Some pics

First McDonalds I saw

The Greenbrier Hotel where the Congressional bunker

is hidden

The Gingerbread model of the Hotel

Applebee's like in "Taladega Nights"

Snow time

Dom and I in the snow

Making the Apple Cobbler for Thanksgiving

"The Turkey's ready Dear"

Our Thanksgiving Table setting

Desert Pumpkin Pie,Apple Cobbler and Ice - Cream

My Sister is here!!!

On Wednesday I spent the entire day painting the sets and helping out with costumes...(for costume reference see earlier post).

After helping out with the painting I spent the entire evening in our Final Dress Rehearsal.

AND.....
on Thursday MY SISTER ARRIVED!!!!!!!

We drove to Charleston to pick her up,then we had breakfast(pizza and soda) and then we brought her home.

On Thursday night it was our preview which was a great success,I had such a fun time.

Opening night on Friday was even better after the show we had lost of wine and food and then we moved to the Irish Pub next door where I had some oddly named cocktail.

End of a fantastic week

TazWaz

Book Shopping and Krispy Kreme

I haven't blogged in a while so let me just update quickly.

On Tues we drove 2 hours to Ronaoke to drop some people at the airport,after that we went to a mall where they have a huge Barnes and Noble(its a book store that makes Exclusive Books look like a pep stores).I have never been so tempted to spend,spend,spend in all my life!. I had to keep reminding myself that there is a weight limit on my suitcase!

On the way back home(I had to get back for my rehearsal) we stopped at the Gas station and I went in to buy chocolate but I got Krispy Kreme and choc M&Ms instead.

Krispy Kreme is now my fav Doughnut in the world Oprah is right there is nothing better!!!!!!!!
I could eat them for days(I don't think my career choice allows for it but a girl can dream)

After that I spent the rest of the day in rehearsals

TazWaz
xxx

Presidential bunker Tour and a fab Dinner party

Sat I was up at 8 because we needed to leave at 9 so we could make it to the Greenbrier Resort for a tour of a Congressional bunker that was hidden from view for 30 years.

Ok first you should know I LOVE politics and all things presidential....especially when it comes to the USA andI'm a historian constantly reading history books and researching different topics.

so while Eisenhower(he's the man before JFK for those of you scratching your heads now)was president America was Obviously involved in the cold war(I say Obv but of course none of you know that)President Eisenhower was afraid of a Nuclear attack on Washington DC and so he chose the Greenbrier Hotel as the location for a Bunker(a place where they can send either the president or in this case the Senators and The members of the house of representatives to be safe housed)the bunker took 3 years to build and was completed in 1962(JFK was president by then-also for those who are asking yes it was just the year before JFK was assinated)and was kept hidden under the floor of the hotel for 30 years until in 1992 a writer for the Washington Post outed the bunker.

So we went on a tour of the bunker(OMW its sooooo cooool I loved it!You know when I'm First lady I'd like to know the surroundings of my safe house ;-) ).
The bunker obviously is not in use anymore.......so when my husband gets elected we'll have anew bunker ;-)

The Hotel looks alot like the White House,they even have a model of the hotel built out of candy and ginger bread(just like at the white house)on display in the main lobby.

The hotel is beautiful and as soon as my sister gets here and brings me my phone plug I will upload pics.

After the tour which lasted and hour and a half I went off to rehearsal..........

Then on our way to our dinner party we stopped at The General Lewis Inn(which is haunted they say...)to look at the old Civil war memrobilia that they have (you know me ,I can't resist a bit of civil war memrobilia epspecially when there are photographs of Teddy Rooselvelt....-Yes I prefer Franklin but a Roosevelt is a Roosevelt and in the words of some guy I know in Cape Town...."You Take What You Can Get")

We then went to our dinner party at Sarah and Jim's where I met a host of people who are just the nicest bunch of people you ever met!Really friendly and welcoming,Goood Mexican food and Margaritas and red wine(of Course,its like water around here).

Good day had by all
xxx

Black Friday

Ok so the day after Thanksgiving is called Black Friday,because thats when all the shops have HUGE sales(and they go into the black as oppossed to red).

My black Friday(because it was a holiday)meant that I got to sleep late-Yipppeeee-
after breakfast we went to town for some shopping!The Malls are just too full-its like a rock concert-so we just went to the Kroghers(spelling?)

I bought Beef Jerky because I have such a craving for Biltong....welll the jerky sure as hell aint biltong but its a nice substitute to have,its nice and smokey and theres no fat which is a bonus!

After dinner(thanksgiving left overs)I fell asleep,becaue as it turns out there's a chemical in all turkey's that makes you sleepy,that coupled with a log fire and a sinus tablet(which also has a sedative in it)really made me drift off into dreamland at an early hour which is good because I was going to need it for saturday......

TazWaz

Thanksgiving

On 25th November 2010 I celebrated my first Thanksgiving!!!!!!

It was everything you think it is and more.

My day started when I was woken up to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving parade(which has been a tradition since the 1930's)It was really nice to see all the floats and see broadway stars perform musical number form the years hottest shows.

After the parade while the turkey was in the oven,I went for a mini walk-I mention this because this walk will be the cause of some drama at the end of the day-

when I returned home from my walk I felt my knee clicking in and out of place as I was walking,but I ignored it-as is my nature when it comes to injuries-after awhile I finally confessed that I was in pain,Aunty A checked my knee-she works for the osteopathic medical school so I knew she could be trusted-where she discovered my knee was slightly swollen and she preceeded to brace my knee.

Then it was dinner time.
our Menu was as follows:
Turkey and Stuffing
Kale
Lebanese rice
Heart Attack mashed potatoes(thanx Aunt Shari)
Freshly baked bread
Apple Cobbler
Apple Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Fresca Cocktails
Lots of merlot.

The meal was shared with friends and family.
I felt really tired after a while and I couldnt understand why until Donna pointed out that there is something in the Turkey that acts as a sedative hmmmmmmmmmm.....that would explain so much.

Just as I was about to go to bed,Aunty A suggested that Walter(also a osteopath)take a look at my knee,after making me do a few excersises he discovered that my pelvic bone(which I had severly damaged thanx to some tom foolery in my not to distant youth)had completely locked it self on the right hand side(the two bones in that region are supposed to work independantly and mine weren't)he then over the course of an hour re aligned the bones my body and helped to open up my middle energy which was blocked(The experience was very weird but very healing at the same time,while he was busy I felt all these waves of current run vertically and horizontally through my body)after an hour I woke up and Walter explained that for 48-72 hours my body would experience discomfort and pain but after that it will start to heal itself.

So it was a very interesting way to end my first Thanksgiving.
Pics to follow I promise

Lots of Love
TazWaz

Spoilt for choice and a Shocking Discovery

Today I learnt three things about myself that I never knew.

1.I HATE costumes and everything that goes with working in a costume store,after I was asked to go with someone to get costumes at a Thrift store(wow my American slang is improving) and then I was asked to help stich a hat,I made the discovery that if there is one part of the theatre I do not want any part in,it's the costumes! I can't explain why but just the thought of being in a costume store is enough to make me want to sit in a maths class doing geometry(those of you who know my history with maths know just how bad the situation is ;-).

2. I love working with props.I helped out the props mistress today and it was so much fun,I'm not really someone who will use my hands to create something(I'm a mind user.....)but I found my time in the props department very rewarding(maybe its because I never really had to concentrate while I was trimming the Christmas tree,or its because I could play my EVITA soundtrack loud and not get looks for doing so).So if ever you need help with a prop PICK ME,PICK ME

3. I am a super spoilt brat when it comes to the directors I've worked with back in Cape Town.Take it from me South African Directors care a hell of a lot more than American directors do.I dont want to say too much but know this,because of the high Standard Paul Griffiths(the director I've worked with the most)has set I just expect everyone to have a high standard...trust me they dont some of them dont even have a vision for their proudction,so Kudos to PG!

I have also disocovered that I am a theatre Snob who cannot stand little children working in a professional theatre,if you want your little baby on the stage I suggest you teach them some Theatrical Discipline!
It is NOT okay for your child to be running around like a common neanderthal while in a rehearsal process for goodness sake!either calm your child down or let them play sport!

Ok I'm off my soapbox for now,I'm a theatre snob becuase I've discovered that if The show is not to the level I want it to be I consider it a waste a time,money and effort.

I have just spent 11 hours in a rehearsal so that could be the reason for my snippiness and if you are offended because you are a stage parent whose child knows no boundries(Yes, you Dina Lohan don't think I don't see you there!)I suggest you do something about it!

Ok I can no longer keep my eyes open,and I need my rest because tomorrow is THANKSGIVING my very first one and I will have lots to tell you.

TazWaz
xxx

DeJet-Lagging,Thanksgiving shopping and my first Role in US Theatre

woke up with a start yesterday morning,thinking i'd slept the day away only to discover that it was midnight in USA and 7am in RSA -Damn you JetLag!!!!.
Yesterday was the first day of my USA adventure, after breakfast I headed into town to meet the lovley folks at The Greenbrier Valley Theatre,where I thought I'd be helping out backstage with their upcoming production of 'A Christmas Carol' but as it turns out I'm going to be in the production Yipeeeee! and I'll be helping out backstage(you know the Soccer mom in me can never rest).
After getting my script,Music and Costumes(I tell you The Americans work super fast) I headed to Arby's for a very late Lunch(Arby's is like the poor brother of McDonalds) and after that my real adventure bagan I WENT SHOPPING for Thanksgiving goodies that is,but boy oh boy are these supermarkets fantastic!
They at least five different varieties for each product including Toilet paper!!!!!!
I got my Lucky Charms cereal and my choc-chip cookies! Dr.Pepper,and a host of other things-I promise to show you pics I just have to put them on the computer first-
After getting back it was time for the Final of Dancing with the Stars-which was entertaining-GO JENNIFER GREY who kicked Bristol Palin's butt-Which also means she kicked the Republicans Butt hahahahahahahah-.
After The final I fell into bed,Thanks JetLag!!!!!!!!
TazWaz

FINALLY I'm here

After three years of planning and checking schedules I've finally arrived in The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!!!!!!!!!

After saying a tearful goodbye to my family and friends in Cape Town(when I say tearfulI mean them and NOT me ;-) ). I landed in Johannesburg to be welcomed by the new and improved OR tambo airport where i proceeded to get lost,yes I now know that its important to READ the signs above your head!. After much confusion and a trip through the passport control I was well and truely on my way to place of my dreams,I boarded the plane (the Last one of course,and you all thought I was so efficient) and got comfy.

Half an hour later the drinks were served(Took a Bottle of Rose-I can hear you all saying "no surprises there")after the wine I felt a little calmer,wine tends to sooth me like a dummy sooths a baby (ha Ha Ha ha sorry Mom and Dad I learnt from the best).

After 18 HOURS!!!!!!!!! of flying and an hour long stop in Senegal(To refuel and no I did not Refuel as well-What do you people take me for?.......I refueld once the Plane had taken off again ;-).I finally touched down in Washinton DC-Home of The White House,Capitol Hill,The National Monument,the Smithsonian...ok ok ok I'll stop sounding like The Fromers Guide.

I was picked up at the Airport by Aunty Adrienne(After charming them at passport control and customs-In Fact the Officer at Customs asked me if I travelled through DC often when I said it was my first time,he replied "Really? I swear I saw you last week"Im not sure if that was a pick up line or not if it was....he needs work!).

We went back to her(Aunt Adrienne's-Keep focused-) hotel for breakfast where I had a bagel with cream cheese(yes Tandi would be jelous).

After Breakfast we hit the road and drove for 5 hours to West Virginia (passing about a 100 McDonalds,Applebees,Taco Bells,Burger Kings,Wendy's and Pizza Hut's along the way).

And this is where you find deep in the woods of Alderson West Virginia,its peaceful and just what I needed after all that flying and driving.This is where I am going to recharge my batteries and get myself ready for the Bright Lights of NEW YORK CITY.

Its 4:40 in the afternoon here so that would make it almost midnight in South Africa,and that would mean all my friends are out beveraging or snoring their old lives away!

I just wanted to end off my first entry by thanking everyone who sent safe Travel messages,BBMs,Tweets and wall posts. Its so appreciated! I miss you all so much and im always thinking about you.

Keep Safe
lots of Love

TazWaz

P.S I hope that The Evita Cast had a brilliant opening night,I cannt wait to hear about when I get back.xxx

My American Dream

Hello Family and Friends

Instead of Writing a journal(lets face it my handwriting is shocking to say the least-and this is more eco friendly) I'll be recording my Christmas Holiday in America on this blog.

In USA the internet is free-whoop whoop- so that means I can update all the time!

Its taken me a while to finally get on the plane and get here but I did it and I want to share my experince with all of you,who mean so much to me.

Love you lots
TazWaz