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I don’t usually talk about comedy on this blog, mostly because I consider myself a “failed comedian with no intention of stopping.”

That said, I guess it’s about time for me to talk about how 2011 wrapped up and what’s in store for 2012.

I gotta admit, I had an amazing 2011 – when it comes to comedy. When it comes to life, 2011 was a shit-storm. I left a long-time job in an industry that I am still willing to bleed for every day; I have a much colder, lonely home due to two people taking time to explore happiness and sanity; I lost a relative. There were other things involved (health mostly), but I digress. On to the good stuff!
2011 saw me performing at a few clubs in Seattle and LA – all due to the good graces of (sorry, not gonna name-drop here) local and traveling comics that took a risk on me. I got to sit in awe of some heroes, meet some amazing new friends, get support (and heckled) from others, travel my ass off (whether performing or just getting out as much as possible) – and even get into an angry (yet funny) verbal exchange with a comic.
All said, 2011 was good to me for comedy, and set me up for 2012.

So 2012 has just started and I’m already focused like a mofo. I’m working my ass off to finish the first 200 pages of a book I hope to have out by the end of the year (either on a Seattle imprint or with some other writers, bundled together in one of those “sad, self-published” kinds of deals). I’m traveling in February and March, firstly to see some amazing comics and musicians but also to get my sad brand of self-deprecating humor into whatever club I can lie my way into. Sure, there’s opportunities and open doors everywhere (locally and in my favorite haunts elsewhere), but I have to push every chance I can get.

I’ve been accused (remember I mentioned the heated verbal exchange earlier?) of “pulling at the tits” of others in order to get exposure or a leg up. Honestly, it hurts a little to hear that I’m not talented and that I’m just riding off the sweat and good graces of others. In this industry, I see it all the time and so far nobody has looked at me sideways for their help – or worse, put me on a stage merely based on their own name. I feel the introductions I’ve gotten and the minute amount of stage time I’ve gotten so far has been at *the very least* due to others seeing something in me and *most likely* due to the fact that I’ve surrounded myself with an amazingly supportive and friendly bunch.
Hell, I’ve met people who have spent time with me that I never thought I’d even be able to get a ticket to their show ten years ago.

Nope. I still don't see the funny. Sorry.

2012, I’ve got a lot of personal work to do on myself (I’m spread too thin, I’m spending too much money, my relationship status confuses even Facebook, my health is in the shitter [puns!]), but I know I can do “it.” Whatever “it” is, I’m up for the challenge. I’ve got a bottle of water by my side, a budget set for the next two months, a nice calm evening planned for tomorrow, and plenty of toilet paper.

I hope I succeed at standup, and eventually writing (my true passion). If I don’t, oh well – it’s been an amazing ride so far. If nobody even remembers a single joke I’ll be happy that I got to bump shoulders and even sit in the audience of some amazing talent.

If I were truly funny, I’d have something to say at the end of this post, but if you’ve seen me perform you’d understand when I just end it with “…”

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Oh, one more thing: After spending hundreds on the equipment, writing the scaffolding for 8 episodes, Dirt Laundry will be coming in the next couple of months, god willing. The hold-up has just been due to scheduling. I’ve recorded three episodes but they’re just me talking into a mic and that is so goddamned boring in a podcast!