jackson, Biloxi, and this weekend we got to spend time in San Antonio. 

Its definitely been crazy, and its starting to finally feel normal and things are coming together. 

Till next time. 

Final Week of Rehearsals...

Time has seriously flown by since I arrived in Boston. I honestly feel like it was just yesterday that I got here, and started working for this company.  Its crazy to think that this is the last week we are in the rehearsal space, and starting Saturday we will be teching the show at Babson college. Although i'm excited to begin tech, the thought of how far away it is and how much earlier I will have to be getting up next week is not exciting. Oh well, that's life.

I have to say I am sad to think that I will be leaving this city. Although I've come to hate the public transportation (SO slow, and unreliable), it really is a gorgeous city and this time around i've really gotten to explore more than what i've done before. I've been taking advantage of my day off, and its been fun. And the nice weather definitely helps with it.

This past day off I decided to continue seeing the more historical side of Boston. I've definitely always been into history, and I love getting to see all these old places that have such fascinating history. I think this is why I loved Europe so much this past summer, getting to see all the old places, and imagining with how long they have been there.

I started off venturing to the Bunker Hill Monument over in Charlestown. The neighborhood of Charlestown is honestly so gorgeous. It reminded me a little of cape cod, and all the houses were so unique and adorable. I also forget how narrow the streets are over there, and in the North End of Boston. After walking around the neighborhood, I decided to go up the monument. As a write this my calves are seriously still killing me. It's definitely a hike up the monument, and the small staircase going up it doesn't help.

Next, I continued to venture around downtown, kind of following the freedom trial (I know I was very touristy). I ventured through the Boston Commons, stopped in a marijuana rally, and got to enjoy probably one of the last few warm days (till i'm in the south soon!). After that, I walked down Newbury Street. Seriously, the shopping down there is crazy. 

It was a very enjoyable day off, and much needed for what is coming this week with final rehearsals, and load in. It's going to be a crazy week, and before I know it i'll be on the road.

One Week Done...

Since it is such a fast process, we work 6 days a week Monday thru Saturday. And after this first week, that day off couldn't come soon enough. The first week was a great week, even though we had some downs but over all the people i'm going to be with are some of the nicest people. 

Sunday I had the day off, which was much needed. I took advantage of the nice weather and got breakfast with an old camp friend who I hadn't seen since we worked on staff together. It's always great seeing camp friends, but even better when they are originally from across the pond and who knows when I will get to see them again!

That afternoon, I spent the day being a tourist in Boston adventuring towards the North End (gelato...), seeing Paul Revere's, Old North Church, and wandering the streets. After that I walked down Surface street (of course...), and ran across a farmers market. This past summer I definitely started to enjoy the farmers market this summer. From there I wandered through downtown Boston, stopping some typical tourist locations.

I have to say Sunday evening was probably one of my favorite parts of the day. I FINALLY got to see "Book of Mormon" while it was here in Boston. I did the lottery, got fourth row, dead center seats for $25. Not bad at all. I've always LOVED the soundtrack, but finally seeing the show, it was great. 

After the show I got the opportunity to go backstage, and see a girl I worked with on my previous show. Seeing in the show was great, and definitely proud of how far she has come. It's always great seeing people you've worked with keep pushing themselves, and making their dreams become a reality.

Yesterday we moved into our second week of rehearsals. These days are flying by, and before I know it i'll be hitting the road.

Till next time...

Adios Midwest, Hello East Coast!

Its crazy that I finally flew to Boston this past Sunday after having this planned for so long. I have to say my summer in Chicago flew by, and happy that this summer I actually was able to enjoy it. I took off the month of August to relax after all the craziness of the past year with ECT, and I was actually able to have some much needed time off. Honestly the longest i've ever had off from a show (both good and bad). I definitely missed having a show to work on, but I honestly needed it now since my life is about to get super crazy.

I also had the chance to spend time in Kansas City for 5 days with family, friends, and adjusting Gus to living back home with my parents. Honestly, this was probably one of the toughest choices I've had to make it. I've loved having my little furball with me in Chicago, and getting to have her around me. Since i've had her for 16 years the thought of spending months apart kills me, but I also know that while she's home she can get better and healthier (getting old, and having medical issues isn't fun).

Sunday I arrived in Boston. And learned quickly that Boston taxis don't always have the capability to take credit cards. Interesting arrival. Thanks to my dad and great uncle Andy, I am staying across the street from my great uncle's here in Brookline. It's definitely different than my Chicago neighborhood but i'm getting used to it.

These past two days at work have been A LOT of learning, a little anxiety, and getting to know everyone. The show I am working on has been touring around these productions for 25 + years. It's extremely nice that they already have everything down, same blocking, same sets (well updated), and really know what they are doing.

Tomorrow the whole process finally begins. I'm anxious, and excited to meet all my actors and crew that I will be with for the next couple of months.

New Years Resolutions Are Tough...

I have told myself over and over that I will start blogging. Clearly this doesn't happen. With a crazy schedule that I have had the pass year, honestly whenever I have free time its very hard to sit down and write.

However, since I will be going on tour for the next couple of months I figured this would be a fun way to track my adventure, keep in touch, and keep myself sane when it gets crazy.

Although I am extremely excited to start a new adventure, and do something new, my nerves have been going crazy the closer it gets. One month. One month till i'll be driving my fur child home, spending time at home, and packing my life away in one suitcase. Going over the packet of information my new company has sent me has made me so excited.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love Chicago. It's helped me grow as a person, become who I am, and be able to try things that I wouldn't be able to if I stayed home. I will always love Kansas City but Chicago has been my home for the past two years. Chicago has treated me so well, well maybe not the winters. I could live without those but the experiences I have gained through this amazing community are some I will never forget.

So with one month left of living here I better make the best of it. And enjoy now that summer is FINALLY here.