Jam was awesome. Details tomorrow...er, today? I need some sleep is what I'm sayin'.

Level C...on the level

So last night was my first Level C class at SCTC. I was really pumped, I think the excitement of learning new things improv-wise just tends to get me stoked.

Anyways, the first half hour or so was spent letting our instructor in on why we chose to take and continue classes, and what our favorite games were. After that, it was a few rounds of "getting to know you" games.

We had a 10 minute break and when we got back, we played endless rounds of freeze tag, which all culminated into 4-person scenes at the end. Our instructor didn't give us any feedback, but he sat in the corner taking copious notes...I think he's going to evaluate us as a class so he knows how to proceed.

I feel like I had a few great moments. One in particular was when I jumped into freeze without any idea, and ended up turning one of my classmates into a marionette puppet. Nothing spectacular, but the fact that he totally went with it, even implementing his own funniness by petting my leg really made it feel like a success.

I've learned throughout my improv experience that it's not necessarily what you say or how much you say, but rather what you do and how well you listen. In this case, the moment I was having with that classmate was both hilarious and rewarding...and we didn't have to really say anything to convey that.

Also, the fact that he knew exactly how to play it without a thought was incredible.

I think when it comes to scenes, I tend to err on the side of caution and remain quiet until I feel like I need to react verbally. There's no point in rambling on incessantly if it doesn't add to the scene. That type of action also makes it really difficult to do a 3 or 4 person scene.

It's about listening and give and take. You know? It's about adding to the scene and building on it.

Some of my other favorite scenes of the night were with B, one was completely in gibberish and the other was in complete silence. Both times I felt like what we created was valid and successful.

I also had one more scene with the marionette (he wasn't a marionette in this scene though), it was full-sentence and once again, he took what I brought in and totally built on it. I love that.

But I'm just rambling now. Jam tonight! Excited and nervous as usual.

Also, I stopped at McDonald's on the way home from class last night for 2 grilled chicken, ranch snack wraps when I noticed this on the bag:























I have the sinking suspicion that "McDonald's" is really a front for a male prostitution ring.

No, really. Think about it. Sausage? Special Sauce? Two all beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun?

All sex metaphors. I'm convinced.

Sick for a few days

So, after a nice long weekend, I was hit with a nasty germ-fest in my sinuses that took me out for 2 damned days.

In that time, I took a lot of naps, worked from home, and...ended up giving myself a lovely pedicure:

















I start level C at the SCTC today. I'm pretty excited. I'm also excited for the iO jam tomorrow, but nothing new there, right? I think I want to try and catch a show or two on Saturday as well.

Wow, I'm quite boring today. My after-class update will, hopefully, be more interesting.

Monday Night Recap...of sorts

Me and B last night, post Barstool Philosophers' show. This girl rocks my world. Hilarious, fun, and just a blast to hang around (and improvise) with.

(PS: I have no idea why I look like I'm:

• going to cry
• recovering from eating something sour
• constipated...or the opposite
  
• shitting my pants

none of these were the case)

I'm starting to get all sentimental thinking about the great friends I've met since only January. I had gotten into improv for a plethora of reasons. Here are just a few:

• First, I just love it
• Second, I needed to come out of my shell a little
• Third, I'm passionate about it
• Fourth, I love it
• Fifth, it makes me insanely happy

But I didn't really stop to think about how many awesome people I would meet...especially people who have the same wacky take on things as I do...or at least don't look at me like I have a nose growing out of my forehead if they don't have the same wacky take on things.

Anyhow, back to The Recap. I love The Playground, btw. Such a neat little venue. The show itself was fun. 3 teams last night. All great. Each with their own moments of snort-inducing hilarity. (Yes, I was the snorter...I can't help it. But if it happens, and you happen to be the one who caused it? Be proud. It means you're funny. The snort doesn't appear for just anyone. I mean, I'm not that type of girl...)

Also, it was nice to see what happens in Chicago on a Monday night. That said, it was pretty much like most other weeknights in Chicago. Still, for me, it was interesting.

I did have the honor of meeting some dude named Billy who was looking for some chick he had previously hooked up with. Billy came from, as he said it, "the 'burbs" (Glenview I think) but had been to the city once or twice before. He proceeded to tell me and L (B's sister) about his distress over not knowing where his chick was. Did I mention he had his hat cocked all crooked and weird? Don't know what that deal was.

Billy eventually found his lady...he also called Wrigley Field the Sears Tower.

Barstool Philosophers and the rest were awesome. Now out at a bar having a blast...dancin my arse off.

On my way to the Playground for some improv. Should be a fun time. I know...I'm so exciting. :)

I can update my blog via my phone now, apparenly. So, consider this a test.

Also, I think I'd like to ride an elephant someday. Random thought.

The Morning After

Jam last night went fairly swimmingly. I think I could have done better, but got a little stuck in my head.

This was mainly due to the fact that about 2 hours prior to Jam Time, I ended up with a small gall bladder attack which resulted in my having to walk to 7-11 for Rolaids...eating 6 of those Rolaids, removing my bra (the constriction from the strapless I was wearing wasn't helping my situation...), and lounging in the booth at Goose Island a la Al Bundy, minus my hand in my pants. (Taking note of my odd posture at the bar, I proceeded to practice my object work by pretending to drink a beer and use the 'clicker')

By 11:40, the attack was over thank goodness. I mean, I was literally dizzy from the pain in my tums. But since losing weight, it's rare I have attacks any more...which is totally a good thing.

I was so not about to let that rascal of a gall bladder spoil my good time. I'm a freaking trooper, right?

I had a few good scenes, and two terrible ones. But, whatever...you learn, right? What was really fun about yesterday was watching some of the seasoned pros play two rounds of "Sing It," one of which resulted in 3 encores, and 2 medleys. Hilarious and brilliant.

After the jam, I headed for the red line. Some friends from work were still hanging out and playing Rock Band. Upon entering the train I noticed 3 old men trying to be 20-something club-heads, and a fairly large gentleman in a fairly small purple sweatshirt. I also noticed the distinct smell of urine, and what might possibly be described as the odor from a dead carcass. Being from Indiana, all of this stuff is still interesting for me.

I left the train and headed for the Rock, sang a few songs, beat on the drums, and then finally headed home.

All in all a pretty good Friday night, I'd say.

Not much improv planned for the weekend. I have a little writing to do for work, and the boy is with me this weekend. However, Monday night I'll be catching at show at the Playground, as the boy will be in bed and a sitter's been locked down. I have him every Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday and every other Saturday. It's different, but it just works. So I always get a little excited when I go out on one of those nights, it's like a different world to me.

Yeah...I know...the simplest things appease me, right?

What else?

Oh yes. They announced my Level C instructor. Turns out he used to be a writer for You Don't Know Jack---the trivia game my company produces. Small freaking world. Can't wait for the first class.

I'll write something tomorrow. Not sure what. But it will be...well, I'm not making any promises because it just might be really lame. But, it will be something.

Friday Night Jams

So, back in, oh I don't know...March? Maybe February? Doesn't matter. Fact is, every Friday I do the improv jam at iO now. It's a fun time to play on stage and just practice---whether I succeed or fail.

So, tonight is another jam...and I, of course, am super excited as usual. And nervous. It happens every time.

Okay, this entry is lame. It's Friday...I'm sorry. I'm a bit scatterbrained and ready for the fun to start. But I mean...can you blame me?

I will likely report after the jam...to fill you in on the shenanigans.