Week of Visitors

Last week was the week of visitors. Michael came out to visit his sister here in Nashville. He finally decided he needed a break from watching his adorable niece and nephew and came to the show. He had a great seat and I was even able to join him for the last two scenes. (I'm a quick change master!) I showed him all around backstage. He took tons of pictures with his iPhone. This is taken on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry with the church pews behind us. After the show, we enjoyed eating some dessert and catching up with each others' lives.

My parents, aunt Caren, Grandma (on my mom's side), and her friend Arnie came out to visit last weekend. I hardly got to see them because weekends are my busiest time for shows. I was able to go shopping with them Saturday morning and to church with them Sunday morning. Everyone came to see my show Saturday afternoon. Some returned Sunday for the matinee and Mom came to our evening performance. For the little bit of time I was able to spend with them, I had a great time.

Thanks to my visitors for bringing some sunshine into my life. I had a fabulous time with all of you. For those of you who haven't come to visit, what are you waiting for? My couch is always open for guests.

Picture Day

Last week was very busy. Don't worry it was a good busy. I had 12 shows, picture day, and many visitors. I will start by posting some pictures of the cast between shows.

The World Famous Rockettes

Me and Jen Dillon, Assistant Stage Manager (saved my life a few years ago, literally)

The Family Portrait (same Mrs Claus and Santa as last year)

Happy Little Elves (Me, Mike, Laura, Leann, Dana; Dale is missing because he was injured that day)

The Cast and Crew Nashville '08

One of my favorite pictures taken that day

The Ensemble Women (Aren't they colorful?)

The Loveless Cafe

Even though the weather was overcast and rainy, five of the Little People piled into one car and hit the open road for the Loveless Cafe. This was another one of my BRILLIANT ideas (if I do say so myself!)!! Many friends from previous years have said, "We went to the Loveless Cafe. The food was delicious. You have to go there." Then I would reply by saying, "Then why didn't you invite me to go along?!" This would usually shut them up and send them on their way. Perfect. So this year I decided to coordinate my own expedition to the Loveless Cafe. I would like to thank the LPs for once again going along with another one of my whims.

The Mighty Five-Leann, Dana, Me, Mike, and Laura

Dana showing off the place-the store, the BBQ pit, and the Cafe

Macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, homemade biscuits with honey and homemade jams-blackberry, strawberry, and peach-DELICIOUS!!

Good thing I exercised BEFORE I went to lunch. At least, I didn't feel SO guilty with my food fest. I kept telling myself I was just preparing for the many Thanksgiving feasts that were coming up this week. I have a Thanksgiving dinner to attend on Wednesday and two scheduled for Thursday. Considering that I felt sick after this little meal, I don't know if I will survive all the upcoming food. Now that it has been three hours since I have eaten all that food, I am feeling better. The food was DELICIOUS! It was well worth the 35 minute drive to get there. Just be careful with overeating! Oh yeah, did I mention I got some banana pudding to go complete with Nilla Wafers and Whip Cream? That will be a perfect dinner in a few hours while I watch some TV. :) Some days (actually most days) it's good to be me!

The Dressing Room

Beginning last year, the Grand Ole Opry has decided it's (finally) time to update their dressing rooms. Previous to the upgrade the dressing rooms looked like something out of the 1960s. Basic wallpaper, carpet with guitars on them, and just very basic in general. Here are some pictures of the old dressing room before the renovation.

About half of the dressing rooms have now been renovated at the Grand Ole Opry. The Little People got one of the refurbished dressing rooms this year. Our room is very nice. It has crown moldings along the ceiling and floor. We have higher countertops with stools. We have very nice countertops with sparkles in them. The lights dim. The carpet actually is soft and has padding underneath it. The walls look totally awesome with the paint job. Enjoy the pictures!

Opening Night

This is going to be a picture post. Opening Night was last Friday night. I had a blast. The evening consisted of presents (my favorite), a show, and a party after the show. The party had delicious food, fun friends, and a good DJ. It was so much fun that I stayed at the party until 3 AM!!! Even at the old age of 30, a girl still knows how to PARTY! Oh yeah, did I mention I slept in until 11 the next morning?! That's not important.

These are some of the presents I received

My parents sent me a bouquet of fruit for Opening Night (Delicious!!)

Here I am pigging out

Here I am working it off (woop, woop)

Here are the Little People I work with (Leann, Mike, Laura, and Dana)

There was another Little Person in the show, Dale, but he didn't come to the party. (What's up with that?!)

Me and Laura (the swing)

That was the fun-filled Opening Night festivities. We have now been in shows for a week and I love it! This really is the best job in the whole wide world!

Myrtle Beach 2008

Here are some pictures from Myrtle Beach.

This first pictures was actually taken on Halloween (notice the Halloween t-shirt). People are always asking me what I do in rehearsal. Here you go! This is what I do during rehearsal....Sleep! This is such an attractive picture of me. It's a wonder why I'm still single?! Is anyone concerned that I'm just going to slip right off the chair?! Apparently taking the picture was a little higher on the priority list.

Here is a picture of me and Adam. Adam and I worked together two years ago in Nashville. This year Adam is performing in Chicago and St Louis. BRRR!! Glad I'm not! Adam got in to Myrtle Beach the night before I left. We had a great time at dinner and seeing each other for a few hours. To answer the many questions, no, I'm not pregnant in that picture. I just got done eating a bowl of spaghetti and two slices of pizza and I forgot to suck in the gut! Yeah, a girl knows how to pack it away when someone else is paying! Adam was paying up on a friendly wager we made on a certain football game a few months back. Go Cougars!

I guess besides my birthday, those were the best pictures I have from Myrtle Beach. What can I say? My days in Myrtle consisted of rehearsals and hanging out with friends. Oh yeah, I exercised a lot but who wants to see a picture of that?!

Happy 30th Birthday to Me!

Saturday November 1st was a marvelous day because all the attention was on me! The day began at 7 AM. I walked to the beach and watched the sunrise at 7:35 AM over the Atlantic Ocean. It was a beautiful sunrise. The sky turned blue with a few clouds along the horizon. It was quite cool that morning. After the sunrise, I walked back to my condo and got ready for the day.

Rehearsal started with everyone singing Happy Birthday to me. It was great! I loved all the attention! We ran through the show from beginning to end twice. I received phone calls, text messages, and emails from many friends and family members. Company management brought a birthday cake to the break room during lunch and had everyone sing Happy Birthday to me again. I blew out all 30 candles on top. It was hard work! I loved it! The cake was yellow with white frosting. It tasted delicious! I didn’t get any notes from rehearsal all day!

After work, some members of the cast and company management went to Fiesta Del Burro Loco for dinner to celebrate my birthday. The wooden donkey on wheels was brought to our table. I climbed up on the donkey and wore the sombrero as everyone sang Happy Birthday to me one last time! I loved it. I had a fabulous 30th birthday! Thanks to everyone who helped make it a special day.