drew.

     My husband is in the Nutcracker this year.  Um, it used to be that I was the one in the big story ballets, but nope. Now it's Drew. And before you worry about the image of Drew prancing around in tights on a well-lit stage surrounded by tutu-bound ballerinas, let me put your mind at ease: He is playing an overgrown rat, The Rat King, to be precise.

    No tights involved.  Had they been, I doubt whether or not he would have taken the job.  I still have a hard time keeping a completely straight face when Drew tells me that he has to get to the theater for the Nutcracker. Or that he needs to stop at Rite-Aid for his make-up.  But really, I am proud of him. And I know absolutely that he is a man is a man is a man. Even when dressed like a large rat. Or contemplating the very best shade of foundation at the drug store. 

   I guess at least he doesn't insist on going to MAC or Sephora. That might be a little too much.

     It used to be that I taught my nieces piano. Ever since I left for tour, however, Drew has taken over that job.  And I get the feeling that they may enjoy his lessons better. He calls it his own personal School of Rock, a la Jack Black, and I am positive that he is pretty fun to be taught by, so really I cannot blame my nieces.  

    Besides, I still pick out better clothes for them than he does. And I don't anticipate that ever changing.  

   It also used to be that I was the one who regularly performed at our church's Christmas Adoration Service.  Now, Drew is the one to do it every year. This year he's in a three-person play.  He'll be fabulous, I am sure. Although, I will have to get everyone else's take on it since I will be working. 

   So how does all this single-white-female-esque business of Drew now doing what I once happily did make me feel?  Fine. Really good, actually.  Maybe it's strange, but having Drew at home, so very involved in the things that I love, makes me feel like in a way, I am being represented too.  Like a part of me is still here.  

    So yeah, there it is. 

     Oh, and I am thinking about designing a new t-shirt. It'll say:

       Real Women Marry Nutcracker-Dancing, Music-Teaching, Bass-Playing, Sleep-Teching, Play-Acting Men. 

      So maybe it wouldn't be the largest grossing t-shirt as far as sales go, but I can think of at least one girl who would wear it.  And I would do so happily.