A Fluffy Surprise

Before comedy, I had zero robes. Now look at my growing collection!

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This beauty came to me in the mail today from the HBO folks — my swag for being a part of the Bill Maher tapings. How neat! It’s always exciting to get a package from FedEx when you’re not expecting anything!

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Sorry but I’m not putting on makeup for you people. I’m working. And there’s no make-up in baseball!… Wait, huh? ;)

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And this is the robe I got when I did The Ellen Show. So pretty and comfy. I heart it. :) I’m  learning that robes are the currency of big-time comedy shows. I can’t wait to make it to the point where I can give away gifts like these after my big performances. The only difference is my souvies will be embroidered Snuggies.

Because well… you know. ;)

Mr. Maher and Me — a photo essay

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So I just got home from a road trip which covered several events and cities, not the least of which was my visit to Raleigh, NC to open for Bill Maher at the tapings for his latest HBO special. The photo above is me in Raleigh on my way from the hotel to the Progress Energy Center — the venue for the shows. Yaaaaay!

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The venue was gorgeous and seated about 2,300.

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By far the largest venue I’ve ever performed in, it was imposing while it was empty. You can’t even see the wings to the left and right. When it was full it was one of the best feelings in the world. When I walked out on stage I actually closed my eyes for a few seconds and imagined all the people were there to see me… Some day I hope. The HBO folks were nice enough to make me a recording of one of the shows. They edited it multi-camera as if it were my special too. It looks awesome. Clips to come for sure.

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These ladies were the models underneath the burkas in the fashion show at the end of the special.

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And this is me with the man.

We chatted maybe once or twice but being the huge fan that I am, it was certainly enough. I know how I can be before just before I get up at a regular show. I can only imagine the adrenaline, excitement, and even nerves that must be stirring when you’re taping a live HBO special. He was very nice. I’ve been going through a really tough time these past few months. And when I got home last nite I rushed to download these photos because I needed to remind myself why I sacrifice to do what I do. It’s almost like each of them is saying, “Hey, EJ don’t be discouraged. Look at all the wonderful opportunities you’ve been blessed with. And look what’s possible if you continue to work hard.”

Exactly what I needed. Have a great week, guys.

The breakup diet — cheat on me again… Please?

Hey so if you’re not familiar, Rooftop Comedy is a website that has stationary cameras in like 20-30 clubs across the nation. Each weekend the shows at each of their clubs are uploaded to their server and they pick clips and post them on their site. Comics can also submit and upload their own clips… It’s kinda like YouTube but just for comedy. If you have some free time and have never checked it out, browse thru. The content is always fresh. Good for chuckles while you’re at work ;) They posted a few clips from my shows this weekend in Wisconsin. This one is short and sweet so I thought I’d share it.

Haha… this is how GF’09 started. And now 26 pounds later I’m… grateful? OK, maybe that’s the wrong word. But I recognize I needed the kick in the ass. Enjoy!

My first fragrance

Me and Stace

Me and Stace

Tonight my friend Stacey and I attended a workshop on how to make organic body scrubs and lotions. It was held at Greater Goods DC and was taught by the super cute Kristina Libby who owns an organic body and skin care line called For the Love of… (also here) Besides being a super fun nite out, half the proceeds of the class go to Susan G. Komen Foundation. Kristina donates a portion of the proceeds of all her sales to a different women’s charity each month. How much do you heart her?

Kristina!

Kristina!

All that said, when Kristina was talking about all the yucky products and toxins we put into and on our bodies on a daily basis, I felt like that sinner in church — that Christmas-and-Easter-only-Christian — who feels like the pastor is preaching directly to them… I assumed that most of the other people there were also organically-minded, but I gotta admit that the “how to make your own lotion and body scrub” part was more appealing to me than the “organic” part. I respect people who care enough about their bodies and the earth to buy only green/organic products. But I haven’t yet jumped on that wagon. The organic eating might be more expensive but damn it if making my own skin and body care products wouldn’t save money. Equilibrium, people. Very appealing… Continue reading →

Hysterical Ladies

This is me with fabulous lady comics Desiree Burch (Hysterical Festival producer), Retta, Jiwon Lee, Aparna Nancherla, and Diana Saez.

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Headlining the Hysterical Festival’s Ambiguously Brown Comedy Hour show was Retta, who I’ve been a huge fan of for years. I hadn’t been doing comedy long when I saw her Comedy Central Presents a few years ago. But I remember thinking, “If she has a special on Comedy Central, there is a place for me in this industry.” Really. She’s super smart — a lot more of a storyteller than just a set-up/punch kind of comic and just laugh out loud hilarious. Heart her ;) Jiwon Lee was the only other comic I didn’t know prior to the show and she is hysterical. Check her out. Aparna and Diana are my DC homies, although D defected to NYC about a year ago ;( I wish I could have stayed for the entire festival. But from the looks of things Desiree and her team did an awesome job! Sisterly love. It’s a beautiful thing ;) Can’t wait til next year.