Roll Over Beethoven

You have no idea how many times I've heard the question of when is it too soon to tell a joke in my short comedy career. This question has been asked by minds more comedic and vastly more genius than mine for decades. Along with that question is always the debate if everything is fair when it comes to comedy. The guys at South Park seem to think so and have stuck by their guns in their decision.

But what about your own personal life? When is it too soon to joke about aspects that affect your life and those around you? It may seem that I'm talking about the news of the recently deceased Steve Jobs, but I'm really aiming at the bad news that we encounter on a daily basis that hits home.

I don't have an answer. I honestly don't think I ever will. To be honest, no one will ever have that answer. It's such a "personal conviction" type of deal that everyone should follow. What one person deems ok will inevitably be challenged by another individual, and that's ok. It's what makes the comedy world go round. Hell, it's what makes life easier to bear.

Not to mention, I'm guilty of cracking jokes at my Grandmother's funeral a few years ago.

RIP Grandma!

Commemorative Plates

Imagine my frustration as I'm cruising down the highway when I was suddenly cut off by someone who didn't signal. They flew right past me and across to the next lane. In a raging fit of anger, I silently muttered their demise in my car and turned up the radio. I'm sure they got the point.

After a few minutes, I completely forgot about the incident and continued on my way to work. Everything was going smooth and I was enjoying the ride. Suddenly, the same car was within my vision. The very first thing I did was turn down the radio and concentrate on the car. Nothing was muttered until my eyes settled on their license plate. Wouldn't you believe it? They were from Jersey. God help the person who would have to read my eulogy if our interaction resulted in my death. 

"We're here to celebrate the life of Eric Remly, who was so suddenly taken from us by the douche of Jersey. Too young and too soon. May he rest in peace and Jersey lay in ruins." That's about right.

Terrible thoughts of how much I hate Jersey ran through my head. There was more muttering and raising of the stereo volume. It was then that the car slowed down and I got a better look at it. I had been so wrong. This driver wasn't from Jersey. No, not at all. He was the tragic victim of my prejudice because he had the most recent New York plate.

Oh God, could he ever forgive me? This poor man must not have seen me when he was merging. For all I know his turning signal was busted. Man, did I feel like crap.

It's all that damn Yellow's fault.

No. That dude was jerk. 

An Explanation

So, if you've been following this blog at all, you may have noticed that I've been away for a while. I wish I could tell you that I was sky diving in Puerto Rico. The truth is actually a lot less adventurous. 

I recently received some hard news about my family and have been trying to deal with it. Of course, one of the side effects is that I haven't really found time to update. Another being that I've holed myself up and sort of "disconnected" from the world for a little. 

As much as things have been going on in my own world, I've learned one lesson; to continually see the good in this world. When I came to this realization, I knew that I had to start writing again, start observing, and start straining out the humor in all that was around me. It was for this very reason that I knew I could overcome and strengthen myself. I also know that being able to make myself stronger would have a direct and positive impact with those I call family and friends. Lord knows that they've been a constant for me.

Through all the crap that is dealt in this world, there is such an opportunity for happiness. This has all been a lesson that I know, but I believe this experience has made me learn it. With that thought, I close this entry and wish all my readers the very best.

Farts.

I couldn't end it on such a serious thought.