Go here:

This is where I'm writing now:


byebyetwenties.blogspot.com

See ya there!

Redirect

I'm putting Behaving Improv-perly on hold in order to work on a different blog.  It makes no sense to have two at the moment, especially since they'll likely mirror each other anyways.  So, to catch up on what's been going on...and to continue to be caught up on me daily, please bookmark this blog:

Saturn's Return: http://tiffs29thyear.blogspot.com/

Enjoy!


*farts*

A moment

So yesterday I was on the red line, on my way to catch week 4 of Impress These Apes at ComedySportz. The train started off, and McCartney's "Here Today" started playing on my iPod, full blast. But over the sweet, sweet music, I heard a Streetwise vendor begin to talk. It was a neat moment, hearing this beautifully sad music with this man speaking in the background.

He was just trying to sell a paper, and some poetry he had written. He was also trying to pass out his resume. As the music played, and the train neared my stop at Belmont, I dug through my purse, pulled out a dollar, and tapped the man on his back, "I'll buy some of your poetry."

"Thank you, miss. What poem do you want?" He asked, digging through a Manila folder full of neatly stacked papers.

"Whichever one's your favorite."

"This one. This one's my favorite, miss. It's called 'I Feel No Pain.' "

"Then I'll take that one."

The train continued to my stop. From the corner of my eye I noticed a younger guy with spiky blonde hair staring at me. He seemed to be smirking. Not sure if he thought I had just been duped, or if he thought it was a nice gesture.

Or maybe he was thinking about something else...a random girl he met at the bar, elephants, the deodorant marks on the bottom of my shirt (yeah...I didn't notice until like 8pm...).

I don't know. What I *do* know is that the poetry isn't half bad. And the funny thing? It was mildly fitting for things going on in my own life.

I just felt moved at that moment. Maybe it was Sir Paul...maybe it was the honesty I heard in the streetwise vendor's voice...maybe it was something completed unrelated to any of those things...

I just thought I'd share.

Also, Apes was PHENOMENAL. When I walked in, there was a big screen on stage, and I was surprised to see that they were showing footage I had shot with some of the great folks at Blewt about a year and a half ago of me doing a hula hoop routine. I mean, there I was, larger than life (and about 40 pounds heavier...), hooping away. What was kind of surreal was watching the rest of the audience as they watched me. I heard a few "Wow, she's good"s and giggles. And then, once the video ended, the audience actually applauded.

It was pretty cool. No one realized I was the girl on the screen; that was fine by me though. I got to have this secret moment to myself. Kind of like a secret shopper. I don't know. Anyhow, please, if you get the chance in the next 4 weeks, check out Apes at ComedySportz Wednedsay nights a 8pm. Definitely a fun show, with many, many talented folks...contestants and hosts/judges/etc. alike.

I'm actually thinking about auditioning next season. It looks like heaps of fun. Heaps I say!

On a completely different note...I am a terrible cook.

Here's what happens when I try to hard-boil eggs:

























Um....wtf, right?

I'm a terrible blogger...

I'm sorry. It's been nearly a month an no updates. What the crap is my problem?

I guess I've just been really busy. With what? Well, work, Max, improv...the whole lot. I'm about to finish level D at Second City. Our show is this coming Sunday the 11th at 2:30pm in the e.t.c. Theater at Second City. Should be a good time. I know I'm excited. Only catch is that it's the same day as the Chicago Marathon, so traffic and parking will be horrendous. Ick.

I'm 2 classes away from finishing level 1 at iO, all signed up for level 2. Brilliant news: I got the internship at iO. I'm so super excited about it it's ridiculous. I mean seriously...incontinent with excitement.

I'm also planning to audition for the Incubator program in a couple weeks. Things are going to get busy, right? But I figure, I worked 3 jobs, went to school full time, and raised a kid...so this should be easy.

I feel like everything I'm writing is terribly lame. I think it's because it's more stream of consciousness than well-thought-out blog entry. Plus I'm catching you all up on things that have happened over the course of nearly an entire month. (This is why we start improv scenes AFTER the "Hey how are you" moment.)

What else? Well, my birthday is this month. October 23rd I'll be 29. That's crazy. I mean, seriously weird. The last year of my 20s? Are you kidding? Where the heck did the time go? I'm not saying that I'm old (although, some might argue that I am...) nor do I feel old (although this time of year the cold weather makes my joints hurt...and recently if I eat anything after 8pm I get heartburn...) but it just feels like the last 4 or 5 years just flew the eff by. Like I blinked and bam...I've time travelled to age 29.

It's been making me really introspective...and also, a little be more willing to take risks, I guess? I'm not sure how to explain it.

Last week was busy at work, so I only caught the jam and Blackout, in terms of improv. Saw a really fun Halloween Burlesque show Saturday. I recommend you check it out if you're a fan of hilarity and burlesque dancing. Risque, but classy.

This week I'm crammin' in more improv...Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Break Saturday to chill with Max, and cap the weekend off with my Level D show.

It's gonna be a wild ride. Hang on tight.

What a Tuesday night looks like

So, as some of you know, for me, Tuesday nights are a bit of a mystery. Typically, Tuesdays are spent playing Legos and board games with my son. However, last night was a rare exception. A late-running Cub Scout sign-up meeting, combined with having to be into work early today made it so that I could experience a Tuesday night out.

Was lucky enough to see some great shows, Cook County Social Club, Babymakers, 21st Century Men, Black Ted Williams, and Gingersnaps.

I laughed so hard last night, I actually cried...and ran the risk of literally wetting my pants. (I HAD to go...but I couldn't justify missing a CCSC scene. Couldn't do it. Glad I didn't. Also glad I was able to keep the whole situation under control...)

Another high point in the night included my ability...for only the second and third times in my life...to tie a cherry stem into a knot with my tongue. (It's the simple things that really make my life complete, ya know?)

Tonight, I'm going to catch the free show at 8pm, followed by the upstairs show at 10:30. Then class both Thursday and Friday, and hopefully taking my son to Storytown Saturday morning.

Oh, and OF COURSE...the Jam on Friday. Can't forget the Jam.

Awesome weekend.

Saw Improvised Shakespeare for the first time. Pretty much mind-blowing. Also saw Close Quarters on Wednesday, and not one but TWO Harold shows on Saturday. Even offered up the story of my Saturday for the Dream/Nightmare game (during which I accidentally mentioned to the entire place that I took an Epsom salt bath...to cleanse my aura. Great material, embarrassing to explain though...)

No matter *lol*

Class Friday was pretty incredible. Our teacher was out so we had two subs...both of which were great, one of which was Charna. Awesome experience. She even complimented our class as a whole, and went on to say there were quite a few talented women in the bunch. Not sure if I was being included in that bunch, but I'll take it.

I'm so in love with improv. What a geek right? I don't care...that's just my nature.

Aside from improv-related things, other parts of the weekend were stellar as well. Oh...yes.

Also, this morning I've been attracting an odd amount of aphids. Yes...aphids. Little green aphids seem to rather enjoy my silk pj pants. No matter. Harmless coffee buddies, I suppose.

Oh, and a very nice Irish boy told me that there was no way I was older than 22...23 tops. I had to then inform him that I'm an almost-29-year-old divorcee with a 4th grade son. *lol* Still, it was quite a nice sentiment.

Gonna house hunt today and take it easy tomorrow. Perhaps I can try to see another show...(geek).

reasons why

I always find it really interesting to hear what made people decide to do improv.

I know, for me, it was always something that intrigued me. But I never had the time or the money to do it until this past January. And then, after a few classes, I realized it meant more to me than I had previously thought.

Just this week I asked a good friend about his journey. Same thing...always wanted to do it, never really had the means...then, after a seemingly terrible run with luck, it just happened for him. It was really interesting...I mean, it was a sad story, but I think it has a happy ending. The guy's a great improviser.

I also met someone who recently moved to Chicago for the sole purpose of improv. His excitement was so awesome to see...I mean, as a fresh improviser myself, I can completely relate. (That whole "honeymoon phase" thing I talked about last post.)

Anyhow, tonight is my second Level 1 class at iO. Super excited. Then I'm hoping to hit Improvised Shakespeare at 10:30, followed by the Jam.

I have been so hungry for this ALL WEEK.

Speaking of hungry...check out the size of this cookie I had yesterday:


























I must admit, I got about 5 bites in before it dominated me.

But it was delicious.

need more improv

Since I started taking improv classes in January of this year, it's become apparent that improv is slowly becoming more and more important in my life.

I've become an improv nerd. My weeks aren't complete unless I've seen at least 2 shows. And I feel weird that I can't see shows on Sundays, Mondays, or Tuesdays...but it's for a good reason. And in a few years, Max will be old enough to come join me...so it's a small sacrifice.

This week has been really busy with work, making seeing shows really difficult...but I'm gonna try to get my 2 in...that's a promise.

Also, my iO class is amazing. I absolutely love it. I've only had one class, but man, what a plethora of things I learned in those 3 hours.

If I were to use metaphor to describe my relationship with improv, it would have to be like---um...like a new boyfriend. That's fitting right? I mean, you know that part of a relationship where everything is new and just peachy...that part where it's like, you know the other person burps and farts and has some not-so-good qualities, but you completely overlook that because you're so enamored? Yeah, that's me and improv right now...well, since January (and probably before...because, let's face it...I've had a crush on improv my entire life.)

Although, I guess it's more platonic...but, on the other hand, performing is sometimes as satisfying as sex...so in this analogy, improv is my boyfriend, in the honeymoon stage of the relationship, and performing (either in front of a crowd or in class) is the sex...or at least a hot and heavy make out session.

Yeah. It follows.

Anyhow, what the fuck am I talking about? Rereading all that, I realize how incredibly silly it sounds. But hey, I make no apologies for my awkwardness...that's just me.

For example:

























Not only did I actually leave the house to take Max to school in my penguin pajama pants...but I also managed to accidentally wear two different flip flops...and I didn't notice until I had gotten home. (I mean, I didn't notice the flip flops...I was well aware of the pants.)

Looking forward to Friday...I have a hot date with improv. (And perhaps one tonight if I can hustle...)

Whale poop.
(Non sequitur)

I'm learning

So, there's this commercial on the radio now, from Kraft Singles...about how if you bring in the wrapper to a baseball game, they'll pay for one of your tickets, right?

And said commercial bothers the crap out of me...before I get into why I should explain the commercial...in case you're unfamiliar. (Names were changed because I can't remember their actual names...)

It goes a little something like this:

Female: "I'm Kelly, Marketing blah blah blah from Kraft"

Male: "And I'm Todd, baseball fan."

Female: "We're here today to announce a special thing from Kraft. Called, [Insert Marketing Ploy Name Here]...where if you eat some cheese and bring a wrapper to the ticket window, Kraft will buy one ticket for you."

Male: "This is great! And maybe I can watch my home team hit a single!"

Female: "Wait. That's mean, why would anybody want to hit a single?"

Male: "No it's good. We want the team to hit a bunch of singles!"

Female: "Wait. No! We don't want people hitting our cheese!"

And it goes on like this, with the guy getting aggravated with the girl and vice versa...for like 2 minutes.

But today I figured out why it bothers me so much...I mean, beyond the cheesiness (no pun intended) of the commercial in general...)

It's because nobody would let this miscommunication actually go on that long. I mean, if it were and actual conversation...the moment the woman said "hitting our cheese" any normal person would simply say something along the lines of "Oh...you meant a Kraft Single. I'm talking about a play in baseball. When the batter hits the ball and takes first base. *haha haha awkward laugh*"

It bothers me because it's not an honest back and forth. The reactions are faked to create this commercial, as opposed to creating an actual conversation between two people who are misunderstanding each other and building the commercial out of that.

And I think I picked up on due to my improv classes. Truthful human interaction and response is much more entertaining...as opposed to forced situations...or those that simply try to get the "funny."


Also, I really hate cooked carrots.

a rip roarin' good time

Although the week was pretty much, well, shit...my Friday night turned out to be extraordinarily fun. The jam itself was a little rough...it lacked some, shall we say...energy?

But, it was a good experience nonetheless. I mean, as a budding improviser I realize that I'm going to have some bad nights on stage. What better place to experience that than at a midnight jam?

Got some really stellar advice from someone in the improv community that I look up to. Basically, he told me that it takes a lot of balls to get up there during a jam. It's the hardest gig out there. Succeed or fail, there shouldn't be any judgement. He also let me know that I'm going to have a blast at my iO classes...which start on Friday. I'm stoked.

This week, I plan on trying to catch the free Wednesday show, and I'm definitely going to check out Tj and Dave...it's been about a month since I caught that show. Thursday is class, Friday is class, and then the jam...which I hope is a little bit more full of life this week.

Then Saturday I start the house search all over again. It's out there. I know it. I just can't wait til I find it so that I can settle in and have one less thing on my plate to stress me out.

Also, I've discovered that "assbag" is my new favorite word.

Friday...(I couldn't come up with a catchier title...)

Soooooooo looking forward to the Jam tonight. After this week, man...I need to laugh at life a little. Going for sushi before the show. I'm addicted. So delicious.

What else? Oh...ROCKIN' class last night. Absolutely. And the funniest moments were when we were strictly playing reality. Even though deep down I know playing reality is key, sometimes it's so hard to jump out of your mind and just let things happen naturally. There's sometimes this pressure to get a scene started. And you know what? There really doesn't need to be.

Last night's class just reinforced that. And hopefully I can put it into practice tonight. Or sometime soon.

On another note, I have a monologue workshop tomorrow afternoon. Actually really excited about it. It's to help you prepare for auditions and whatnot. Who knows if I'll ever even have the opportunity to actually audition for anything...but, might as well keep that in my back pocket, right? I mean honestly, the more tools in my belt, the more...well, i don't know. I think it's nice to learn what I can...and the workshop is free.

I'm rambling now. To be quite honest, I'm killing time before I can leave and meet up with B for sushi. I'd really rather not stand alone in Wrigleyville, but, it's lookin that way. Oh well.

This entry was so lame. I apologize.

Elephant farts and rat gonads.

There. Non-sequitur.

And I Just Can't Hide It

I'm officially a card-carrying member of the iO Training Center Chicago! Truly excited, classes start August 28th.

This week (and the weeks that follow, most likely) will be spent seeing shows, doing jams, and perhaps taking a workshop (haven't heard back yet).

And this blog post is incredibly boring. I realize. But there are clients here at work and it's making me nervous.

There are also bagels.

Score.

yup...

That is DEFINITELY my son.

anticipation has a purpose

In this case, that purpose was the fact that plans have changed...slightly...since my last post in which I mentioned that there would be big news.

So, here it is: I'm NOT dropping out of Second City...instead I'm going to continue through the program AND start at iO. So, double the improv until January. Which is awesome by me!

It's been a while since I've written anything of any real note, hasn't it? Sorry about that. I've been really focused on work these days. Lots of deadlines and writing, etc. Sometimes writing for myself gets pushed to the wayside.

As I'm typing this, I'm realizing how much I actually LIKE to type. I can see my fingers moving out of my peripheral vision. I didn't realize how accustomed I've gotten to the keyboard *lol*

Lame. I'm sorry. Let's see...what else?

Oh yes, I was thinking earlier today how much I enjoy my trips on the red line while listening to my iPod. Music makes the whole world a completely different place. I also enjoy my 20 minute walk to Piper's Alley on Thursdays. I crank up my music and just enjoy everything. It's like the world is going on around me and I've just added my own soundtrack. Sometimes there's an inner monologue going on in my head. Weird, I know. But hey...it makes me smile.

I realize this all has nothing to do with my improv journey. Sorry. But if you think about it, everything I notice wherever I go has the potential to influence my improvisation, right?

I guess I should mention one snafu I experienced at the Jam on Friday night. I was in a scene with a really nice guy. I don't think he had any experience, but man was he an awesome sport. We were playing Take That Back, and had established a scene where he owed me some money. At one point, the jam masters cornered me with taking my sentences back, and I ended up drawing a blank. So I ended up saying the first thing to pop into my head, which just so happened to be "Let's go to Kentucky Fried Chicken."

Now...normally this wouldn't even have been something that contributed to the scene...however, my scene partner was African-American and the audience suddenly started making that collective "Oooh" noise that signifies that someone has just crossed a line.

Problem is, I would NEVER cross a line purposely like that. So there I was, ignoring the audience and trying to get through the rest of the scene, thinking that I have just offended my partner and the audience. It was a HORRIBLE feeling. Luckily, it was soon forgotten, but still...to think that your partner thinks you've just disrespected him or her is a terrible feeling.

It's those damn Kentucky Grilled Chicken commercials all over the place. They're stuck in my brain.

Anyways, so yeah...that sucked. But, like I said, my scene partner was totally cool about it. I think he knew it wasn't intentional.

The rest of the night I only played one game of Pillars (as the Pillar...AGAIN...) and a couple line games. Then I headed home for the night.

But I guess that moment taught me to REALLY pay attention to what's going on around me more than I was already. I always listen, but I guess sometimes that's not enough.

Anyhow, that's my update for now. I could keep typing just because I like it, but that would be boring...because there's really nothing left to say at this point.

But I could keep rambling...and I bet you'd keep reading.

Right?

See?

It's like I have you at the mercy of my fingertips...literally.

There you go again.

Haha. Sorry. I couldn't help myself.

ch-ch-ch-changes

Big announcement coming shortly. In the meantime...as far as this past weekend in improv, much fun was had.

Went to the jam on Friday, didn't feel like I did my best, but I had fun. So there's that.

This week it's Tj and Dave...again. It's becoming a habit I think. But it's so inspiring to me. I don't know. Maybe I'm lame that way. But, whatever...it works for me.

M and K might be joining me up at the jam on Friday this week. So excited! They won't play, but I think they'll have a great time!

Then, it's No Doubt on Saturday...which isn't really improv-related, but seriously exciting nonetheless. I went to my first No Doubt concert in July of 1996 or 97. I can't believe it's been that long since I first saw them.

Anyhow, back to work. Just wanted to jot some things down so you all didn't think I just gave up on this thing.

Peace.

Stellar weekend. Jam night was amazing. Then, went to a pig roast with be where I went tubing for the first time and we discussed improv plans. Woo!

i like bananas

I only titled this blog that way because I just finished a delicious, not yet ripe, organic banana.

In other news, last week in improv was quite eventful.

Saw Tj and Dave again, although Dave wasn't there because he was out of town and another very funny improviser filled in for him. My favorite quote from the night was "that fire is really finger-banging that house!" You had to be there?

Afterwards, I hightailed it to the red line, which is always a bit scary at like 12:30am. But I managed all right. Enjoyed people-watching from the platform and the bumpy ride to my stop.

Thursday was an awesome class, followed by Open Court at the Playground with B and Baby K. I'm still shaky when it comes to longform, but I love trying it nonetheless.

Friday, I went to B's before the jam where we ate salads and chit chatted. Then we headed to Wrigleyville, where we ended up at a mailbox party. The last time I went to one of those was in 2005...on a first date...with a real...um...yeah, the guy wasn't very cool. And I mean in that whole, "what the fuck, dude?" way.

This time was totally by accident (actually, the first time was by accident as well...) and the place was virtually empty. So we moved to Goose Island and then headed to iO for the Jam.

Can I just say? B and I had a really great experience in our first scene. The audience seemed to dig it, but beyond that, bigger than that, was that we seemed to mesh so well on stage. Just building off of each other, and heightening the scene. It's happened in class before, but it was different this time.

This time, it was kind of like we stepped out of the rehearsal hall, and straight into the recital...audience and all. And it was a magical moment for me. It was also quite humbling. To realize that I am surrounded by so many talented people, in class, and in all the shows that I've seen. It makes me realize that even in moments such as the scene with B, there's still so much to learn and strive for.

Maybe it's the writer in me...never quite satisfied to the point of feeling like I've conquered something, but instead always finding new things to learn, new ways to explore, new goals to set and hopefully reach. I feel truly passionate about improv in that respect. Much like the way I feel about writing.

And maybe that's my beginner's naivete, and maybe some of you reading this will find it pretty sappy. But what can I say? That's just my take on it.

Anyhow, Saturday I caught the 10:30 Harold with Henrietta Pussycat and Bullet Lounge, and then the midnight The Late Night Late Show reunion, where I had the opportunity to sit about 5 feet from David Cross, and later shake his hand. I laughed so hard during both amazing shows that my dimples were literally etched in my cheeks for an hour after I'd stopped laughing. I mean, my face honestly hurt a little.

I managed to make it back to the red line, and later my car, and even later, my bed, safely...even though it was incredibly late and scaries were out in full force.

Tomorrow, I'll be catching Tj and Dave again, and then I've got a few other things planned. Should be another stellar week in improv.

Also, here's B and I as we presented "Wig":

ooh friday

So, it's finally Friday again. I'm tellin' ya, there is nothing like Friday these days. I tend to get more work done. It's like a Pavlovian response to fun.

I know that at the end of the tunnel lies some good times with great people, so, if I work my ass off the entire day, I feel rewarded. (Although, maybe it's not so Pavlovian, because I feel that if I dicked around all day, I would still be rewarded by fun. Whatever. )

But I haven't dicked around all day. I'm like freaking lightning today. Spitting out work like it's my---job...yeah, I realize that it IS my job...so that didn't quite work as a simile.

Again...whatever.

More to the point: Jam tonight. Love the iO jam. I've recently started going to a jam at the Playground on Thursday nights. I'm still getting used to it. It's mainly longform...and I'm not schooled in longform...yet. But it's really fun for me. It's also fun to work with new people and watch other talent. Seriously. It's inspiring. And, eventually, I'll get better at it...I think?

I hope.

But back to Friday. iO jam. Love it. Aaaaaaaand, I'm pre-partying with B and Mimi. Last time we did this, it was a BLAST. Super fun because we girl-talked and then eventually ended up working on characters...organically.

Only about 2.5 more hours of work and then I'm headed off to B's to get ready for tonight. I'm pumped. PUMPED.

I suppose, I should stop dicking around and get back to work. Much to do, and I'm 3/4's of the way done.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite things about summer and living in walking distance to the laundromat/ice cream shop:






















Bubblegum FlavorBurst Cones. Holy shit these are delicious.

Tj and Dave tonight. Excited for this as usual. Currently sitting in the VW dealership, hoping Bloo (that's my Bug...) is okay and that I can afford to fix whatever's wrong with him. It's crazy how when you're trying to save money, something comes up, right?

Tomorrow is class and the Open Court at the Playground. Friday, definitely Jam... and hanging wirh B!

And Saturday, hopefully DSTW at the Playground then...fun with B again.

It's hump day! Go nuts!

Oscar-winning moment

I'm about to break it down dramatic-style for you all.

See...yesterday I took Max to the park. Now, being a young parent, I don't really have any other parent friends...and I don't always relate to other parents in situations such as the park. I did some observing and noticed other parents there, just sitting around, watching their kids or pushing them calmly on the swings.

And here I was, talking in a New York accent, pushing Max on the tire swing, telling him I was Tommy, the tire swing concierge...and that by pushing him, I was doing him a favor. A favor which I'd like returned. I told him I was going to push him 10 minutes into the future and his job was to tell me how different it was.

He was laughing like a hyena. (So was I.) This went on for 20 good minutes or so. Then, I got on the tire swing and noticed him mimicking me to an extent. And that's when I realized something: improv has made me a better parent.

Maybe that's sappy, but it's true. It's helped me to stay in the moment and really listen to Max. And I've noticed that when we spend time together, it's a lot more full than it's been before.

I started taking classes because I've always wanted to be an improviser, and because I needed to polish my wit for work. But what I've found is that improv has unlocked this part of me that I never knew existed.

There might be some who think that perhaps I'm not looking at improv the right way, but I would have to disagree. It's an art. Indeed, I know this. But along with that, I've found it's almost a metaphor for one way to live one's life: Stay in the moment and listen.

I realize how sappy I sound...but look, 10 minutes into the future, I have a Popeye arm...just one gigantic arm...the right one to be exact.

...and if it weren't for improv, I wouldn't have been able to prepare myself for that.