My Passion and Love for Competition and CrossFit

I am still in awe at this article. Interview with James was great, the experience of meeting so many amazing people has been indescribable. The relationships I’ve formed and friendships I’ve forged have been some of my strongest relationship – all through CrossFit. Last year was my first attempt at the competition known as The CrossFit Open. I had about three months experience and by the end of it, I was HOOKED. This year is a totally different story. Read all about my CrossFit story, here – http://games.crossfit.com/article/rockin-open

Tour Journal. London. UK.

London.

The best night of sleep I’ve had in two weeks concluded as I rolled over to face the rays of sunshine, beaming through our hotel window. I lied still in my twin bed, amazed at the space provided for my body to sprawl, yes, in a twin. Even a twin is significantly larger than a bus bunk. Nick, in his bed across the room, was still sound asleep. I smiled to myself, knowing I had no responsibilities, today, and that tomorrow, I’d be flying home. I decided to let myself rest a few more hours, as I had nothing else to do, it’s my last day in Europe, and Jess wouldn’t be awake for nearly five or six more hours. I let myself drift back into unconsciousness…
The sound of Nick’s phone woke me this time. He had set an alarm to wake himself for his morning radio/acoustic performance with half of the band. I rolled back over and let him have the room to get woken up and prepare himself. I dozed off again, for another hour or so, and awoke to an empty, silent room. Alone, I rolled out of bed. No jump down to the floor, no ducking my head, no challenge of rolling myself over in a close quarters, just me and a normal bed. I prepared some coffee, put in my contacts, and grabbed my laptop, eagerly sending an imessage to Jess… no response, she was still asleep.
I decided to round up my dirty clothes and give them all a good wash/rinse in our bath. Many of my show clothes were not only dirty but, still damp; you can imagine the awful smell. The glamourous life of a musician. After a good rinse, I hung each piece up to dry, sipped my coffee, and felt good about my accomplishments.
Last night’s show was amazing. One of the best of the tour and a great way to end the tour. Our second largest European crowd, this run, and definitely one of the most interactive and passionate. The room was small and very hot. The moisture and humidity of 150+ humans flooded the room, I dripped sweat midway through our very first song. After the show we loaded up and out of the venue as quickly as possible. All of us were exhausted from the night and from the tour. We eagerly got on the bus and headed to our hotel, where we would spend the next two nights, flying out Wednesday… We arrived to the hotel around 1:30am, dragged ourselves and our luggage off the bus, and headed into the lobby. The bus drove away before I knew what had happened and I sat, unsupported, in a lobby chair awaiting my room. Chris approached the counter, exchanged a few short words with the concierge, only to find out, we were at the wrong hotel. We asked for help and directions, called for a cab, and waited. Still in the night’s stage clothes, soaked, exhausted and sick of it all, we waited. By 2:30 we had finally checked into our actual rooms, where I showered, FaceTimed Jess, and promptly went to bed.
London was a great deal of fun. Many of it’s stereotypes true, the gray sky, lack of sunshine, driving on the opposite side of the road, pea coats and fish n chips… I enjoyed and relished each opportunity to learn and experience something new or different. I spent a good deal of my time near the venue at a cafe/pub called The Angelic – AMAZING cappuccino and one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. I consider myself a bit of a burger connoisseur, and this burger was top notch, complete with a secondary meat, which I love – braised beef shin… it was heavenly.
My day today has been spent preparing clothes, resting, and eagerly planning my return to my Love. What we’ll do, where we’ll go, what we’ll cook, eat and everything else we can do and enjoy together. Life is such a beautiful journey and as I’ve recently learned, I enjoy so much more with the one I love most. A Very productive trip to Europe comes to an end. A relaxing evening enjoying an in house dinner, a glass of wine, and listening to the new Foo Fighters album, “Sonic Highways” in a small, overpacked hotel room. Complete with clothes strung from the ceiling, two enormous twin beds, guitars and luggage strung about, a couple dirty coffee mugs, and two exhausted men, at least whom is very eager to return back to his favorite place, next to her. ❤

Thank you Germany, France, and UK. You were all brilliant.

Cheers! Merci Beaucoup! Danke!

Day9. Tour Journal. London.

Photo Credit: www.theaacl.co.uk 

 

Day 9. Europe. London. UK.

A long night of travel and customs lead to a rough night of sleep. After such an outstanding show in Paris, then immediate departure on the bus, my adrenaline still surged. We all sat awake on the bus discussing the show and how to remain focused and finish out this tour strong. Many laughs and smiles were had as we reflected on our hard work, aware of the battles that still lie in front of us but, proud for our accomplishments thus far. It would be nearly five hours before we would reach the ferry to take the bus across the English Channel. I put myself to bed, aware that I would need sleep and good rest. I slept hard and was woken up by Chris when we reached customs. We dragged our tired bodies into the checkpoint, filling out “landing cards” and waiting patiently. The room was perfectly square and very brightly lit. Nearly everything was white except for the five employees wearing navy blue everything. Their heavy sweaters embroidered with the UK Flag and their name. They were kind and put us all through quickly, asking only “what do you do in the band?”. We rejoined on the bus and I went back to bed immediately but, could not sleep. I tossed for what felt like an eternity. I lie still, eyes open, in the blackness that is my bunk. My mind raced as my imagination ran wild. It was hopeless.
My eyes opened, never realizing I had closed them. The bus was still. We were parked in London. I got dressed, grabbed my computer, and set out to find civilization. The sun was warm on my face and I smiled, feeling alive. I took my first right and found myself amidst an outdoor shopping area with new and familiar stores. I wandered a little farther to find a nice little restaurant, The Angelic. A chalkboard menu encouraged the idea of “fresh” menu items and “free wifi” was the confirming factor. I walked inside to find a pub style place with hardwood floors, a fireplace, bookshelf and a full room of smiling people. I walked towards the back to find an empty seat on a weathered, brown, leather couch. I opened the menu to order a hot drink and find the wifi password. Check and check… a great start to my day off.
I sat in the comfort of the leather couch, soft and overly stuffed. A constant and dull roar of people surrounded me. Happiness and excitement everywhere around. Couples and small groups gathered with wine, champagne and bloody marys in hand, smiles and laughter throughout. I used my time and available wifi to FaceTime Jess. The perfect beginning to any day <3. There is no sight more beautiful that the face of love. I chatted via text with my mommy, a bit. Everything was going well, and my cappuccino was delicious.; then Chris texted me. “You need to get to the bus, now, we have to move.” I’m a reasonable person and I realize things happen unexpectedly but, I was a decent walk away, without a phone, no preface to our parking spot being problematic, and I hadn’t paid my bill. Panicked, I asked where it was moving to. I was given a rough area description, and told it “wasn’t far” however, it was far. It was nearly six miles away from my current location and the sun was already beginning to set, around 3:30pm. I was alone, in London, without a working phone, and a “description” of where the bus was going. I remained calm and asked for a specific address, nearly 20min later, I was given an address. I paid my bill, packed my things and hailed a cab, no use trying to walk without a map, compass, or sense of the area, especially in the dark. The cab took nearly 30min to get to the given address which, was the wrong address. I paid the man his fee and sat out to find the bus. I wandered for a short time, with no luck. So i walked into a hotel and asked, the man looked confused and gave me what he felt was my “best shot”. I wandered another half mile or so, cold, now broke, and quite upset. This is just a friendly reminder and the lack of control we have on our daily lives… we are at the constant mercy of press, management, scheduling and unexpected changes that remind, daily, that we have the ability to plan NOTHING. We are not normal. We don’t get to be normal. Finally, I wandered upon an area matching Chris’s description, nearly a mile from my drop off point (the given address). I walked a little further to find the bus… I had made it.
Now, hungry, discouraged, and rather upset, I decided I needed to go for a calming walk and find some food. There were multiple grocer options, nearby, allowing me to save some money – as the USD is nothing to the British Pound. The sun had already fallen behind the horizon, the air chilled and unforgiving, the sky painted a mixture of black and gray. Traffic roared by, next to Nick and me on the sidewalk, driving opposite side of that in the US. It’s confusing and quite dangerous when crossing the streets. We walked up and down the old streets, visiting a few local grocers and a most beautiful and elegant wine store. Their champagne selection was unparralled to anything I’d ever seen or imagined. Bottles from 1919 and prices upwards of $5,000USD. We were both in awe. Champagne is a true love of mine. Someting I know little about, and Love to learn more of.
Finally, I picked up a few items at a Tessco Express and headed back to the bus. Now, nearly 7pm, I had already had enough of the exhausting day in London. They can’t all be winners but, life, everyday, is exactly what we make of it. I am still chasing my career dream, touring the world, and having the opportunity to travel and learn, nearly everyday. Sacrifices must be made in order to reap the greatest rewards. I know this lesson will, and I will benifit from the hard work and sacrifices I’ve made. I know what my dreams are, and I will achieve them. Years of separation and sacrifices will leave me with a life of the greatest riches in love, happiness and constant curiosity and learning, with that whom I love the most. I will return. And this will be worth it.