Doodle pup

I am slammed with visa paperwork and general stress--I am so scared that my application won't get processed in time--I just got my certificate of accepted studies (CAS) number on Thursday and submitted my visa application yesterday (can't apply without the CAS), so, we shall see.... I must be in London by September 11 for orientation. Way to take your sweet time getting my paperwork sorted, King's!

Where was I?

Oh! Yes, I'm crazed and have nothing interesting to write except "I'M SO STRESSED OUT", and that's kind of boring, so, look at pictures of my cute puppy:

Excuse me? Play with me, now! 

I can't drive, you fool!

Aww, this was before her other ear fully popped up! She thinks she's a cat and digs in the litter.

We were posing for our passport pictures. Didn't go so well. 

You're welcome.

Meet Me in St Louis 2013 edition

I can wax poetic about my best friend forever. Like, seriously, I adore her. I will never be able to thank her enough for that weekend 11 months ago when she picked up my broken self at the airport, threw me into the car and took me back to her house for Thai and Hugh Grant movies.

This pretty much sums us up

I will never forget that I slept for the first time in months at her house. That I laughed again--I really laughed--because my nephew is hilarious, of course. She saved me.

The thing about best friends is that you can just sit with them and be happy. You can tell them things you swore you would never tell anyone, things you'd bury deep inside you, and then, you tell them and they understand and they get it and they hold your hand and they want to fight for you. That, that my friends, is Sara. I'd be lost without her. (honestly, I can't talk about being more than an 85 minute plane ride away from her, I just can't).

In July, I took a weekend off work and flew up to see her and the fam. As you know, Les Mis is my favorite thing in life (besides the Matthew McCounahey Reliant Energy commercials, my gawd) and Sara and I have been trying to see the damn show together for 3 freaking years. When I discovered it was showing at the Muny in St. Louis, and our Phantom, Hugh Panaro was the lead, I immediately emailed her and we made plans.

We were so excited! Never mind we'd just seen each other in April for the Renaissance Faire, which, I still owe you pictures of the rest of their trip to Texas... Ooops... Besides, we could see each other like every single day and that would be ok.

St. Louis weekend was a blast!

I got to see a Cardinals game from behind the dugout--I cried when they sang God Bless America. We had way too much fun eating hot dogs, singing Take Me Out To The Ballgame and cheering on the Cards. It was such a perfect "all American" night and I had so.much.fun!

Baseball and the Arch? Hello, Americana. 

On Saturday I got to play puppy wrangler for a bit when we took the pups and kiddo to a puplet fair out in the country. Mally showed off her skills on the agility course. Sage was just bribed with food.

My three favorites in life. Please note Mac's face. 

HOW CUTE ARE THEY?!

I got to hang out with my nephew, who is, seriously, the coolest kid ever. He's freaking hilarious and I am telling you, has the world's best unimpressed face--which, he totally gets from his mom. And I love it.

Seriously. Cutest kid ever. 

Because I'm a really rad aunt, I made up a game: pulling duct tape off my mouth. He loved it!

Later, we had a divine French dinner to celebrate my moving to England (irony?), then trekked off to the barricades together (!) where we cried a lot and even got shushed by a very grumpy gent next to us.

Ryan called this our prom picture. I didn't even realize we were color coordinated! BFF style!

I mean, we shouldn't be surprised that we were shushed. We sang the whole time, laughed, cried and shared those very special moments that you can only have with a best friend. Hell, Sara even snapped a picture of Hugh Panaro and Norm Lewis signing together onstage. If you are a stagey one like me, you KNOW how big of a deal that is. I was literally left speechless my their performances that night.

Don't worry, our seats were much closer--this was just walking to our seats

We laughed a lot, we ate too much, the usual.

On Sunday, we went to Grant's Farm to entertain Mac.

Standard Aunt A being obnoxious and Mac not caring 

But, it was really so I could feed goats.

I GOT TO FEED GOATS! BABY GOATS!

Or, he could feed goats. Whatever.

And, see the horseys. Again, for him or whatever (read: ALLY WANTED TO SEE ALL THE ANIMALS)

Note that Mac and I match and Sara and I are wearing the same shoes. NOT planned. 

It was the perfect weekend.

Especially since I got this gem:

And this little sweet pic:

We were talking about the goats. Duh. Or, I'm clutching him while telling him about the goats and he's trying to escape me. Either or. 

As per usual, I cried when she dropped me at the airport, but, I am so grateful for the times we have together, no matter how short. And, I'm uber super duper excited for her to come visit me in London and we will repeat Broadway Birthday Extravaganza, but, in London, baby!!

Sara, Ryan, Mac and random assortment of pets, thank you for the BEST WEEKEND EVER, I love you guys oh so much and miss you already like crazy. I'm so lucky to have y'all in my life!
xoxo

Come Together

Y'ALL. I hopped to London for 40ish hours and somehow found a place to live!!

And this is my new street:

Yes, I will live on the iconic Abbey Road--just a bit up the way from where The Beatles recorded the album by that name (my Beatles loving mother would be SO PROUD).

I can't believe I found a place I love so much! It's not in Notting Hill, or Shoreditch, or anywhere else I imagined myself living, but, it's perfect. I'm minutes from the train and tube, I'm next to the most beautiful old church, and sandwiched happily between Regent's Park and Hampstead Heath.

It's all, excuse me here--come together (ahem. Song from the Abbey Road album. Y'all.).

I can't wait to move in and make it mine. Now, anyone know where a girl can get bookcases and you know, hardware in South Hampstead? Cause I sure as hell don't.

Things I know...

I may not be the smartest cookie, I'm not attending Cambridge, I never applied to an Ivy; I might not understand chemistry, or, well, math for that matter, but, I have learned some things over these last nearly 30 (gag me) years of mine.

I know that friends become family, and that is what matters.

I know that this life isn't easy, but, it's not meant to be.

I've learned that we can change and grow so much in a short amount of time.

I know that time--and distance--heals almost all. Not all--ALMOST--all. (I'm still struggling)

I know that dreams can come true, you just have to fight for them.

I know that change is scary. Really, really scary.

I know that you are stronger than you ever thought you were.

I know that I wouldn't be alive if it weren't for the amazing friends who've pushed me, held me, loved me this last year.

I know I don't have it all figured out, I don't have the answers, I don't understand a lot of what I've been through, why I've been dealt this or that; I don't know!

But, I do know, that life goes on. We wake up, we drink our Diet Coke, stalk Kate Middleton, and continue along the life we lead. And it leads to great things. Great adventures. Great challenges. Great moments that define us and who we are.

And I know, I know that leaving this life I fought so hard for, this amazing life of musicals, of dance, of sunny poolside days and friendship, I know leaving it will be the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but, the great challenges that await me will be worth it.

And, I also know that finding an apartment in London should be an Olympic sport. Dear God!

But, I know I'll find a place. And the pups, my books, and my ice tray--that I will be bringing--will be impressibly happy. Living the dream.

Wish me luck! I'm London bound tomorrow for 38 hours to find a place to live! Quick and dirty, let's do this thing!

St. Louis, Dallas, London, oh my!

I am home from a loverly weekend with my favorite people on earth, the McCarty family! They spoil the bajeezus out of me, and while I did my standard cry at the airport after leaving them thing, it really was the best weekend!

I promise I have pictures to show you, and stories to tell, but, right now, I'm busy packing my house, trying to convince a french bulldog that we don't swim in the water dish and attempting to fly to London on ten days notice to find a place to live, because, currently, I'm homeless.

So, to tide you over, please read this, because it's really funny, and true, and basically what is going to happen to me when I move to London.

And my biggest fear is living outside of Zone 2. God help me.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/robinedds/moving-to-london-expectations-vs-reality

xoxox

OH, also. There was a royal baby born or some such nonsense. Just kidding, I'M OBSESSED! Let's talk about Prince George!!

Celebrate good times--come on!

Thank you all so much for the London love. I am very excited, and very spazzy! I have SO MUCH to do and it's the scariest thing I've ever done. Made all the worse because my London bestie pal will be in Las Vegas for THREE WEEKS starting when I arrive in London. Timing fail. I mean, who is going to meet me at Balan's for dinner when I freaking the heck out? Yeah, no one.

Good life choice, Shabbs, good.

To answer a few questions, I am studying Classics--which is basically Roman history and lit (nerd alert), the programme is 9 months or until I finish my dissertation (speaking of, I need to email my mentor and ya know, figure out what my dissertation will be on....I told you I am not smart!).

King's does provide housing, but, I am too old for that nonsense, and, I am bringing the crazy pups with me, so, I am hunting for a flat in the Chelsea/Fulham/Belgravia/South Ken/Notting Hill/Sheperd's Bush areas. Because my dreams of being a hipster in Shoreditch were crushed. I've come to terms that I will be broke for the rest of my life in attempting to finance a place in said parts of town, but, OH WELL.

After I had a few days to process everything, my friends came out of the woodwork to celebrate with me, which was so kind.

My friend Soleil and I went out to dinner in Bishop Arts on Friday night, to a little place called Bolsa where we had amazing food and the best little pot de creme ever!

Soul sisters at Bolsa 

On Saturday, my best gal and I planned a Bastille Day/King's brunch at a little French bistro in town. Her family has totally changed my life in the last year, and she was instrumental in my applying to, and being accepted at King's.

When I called to tell her, her daughter got on the phone and cried because "I won't see you for so, so long Miss Ally, please take me with you, please don't leave me!"--then I cried, naturally. Leaving them might kill me.

The loves of my life

Saturday night was my BFFFFFFFFF's birthday and we had a great night out. I got to catch up with my sorority sisters, and, of course, cried because the thought of leaving her makes me sick. But, ever the BFF, she's not letting me back down and I appreciate her so much for that.

BFF love. I cried two minutes later. 

Laughing with Lacey--Polaroids for the win!

I'm currently planning my going away party, and attempting to pack up my house. A little less glamourous, but, nessecary ya know. That said, if anyone wants to help me pack, I pay in baked good and French bulldog puppy snuggles. 

Gratuitous puppy picture

So, that's what I did last weekend. I celebrated the good times--and only freaked out a bit!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to look into selling a kidney for flat rental cash.

The BIG News (no, Hugh Jackman and I aren't engaged. Yet)

A really long time ago, on a whim, I applied to graduate school. I was going through some big life changes and I figured that I would just see what could happen. (please note that my father encouraged me to apply to grad school--he was not specific as to where!)

Then my dear Molly got accepted to Cambridge and I shouted it from the rooftops. And then a friend encouraged me to try my hand at graduate school in the UK saying that I'd never know until I try.

Tis true.... 

So, I did.

And I waited.

And waited some more.

And my life went on. I learned yoga. I got a new job. I fell in love with my new life--my life filled with dance, yoga, running, musicals and travel. I had friends to spend holidays with, I had races to run, I had things to do, people to see--I was happy.

Then, one day, I received an email saying the institution I applied to would like to interview me. I jumped at it. I ran around my office screaming like a child and frantically responded with "YES WHAT TIME I CAN DO WHENEVER SERIOUSLY WHENEVER LETS TALK".

The interview was scheduled. It was Skype. At 6am my time. I would need to look fabulous. I studied up on the professor interviewing me. I read student profiles. I re-read parts of The Odyssey. I researched classes. My friends came over the night before and prayed with me. They calmed me down and said such wonderful things. They shared their King's experiences with me. I knew it all. I was prepared.

When the video call came in, I thought I was going to puke I was so nervous. (didn't help that the dude interviewing me was cute with a capital CUUUUUUUTE)

But, I pushed that aside and spoke. I spoke from my heart. I fought for what I wanted, I used this as a chance to make my voice heard. I explained why I had applied. How my life had changed, and how grateful I would be for the opportunity.

While I felt good at the end of the interview, I had my doubts. My GPA wasn't that high and I was applying to one of the smallest (read: most impacted) programmes in the University.

I obsessively checked the website, anxious to just see the "rejected" and move on with my life. I wouldn't allow myself to look at classes, or order books (as the professor recommended), or even tell anyone the truth behind my vague tweets and instagrams. I couldn't jinx it.

I hit the refresh button like it was my job.

Until, 5 minutes before I had to teach a pure barre class--at my actual job-- the words "unconditional offer" popped up. And I screamed. And cried. And ran outside to call and text everyone I knew. Then I cried some more. My entire body was shaking. I could hardly hold my phone.

The thing I've wanted since before I can even remember, the thing I've dreamt about at night, that thing is real. Is happening.

I'm moving to London!!!

(also titled "I'm moving halfway across the world on several weeks notice and FREAKING THE HECK OUT")

At The Tower embracing my new HOMETOWN

To study Classics at King's College London.

You know, it's one of those Smart People schools (I am not Smart People)! Ahhh!!

Where, everyday, I will get off the District Line at Temple station, walk a few hundred feet, and be at school.

Mind the Gap

I will have lunch along the Thames, and drag my friends to Balan's for a dirty breakfast at 3am. I will shut down The Lyric. The V and A will be my classroom. I will ride horses in Hyde Park. I will take the train to Brighton with Molly and make her ride roller coasters. I will go punting in Cambridge. I will walk my dogs in Notting Hill. I will stalk Tam Mutu outside The Queen's.

I will do everything I've ever wanted, everything I've ever dreamt about.

It's all happening.

It's the scariest thing that I've ever done. I'm packing up my life on a few weeks notice and moving across the world. I'm changing everything I've ever known! I didn't know I had it in me to do this--I didn't know King's would even take a chance on me.

King's College London on The Strand

But, here I am. Mere weeks away from receiving a student discount on my Oyster card (and at Ted Baker, I can't even tell you how excited I am about THAT); weeks away from the thing I never believed I could have. Weeks away from waking up in London, and finally being able to call it my home. From hopping a 40 minute train to see my beloved Molly. From Nando's dinners with her and late night chats on the floor of her flat while watching New Girl. Weeks away from the greatest, scariest, biggest adventure ever.

"It's time to close my eyes, take a chance and leap"

I'm scared to death. Scared to pack up my life, leave my amazing friends, leave my J-O-B that I love, leave my running group, leave my Texas. I'm scared I will get to London and hate it. That the dream I've always had will be a nightmare. I'm scared of my classes--am I smart enough for this? I'm scared I won't get the chance to LIVE. I'm scared of everything. But, I can't let that hold me back. I can't miss the chance of a lifetime!

Sometimes, dreams come true. Sometimes, things work out. Sometimes, it's better than you imagined it could be.

"The chain will be broken and all men will have their reward."

Now, here's to hoping Prince Harry bumps into me on one of my runs through St. James Park and falls madly in love with me. I mean, let's be honest, that's the real game plan here--marry a Brit.

London, baby!

I think I'll try Defying Gravity

I have some very big things to tell y'all and I am so excited to share. But, I have to get ducks in a row first! 

This song came on the other day while I was lining up said ducks, and I started crying my eyes out--it was so fitting, I can't even! 

And no one can bring me down. 

Defying Gravity, from Wicked 

"Something has changed within me
Something is not the same
I'm through with playing by


The rules of someone else's game
Too late for second-guessing
Too late to go back to sleep
It's time to trust my instincts
Close my eyes
And leap...

It's time to try defying gravity
I think I'll try defying gravity
And you can't pull me down

I'm through accepting limits
'Cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try I'll never know
Too long I've been afraid of
Losing love I guess I've lost
Well if that's love
It comes at much too high a cost

I'd sooner buy defying gravity
Kiss me goodbye, I'm defying gravity
And you can't pull me down!

Tell them how I am defying gravity
I'm flying high, defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down!!"

Iris, I get you

In one of my random wallow-y moods over the weekend, I decided to watch The Holiday. Mainly because I'm certain Kate Winslet and I should be BFF and also because, Jude Law. 

Honestly, this movie has been my life of late. I am Iris. Forever Iris. And I wish I wasn't. 

She delivers a monologue to Jack Black's character when his girlfriend dumps him, and, although I've heard it at least 50 times, I really heard it for the first time this last weekend. So, I had to write it down and save it here. In case anyone who might be reading this little blog has been there, or is currently there--just know, you are not alone. I'm right there with you. 

We'll fight through it together, and eventually, all the heartache, the Jasper Bloom bullshit, will eventually begin to fade.....

"I understand feeling as small and as insignificant as humanly possible. And how it can actually ache in places you didn't know you had inside you..... And it doesn't matter how many new haircuts you get, or gyms you join, or how many glasses of chardonnay you drink with your girlfriends.... You still go to bed every night going over every detail and wonder what you did wrong or how you could have misunderstood. And how in the hell for that brief moment you could think that you were that happy. And sometimes you can even convince yourself that he'll see the light and show up at your door..... And after all that, however long all that may be, you'll go somewhere new. And you'll meet people who make you feel worthwhile again. And little pieces of your soul will finally come back. And all that fuzzy stuff, those years of your life that you wasted, that will eventually begin to fade."

Because, eventually, it will begin to fade, right? I mean, it has to.

And maybe someday, I will go somewhere new, maybe I'll start over with my little brood of dogs and the horse and we'll have a new dawn, a new day, a new life for us, and the hurt will fade. And my soul will come back. 

Bonus points if this could happen in the UK, please and thank you!

July 4th. And 5th. And 6th.

I had a really, really amazing past few days.

My festive July 4th frock!

I worked the morning of the 4th, and then spent the afternoon and evening BBQ-ing and swimming with some friends. Lance and Michelle found a place we could set off our own fireworks, and Lance has always wanted to that with his kiddos, having grown up in a fireworks family, I knew we had to make this happen! Especially since my entire family is up at the ranch and I'm not there and won't be there this year and it breaks my heart. I needed some good ol black powder!

I teach Lance and Michelle's daughter in Sunday School and they shared Easter with me, along with Memorial Day. I just adore them. They called to wish me good luck in Luxembourg. They invite me over for cookies. They are truly some of the greatest people I know. And I love their children so much.

I brought back presents for their kiddos, and Elise named her teddy bear Londony, gave him an American flag and he (she?) ate BBQ with us. And she clutched him to her sweet little face while we watched fireworks. I gave their son a porcelain Beefeater that he could paint and he declared me his very best friend.

(I went to the bathroom and cried because I was so touched)

Meet Londony. 

They baked me cookies. They took me to the suburbs to set off fireworks and we called my family on speaker phone so we could all share the big bang boom pops of the fireworks. Their children cuddled with me. I taught their son to light sparklers. I felt such amazing joy. As we piled back into the car, I couldn't stop smiling. I was just so happy.

FIRE!!!

My family really does up the 4th, and always has. I've hosted big cook outs and pool parties as an adult, it's just my tradition. I was heartsick to not be with my huge, loud family this year at the ranch, unable to have someone to share these traditions; I so desperately had hoped I'd meet someone and he'd be part of our holiday. Alas.....

I got more than I could've asked for!

The Celaya boys watching FIRE

Big brother and little brother hugs, I die 

I was given even more! Trevor gave me this on Sunday--that's me with fireworks, a flag, and then of course, hearts and more fireworks. I cried a lot. He's my very best friend too!

Then! On Friday, my bffffffffffff Sara came to town for a bachelorette party and I got to crash it for a few hours. It was mainly just an excuse to see her. Which, duh.

Best friends in Fort Worth 

We caught up, we laughed, we ate tacos, we danced to some country music--it was perfect. Just seeing her, I don't know what it is about our friendship, it just sets my heart at ease. And, bonus, I get to see her in two more weeks when I go to St. Louis for Cardinals games and Les Mis-ery! Hurruh!

Funniest thing is, her friends said we looked like sisters and they understand why we're besties, because we are basically the same person. Ha! Yes. It's true.

These were the door stamps at a bar in the Stockyards. I'm kind of obsessed with it. 

And she brought presents.

Already putting it to use.... Or, attempting to. 

Then on Saturday, I worked part day, and had brunch with a dear, dear friend--wherein I left my number for the cuuuuuuuuuute waiter (he hasn't called, because, obviously, this is my life, shit like that doesn't happen). (and I have never done anything like that in my life, but, hi, he looked like an older scruffy Thor, obviously I am going to attempt to make that happen)

And played with these idiots.

Oh, I got a puppy a few weeks ago. Did I forget to mention that?

This is Miss Moneypenny.

She thinks she's a cat. No, she wasn't "using" it, she was just digging. Hence, the mess. 

This is how Ella Mae beagle feels about Moneypenny....

Unimpressed beagle is unimpressed 

And that, that my friends, is how I celebrated July 4th. And 5th. And 6th. Happy birthday America!!

Stagey Stoke

So.

I needed fuel for the fiasco I was about to walk into 

I went to Stoke-on-Trent to see my actor friend (aka, the barricade boy) (FML) preform in Priscilla Queen of the Desert. My darling barricade boy is now dressing in drag. This is hilarious for about seventy billion reasons, but, we'll get to that in a minute.

Well, actually, no, just, watch this video and then we'll talk:

Still laughing? I know, me too. ME TOO.

We had talked about my coming up to see the show for ages, but, when the dates I would be in the UK corresponded with him being in Stoke, we hmmed and hahhed over my coming to The Worst Place On Earth-- Ever. After many apologies about how horrible it would be, we decided I would brave it and come up--he wanted my opinion on the show, and we thought it would be really awful to be so close and miss each other, so, we agreed that I would train it up there to see him in all his glitter fabulousness.

(and, Stoke really is that bad, but, we managed to make it awesomely fun) (Stoke still sucks)

He sent me the link to the train tickets--which I laughed at, because really fool, you think I don't know how to navigate the UK via train? Oh, silly, silly creature.

We arranged to come up on Thursday, because Jason Donovan was in the lead that night, and he wanted me to get the full effect of the show in it's prime--lovely. "It's so GAY!" At the last minute, his role was changed from his standard ensemble and Frank roles to that of who he understudies. This proved to be good and bad. At first he was upset, wanting me to see what he does every night, but, when we grabbed dinner and chatted over it, we both decided I probably wasn't emotionally ready to see that much of him. And in that much glitter.

Instead he played a 60 year Aussie with a mail order bride. It was kind of even better.

We met up before the show, and he took me to the box office to get my tickets, which, thank you bestie for the discount--you are the most awesome--and a pressie--which was a programme (he hates when I pay for them) wherein we flipped through it and he showed me all the roles he would not be playing that night. I nearly fell over laughing when he showed me who he is in the picture below.

Any guesses as to which one is my man? I can tell you, you won't believe me.

To which I argued "That is not you! It's not, this is not possible!" and his "Well, I don't know what to tell you Al, because, it is!". Then I laughed some more and he smacked me for being the worst friend ever.

I dropped him at the stage door, as per tradition and ran back to the hotel to change. Susan and I decked ourselves in all the sparkles and headed to the theatre.

I wore a Priscilla appropriate ensemble 

So, we watched the show. Which was a whole lot of glitter, lipstick, pink, sparkle and Kylie jokes.

And then I made this face.

At the interval--also, hi Regan's weird headshot!! 

And this one.

Susan had some thoughts too!

Listen, he's brilliant--but, it's the gayest show ever (his words, not mine--although, I agree), and having seen him in so many classic musicals, it was weird for me to watch him out of his element. It was even harder for me to imagine him dancing to "Go West" in silver booty shorts, chaps, and a cowboy hat. Which, would have happened on any other night. I'm kind of glad I missed that. I love him, but, I don't need to see him in booty shorts.

The purple leather. I can't even. He hates that costume, hates it. Also, please note that chest shaving is required. And no beard. He loves his beard. I've never seen him without it, I would freak out.

In the finale, he was in a kangaroo costume--I so wish I had a picture, I would sell my soul to have a picture. I have never laughed so hard in my entire life (until later that night, of course). Susan legit had to hold me up, and the girls next to us thought I was insane. Listen, they weren't there to see the possible love of their life turned best friend in drag, so, really, shut it.

After the show, being the good mate he is, he had arranged to take us to wine and cheese with the cast at a pub and then one of their wardrobe staff was guest DJ-ing at a gay bar, so, we would go there after.

Serious.

We went to the pub, took a seat, and he introduced me to his castmates, many of which knew who I was--only mildly weird. I bonded with his friend Wayne over marathon training, Susan was a hit, having just seen an ex castmate of theirs in Book of Mormon. We laughed, we caught up, we talked. I made fun of his singing "A Fine Romance" off pitch (but did say I was pleased to hear him sing--finally, as he didn't really sing in Scrooge!), we agreed he needs to get back to the West End, I made fun of him performing the finale in a kangaroo costume. "The whole thing is shit, and you open with that?! Ally!" See, I am an amazing friend. I also said there was too much man booty and that I covered my eyes several times. Because I'm a lady. (but really, he knows I will always support and cheer him on. Even in booty shorts)

Then we went to Pink. The aptly named gay nightclub. In Stoke-on-Trent.

Where we had so.much.fun! Oh man. Seriously. It was, one of the most fun nights ever. We have such a great time together, we just have so much to talk about and enjoy--we also have fun making fun of other actors, making fun of each other, laughing at our accents, dancing, singing--we just have the best time. We get each other. We can talk about theatre, travel, life, work, friends--nothing is off limit and we always understand and empathize with each other--which, is pretty awesome.

His stage manager, Michael came out with us, and we had a such fun with him. At one point, Michael and BB were dancing and somehow I was pulled into the mix, being tossed around a dance floor to Cotton Eye Joe in five inch Jimmy Choo's. In Stoke on Trent. I can't make this up.

THE LIGHTING IS PINK!!! I die. 

Because if Michael and BB can't get down in Stoke, well, then....

I honestly have no idea what's happening here. But I know we were laughing.

Get it, BB! Show off those 'Scilla dance moves. I wish y'all could see his face here--it's pursed lips, which is just hilarious. 

We spilled a few pints, shed a few tears, we laughed a whole lot. We avoided--and then befriended, stalkers. We hugged. We danced. We sang. We shared truths. We shared secrets. We shared special moments. We shared hopes. We shared a great night.

Me and BB. Who is wearing Abercrombie. If you think I didn't mention that once or twice, you are wrong. (and now, you finally know what we look like together) (ughhhhh) (aren't we cute?! goddamn it, friends shouldn't look this cute together whine whine, damn it)

And then, then, my best karaoke sang "Rawhide" for me, and I fell over laughing. Because he was determined to sing something "Texan for his Texan!". And I literally thought I was going to pass out I was laughing so hard--dude has a great voice, and there is nothing more hilarious than a deep baritone singing "Rawhide" at 4am at a gay bar. This I know to be true.

Please note, my sparkle dress in the reflection, Ian in the black tee, and the fabulous wig happening at the DJ booth.

On his wrist? Yeah, my lucky hair tie. Which I'd like back, please and thank you!

Originally, we thought we'd end the night early, because it was Stoke. I was annoyed because he and I, when we're together can legit stay out until 4 or 5am (happened at Balan's last time) and I was bummed that we'd be calling it a night before 2. Not that I ever stay out that late, because honestly, I don't, but, we only see each other every who knows how often, so, our time is limited and if I was trekking myself to bloody Stoke, we needed some solid time together!

Welp, it was near 7am when we said our goodbyes. And then I discovered the soles of my shoes were ruined. Even though I'd stashed flip flops in my bag--which I never put on.

So, I think Stoke delivered on that one.