my awesome buddies
Creepin’ cops
Aug 24th
Some friends and I ventured out to Marvin last nite for some free fun and the Michael Jackson Birthday Tribute Party.
I know it doesn’t look like I’m having a good time here, but that’s just because my friend Keisha and I like to take photos and pretend she drags me out of the house and forces me to go to parties against my will. Please see Exhibit B from my birthday this year:
Moving on, we didn’t get to the party til about 11:30 pm. — cause I was pressed to watch the (very underwhelming) season finale of Real Housewives of New Jersey and because the Monday old school party at Marvin doesn’t even start til 10. Yes on a Monday. Don’t judge us. I do *this* for a living and Keisha is on vacay this week…
I didn’t get home til after 2 am. And because it was so late, there was no parking on my block so I circled around and ended up having to park a couple blocks from my building. As I was getting out of the car I saw a DCMP squad car coming down the block. The officer driving the car slowed to ask if I was OK getting back to the building and I said sure, thanks to the new ultra bright street lights that were recently installed in my neighborhood. Making small talk while I gathered my stuff out of the back seat, I asked when they were installed since I only noticed after I came home from my last trip. “Vacation?” he asked. No, I travel for work… What kind of work do I do? I’m an entertainer.
Now I’m starting to walk towards my building and the officers are driving slowly next to me.
“My partner is kinda in love with you,” said the driver cop.
And that’s when it started to feel weird… The cop on the passenger side leaned across his partner and started asking questions: What’s my name? (so tempted to say Puddin’ Tain). What kind of entertainer?… I knew they were police officers but I don’t care what your job is, if you’re a man creeping down the block trying to holler at 2am, I don’t need you knowing my name, what I do for a living, and where I live right off the jump. I appreciated their gesture and even if their motivation wasn’t 100% genuine concern for my well-being, I was happy to see them there patrolling the neighborhood. But I picked up my phone pretended to dial and waved goodbye to them as I got to my gate.
The hilarious Leighann Lord said I may have missed out on a “how I met your Daddy” story. And maybe she’s right, but I was super uncomfortable… I swear if they hadn’t been cops, I probably would have called the police.
And now I leave you with the song that was running thru my head the entire time cop #2 was talking across his partner to ask me questions:
No such thing as the perfect time
Aug 20th
This morning I was talking to a good friend who is turning in her letter of resignation today from her cushy corporate job where she travels all over the world, to pursue self employment and follow her dreams. HOORAY FOR THAT!!! She hadn’t presented her letter to her bosses yet and I guess she just wanted to talk it out one last time with someone who had been thru what she was about to go thru. I was flattered that she thought to call me, but at the same time I was thinking, “I am the last person anyone should be calling for advice or consult on how to prepare for leaving your job.” I mean sure I did it. But I certainly didn’t do it the ‘right’ way.
I had plans to do things differently. I put a huge cash down payment into my condo and planned on refinancing and cashing out to give myself a nice cushion when I left my job. But just as I was about to quit, the market crashed. I lost nearly half of the money in my 401-K and the value of my home plummeted. But I knew I couldn’t stand to work my day job one more day so I went on with my plans, got what I could out of the house and prayed real hard. And it’s definitely been a struggle. Some months are great while others are almost completely dry and I often feel like the most irresponsible person in the world. I had all the things I was taught adults were supposed to have — a good job, a home, retirement savings — but I wasn’t happy. So I took a leap and have (Praise God) found a way to make it every month. Sometimes I have to ask for help. Sometimes I have to work temp jobs. And I’ve had to learn to say ‘no’ to lots of things. But the one thing I’ve learned in life that’s carried me through thus far is that there is no such thing as the perfect time.
For anything.
No perfect time to quit your job. No perfect time to get married and begin a family. No one right way or perfect time to do anything in life. The best you can do is pray to whomever you pray to for guidance, make smart decisions and work hard. As my friend reminded me (and remember I was the one that was supposed to be helping her) in this market and especially after Madoff and the Wall Street collapse, etc. even tons of rich people woke up broke. Either of us could have been blind-sided and laid off with no other skills to fall back on… Thankfully that was not the case.
I wasn’t sure exactly where I was going with this when I started typing and even now I’m still not sure — but what I do know is that if I had never done what I did to pursue a career in comedy I’d be a lot less happy. I wouldn’t know so many awesome people, wouldn’t have been so many awesome places, and I’d probably have resented myself forever. I love my life. Even the hard parts that make me cry.
“It’s just money.” — That’s what my friend, the wise and extremely awesome Erin Foley always tells me. “Do you feel funny? Are you happy? Are you making progress with the act and with bookers? If so, then remember the rest is just money.” Easier said, I know. But it’s so, so true. And since the time for whatever you may wanna do is probably never gonna be right — Why. Not. Now?
To the Bride and Groom!
Aug 15th
I’m not sure why it still feels so surreal when one of my friends gets married or has a baby… Maybe it’s because I’m in denial about how old I am. ;) Maybe it’s cause despite all we’ve seen and gone thru, I still think of us as those kids growing up in Jersey. Or maybe it’s because those things seem so far off in my life… But whatever the case I had another one of those moments this weekend when I attended the wedding of one of my absolute favorite people on the planet!
This is my friend Daryl and his gorgeous bride Lyla. They had one of the most amazing weddings I’ve ever been to and they partied HARD all nite long!
Nearly all of my closest friends from high school and elementary school were there — in fact we joked that Daryl and Lyla financed our 15th HS reunion and there was no need for us to go since pretty much everyone we cared to see was already there. But as I was looking around the room I realized that just about everybody, save two or three of us was married and/or had kids. A couple of years ago I thought, “Man, they all sure got married up quick.” But now I realize I’m the one that’s slow rolling.
Sometimes (a lot actually) I worry that my lifestyle is making it exponentially harder for me to make moves in that area of my life (How would I even fit a relationship in? I had to bow out of their reception early so I could hit the road back from Jersey to BWI for a 6am flight). But I also sincerely believe that I will have those things if they are meant for me. In the meantime I will be happy knowing that all my married friends are in very happy, healthy relationships. So if I ever find myself venturing down that road, I’ll have some fantastic couples to ping for advice!
Again best of luck to the new Mr. & Mr. Phills as they begin their life together. I love you guys and can’t wait to see what comes next!
DON’T MISS THIS AWESOME DC SHOW: Come Out Laughing!!!
Jun 29th
HEY, ARE YOU EITHER A WOMAN OR A MAN? ARE YOU EITHER STRAIGHT OR GAY? DO YOU LIKE FUN AND HATE SHOWS THAT SUCK?
YES? Then I’ve got the perfect show for you!
I will be a part of a really awesome show taking place in the DC Improv Lounge July 9th and 10th. One of my ABSOLUTE BEST comedy friends and Last Comic Standing roommate, Erin Foley (Comedy Central Presents Half Hour Special, Last Comic Standing, Almost Famous), and her friend Jason Dudey (LOGO) are bringing their nationally touring show “COME OUT LAUGHING: Some Gay, Some Straight, All Hilarious” to the Baltimore and DC areas.
Here’s a short press release about the show:
‘COME OUT LAUGHING’ COMES TO BALTIMORE AND DC
Stand Up Comedy Show Uses Humor To Build Bridges Between Gay And Straight
06.28.2010 – Los Angeles, CA – Next week, local DC-area comedy clubs will play host to ‘Come Out Laughing,’ a show featuring both gay and straight comics playing at Magooby’s in Baltimore, MD on July 8, and in Washington, DC on July 9 and 10 at the DC Improv Lounge.
“Bringing everyone together to laugh with no other agenda. Isn’t that what we all need right now?” asks Jason Dudey, who co-created ‘Come Out Laughing’ in 2008 along with fellow comedian Erin Foley. Now a regular monthly show at the world famous Laugh Factory Comedy Club in Long Beach, California, ‘Come Out Laughing’ features some of the hottest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and straight comics in the country, with countless appearances on Showtime, Comedy Central and HBO.
The show’s rave reviews have fueled a nationwide tour, with sold-out stops at local clubs and theaters across the country. Performing alongside Jason and Erin as part of the Washington DC show is popular local comedian, Erin Jackson, well known for her appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Last Comic Standing. Says Jackson, “I’m really looking forward to this event, though I recognize how hard it can be as the one ‘different’ person on a show like this… I just hope Jason isn’t too self conscious about not being named Erin.” In Baltimore, Foley and Dudey are joined by Zach Toczynski, a gay comic based in DC who hosts a monthly showcase at Titan Bar.
“I love the concept of this show,” says Foley. “I’d like to think we’ve gotten beyond the idea of gay and straight as opposite things. We’re all just living our lives. And life can be hilarious, no matter who you are.”
And here’s the ticket link to the Improv: http://tinyurl.com/29ytzvq
Get your tickets early! This show will sell out!!!
Me In Your City: Reno/Virginia City, NV
May 17th
Check out my latest Me In Your City video. It features me and buddy Drake Witham during our week working out in Reno, NV. We visited the old west, toured a gold mine, and kicked it in Mark Twain’s bathroom. It was my first time in Reno and I kinda expected it to be more like Vegas…
But ummmm… no. Hahaha. If you’ve been to Reno you know what I mean. ;) Well I hope you enjoy the video!
SnowPocalypse 2010: Hate It & Love It
Feb 9th
Got snowed in and my neighbors are the greatest. Wish I spent more time here (well no I don’t because then I’d be broke) because I had no idea how much fun it is to live in my building! Enjoy.
My friends are the bestest!
Jan 21st
I have the most thoughtful friends… After all my complaining about the new $.o5 DC bag tax, and seeing how silly I looked a few weeks ago at CVS because I didn’t want to pay for a bag, my girlfriend Courtney sent me some reusable Eagles shopping bags AND a couple CVS bag tag coupons. CVS and the Iggles — my two favorite things!!! You’re the best Court. You know me so well. You made my month!
How to NOT miss your blessing
Dec 21st
I heard on the Today Show on Friday morning that a study showed that Louisiana was the ‘happiest’ state to live in. And after the fun I had this weekend in NOLA, I wouldn’t argue that one bit! I went to Louisiana to see BFF Jenny (excuse me — Dr. Jennifer Pinder Ellis) receive her Ph.D. from LSU!!! YAY! Sooooooo proud of you, J!
Jenny’s husband is from New Orleans and threw her a big graduation party at a great restaurant there on Friday nite.
And after a short program and a fantastic dinner, the party really got started. There was a great DJ who played line dances that I’ve never even heard of — in fact, I’m pretty sure Jen’s husband and his sister made at least 2 or 3 of those up on the spot ;) At some point we realized that some of the people from the holiday party across the corridor (where there was no DJ) were coming out into the hall to dance to the music at Jen’s party. The bartender even came to ‘notify’ us that they were mooching off our DJ ;) Tee hee ;) More >
Fourth o’ July – Pt. 1 (Work Hard)
Jul 5th
This weekend I had the honor and pleasure of headlining the main showroom at the Improv here in DC.
I close at other clubs on the road, but there’s something special about the people that have been watching you since you first picked up a mic having enough confidence in you to give you such an awesome opportunity. The management and the staff at the Improv have been AMAZING to me over the years — they’re like family. And at every juncture so far they’ve supported me and even pushed me to take leaps before I even thought I was ready.
Thanks guys for everything!
So many of the friends I grew up with in Jersey have settled in the DC area. A bunch of them came out to support this weekend and for most, it was their first time ever coming to one of my shows! This is my girl Jenny with her two brothers Jamal and Jerome and their friend. They took me out dancing afterwards. We had a ball!
Pre-drinks and dancing... By the end of the night I was leaning like one of the backup dancers in the Smooth Criminal video.
This is my friend/big brother/cheerleader, Joe. Everybody should have a 'Joe' ;)
And this is my former roommate Crystal — the only person (besides my folks — well at least besides my mom) who has lived with me and still likes me ;)
Me and Crys
Many thanks to all my Jersey homies and my Howard buddies who came out to the shows this weekend, and of course the hundreds of other people who took a chance on this small town girl living in a lonely world (how hard does Steve Perry STILL rock? ;)
You made my weekend!
Fourth o’ July – Pt. 2 (Play Hard)
Jul 5th
Kellz, Joie, and Chris
So me and BFF’s Joie and Kellz went to a BBQ at new buds Chris and Zach’s house on the 4th. And boy did they do it up. They had kegs of whatever you wanted to drink and tons of food — they roasted an entire pig! Zach said it took from about 6am to 3pm to cook it. WOW!
We like big sunglasses.
By the time we got there, they’d already sliced up the pig. But the face and the ears were just chilling on the picnic table… Because boys think it’s funny to gross girls out. Pighead aside, it was damn tasty though. Shout to whoever made the special bbq sauce for the sandwiches. YUM! Good job guys ;)
Ugly Thrash Demon
Chris found a band made up of high school kids to perform at the BBQ. They were actually pretty good. There were just a lot of them… Think Earth Wind and Fire — except the exact opposite. Tee hee ;) Their name was Ugly Thrash Demon, but they weren’t a metal band. Because you can’t be a metal band with a ukelele. Or an accordion. Or maracas. Or a cello… Should I continue?
Oh why the hell not?… Or a trumpet.
I’m assuming the name was supposed to be ironic. And well, I think it was except I’m still not clear exactly what ironic means. I always use it wrong…
Moving on.
Zach’s parents were in town, and his mom is kinda the best — she’s southern and adorable, AND she convinced me to participate in my first ever game of beer pong. Well, kinda… I’m not a big beer drinker so the other players were nice enough to bend the rules for me… I just wanted to see if I could get the ball in the cup ;) Check out my follow through!
Thanks fellas for the invite! We had so much fun ;)
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