Hola, El Paso!

Hi everybody!

I'm feeling refreshed after an awesome week of sunshine and smiles- El Paso, Texas was an amazing stop on this tour!

After my "one short day" trip into Chicago, it was time to fly South. We boarded the plane early Tuesday morning, and in the chilly Chicago dawn, I was glad I wore layers. However, once we arrived in El Paso, I didn't need jeans and my sweater anymore. It felt like summer had come early, and I was ready to pull out my shorts! In our entire travel day, it was crazy to think that I spent the day in three different time zones (we had a brief layover in Phoenix, Arizona from Chicago to El Paso) and experienced a temperature increase of at least 30-35 degrees!

El Paso would be the only city that we would play this week, so I was looking forward to having some time off! Our hotel was beautiful, and was situated like an apartment complex rather than the typical hotel building. We had our own rooms (I had a loft bedroom!), bathrooms and a full kitchen- a rare treat on the road! The centrally located pool was also a great place to soak up some sun and catch up on my latest library books. Sitting and relaxing hadn't felt this good in a while!

Though I enjoyed having down time, I had some publicity events to really look forward to in El Paso. I enjoy being able to promote our show with my Sesame Street friends, and along the way, I've been able to visit some pretty neat television studios and amazing hospital programs. On Thursday, I got to go to a completely new venue- a football stadium! I'm not kidding- and I'm the most uneducated sports person I know! Sesame Street Live was able to be a part of a "Make It Count" perfect attendance initiative for the Socorro Independent School District. The plan encouraged children ages Pre-K through Second Grade to make an effort in showing up to school every day. The students that achieved the perfect attendance goal got to attend a special performance from Elmo, Cookie Monster, Rosita, Grover, and my friend for the event, Jenny the Music Teacher! This wasn't going to be a small event by any means- 7,659 students were present, in addition to some parents and teachers. In total, there were roughly 9,000 people at this event! I've never been a part of an event so large, and what an incredible rush it was! I was able to practice with my Sesame Street friends the night before our big show, and the next day's performance was a huge success. The kids went crazy seeing their favorite characters, and had a lot of fun participating in the different songs and dances. I think all of us involved in the event had as much fun as the kids did! I've never experienced anything like it- hearing the crowd chant "Elmo" and roar answers back at you was insane. It was a neat little taste of what famous musicians must experience in one of their concerts! As a performer, it was a thrilling, unforgettable experience, and I hope that the children in attendance could say the same. We were all so honored to be a part of their special event, and encouraging positive habits in their education is incredibly rewarding!

Later in the day, my friends and I got to visit a local center for children and adults with Down Syndrome named Gigi's Playhouse. It was a much more intimate setting, and we had a great time reading stories, singing songs, and taking a lot of pictures. By the end of the day, I was exhausted to say the least, but it was definitely a day I'll always look back and smile on. Days like that make me truly grateful for the job I have!

In the heart of downtown El Paso, our sombrero-shaped- venue was a treat to perform in- we had six shows over the course of the weekend, and as usual, it flew by. We're almost to our 200 show mark on tour too! The crowds were incredible, which always helps the time move along. There were times during the show where I was surprised by the amount of feedback from the audience!

Our successful weekend came to a close on Easter Sunday, where we had one final show. Beforehand, we were able to have some of our own Easter fun! My company manager set up an amazing brunch at a nearby hotel, which had food and views that were to die for. We were up on the seventeenth floor, and had views overlooking the entire city and nearby mountains. It was beyond words! Our company also got to participate in an Easter egg hunt- I've been a part of many over the years, but never one in a large theatre or with so many people participating. 200 eggs with chocolate and other prizes were hidden in the dressing rooms, offices, and backstage area. I know I had a blast, and it was such a special holiday even though I was away from home. There's certain times, like the holidays, where being away is difficult, but I'm so lucky that this year I was able to spend it with a whole new family. Truly, it was an Easter that I'm never going to forget!

My time in El Paso was coming to an end, but I was granted one more day off before our next travel day. I was able to catch up on some much needed sleep, and enjoy a Roommate Date Day with Kelsey. We bummed around the local mall, went to Build-A-Bear (as mature adults like us do), and saw "Boss Baby" at the movies. It was a wonderful day with a wonderful friend, and a perfect way to end my time in El Paso!

This was one of those cities where I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I could never live in Texas (I think I'm developing allergies to all of the new plants I'm coming across) but it was breathtaking to experience a landscape so different from my own. The sun was always shining, the skies were the purest blue, and the mountain views were unlike anything I've ever seen. There was even large cactus growing along the streets and in residential gardens- that's something I don't see at home! I wasn't able to travel into Mexico either, but I could see it from some views. If I ever come back to the South, I think it'd be fun to give El Paso another visit!

It'll be bittersweet to leave this city, but I know that more exciting places (and more warm weather!) lies ahead. Next week's agenda- Lubbock, Texas, and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma! Later days, buuuuuuuuuddy!

Signing off from the Street,
Shelby

City #55- El Paso, Texas

#shelbyseesthestates

SISD gave us a huge welcome on the stadium's jumbotron!

My two best friends on Sesame Street- Rosita and Jenny the Music Teacher!

After our performance- major squad goals!

Oh you know, just controlling the media.

My friends during a sing-a-long at Gigi's Playhouse!

Once again during story time.

Our brunch view from the DoubleTree Hotel.

Kelsey and I running to keep up with the locals.

Photo shoot in the park in downtown El Paso- on my way to the Easter Egg Hunt!

A plaque in the groundwork outside of our venue.

I hear Elmo Makes Music is a great show!

More photos on the balcony of our venue- with even more stunning views!

The girls in the cast of Elmo Makes Music!

First, a silly one. So photogenic!

The cast of EMM 2016-17. My heart is so full of love and appreciation for every single person.

The day wouldn't be complete without a selfie with my best friend on tour!

Doing what adults do and spent the afternoon at Build-A-Bear. We made new friends for life!

Rainy Days, Sunny Memories!

Hello again, friends!

What a week! Time is flying by so fast- I couldn't believe it was time again to write another post about my previous week on tour!

After Denver, Colorado, it was time to head back to the Midwest, starting with Topeka, Kansas. I never realized that Colorado and Kansas are next- door neighbors, so it was a lot easier to drive to than I expected. It was still a long bus ride to get there- needless to say I was very happy to stretch out in a comfy bed in a quaint hotel!

Unfortunately, the weather in Topeka was miserable for my day off. I enjoyed sleeping in late (I will never, ever be a morning person. Sleeping in until at least 11:00 a.m. is the dream for me!) and spending the afternoon at the local mall. There wasn't a whole lot to do, but I did meet my soulmate at the local Petland- yes, I say that about basically every puppy, but how can I not?! I am a dedicated dog lover, and if there is a pet store in close proximity, you bet your bottom dollar I'm going to make a new friend there. I played with a puppy who looked very similar to my first dog- she was tiny and sweet, and I'll admit I got a little teary spending time with her. I miss having a dog like crazy, and I know that the touring life isn't ideal for having one. Someday, I tell myself all the time, someday! *Buys dog July 24th a.k.a. the first day off of tour* Just kidding. But maybe not. Only time will tell.

After having to part with my one love at Petland, I spent the most of the day at the hotel, and I got to check out my first real hot yoga class. As I've mentioned in previous posts, I really enjoy yoga, and it's a practice that I constantly find myself going in and out of. I get serious for a bit, and then drift away from it (another goal after tour- take yoga more regularly). However, I don't think I will ever, ever do hot yoga again. It was absolutely nothing against the studio, or the instructor- I'd have good things to say about both of them! I know I have trouble with keeping a clean, open mind, and not wandering from my practice- I feel like my mind is always going and turning it off can be difficult. Then throw in being in a 90+ degree room, surrounded by other sweaty, heaving bodies, and you're practicing so close together that you're practically on top of each other... no thank you. I was more focused on the sweat- mark shapes of the person in front of me than tuning into my practice. Yes, I know, I was not a good student that day. But I tried something new, which I guess is good, and I definitely got a good work out from it!

I only had one day of shows in Topeka, and it went as quickly as it came. Then it was off to Hoffman Estates, Illinois, a city about an hour outside of Chicago!

My first day off there was pretty uneventful- the weather was much sunnier, which I always enjoy, and I made some trips to Target and the local mall. As always, it's nice to have a more relaxing day, especially when the upcoming weekend is going to be busy!

We had five shows in Hoffman Estates, and I'd say it was a pretty fun show weekend for me. I even had a swing out (where I get to watch the show from the audience, while my understudy is in), which is one of my favorite things to do to refresh my brain. Of course, I love nothing more than performing onstage, but there is something so magical about watching your show from the audiences' perspective. I'm able to notice so many little details in the lighting and design, and see all of the comical interactions between the characters. Everyone knows their character inside and out, and being able to see the detailed choices they make is enjoyable and commendable to watch- like, I get to work with these people every day?! Seeing the show from another perspective gives my body the chance to rest a little bit (which is SUPER appreciated), but it also gives me a refreshed love for the show. I'm sure I've written about this in other posts, but there is absolutely, positively, nothing more heartwarming and rewarding than seeing the smiles on all of the faces from the audience. We had a group of special needs children/ adults attend our shows this past weekend, and one in particular was having the time of her life dancing along with us. She sang with pride, and danced like she didn't have a care in the world- THIS is why I do what I do. Sesame Street, and the theatre in general, has been seen by countless generations of children and their parents, and a smile or a laugh is universal. I am humbled by the fact that my job is to bring job to people of all ages, genders, races, mental abilities- it doesn't matter who you are, or where you are from. The messages of Sesame Street and the theatre can be understood in any language or movement. And seeing others experiencing as much joy as I do is something I am truly grateful to do every day.

The weekend ended up being pretty great, and it was about to get better- unlike the usual scehdule of traveling on Monday, I actually had the day off. I was going to spend it in Chicago! I've never been to the Windy City before, but just the fact that I was going to be in a big city again was enough for me. After stepping off of the train, I felt so much more at home in the city landscape- it wasn't New York, but I could draw many parallels between the two. For the day, I'd take what I could get!

First of all, I had to try some famous deep dish pizza, and Gino's was the place to go to. They really weren't lying at the depth of the pizza- it felt so odd to eat it with a fork and knife. There was no way that I could've folded it and ate it the New York way! I loved walking the busy streets, being able to cross at lights without totally needing to follow the directions (I don't wait for the lights. I go when it's clear and I MOVE), and in general, walking at a speedier pace. Don't get me wrong, it's been nice to visit the South, but one of my BIGGEST pet peeves is people who walk slow. My day in Chicago was a nice change of pace, quite literally! (Ba doom ching! Thank you, I'll be here all week.) I was able to check out the infamous Bean, shop along Millennium Mile, wander around the Navy Pier, and get some gorgeous skyline views. The weather was the only damper to the day- it rained on an off, which made being outside a little tricky. I wish I had more time to spend in Chicago, and I definitely hope to come back in the future!

As usual, the time came to move on, and this time it would be to much warmer weather- El Paso, Texas! I'm ready to spend a week in the scorching sunshine and pull out my summer clothes again!

Signing off from the Street,
Shelby

City #53- Topeka, Kansas
City #54- Hoffman Estates, Illinois

#shelbyseesthestates

My precious soulmate in Topeka!

That face!

A bundle of balloons- enjoying my swing out at intermission in Hoffman Estates!

Audience member for a day!

Chicago bound in my latest Disney Princess sneakers. 

A view from the bridge.

Some authentic deep dish pizza- yum!

Embracing my inner Gene Kelly.

Outside the Art Institute of CHicago- the lions reminded me of the ones outside of the New York Public Library!

Another new friend. 

A swanky part of town.

Surprise, I found a Disney Store. Bigger surprise, I got my picture in front of the castle.

The ferris wheel in the Navy Pier.

The skyline along the river- so pretty!

Enjoying the view.

I'd say this trip had BEAN pretty fun!

When will my reflection show who I am inside?

The Bean in the evening. 

Having a good time even when it's down-pouring!

Spent the day with one of my best friends. I couldn't ask for a better travel buddy!

Falls, Friendship and Fun!

Hello friends!

After the craziness of last week, it was nice to have a little bit of a break. I was able to have some time off and check out Wichita Falls, Texas, and Denver, Colorado!

My week began like any other- with a travel day! Getting to Wichita Falls wasn't too bad, and the city was definitely much smaller than Austin. However, like the name suggests, there are falls in Wichita Falls. Unfortunately, I only saw them from a distance and didn't get a picture. But they do exist!

Tuesday was my first full day off in a little bit, and it was the perfect Netflix-and-chill kind of day. Rather, an HBO-and-chill- our hotel had free movie channels, so definitely something to take advantage of! If you're looking for some good movies, I would recommend 42: The Jackie Robinson Story, The Secret Life of Bees, or Catch Me If You Can. I also watched Baby Mama with the hilarious Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. I'm sure had some very funny dialogue, but I couldn't understand what they were saying- I watched it in Spanish! My body greatly enjoyed the rest too- this was one of those cities where I barely left the hotel room. Kelsey and I also made some pretty cool friendship bracelets, so I'd say we made our short time here pretty enjoyable.

Our shows on Wednesday flew by, and it was back to the usual routine of packing and getting ready to travel to the next city. I was really looking forward to the next one- Denver, Colorado! This would be the furthest west I've ever traveled!

As soon as we got off of the plane, I was able to see the gorgeous mountains that I've only heard about. I couldn't believe how vast it was, and the snow covered mountain caps were amazing. It looked liked spring was finally arriving too. The streets were lined with cherry blossoms, the sun was shining- I knew this was going to be a fun city! It was also Kelsey's birthday, so we had some celebrating to do!

The hotel was within walking distance of a Target and a fancy mall- some of my favorite things! The walk to the mall was along a path lined with more cherry blossoms, and they smelled just as beautiful as they looked. Once we got to the mall, we had a wonderful afternoon trying on prom dresses and shopping for things we probably didn't need. We also got to explore the downtown Denver area, which had much more than what I was expecting. Downtown was filled with more than just offices- there were so many restaurants and shops to choose from. We couldn't cover everything in one afternoon! In general, I wish we had more time to spend exploring Denver. I only saw a small portion of the city, and there were definitely plenty of things to do! If I ever have the chance to travel again, I would absolutely pay a longer visit to the Rockies!

In comparison to last weekend, we only had four shows in Denver. It was a refreshing show week! I've never been to a mountainous area before, let alone performed in one, and I was surprised by how much the altitude affected things. Once we got moving and started the shows, I had to be much more conscious of my breathing. The thin air proved to be a challenge, but I was happy to have survived the weekend!

The rest of my weekend was spent having some more good times with friends, trying to breath, and trying some delicious tacos. Who knew that Denver would've become one of my favorite cities on tour so far?!

All in all, this was a very good week. When we have crazy weeks like last week on tour, it's so refreshing to have some down time- especially when it's in a good place and with good friends. As silly as it sounds, sometimes I forget how abnormal my life is to most people. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I'm so blessed for the incredible friendships and memories I've been able to make this year!

As usual, the weekend flew by, and it was time to journey on- next up, Topeka, Kansas, and Hoffman Estates, Illinois!

Signing off from the Street,
Shelby

City #51- Wichita Falls, Texas
City #52- Denver, Colorado

#shelbyseesthestates

Taking in the cherry blossoms!

Spring has arrived!

Up close- they smelled beautiful!

Photo shoot in the tree.

Kelsey and I on her birthday- we dressed up in prom dresses and twirled around the store!

We also found a cute Greek cafe- the food was delicious!

Exploring the Denver Pavilions shopping center.

The views in this hotel were stunning!

And the staircase was magnificent!

Tacos from Machete- YUM!

The Cherry Creek Mall had an adorable Snoopy and Belle display!