A Quick One While He's Away (The Who)

Monday, December 1, 2008-2:00 P.M.

Just a weekend wrap-up while the girls are gone.

I got home o.k. last night, even though it rain/snowed all the way home from Toronto. Border was an afterthought, the guard looked at my passport, asked me two questions and back home in New York I went. The exchange rate was terrible on Canadian money....on Wednesday, I cashed $50 U.S. and got $52.25 CDN for it. Last night, Sunday, I cashed $553 CDN and got a $440 U.S. and some change. I haven't done the math yet, but I think either the rate changed or duty-free had their way with me.

Great shows this week, even the last one. Absolute Comedy is extremely supportive of their loyal locals (don't perform at a stage too close to them, though, or it's off to the Gulag...). I met and/or shared the stage with some very funny people this week; Eric Clifford, Dan Bruzzi, Doug Brown, Curtis Blakely, Elaine (ED) Dandy, Brendan McKeigan, Ryan Maglonob, Perry Perlmutar, Dred Lee, and Steven Sharpe. We had decent attendance, although some shows they pulled the curtain to cordon off the back section, which made the room nice 'n' cozy. My favorite moment of the week-talking to two older ladies who were waiting for their salad, and then leaving the stage to go back to the kitchen to try and help. Just another example of thinking on the balls of my feet, which I love (although sometimes more than the audience does).

So now I have one day to prepare before I fly down to Florida. I've gone through my prescription of antibiotics so hopefully this upper respiratory infection that's been kicking my ass all month is a thing of the past. Then after a few days with Mom, it's fly back home and get to work again, one public show and one private show. This non-stop-go stuff is starting to catch up with me and I guess burnout is better than rust-out (the opposite of burnout....didn't know that, didja?) but I'd rather have a steady diet of just enough stress.

So cheers to all, and I'll write again soon.

Ralph Tetta
Rochester, NY