It's what I do. In my line of work, you must check the ID of anyone who appears to be under the age of 30. You have to be 18 to be in the store that I work in.
It's sexy stuff.
She was polite and immediately said, "I've seen you do improv, you're funny as hell."
This made my night.
This made my night because I love compliments - because I'm a person - and because she said, "improv."
She didn't say, "I've seen you perform," or, "I've seen you do comedy." She said , "improv."
Because of my recent venture with The GET, I assumed it was that and said, "wow, thank you. Recently?" And she replied, "no, a while ago, at The Onyx,"
This means it was over a year ago and she remembered me. She remembered me being, "funny as hell."
I don't like working the swing shift. Selfishly and unapologetically I have a personal life that is full and projects I am passionate about that work for most of my teammates and loved ones in the evenings. They have normal jobs that end at 5pm, leaving the evening hours open to write, rehearse, bond, build, etc.
I'm also aware that my passion does not pay and, because I'm a person, I need to make work a priority. So in missing rehearsal for our weekly show, I was given this reminder of why I do what I love to do.
I am exhausted and busy. I give myself no down time and even writing this blog, while grocery shopping, is hard to squeeze in. Between writing, rehearsing, shows several times a week, work, various forms of self improvement, free time is a luxury I will not afford myself right now. I accept full responsibility for how little of it I have.
I rarely see my boyfriend, who, yesterday, I wanted to see and hold and comfort more than I have the whole time we have been together. He was the recipient of devastating news... as a loved one, it would have been nice to stop everything and be there for him. Alas, it wasn't a possibility. I also know he is surrounded by love and my absence will not break him.
But I digress, the time I have is valuable and I choose to spend it with absolute love, a lot of which ends up being the craft I was recognized for.
This life is so short and we are reminded every single day just how short it can be. How you spend your time is so fucking important to your health and your happiness. It's entirely up to you.
Yes I'm tired - yes I look it - yes I just noticed it's been a week since I've washed my hair (I shower every day - please, to the three readers, know that) but I am making these choices.
I hope that pretty, young stripper makes it to another one of my shows.
You are funny as hell and should know that already. Validation is wonderful, and that recognition you got is that nudge to tell you that you're doing the right thing. Listen to the laughter that comes from your creations and know that even if it's only for a short time, you're making a difference. You're giving your audience a chance to escape an play in your world. You're an artist and as such you sacrifice so much. I know all too well. When it's all said and done, you'll look back on a complete life of performing and entertaining and not give a shit about that job you had.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for reading, Glenn, and for your encouraging words. ❤️
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