Back In 05

Looking back on the year, I'm sure I will always think of it as the year we split.

I will also think about certain memorable events.

The first event is finishing the improv classes and being asked to join the troupe. I couldn't believe I had even taken the classes, and never thought at the start that I would want to perform. I don't know why now, but when it happened, I was on cloud 9.

The next is actually having to perform. It was the first Friday in May, and I was so sick to my stomach. I had diarrhea all day, and I didn't invite people to come at first. Then, I called a few people, and during the show, I realized almost everyone I knew had come. What a show that was, and what a night.

Five weeks later, we had one of our best shows ever. The audience actually gave us a standing ovation, and shouted for an encore. There was nobody I knew in the audience. After the show, at the bar, I started to talk to a girl who was a friend of someone in the troupe. We hit it off, even though I was married and she was dating someone. We held hands and talked about sex. She was looking for a ride home, and I almost offered. I will always remember how I felt that night, and how I knew my marriage was done. The next day is when we told each other it was time to split.

One week later, she moved out. I had an acting class that was to last all day, and I said goodbye in the morning and went to class. During class, the teacher said comedy is born of pain, and I thought I would be the funniest one there.

The acting class. I gained so much confidence with that class. I think the combo of doing the improv with the class suddenly released this confidence that I had long forgotten.

Getting hired for my first acting gig. God, that felt great. Also, being able to finally open that bottle of champagne that had been haunting me. It tasted like shit.

When she moved into her place, and I lost most of my possessions. The apartment started to become a metaphor how I was feeling. Empty. I couldn't stop taking pictures. I haven't yet developed them.

Banging up my car drunk. Never a good memory.

Meeting TO. Apart from the obsession, which is easing, until I probably see her again, but anyway, what I will remember about that is the feeling it awakened in me. Ironically, I was sitting at the same table, in the same seat, that I was in the night I held hands with the girl who needed a ride. TO was sitting in her spot. The other night with TO, when we really connected, and I thought I might have a chance is also up there. Again, same seats! The feeling of giddiness. I wish I could bottle that.

My mother's trip here. The beginning of the end of the love affair with my family.

Those are the highlights of the year.

What new ones are there? If this next year has as much happening in it as last, then this blog is going to get good.