Oh, so true.
It's been such a great few days with the Moontower Comedy festival. We have seen some great acts; Jackie Kashian, Aziz Ansari, Moshe Kasher, Maria Bamford, and some good old Texas boys (Paul Varghese, Jr Brown, Mike MacRae, Bob Biggerstaff, John Ramse, John Tole, Chase Durousseau, Maat Bearden, and Aaron Aryampur).
That's one of the cool things about a festival like this. With so much going on, while it can be intimidating, you always have options and they are always good.
Yesterday we got out late from the Moshe/Maria show, and there wasn't anything we really could make, except Texas Stew. We knew we wanted to cover a local show, with local acts, just didn't know which one. Man, it was awesome.
It was a rapid fire of comics and bits. You were exposed to their comedy, and aware of who they are. It's the beautiful by product of festivals.
I also mentioned yesterday that the festival had some growing pains. They tackled those issues, being aware of what they were, and corrected them for the next day. Pretty impressive. Then again, when you're in a city that has a festival about every 2 months, you are familiar with how best to fix things. Well done, Moontower, well done.
Today we have our first interview, with Janet Varney. Looking forward to meeting her and getting an insight into her comic brain. That's one of the coolest things about comics, they are so friendly and talkative. I very much enjoy having conversations with comedians. I hope I can have several throughout the rest of the festival.
For our scheduled shows, whatever happens. We all have shows we want to see, so we'll let the night shape the road for us. No matter what happens, it's going to be awesome.
I heart comedy.
Friday, April 27, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
If tonight is anything like last night...
it's going to be amazing.
It's so fun being apart of a festival, especially like Moontower. It's one of those festivals that you know people are there because they really enjoy the shows they are seeing. It's like going to a comic con, or any con, in the sense that are you surrounded by liked minded people.
Although, since there are some pretty big names headlining the festival and they are on big networks, you also get the audience members who just know these actors/stand-ups from those shows. A lot of the times the actor is not the same as the stand-up.
I also noticed that your topics of conversation tend to revolve around the festival itself. I never realized this before because I'm such a film nerd that I'm always talking about films. Granted, I talk a lot about comedy as well, but that's besides the point. I noticed that last night my conversations were about what comics we liked, what bits where our favorite, even which comics we've seen (which oddly enough sounded like I was bragging). It makes complete sense though, you talk about what's around you.
So far my experience at the festival has been nice. It's hard to have an entire feel for the festival after only one show, and you also have to take into consideration that they are going to have growing pains that every first year festival goes through. Above it all though, I'm excited to be a part of it.
Tonight promises to be just as awesome, maybe even more so. I have an idea of what to see, as my OCD organized person likes, but I'm also leaving it up to whatever strikes my fancy at the crucial decision time. That's a brilliant element of a festival, and also their downfall, so many choices!
It's so fun being apart of a festival, especially like Moontower. It's one of those festivals that you know people are there because they really enjoy the shows they are seeing. It's like going to a comic con, or any con, in the sense that are you surrounded by liked minded people.
Although, since there are some pretty big names headlining the festival and they are on big networks, you also get the audience members who just know these actors/stand-ups from those shows. A lot of the times the actor is not the same as the stand-up.
I also noticed that your topics of conversation tend to revolve around the festival itself. I never realized this before because I'm such a film nerd that I'm always talking about films. Granted, I talk a lot about comedy as well, but that's besides the point. I noticed that last night my conversations were about what comics we liked, what bits where our favorite, even which comics we've seen (which oddly enough sounded like I was bragging). It makes complete sense though, you talk about what's around you.
So far my experience at the festival has been nice. It's hard to have an entire feel for the festival after only one show, and you also have to take into consideration that they are going to have growing pains that every first year festival goes through. Above it all though, I'm excited to be a part of it.
Tonight promises to be just as awesome, maybe even more so. I have an idea of what to see, as my OCD organized person likes, but I'm also leaving it up to whatever strikes my fancy at the crucial decision time. That's a brilliant element of a festival, and also their downfall, so many choices!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Today is the Day
Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival starts today. I'm so excited. Comedy, yay!
Our first show is going to be Maria Bamford. I can't wait. I remember watching one of her specials, years ago, and I have to admit, I didn't like it. It's not necessarily that I couldn't get her comedy, I couldn't get over her voice (which I know probably wasn't her real one). I've grown as a comedy nerd, and I'm pretty sure I can re-evaluate her stand-up routine. That, and everyone freaking loves her. If all the people I love, comics and fellow nerds, love her, there's got to be something to her. I'm excited to revisit her stand-up and hopefully board the Maria Bamford train.
After that, I think we might try to get into Aziz. I'm not sure, but that's what the original plan that I had mocked up would be. Of course, we'll discuss it, Jessica-Clayton-myself, and figure out what we want to do, and what we can possibly get into. (ah, the damn annoyance of festivals) But, come on, you know Aziz Ansari is going to be badass! I've seen a bit of his stand-up and loved it.
There will be a bit of pressure on me this week, which I don't mind, cause I'm definitely the biggest comedy nerd out of the three of us. I will be leading the charge on what shows to catch, or who we have make sure we see. It will be kind of fun to organize the raid for the next few days. I just hope they like it as much as I know I'm going to.
Let's be honest, though, have you seen the list of comics? It's an awesome list, any show is going to be badass!
So excited! I love when work and my nerd traits collide.
Our first show is going to be Maria Bamford. I can't wait. I remember watching one of her specials, years ago, and I have to admit, I didn't like it. It's not necessarily that I couldn't get her comedy, I couldn't get over her voice (which I know probably wasn't her real one). I've grown as a comedy nerd, and I'm pretty sure I can re-evaluate her stand-up routine. That, and everyone freaking loves her. If all the people I love, comics and fellow nerds, love her, there's got to be something to her. I'm excited to revisit her stand-up and hopefully board the Maria Bamford train.
After that, I think we might try to get into Aziz. I'm not sure, but that's what the original plan that I had mocked up would be. Of course, we'll discuss it, Jessica-Clayton-myself, and figure out what we want to do, and what we can possibly get into. (ah, the damn annoyance of festivals) But, come on, you know Aziz Ansari is going to be badass! I've seen a bit of his stand-up and loved it.
There will be a bit of pressure on me this week, which I don't mind, cause I'm definitely the biggest comedy nerd out of the three of us. I will be leading the charge on what shows to catch, or who we have make sure we see. It will be kind of fun to organize the raid for the next few days. I just hope they like it as much as I know I'm going to.
Let's be honest, though, have you seen the list of comics? It's an awesome list, any show is going to be badass!
So excited! I love when work and my nerd traits collide.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
A New Chapter
These last two years have been a roller coast ride in life. So many things have happened, some for the good and a lot for the bad. I'm still working through the bad elements, and not sure if I'll ever fully recover, but that's okay. Maybe one day I'll express it on here, it's something that people go through all the time, but it's still being worked out in my head and can't release it.
On the much bright side, things have been great in the career area.
I am now writing for a wonderful online magazine Austin Fusion Magazine. It's been a great experience and I can't wait for things to continue to grow.
The other "crew" members are awesome and we have a great time together. It's fun to be around people, it's fun to do things. It's always a good thing when your co-workers are cool and you enjoy hanging out with them.
It's also been a great writing exercise for me. I'm used to writing stories, creating this new world with situations and characters. Now I'm writing interviews and descriptive pieces. It's not that I'm horrible at it (my April interviews were awesome, if I do say so myself), it's just taken a few articles to feel totally comfortable in my new writing role.
Viva Latino has also taken on a new life. We have hooked up with iLatino.tv, and will be airing the new season, as well as starting a Fitness Channel. It should be up and running by this summer, and I can't wait! The girls at iLatino are amazing, and it's going to be a great venture for all involved.
It's an interesting time in my life, that's for sure.
Looking forward to all that's involved.
Speaking of which, check back this week for recaps of the upcoming Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival. Austin Fusion Magazine will be covering it (don't forget to read the article in the May issue of the magazine), and I'm so excited! Comedians! Awesome.
On the much bright side, things have been great in the career area.
I am now writing for a wonderful online magazine Austin Fusion Magazine. It's been a great experience and I can't wait for things to continue to grow.
The other "crew" members are awesome and we have a great time together. It's fun to be around people, it's fun to do things. It's always a good thing when your co-workers are cool and you enjoy hanging out with them.
It's also been a great writing exercise for me. I'm used to writing stories, creating this new world with situations and characters. Now I'm writing interviews and descriptive pieces. It's not that I'm horrible at it (my April interviews were awesome, if I do say so myself), it's just taken a few articles to feel totally comfortable in my new writing role.
Viva Latino has also taken on a new life. We have hooked up with iLatino.tv, and will be airing the new season, as well as starting a Fitness Channel. It should be up and running by this summer, and I can't wait! The girls at iLatino are amazing, and it's going to be a great venture for all involved.
It's an interesting time in my life, that's for sure.
Looking forward to all that's involved.
Speaking of which, check back this week for recaps of the upcoming Moontower Comedy and Oddity Festival. Austin Fusion Magazine will be covering it (don't forget to read the article in the May issue of the magazine), and I'm so excited! Comedians! Awesome.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
2012
Happy New Year!
I can't believe it's already 2012. Time seems to be going faster and faster as the years go by. I can't say I'm sad to see 2011 go, but I wasn't happy for it's quickness either.
2011 for me was a year of some very low lows, and some equally high highs.
It's funny how life can tend to do that. Maybe it does that on purpose, balancing out your existence and experiences to help in shaping a well-rounded human being. Or maybe things just happened to happen that way.
2011 set up a very interesting 2012. I know that this year will bring, going to stay positive, some of my best moments. I can feel them coming. I know that this will be the year that things really start growing within my career. 2011 did a good job with dropping some varied projects into my lap, of which I'm stoked! Yet, at the same time, whether I want to admit it or not, I'm afraid that this year might also be the hardest moments of my life. I want to stay positive and think that things will sustain, but I can't be selfish. So again, highs and lows are what is for seen in 2012.
With the shift that my life seems to be gravitating towards in 2012, I feel calm about things. Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe more good than bad will occur this year. Maybe it's my avoidance of reality that's kicking in. Maybe it'll be a year of acceptance as well as advancement.
I'm trying not to picture the year, or whatever time increment you want to use, is a positive or negative light, instead I'm focusing on taking things as they happen. It's not that the universe is for or against me, things just happen. Instead of focusing on what will happen, I just need to focus on my present and make sure that I'm happy and doing what I can, when I can.
That is my resolution, after all. To steal Chris Hardwick's line from "The Nerdist Way" (you should pick it up, fa sho!); Don't be a pawn for the darkness. It's a good life philosophy, but one step at a time.
I want to be a better person. Not that I think I'm a horrible person, cause I'm pretty rad, but there is always areas of my life that need to be worked on. All of us have those areas, so why not make a conscience effort to evolve.
Life is evolving everyday, from new career paths to a change in family. The only way you can experience the fullness of life to absorb everything, let it breath within your bones, and then incorporate it into your being. This seems like it would be the logical thing to do, however we tend to let our emotions take control over our thoughts and effect how we react. I'm a very emotional person, sometimes a person who relies on emotional contact, so not making it about my emotions is going to be a challenge. Instead, for every bad thing that makes me want to hide under my blanket for a week, I'm going to focus on the good in my life. It's all about balance.
A life of balance. That's not a bad resolution/goal to strive for either in 2012. I hope I'm able to attain/stick with my resolutions.
It's a new year, anything is possible.
I can't believe it's already 2012. Time seems to be going faster and faster as the years go by. I can't say I'm sad to see 2011 go, but I wasn't happy for it's quickness either.
2011 for me was a year of some very low lows, and some equally high highs.
It's funny how life can tend to do that. Maybe it does that on purpose, balancing out your existence and experiences to help in shaping a well-rounded human being. Or maybe things just happened to happen that way.
2011 set up a very interesting 2012. I know that this year will bring, going to stay positive, some of my best moments. I can feel them coming. I know that this will be the year that things really start growing within my career. 2011 did a good job with dropping some varied projects into my lap, of which I'm stoked! Yet, at the same time, whether I want to admit it or not, I'm afraid that this year might also be the hardest moments of my life. I want to stay positive and think that things will sustain, but I can't be selfish. So again, highs and lows are what is for seen in 2012.
With the shift that my life seems to be gravitating towards in 2012, I feel calm about things. Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe more good than bad will occur this year. Maybe it's my avoidance of reality that's kicking in. Maybe it'll be a year of acceptance as well as advancement.
I'm trying not to picture the year, or whatever time increment you want to use, is a positive or negative light, instead I'm focusing on taking things as they happen. It's not that the universe is for or against me, things just happen. Instead of focusing on what will happen, I just need to focus on my present and make sure that I'm happy and doing what I can, when I can.
That is my resolution, after all. To steal Chris Hardwick's line from "The Nerdist Way" (you should pick it up, fa sho!); Don't be a pawn for the darkness. It's a good life philosophy, but one step at a time.
I want to be a better person. Not that I think I'm a horrible person, cause I'm pretty rad, but there is always areas of my life that need to be worked on. All of us have those areas, so why not make a conscience effort to evolve.
Life is evolving everyday, from new career paths to a change in family. The only way you can experience the fullness of life to absorb everything, let it breath within your bones, and then incorporate it into your being. This seems like it would be the logical thing to do, however we tend to let our emotions take control over our thoughts and effect how we react. I'm a very emotional person, sometimes a person who relies on emotional contact, so not making it about my emotions is going to be a challenge. Instead, for every bad thing that makes me want to hide under my blanket for a week, I'm going to focus on the good in my life. It's all about balance.
A life of balance. That's not a bad resolution/goal to strive for either in 2012. I hope I'm able to attain/stick with my resolutions.
It's a new year, anything is possible.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
I don't know what's wrong with me.
I don't know how many times I've talked about keeping up with this blog, especially since I'm actually a contributing writer to different things, yet I don't ever do it. I can't keep making excuses for myself. This time around, I was just lazy. I would of much rather listened to my podcasts and crochetted the Christmas presents for people. I'm promise it will happen less. (uh...)
As it gets closer to Christmas, I'm starting to concentrate on not getting stressed. This year I will be visiting my father and step-mom for the holidays. I'm looking forward to seeing and spending time with my dad. We've gotten closer in the last few years, and I do enjoy our time together.
It's not going to be as stress-free as it has been in times past, due to situations, but I'm focusing on the positive in hopes that positive energy wreaks havoc on the wicked.
It's always interesting spending Christmas with my father because he's not a big Christmas celebrator, never has been. I, on the other hand, love the holiday. I love decorating and spending time with those you love, buying personal gifts for people (I take gift giving very seriously). It's my family holiday. I don't even know if the house will be decorated. Not that I'm complaining, cause I would never. I am very happy and looking forward to seeing my dad, I'm just stating the fact that it's going to be different.
One other thing that I'm looking forward to and focusing on is New Years Eve. I will be away from friends, which is always a blow out, and will be with family. New Years Eve is one of my favorite friend holidays (along with Halloween). (I'm the nerd that dresses up in awesome things...that no one gets.) So, yes, selfishly I'm going to miss the drunken crazy of that night downtown. However, and a BIG HOWEVER, I not only will be with my father, who's birthday it will be, but I will be with not one, but both of my siblings. The first time in like 23 years. I'm serious, 23 years. Maybe ever, but that is a little unlikely. (not by much)
Oh, my siblings. I'm super bffs with my sister, so any time with her is awesome. I'm close to my brother, still looking up to the big bro. When you get the three of us together, which is a rarity, there is no telling what can happen. We've all gotten closer in the last few years, so I'm really excited to just be with them. I can't wait to have that conversation, "What do you mean you don't like Community?" The three nerds together again. Yes, there will be alcohol involved. The best thing about that, my brother will become a comedian himself! OMG, NYE is going to rock.
I may seem to be focusing a little too much on NYE, but I'm focusing on the positive than the negative of what could happen. This holiday season is something that we are all grateful for, one that we won't didn't necessarily know was going to happen, and may not ever again. It's not the easiest situation to go into, but there are enough things that will occur during these two weeks of the holidays to make these the best two weeks of the year.
My family is incredible important to me, and knowing that I will be ending 2011 with all of them means a lot to me. One memory that I know I will cherish for the rest of my life.
As it gets closer to Christmas, I'm starting to concentrate on not getting stressed. This year I will be visiting my father and step-mom for the holidays. I'm looking forward to seeing and spending time with my dad. We've gotten closer in the last few years, and I do enjoy our time together.
It's not going to be as stress-free as it has been in times past, due to situations, but I'm focusing on the positive in hopes that positive energy wreaks havoc on the wicked.
It's always interesting spending Christmas with my father because he's not a big Christmas celebrator, never has been. I, on the other hand, love the holiday. I love decorating and spending time with those you love, buying personal gifts for people (I take gift giving very seriously). It's my family holiday. I don't even know if the house will be decorated. Not that I'm complaining, cause I would never. I am very happy and looking forward to seeing my dad, I'm just stating the fact that it's going to be different.
One other thing that I'm looking forward to and focusing on is New Years Eve. I will be away from friends, which is always a blow out, and will be with family. New Years Eve is one of my favorite friend holidays (along with Halloween). (I'm the nerd that dresses up in awesome things...that no one gets.) So, yes, selfishly I'm going to miss the drunken crazy of that night downtown. However, and a BIG HOWEVER, I not only will be with my father, who's birthday it will be, but I will be with not one, but both of my siblings. The first time in like 23 years. I'm serious, 23 years. Maybe ever, but that is a little unlikely. (not by much)
Oh, my siblings. I'm super bffs with my sister, so any time with her is awesome. I'm close to my brother, still looking up to the big bro. When you get the three of us together, which is a rarity, there is no telling what can happen. We've all gotten closer in the last few years, so I'm really excited to just be with them. I can't wait to have that conversation, "What do you mean you don't like Community?" The three nerds together again. Yes, there will be alcohol involved. The best thing about that, my brother will become a comedian himself! OMG, NYE is going to rock.
I may seem to be focusing a little too much on NYE, but I'm focusing on the positive than the negative of what could happen. This holiday season is something that we are all grateful for, one that we won't didn't necessarily know was going to happen, and may not ever again. It's not the easiest situation to go into, but there are enough things that will occur during these two weeks of the holidays to make these the best two weeks of the year.
My family is incredible important to me, and knowing that I will be ending 2011 with all of them means a lot to me. One memory that I know I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Run Away, Run Away...
In my head I picture the Monty Python crew running away from the 'French' castle while barnyard animals are being pelted at them. If only my issue was that funny.
I've realized in recent weeks that when the tough gets going, it takes all of my strength to not run and hide. I attribute this to my youth when I would get the belt for doing something bad. I don't want to imply that I was beat by any means, or that I have a fear of my parents in anyway (they are awesome, actually), but I never liked getting in trouble.
This isn't to say that I'm constantly getting in trouble in my adulthood, I've been quite good thank you. I've grown a lot since I was a child and have gainned strength I never knew I had. Yet, I still want to hide when things go down hill in my life. Like right now, I don't want to face reality.
Maybe that's what it is all about. I don't want to face the possible turn my life could be taking. I know that it's not anything new in the world, and many people, people I hold dear, have had to deal with in their lives, but I don't want it to be a part of mine.
Does that make me selfish? Probabaly, but that doesn't mean it's not any less hard.
This issue isn't something that's new to me, either. It's something that has been in the back of our minds for just about 10 years. The big difference now is that there might not be any more treatment options. That is the scariest thing and my worst fear. It's really hard not to shut down and question whether it's all worth it.
When issues like this happen to you, you find yourself questioning everything. What's the point in doing this if this person won't see it? Why do this if it isn't going to be anything more than an experience. It's hard not to fall into a huge depression pit. I let myself feel this way, I think it's healthy, for a few days. Usually I start to pick myself back up and move on. This time around, it's taking even more strength than usual.
I'm not really accomplishing my goal of movement, to be honest. I'm forcing myself to do things daily. I know it's not healthy, but until I know what my future path will be, I'm in limbo myself. That's what's the worst thing about this situation at the moment, we don't even know if there is or isn't any opions available to us.
I know that I will only run away so far. I can't completely check out. For one, I need to be there for him. I really believe that he gains strength from me, and I can't let him down, not now. I also know that if I let go of the rope while being in the pit, I could be done for. I don't know if I'm ready to give up. So, I continue on this battle and hopefully come out on top, not matter how appealing the hidden cubby-hole looks.
I've realized in recent weeks that when the tough gets going, it takes all of my strength to not run and hide. I attribute this to my youth when I would get the belt for doing something bad. I don't want to imply that I was beat by any means, or that I have a fear of my parents in anyway (they are awesome, actually), but I never liked getting in trouble.
This isn't to say that I'm constantly getting in trouble in my adulthood, I've been quite good thank you. I've grown a lot since I was a child and have gainned strength I never knew I had. Yet, I still want to hide when things go down hill in my life. Like right now, I don't want to face reality.
Maybe that's what it is all about. I don't want to face the possible turn my life could be taking. I know that it's not anything new in the world, and many people, people I hold dear, have had to deal with in their lives, but I don't want it to be a part of mine.
Does that make me selfish? Probabaly, but that doesn't mean it's not any less hard.
This issue isn't something that's new to me, either. It's something that has been in the back of our minds for just about 10 years. The big difference now is that there might not be any more treatment options. That is the scariest thing and my worst fear. It's really hard not to shut down and question whether it's all worth it.
When issues like this happen to you, you find yourself questioning everything. What's the point in doing this if this person won't see it? Why do this if it isn't going to be anything more than an experience. It's hard not to fall into a huge depression pit. I let myself feel this way, I think it's healthy, for a few days. Usually I start to pick myself back up and move on. This time around, it's taking even more strength than usual.
I'm not really accomplishing my goal of movement, to be honest. I'm forcing myself to do things daily. I know it's not healthy, but until I know what my future path will be, I'm in limbo myself. That's what's the worst thing about this situation at the moment, we don't even know if there is or isn't any opions available to us.
I know that I will only run away so far. I can't completely check out. For one, I need to be there for him. I really believe that he gains strength from me, and I can't let him down, not now. I also know that if I let go of the rope while being in the pit, I could be done for. I don't know if I'm ready to give up. So, I continue on this battle and hopefully come out on top, not matter how appealing the hidden cubby-hole looks.
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