Mary (Mame) Pelletier Guire

OK, first things first! Here’s the deal with my name… My given name is Mary-Margaret. When I was just a baby my family gave me the nickname “May-Mar,” and later it was shortened to “Mame.” Either one is how my family refers to me (only “Mary-Margaret” when I was in trouble or meeting somebody new – never “Mary”). The only time in my life that I went by "Mary" was in high school and a couple years following.

When I was in my early 20’s, after a rough couple years, I moved out of state to where I knew nobody. I had a little quarter life crisis I guess, because I wanted to start fresh. When I went out there, I introduced myself as “Mame.” Which is the name I’ve gone by for over 15 years now.

You can call me “Mary” or “Mame,” I honestly don’t care. The friends from high school that I have kept in touch with try to call me “Mame” because they know it’s what I prefer, but they slip up on occasion and I really can’t blame them. It’s how they knew me! And it’s how you knew me too. So call me what you want… within reason!

Now, about my life... After high school, I bummed around (practically literally) for a couple of years. After I realized that I needed to get my stuff together, I went up to Moorhead State for a year and a half. It wasn’t a good fit, so I came back to Minneapolis for a little while. I decided to move west in 1993.

A month before I left, I met my (now) husband at a bar in the MOA (klassy!). We long distance “dated” for 9 months before he graduated from the U of M and got a job in Oregon.

I graduated from University of Oregon in 1995 with a degree in theatre. I backpacked Europe after graduation, mostly with Kathryn Thompson (Lansing) and some on my own. I then moved to Seattle with my then boyfriend, now husband.

In 1997 we got married. We moved back to Oregon (Portland this time) in 1998 so he could go to grad school. I worked as an actress and an improviser, a writer and voice performer on a radio show called “Live Wire!” and as a facilitator for a company called “On Your Feet” where we utilize the practices used in Improvisational Theatre to help in business application (communication issues, living brand values, dealing with change, etc.).

I had my son, David in May of 2006. He is beautiful, smart and funny. With a scientist as a father and an actor as a mother, it’ll be interesting to see how he turns out!

I still work with On Your Feet, but had to leave all my other work behind when we moved back to Minneapolis because my husband ran out of job opportunities in Portland. I’m working on building my connection base here and auditioning and working when I can. Mostly I’m staying home with David.

We’ve been back since April 2008 and just made it through my first MN winter in about 15 years. BRUTAL! I can’t believe I used to wear flats with no socks in the winter!

I’m looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible in August!

OH! And I just went blonde a month ago after going naturally salt and pepper since 29. I'm not sure I'm having any more fun than before, but I'm pretty convinced blondes live a different life than brunettes!

I was pretty disruptive, so there are a lot of memories there. One of my faves (and I don’t’ have any shame about this one, although I probably should) was putting an alka seltzer in my mouth in Ms. Fry’s class and started foaming in the mouth. That one still makes me laugh!

Also when Mr. Mueller took over the German class, and the desks were set in rows facing each other, we all slowly moved our desks towards the center of class an inch at a time as he paced back and forth. I’m sure he must’ve noticed sooner, but didn’t say anything until his “catwalk” shrank considerably!

Chasing each other on the way to choir and lifting up each other’s skirts. In particular, Erika.

“Beauty Queen” language. God, how annoying that must’ve been.

Mrs. Radke was definitely my favorite teacher. That was the one class that I didn’t pull crap in.

I also liked Mr. Zoellmer and algebra. I remember him telling me that he thought I was probably much smarter than I was acting or applying myself. I humbly agree! I’ve always been good at math, but was more interested in the social part of high school. Sorry Mr. Z!

One year Joel was out of town hunting or fishing or something for Sno Daze (on Valentines day, no less ;) and I asked Jason Paradis to go with me as a friend. We were supposed to meet at Benihana’s and he stood me up. Or at least that’s how I remember it! I went home and watched “Golden Girls” on TV. As if that show wasn’t bad enough!

Parties at my mom’s condo.
Homecoming party at my Dad’s house when somebody (was that you, Luanne?!) overflowed the Jacuzzi tub and it leaked through the ceiling. Boy was I in trouble.

Definitely drinking at Dot’s before graduation rehearsal! And the aftermath with Erika Inserra (big thanks to JZ for turning a blind eye to that one). How ballsy were we?

Cheerleading (but please don’t tell any of my friends I’ve met since high school that one, I’ve got a “cool” reputation to uphold ;)!

Choir tour

FRIENDS, FRIENDS, FRIENDS!

Mrs. Radke retiring and getting two crappy choir teachers thereafter.

Boy drama, man do I feel like an ass.

Throwing up in Mr. Davis’ class when I had the stomach flu.

Mono sophomore year. ’Nuff said.

MUCH less self-induced drama!

Been kinder to everybody, including myself.

Probably study harder, but that one’s a bit iffy. I was finally mature enough to care about that in college and it all worked out. I’m glad I have the memories I have, even though it couldn’t have been easy on my parents or my teachers!

My family! Performing. Laughing.

Yes