On the subject of "50 more questions"

Hello internet friends. Sorry to have been gone for a while, but it's the busy season for me... and sadly, I had time for this. Who knew!

I haven’t done one of these in months… but saw that my fellow {breakout} cast member, Megan used this as “Morning Red Bull for the Soul”… Okay, it woke me up a bit, but not like a Red Bull.

No one was tagged, but let me know if you do one.

1. What time did you get up this morning?

8 AM – I used to sleep all the tiome, now I get up early. Don’t like it a bit

2. How do you like your steak?

Medium Rare

3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema?

The Hangover... and it was very funny.

4. What is your favorite TV show?

24

5. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Atlanta

6. What did you have for breakfast?

4 Eggo Frozen Waffles, just like every morning

7. What is your favorite cuisine?

American… I am a steak and potatoes kinda guy.

8. What foods do you dislike?

Brussel sprouts and creamed spinach

9. Favorite place to eat?

Lunch: Chipotle

Dinner; A good steak house

10. Favorite dressing?

1000 Island with Caesar being a very close secons

11.What kind of vehicle do you drive?

A very bright blue Toyota Highlander

12. What are your favorite clothes?

My karaoke dressup clothes, my Teatro Zinzanni and {breakout} American Apparel Long Sleeve T-Shirts, Lucky Brand Jeans (Lucky You!)

13. Where would you visit if you had the chance?

Australia with my wife

Europe for a Football (Soccer) trip with my son.

14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full?

Half full

15. Where would you want to retire?

Somewhere quiet

6. Favorite time of day?

Night time

17. Where were you born?

Washington, DC

18. What is your favorite sport to watch?

Now, Soccer with my son… on my own, College Football

19. Who do you think will not tag you back?

No one cause I won’t tag this.

20. Person you expect to tag you back first?

See number 19

21. Who are you most curious about their responses to this?

You, of course.

22. Bird watcher?

I was an Orioles fan once, does that count

23. Are you a morning person or a night person?

Night!

24. Do you have any pets?

Two dogs, three cats, two kids

25. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share?

The new phone books are here, and I have already placed them in the recycle bin.

26. What did you want to be when you were little?

A television announcer

27. What is your best childhood memory?

The Olympics in 1972 at age 9 and sitting with Howard Cosell talking sports.

28. Are you a cat or dog person?

Used to be a dog person, but then the constant barking of my current two drives me nuts, so the cats have won me over.

29. Are you married?

Yes, for 15 years

30. Always wear your seat belt?

I used to not… but now I do… hate the fact that the government had to make a law, but I guess it’s for the best… although I gave up riding bikes when they said you have to wear a helmet..

31. Been in a car accident?

Flipped a car at age 16 when I fell asleep at the wheel

32. Any pet peeves?

People who are not nice, and Washington state drivers (who have taken over the title from Virginia drivers)

33. Favorite Pizza Toppings?

Pepperoni and Mushroom

34. Favorite Flower?

Anything beautiful – white rose if I had to choose

35. Favorite ice cream?

Haagen Daas Lemon Sorbet

36. Favorite fast food restaurant?

Chipotle

37. How many times did you fail your driver's test?

None

38. From whom did you get your last email?

The people handling my Dad’s estate

39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card?

The Apple Store

40. Do anything spontaneous lately?

If I have to think of it, it probably wasn’t spontaneous… how’s that from an improviser!

41. Like your job?

The boss is a real… oh, wait a minute, I work for myself! I do like it. Stressful owning your own company though.

42. Broccoli?

Only when my wife makes it for me and insists.

43. What was your favorite vacation?

My recent Alaskan Cruise

44. Last person you went out to dinner with?

My wife

45. What are you listening to right now?

A clock ticking and I want to throw it out the patio door

46. What is your favorite color?

Cobalt Blue

47. How many tattoos do you have?

None and none.

48. How many are you tagging for this quiz?

None and none.

49. What time did you finish this quiz?

8:52 AM with 1:26 left on my battery

50. Coffee Drinker?

Pepsi.

On the subject of "Pop Star"

I didn't mean to steal the show. Okay... maybe I did.

Last week, my family and I took a cruise to Alaska aboard the Golden Princess. I had been excited about this journey for months since we booked it. To prepare for the trip, I was looking over copies of the Princess Patter, the daily newsletter of the cruise, from the days when my wife took a cruise.

There it was... tempting me like a great looking woman in a catsuit... yes... that strongly! (dozens of friends laughing hysterically right now.) "Be the star that you are - Princess Pop Star - If you are good, you're good, but if you're bad, you're better."

This competition seemed tailor made for little old shy me. Get out there and rip apart a performance and be awesome. It was the exact idea behind "Seattle's Most Awesome Karaoke Performance Ever!" At least that is what I thought.

On the second night of the cruise was the first night of the competition. I was there early to sign up. Lindsay, the nice member of the Cruise staff was there to take the sign up. They did not have the song I wanted to do, which was to reprise Jungle Love by Morris Day and the Time - the song I had done at the Awesome Karaoke Competition. So I looked and saw they had Rapper's Delight. Not only did they have it... they had three versions of it.

"Use the first version," said a helpful Lindsay. "It's usually the best."

I turned in my slip with the number and the selection and asked her not to tell what the song was that I was going to do. I was dressed in a full on Tux and a top hat from the night's formal activities. It was the perfect performance outfit, I thought.

Lindsay took the stage and welcomed everyone... and said, "no one likes to go first, but we have to have someone do it... so here is our first performer, Jon!"

I took the stage and talked a little bit with her saying "I know what you are thinking, tux and top hat... Frank Sinatra?" She laughed politely and said to go ahead.

When Rapper's Delight began... there was a very long intro... so I tried to get the crowd into it... and finally broke into the song... from memory. I went all through the crowd in the Explorer's Lounge to cheers, laughs, claps and smiles... I was barely able to keep up with the song after four minutes, but knew I had two minutes to go... or so I thought.

I finished the part of the song that I knew (the single version) when I noticed the music wasn't close to stopping. So I broke into my version of "Rehab" to the tune of Rapper's Delight. The crowd laughed and wondered where the heck this guy had come from. (Seattle actually)

When I got through Rehab, the song was still going. I finally said "Yo, Lindsay" to which she responded, "Yo, Jon!" I asked if this was the 12 minute version of the song, and she said "Afraid so!" I replyed, "if I go any longer I am going to have a coronary."

Big cheers, big laughs... I thought I was a shoe in. Remember - if you are bad, you're better! I only had to make the top three. Well, singer after singer went... and three of them were quite good. The crowd went with the singers rather than the performer, so I came in fourth.

I asked Lindsay if I was even close... and she said that they loved it, but the crowd vote went another way. I could, however, enter again on Wednesday night.

Wednesday morning, I woke up very early and went onto the balcony of my room. I thought that if I could wow the crowd that I might have a chance. I pulled out paper and pen and started writing a parody song to the tune of "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry.

I practiced all day and was ready to perform. This time I would get to go sixth. None of the performers were very awesome up to my performance, so I felt good.

Jorge introduced me and asked me what I would be singing. I responded "Katy Perry" but in a different way! I had taped my lyrics to the screen and they wondered what I was up to.

I started the song "This was never the way I planned, not my intention." People laughed and thought I was singing the real song... but I continued.

Got so brave, ring in hand, I needed intervention.
I'm down on my one knee, Oh my God, will she say yes?
Or if she just says know, who else would I impress?
I kissed a girl and I liked it, the taste of her cherry chapstick.
I kissed a girl just to try it, hope HER boyfriend don't mind it.

There were laughs and cheers... and I thought I was getting to them. I continued.

We're going down the aisle now, God, it's too late.
But that was 15 years ago, guess it was my fate.
Pick up a loaf of bread!
Honey, would you mow the lawn?
Could you be home by 9?
Grey's Anatomy is on!

More laughs.

I kissed my WIFE and I liked it, the taste of her Avon lipstick, (Biggest laugh)
I kissed my wife just to try it, hope the pool boy don't mind it.
It felt so wrong, it felt so right, hoping that I will get some tonight,
I kissed my wife and she liked it. She liked it?

My wife she is so beautiful,
she loves me its a fact I know,
Tonight I want to have some lovin', oh
What's that? You're tired?
At least I have the H B Ohhhhhhhhhhh!

Well I thought I had nailed it. I didn't sing it perfectly, but for stage presence and entertainment value, I could not have done better. Jay, of the cruise staff, thought I was nuts and asked me if I like to perform, to which I said, of course. He guessed the name of my show was the Jon show to which I said... no, it's actually called Breakout.

Sadly, I came in worse than third, which meant I missed the finals, and my dreams of being on the big stage were dashed... or so I thought.

Thursday night, I was privileged to see the wonderful people who had entertained me all week show their even more entertaining side. The show, the International Crew Show, highlighted the talents of many of the crew members as well as the Cruise Staff. There were a lot of great performances but two topped them all.

Adam's performance of an original song could have easily put him on American (Or Australian) Idol. Actually, I think he might be a triple threat, and believe someone needs to discover him and put his talents to work. Comedy, Music and Acting... he can do it all.

The other was an old vaudeville routine called "If I were not on the Sea." Lindsay's Lorenna Bobbitt and Gemma's Nurse were hilarious. Heck, they all were. I saw a little more of Cruise Director Dave's Arabesque than I would ever want to however!

Later that night, we received the Princess Patter in our room. The Patter is the calendar of ship activities for the next day. I opened up the Patter and there it was mocking me. Princess Pop Star finals tonight at 10:30 - not to be missed. Also there was an item about Talent Show signup and rehearsal... 9:30 AM in the Wheelhouse Bar.

I had not been sleep well all cruise, so I woke up early again on Friday and was wide awake at 8:15 AM. I went to the Horizon Court and had some breakfast. I then had the idea that I might just have fun in the Talent Show and wouldn't it be funny if I did an act about not making it into Pop Star.

Out came the pen and paper... which made me feel light years younger as normally I would be using the computer to write ANYTHING! My self imposed exile from all things computer was hampering me, but I would not be deterred.

Pen in hand, I wrote a parody song to Rehab... yes, the same song I had sung a million times before. The song went like this.

I tried to make it into Pop star,
they said No, No, No.
Know I can't sing, it don't mean a thing,
This I know, know, know.
If I could get on stage, I know I'd be the rage,
But when it comes to Princess Pop Star,
They said Go! Go! Go!

I couldn't dance in Ballroom Blitz.
Gemma said I moved like sh_____it's a family show.
Cause there's nothing, nothing she could teach me,
That could have made a difference anyway.
Lindsay said "Just go take a Class!"
But the ship was moving so much,
I kept falling on my my ass.

I tried to make it into Pop star,
they said No, No, No.
Know I can't sing, it don't mean a thing,
This I know, know, know.
If I could get on stage, I know I'd be the rage,
But when it comes to Princess Pop Star,
They said Go! Go! Go!

The Cruise Director said "Why are you here?'
I said I have an idea.
I'm crusin, crusin with my honey.
So I thought I might just be funny.
He said, "you must have been misled."
"Drink this, buddy then go back to bed.

I tried to make it into Pop star,
they said No, No, No.
Know I can't sing, it don't mean a thing,
This I know, know, know.

I may never get to cruise again.
That's why, ooh I need you friends.
I just tried to spend all week.
To make you all laugh until the end.
You can't say I didn't try.
But to not make the finals just made me cry.

I tried to make it into Pop star,
they said No, No, No.
Know I can't sing, it don't mean a thing,
This I know, know, know.
If I could get on stage, I guess I should just turn the page!
Cause, when it comes to Princess Pop Star,
They said Go! Go! Go!

35 minutes and I had a song... and into the Wheelhouse Bar at 9:30 arrived Assistant Cruise Director, Ben. Sadly, he and I were the only two in the bar. That meant, there would be no talent show. I told him it was ironic, as I had written a song about being upset about making it into Pop Star. He thought I was joking.

He read the song, and laughed out loud and said... "well that makes it easy, we'll just have to put you into Pop Star." I was quick to tell him that I appreciated it, but I wanted it to be fair to the people who made it fairly. He said that I would perform in a showcase performance while they tallied up the votes.

When I arrived for Pop Star rehearsal, the other contestants were perplexed. When I stepped up to the mic and sang the song, they got the joke totally, so happily, I was a welcome addition in their eyes.

I spent most of the day rehearsing, but could not get through it all. I was amazingly nervous. So I came up with the idea that it would be presented as a letter of complaint to the Cruise Director. That way, I could carry the lyrics with me.

Showtime approached and we all went back stage led by Jorge, Lindsay and Jay. The contestants were all nervous, but I felt great. The pressure of not competing was just fine! When I changed into my human mirror ball disco shirt and top hat, they all had a laugh!

One by one, the contestants sang, with Billy and Ashley presenting the greatest performances. Lindsay from the Cruise Staff was doing the "green room" interviews and making everyone laugh with her "technical difficulties" some brought on by an apparent empty bottle of champagne. It was this bottle of champagne that led to me taking the performance to another level.

As I was being introduced, I took to the stage drinking from the bottle, looking lost, like I had just wandered onto the stage. David introduced me, and I told him to hold the bottle.

The performance went beautifully.... and you can see it here!

After I was swept off the stage by Lindsay, the smiles backstage were broad. It was what I had really wanted all along. It was not the winning of the competition, it was just the chance to take the big stage... a 750 seat theatre, with bright lights and a great sound system. It was what I had based the Karaoke competition at Jet City on, except this was way beyond that.

Upon leaving the ship the next day, I was having a tough time holding back tears. It had been a wonderful time with my family. What was making it so difficult was the fact that I had an emotion I hadn't felt since I was a teenager.

Back in Seabrook Island, SC, I have fond memories of some incredible friends who I made when they traveled to the resort island on vacation. They would enter my life for one or two weeks, and I would feel like I would always want to be their friend, although I understood that I would never see most of them ever again. Back then, I would be pen pals with some of them.

Now in the days of Facebook, I may never get to see them, but I can still be in touch with the 2009 version of pen pals. I am so pleased that Lindsay, Gemma and Jay have become my Facebook friends, and I truly hope that some day, they might look me up and say hello if they get some time in Seattle. If nothing else, I will, like most of my FB friends, keep them laughing with some fun status updates and a message or two from time to time.

To the Cruise Staff of the Golden Princess, thanks for letting me play on your boat, and thanks for being such awesome people. I am honored to call you friend, and hope you will always know this crazy guy will always have a special place in his heart for each of you.

Yours truly,
Johnny Blogger

On the subject of "It's Complicated"

I almost changed my relationship status last night, but after reading this, I think you all will understand.

She was very good to me for about a year and ten months. She treated me with respect. She brightened up when I looked upon her glowing face. She slept peacefully when I tapped her on the the head.

In recent weeks, she began to act differently. When I would need the right words from her, she would just spit my request out like she didn't care.

When I needed her to do something, really depended on her, she let me down.

Then, she did the unforgiveable. She ran out of space for my thoughts in her heart and brain.

Yes, I had done it again. I had run through a faithful friend in less than two years. I thought this one would be different. I thought she was more sturdy. When we first went out, she was fast, always faithful and I loved the fact that her body looked all sleek and shiny (yep, I like them to look that way.)

Alas, I was wrong. That's when I was in a pick up joint and saw a new one. She lookied like my old love, but her drive was much more, um, apparent. Her curves were even more than I had remembered in any old flame. And when I looked into her face, there was a perfectly clean complexion without any kind of imperfections. She was quiet when I needed her to be, and communicated beautifully when I needed to talk.

And then, the bartender told me of her secret. She has a friend that goes with her everywhere, and they "practically share a mind." Could it be true? I could have two that understand me. One to keep at home and one to take with me out in public? I met the little friend. She was petite and so dark, and sleek, and shiny, and sexy.

Sure enough, the bartender was right. When I spoke to the one, the other would say the words. And when I whispered into that small cute little place on the side of her head, her friend would know exactly what I was saying mere seconds after I said it.

I knew my old lady would never understand, but I had to. These new sultry beings were too tempting.

So I called my wife to ask her if she would mind if I picked up a new lady, and she said, "well, if you have to, I know that you will be happier if you do."

I didn't have the heart to tell her about the little friend. I just hoped she would understand.

So I brought the two ladies home and the kids seemed to really like them both, and immediately wanted to have a relationship with each of them, when I said, no kids, they are mine.

Cruelty. It is not my strong point, but at some time, I knew it would come to this. I called up my old lady and while I had her on the line, I let my new ladies listen in and basically take all the precious memories that we had formed together. Every single one from the past year and 10 months. Then, the most unkind cut of all. I informed my wife, and my old lady that not only did I have two new ladies, but that these two ladies had an intimate relation with the lady I keep at my office, and now they would be interacting as well.

Not only had I kicked my old lady to the curb, but the one that had proceeded her was able to stick around and play with the two new gals.

As I write this, she is still sitting there. Closed off now... her brightness gone, some scars apparent. There are a few things piled on top of her as well. I guess like an old lady with cats, she just will get used to it. I know there will be someone who will love her again... it just probably won't be me. That is unless my new ladies aren't around and I need her for a quickie.

I am sincerely hoping my new loves will be able to last longer than the old ones. I seem to run through relationships in less than a couple of years, no matter if the counselor had guaranteed me longer relationships. Time just seems to move on fast, and I need a lady I can depend on.

Thank God my wife understands.

So, it is with great pleasure that I announce that this is the first blog written on my new MacBook Pro with it's fully integrated iPhone and MobileMe. Pretty sexy, huh?

Yours truly,
Johnny Blogger

PS - I will be out of the blogosphere for a bit as I am going on vacation without my new or old ladies but with my wife, so I will resume writing when I return. There are just some times my wife wants to be the sole receiver of my attention. Imagine that!

On the subject of "Breaking News"

Did you notice things slowed to a crawl yesterday? The world got slower?

Some icons passed yesterday and suddenly, old feels a little older.

Using the internet to get information was quite interesting yesterday, as I looked for news on the stories of the day. I was struck by the fact that the passing of these three legends took me back to a simpler time... where the internet, nay, computers were just a dream.

Hoy-yo!
His voice was unmistakable; his laugh even more so. "You are correct, sir." "Funk and Waggnals jar since noon today." Ed McMahon was the consummate sidekick. He made everything go just that much easier and added the laugh track to Johnny. Some would say that Ed alone could have been the audience for Johnny and his jokes would still resonate.

The thing I always loved about Ed is the thing I have the hardest time with. He was able to take a back seat to the star, and never desired to be the star himself. I could learn a lot from that, and maybe, someday I will.

The Poster
I had "that poster" on my wall. She wasn't my favorite angel, but she sure was pretty, I am more of a Jacklyn Smith type, but Farrah was something else. I loved her car almost as much as I loved her.

Her courage in later life was something we can all take a lesson from. She died with dignity and with a passion. I am happy she married Ryan before she left, as they lived life together, and that simple act showed their undying love.

The Roller Rink
I remember the blue SpotBilt shoes that were converted into roller skates. I remember the rink in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Learning to dance on skates seemed to be a lot easier back then, but the song I will always associate with skating backwards was "Rock with You."

I loved the "innocent" pre-thriller Michael Jackson. "Off the Wall" was, by far, my favorite Michael Jackson album. I am happy that as his is being memorialized that people are remembering him for his music, and not the craziness that became his life.

Like a player becoming a coach. Like a coach becoming a hall of famer. Like a hall of famer passing away, these three deaths have signaled a passing of time, and another reminder that I am getting older.

May God bless them all.

Yours truly,
Johnny Blogger

On the subject of "Growing Up"

My little girl graduated from sixth grade today. They don't call it graduation as I guess it's not politically correct or some other reason, but fact is... she graduated.

It seems like it was just yesterday that I put her on the bus for the first time.

At the end of her Kindergarten year, I made a video (hey, it's what I do) where I interviewed the entire class about their memories of the year. I asked them what they learned... some of the answers:

"how to count a little higher than I did before I started school"
"how to read"
"that two wrongs don't make a right. They don't."
"to not destroy other people's property."
"be nice to others... and care about them."

As part of their sixth grade graduation video, I used the old video from 7 years ago as a basis for the final part of their graduation salute. You see, their answers then are as true now. Sure, they may have moved from counting to algebra, from reading to creative writing, but the basics are still there. They will still miss their teacher. They will miss their school. They will miss their friends.

The last two shots told the story best. As the Faith Hill's version of "Over the Rainbow" plays... we see a little girl hugging one of her students at the end of the day. The teacher, youthful and smiling, gives the petite girl with the cute yellow dress and the pink backpack a side hug as the two happily leave the classroom. The teacher hesitates, and turns out the light as the door closes, while the girl looks back one last time at her teacher. That is how the kindergarten version of the video ended 7 years ago.

For the sixth grade version, that scene dissolves into one last one. The teacher, now a little older and showing a little more experience exits the door when she is greeted by that same little girl, who is now nearly a half a foot taller than the teacher. The little yellow dress has been replaced by the more practical blue fleece top and long blue pants. The pink backpack has turned into a more with-it blue messenger bag. The two meet and hug once again. The teacher waves good bye as the student walks around the corner for the last time. Fade to black.

I had seen the video at least 20 times as I had edited and reviewed it, but still, I could not help myself. I was balling in the middle of a gymnasium of parents and kids. I could not control the sobbing of a dad who realized his little girl was not so little any more.

As I looked around, I was not the only one. It seems that imagery summed up the feelings of many of the parents on this day.

I am glad I could share my talents for the good of my girl... and hope that it provided the perfect ending to an amazing journey called elementary school.

I love you, sweetheart!

Yours truly,
Johnny Blogger

On the subject of "Urban Legends" and other impressions.

There I was, just happily surfing through Facebook, when that wonderful red dot appears in the lower right hand corner of my screen. "_______has commented on a photo of you."

I click on the photo and one of my friends makes a pretty funny remark about a picture in a friends album. However, the remark itself could be taken by my less "understanding" friends as very offensive, and by my conservative friends as "oh my god, has Jon gone to the other team?"

Thank God, I am not Miss California.

Here's the story. As most of you know, I take improv classes very seriously. This past week's class, called "Attack" was about going to extremes to get your scene to go to a totally higher level.

The day before in class I was not attacking at all. As a matter of fact, I was like a sheepish puppy. I was having an awful day and it showed in my work. So as I entered day two of the class, I had decided that no one was going to out do me in class. I even stated in my Facebook status:
Jon went to Attack armed with a water pistol. Tomorrow, dammit, I go in with a fricking Howitzer. Watch out, class!

Day two was going much better. Halfway through the class, there was a moment where our instructor took a picture of two of the improvisers in a position, that out of context, could be taken in many ways. The point of the instruction was that the closer one gets in proximity to the scene partner, the more powerful the scene can become. So instead of two people standing two feet away, we were practically talking into the nose hairs and ear hairs of our partners. So when our instructor snapped the first picture, you might have thought they were about to kiss.

Smart alec me said "---- has just tagged you in a photo," which drew huge laughs from the class. So our instructor, hoping to help us, snapped away.

We moved to a game called interrogation. The object of the game is to make the person being "interrogated" laugh or they would have to divulge a secret to the class. We paired off and each of us used our own tactics.

Jim and I were paired up and I volunteered to go first as the "suspect." Jim could not break me. I used to watch a show called Make Me Laugh back in the '80's. The object of the show was the longer you didn't laugh with comedians shouting jokes in your ear, the more money you win. I would have taken home the grand prize.

Jim tried everything, including taking my finger and threatening to pick his nose with it. I said, "go ahead, brother!" It broke him.

When it came time for me to question Jim, I knew I had a tactic that always drives my wife nuts, in the wrong way. I was going to fog up his glasses by coming in and acting like I was going to whisper in his ear. I never got to the fog as the first statement out of my mouth was "ear hair," which got him to laugh and break.

After the exercise, our instructor asked if anyone broke, which most people raised their hand. Then he asked who did not break, and only a couple of us raised then. He then asked, does anyone think they can't be broken. Without hesitation, I strode up to the chair and plopped down with a badass look none of those people had ever seen in me. When I took my glasses off, there was an audible ooooh in the room. This was a showdown.

To understand what I was feeling, you would have to go back a week earlier when I was in rehearsal for my own Breakout group. I was doing this same kind of "interrogation scene" when I decided to play it very sheepishly. Our director took me by the cheeks and looked right into my eyes and said "you are 6-4... you are a big man... don't you ever, ever be ashamed of that fact. Be proud of who you are."

She was right. Most of the time I have been on stage, I have played kids or shy people, all in spite of my gregarious personality and undeniable size.

So with Mandy's voice in my head... the challenge was on. The instructor began, and I think a little to his surprise, I fought back with comments of my own. He tried many techniques, but nothing seemed to be working. We got into some very inappropriate banter about Mothers and such, and went very NC-17 (it was a class, I had no problem with that in a class.) The duel continued for minutes... only to have me break when he look exhausted and made a very funny pun saying that it made him feel "__________angry."

I felt like a million bucks. I stood up and was big!

Then, the instructor said, "does anyone think they can break me?" I was being nice and waiting to give my classmates a chance. I was actually a little warn out from the previous scene. No one would raise their hand, so I said... "you're on!"

Doug sat there as I circumvented the chair. Then I struck suddenly, using the same talking close tactic I had used on Jim earlier. I think he was a little caught by surprise. Doug has been my teacher for quite a while and was not used to this aggressive me.

Here is the Urban legend story. I continued to question him getting closer and closer to him. He leaned to the right and I followed him. He leaned to the left so low that I decided to just hit the floor and wait for him to drop. He raised himself up and slipped down in his chair so low that his shoulders were now on the chair and his body created a bench like shape.

This is where the Urban Legend kicks in. I said "so, that's how you are going to play it." Seeing that he was, in essense, a bench. I decided to sit on his chest, trying not to hurt him. The angle of the class however did not see that I was sitting on his chest, but rather... how should I say it... higher.

So the stories began, and apparently had gotten to a very big urban legend status by the time he had his next class, when one of the class asked if I really had "sat higher." That was not the term he used, but ew... I still hate the term he used. Anyway, I was told the class went into somewhat of a tizzy when one classmember said "well, who hasn't he done that to."

Now remember, one week earlier, I was playing shy roles and trying to be unassuming, now people were giving me a whole other reputation. To the instructors credit, he played down the story, laughing at the same time.

That night, I went onto Facebook and there was the notification of someone making a comment on a photo of me. They told the urban legend story, to which I responded with a gasp and EWWW! I then said I needed to take a shower. I wrote back that there was some "splainin to do."

This led to a response that used that "word" again, followed by a cleaned up version only using the first syllable - "tea."

My friend, realizing that I was not comfortable with my new reputation told from the urban legend took the comments down. She's my friend.

So, why do I bring it up again. I love Facebook. I love the way it keeps you in touch with friends, but as you all know, I have friends from all walks of life. From theater types to jocks, from liberals to ultra conservatives. And now, from people who knew me as a sports loving television obsessed guy to the one who loves improv and the theatre now. There have been many different me's, but everyone knows a different part of me.

If anyone happened to see that particular comment, some might have been offended... others ultra-suprised that something like that would be said about me.

The legend is something nasty. The reality is something that never had any intention to be. 430 of the 452 friends I have on Facebook would know that, but you never know what someone might decide to take and put in their pocket to use somewhere down the road.

Case in point... last weekend's Karaoke event. I had full intentions when the concept began of doing Amy Winehouse in a full Amy Winehouse get up. I had the wig (which was borrowed and beautifully worn by Megan in the competition.) I was thinking of what else I could do... then my wife said to me, "in this day of Facebook and YouTube, you don't want to take any chances." She was right, so I went with a plan B.

So now, the record is clear, and the story is told, so that there won't be any misunderstanding of what happened. The urban legend might stay, but my heart is clear. And for those who made comments... no harm done. And, to the one who was looking out for me to let me know the legend had made it's way around, thank you! I don't want to become Amy Winehouse!

Yours truly,
Johnny Blogger

On the subject of "Don't Stop Believin"

There is a video on YouTube that is guaranteed to put me in a magical mood.



I was never in Glee Club. Our school didn't have one. However, if there was half this magic, I would have joined in a minute.

My life has taken an incredible sharp turn over the past year. Once a man obsessed with everything sports, the games on the field have taken a back seat to the games played on a stage. I have been bitten by the theatre bug, and it's venom may have saved my life. Okay, that might have been a little melodramatic, but there is no doubt it has changed who I am and how I identify myself. My work no longer defines who I am, and that is an amazing thing for me.

Ironically, the thing that makes sports most special is what is making these performing arts so rewarding. It's the ultimate team sport. There is no way that I can do any of this without the amazing dedication of others to make it happen. This is not the Jon show. I just get to play a part in it.

Last Sunday, Jet City Improv put on a fundraiser for its At-Risk Youth Education Program. We raised over 37-hundred bucks, which is not Jerry Lewis money, but not bad for a first effort. The idea came from a lunch conversation with my best teammate - my wife, who mentioned how cool it would be for me to do my karaoke on a big stage. One lunch turned into another and plans were set in place and it all came together.

To get an idea of how amazing it was to take the idea of Karaoke and put it on a theatre stage, I think you just have to see the pictures. It was the excellent work of dozens of people that made that show what it was... a magical night that we won't soon forget.

The result of the evening is a new ability to make a positive difference in the lives of many in the community and in particular, the improv community at Jet City. I so look forward to the opportunity to dream big dreams and watch them come to life.

Now, it's on to the next challenge. Another talented team, the Breakout Improv group, is getting set to take the stage for the first time next Saturday for the first of our preview performances. We would not have been able to come this far without the amazing dedication of our director, Mandy, and the belief that 8 other people have in yet another crazy idea. Again, big dreams turning into a beautiful reality.

So, I guess my mid-life crisis has been answered. The higher purpose question has been answered. What was in that blue room has been answered. It is a empty theatre, where dreams can come true just by stepping onto a stage.

All I have to keep remembering is...
"Don't Stop Believin'"

Yours truly,
Johnny Blogger