Memory Monday....Second Grade

SECOND GRADE

FALL 1979 (6)

Picture discussion: The collar of the shirt??  White? Really? The hair?  You missed the transition from my first grade pic of longer hair, to the super short Dorothy Hamil cut I had.  This look I'm sporting here is apparently a transition growth from that.  And what is my semi, I'm not gonna show my teeth to you, smile?  Discuss amongst yourselves.  OR, in the comments, whatev.

Before I can go into any memories of this school year.  I must preface with this very important piece of my history.  In the summer before second grade, at the tender age of SIX I was "crowned" Mesa City Champion of the 6 and under category in swimming.  And this was not a rinky dink town YO.  We're talking 100's of kids and I was BETTER than them.  HOLLA!  Yep folks, I was a competitive swimmer from the time I was 4 until I was 16. I lettered in it in highschool, but quit after my Junior year, 'cause I hated messing my hair up all the time.  PLUS, I was a BIG girl, and really, traipsing around in a speedo, it just was NOT good times for me.  But, I digress.

Just standin by our backyard pool, little photo shoot with the "hardware" Be jealous, be so so jealous!  Of the SWIMSUIT that is.

In case you can't read what I wrote.  The arrow to that cute little boy says "My first boyfriend"  He'll fit into my 6th grade remembories.

The summer of '79 was magical.  I had shown promise as a swimmer very early on.  The coach took special interest in me and had me working out with the older kids.  I remember him taking me out on the deck and specifically showing my how to have the best stroke for my freestyle.  I loved swimming.  I lived in the pool, and I WAS good at it.  I was primed to become champ. I won many, many races, but not all.  As the championships approached I got more and more excited.  The very idea that I could win a TROPHY was more than I could take.  I remember my Mom always telling me to reach for a giant bowl of whipped cream in the center of the pool as I dove in.  That way I'd have better starts.  There was a lot of anticipation when it came to the freestyle race.  The city record had been standing for something ridiculous like 15 or 18 years.  Could I beat it?  Could I set a new record?  Well, good news.  I TOTALLy did.  It was the MOST exciting moment of my little life thus far.  My parents and coaches were sooo excited.  I was too, but mostly, I was pumped that I got a gold medal.  Then, I took silver in backstroke.  Can't remember what I got in butterfly, suffice to say, NOT my best stroke.  But apparently, my combined totals were enough to name me champion.  It was AWESOME!  I got a trophy.  A real live trophy.  I had a city record.  I slept with that trophy that first night.  Just 3 or 4 years later, some punky little upstart went and broke my record.  I'll never forget, standing on the far end of the swim complex, watching and listening to that race.  Hoping against hope that she wouldn't break my precious record. But, she did.  And, I cried.  But again, I'm off subject.  Alls I'm trying to say is, things were lookin good for the 2nd grade. (as a sidenote, my younger bro. and sis. both totally won multiple city chapmionships.  My bro. STILL has a couple of records standing, and we're going on over 20 years here)

Late in that summer however, I was diagnosed with nephritis, a condition where my kidneys had ceased to function normally.  I was apparently in a lot of pain, and crying and not sleeping.  For the record, I have a sort of redonkulous pain tolerance, so the fact that I was crying about something had my Mom pretty worried.

So, memory numero UNO:  I spent my entire 2nd grade year taking penicillin, getting blood drawn once a month, and not being able to eat any sugar, salt or flour.  I swear to you, I only ate shredded wheat and honey.  No, I'm sure I ate more than that, but that's all I remember eating.  It really was not so much fun.  The good news is, I was "healed" by the end of the year and the doctor cleared me to eat sugar.  As I've mentioned before...bad call Doctor.  I made up for lost time with a vengence. The bad news...taking penicillin for a YEAR wreaks some serious havok on the ol' bod.  My teeth came in all wierdly "stained" and I had SEVERE yeast issues for years after that.

2. My teacher was Mrs. Schweikart, and I LURVED her and she lurved me right back.  It was the beginning of my "teachers favorite" status in life.  Well, except 3rd grade, which you'll learn about next week.  Anyway, she was young, she must have been only like 23, 'cause she taught there for a 100 years afterward.  In fact, she sent me a wedding gift, and I talked to her several times over the years.  Sadly, she died 2 years ago (way to young) of cancer.  BUT, as my teacher, she was wonderful.  She gave me a book "jellybeans for breakfast" which was like my favorite book forever, and this bottle of perfume in the shape of a cat.  I HATE cats, but I loved htis, 'cause it had blue saphire eyes and I thought they were soooo beautiful.  I don't know WHY she gave me those gifts.  But you know how it is...when you're little.  Teachers are somewhat mythical.  You don't think of them as having lives outside of school, and you idolize them.  So, I felt sooooo special.

3.  John Doan used to chase me everyday at recess.  You know, the whole, I likey you, I will chase you kind of chase.  And so did Chris Kilpatrick.  Chris was cute, and my neighbor.  John, not so much.  He wore creepy transition lens glasses.  Sorry, but I have  ALWAYS thought those glasses make people look like "chesters".  But, I did enjoy the chase aspect of things.  Until one day, Chris caught me, and he knocked me down, and I had a teeny little hole in my crotchal area (WHY do I remember THAT detail?)of my shorts.  A teacher came out right then and YELLED at him to get off me.  The chasing ceased after that.

4. I FINALLY started losing my teeth.  I was SEVEN before I lost my first tooth.  It was all a bit ridiculous really.  All my friends were soooo ahead of me, and mature with their teeth losing business.  So, it felt good to have finally arrived "on the scene."

5. Learning how to make "paper".  The art lady came in and we crushed up all kinds of planty goodness and created our OWN paper.  It was super dee duper cool.  We also saved those styrofoam meat trays and then used them like "looms" and created little yarn hot pad creation thingys.  I don't know what they were, just that we did them.  And don't even think that I don't still have them, 'cause I DO!

6.  There appear to be no scarring memories of "cheating" or inability to do my work as a 2nd grader.  Phew!  'Cause 3rd grade there were some problems. 

I mostly just remember loving 2nd grade and my happy little innocent life at the time.  I had my friends, a great family and my whole life ahead of me.  So thanks 2nd grade and Mrs. Schweikart for making it a good one.

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In other news, just to wrap up some loose ends:

The sugar fast is going GREAT!  No issues at all. I've even been to cheesecake factory TWICE, with people eating stuff all around me.  I've been around candy the whole month....no prob. So, I'm happy about that.  I'm happy to have this teeny tiny little piece of my life under control.  What I'm NOT so happy about is....my peeps, my ladies, my posse!!!  Several have fallen hard off the wagon, and others..well, they're just not talking.

So, the time has come ladies, stand up and tell the truth.  WHERE do you stand on the quest?

I won't call you out THIS time, but get on here and leave a comment. 

Workshop one is done.  The performances went really well. I'm soo happy to have the lighting all done and not to have to worry about it for next time.  PHEW!  My nephew was the one programming the light board, and he did a FANTASTIC job.  He literally learned how that day, and he was geniusy PRO at it right away.  We had WAY too much fun up in the booth during the shows.  And all I have to say is...."Youtube!" (sorry, I rudely just threw in an inside joke)

Jere is done with his show at the biltmore.  It was wonderful, and he had such a great experience!  He's hoping to be involved in the companies shows this fall, which I'm all for, 'cause they pay well.  And, it gives him an opportunity to do what he loves.  We'll see how things play out, with his work, school and all.

Maggie has come out with 5, count 'em FIVE new songs, and I will save their lyrics for another post.  Suffice it to say.....hilarious!  And, they included dialogue with the audience AND actions.

Jere says he is GOING TO DO the tri on Thanksgiving day.  So, he promises that he and Julie are starting their training tomorrow.  And by training i mean....actually stepping foot into the gym and doing ANYTHING for the first time.  I'm really excited for them to actually do it.  Check back, I'll let you know how THAT is going.

And with that said...I must be off to bed.  LONG day tomorrow and still have wordsheets to prepare and work to do.

Blue ribbons and whip cream dives,

Allyson

SYTYCD......Discuss

Oh So You Think You Can Dance, how I love thee! 

Did you watch it tonight?  Did you SEE the dancing?  Met the cast? Why does this show bring me such joy?  I mean really, I can't even explain the happiness and rapture that I feel knowing that it will be a SYTYCD show night. And you should know, I am NOT a dancer in any way shape or form.  In fact, I can safely say....I suck.  But, I so love it.  You should also know...Wade Robson is TOTALLY my boyfriend.  Something about him and his choreographing is just so freaking hot and bizarre, and wrong and wonderful!  So, imagine my joy when the opening number of the show began and I could just TELL it was a Wade Robson number.  It was, in a word.....AWESOME!

Well, let's discuss the cast.  I'll share MY opinion and then YOU can tell me yours.  Like, who is your favorite? Why?

My favorite Boy:  Neil.  Oh what? He's not a new contestant?  My bad.  But, i do love him.  Ok, if you MUST know, I think my favorite is a tie between:

Kent - He's just adorable, and I think he's rather talented.
Awkward moment:  Kat asking him "what his ideal woman is."  Ummmmm, did she mean to ask "man?"  Just sayin.

Alex - His body is beautiful, his dancing is stunning.

My favorite girl:  Alexie.  She is just adorable, and she reminds me VERY much of one of my students.

Rest of the cast:
Lauren - she's from AZ, therefore, automatically awesome and worthwhile of my support.  I have this thing, if anyone is ever from AZ, I am crazy diehard supportive!  I like a person to represent YO!

Ok fine, the rest of the girls escape me.  i guess that's because I really don't care about them.  The tapper girl is just wierd.  One of those "artisty" type that takes themselves and life WAY to seriously.

Billy Bell - he dances amazingly, beautifully, stunningly.  I'm sure he's the sweetest boy ever.  However, i'd appreciate it if he just didn't speak, because, to quote a favorite movie line ever "he's too gay to function."  I'm not judging, simply observing. The end.

Jose - I was surprised by him tonight.  I think I shall actually quite like him.  Though I could really do without the corn rows.  I HATE corn rows.  'nuff said

Rob - He's pretty.  Don't know anything else about him at all.

Adichik - or whatever the hell that name is.  Again, don't know much about him.  Other than, DID YOU SEE the bright neon pink curtains hanging in his house when they came to deliver the news?  YIKES!  But, I'm sure he's a delight and I'll be anxious to see how he does.

All-stars:  Happy to see them all back, especially Neil and Allison.  But, I could absolutely do without Comfort.  REALLY?  Allstar?  I think not.

Tonights dances:  I liked them all, except Mias.  I know right?  But I felt like it was mostly just flopping around, as opposed to som real dance moves.  I mean, this is just my professional opinion. hee hee

Realllly liked the naughty threesome ballroom.  Surprisingly good.  And the last one about the freaks.

Ok, there you have it.  My official and first review of the summers GREATEST show.  Please, feel free to join in the discussion.

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Change of topics:

For enquiring minds, the gym I go to is: 
24 hour fitness. 
It's a rather nice and lovely gym.  And though I have handpicked out a few "special" cases, I PROMISE that it really is full of a lot of normal exercisers of every kind. I enjoy going there A LOT.  But, I did see this morning Sister flower pants and Sir Flops, sweatin and workin it.  And you're right Urban Cowboy...he is TOTALLY a 70's porn wannabe.  Oh, and crazy purse lady, she was there....WEARING the purse on her shoulder on each machine she did.  Seriously?

MANY of you have INSISTED that I somehow take pictures of these people at the gym.  And while I can understand your desire to see my "friends" I would pose this question.  How in THEE heck do you propose I procure said pictures.  I just can't see Floppers (did I mention he also likes to wear an awesome "weight belt" cinched around his waist?) being ok with me just pulling out the Canon and yelling "say cheese."  Well, come to think of it, he just MIGHT be ok with it.  BUT, would my camera survive.  Anyway, I just don't know how to accomplish it stealthily enough.  So, in the meantime, you will just HAVE to use your healthy imaginations.

In other gym news....I did sprints on the treadmill today at an 8.5.  It was awesome.  Truth is, it actually feels much better for me to sprint, rather than just run at a 5.5.  It's wierd, but true.


Workshop is allll ready to go.  I finished the lighting today, and i have to give a huge shoutout to my nephew Jamyn.  He literally learned how to do it (program the light board) in 1/2 hour and he was soo quick and genius at it.  It has made my job soo much easier.  So, tomorrow night is our first show.  I think it's gonna be a good one.

With that said, I must sign off, check my workout for tomorrow, and perhaps go to bed.

Dance belts and chapstick,

Allyson

Name that Celebrity 2nd edition and other stuff

Thank you all for participating in last weeks "name that celebrity."  For those of you living under a rock who didn't know......the celebrity in the pic was none other than Matthew Morrison, Mr. Will Schuster himself.  From Glee?  You know, GLEE, craziest popular show on television, GLEE!  Yeah, that's what I thought.
Anyway, I now have picture number two for you.  This one SHOULD be a bit more recognizable.  I'm saving the "hard" stuff for later.  So:

NAME THIS CELEBRITY

Jer sang in a benefit concert with her.  And don't even think for one second that he didn't become BFF's with her for that day and hang out in her dressing room.  'Cause he did, 'cause that's how he rolls!

In completely unrelated news....this morning....at the gym......(I'm giggling).....HE was there.

What HE am I referring to?  None other than spanky pants sporting, head band wearing, 1980 called and they want their glasses back gym guy.  YOU know, Mr. "floppy".  Duuude, he was in his "usual" getup and as he sauntered past me and prepped for a machine, my eyes were once again assaulted by his hanging "manhood."  I'm sorry, but it just has to be said. The guy has balls at least the size of Texas.  Which is CLEARLY why he wears the spanky pants, right?  Someone needs some validation in their life.  But seriously, it is just so gross and disturbing.  Do you remember he's at LEAST 55?  So, as I'm leaving, my friend colleen calls me over and giggles and said,"did you see our friend?"  I laughed and said yes, indeed, my eyeball cancer was back because of it.  Then she laughed some more and said, "seriously, you have GOT to see him run on the treadmill."  To wich I replied, I'd rather not.  I don't need anymore more of floppy Floyd, if you know what I mean.

While on the topic of the gym.  There is this crazy old lady that fully works out in her like nice velour lounging suit.  You know, the kind you hang around the house in, or possibly run errands in, NOT work out in.  But that's not hte crazy.  Her hair is done to it's fullest capacity and she wears her sunglasses the entire time.  It's awesome.  Then, there is this other lady who I really DO think is crazy.  She will seriously march, or walk with purpose all around the gym, with a purse over her shoulder, AT.ALL.TIMES.  And super awesome 1980's headphones.  The kind that still dial in am/fm radio.  I like to watch her, 'cause she'll march toward a machine, get on it for .5 seconds, do a rep or two and then march a lap around the gym, looking deeply at the floor or straight ahead, and then find another machine.  I can't imagine what she's getting out of it.  And finally, there is sweet little lady that has quite possibly the ugliest workout clothes known to man  Hey, I'm not here to judge, I mean I wear giant oversized t-shirts (cause aint nobody need to see this girls fat rolls all crunched up around her) and track pants that are too short.  BUT, this lady, she wears the most god awful floral print cottony spandex like biker sorts (who the hell ever thought it was ok to MAKE such things in the first place? And worse yet, who bought them?  Oh yeah,  THIS lady), and then a completely unrelated, unmatching turquoisy/green swirly shirt.  It's an assault on all senses, and 2 days in a row, she was wearing it.  Hmmmm.

Lesson to be learned here....the gym is AWESOME!  Also, it's awesome because a group of girls who were all friends of mine in higschool have all just recently joined.  We live like 1 or 2 miles away frm eachother and I literally NEVER see them.  One of the girls I had not seen SINCE highschool.  So, that's always fun, saying hola to the chicks in all my sweaty glory.

P.S. my workout totally sucked today.  I blame sir flops alot for seering my eyes.  'Cause I certainly cant blame my lazy legs right?  No, sure can't.

Workshop is blocked.  We move to the theatre tomorrow.  I shall not lie to you.  I HATE the first day in the theatre.  I design all the lights for the show.  So, it's VERY stressful sitting at the table, calling out lighting cues, while the kid upstairs tries to set them in the computer, and the kids on stage try to perform in dark or changing lights, and I have to try and "direct" my numbers from the back of the theatre, WHILE setting lights,  AND people get on edge and yelling happens.  OY VAY!  Least favorite day ever!  On the upside....once they're done, they're done, and next session is a breezeola for me on theatre day.  Looking forward to that.

Ate Rubios tonight...not my fave.  That's all I'm saying.

And finally....

Overheard this morning from Maggie (while on the "phone" with Brooklyn):

"Ummm hi Brooklyn, Brooklyn, yes, I know.  But I have to read a book, and go to school and go to work, and that's all what I have to do today.  Ok?"  I don't know, it just cracked me up.

And my sweet Max, talking more and more and more.  Tonight, after dinner I turned and said, "ok kids."  And Max immediately got excited and started screeching "Take a baff, TAKE A BAFF, TAKE A BAFF."  As he clawed his shirt off his body.   That kid lurves him some bathtime.  And he KNEW that it was time.  Too bad he'd missed the memo that Mommy wasn't planning on doing baths.  Ah well, who can deny a kid that cute?

Celebrity encounters and baby baths,

Allyson

Memory Monday begins (a little late) First Grade

Welcome to Memory Monday,or otherwise called let's look at how my hair evolved, devolved and evolved again.



Ok friends, heres we go! A look back on the life and times of AVP.  When I was using my spanky new scanner and putting in all my school pictures I hatched this idea to review my life, as it were.  Just some random memories and stories from my ever exciting youth.  Hope you enjoy the ride.

Gratuitous baby pic Allyson (thats me) at 6 months        Me at 3.  Hair growth was not so much my thing. And this mullet proves it!

     Fall 1978

    FIRST GRADE

Let us just discuss for one moment what is wrong with this pic.  Please note the totally awesome hole in my shirt  in the upper left hand of the pic.  CLASSY for sure.  What is that shirt anyway? Besides unfortunate. The hearts on the necklace have gone skeewompus and my hair, well it's not bad, just a little uneven.  Don't blame my Mom.   ALLEGEDLY I was rather headstrong and I insisted on this particular getup, hole and all.

Well what you should know first off is, I skipped Kindegarten, YEP, you read it right, I SKIPPED right on over that year of crafts and naps....all because I'm a genius.  And by genius I mean, I was brainy enough to test out of naptime and naming shapes. But really, I could read at 4, and I could clearly write, because....I tested OUT of Kindegarten.  Why did I test out?  Other than my geniusness?  Well, because ALL my friends were going into first grade, and I was taller and bigger than most kids, AND I.COULD.NOT.BARE the idea of them going to first grade and me being stuck with the "BABIES" in kindegarten.  So, my Mom took me down to district, I took some long A test, talked to some stranger and whadda ya know, I passed the test and the rest, as they say, is history.

The first day of school arrived and I was filled with excitement and anticipation.  Here it was, the beginning of my brilliant school career.  The place where I would go to soak up knowledge like.a.sponge.  I was gonna be a Redbird Chief Yo.  I was gonna Represent!  I had my school box (do you remember those?) that I had specially picked out at the local Yellow front store, and my new clothes and my "thirst" for knowledge.  Melia Merkley walked with me to school, and I distinctly remember being jealous of HER school box.  But, that's neither here nor there, is it.  What's more important is, she (Melia) really IS a genius.  What was she even doing in 1st grade? She should have skipped to 4th at least. But I digress.  Back to me....

My teacher was Mrs. Williams, she was like 100 years old (in fact she retired the next year) and a sweet little ol' Grandma.  She had dark hair and HUGE glasses, and she wore vests.  Mostly, only a couple of things stand out from 1st grade, i mean, I WAS 5 for heavens sake.

1. There was this girl, her name was Ruthie and she came to school wearing a dress and NO panties.  WHAAAAT?  It was scandelous to say the least.  She was all the talk of the playground for sure. (seriously THIRTY TWO years later, and I remember this. Ree-dic)

2. One day, as we were working on math in class, I may have peeked over at my neighbors paper.  And said neighbor MAY have promptly marched up to Mrs. Williams and totally tattled on me.  After which, I may or MAY not have been completely called out, in front of the WHOLE class about my cheating.  Like, standing in front of the class and belittled for cheating on my math.  It was perhaps the single most humiliating moment of my little life.  AND, I totally, TOTALLY believe that it caused my life long inability to do math.  No lie people, I am HORRIBLE at math, wretched, awful, dumb as a door nail at math.  My mom says i have a mental block.  Well thanks for NOTHIN  Mrs. Williams.  You and your giant glasses blocked me for life! I BLAME YOU!

3. We had some sort of culture day, and we were gonna eat rice with like chop sticks and soy sauce or something.  I can vividly see and smell the little bowls of rice.  And I mostly can VIVIDLY taste the vomit that occurred after I ate said rice with FAR to much soy sauce.  To this day, I can NOT do soy sauce.  Isn't it amazing how much sense memory we have?

And that my friends is all i've got.  A few humble memories of life as a 5 year old in the first grade.

In other news, completely unrelated to my memories....

Instead of losing FIVE pounds, I totally lost SEVEN, SEVEN pounds this week.  That was awesome!

I finished blocking all my numbers in workshop today, and all i can say to that is, halle-freakin-luia. Tomorrow we clean, clean and run.  Then Wednesday we move to the theatre and practice more.

Maggie started a little summer "preschool" today.  She was in HEAVEN, 'cause she got to go with Brooklyn and Jayce and be such a big girl.  On teh downside, she played so long and hard, that she fell asleep the MOMENT we got in the car (6:45ish) and turned into a demon, no really, a DEMON when she got woken up as I pulled her from the car.  Friends, it was 45 minutes of screaming, sobbing, screeching, wailing that would.not.end.  NOTHING I did, or said could touch it. I know it's because she was half asleep and soooo exhausted, but holy crap-oly it SUCKED!  Max on the other hand, HAPPY as a clam.  That would be because HE took his nap.  Just sayin.

And with that, I'm off like a herd of turtles!

Math blocks and holey shirts,

Allyson

Wrappin it up!

'Tis been a week yes it has, A WEEK!  So, I thought I'd wrap it up in some pics and a few stories.  Doesn't that just make you tingle with anticipation?  I thought so!

First, let us begin with.......WORKSHOP!  I have mentioned it a time or two, no?  I am one of several directors of a musical theatre workshop at the local community college.  It is for ages 10 - 18.  It's pretty intensive for 4 hours a day, singing, dancing, moving, etc.  At the end of 2 weeks they put on a spectacular show on stage with costumes, lights, an awesome band, etc.

(Totes stole this shot from my last year files.  This is our fearless leader SueAnne and a room full of eager kiddos)

Workshop takes up every moment of our lives for the month of June, but it is so fun and so worth it.  I've got some good numbers this year that I'm pretty excited about.  Good group of kids, which always makes it a better experience.  I have felt ILL prepared for one particular song this year, it's just kicking my butt.  Here is hoping it turns out in the end.  First week is always the most stressful and hardest.  So GLAD to have that over with.

SUGAR FAST of '10

One week down and I'm proud to report, not only did I succeed with nary a  misstep, but I also lost the 5 lbs. I seemed to have gained after the Tri.  Stupid food, or should I say, curse you carbs for being my utter downfall.  However, this is a celebration, so cheer with me please!  I know of one of my ladies who has fallen to the way side (I shant point you out atomic) just know I still love you.  So, who else is hanging in?  Who is struggling?  Let's TALK about it people!

Just a gratuitous cute shot of my kid.  No really, thank goodness for Auntie Julie, she is the GREATEST gift in our home.  Last Sunday she was on her computer and this is Maggie sharing her ear phones with her so she could watch.  Julie is just SO good with/to the kids.  I'm grateful everyday that she lives with us.

Speaking of which, I have to mention...she has decided (on her own) that she is going to pay extra rent money, so she can turn the air down.  It makes me giggle.  I never go above 78, but sadly, it gets hella hot in this house at times.  So, she has chosen comfort for her.

Super important and MUST be mentioned.....the show of all shows SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE has returned to our televisions!  This puts the happy in my day for sure!  I'm not sure I like the idea of only 10 contestants this year, but I'm intrigued.  I'm SUPER happy to see some of the old "all stars" especially Neil, Mark and Twitch.  But, I'm totally bugged that Comfort is one that they brought back. Whatever!  Anyway, can't wait to get Vegas week over and the real dancing going.  Who is as excited as I about Alex Wong and Billy Bell?  I know, right?

COMEDY OF ERRORS

Jer trying to show his "sexay" chub.  Look, he's fat again.                          Jer and Pete throwin down the "too sexy" look.

Friday night me and a veritable entourage of mine and Jeres peeps mosied our way out to the Biltmore resort to take in the show.  My adorable parents went and supported, which was much appreciated.  In my car, i had the pleasure of driving Tray bay (one of our oldest and longest BFFS, who is currently recovering from pancreatitus...just keepin it "real") Marisa, a super fun friend that we met through TAYLOR, our beloved "latte boy" rock star violinist who just returned from 3 weeks in China.  So happy.  Not in our car, but still totally representin the love were Chad and Erin who drove CLEAR from Queen Creek to support.

The show is outside on the resort grounds, which might seem a little wierd, but they've worked it out quite nicely.  It was hot at first, but after awhile, it was actually nice out and just fine.  The show was of course fantastic!!  It is so well directed and acted and just HILARIOUS!!  We all had a GREAT time.  However, the REAL fun began afterward when we decided to go get a little Cheesecake Factory.
WAIT, before I forget....super props to cute Dennon and Stephanie for totally going to the show on Saturday BECAUSE she read about it on my blog.  Love you for that!

Cute Erin, Adorable Chad, Sexy me, and Fabulous Tracie

Sidenote...Chad grew up next door to me.  Like I mean, he was a wee child when I was going on my mission.  But I have always loved this little punk.  Now he's married to adorable wifey Erin and we just LURVE them as a couple. So happy to get to play with and spend some time with them.

Sassy Marisa, Sexy "star" I mean Jere, and Adorable Taylor

What pray tell made this the most hysterical and fun night of my life (minus our Vegas trip) in quite some time?

THIS GUY.  DAN. 

just look at Taylor, who is apparenlty peeing his pants at that very moment.

 Without question the funniest damn waiter I've EVER had.  And that is saying a lot people!  He was just hysterical and cute in every way.

You guys, we laughed, and laughed until we cried.  We made fun of this other waitress who wanted Taylor sooo bad and kept trying to butt into our coolness.  We had "pick whose Mormon" at the table, "guess whose gay", etc.  Sorry, perhaps you had to be there, but it was AWESOME!!!  However, by 1:30ish as we were finally nearing home, I was SPENT.  In a near comatose state I crawled out of the car and headed to the door. 

You can imagine my HORROR when I opened the door and was greeted with a big fat cheery "Hi mommy."  What the what?  There she was, in all her 3 ft. glory, gazing up at me with a big smile.  What I thought was "WHAT.IN.THEEE.HELL are you doing meeting me at the door?"  What I said was "WHAT are you doing?" Why are you awake?  Apparently it was not the greeting she was hoping for, because essentially she was crushed and ran over to Julie and began sobbing.  She cried uncontrollably, for like 20 minutes.  I felt SO AWFUL.  Nothing I said or did made it better.  She had apparently woken up saying her legs hurt and her tummy hurt (which happens more than i care to admit).  Usually a few strategically placed band aids and she's on her way.  Not this night morning.  Finally Jere came in (had been saying goodbye to Taylor and Marisa) and she crawled up on his lap and he calmed her down.  Then they both fell asleep, but when we tried to move her, NO BUENO.  So, essentially, it was 3 a.m. before she finally went back to sleep.

Friends, 3 a.m. is realllllly late, especially when you have to get up at 7:00 with said offending daughter.  Needless to say, Saturday was a ROUGH day for me.  I felt like i'd been hit by a bus, and my eyes had that perma tired feel. Clearly I am OLD.  Even still, in spite of the tired, it was still worth it.  Thanks all of you for a SUPER fun night!

Saturday night I got home, got the kids fed, bathed and in bed just after 8:00 and then literally fell into bed.  I basically laid in bed and slept on and off for almost 3 hours.  Minus some texting breaks.  Then at nearly 11:00 i called Jer and he invited me to meet him and Pete (the twin in comedy of errors) at Chiles.  So, i rolled myself out of bed, spruced up a bit and headed over.  I lead such a rockstar life. FERREAL! (hehehe)  We had another fun, laugh filled evening.  And oopsy, i was up until 2 a.m. AGAIN.

When will I learn?

I think this is long enough.  But sometime next week, I need to write about the end of a 16 year friendship that happened this week.  Sad really.

But, as it is......I feel all "wrapped up" for the week! 

Hope this next week finds you happy and healthy and stickin to your sugar free guns (IF that's what you're doing of course).

Laugh fests and sleep fits,

Allyson

Shakespeare...he's funny. And a new feature.

Ok, so here's the deal....Jer is a Shakespeare scholar.  I know, I know, SURPRISING right?  Who knew?  Well, I did.  It's actually quite sexy, if you must know the truth.  Anyway, he graduated from the S.W. Shakespeare Conservatory and just LOVES him some Will.I.AM Shakespeare. ANYTHING to do with the Bard is joy to his soul.  So, when he got a phonecall a month ago asking him if he would like a lead part in a show with Southwest Shake, he jumped on that train.  He was in a really "bad" spot emotionally at the time, and this was JUST the thing he needed.  It's a remount of their fall show Comedy of Errors.  They're doing the show at the Biltmore Resort, which is interesting I know, but sort of cool. 

The guy on the right is our friend Pete.(I totally stole these pictures off of Petes facebook) One of the funniest guys I've EVER met, and a fantastic actor.  He was Jeres best friend in highschool.  They figured out this is the first time they've ever been able to be in a show together; and, they're playing "twins." Jere is replacing that guy on the left.  He gets to wear a fat suit and dye his facial hair a disgusting shade of red.

Just a shot from the show.  Really people, I kid not....it's HI-Larious!  Well worth the trip over there.

Why am I tellin you this?  Well, because it's the "day of the show y'all."  They open tonight and run this weekend and next weekend.  So, if you are blessed enough to be in the awesome of Arizona, then by all means, COME SEE THE SHOW!  Just go to this website http://www.swshakespeare.org/ and click on the Biltmore link, put in Dromio for the discount code and have a fantastical time. I'll be going tomorrow night, if you want to bask in my glory and all. hahaha Come on, it'll be REAL FUN!




I've decided that now is as good a time as any to begin a fun, new little feature.  It will be called:

NAME THAT CELEBRITY

In the course of our time together (Jer and I) we've had the opportunity to see a lot of shows and meet stars (and the term celebrity is rather subjective here, they could just be "famous" to us i guess).  And or, just meet some famous people (NOTHING like our friend Danielle, who has really pretty much become best friends with like EVERY star in the world).  While going through all my old pics, I came across a bunch of these "star" pics, many I'd forgotten that we had.  So, I bore an idea, to put up a pic and see if you can name who is in it.  This may only be entertaining to me, and that is OK, it is afterall, MY blog.  I'm starting with someone spectacular and TOTALLY easy to guess.

Nope, Jere is NOT the celebrity in this pic.  Go ahead, tell me who it is.  Try not to be jealous!

And finally:

Day three of sugarless was a rousing success!  I ate some delish popcorn to hold off the sweet tooth tonight.

Shakespeare and star "tours",

Allyson

It's the little things really

Day TWO = SUCCESS!  Like, super, not a problem at all success!  Yay me!  Hope you ladies survived it all in one piece!


I was sitting here, totally avoiding thinking about workshop and blocking songs and finding new songs and assigning kids a place on stage, and just reading my blogs.  And I was pondering what it is that I could write about.  Really, did I have anything of worth to add to the blogosphere this night.

And you know what....I realized something...sometimes, just the simplest things bring the greatest joy, the happiest smile, peace.

As I walked out into the hallway at workshop this afternoon, there sat my friend Jenny D.  And as I passed she thrust her hand out toward me, and in it was a baggy of beautiful cherry tomatos.  She said, "I brought you these, homegrown from Brads garden. They're like candy, I'm telling you."  And since she's on the no sugar train with me, she KNOWS of whta she speaks.  So, I excitedly took them from her and went on  my way.  It wasn't  until a few minutes later that I realized I hadn't even said thank you.  How embarassing.  So, i stuck my head out the door and shouted a thanks.  And you wanna know something...those tomatos ARE like candy.  They are amazing and delicious and fabulous in every way (thanks Brad, you're a gardening genius).  This wasn't even my first gifting of tomatoes.  Just last week my sweet friend Mindy brought  us some gorgeous and delicious heirloom cherry tomatos and some fresh basil from HER garden.  I am so grateful for sweet and thoughtful friends.

Random bags of cherry tomatos = total joy.  It's the small things.

The uncontrollable giggles of my silly 2 year old over a rogue TOOT is music to my ears.  If I could be concise, I'd end it here; but I'm not concise and i have to share the story.
Last night I grabbed Maggie and scooped her over my shoulder like a sack of potatoes.  Just as her bum was flush with my face she ripped a big ol' tooteroo.  I reacted with a squeel, and just the fact that she'd fluffed in myface set her into a fit of giggles like I've never seen.  She laughed so hard that she stopped making sound, for like EVER.  She couldn't breathe, and when she finally got a breath, she just kept laughing and laughing and LAUGHING.  I don't think I'll ever forget the pure hysteria that was on her face as it was all scrunched up in this fit of laughter.  She looked old to me at that moment. She looked PERFECT in her happiness.  And i couldn't stop laughing at her laughing, AND the fact that farts are always just funny.

Rogue toots in moms face creating hysterical laughter = perfection.  It's the little things.

My kids have slept until 7:00 that last 2 days, thus affording me my gym time with no worries.  Total bliss.  It's the small things.

Maggie let me do her hair today with absolutely NO fight, in exchange for a cookie.  Totally worth it.  Never mind that she ripped it out not long after.  At least I did it with no blood shed.  Small things.

Watching Max sing his version of Wheels on the Bus, or ABC's just totally melts my heart.  See, it's just the small things.

So tonight I'm thankful for sweet friends, sweet boys and sweet tooty bums.  Just the ltitle things that can bring me happiness.

Oh, and also BIG cheez its, 'cause they're super yummy.

Tomatoes and toots,

Allyson

What? Don't judge!

I know, I KNOW, I'm fully aware that I put myself on a blogger hiatus!  Don't be juding me. Did you REALLY think I could do it?  I've made some modifications.  I'm not allowed to just spend endless time on here, and or update UNTIL I've accomplished other important work and home related things.

So, it's nearly 10:00, I've done laundry, I read my kid a bedtime story, I sang songs, I've worked on all my workshop songs and NOW, I can write a quick post.

I needed to get just a couple of things down so I'll never forget Maggies funny and smart ways. AND, you all want to know how sugar fast day 1 went. Right?  I thought so.  I mean, The Urban Cowboy (who I've read once and commented to) took the time to come over and ask.  That's impressive.

Anywhodle.....


SUGAR FAST DAY 1 was a SUCCESS! 

Frankly, the daylight hours are generally not the issue.  It's the nighttime when the devil rears his ugly horns.  On the way home from workshop I had a mad desire to eat something sweet.  But, I prevailed.  I also got up and worked out this morning, and that felt like a great accomplishment!  So, yay me.

How did the rest of you, my lady friends do?  By the way, my sister Dana and my Mom are totally in on this party too.  I feel so supported!

Stay strong ladies.  But remember, if you mess up, it's ok.  You just have to come and comment and tell me, and then I'll publicly flog you, but it's still OK.  You can always get back on tomorrow.


************************************************************************
Yesterday morning, the familiar creak of my door came and I dutifully ignored it.  I have found that if I just keep my eyes tightly shut and pretend I'm still soundly sleeping, she leaves me out of the morning bathroom routine. (Sorry Maggie, now you know, your mama was  a total scammer). Lately she's been coming in, climbing into bed between us, laying there for a little bit, and then geting off the bed.  I discover that somewhere in the time I was pretending to sleep adn when I really get up, she's gone to the bathroom, taken off her pj's and put on her clothes for the day.  This is awesome in so many regards.  One, I wasn't forced to "help" her pee, and two (and most importantly) I do not have to have one moment of battle over what she wears.  No screaming, no crying, no fighting.  She is VERY intent on MATCHING things.  So, if it has brown in it, then it MUST go with her brown shorts, pink goes with pink, NO.MATTER.WHAT.  Consequently, we've had some charming getups.  But, I don't care anymore, because peace is so much better.  BUT, I'm totally off topic here.

So, the door opens, I play asleep, I hear her next to the bed and then I hear it, the unmistakable sound of pee gushing to the floor.  I inwardly groaned, and then outwardly opened my eyes and said to Jere, she just peed on the floor.  He got rather irritated, and yelled at her.  I said, "MAGGIE, WHY did you do that?"  I should mention that she was standing there with her pj pants at her feet, her hands ON her panties halfway pushed down, so clearly she was TRYING to get to the bathroom.  So, he response was "well, I needed to go to the baffroom, and I came in here and it just fell out of me."  Jere grumbled something in irritation, but I shushed him, because really, how can you argue with that response.  It was so freaking cute, and so honest.  She didn't even try for one second to pretend she didn't know how to asnwer that.  I asked, and she TOLD.  It cracked me up.  And with that, I rolled out of bed and cleaned up her pee stain on my carpet.  I mean really, AT LEAST it wasn't in her bed.  I'd rather clean carpet any day over changing pee sheets, ON.A.DAYBED.

When Maggie isn't torturing Max, she is really the sweetest sister.  The other day Max fell or did something that hurt him and he was crying.  And from the other room I hear in the sweetest, high pitched, older sister voice..."oh Maxi, it's ok. Here, I will get your night night for you and you will be all better."  It was one of those moments where your heart melts and breaks just a little bit.

Today she was giving her BEST effort at a knock knock joke.  Her cousin Jayce tells the "orange you glad I didn't say banana" knock knock joke perfectly, and he's 3.  So, one day we had him in the car with us and he told Brooklyn that joke.  Apparently it stuck with Maggie, 'cause today, when i went to pick them up, she kept saying..."Mom, knock knock banana, knock knock banana, knock knock orange."  And was so pleased with herself.  Kids, they're the craziest sponges EVER!

And I don't know if I've ever mentioned yet, but her FAVORITE phrase before bedtime is..."can I have 5 more minutes?"  Or, "I want 5 more minutes."  I don't know WHERE it came from, or why, but she started saying that one day and it's never gone away.  So, teh minute I say, it's bedtime or naptime, she immediately looks at me and in her sweetest way says, "Can I have 5 more minutes?"  We've learned that if we just say yes, and only give her 1 or 5 or 10 or 2 minutes, she's totally satisfied.  It's awesome.

These two really are the cutest pair.  They love eachother so much.  Maggie even scolds me if i ever get after Max, because "He's MY brother."



Max is talking like a mad man.  He's added full sentences this week which is super fun.  My favorites are:

"I spank your butt.  Spanka your butt."
"Cheesy rollup pease."
"I don't know how swim."

Love this silly kid and his big fat front teeth.

So sorry if this has bored anyone to tears.  But, i do have to remind myself that this blog is a lot to preserve my childrens childhood memories.  And let's be honest.  I would forget these cute things next week if I didn't write it down.


Sugarless sweets,

Allyson