I recently just got back into the improv scene, starting my 3rd 401 improv class with the Upright Citizens Brigade. I believe I have a different outlook then I previously had with past classes. I've always looked into getting better and learning but with the thought of "passing" or "success" lingering in the back of my mind stunted my growth. I still care whether or not I "pass" but it's just less of a concern to me but I really used to depend on that mindset. This reminds me of high school. We take classes to get good grades and with those good grades we'll hopefully get into a good college instead of going to class to actually learn something. Now I'm not saying that EVERY class in high school was a waste of time but everyone has had that class where it's just a means to an end. Last night after our "mid-term" class show I had a long conversation with classmates on the topic of "success" and astrological signs but as excited as I was to learn more about astrologic signs I'll be focusing on the former. "Some of us have spent thousands of dollars on taking classes at UCB and have "nothing" to show for it", was said by a classmate of mine. She is somewhat right but that all depends on your perspective. I believe I go to class primarily to learn and to collaborate with other people that have the same interests as I. Getting onto a house team would be a bonus but it's not my main concern. There is much that I've gained; my stage confidence from my 101 to now has taken leaps, my understanding of whether or not improvisers are playing the game in the scene or just trying to get a quick laugh is transparent to me, and my questions in class are more in depth into the material. But along with that there are a ton of aspects I know I need work on; I want higher energy when I'm on stage, I need work justifying, and I need to play more characters on stage.
We have to stop viewing these experiences as "successes" or "failures" but instead as "learning experience". So let's go.
A week ago I was a groomsman for my brothers wedding so I think this is a better time then any to have my wedding blog!
WEDDINGS, I LOVE WEDDINGS! I am always extremely honored when I'm invited. To me they're saying, "we want you to be part of our special day, the day we announce that we are taking on the world, together." Romantic, I know.
In the movie 27 Dresses Katherine Heigl's character mentions that her favorite part of a wedding is watching the groom watch the bride walk down the isle and I couldn't agree more. When watching the groom you really see how they're on a totally different world from the rest of the room. All attention is literally on the bride at this moment which leaves the groom all alone thinking this is it, this is the moment they've been waiting for and it's finally here. They're in a place where I cannot fathom but can only imagine. If you can guess, this is the part of the wedding I sort of lose it.
There are just so many moment's that put you in awe; The bride walking down the isle, their vows, when they're pronounced husband and wife, their first dance, speeches, and the list goes on. I've probably teared up during most of those event's, but whose counting?
All of this builds up for the dance floor which really makes weddings flippin' awesome. You're celebrating the "most special" day of your friends while surrounded by other friends ending the night in a heated dancing mess. I LOVE HOT MESSES! When I'm on the wedding dance floor you're just surrounded by people you love.
Congrats to all my friends who have gotten married throughout the years!!!
Craig and Maureen Maulden
Waterworks: Ceremony, Craig watching Maureen walk out.
Relationship: Met Craig at Illinois State University Freshman preview and we lived on the same floor Freshman year of college. Maureen and Craig met during math classes and they studied at our apartment occasionally Junior year.
Location: Ottawa, Illinois
Tie: Skinny Black Tie
Say what?! moment: Random kids pulled me aside to talk to them to help them with problems they were having at the wedding.
Steve and Lisa Huizenga Waterworks: Reception, their first dance.
Relationship: I played ultimate frisbee with Steve and we were roommates senior year of College. I've only known Steve while he was dating Lisa.
Location: Steger, Illinois/ Munster, Indiana
Tie: Gold Plaid Self-Tie Bow Tie
Say what?! moment: Someone stole Eric Reynolds
Ryan and Mariana
Waterworks: Ceremony, reading of the vows.
Relationship: Ultimate frisbee teammates.
Location: Rockford, Illinois
Tie: Star Wars Self Bow-Tie
Say what?! moment: awesome Mariachi Band
Kyle and Mallory
Waterworks: Ceremony, Kyle watching Mallory walk out.
Relationship: Lived on the same floor freshman year, math study buddies, got me hooked on How I Met Your Mother, and the man he got me hooked on boardgames.
Location: Lake Forrest, Illinois
Tie: Black Math Equation Bowtie
Say what?! moment: Fresh off the boat wedding
Elaine and Mark
Waterworks: Ceremony, my Uncle handing walking down Elaine to the alter.
Relationship: Elaine is my cousin.
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Tie: Pink and Black plaid skinny tie
Say what?! moment: It was in flippin' Hawaii
Kristen and Doug
Waterworks: Reception: first dance.
Relationship: College friends, started off of friends of friends.
Location: Wheaton, Illinois
Tie: Declaration of Independence print self bow-tie
Say what?! moment: Bagpipes for days.
Tom and Erin
Waterworks: Ceremony, watching Tom tear up as he watched Erin walk down the isle.
Relationship: Ultimate frisbee teammate. Long late night talks about Christmas and relationships.
Location: Kenosha, Wisconsin
Tie: Skinny White Tie
Say what?! moment: "Teaching" parents how to whip and nae nae.
Honorable mentions Karen and Brian
Relationship: Was good friends with Karen in High School and went to school with Brian since grade school.
Reason I Could Not Attend: Funding was tight and I didn't have the money to fly out.
Trevor and Michelle
Relationship: College ultimate frisbee teammates.
Reason I Could Not Attend: Worked on a damn fishing boat!
James and Becca
Waterworks: Ceremony, reading of the vows.
Relationship: Brothers
Location: Chicago, IL
Tie: Skinny Black Tie w/Tie Clip (Groomsman)
Say what?! moment: Cousin's MCing the wedding and getting my cousin's kids to dance for the entire night. DAYUMN those late night sliders were awesome!
