Happy Christmas 2013!!!

Destination Christmas in London

"Don't Save it All...for Christmas Day..."

Well, that's exactly what I've managed to do this year. I'm incredibly late at getting my Holiday letter out this year, with apologies. Happy Christmas though! I've learned a lot about packing this year and getting the most into the smallest bag possible!

the Tree at Trafalgar Square

2013 by the numbers has shaped up this way:

59,000 miles traveled

110 days on the road

39 years turned into 40

30 flights

one of the pretty trees at the Virgin ClubHouse in Heathrow

20 weeks on the road

10 cities

4 airlines

2 countries and 1 territory

1 hotel chain

the tree that greets you at Heathrow

I've been all over the map this year - and there's more to come for next year! Still tracking the exploits of Wicked and Billy Elliot and loving every minute (well, except when I stand in line at security at the airport) of it. NYC might be home, but I've been so many other places this year.

the Rock Plaza Christmas tree

The year started in Orlando and them it was off to London. A bit of time in Milwaukee (it was a conference) and then, back to London. After that it was down to New Orleans and back to London. An overnight in Dallas/Ft. Worth and then it was off to Manchester, UK for 5 weeks. Was quite nice to live in the UK for a few weeks, and see more of the country than London. I had a blast, and it was a bit tough to come home and adjust to life on this side of the pond again.

Christmas baubles at Covent Garden

I took a few weeks off from travel after that to get back into life and celebrate with the folks at Wicked for an amazing 10 years on Broadway! What a performance!

Hilton London Green Park decked out for Christmas

Fall wrapped up with a quick trip through Des Moines and then Chicago where I turned the big 4-0. Vegas after that for a day or two and meetings followed.

Christmas was in full bloom in San Juan, even with 90 degree days

I managed to take some time for myself this year and go on a bit of a tropical vacation and spent Thanksgiving on the beach in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It was just what the doctor ordered. 

my view from the resort's private beach in San Juan

After that, I was winging off to London again for the final trip of the year. I love London at Christmas time. The fairy lights, the feeling of Christmas. I landed at gate 36 in Heathrow...where Joanna's Virgin Atlantic flight departed during Love Actually. Was a great start to the week in London! Amazing! Saw the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime - before the balcony/ceiling collapsed and finally got to eat at Jamie's Diner! Saw friends and made new ones and celebrated Christmas with Billy Elliot before I came home.

Had the Second Annual Ugly Christmas Jumper party where, despite all the ugliness, much fun was had by all and then headed upstate for Christmas day - a festival of paper and toys. Food and drink and Family.

Miles took in the Big Tree this year

Happy Christmas to all and many blessings for a Happy and Prosperous 2014! 

Happy Christmas!!

"Me? I'll be just fine and dandy, Lord, it's like a Hard Candy Christmas..."

I'm a little late getting this year's Holiday letter posted. You'd think since I took it virtual a few years ago, and didn't actually type and mail them, it would be a much easier process. I procrastinated - this year I actually got my cards out before I even sat down to do this letter. It happens. I've had an amazing year and I cannot believe that 2012 is almost over. I have traveled for work and met up with friends along the way - lots of them! I've traveled to far off places and magical lands.

The year started on a somber note as Billy Elliot on Broadway played it's final performance on 8 January. I was sad to see the run end here, but it was an amazing show to be a part of. It lives on in other places and my time with Billy is not done yet.

what can I say, the trees in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse are always so gorgeous

I started the year's travel with a trip in February to Phoenix, AZ. I checked in on Elphaba and Glinda (that's Glinda, the GA is silent) and got to see my cousin Doug and his family - it had been so long since I had seen them - the kids are so big now!

Onto Long Beach, CA for a conference and presentation in March and spending time with Eric. Took a long weekend after the conference and spent some time in Los Angeles with JD and Eric since I had not been able to see them recently. I apparently got the bestest presents ever for the nephews when I got them Lucha Libre masks as souvenirs. For so early in the year, that was a lot of pressure.

April took me off to London. I know you're asking - aren't I tired of going to London all the time by now? I'm not. I LOVE it there. I've made some great friends there and always have something to do with my time - other than shopping, and boys, and work. I still have tons to see and do there. I was able to see Billy learn to dance Express himself and checked in our tattooed up Fiyero - that was a great casting choice!

Miles wrapped himself up with a bow for Christmas

May saw me down in Raleigh-Durham again to check in Glinda's bubble and Elphaba's broom.. I got to see Chris and Kyle again and visit a place I'd spent some time in recently. Was nice to be there and in and out, not for an extended stay.

Was back across the pond in June for a quick check in before the Olympics took over and nobody wanted any part of good old London town. I got to see my friends and some of the jubilation for the Queen's Jubilee and the excitement building up for the games. I'm glad I got well out before they started.

July was relatively quiet - I took a vacation. Christopher and I spent a week in the city by the Bay. We stayed in Union Square - in the heart of everything. We went shopping, explored all the sights, sounds and food, saw the Castro during the day and at night, went shopping, wandered around Alcatraz (that island is so bloody cold!!!) and, oh, did I mention shopping? We got to spend some time with Eric as well, and that was a nicely timed coincidence.

August meant a long weekend up in the hills and solitude of Vermont with the boys. Mike, Matt, Richie, Brian, Chris and I went up for some shopping (go figure - and are you sensing the theme?), relax and just get away from it all! Thanks for the use of the cabin Grams...totally put me in a different mood and perspective when I returned!

A little disco ball and some Christmas baubles at the Apple Garden in Covent Garden

October took me to Baltimore, MD where I again checked in on the Witches of Wicked, spent some time wandering around the Bay and got to see my friend Rich for a bit of time. Was nice to see him again and spend even a few hours with him. I always love connecting with friends when I'm on the road, makes the travel all worth while! After Baltimore, I was home for a bit and then was off to Las Vegas, NV. I could tell you what happened there, but there's a strict code I had to sign, and I really don't need that kind of trouble in my life!

November took me off to Seattle, WA and I was able to work and then also see Helen and Doug and meet their kids. We were trying not to count at dinner how long we'd been out of college, because it simply cannot be that long. We must have graduated at 12 or something. That's two years in a row that I've been able to catch up with Doug and Helen when traveling, so I'm wondering where the next city will find us connecting!

At the end of November I flew off to jolly old England for the last trip of the year. I was able to be there for all of the Fairy lights again. I was actually there for 3 weeks. Lots to do...lots to do. It was a really long trip, but such a worthwhile one. I was able to get so much done with both shows there - see both Billy sing and dance and the witches of Oz discover their power of friendship. (I can do choreography folks). I was able to see my friend Colm and spend some time with him, see the Spice Girls musical, Viva Forever, and even the wizarding world of Harry Potter after my friend Alex joined me in London.

Hogwart's Tree

No matter where or how far I traveled this year, a stuffed Chistery monkey flew with me. He was in my carry on bag, and popped out for photo ops where-ever he could. Connor, Logan and Miles might not have Flat Stanley - but that doesn't mean that Uncle Greg can't give them places all over the world to show off!

If I get to enjoy the ClubHouse, so does Chistery

I have learned to run barefoot this year, thus improving my time, my running, my stamina and my overall athletic ability. I have been running around in little 5 toed shoes all year (and getting stared at quite at bit in them in London, might I just add). They freak me out too, but the philosophy of barefoot running is actually quite amazing, and I discovered muscles I didn't know I had. I had an amazing running coach who worked with me and took me from an amateur to a competitor without injury (if you know how much of a clutz I can be, that is saying something). I have also been hard at work at my overall fitness this year, in addition to the barefoot running. I have managed to drop about 15lbs since the beginning of September and am really excited about that. There's a bit more to go, but the road is paved and the path is clear!

My nephews came back down to the city after a 3 (or so) year hiatus to see the giant tree in Rockefeller Center and the Skating Rink and we spent a nice, albeit cold, afternoon wandering around the city and watching Connor and Logan in awe of all the stuff they could see. I don't think they paid attention to anything in front of them the whole afternoon - there was always something else to see!

Connor and Logan with Uncle Greg at the giant tree

I'm back where I grew up for Christmas. I'm not sure if the place has changed, but I have over all the years. Santa is alive and well again and will be visiting the house any hour now to leave lots of toys and goodies for the kids. I can't wait to see the looks of amazement on their faces as they see all of the goodies in front of them...it's what Christmas is all about - the wonderment and happiness of a child!

Happy Christmas to one and all and all the best for a truly amazing New Year!

"This Winter's Night, icicle lights will trim the tree...this winter's night..."

The Road to Hell...

is paved with good intentions. Seems like such an odd post for Christmas evening, but, there it is. I've had a wonderful day with the family...celebrated my nephews first Christmas, watched the gluttony of presents and food unfold...and watched my other nephews tear through their presents like they were tissue paper. They were all wrapped nicely. The stage was set, I had procured an EZ Bake Oven for my oldest nephew...it was what he REALLY, REALLY wanted. I thought I was being the cool uncle. I strive to be the cool uncle and get them gifts that they want. Not sweaters or clothes (yet)...no bars of soap or toiletries. Not obscure games they won't ever open. I want them to have gifts they want. So when my nephew decided he wanted the oven, Uncle Greg was there to oblige. I was so excited for him to open it. I wanted to see the look on his face...I wanted to see the happy. I psyched myself up for failure. It was like he was opening a pair of socks...he was so UN-enthusiastic about it. Ah well. I tried. After everyone else went to bed, I was up watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, and, in watching...I realized that Christmas is what you make it...and mine was fantastic. Even with the best of intentions, you could inadvertently end up in hell...if you allow that to happen. Happy Christmas everyone!

Happy Christmas...

"They said they'll be snow at Christmas...they said they'll be peace on earth..."

I'm actually quite excited that I'm doing my Christmas letter again this year electronically. It gives me the opportunity to be able to write more, not have to filter based on space and also attach pictures I might not be able to attach otherwise. It also allows the procrastinator in me to wait much later to write this because I don't have to put it in the mail....it's also amazing that this letter will be going live before I even have my cards in the mail thanks to my travels (see below). Oh well. "The Christmas you get you deserve!" =)

This is the current view that I have as I sit and type this from the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in Heathrow...it's such a pretty tree.

Happy Christmas from Virgin Atlantic

It has been a pretty amazing year, and I'm able to add photos of Christmas in two different cities to this year's letter. I've been on the road since the day after Thanksgiving and have been to London, on to Singapore and back to London before returning home. I was really excited to be able to be in London to see all the fairy lights all lit up. I've been in London in November before when the lights were being strung up, but have never been over to see them all lit up, so I was quite excited. (excited more than just being in London again.)

The year started off with a trip to Houston and San Antonio to check in on the Billy Elliot and Wicked tours. I got to see Gus in Houston after doing some sleuthing and tracking him down and it was so good to be able to check in and see him again. I saw Anthony in San Antonio...and haven't seen him since he was living in LA...so I was excited to be able to spend an afternoon with him.

Onto Charlotte, NC after that for a conference and spending some time with Eric before he left me for another job with the company...while I was sorry to not be working with him directly anymore, I was excited at the opportunity that arose, as I was promoted to Director and am now responsible for the Live Theatre EHS Department...which is amazing. That has totally contributed to all of the travel in my life though.

After Charlotte, I took my first trip to London for the year to check in on Billy and Wicked in April. I'm happy to report there were no Ash Clouds this year to wreak havoc with my travel. There was this pesty little wedding thing going on...but really, was out of the country before any of the real chaos from that started. There was record heat for London in April though, and I ended up having to buy some shorts whilst there...ironic, since when I was back in July it was cool and I was wearing light weigh sweaters...oh well. In between the London trips I spent about two weeks in San Francisco with the Billy tour. Caught up with Eric as he was in San Jose and came into SF for the weekend and we spent a great weekend in the sun and full of SF Pride. Was totally brills! Good to catch up...good fun...and not a lot I can put in a family friendly letter!

The Singapore Botanic Gardens all lit up for Christmas

July travel was a little bit fingers crossed. My sister was due to give birth, and, while she was crossing her fingers to give birth (and get it over with already) I was crossing my fingers that my nephew would be born after I was back stateside. Miles Michael must be a fan of his Uncle Greg, as he arrived after I was back in the states! August saw me visit DC where I was able to hang out with Rich (and his partner Donnie) for a bit, my friend Brian from college, and, by complete chance, catch up with Helen and Doug as they were in town for a wedding. And while we weren't leaning on a lampost, I was able to catch up with JeanMarie after not having seen her in years!

In October I made a third trip to London and was able to coordinate my trip with a long weekend trip my parents were taking there to celebrate their honeymoon. I had decided giving them trips and experiences was the best way to go as a present, but I'm also really glad that I was able to be there for a few days with them. I've never really traveled with my parents since vacations as a child...was nice to see them young and exploring and having a good time. I'm glad they had a great time...I did as well and met some great new folk on that trip, whom I've checked in with on this trip through. Was also in Orlando for a quick few days for a meeting and some sunshine.

The beginning of November got me to St. Louis for a speaking engagement for the Broadway League on Safety in Theatre. Eric swooped in and was a great understudy when another colleague had to swing out (as we say in the biz), so was able to spend more time catching up. At the end of November, I packed the bags for the final trip of the year and stopped into London for a quick training session at Billy London and then was off to Singapore on the worlds largest passenger aircraft, the A380-800. That was quite an experience. What took me to Singapore you're wondering, the Wicked Asia tour kicked off from Singapore, so I flew down for the last few days of tech and opening and to meet the cast and crew. Flew back to London from Singapore on the tenth of December, watched Christmas movies and wrote out all my Christmas cards. Bought them in London on the first few days as I decided it would be wise to have them done and ready to just be stamped when I got back stateside on the 14th. Now I'm sitting in the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Heathrow, waiting for my flight to take me home...enjoying my newly minted Gold status, drooling over some of the boys and loving the purple Christmas decorations all over (see above).

I've had an amazing year...and as much as the travel has taken it's toll, I am by no means complaining. It's been an absolute blast and I love my job. The boys will have gained some amazing souvenirs this year that should make them pretty popular at school...and I get home in just enough time to be able to relax a bit and then head home to see all of them and spend the holidays with them! While it was a bit odd to be in 94ish degree heat and hearing Christmas music and see all of the decorations, Singapore was brilliantly lit up...the Christmas spirit really took hold back in London though...where the sights, the sounds and the chill in the air really made it feel like Christmas time!

a little Christmas...a little disco at the Apple Market at Covent Garden

I wish you all the best for the holiday season, hope that you have a prosperous and fantastic new year with family and friends and that you've had as much fun in 2011 as I have.  Here's to even more in 2012! I hope that you'll continue to follow my exploits around the globe on the blog...I've been getting much better about updating. You can also find me on facebook (if we aren't friends already) or on twitter, although be warned...some of my tweets are just ramblings. Whether old friends, or new friends, whether you're here for the first time, on a repeat visit, return often, or won't be returning until next year's Christmas update...

"I wish you a hopeful Christmas, I wish you a brave new year!"