About Last Week, 6 & 7: where we almost get stuck in VA

 Missed last week's post, so a lot to catch up to today. Getting back to being home has somehow been both quiet and hectic. Grateful, though, to be home and snuggling in for the winter.

Monday, 1-3-22.

This particular Monday morning we woke up bright and early in my hotel room in Orlando. The show closed the night before, and we set off straight away for home. We stopped in Richmond, VA, for the night. It was snowing out! There honestly wasn't a ton of snow, but the roads were really bad maintained and everyone was all over the road. Most of the bars and restaurants were closed early, but we wound up at a burger and beer place that had really fun trivia. We were completely annihilated. After being so cooped up due to protect the cast from more covid exposures, it felt good to be out and about for a little date night. This was one of those nights where I felt so young, and free, and happy to be out in the world.

Tuesday, 1-4-22

The next morning had us up and at 'em again. The night before, we had heard about conditions on 95 being so bad that the highway shut down. Crazy, we thought! The next morning we got up and jumped on 95 right away, because surely 12 hours later it would be taken care of? Wrong. Almost immediately we were in stand-still traffic from the night before. Cars had been stuck on 95, in the freezing cold, over night. We were very close to an ambulance turn-around, and Chris took it and got us off the highway. Thank goodness for that...we would have been stuck all day. 

The rest of the day was a lot of really sketchy driving, eating "car tuna melts" (crackers, cheese, and tuna packets), making fun of VA drivers, and generally just accepting that we were going to be stuck in VA. It took us 14 hours to get from Richmond to NJ. We ended up staying the night with Chris' parents there. A crazy day!

Wednesday, 1-5-22

Wednesday got us home! It rained all day, and I drove the rest of the way from NJ to NH (7ish hours) while Chris worked. We got home and after unpacking the car, Chris went to grab Bear! I ambitiously made chicken stew for dinner. We snuggled and ate food in our own kitchen, watched TV and went to bed early. A truly fantastic end to a stressful roadtrip. 

Thursday, 1-6-22

A true delight to come home to was that Chris had decorated before he came down to FL! Felt so cozy. I honestly spent most of the day doing nothing; I was so so tired! But I also cleaned and unpacked, and then Chris and I exchanged the rest of our Christmas presents at night. We had held back on bringing gifts to FL because it was just too much to pack, so it was fun to finally have our own little Christmas. Chris loved his new apron and has been putting it on if he so much as stands in the kitchen. 

Friday, 1-7-22

Friday I attempted to catch-up on some work stuff, got my nails done for the first time in my entire life, and made a pie for family Christmas with my parents! That night, after wading through freshly fallen snow I climbed into the passenger seat of Chris' car. I was wearing my big black coat. There were Christmas presents in the back of the car. And I had a still-warm pie, wrapped in a towel, on my lap. You know those moments when you convince yourself you are actually you parents? That was one of them for me. 

Saturday, 1-8-22

Saturday was my first day back to work coaching AND WE ALSO GOT OUR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS TAKEN!!!!!! We lucked out on the snow and the whole day in general. I'll definitely be sharing more soon, I cannot get enough! We used Blue Locket Photography. 

Sunday, 1-9-22

A cold cold day! Morning walk with Bear, then just some chores before heading out to teach Theater on Ice. Chris worked that night so it was just me and Bear. 

Monday, 1-10-22

No pictures and I couldn't tell you much of what I did. Time at home. Putting Christmas decor away. Starting lessons at a local after school program!

Tuesday, 1-11-22

Got to see a lot of my private students again! A real highlight of the day was making these quiches though. I made them around lunch so that when dinner came, everything was done!

Wednesday, 1-12-22

Other than teaching hockey in the evening, I didn't do a whole lot. Tuesday night ended up being kind of *emotional* so I slept in, Chris brought me coffee and breakfast in bed, and I read my book for 40 minutes before starting my day. A God-send of a re-set, honestly. 

Thursday, 1-13-22

Thursday night I actually skated in a little show with Ice Dance International! Just a small holiday party at a local outdoor rink. We skated a trio-piece that I had done last year, so when the girl who skated this year couldn't make it they asked me to step in. It turned out to be a fantastic night of skating and then catching up with friends over drinks. A great time. 

Friday, 1-14-22

On Friday night we met up with a friend of ours for happy hour drinks, and then Chris and I went to a UNH hockey game. I'd actually never been before, and we had a really great time. It made weirdly nostalgic for college...which is weird, since I've never been. Not in the typical college experience way, anyways. But it made me sort of sad that 18 year-old Gillian hadn't thought a little harder about whether or not she wanted to go to a 4-year school right away. Looking back, it would have been fun. 

Saturday, 1-15-22

Saturday I coached and got some wedding things done, but most importantly I made this incredible Irish Soda Bread. Can't believe I'd never made it before! I am fully addicted now and prepared to make it every week until I die. 

Sunday, 1-16-22

Sunday was a back-to-normal full coaching day. A music-filled drive. A hot shower. Seinfeld with breakfast. Good chats over dinner. Flannel sheets on the bed. 

Whew. Looking back, what a good two weeks. So so full. But also fun, and with lots of quiet moments and friend moments. More of that. More of all those real things that make up a life. 

Hope your current week is off to a good start. <3

About Last Week #5

 This ALW is coming to you from somewhere on I-95 in Georgia, on our way home from SeaWorld! Last night was closing night of Winter Wonderland on Ice, and today we are on our way home. To be honest, I am sad to no longer be doing an ice show but am also extremely happy to be home for a bit. I miss Bear! And my local friends. And my kitchen, and my normal daily rhythm. This contract (my sixth!) really showed me that I am excited and ready to do more shows, but I am also happy to get to spend at least a few more months at home before running off to the circus again. 

MONDAY, 12.27.21

Monday morning I picked up Chris from the bus station. He had spent Christmas down in Ft. Lauderdale (I got to visit for a fast 12 hours Christmas Eve through Christmas morning!) with family, and then he took the bus up to Orlando to me. We stopped by Trader Joe's for some essentials and then spent the rest of the day organizing and prepping some food before we both headed into the park for the show. We actually had to go in early for a fast re-block last minute, so to be honest the night was fun but a little stressy. This was his first time seeing the show this whole contract!

TUESDAY, 12.28.21

Tuesday was another pretty chill day. We had a covid scare in the cast so we all essentially hunkered down and didn't socialize much outside of the show for the rest of the week. I'm actually pretty happy Chris was able to be here, otherwise this would have been a pretty lonely and even more sad time. We did so well this whole contract! It was sad to be dealing wit covid issues right at the end.

WEDNESDAY, 12.29.21

Covid tests were actually pretty hard to find in FL. We spent 4.5 hours Wednesday morning waiting at a drive-up testing site for a rapid. Even with the long wait though, the place was really efficient and well run. Just lots of people waiting too! We got our results emailed by the time we got back to the hotel and we were both negative. Definitely a big relief. Chris' parents came up from Ft. Lauderdale, and they got to see the shows that night and hang in the park for a few hours. 

THURSDAY, 12.30.21

After a slow morning in the hotel to ourselves we got into the park early with Chris' parents, around 12:30. We spent the day seeing all the animals and riding Atlantis (a must!), and just look at that baby manatee! So sweet. I love how they almost hold onto the rocks with their little flippers. Then off I went to work and they got to see the shows that night!

FRIDAY, 12.31.21

Friday was New Year's Eve, which is honestly a pretty eventful day at WWOI. First off, we do three shows instead of two, and the last one ends right before midnight when they do a countdown and fireworks right after the show. Plus, NYE means glitter shows! Each show we add a new layer of glitter. Plus, last minute some of my second cousins were able to come and I am so glad they got to enjoy the park on such a high-energy day!

Most of my cast mates at their significant others and partners at the show, and it was so fun having a little wives club out in the audience. Some night highlights were: running through the park last minute to buy everyone pretzels so they didn't have to leave their seats, getting to go out for photos with my cousins, running out for opening positions of the midnight show and watching a cast-mate have an epic fall in the dark haha, turning around to see everyone with crazy Christmas lights in the audience, and getting to have a New Year's kiss with Chris in my skates, right outside of the tunnel. A fantastic day, all around. 

SATURDAY 1.1.21

Saturday was a quiet day....everyone was still tired after NYE and we were still dealing with covid stuff. Chris and I bopped into the park (fully masked and sanitized, even with our negative tests) early to see the dolphin show, but otherwise it was just a workday. Hard to see in this photo but the way I pouf my hair for the show really shows off the little gray streak I'm starting to get!

SUNDAY 1.2.21

Sunday we closed! A busy day of packing, lots of bittersweet goodbyes, a walrus stuffed animal from Chris, and a bloopers video showing afterwards at the hotel. Then a late bedtime and up early to get back home...phew. Another contract in the books!

There were lots of special moments in this cast and with this show, but for right now I am excited to be heading back home and heading into the new year with lots of fresh starts. This week I'll share more thoughts from the year, and also a wrap up and photo dump from this show. Lots of thoughts to share! In the meantime, hope everyone's first Monday of 2022 is off to a great start. :)

About Last Week #4

 I am sitting here on the Monday after Christmas, lots to do, my room a mess, and the period cramps setting in. We officially have only ONE WEEK left of this contract! It has completely flown by. Later today, I will be picking Chris about at the bus up from Ft. Lauderdale (he spent Christmas with his family down there), and he will be with me trough our last show week! Definitely looking forward to some more family time, some snuggles, and some gentle planning for the new year. 

MONDAY 12.20.21

Monday morning I went to Sofritos, our favorite local spot, with Kelsie and Connor. We messed around in the super touristy gift shop next to it for a bit, and then I dropped them off at the airport! That night I went into work and did two shows, both of which actually ended up getting rained out. We were still at the venue all day though. Afterwards, I curled up at home with some tea and did some blogging. :)

TUESDAY 12.21.21

Tuesday morning I had public skate, and we got all the way into the venue in the pouring rain before they canceled it! We were drenched, but happy to not have to be there all day. We went home and I spent the rest of the day watching You've Got Mail, and starting this embroidery kit! I am in love! Can't wait to work on it some more. After that it was just some meal prepping, and then back to the venue for our shows (the rain stopped). 

WEDNESDAY 12.22.21

Wednesday I was crazy tired...went into shows obviously, but honestly I didn't do much else. Just couldn't get out of my way for the whole day, and I felt pretty off. 

THURSDAY 12.23.21

Thursday was a complete whirlwind! I was busy all day going shopping for last minute Christmas treats, ordering last minute gifts, and prepping for a busy Christmas weekend. I got home from shows at 10:30pm, and immediately got to work making three batches of fudge, and a batch of white trash haha. I literally stayed up until 3am, making fudge and listening to podcasts and getting a little wine drunk in the middle of it all. For fudge I made: chocolate and toffee, peanut butter molasses, and white chocolate raspberry. So, so fun....maybe I'll post the recipes so I remember what I did next year! I love to come up with new ones every year. 

FRIDAY 12.24.21

Friday was Christmas Eve! I was up and moving pretty early because I had public skate. I worked public skate from 9:45am-3:30pm, then raced back to the hotel to package up my fudge and back for the night. I made six little fudge boxes: one for the cast, one for some close friends, one for Chris' parents, one for the hotel desk, on for the hotel housekeeping, and one for costuming. These little Christmas tins were 98 cents each at Walmart, and I couldn't help myself. So so cute!!

So after packing up the fudge, I zipped back to work for two shows. Then I went back to the hotel, showered, and hopped in the car for a 3-hour drive to Ft. Lauderdale to see Chris! Phew haha. I got in to his hotel at 2am; definitely a long day but any chance to spend Christmas morning with family is a no-brainer in my book. 

SATURDAY 12.26.21

Christmas day! Woke up in Ft. Lauderdale with Chris. :) We immediately went on a Starbucks run, then opened our stockings together. Afterwards we hung out with his parents, grandmother, and cousins on the rooftop of the hotel. It was a wonderful, relaxed family morning. I left early at about 1pm to zip back up to the show. I was SO TIRED on the drive...had to stop partway through to grab a coffee because I was convinced I was going to fall asleep. But it was also an easy drive, no traffic, some great podcasts, and I just felt so happy! I got back to Orlando at 4pm and zipped right over to the show. We had a super fun secret santa gift exchange at notes, then our typical two shows. That night we had an epic hotel party (I didn't go to bed until 6:30am...whoops!). Being together as a cast is always the best part of any ice show!

SUNDAY 12.27.21

Sunday was chill, and I have no pictures haha. I slept in pretty late, then had a relaxing afternoon to myself before heading in to work. Two good shows! Then a shower and to bed, where I got very distracted by watching videos of people cleaning their dishwashers on Instagram. I can literally not wait to go home and check our dishwasher filter. I'm taking time off from work once I get back, and I am stoked to finally get to deep clean everything!!!!

This week between Christmas and New Year's is always one of my favorites. Hope everyone has a good one!

xoxo Gillian

About Last Week #3

 This past week was all over the place: last days off of the run, my birthday, closing out the semester of school, a holiday party, and friends visiting! Lots of good stuff. I also had a cold which was less fun, and honestly just felt a little off most of the week...but nothing a little quality time with friends and some self care didn't fix. 

Monday, 12.13.21

Honest, Monday was a blur. I feel like I barely remember what I did! We had the day off, and I had my last day of class for one of my remote classes. Then I spent the evening in the pool and ordered pizza with a cast mate. Somehow I didn't take a single photo all day...but enjoy this one Chris sent me of Bear!

Tuesday, 12.14.21

On Tuesday we had a party at one of my local cast-mates house! It was SO FUN! We all got dressed up and had a great time. Everyone made and brought food, I made barbecue chicken in my Instant pot to top baked potatoes with, and I also made some cookies at their house. 

Wednesday, 12.15.21

Wednesday was a bit of a recovery day from the night before! I took my very last final, cleaned my room and read my book, then had a good long soak in the hot tub and worked out. That night Chris and I had a wonderfully long video chat. We don't video call very often, and even though we talk every day we don't always have time for long calls. It felt like a cozy date night!

Thursday, 12.16.21

Thursday was my 25th birthday! I kept it pretty chill though. I went to a wax appointment in the morning, and then a Target run to get some Christmas stuff. I treated myself to two new pairs of earrings! Then I worked the public skate session at work, and hung out with my friend, Emily, for the evening. A perfect, low-key day. 

Friday, 12.17.21

I don't know what was the matter with me, but Friday morning I just felt...bad? Tired, and definitely with a bit of a head cold. I also felt kind of anxious and depressed, just melancholy and generally off. Did my best to pull myself together and clean the room, but I honestly didn't do much outside of getting myself to work. After shows, though, I showered and went to the airport to pick up my friend Kelsie and her boyfriend!

Saturday, 12.18.21

Saturday we spent the day in the park together, and they got to see the show! So fun. :) I've honestly never had a non-skater friend visit me at a contract before, and it was such a treat to get this time together since we don't see each other enough, even when I am home!

Sunday, 12.19.21

Sunday morning Kelsie and I went to Celebration (Disney's residential neighborhood) to grab breakfast at their diner! They also had a farmer's market going on in their market square, so we got to explore that as well. It was a perfect morning of chatting and eating great friend and just relaxing together! We headed back to the hotel in the afternoon, where I dropped her off and headed in to work myself. 

Overall, this was such a fun week with so much good social time. We are in the last two weeks of this contract! It has gone by so quickly; much quicker than in years past. I'm honestly not ready for it to end!

About Last Week #2

 Proud of myself for showing up for week #2 of this little series, haha. Here is to attainable goals! Last week featured lots of wrapping up of the semester, shows, and some family visits. A good time! 

MONDAY, 12.6.21

We had Monday through Thursday off last week, so I spent the day focusing on getting as much homework done as possible. Chris sent me this adorable snapchat. That night I sat in the hot tub, and then what was going to be a chill cast hotel room hangout turned into QUITE the night of Margaritas, ridiculous games, and lots of laughing. A good time. 

TUESDAY, 12.7.21

Not gonna lie, I was not feeling my best Tuesday morning haha. But a slow start led to a productive day working on a huge paper I needed to write! I took a lot of my writing to the pool, and then finished the night with a glorious bubble bath. 

WEDNESDAY, 12.8.21

Sometimes I struggle to eat enough while I'm away from home or busy, so I've been making sure to have lots of snacks. These little crackers from Trader Joe's are the perfect thing to much on when I just need something. Wednesday morning I got up early and went skating at the real rink. I worked on my Bronze ice dances with some friends from the cast! Then I went to the grocery store, and came home to more homework. Wednesday night we had a cast BBQ at the grills outside the hotel!

THURSDAY, 12.9.21

Thursday I was on the grind for school from 9am until 11pm. The big due date was submitting my creative non-fiction portfolio, which when completed was 45 pages long! I spent all day writing, then put on makeup and real clothes to film me reading some excerpts from it. Got it done!

FRIDAY, 12.10.21

I had a ton to do Friday: we were back to shows, we had a re-block rehearsal in the afternoon, and my parents were flying in. I needed to do lots of HW but honestly I was so drained from Thursday that I gave myself time Friday morning to just watch Seinfeld and slowly drink my coffee. It was divine. I did get a few things done, but overall I let myself take Friday slow!

My parents were here on Saturday! After a slow morning we spent the day at Seaworld, then they saw both shows. After shows we went out to dinner at Yardhouse. 

Sunday, 12.12.21

Sunday morning my parents and I made pancakes and then hung out by the pool. Around 12:30 we left for me to drive them to the airport, and then I went to work. This has been where 99% of my schoolwork as been done since I got here: at the venue between shows, on the floor, sitting on a show towel, laptop in hand (and snacks close by).

This coming week we have more days off, a cast holiday party, and officially my LAST DAY of the semester (finally!). I'm excited to do some good relaxing, spend time outside, and crank through the last bit of school. Then my birthday is Thursday, and then we're in shows from Friday all the way until January 2nd! My best friend also comes to visit this coming weekend, so I'm looking forward to that. 

Happy Monday, everyone! xoxo