Birbigs Inspired Mom Joke

My sister and I were planning out my Mom's birthday, the same way we do every year.  We talk about it a month before it's going to happen, then do nothing.  Then, a week before, we discuss what we should do for it, then do nothing.  A few days before, we discuss restaurants and logistics, then do nothing.  Finally, the day before, we talk on the phone about restaurants.  And finally, do nothing.  Until the very next day, when we make reservations.  Which is exactly what reservations were invented for...last minute table saving.

This year, we decided to break from tradition and look for a good French restaurant.  We're looking on nymag.com for their restaurant recommendations, entrees around 25 to 30 bucks, so we could all enjoy appetizers, a bottle of wine (or some French malt liquor, whatever) and dessert.  Nothing more expensive, so my sister and I wouldn't go broke.  You know, a nice dinner.  At a place my mom would like.  However, all we could find were places that were $40 and up for entrees.  I told my sister, "it's like, I love you, Mom, but maaaaaybe not for $75 dollars a person."

Epilogue: We found a cheaper French restaurant.  It was delicious.  My mother enjoyed it, as we all did.  The wine list baffled me, but the sommelier was helpful, and even taught me how to write "Happy Birthday, yo!" in French.  I have since forgotten.  Happy New Year everyone, and remember to cherish your family.  Just maybe not at such a high price point.

Mike Birbiglia Accomplished!

As a birthday present to me (in the past, because that's when my birthday was, and it won't be again until the future, and I don't have a time machine*), Pris took me to see the amazing Mike Birbiglia at Union Hall performing new material entitled "60 Minutes of New Stories." It lasted for 60 minutes, and was incredible, like all of his shows. I'd previously seen "Sleepwalk With Me," thanks to the kindness of Janet. I sat right by the stage for both shows, but Union Hall was definitely a more intimate space. This was a good thing for me, but maybe not so much for Birbigs, who didn't seem entirely thrilled when I took the first photo of him on stage. Mike also told stories that carried heavier emotional weight, revealing more of his personal life. Comedy stands out better when it pokes through the seriousness of the past. It was an amazing show, and Mike solidified his place even further as my favorite comedian. So, congratulations Mr. Birbiglia!

Taunting/heckling me before the real stories begin. Sorry Mike!


*Yet

Dear Mike Birbiglia

Dear Mike Birbiglia,

I'd like to apologize for pointing and looking like a jackass when I saw you in the lobby of a building on Broadway. I was going there with a photographer I work for to make some prints for his portfolio, and when I realized the man in the lobby in a spacesuit was one of my favorite comedians, I couldn't control myself. As the realization dawned on me that you weren't a cosmonaut or Buzz, my brain sent information to my arm and told it to point, almost obnoxiously. It was very kind of you to say, in an exaggerated way since you were on the other side of glass, "I know. I'm in a spacesuit!" It wasn't the outlandish outfit, which you were wearing for your upcoming tour with Comedy Central that will be unbelievably hysterical, that caused me to be excited and querulous, but more so just your presence. I never get to run into people I admire or am starstruck by (sorry whichever Olsen twin I was on the shoot with), and so I couldn't think of much more to say than how much I loved your off Broadway "Sleepwalk With Me" and how funny I think you are. I wish I had thought to shake your hand, or get a photo with you, or ask if I could shoot a portrait of you someday, or see if you perhaps wanted to grab a beer and talk about the Muppets, because maybe that's something you like also. Let's be honest; it's hard not to.

At first I was sort of glad I didn't wear my "I'm a bear, etc." shirt, because that would be embarrassing. On the other hand, maybe if I had, you'd know I'm a fan and even though we differ in opinion on bears, that's what we could talk about over beers. Well, I hope you had a good shoot. I saw the promo photo and your facebook shot, and they looked good. I may comment on your page or send fan mail, but by now, you've probably forgotten about me in the sea of people who pointed at the man in a space suit. Good luck on the tour and hopefully I'll get to sit front row at another show.

Your friend (well, not really, but I could be),
Larry