Location: 5th and 6th grade Wednesday evening Pioneer Clubs.
Shirlee and I are ready to make synchronized swimming history. I mentioned yesterday that we had pooh-poohed the water/swimsuit thing, and the standard Knox gelatin hair control. Instead we would perform our routine clothed, dry, and with Vaseline sculpted hair.
Nervous, as most athletes before a big event, Shirlee and I paced the room. We had the full attention of the kids while we explained a bit about the history of synchronized swimming.
Then it was time to perform.
Shirlee grabbed the container of Vaseline and smeared a glob into her hair. You could hear a pin drop. She held it out to me. I scooped and swirled.
Did I mention that my hair is longer than Shirlee’s? Or coarser and curly?
Within a minute, tops, Shirlee had an excellent greased upsweep, while I had wrestled my mane into a rope-like chunk of hairy goo. I should have known. Shirlee took pity on me, scooped out more Vaseline and coaxed a Who-like do.
We performed our routine with a forced encore (they didn’t ask for it, we made them sit through the slow-motion replay). A smattering of applause, lots of laughter, whew it was a success. I slapped a hat on my head.
Visions of nicely conditioned hair bounced through my brain while I planned on a quick wash out at 9:15 p.m.
Did I mention that Shirlee and I work together and that she had Thursday off?
Tune in tomorrow for the rest of the story……
