420, Female Impersonators, Musical Improv, Porn Stars, Cabaret

Today was an unusual day. I didn't have to work today, sort of. I didn't have anyplace to be during daylight hours. I had an audition for a musical improv troupe but that wasn't until 9 pm. The day was mine.

I got up around 10ish which I love. Not too early and not too late. I looked at the boxes and suitcases that I hadn't unpacked from the "un-move" on Sunday. I decided that I needed to unpack. So, after a cup of tea and a bit of play with the roommate's chihuahuas I began to unpack.

The day is going along rather mundanely when I remembered that today is 4/20. 420 somehow became this international code for smoking weed. Now, I have had some experience with the MaryJane and still enjoy her company from time to time (for the health benefits). I decide that I will get high at 4:20 pm. A festive fun way to celebrate my favorite drug and still enough time to sober up for my audition.

As it turned out, I was in the middle of being interviewed via telephone when 4:20 came and went. Since I was being interviewed for a scholarly paper (a women is writing an anthropology thesis on women and minority students in improv), I decided to stay sober. It was nearly 5:30 when I realized that I missed my golden opportunity. Oh well, there is always next year.

I watched The Surreal Life marathon for a bit and played with the dogs some more. I left the apartment and headed to Lakeview. I had an audition. I have to be honest and say that I don't think I brought my A-game tonight. It's a shame. I hate when that happens. Usually, the improv comes easily for me. I love doing it and I love playing. Tonight, it seemed like a lot of work and I felt like my energy was a little off (I should have smoked that weed). I was playing moment to moment but I was not "bringing it."

The audition ended and I boarded the 22 bus back to West Rogers Park. The bus came just as I was arriving at the stop. I hung up with my chatty friend Tim and headed home. I'm reading The Deptford Trilogy by Robertson Davies. I'm reading the first book, Fifth Business, now. I love it. The best part about the long commutes up to Rogers Park is my reading. As we passed into Andersonville, I turned and noticed that Atmosphere bar featured Amy and Freddy every Wednesday. I love Amy so much. She and I moved to Chicago roughly at the same time. I was trying to make it and she was trying to make it. We both have a mutual respect for each other and we love pancakes and booze. Oft times, together. I hopped off the bus and went into the bar.

I immediately was greeted by Amy's husband Robert. He possesses a wonderful soul. He is definitely a sight for sore eyes. My mood started to lift as we talked. Amy is one funny performer and it wasn't long before she was taking her singing and her schtick into the audience. When she saw me in the crowd,she freaked out and we started chatting right in the middle of her number. But no one cared, because she's Amy Armstrong. She is so fucking talented and she could kick all of their asses if she wanted. Although, she would never want to.

It was shortly after Amy took her set break that Honey West entered the bar. I also love Honey. I met her and his charming friend Don around the same time I met Amy. They were always so kind and encouraging. It was great to see Honey. I enjoyed a good part of the next musical set when I realized I had to leave. I have to be up early to do the Storybus. The little kiddies don't want to hear the hungover version of "Little Red Hen."

Before I left, there was one more thing to accomplish. I had spotted a super sexy guy in the corner all night. I kept trying to flirt with him but could never get his eye. He finally came down and talked to Honey for a bit. I took the opportunity to flirt heavily. He was cute and his name was Chad. After he went back to his perch with his gal pal, Honey told me that he was a porn star. I looked at him again and thought, "he should be."

As I put on my jacket, Amy yelled from the stage, "Pip, you leaving?" I blew her a kiss, whispered "I love you," and waved goodbye. I had to get home. I can't be hanging out with cabaret singers, porn stars, and female impersonators all night long.