Ok. So I realize that my writing has taken a turn towards the emo-goth-somber-earthtone-boohoo-crabby-sad kind of route.
It was not my intention, and I hope to seem more cheerful in the coming posts. I do apologize for sounding so down.
I think it may be the weather lately. that might have something to do with it.
It's so cold, and I can't go out and play like I like.
And I haven't been in the mood to write. When I think about that, I wonder if it is because I don't feel particularly 'funny' lately. And since I want to feel funny (play on words) I decided to startworking on some fun writing, and see if it lightens my mood.
A long while ago, I started a profile on myspace and called it YesAndy!
And with it, came an advice blog.
I have moved it to blogger, and hopefully it will spark some more creative writing.
So please check it out if you have the time. The link is to the right.
email me with any questions or advice you need, and I will dutifully answer.
And so, let the games begin.
I work tomorrow morning at The Beat, so come in and warm up. I'll be there till 3pm
It's supposed to be negative 12 or less tomorrow. I love riding my bike in this...
Stay Awesome.
Andy
Friday, January 23, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
I'm worried about my baby.
This is something that has been on my mind for a longtime:
Actually, it is more of a 'weekly basis' thing.
I started The Monday Night Comedy Show in May of 2007 as a new place for improvisational comedians to come and do their thing.
That was it. Nothing else. I didn't want stand up comics to sully the mood.
I was working with Butch and Improv a go go since day one, and by May of 07, I was in one of the deepest depressions of my life thus far.
If you are a regular reader, you know why, let's not go there.
Go Go is one of the most wonderful things that this town could have asked for. Butch, Dan and Larry started the Revolution and they should be applauded for it.
In homage to what they began, and seeing that there was a finite amount of room on the stage every sunday night in Uptown, I began the MNCS.
I wanted there to be another stage where people could play and make others laugh. And then the more I thought about it, the more I started to realize that the neighborhood didn't need a red headed stepchild of Go Go, nor did it need another Six Ring Circus(which happens on Tuesday night's) Uptown had all that. And I wouldn't dare compete with the two of them. That would be a dick move, and I would get like three people to come see the show and all three of them would be my family. And even they don't come very often to see stuff...
Hence, I went the way of Variety.
Something to keep people coming back. Something for everyone. Because if you didn't like the first act, all you had to do was stick around for the 2nd one.
I was working with Stand up comedians back when the BNW did Stand Up a Go Go, which was created by Jeff Hopkins. They were ok. I was an improv purist then, and a bit snobby.
And let me tell you, I have seen some really funny stuff from the comics who work the MNCS room. I don't regret adding on stand up at all.
But something has happened in the last few months to the improv acts at the MNCS.
They aren't there.
I understand that Monday night's are hard for some, but hard for everyone?
Trying to get an improv act for the show is like pulling teeth.
Now, I have heard some rumor about The Beat being a crappy place to improvise. And don't worry, I know who has been saying it, and it hurts, because they say they are friends.
I can't spend all my time calling or messaging people about improvising at the show all the time.
I feel like a failure. I suck at producing the show, and I know I suck at hosting, but it's the one thing I look forward to every week. Is it a shitty place to improvise?
I started the show thinking I would be bombarded with calls from six ringers who have had to pay to perform for a long time. I was SO wrong.
I often wonder if the vast majority even knows about the show.
If some threats I got a while ago due to who I had helping me with the show, actually were followed through.
I'm probably paranoid. I know I am. I just get so tired trying so hard to make it a good show.
I wonder if it will survive after I leave in June. If it will even be missed if it does fizzle out.
I know that it won't, though. Something will happen, and that something will be called The Monday Night Comedy Show. If it has Improv in it will be anyone's guess.
You know the only reason I don't go to as many Improv a Go Go's is that I worry about running into the owner of the space and have him make me want to jump off a cliff? I hate that he has that power with me.
I'd be there every week if things were just slightly different, but like Linds said, "Save the future by fixing the past before it has passed, Meaning Now.... My Time machine only goes forward"
This is one of the reasons I am moving. To get away from all the bad feelings from hopes and dreams that never amounted to anything. To get away from all those promises that were made to 'stick with it' or the years of ' your loyalty will pay off'
Minnesota should have ended differently for me. It really should have.
But lately, all I can think about is starting over. That sounds so fucking refreshing to me.
I once swore to the Moon and Stars that I would never return to Indiana as anything but a visitor. Never again would I have an I.D. that said I was from the Naptown.
I've lied to the moon and Stars too many times to count on all fingers and toes. Maybe that's why I am so blue... I shout out falsehoods to the heavens, and the heavens are pissed.
Or it could all be because I can't find any new groups who want to improvise on Monday's. Now I know why Garfield hated Mondays: He was trying to book Improvisers...
At least I still have Awesome Stand up and slam poetry.
Speaking of, Dessa Darling From Doomtree is performing this week.
Among others, and I am sure I'll post something about them, but it's good to get the word out if you have a well known talent playing your gig.
But then, i can't produce a show to save my fucking life...
Maybe tomorrow will have all the answers I need. Or my inbox.
Stay Awesome or I'll wish this all on you.
Andy
Post script- Ok. I read this one over, and I honestly just wanted to vent about how hard it is to find improv acts for the comedy show that means so much to me.
It ended much darker than intended, and I feel bad about it, but only to a point.
I dont edit very well, and I know I come off as Emo and in need of a good punch in the head.
I'm just sad that something I thought was catching on, really isn't in one aspect that I really needed to catch on.
I work at the beat tomorrow in the AM, by the way. If you want to stop in, I will be the one re-reading 'American Gods' for the 10th time and hoping people actually tip. I might even make you a latte...
Actually, it is more of a 'weekly basis' thing.
I started The Monday Night Comedy Show in May of 2007 as a new place for improvisational comedians to come and do their thing.
That was it. Nothing else. I didn't want stand up comics to sully the mood.
I was working with Butch and Improv a go go since day one, and by May of 07, I was in one of the deepest depressions of my life thus far.
If you are a regular reader, you know why, let's not go there.
Go Go is one of the most wonderful things that this town could have asked for. Butch, Dan and Larry started the Revolution and they should be applauded for it.
In homage to what they began, and seeing that there was a finite amount of room on the stage every sunday night in Uptown, I began the MNCS.
I wanted there to be another stage where people could play and make others laugh. And then the more I thought about it, the more I started to realize that the neighborhood didn't need a red headed stepchild of Go Go, nor did it need another Six Ring Circus(which happens on Tuesday night's) Uptown had all that. And I wouldn't dare compete with the two of them. That would be a dick move, and I would get like three people to come see the show and all three of them would be my family. And even they don't come very often to see stuff...
Hence, I went the way of Variety.
Something to keep people coming back. Something for everyone. Because if you didn't like the first act, all you had to do was stick around for the 2nd one.
I was working with Stand up comedians back when the BNW did Stand Up a Go Go, which was created by Jeff Hopkins. They were ok. I was an improv purist then, and a bit snobby.
And let me tell you, I have seen some really funny stuff from the comics who work the MNCS room. I don't regret adding on stand up at all.
But something has happened in the last few months to the improv acts at the MNCS.
They aren't there.
I understand that Monday night's are hard for some, but hard for everyone?
Trying to get an improv act for the show is like pulling teeth.
Now, I have heard some rumor about The Beat being a crappy place to improvise. And don't worry, I know who has been saying it, and it hurts, because they say they are friends.
I can't spend all my time calling or messaging people about improvising at the show all the time.
I feel like a failure. I suck at producing the show, and I know I suck at hosting, but it's the one thing I look forward to every week. Is it a shitty place to improvise?
I started the show thinking I would be bombarded with calls from six ringers who have had to pay to perform for a long time. I was SO wrong.
I often wonder if the vast majority even knows about the show.
If some threats I got a while ago due to who I had helping me with the show, actually were followed through.
I'm probably paranoid. I know I am. I just get so tired trying so hard to make it a good show.
I wonder if it will survive after I leave in June. If it will even be missed if it does fizzle out.
I know that it won't, though. Something will happen, and that something will be called The Monday Night Comedy Show. If it has Improv in it will be anyone's guess.
You know the only reason I don't go to as many Improv a Go Go's is that I worry about running into the owner of the space and have him make me want to jump off a cliff? I hate that he has that power with me.
I'd be there every week if things were just slightly different, but like Linds said, "Save the future by fixing the past before it has passed, Meaning Now.... My Time machine only goes forward"
This is one of the reasons I am moving. To get away from all the bad feelings from hopes and dreams that never amounted to anything. To get away from all those promises that were made to 'stick with it' or the years of ' your loyalty will pay off'
Minnesota should have ended differently for me. It really should have.
But lately, all I can think about is starting over. That sounds so fucking refreshing to me.
I once swore to the Moon and Stars that I would never return to Indiana as anything but a visitor. Never again would I have an I.D. that said I was from the Naptown.
I've lied to the moon and Stars too many times to count on all fingers and toes. Maybe that's why I am so blue... I shout out falsehoods to the heavens, and the heavens are pissed.
Or it could all be because I can't find any new groups who want to improvise on Monday's. Now I know why Garfield hated Mondays: He was trying to book Improvisers...
At least I still have Awesome Stand up and slam poetry.
Speaking of, Dessa Darling From Doomtree is performing this week.
Among others, and I am sure I'll post something about them, but it's good to get the word out if you have a well known talent playing your gig.
But then, i can't produce a show to save my fucking life...
Maybe tomorrow will have all the answers I need. Or my inbox.
Stay Awesome or I'll wish this all on you.
Andy
Post script- Ok. I read this one over, and I honestly just wanted to vent about how hard it is to find improv acts for the comedy show that means so much to me.
It ended much darker than intended, and I feel bad about it, but only to a point.
I dont edit very well, and I know I come off as Emo and in need of a good punch in the head.
I'm just sad that something I thought was catching on, really isn't in one aspect that I really needed to catch on.
I work at the beat tomorrow in the AM, by the way. If you want to stop in, I will be the one re-reading 'American Gods' for the 10th time and hoping people actually tip. I might even make you a latte...
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
On the bright side of the road.
There are so many quotes about life and things out there.
I wonder if the day will come when everything has been said.
Maybe it already has happened? Perhaps all those new phrases and slang and quips and funnies have all been said before.
Are we all just a more cultured version of that guy in the office by the water cooler who recites a line or two from 'SNL' or something more obscure like 'The State' or 'Viva Variety'
Somehow that guy is the funniest one in the room. Just for reciting someone else's lines.
I don't think I am the one to start spouting off new and amazing theorems about the world. In point of fact, I don't find myself all that clever. I have some moments, sure, but so does that one guy in the office who has been watching Comedy Central for the last 15 years. Hell, I've been doing that too. Maybe subconsciously, I have been stealing lines from shows I saw in Jr. High when I would sneak downstairs at night to watch tv when my parents were asleep.
I'd like to think I'm not, but one can never be too sure.
I have one line that I do use that I blatantly stole from a really good book 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'
I guess it isn't really a line, but more of an adjective. A descriptor I use in the same vein as the main character in the story: Infinite.
I use it all the time, as it makes sense to me. I feel it is the best way to describe all of the things that for lack of a better term 'Turn me on' (and not in a sexy way)
Infinite.
Limitless.
Forever.
My friends do that for me. They make me feel infinite.
My family, for the most part, makes me feel loved and appreciated. Infinite.
It's a great word, that.
I think f it as a great compliment for everything I use it to describe. What else could you say to someone that lets them know they make you feel like you could go on forever even if it is in the context of a moment in time? I can't think of any because when I read it in that book over 10 years ago, I stopped searching for another way to tell people I care about how they impacted me. And I suppose I am not being truthful. I don't tell people all the time. Just when the moment feels right. When I know full well that they will understand what it means for me to say it.
It's all dependent on the situation. And even the person.
More often than not, I keep it to myself. That isn't right, to keep stuff like that to yourself.
And if I did New Years Resolutions, I would make that my own.
Tell people more.
Don't keep it inside for ridiculous reasons. Even if it means you will be embarrassed or you risk crying. Tell people more.
It isn't easy, but neither is living with that feeling of 'I could have said more'
I could have
I should have
what if I had?
Those ones with the question marks are probably the worst for me. Those lingering questions that haunt you and run over and over in your mind. They make you crazy. And isn't that a definition of loony tune? doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?
I think that is why Time travel movies and books are so popular. It brings that fantasy to the forefront of your mind that feeling of 'Shit, that would be so cool if I could go back and say that one big thing I needed to say at that one critical moment...all my worries now would be gone'
I find regret to be one of my biggest fears. I am afraid of regretting an action or an inaction.
I am afraid of hurting someone I love.
It is something I should work on, because it can be boiled down to being afraid to live, and that's just what I want to do: I want to live.
You hear people all the time saying that they don't regret a single thing they have done.
Bullshit.
What a huge lie!
I regretted hitting the snooze button during a nap this afternoon.
I regret not putting my clothes in the washing machine until just now because I will be up way later and I will be tired for work. It goes on and on.
Cause and effect, I guess, but if you hear someone say that they regret nothing, slap them silly and ask them if they regretted you slapping them.
In the end, regret is just another word. It means lots to lots of people.
I'm not against New Year's resolutions. I'm certainly not militant about it.
Getting militant about things is silly to me.
Like religion. Militant about religion? Something is wrong with you. Let me think things about God the way I want to think about them. Please don't force me to believe exactly like you.
Militant about cell phones.
Seriously?
I know you grew up without one.
I also grew up without the internet and pens with laser pointers on the end to torment my cat.
But now I have them, and I have porn and a dizzy pet. The future is here. Now!
Your brother's arm just got cut off in a blender. I tried calling you, but you were at the grocery store. If I had been able to talk to you, you could have told me to stop screaming at all the blood and your brother wouldn't be terrified of smoothies for the rest of his life.
I'll leave this rant for another blog. I have more to say.
But yeah, I just don't do the resolution thing. I think it's because I am lazy.
But I don't think people who do do them are lying to themselves and stupid.
I felt like I needed to clarify. Sorry.
I've kind of fallen off topic here. oh well.
I am not the type to go back and correct content on the blog-a-roo.
I rant and go all over the place.
I was talking about feeling infinite. And to keep it much shorter than earlier, I am going to try and tell people that they mean that much to me. That they make me feel like forever's gonna start tonight or something.
Hope your 2009 is something special.
Stay Awesome or I will talk to you about cell phone plans that fit your budget and your lifestyle...
Andy
ps- come to The Monday Night Comedy Show this Monday the 12th? I'd like to see you and tell you secret riddles about mysteries... and say hi.
I wonder if the day will come when everything has been said.
Maybe it already has happened? Perhaps all those new phrases and slang and quips and funnies have all been said before.
Are we all just a more cultured version of that guy in the office by the water cooler who recites a line or two from 'SNL' or something more obscure like 'The State' or 'Viva Variety'
Somehow that guy is the funniest one in the room. Just for reciting someone else's lines.
I don't think I am the one to start spouting off new and amazing theorems about the world. In point of fact, I don't find myself all that clever. I have some moments, sure, but so does that one guy in the office who has been watching Comedy Central for the last 15 years. Hell, I've been doing that too. Maybe subconsciously, I have been stealing lines from shows I saw in Jr. High when I would sneak downstairs at night to watch tv when my parents were asleep.
I'd like to think I'm not, but one can never be too sure.
I have one line that I do use that I blatantly stole from a really good book 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower'
I guess it isn't really a line, but more of an adjective. A descriptor I use in the same vein as the main character in the story: Infinite.
I use it all the time, as it makes sense to me. I feel it is the best way to describe all of the things that for lack of a better term 'Turn me on' (and not in a sexy way)
Infinite.
Limitless.
Forever.
My friends do that for me. They make me feel infinite.
My family, for the most part, makes me feel loved and appreciated. Infinite.
It's a great word, that.
I think f it as a great compliment for everything I use it to describe. What else could you say to someone that lets them know they make you feel like you could go on forever even if it is in the context of a moment in time? I can't think of any because when I read it in that book over 10 years ago, I stopped searching for another way to tell people I care about how they impacted me. And I suppose I am not being truthful. I don't tell people all the time. Just when the moment feels right. When I know full well that they will understand what it means for me to say it.
It's all dependent on the situation. And even the person.
More often than not, I keep it to myself. That isn't right, to keep stuff like that to yourself.
And if I did New Years Resolutions, I would make that my own.
Tell people more.
Don't keep it inside for ridiculous reasons. Even if it means you will be embarrassed or you risk crying. Tell people more.
It isn't easy, but neither is living with that feeling of 'I could have said more'
I could have
I should have
what if I had?
Those ones with the question marks are probably the worst for me. Those lingering questions that haunt you and run over and over in your mind. They make you crazy. And isn't that a definition of loony tune? doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result?
I think that is why Time travel movies and books are so popular. It brings that fantasy to the forefront of your mind that feeling of 'Shit, that would be so cool if I could go back and say that one big thing I needed to say at that one critical moment...all my worries now would be gone'
I find regret to be one of my biggest fears. I am afraid of regretting an action or an inaction.
I am afraid of hurting someone I love.
It is something I should work on, because it can be boiled down to being afraid to live, and that's just what I want to do: I want to live.
You hear people all the time saying that they don't regret a single thing they have done.
Bullshit.
What a huge lie!
I regretted hitting the snooze button during a nap this afternoon.
I regret not putting my clothes in the washing machine until just now because I will be up way later and I will be tired for work. It goes on and on.
Cause and effect, I guess, but if you hear someone say that they regret nothing, slap them silly and ask them if they regretted you slapping them.
In the end, regret is just another word. It means lots to lots of people.
I'm not against New Year's resolutions. I'm certainly not militant about it.
Getting militant about things is silly to me.
Like religion. Militant about religion? Something is wrong with you. Let me think things about God the way I want to think about them. Please don't force me to believe exactly like you.
Militant about cell phones.
Seriously?
I know you grew up without one.
I also grew up without the internet and pens with laser pointers on the end to torment my cat.
But now I have them, and I have porn and a dizzy pet. The future is here. Now!
Your brother's arm just got cut off in a blender. I tried calling you, but you were at the grocery store. If I had been able to talk to you, you could have told me to stop screaming at all the blood and your brother wouldn't be terrified of smoothies for the rest of his life.
I'll leave this rant for another blog. I have more to say.
But yeah, I just don't do the resolution thing. I think it's because I am lazy.
But I don't think people who do do them are lying to themselves and stupid.
I felt like I needed to clarify. Sorry.
I've kind of fallen off topic here. oh well.
I am not the type to go back and correct content on the blog-a-roo.
I rant and go all over the place.
I was talking about feeling infinite. And to keep it much shorter than earlier, I am going to try and tell people that they mean that much to me. That they make me feel like forever's gonna start tonight or something.
Hope your 2009 is something special.
Stay Awesome or I will talk to you about cell phone plans that fit your budget and your lifestyle...
Andy
ps- come to The Monday Night Comedy Show this Monday the 12th? I'd like to see you and tell you secret riddles about mysteries... and say hi.
Monday, January 5, 2009
The Holidays are done. Here is a thing.
I suppose it is time for another one of my long and drawn out writey-bits.
To say I have missed writing would be an understatement. However, I just didn't feel like I had anything to write about. I didn't want to bore you to tears or even bring you to tears with some sad story of how I didn't get the pony I wanted for christmas.
I didn't, by the way, get the pony which I would have named 'StarFire'
I did, however get some of the best collections of Christmas Miscellany in recent memory.
It started with a handmade skyline of minneapolis crafted onto a black sky background. And with the flick of a switch, the sky is lit up with sparkly stars. Made by my dear Lindsey McD-D. It is lovely, and she should think about mass producing them in larger forms and making her fortune.
I got a nice bunch of stuff from my family, and topped with an awful bit of drama that I never ever want to re-live. The food was good, though.
My Step Mom sent me a box full of fruit and nuts and snacky things. Much appreciated, since I was broke and couldn't afford food. The fruit was frozen, though due to being in the delivery truck since the early morning.
No worries, Judy called them and they are sending me even fresher fruit tomorrow.
I left for a Christmas in Indianapolis on the 27th. Via Megabus once more.
The ride was fine, and I went from Chicago to Detroit to meet up with Svetlana and her Mom, Brother, Sister in Law and two very cute nieces. (one of them was alseep the whole time, so I assume she is delightful)
I made it through the meeting of the family,and hopefully managed to get a gold star on my record.
I really like her Mom. She reminds me of my own, who I am quite fond of. And she has a bit of my sister Amy in her too. Her Brother is very likeable, and I fear we may have to do some LARPing where we are both assassins. He made it sound cool. Go ahead and laugh. We will kill you.
Svet and I drove down to Indy in her swanky rental car.
I think we passed the roadtrip test. Perhaps we should try again in the Summer. I was wary of the trip down to Indy because I am not a fan of driving in cars for longer than an hour or so. I tend to go mad and want to kill everyone.
She survived, so that should tell you something.
Finally reaching Home in Indy was a relief. I got some time on the Porch with my people, and started to really relax. There is something about being around people who never judge you for being yourself that makes all your stress melt away. And there never is a need to perform. Sweet Odin, I love that.
I will not bore you with another list of all the cool stuff I got from Cinder Klaus while I was in Indy. HOWEVER, I do need to tell you that I was the happiest boy in the world because it was a very Batman Christmas.
Svetlana the Beautiful spent probably more money on me than she makes in six months, and while that made me feel guilty, I opened the big heavy box and my eyed literally went 'Awoooooga!'
The Batmobile.
The Lego Batmobile.
The BIG fucking Lego Batmobile.
Not the little on that the teeny tiny figure fits in, but the Mondo one. The one that took me almost 10 hours to complete.
The Ultimate Collectors Edition one. The one that make a Boy a Man.
The kind you sleep with at night because it makes you feel safe.
My joy knows no bounds.
It has 1045 pieces, people.
Your Mom doesn't even have 1045 pieces.
I also got a lot of other batman related items, and I was and am very fortunate to have such generous friends.
Ok. So Christmas is done.
Then came New Years.
I spent it in Noblesville, Indiana at Finger's house. At first I was grumpy, then I realized that I was having a good time. All I need to be happy is to have my Dorch Gang around me.
Just like All I need to find you Louis, is to follow the corpses of Rats... Anyone? Hello? Is this blog on?
I got to kiss my lady friend at Midnight, and started 2009 off correctly. This is a big year for me.
Last year really sucked at points, but it all led up to this one.
That being said, I have a little announcement to make:
I moved back to Minneapolis in December of 1999. Since then, I have done a lot of amazing things. I have met so many great people who have helped to shape the world I live in and make it much more interesting than I could have imagined.
But lately, I have been stagnant. Existing instead of really living. And for someone like me, that just will not do.
I thought that when I was asked to leave the Brave New Workshop, I was going to die. I hit a very deep hole and I kept falling in deeper. I started to drink every night and I wasn't creating anything, nor did I have any inclination to do so. I was miserable. The one happy place in my life had been removed. I wasn't doing very well.
As time passed, though I was still rather numb, I was trying to move on. And with the help of the IndyFringe projects I worked on and the Monday Night Comedy Show, I started to find some sort of balance. It is only now that I see that losing The BNW wasn't the end of the world, but rather a beginning of a new one. One that I was in charge of. The MNCS has really made me feel like I had the ability to make something good. That I wasn't a one trick pony. I didn't do it alone, I know that.
And I know now that I can't do much alone. It takes a village to raise me.
But here I go rambling on about nothing much and boring you to tears.
Announcement:
I will be leaving Minneapolis in June for Indianapolis. To live there.
(A hush falls over the Interweb)
When I am there, I will be pursuing a few dreams of mine that I know is not possible to do in Minneapolis. This is a one or two horse town. I need to try out my own horse.
I want a fucking pony.
But more on that in another diatribe.
So there it is. Andy is moving back to Indy.
This is a huge thing for me, and I will become more and more frightened as the months progress. I am not very big on change.
But this is what is right for me, and I didn't come across this decision on a whim.
And just think of the fun and exciting road trip you can have when you come and visit me!
But for now, you have six more months of Mr. Brynildson. And I have six more months with Minneapolis.
That being said, I hope you fuckers throw me a good party.
Remember that The Monday Night Comedy Show returns a week from tonight (January 12th)
8pm
$3
At The Beat Coffeehouse.
Please come show your support of something that I am proud of, and is entering it's 2nd year.
Ok. Please discuss your feelings in the comment section of this blog.
Stay Awesome and look forward to a fantastic 2009.
Andy
ps- My moving to Indy doesn't mean the MNCS will be going away. Nor does it mean I will not be visiting often. Most of my family lives here. And I like them. I have plans that I keep to myself. How else can I continue to be considered 'Devilishly Clever'?
To say I have missed writing would be an understatement. However, I just didn't feel like I had anything to write about. I didn't want to bore you to tears or even bring you to tears with some sad story of how I didn't get the pony I wanted for christmas.
I didn't, by the way, get the pony which I would have named 'StarFire'
I did, however get some of the best collections of Christmas Miscellany in recent memory.
It started with a handmade skyline of minneapolis crafted onto a black sky background. And with the flick of a switch, the sky is lit up with sparkly stars. Made by my dear Lindsey McD-D. It is lovely, and she should think about mass producing them in larger forms and making her fortune.
I got a nice bunch of stuff from my family, and topped with an awful bit of drama that I never ever want to re-live. The food was good, though.
My Step Mom sent me a box full of fruit and nuts and snacky things. Much appreciated, since I was broke and couldn't afford food. The fruit was frozen, though due to being in the delivery truck since the early morning.
No worries, Judy called them and they are sending me even fresher fruit tomorrow.
I left for a Christmas in Indianapolis on the 27th. Via Megabus once more.
The ride was fine, and I went from Chicago to Detroit to meet up with Svetlana and her Mom, Brother, Sister in Law and two very cute nieces. (one of them was alseep the whole time, so I assume she is delightful)
I made it through the meeting of the family,and hopefully managed to get a gold star on my record.
I really like her Mom. She reminds me of my own, who I am quite fond of. And she has a bit of my sister Amy in her too. Her Brother is very likeable, and I fear we may have to do some LARPing where we are both assassins. He made it sound cool. Go ahead and laugh. We will kill you.
Svet and I drove down to Indy in her swanky rental car.
I think we passed the roadtrip test. Perhaps we should try again in the Summer. I was wary of the trip down to Indy because I am not a fan of driving in cars for longer than an hour or so. I tend to go mad and want to kill everyone.
She survived, so that should tell you something.
Finally reaching Home in Indy was a relief. I got some time on the Porch with my people, and started to really relax. There is something about being around people who never judge you for being yourself that makes all your stress melt away. And there never is a need to perform. Sweet Odin, I love that.
I will not bore you with another list of all the cool stuff I got from Cinder Klaus while I was in Indy. HOWEVER, I do need to tell you that I was the happiest boy in the world because it was a very Batman Christmas.
Svetlana the Beautiful spent probably more money on me than she makes in six months, and while that made me feel guilty, I opened the big heavy box and my eyed literally went 'Awoooooga!'
The Batmobile.
The Lego Batmobile.
The BIG fucking Lego Batmobile.
Not the little on that the teeny tiny figure fits in, but the Mondo one. The one that took me almost 10 hours to complete.
The Ultimate Collectors Edition one. The one that make a Boy a Man.
The kind you sleep with at night because it makes you feel safe.
My joy knows no bounds.
It has 1045 pieces, people.
Your Mom doesn't even have 1045 pieces.
I also got a lot of other batman related items, and I was and am very fortunate to have such generous friends.
Ok. So Christmas is done.
Then came New Years.
I spent it in Noblesville, Indiana at Finger's house. At first I was grumpy, then I realized that I was having a good time. All I need to be happy is to have my Dorch Gang around me.
Just like All I need to find you Louis, is to follow the corpses of Rats... Anyone? Hello? Is this blog on?
I got to kiss my lady friend at Midnight, and started 2009 off correctly. This is a big year for me.
Last year really sucked at points, but it all led up to this one.
That being said, I have a little announcement to make:
I moved back to Minneapolis in December of 1999. Since then, I have done a lot of amazing things. I have met so many great people who have helped to shape the world I live in and make it much more interesting than I could have imagined.
But lately, I have been stagnant. Existing instead of really living. And for someone like me, that just will not do.
I thought that when I was asked to leave the Brave New Workshop, I was going to die. I hit a very deep hole and I kept falling in deeper. I started to drink every night and I wasn't creating anything, nor did I have any inclination to do so. I was miserable. The one happy place in my life had been removed. I wasn't doing very well.
As time passed, though I was still rather numb, I was trying to move on. And with the help of the IndyFringe projects I worked on and the Monday Night Comedy Show, I started to find some sort of balance. It is only now that I see that losing The BNW wasn't the end of the world, but rather a beginning of a new one. One that I was in charge of. The MNCS has really made me feel like I had the ability to make something good. That I wasn't a one trick pony. I didn't do it alone, I know that.
And I know now that I can't do much alone. It takes a village to raise me.
But here I go rambling on about nothing much and boring you to tears.
Announcement:
I will be leaving Minneapolis in June for Indianapolis. To live there.
(A hush falls over the Interweb)
When I am there, I will be pursuing a few dreams of mine that I know is not possible to do in Minneapolis. This is a one or two horse town. I need to try out my own horse.
I want a fucking pony.
But more on that in another diatribe.
So there it is. Andy is moving back to Indy.
This is a huge thing for me, and I will become more and more frightened as the months progress. I am not very big on change.
But this is what is right for me, and I didn't come across this decision on a whim.
And just think of the fun and exciting road trip you can have when you come and visit me!
But for now, you have six more months of Mr. Brynildson. And I have six more months with Minneapolis.
That being said, I hope you fuckers throw me a good party.
Remember that The Monday Night Comedy Show returns a week from tonight (January 12th)
8pm
$3
At The Beat Coffeehouse.
Please come show your support of something that I am proud of, and is entering it's 2nd year.
Ok. Please discuss your feelings in the comment section of this blog.
Stay Awesome and look forward to a fantastic 2009.
Andy
ps- My moving to Indy doesn't mean the MNCS will be going away. Nor does it mean I will not be visiting often. Most of my family lives here. And I like them. I have plans that I keep to myself. How else can I continue to be considered 'Devilishly Clever'?
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