BenAnnas for Max

8.23.2009

Hi My Name is Anna, how is your septum?

So the last month has been a whirlwind for us...

- The opening (and then closing) of West Side Story (to date, the most amazing production I have ever been blessed to be a part of).
- Ben's training with Apple and subsequent opening of the Naperville Mainplace Apple Store!
- Preparing for my two weeks of Alcon training in Ft. Worth, TX.
- Lauren (Ben's sister!) graduated from SIU!!!
- We cashed in our Clunker and got a sweet, supped-up Ford Focus (yea eco-car!).
- Getting ready to start Choreographing/Assistant Directing High School Musical for CYT McHenry!
- Titan turned 2!
- Ben diligently working on his degree with the home stretch in sight!
- Present state of earning my mini-PhD in nasal, ear, and ocular anatomy while IN Texas (only one more week to go!)

In other news,
- I am NOT pregnant, thankyouverymuch.
- Athena learned how to jump off of the deck (as in, the fenced-in deck).
- Ben got his hair cut.

And now in honor of my 6 year anniversary of being with the Disney College Program, I leave you a little Princess love...

7.16.2009

West Side Story!!!

Back in 2000, during the Fall of my Senior year, I had the unique privilege of being in the Illinois All-State Production of West Side Story. It was truly one of the most formative experiences of my creative life and an absolute honor to represent my school as a Jet Girl :-)

This year, Broadway unleashed what can only be called a stunning revival of Jerome Robbins' and Bernstein/Sondheim's classic work that won numerous Tony nominations and features Karen Olivio, who won the Tony award for her role as Anita.

And now, this summer, I have had the honor and privilege of being involved in one of the finest pieces of work I believe CYT has ever done. Late last spring we opened auditions to all of our students aged 14-20 from every county (in the style of an all-state show) and cast 50 of the most talented kids in Illinois to put on this amazing, timeless production.

Get your tickets NOW (I'm not kidding, it will be next to impossible to get them at the door!) to any one of our six performances by clicking here or calling the box office at 847.516.2298:

Friday, July 24th @ 7:00pm

Saturday, July 25th @ 7:00pm

Sunday, July 26th @ 3:00pm

Friday, July 31st @ 7:00pm
Saturday, August 1st @ 7:00pm
Sunday, August 2nd @ 3:00pm

All performances are at

Huntley High School Performing Arts Center

13719 Harmony Rd.

Huntley, IL 60142

This truly is a don't-miss experience. Let me know what show you are coming to... I can't wait to see you there!

6.22.2009

Is it wrong that this is one of the funniest things I've ever seen?

Just wait for about 1:10 in where he "connects" with the remote... this is unreal, and I'm not sure why I'm posting it. But alas, I hope you experience the rolling laughter than Ben and I enjoyed.

6.17.2009

Has it really been a month?!?!

Yes, and what a month it's been! I am officially working for Alcon Laboratories as an Allergy and Otolaryngology Representative (Specialty Eye and Ear division)... a.k.a., I sell allergy and ear meds =) I AM SO HAPPY!

This is not to say it has not been a crazy, busy, hectic, feel-like-I'm-back-in-college-and-getting-a-mini-doctorate month, but Alcon is an amazing company that not only cares about its employees but truly cares about the people we serve and the products we bring to those people.
I am still getting used to my territory as its totally different than my old one (I now have Naperville/Wheaton/Joliet/Hinsdale/St.Charles/South Bend/etc. as opposed to the upper 1/4 of Illinois) and that in itself is a challenge. I've been to Ft. Worth, TX for a week of training and will go back in August for another two weeks, but hopefully then I won't get stuck there an extra day because of tornadoes and flooding... there's no place like home...

Things in E-town are good... our friends the Novelli's welcomed beautiful Abrielle Emma

on June 1st. Big brother Angelo just adores her and they are such a sweet family of 4 now!

The Treu's welcomed Brady Alan on May 30th(the surprise of the year because up until his birthday, his name was "Charlotte"... we're working on the returns now!) First time parent's Danni and Brent are holding their own after Brady almost didn't make it at birth- boy or girl, Brady, we're soooo glad you're here!!!

And finally, my best friend Liz and her hubsy Nathan welcomed Kiana Joy on May 22nd. Big brother Andre thinks she's just awesome and I have to throw in there I hate they live in Cali. Note to self- find a way to get to Redding, CA at once. When I was at the hospital within an hour of Andre's birth, it's been killing me that I have yet to meet this sweet little girl.

Needless to say, it was a month of babies!!!

And in our little home, Athena had her spay surgery and is doing just fine. She also had her umbilical hernia fixed as well which left her with a grand total of 14 stitches and a shaved belly to boot. She could care less.

So that's what going on with us... I'll leave you with a funny pic of our little girl. A similar picture has been entered in the Cutest Dog Contest at Pet Pals in West Dundee (on Main Street/72)- if you get a chance, stop by and vote for Athena!!! If we win, we get a gift card to the store which helps BOTH our pups!!!