It's true you know; "Time Flies, when you're having Fun"

Can you believe it's already the end of February? I still have to remind myself that it is 2014, and not 2013 anymore. On that note, can you believe the Sochi Olympics are already over? I was lucky enough to only be two hours behind the local time in Sochi, here in Sweden. However, not so lucky that we seemed to have shows during all the skating events! Oh well, that's what YouTube.com is for! Judging by all the Facebook Statuses and Instagram updates, I saw that many of you were awake at 5:00am to watch Canada bring home the Gold in the Men's Hockey event. So nice to see the pride Canadians have for their country. Team Canada did so well at these Olympics, proud to be Canadian!

Well, we are in our last week in Sweden, then heading off to the UK for two months, our last leg of tour. Time is flying by. I am looking forward to being able to read and understand English again, as well as know what I'm lip-singing in the show! I just simply could not learn, Greek, Serbian, Italian, Hungarian, Swedish, Norwegian, Finish, Estonian, or Danish in that short of time. So, without further ado, Primark, Marks & Spencers, and Costa Coffee shops, here I come! :)

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, let me tell you about my time in the Scandinavian countries. We visited and performed in Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Denmark. Surprisingly, the weather has only been 'cold', and not 'Scandinavian cold' (the bitter, freezing winter weather we were all expecting). Each city had it's own uniqueness; full of history, yet thriving in modern times. The ancient buildings in Sweden, Finland and Denmark were furnished with modern furniture, while the coffee shops in Norway and Estonia were decorated as if it were still 1945. In Oslo, Norway, Kelsey and I went snowboarding on a local mountain in the middle of the city. Surrounded by mountains, Norway is filled with skiers and snowboarders. We hopped on the metro line in the city (five minute walk from our hotel), and stayed on till the last stop, the top of the mountain. Easy as that! A fouty minute subway train ride offered us a beautiful view of snowy Oslo as we slowly made our way up to the top. It practically dropped us off at the door step to the rental lodge were we rented our equipment. It was a beautiful day to be out too. I can now say I have skied the French, Swiss, and Norwegian alps. Check, check, and check! :)

In Helsinki, Finland, I was able to see two girlfriends of mine who I toured with on Toy Story, who live there. Had dinner at Laura's apartment in the city, which turned out to be right around the corner from our hotel. Laura and Riikka came to see two of the shows and proved to themselves they still remembered the choreography to the Toy Story segment of our show as they were dancing along in the audience. It was so nice to see them and to catch up. It was as if no time (two years!) had passed.

I was able to see another friend of mine from Toy Story in Copenhagen, Denmark, Michelle. Once again, as if no time had passed. We were able to get together, catch up and reminisce about life on tour. Like Laura and Riikka, Michelle too was up and doing the choreography with us during the Toy Story segment when she came to watch the show. Needless to say, I pulled out some "Hoe Down Throw Down" moves just for them :).

Oh, and for my parents too! Mom and Dad visited in Copenhagen for two full days! That's right, not 24 hours, but 48 hours! Mom was able to get a two day layover in Copenhagen and brought Dad along for the ride. I was able to go into the role of Jessie the Cowgirl for them, where they watched from front row! While I was at shows all day, Mom and Dad spent a day exploring the city of Copenhagen, and re-tracking their footsteps from when they were there on their honeymoon, 30 years ago! Short, but sweet as always. It was such a nice visit.

We are now back in Sweden for our final week in the Scandinavia. I am thankful to be heading out of this very expensive part of the world, and back to paying only $4 for a cup of coffee instead of $8. Now what to do with all my leftover Norwegian Krones, Swedish Kronas, and Danish Kroner?

xox

Stockholm, Sweden

Copenhagen, Denmark

Michelle and I :)

Oslo, Norway

Talin, Estonia

New Beginnings

Well, it is that time of year again. The time to reflect on the past year, what experiences you have had, new friends you've met, challenges you've conquered, and goal you've achieved. That time of year to set new goals and challenges for yourself, to be merry, and grateful for the life you live...

Okay so I know it's nearly been a week already into the New Year, I'm sorry, but I am still working on my procrastination, I suppose I should put that one at the top of my 'things to work on' list... If I ever get around to making one of those. :)

So without further ado, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season and were able to spend time with your loved ones. I was lucky enough to have my Mom visit me over the holidays while in the Netherlands, for approximately 3 and 1/2 hours. Yes, you read correctly. She worked a flight to Belgium, where a family friend, Hilde, was kinda enough to pick her up from the airport, bring her straight to the show in Utrecht (a two hour drive), watch the show, and proceed to visit for a few hours before driving her back to Belgium that same evening to catch her flight home early the next morning. The record has officially been set for the shortest visit yet! Fortunately, like all of my mother's visits, short, but certainly very sweet. She was able to bring a little bit of Christmas to me. But for real, the whole shebang, from wrapped presents, to a whole turkey dinner with Christmas cookies on the side! Not only did she bring Dad's delicious, and very traditional, homemade stuffing (my favourite), but enough baked goods to feed the entire cast! Needless to say, I'm sure her carry-on luggage surpassed the TSA's (Transportation Security Administration) carry-on weight regulations.

It was so so so nice to see my Mom and Hilde over the holidays! And Hilde, thank you so very much for delivering her to me! It was a real treat! I am truly thankful for all my family and friends around the world! Love you all so much and wishing each and everyone of you a safe and healthy 2014!

2014. That still sounds weird to me. I am going to be 24 this year... okay now THAT sounds weird!
A new year is upon us all. A new beginning as many like to call it. However, it seems to be a half way point for many of us. Middle of a school year, middle of a work term, and the middle of a Disney on Ice tour season! Time has been flying. I am entering the second half of my fourth year with Disney. I like to take this time to reflect on all the adventures I've had, and the places around the world I've been to. Did you know I've been to over 25 countries? Pretty cool, right? :) I have certainly gained a love for travelling. It is in my blood after all. But seriously, between my Mom being a flight attendant with Air Canada, my Dad's engineering craftmenship at airports around the world including Hong Kong and Sydney, and now, my brothers! Kyle has now been on two business trips with work; first to Korea, and most recently, Japan. And congratulations to Mark on completing and receiving his Private Pilot's licence! Now, him and my Dad often go flying together, no biggie :).

I am currently in Stockholm, Sweden, and surprisingly, it is colder at home right now. In fact, there isn't even any snow here. With that said, we will be in Sweden for the next couple weeks, and then we are off to Norway, Finland, Estonia, and Denmark.

I know we are already a few days into the new year but I saw this quote and fell in love with it:

"Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365 page book. Write a good one. - 2014"

Well, what are you waiting for? Start writing :)

With love,
xox

Missing my Family so much! xox

Mom and I during our 3 hour visit!

Played Jessie for Mom and Hilde!

Kelsey and I at Christmas dinner

My Tour Family :)