Report: First time out

Anticipation is worse than outcome. Outcome is better when there aren't three tall boys splashing around in your stomach.

Wednesday night went much better than I expected; I'm allowing myself to indulge in that one positive statement.

I was a mess on the way to the bar, worrying needlessly. I got there, put my name on the list, ordered a beer, and hung out with my two friends who graciously came to support me. The set list was announced for the night and I was given the 26th out of 29 slots.  I ordered another beer. 

Saw some of the other comics perform, sat by myself, talked to a couple of people briefly, and had another beer. 

Basically, I had a vague idea of what to do. My goal for the night was to get up, say a few things, get a laugh or two, and sit down. That would be a success. See what it's like to look at an audience. Do something creative in front of people for the first time. I've spoken in front of people before, but those were all school-related talks. 

I got up there, looked at the ground, grabbed the mic with one hand and the stand with the other and dove into a 7 min + ramble. I was only supposed to stay up there for 5 minutes, but because I basically zoned out I missed the cue to end. As you can hear in the video below, it started off pretty well and then veered off track. My favorite bit, the part about not being know while alive, came to me out of thin air. This makes me wonder if it's a professional's bit that I heard in the past. Hopefully that isn't the case and I can claim a funny joke as my own.

I think the first 3 minutes or so aren't bad; the rest is painful to hear. I have no idea why I made a Kim Kardashian and I think it sounds cheap. That said, more people got that reference than the Portlandia one. Ok, not going to beat myself up over it.

Time will see whether this is just a passing interest or something I want to stick with for a while. I did learn a few things for the next go 'round. Don't drink 72 oz. of beer. Even if the comic is terrible they won't be heckled or booed off at this level, so relax and learn.