Cracking Wise
I started this post after the last trip Ish and I took into Somplace Time Sort Of Forgot so that he could perform comedy for an audience who does not understand why he's not making poop jokes. It's kind of character building, I guess. We took another such trip this past weekend, incidentally.
I'll write about that when I can muster the strength.
I'll write about that when I can muster the strength.
Ish had a comedy show on Saturday night in a rural town a few hours north of San Francisco. At the last minute, our friends Ben and Emily decided to join us. They stayed overnight in the same hotel, and we made a day of the return trip by stopping at a few wineries.
This morning, I called their room to coordinate our schedule:
Me: Hey, so we'll be ready to check out in about a half hour. Does that work for you guys?
Ben: Yeah, no problem. We're just watching Ghostbusters Two.
Me: Okay.
I hang up the phone. Then I turn to Ish.
Me: They say sure. And Ghostbusters Two is on.
Six minutes later, the room phone rings. I'm in the bathroom applying mascara, and hear Ish answer.
Ish: Yes?
pause
Ish, yelling to me: Emmy is calling to find because she wants to know how Sigourney Weaver went from being a cellist in the first movie to working in a museum now.
Me, yelling to Ish: TELL HER THE SAME WAY RICK MORANIS WENT FROM BEING AN ACCOUNTANT TO BEING A LAWYER.
pause
Ish: SHE SAYS GOOD ANSWER.
* * *
Later, we found ourselves at some lovely little wineries in and around the Russian River Valley. Charming and quaint, and far less touristy than Napa or Sonoma.
At one particularly intimate and cozy winery, we tasted a few very big reds. And the pourer, eager to hear our reaction, could not have expected a response so very...New Jersey.
Ben: Wow!
Pourer: Pretty nice, huh?
Ben: That wine smacks you in the mouth like a backhand with a pinkie ring!
LOVE the Russian River Valley, that's where I want to live when I grow up! Or at least make enough money to live in Northern California!
ReplyDeleteMmmm, if I must be smacked around, that is how I like it.
ReplyDeleteSure miss going to the wine country! Think I will just go pour myself a nice big glass of chardonney and go look at winery's on the internet!
ReplyDeleteSad, I know...but yummy at the same time:)
I heart Ben.
ReplyDeleteit's a little known fact that in order to be the keymaster, you actually have to pass the new york state bar exam. they cut that scene as it didn't work with the pace of the movie. after the marshmallow explosion, he figured the billing rate was higher for an attorney and stuck with it. practical guy, that rick.
ReplyDeleteok, i just have to comment and say that i discovered your blog today and have been reading it voraciously for the better part of the afternoon. only a few snippets of actually working have gotten in the way!
ReplyDeletei'm sure you hear this a lot, but you are a fantastic writer. thank you for sharing so much of your life here - it's been edifying and incredibly interesting to read. moments of connection can be so fleeting, but you've just provided me with one. so thanks. thanks thanks thanks :)
Ha! Ghostbusters and non-snobby winery tastings, love it.
ReplyDelete