I have been told that I have a good sense of humor, but the fact that I laugh at myself on a daily basis, doesn’t necessarily mean that I am funny… I am just a dork. Soon this theory that people have about me, will be put to the test. I have had the honor to be asked to host the “Unity Brunch Comedy Show” put on by The National Parkinson’s Disease Foundation-Orange County Chapter on Sunday, July 13th, 2014. Of course I accepted and then peed my pants. What have I gotten myself into? I will be going on stage, hosting the show, and introducing the comedians…. all while trying to make people laugh. So how does the Perky Parkie prepare for her stand-up comedy debut?
I have a strict training regimen, which I practice everyday. This consists of:
(*The theme song from the movie “Rocky” playing in the background…)
1. Write down funny things that happen to me on a daily basis.
2. Practice my self-affirmation, “I am funny. I am smart. People like me.”
3. Eat large amounts of Frozen Yogurt, with hopes that a massive brain freeze will produce hilarious jokes.
4. Practice my comedy set in front of a mirror.
5. Come to the realization that I’m really not all that funny and I will suck on stage… then proceed to projectile vomit the Fro-Yo I just devoured.
6. Take a nap.
As you can see, I have some work to do to prepare for the big show, but I am up for the challenge. Although I may be slightly nervous, I am excited to raise money and awareness about Parkinson’s disease. I mean, really, if I do crash and burn, at least brunch is included! Now for my affirmation, “I am funny. I am smart. People like me.”
Lisa Vanderburg says
Fantabulous! At least you have good reason to pee your pants….! You ARE funny, and I love it! Reminds me of a seminar we attended when the guest-speaker was a Neurologist who had PD: he was gonna talk about body-control. So he trips up the stairs to the podium, gets up, onto the podium and says ‘The first thing I was going to say was this: Rule of thumb – if you have PD, don’t walk AND think. Don’t need to say it now I’ve shown you why….’
Dan says
Allison,
You’ll do great! How do I know that??
1, It’s for awareness and a great cause. You can’t go wrong with that.
2. I think you’re funny and that is all that matters.
3. Even if you did crash and burn (which I serious doubt); see number #1, if you crash, you can console yourself with frozen yogurt, if you succeed, you can reward yourself with frozen yogurt. So it’s a win, win, win situation!
Best wishes! Wish I could be there.
Christine Downs says
You will do great! Our funny, lovable little dork!
Winnie walsh says
You are very funny, mostly because you don’t try too hard, Having PD for about 13 years, I feel the best attitude is to laugh at it in oneself. I have a rich life of hallucinations, mostly auditory, since PD came with its attendant medicines. My MD worries about whether I’ll always be able tell the real from the imagined. I said I would let him know when we got there. My husband says I’m always hearing things that aren’t thee and I rarely hear him–no comment on this yet from me!
Parky Pooh
JD Shuffles says
You will be awesome! I love your blog and look forward to postings. Humor gets me through on a daily basis! This is the absolute truth…. when I was diagnosed with YOPD 4 YEARS ago I immediately brought humor to the table. With tears still on my cheeks, I told my neurologist…. “Well I guess back in the 90’s when I wore the, “Be like Mike” shirts I picked the wrong Mike!” Keep writing and laughing sister and we will keep reading and smiling.
Parkinson Pete says
Geez, even my funny bone isn’t funny.