Road Trippin' with the A Team

What I have learned on this road trip with the A Tream...

1. Public restrooms make fantastic concert halls. Have you ever tried out the acoustics in a public restroom? The A Team has. EVERY TIME we stopped for a potty break the girls transformed into a toileting trio. They didn't care if the entire building could hear. They belted out song after song. Show tunes seem to have received the greatest praise and admiration from fellow restroom patrons. I do have to admit the girls did sound good belting Amazing Mazie from Seussical. Most of the guests at Starbucks also seemed to agree... 

2. Sister Annoyance is the most fun. No matter how much planning and prepping of car activities, the most fun car activity is working to annoy your sisters. It seems to be a game. A game A1 is losing. A2 and A3 have figured out how to push all the buttons. They would tag team in the torture. A1 would scream and cry. A2 and A3 would giggle and celebrate. I would like back to see A3 grab little stray hairs still attached to A1's head and yank, but then quickly drop the hair and pretend she didn't do anything. A1 would fall asleep and A3 would poke and pinch her. A1 would cry; A3 would laugh and say, "I sorry, I sorry, I sorry, Hugs." I would feel sorry for A1, if she wasn't doing the same stuff to me...

3. Sand is just glorified dirt. Going to the beach is fun, until you meet the sand. It is everywhere and it will be everywhere for days and sometimes weeks after you leave the beach. A3 hated the sand. She hated touching it. She hated it sticking to her. She hated the mess. She is smart. I hate the post beach day mess as well. I was unpacking this morning and ended up with a huge pile of sand on the couch and I wasn't even unpacking the stuff we took to the beach...

4. Someone on the trip makes it her personal mission to make the rest of the trip miserable for everyone else.  I am not going to say who that someone was on this trip, because it wouldn't be fair to her... Just kidding! It was totally A3!

In the last few days we have had more tantrums, defiance, and plain old stubborn brattiness from this little one. As soon as she feels like she isn't getting her way, we had screaming and crying, hitting and biting.

We would say...                                           She would say...

Time to eat.                                                  I am not hungry.

Let's go swimming.                                       I don't like water.

Time for bed.                                               I don't want to sleep.

Smile for a picture.                                       No.

Hold my hand.                                             I will hold A2's hand.

Get out of the water.                                    I love the water.
Here is a drink.                                            I don't want a drink.

Don't drink it then.                                       I want a drink.

I can't put the blame all on her. We have totally messed with this nap taking, introverted, schedule/routine loving little girl. We have totally eliminated all routines. Naps, which are required and asked for, have disappeared. A3 is our sleeper. She sleeps at least 12 hours at night and still takes a 2 hour nap. On our trip she was getting less than half of that in a day. A3 is our fun loving introvert. She will be the first to tell you she doesn't like people when we go to a large crowd. She doesn't like to be the center of attention or to be touched without her initiating the contact. More than likely, if you ask for a hug she will say "No."  She isn't necessarily trying to be a brat; she knows what she requires to feel good being her. We weren't providing the necessities so she was simply letting us know, in a slightly ugly and annoying way.  

5. There is no place like home.  No matter how wonderful the trip is, getting home is the best. A3 summed it up pretty well when she was suffering from not enough sleep and too much people time, "I just want to go to my real house, be in my real bed, in my real room." I think one of the best things about a vacation is that is makes you appreciate what you have. In the days before a trip I start fantasizing about the carefree life a vacation brings; lounging in the sun, sleeping in, reading on the beach, eating out. Then the trip happens. No one wants to sit still, I am following crying kids on the beach, I don't even open a book, and eating out upsets my stomach. Towards the end of the trip I am ready to return to my reality. I look forward to sleeping in my own bed, taking a shower in my own bathroom, cooking my own meals, and putting the girls to bed at their normal times so they will wake up happy, even if they wake up earlier than I plan. Getting home after a vacation is the best.

I really do love a good road trip, especially if it leads us to the beach, even if it was an unplanned trip initiated by the loss of a loved one. I also love uncovering the life lessons I gain from trips with the A Team. The A Team keeps my brain moving!

Summer Sobbing

This summer has been "The Summer of Tears." Everyday someone cries.  Some days everyone cries. We cry when we are happy. We cry when we are mad. We cry when our feelings get hurt. We cry when we don't get our way. We cry when we are tired. We cry when we are sad. We really should buy stock in Kleenex!

Tonight was no different. A2 cried in the middle of Seussical, because she missed her friend who went on vacation. Then she cried because I made her decide what snack she wanted. She also cried, because she was cold and then hot when the blanket was on her lap. Before sending her to bed, she cried because A1 got candy from her friend.

Before we left for the show A1 started tearing up when I let her know Annelise, a college friend,  wouldn't be able to make it to the show, since she was out of town. or so I thought...  A1 saved most of her tears for after the show. She ran into the audience searching for her favorite friend, substitute mom, and first babysitter. Tears filled her eyes when I told her J had to leave because she had to get up EARLY. Before A1 could have a full on temper tantrum, Annelise popped up. She returned home early because of an injury and was able to make it out to the show. A1 was caught off guard and happy tears filled her eyes.

While A1 and Annelise were getting pictures taken, A1's first love, Tanner, the guy she still swears she will one day marry even if he is 11 years older, photobombed the picture. The moment he said "Hi" to her she was in total shock. Happy fan-girl tears threatened to leave her eyes. She tried really hard to be cool while he was talking to her. She just kept smiling with tears in her eyes.  As soon as he walked away, she buried her head in my stomach and she sobbed.

The girls weren't the only ones to cry tonight; just watching A1 on stage gave me the sweaty eyeballs. After the show, I got another case of the sweaty eyeballs. Driving home I was overwhelmed by the number of people who came out to support A1. There were tons of people there who mean so much to us. Seeing them reminded me that we mean a lot to them too. It was an awesome night!

Now I better go to bed before I cry because I am too tired to sleep.

JUST PICK A SHOW

4:23 AM
Stress writing is way better than stress eating, at least I am telling myself that... I am hoping by letting out my thoughts that kept me awake ALL NIGHT LONG, I will be able to sleep again, someday.

What is weighing on my mind? August.  No not really August, more like my "summer bucket list" and all the things I haven't done, still want to do, but mostly still have to do. I have done some of the quirky things the girls added like eat at Golden Corral and "sneak out" to eat ice deli after bedtime. I have done some of our typical summer activities; go to the Muni, cook outs with friends, swim, watch movies, read books, and stay up late. I have done some of the mundane list items; clean out closets and cabinets. Even with all the stuff I have done, I still have a ton of things to do. The ones that are really getting to me are the ones that I really don't want to do, but rather have to do; the things that should be done in order to have a less chaotic school year.

The biggest one right now is choosing a musical for spring. I know that spring is a long way away, but I need to work ahead. I am a planner and need to have things in order, especially when it is something that will consume so much of my time. There are so many aspects that go into directing a musical that I can not wait until the week before auditions to decide.

Most of my friends are tired of this indecision. The flip flopping that has been going on since the last show closed. I go through show after show trying to find the perfect one. I select one; the one, stick with it for a day or two then find something wrong with it, scrap it, and begin the searching process all over again.

JUST PICK A SHOW

But it isn't that easy. There are so many things that do into picking a show.

***Warning- Here comes the list!***    

1. Venue (wow, that sounds sophisticated!)- While it is great that we have a space to perform, pulling off a show in a gym-atorium has it's limits. The stage is small, so a show that needs a large amount of set pieces is out. Our show last year really pushed the limits of space and we didn't even have that many set pieces. Shows like Beauty and the Beast are out. We don't have a lot of bells and whistles. Lighting instruments are basic at best. Our sound system, while it has vastly improved over the last couple of years, it is also limited. We don't have a fly system, so shows like Peter Pan are out.

2. Talent- I have always been lucky enough to have a super talented group of students who make my job easy. When I think about talent I am thinking about the number of students, vocal ranges, gender, and abilities to fill specific roles. The one area we struggle with talent wise is dance; I would guess this is the same for most high schools though. Without a strong cast of dancers shows like Thoroughly Modern Millie are out.

3. Budget-  I am given just enough money to cover the cost of the rights for the show.  The rest of the money for sets, costumes, makeup, and props comes from fundraising. When I pick a show I need to consider shows with costumes that can be borrowed or purchased for under $500. The set needs to be basic and come in around $500 also. This makes a lot of shows difficult for us; especially shows with specific costume plots like Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast or shows that need period costumes, unless they are from the 1950's, I can always find tons of clothes from the 1950's. I have been very lucky and the local community theaters have been willing to lend us costumes for several of our shows.  

4. Show rating- I need to find family friendly shows. Shows that are edgy and cross the line are out. Shows that don't send a good wholesome message are out. Anything above PG is out. That eliminates Chicago, Legally Blonde, Grease, Rent, Spring Awakening, Rocky Horror, and Avenue Q; basically all the shows the students beg to do every year. 

5. Student involvement- I need to decide on a show that would encourage the most student involvement. I have to have a show with a large (30+ person) cast. Not only does the show need to have large cast in also needs to have a large orchestra. I found that out the hard way last year.  It never even occurred to me to think about the number of students the orchestra. Duh, it makes total sense, but I just didn't think about it. This takes out shows like Putnam County Spelling Bee, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and Camp Rock. Yea, I said Camp Rock, it would be fun, I promise!

6. Time- I need to choose a show that we can accomplish in the amount of time we are given. Some years we have up to 12 weeks from the time we return from Christmas break until the show opens. This year we have 8. This means we don't have a lot of leeway when it comes to working the kinks out of a show. Throw in a couple snow days, which will happen, and we could be toast if I pick a show that might take longer to prepare. This eliminates Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Les Miserables.

7. Students-  I need to pick a show the students will be interested in doing. If I pick a show they don't want to do from the beginning, I am in for a LONG process. Students will audition for the show even if they don't necessarily want to do the show, because they have that passion to perform, but if I pick something they don't like I am in for an uphill battle. Motivation will be difficult. This is hardest for me, because I have to consider all the other factors when I pick a show. The factors a 14, 15, 16, 17, or 18 year old wouldn't think about. Also I worry that I might be out of touch with what they would want to do. I know what adults want. I know what toddlers want, I mean as much as someone can know what a toddler wants.  I know what elementary kids want. Teenagers are just tricky. I haven't been one for awhile and things are different. I worry being able to pick something they would want to do. I am guessing Quilters would be out.
 
8. Me- I am putting a lot of my time, typically about 9 months, into a show. That is a lot of time. That is a lot of sacrifice. True, I am being paid to do this, but what I get paid and the amount of time I put in aren't equal. I need to pick a show that I will enjoy working on. I need a show that won't make me toddler cranky. I need a show that won't make me fall asleep by the time we actually take it to the stage. That kicks out Oklahoma, Sound of Mucus Music, and many, many more.

Even with all the shows that are out there, it is really hard to find one that meets all of these requirements. Somehow I am able to find one each year. And then the worrying decision process starts all over.

*8:56 PM

After writing this and clearing my mind, I didn't sleep, but I think I may have selected a show. Now I need to wait to hear back from the rest of my team to get their opinions. Fingers crossed I can cross this off my bucket list! I really think this one will meet all the requirements... At least until tomorrow. 

    

5 Things

5 things I have learned (Or relearned) today:

1. A book hangover is real. The end of a book depression hurts and sometimes it hurts for days. Today I am feeling it.

2. Girls are mean. We are learning from it. We are growing. We are using it as an example of how not to treat others. Being left out at any age doesn't feel good, but it happens so we need to know how to cope,

3. Even if you sleep in after 10:00, you should still take a Sunday afternoon nap. It is just the thing to do. However; I will probably feel different at 11:00 PM when I can't sleep.

4. A goodish movie with a good friend will make everything better and will somehow know just when to show up. 

5. Margarita's in a can are my favorite. 

The Sentimental Type

I have always been a "sentimental type."  I'm the mom who cries at all the dance recitals and shows. It doesn't even have to be an A Team member on the stage to get my eyeballs all sweaty. Sometimes it will be someone I know I stage, but not always.

Typically it is the youngsters that really make me choke up. Youngster = anyone under the age of 23. Tears flow just knowing they worked so hard; gave up time with other activities; stayed dedicated to the show for the long process. Tears flow from seeing these kids with so much talent and potential doing what they love. Tears flow while I am appreciating how brave and confident these people are. 

At times I think about the parents sitting in the audience who must be beaming with pride, watching their child fulfilling dreams. Even seeing their own hard work and dedication pay off, as their child shines on stage doing what he/she loves to do. 

Then I wonder if those parents are crying too, or if I'm the only sappy one in the audience, silently praying I don't let out an ugly-cry snort. 

After that my mind shifts to the A Team. How in the world will I maintain composure when they are on stage, whatever their stage may be? I'm going to be a mess from now until forever. We should invest in Kleenex stock and water proof mascara, if I wore mascara. Actually, I think I will start to wear mascara; people who wear mascara really seem to have their lives together. Maybe mascara will be the answer to many of my problems... 

Tonight I stayed at A1's rehearsal and I had another one of my sob sessions.  It started when A1 bounced on the stage. She was so happy up there. She was in her element. And she looked super cute with her long blond pony tail trotting on top of her head. Her cuteness actually brought me to tears. I am usually someone who gets irritated when people go on and on about how cute their own kids are, but I am telling you, she was adorable. And happy, it totally made all of her tears leading up to this point worth it. I continued to cry on and off the rest of the evening. I did my best to act like a normal adult when anyone stopped to talk to me, but my sunglasses were definitely hiding some eye dampness.

I hope my friends plan on coming to the show, but if you are thinking about sitting near me, I would recommend wearing a life jacket so you don't drown in my tears!

***After thought, I wonder where A1 gets her ability to cry over almost everything...

*** After, after thought, if you want more information on the show... http://www.themuni.org/

SCFB Day 4

The girls were exhausted after a super busy week and weekend. We let the A Team sleep in. A3 woke up first at 9:30. A2 was next at 10:00. No one is really sure when A1 got up, but it was after 11:00. I was already out running errands.

I decided I wasn't going to make a breakfast extravaganza this morning. I wanted to see how they would do on their own. Really, I was just not feeling it today. Cooking giant breakfasts 3 days in a row was simply too much for this non-domestic goddess. 

A3 wanted milk, yogurt, and a banana, but "No banana!" complete with tears. She ate the banana. A2 decided to have yogurt, a banana, and a tortilla with peanut-butter. Strange, but she ate it and was happy. A1 went with a more traditional oatmeal. 

Way to go A Team! We have survived 4 days without sugary cereal. We are winning the war on breakfast, even if I woke up wanting to eat Coco Puffs, which we never bought before, I think this SCFB detox is hardest in me. 

SCFB Day 3

No picture today, because it looked UGLY!

I started off with one of my favorite breakfast casserole recipes. A friend of mine makes it for all the special events at school, yes, my birthday was one of those special days. :)

I went to bed thinking about this wonderful casserole that I just so happened to have all the ingredients, or so I thought...

First, I started with the ham. I knew I had some in the freezer, except it wasn't in there. That is ok, I will just substitute sausage. Next, I get the hashbrowns from the freezer. I'm pretty sure I just bought them like last month. Hmm... They expired in Febraury 2014. That is ok, I will just substitute Tator Tots. After that I added cheddar cheese. I dump in the cheddar, look at the bag; OOPS, I just dumped in Colby Jack. That's ok cheese is cheese. Finally, I added the eggs and milk. Thankfully, nothing needed to be substituted there. 

I basically messed up the entire recipe. That's ok, because it was the A Team's favorite so far. I was mad at myself, so it tasted angry to me. I guess I better get another serving and try to again. 

SCFB Day 2

Sugary Cereal Free Breakfast (SCFB) Day 2 

Today's SCFB was a HUGE success! Everyone loved their Breakfast Biscuits. We didn't deny the A Team their sweet stuff entirely. They also had yogurt and cherries to go with the biscuits. 

http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2015/01/breakfast-biscuits/

War on Breakfast

I broke the news gently this morning; NO MORE SUGARY BREAKFAST CEREAL FOR THE A TEAM. At least until the end of July. We are giving this healthy lifestyle stuff a real shot. 

So far...

We started with increasing water. All of us have our own water bottles and we try to drain and refill a few times a day. Easy Peasy

Next we (I) make sure every meal has a fruit AND a vegitable. Since it is Summer, most of these have been fresh fruits and vegitables. This change should have been a no brainer, but we got into survival mode and I was accepting potato chips and fruit snacks as our vegitables and fruit. I was LAZY! 

On Monday, we started adding exercise. A2 and I are doing the Couch to 5K program. We even had A1 and a friend join us on our second day. A2 especially loves having an activity that we do together. I'm not a runner, by any means, but running with A2 has been good for me. When I start to get that little voice in my that says, " Stop running, you could be sitting on the deck reading." I yell encouragement to A2 drowning out all the negativity. 

This morning I made sugary breakfast cereals my enemy.  The goal is for us to go until the end of July without them. I was afraid the girls would revolt if I told them no more Fruity Tooties, EVER. If they revolt we fail. This one will be the hardest for me. I like easy and sugary cereal is easy. No one complains. A1 and A2 even get it for themselves. Easy. With this healthy lifestyle change, I have added more work for me, plus I imagine I will encounter a few AM battles. 

This morning I made open Beeakfast Burrito Bites. I really liked them, but the girls weren't huge fans. I may have lost today's battle, but the war isn't over yet! 

In case you are more brave and adventurous than the A Team...

http://www.ellaclaireinspired.com/easy-breakfast-burrito-bites-for-brunch/