Second Comes Right After First!

That's what Buzz Aldrin says, anyway.

I competed in The Moth GrandSLAM on January 27 at The Highline Ballroom. I told a story in front of 500 people. I have never, ever done anything like that in my life (well, except for The Moth StorySLAM, but that was only about 200 people) and it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.

I came in second. I'll admit it, I wanted to win. But I felt good about second. Plus, there's always next time!

What made it all even better was that I had friends there.

My BFF and agent extraordinaire Myr (@myrrr on Twitter) kept me sane and in a protective bubble in the hours before I went on. She is the best BFF ever.

Jefferson was the sine qua non of my story (can a person be a sine qua non?). He offered much-appreciated kisses before I went on. He also told a couple sitting next to him that I was his and Jocasta's daughter. Lolita and Viviane got a table close enough to the stage that I could see them while I was telling my story and they both high-fived me when I came off the stage.

I think I have a new favorite hobby.

I'll have another story ready (if I'm chosen) for the StorySLAM on February 8 at the Housing Works Bookstore Cafe. The evening's theme is Love Hurts.