Yesterday I completed an eight-week short-form improv course at Comedy Sportz. A friend of mine sent me a Groupon and I decided to give it a try. I've always been a fan of former Second City people (Dan Aykroyd, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Martin Short to name a few) and thought it would be fun to get a glimpse into the improv world.
The class met every Monday for two hours. We started out with about 20 people, which dwindled down to a group of around 10 regulars. The first few classes started out slowly - warm-up games, pretending to be things (using sound and motion), team building exercises - then progressed to starting scenes (establish who, where and the the conflict). We worked on doing one-minute, two-minute and three-minute scenes. For a one-minute scene, two people got on stage and were given a topic like shoes. "Go!" So you'd just start talking and bouncing things off of each other. The two and three-minute scenes were for three people [two on stage, one in the wings ready to come on when called for ("We need a doctor!") or if they thought the scene needed another character].
I always thought it was harder than it looked and I found out how much harder it really is. A few times I was on stage, given a topic, and my teammate and I looked at each other and might have actually said, "I got nothing!" So we'd laugh and start over. After last week's class I told everyone I stunk at improv. I feel better after last night's class. We played more games, I felt better about my performances, and the teacher told us that improv is a learned skill, not necessarily a talent.
I highly recommend anyone going to a ComedySportz match. I've been to two performances in the past month. The "actletes" rotate and the games differ so you get a new performance every time. It's also family friendly so it's fun for all ages.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
#98 "What Are You Waiting For?"
I stopped in my neighborhood Honda dealership Saturday to pick up something in the parts department (note to self - they are closed on Saturdays) and a salesman there stopped me and asked where I played basketball. Then he asked me how tall I was. Then he asked me if I had any children. After I said no, he asked, "What are you waiting for?" I'll give him credit - it was a question I've never been asked before. My reply - "I need a man first." Well, I'd actually like to have a husband first...
Friday, July 30, 2010
#97 Liberty Basketball Association
A co-worker just e-mailed me this article to remind me of a somewhat embarrassing part of my basketball past.
Yes, that's me in the photo. Nevermind the crazy outfit, am I wearing a scrunchie?
I was finishing my last quarter in college and was invited to participate in an experimental league with a shorter floor, smaller ball and shorter goal. What I was not told before my arrival was about the uniforms. I remember going in the room and being speechless looking at a UNITARD. I also remember holding it up by the top shoulder straps and it looked as if it would fit a small child. Being thin, I was one of the lucky ones. Some of those girls were a bit heavier and I am not sure how they got the thing on. One trip down the court and I had an atomic wedgie. I wanted to keep the uniform as a souvenir but they wouldn't let me have it.
The game time was in the afternoon so I thought everyone I knew at school would be in class. Then I got back to class and had several people (mostly guys) tell me they watched it! They did say that I looked pretty good compared to some of the heavier girls.
Despite a bit of embarrassment, it was fun, all-expenses paid trip. I think I came in second in the slam dunk contest.
Yes, that's me in the photo. Nevermind the crazy outfit, am I wearing a scrunchie?
I was finishing my last quarter in college and was invited to participate in an experimental league with a shorter floor, smaller ball and shorter goal. What I was not told before my arrival was about the uniforms. I remember going in the room and being speechless looking at a UNITARD. I also remember holding it up by the top shoulder straps and it looked as if it would fit a small child. Being thin, I was one of the lucky ones. Some of those girls were a bit heavier and I am not sure how they got the thing on. One trip down the court and I had an atomic wedgie. I wanted to keep the uniform as a souvenir but they wouldn't let me have it.
The game time was in the afternoon so I thought everyone I knew at school would be in class. Then I got back to class and had several people (mostly guys) tell me they watched it! They did say that I looked pretty good compared to some of the heavier girls.
Despite a bit of embarrassment, it was fun, all-expenses paid trip. I think I came in second in the slam dunk contest.
#96 Colonoscopy
My family has a history of colon cancer (my mom, her sister and brother) so I am due for my third colonoscopy next month. I get screened every five years. For those of you who have never had one, you are lucky.
I called to make my appointment yesterday and had to answer lots of questions (they updated their computer system since my last visit). The woman asked my height ("You are tall!!") and weight ("My, you are skinny!") among other things. She even made a comment later on about giving me some of her weight. Well, while you're poking around back there, why don't you just inject some of that fat up my bum. :-)
I called to make my appointment yesterday and had to answer lots of questions (they updated their computer system since my last visit). The woman asked my height ("You are tall!!") and weight ("My, you are skinny!") among other things. She even made a comment later on about giving me some of her weight. Well, while you're poking around back there, why don't you just inject some of that fat up my bum. :-)
#95 Indianapolis Tennis Center
It’s the end of an era. In August the Indianapolis Tennis Center will be no more. For those unaware, Indianapolis has been home to the Indianapolis Tennis Championships (formerly RCA Tennis Championships, formerly the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships). In addition to the outdoor stadium and outer courts, the indoor tennis facility will also close. That facility has around 800 members. The IUPUI tennis team also plays there. It will be a great loss for the downtown area and the Indianapolis tennis community.
I went to the RCA Championships at least once when women participated. I remember going with Paul once (he played tennis in high school) and he took lots of pictures of the women players. Back then I liked watching Boris Becker, Ivan Lendl, Stefan Edberg. My favorite though was Aaron Krickstein. Who, you might ask? He’s a tall, dark and handsome player from Michigan who is probably most famous for his 1991 U.S. Open loss to then 39-year old Jimmy Connors.
For the past 10 years I have volunteered at the tournament in patron hospitality. Basically I would help direct people attending corporate parties. It was great fun to be immersed in all things tennis for a whole week. One year my duties included taking dessert tickets from the players (at one time they ate in the same area as those who paid for the expensive buffet) and I took a ticket from Patrick Rafter one night. Sigh. Another night David Wheaton spoke to me for a while (asking about my height and family, etc.). Last year turned out to be the last tournament in Indy. I think Atlanta got the dates this year. My volunteer buddies got together a few weeks ago for a cookout. Funny, we’d see each other once a year but it felt like no time had gone by. I hope we can continue to get together even though the tournament is gone. I will especially miss Jane, who died in 2007. Jane was the life of the party, but most importantly, one of the nicest people I have ever known. RIP Jane and the Indianapolis Tennis Center and Championships.
I went to the RCA Championships at least once when women participated. I remember going with Paul once (he played tennis in high school) and he took lots of pictures of the women players. Back then I liked watching Boris Becker, Ivan Lendl, Stefan Edberg. My favorite though was Aaron Krickstein. Who, you might ask? He’s a tall, dark and handsome player from Michigan who is probably most famous for his 1991 U.S. Open loss to then 39-year old Jimmy Connors.
For the past 10 years I have volunteered at the tournament in patron hospitality. Basically I would help direct people attending corporate parties. It was great fun to be immersed in all things tennis for a whole week. One year my duties included taking dessert tickets from the players (at one time they ate in the same area as those who paid for the expensive buffet) and I took a ticket from Patrick Rafter one night. Sigh. Another night David Wheaton spoke to me for a while (asking about my height and family, etc.). Last year turned out to be the last tournament in Indy. I think Atlanta got the dates this year. My volunteer buddies got together a few weeks ago for a cookout. Funny, we’d see each other once a year but it felt like no time had gone by. I hope we can continue to get together even though the tournament is gone. I will especially miss Jane, who died in 2007. Jane was the life of the party, but most importantly, one of the nicest people I have ever known. RIP Jane and the Indianapolis Tennis Center and Championships.
Monday, July 26, 2010
#94 R.O.C.K in the USA
Last Saturday was a day of music! Megan and I saw country singer Luke Bryan (the Academy of Country Music’s top newcomer for this year) perform at the Brickyard in the Pagoda Plaza. We got a spot up front and got some really good pictures. He put on a great show and even did some rapping, including Vanilla Ice's "Ice, Ice Baby". Despite the Ice, it was extremely hot out there. It was a relief to get back to the car and crank the AC to level 4.
Megan was HAPPY to see Luke!
Later that night I went downtown with Krista, Kenny, Phil and Michelle to see if we could catch any stars out and about. Last year Phil and Michelle saw Peyton Manning at Harry & Izzy’s. The only celeb we saw there was Ericka Flye from Channel 6 news. We also saw a guy sitting by himself that they thought was a Colt’s player but was never confirmed. We decided to leave and on our way out saw none other than Indiana rocker John Mellencamp, hanging out, smoking on the sidewalk with what we guessed were his two sons. I tentatively approached him, telling him I loved his music and asking permission to get a picture taken with him. He obliged and even put his arm around me. I admit that I was a bit intimidated by him – I wasn’t sure how he would respond and I always try to be mindful of invading someone’s privacy. I also told him that I had seen his artwork at the Herron School of Art several years ago and liked it. Anyway, he seemed fairly friendly and not bothered by my request, so I deemed it a success. I do like his music (saw him in concert once) and even think he’s kinda cute. Not as hot as Luke Bryan, but the man definitely exudes cool.
This blurry picture was taken by Michelle on her Blackberry and I think it’s hilarious. He’s probably thinking, “Holy @#$#@ this girl is tall!”
Megan was HAPPY to see Luke!
Later that night I went downtown with Krista, Kenny, Phil and Michelle to see if we could catch any stars out and about. Last year Phil and Michelle saw Peyton Manning at Harry & Izzy’s. The only celeb we saw there was Ericka Flye from Channel 6 news. We also saw a guy sitting by himself that they thought was a Colt’s player but was never confirmed. We decided to leave and on our way out saw none other than Indiana rocker John Mellencamp, hanging out, smoking on the sidewalk with what we guessed were his two sons. I tentatively approached him, telling him I loved his music and asking permission to get a picture taken with him. He obliged and even put his arm around me. I admit that I was a bit intimidated by him – I wasn’t sure how he would respond and I always try to be mindful of invading someone’s privacy. I also told him that I had seen his artwork at the Herron School of Art several years ago and liked it. Anyway, he seemed fairly friendly and not bothered by my request, so I deemed it a success. I do like his music (saw him in concert once) and even think he’s kinda cute. Not as hot as Luke Bryan, but the man definitely exudes cool.
This blurry picture was taken by Michelle on her Blackberry and I think it’s hilarious. He’s probably thinking, “Holy @#$#@ this girl is tall!”
Thursday, July 8, 2010
#93 Bike Virginia 2010
I returned to Virginia for Bike Virginia 2010. This time we started in Staunton and also spent time in Harrisonburg. It was HOT. We rode through the Shenandoah Valley along the Blue Ridge Mountains. I met up with Steve again.
Unfortunately Bruce wasn't able to make it.
A few highlights:
The first two nights we stayed at a middle school in Staunton. The showers were nice and we did have warm water but...the shower head came to my belly button. Not kidding. I had to squat to wash my hair. I don't remember middle school kids being that short.
Thanks to Steve I now have a fake name ready to use at a hotel if I ever become famous. You will have to ask me about it. It was featured on South Park. If any female readers out there need a fake name, might I suggest Miss Hussey. She is a teacher at the Staunton middle school.
I got turned around about three times over six days so vowed to buy a GPS when I got home. Haven't yet, but am looking.
Steve and I watched a group of high schoolers at Point Guard College while at the campus of Eastern Mennonite University. I asked one of the counselors for a t-shirt but came up empty handed. Apparently he didn't think a 6'6" woman wearing a Point Guard College t-shirt was good advertising.
I learned the difference between llamas and alpacas http://www.mountairyalpacas.com/llama.html. Some of us stopped to take pictures of these alpacas. The owner ended up getting his camera to take pictures of us!
I broke the law twice by exceeding the speed limit on my bike. Once I was going 35 in a 30 and another time I was going about 28 in a 25. Woo hooo!!
I visited with Kelly and Mary on the front and back end of my bike adventure. It is always great to see them. We spent time at the Charlottesville downtown mall and I brought them good parking luck when we ate at Fry's Spring Station, a new pizza place there that is in an old gas station. Very cool place and very good pizza. And only four parking spots.
A couple comments I heard while riding:
- "I'm in awe of the size of your frame every time I see you." Hmmm, MY frame or my bike frame?
- "Where were you when I was your age?" Said by a 60-ish gentleman. In high school, sir.
All-in-all, I had a wonderful time!
Unfortunately Bruce wasn't able to make it.
A few highlights:
The first two nights we stayed at a middle school in Staunton. The showers were nice and we did have warm water but...the shower head came to my belly button. Not kidding. I had to squat to wash my hair. I don't remember middle school kids being that short.
Thanks to Steve I now have a fake name ready to use at a hotel if I ever become famous. You will have to ask me about it. It was featured on South Park. If any female readers out there need a fake name, might I suggest Miss Hussey. She is a teacher at the Staunton middle school.
I got turned around about three times over six days so vowed to buy a GPS when I got home. Haven't yet, but am looking.
Steve and I watched a group of high schoolers at Point Guard College while at the campus of Eastern Mennonite University. I asked one of the counselors for a t-shirt but came up empty handed. Apparently he didn't think a 6'6" woman wearing a Point Guard College t-shirt was good advertising.
I learned the difference between llamas and alpacas http://www.mountairyalpacas.com/llama.html. Some of us stopped to take pictures of these alpacas. The owner ended up getting his camera to take pictures of us!
I broke the law twice by exceeding the speed limit on my bike. Once I was going 35 in a 30 and another time I was going about 28 in a 25. Woo hooo!!
I visited with Kelly and Mary on the front and back end of my bike adventure. It is always great to see them. We spent time at the Charlottesville downtown mall and I brought them good parking luck when we ate at Fry's Spring Station, a new pizza place there that is in an old gas station. Very cool place and very good pizza. And only four parking spots.
A couple comments I heard while riding:
- "I'm in awe of the size of your frame every time I see you." Hmmm, MY frame or my bike frame?
- "Where were you when I was your age?" Said by a 60-ish gentleman. In high school, sir.
All-in-all, I had a wonderful time!
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