9 Things That Made Me Laugh
would be into a tenth
I have all these drafts of complex/nuanced pieces I want to write on here. An “advice” one on marriage (My husband and I agree we have no advice, only self-reflection that might help others), and a whole layered, multi-generational piece about what it means to be pretty. But I am also trying to clean up this draft of my book to send in, and currently reworking a chapter on my relationship to domestic entropy whilst sitting inside the chaos pit that inspired it. SO! Here’s a little fun one, from the very outer surface of my brain.
First, I know it’s hard to keep track of my lore, so, did you know that in addition to being a parent and author, I am a respected comedy professional? I was an agent who worked with comedy-type movie stars, and then signed and represented some young comics who are now wildly famous and successful. And then I produced some things for TV and film, and then wrote and sold some scripts (which I still write) and also my husband is one of our nation’s finest comedy writers (not bias, you can ask around), and my mother is the funniest person you’ve ever met in your life. My point is, I love to laugh. I laugh loud, so much, and I like to share those laughs with people I love, it’s almost as satisfying as the initial laugh. So here are some things that make me laugh, in no specific order.
1.
’s illustrated review of War Horse, which I reference far too often.2. My favorite stand-up, Mark Silcox. I would go back to agenting to represent this man. I am consumed by the urge to make him rich.
3. Veena Dinavahi’s book The True Happiness Company. I was trying to explain today how the harrowing premise—young Indian girl gets lured into a Mormon cult—is a simply a container for a hilarious voice, and you’ll just need to read it, because this a relationship built on trust, and I trust you not to disappoint me.
5. This one joke, which made me hunt down this guy and sign him immediately, like 15y ago. I’m very proud of him!
6. My 11yo son climbed into bed at 6:15am to kiss me on the cheek and ask in a whisper if I want to hear his original parodies of two songs from The Lion King on Broadway. I did not think this was funny at the time but it’s actually so funny now.
7. My husband and 6yo daughter play a longform improv game called “Pet Shop” where he’s a sad man at a sad job, and to cheer himself up he goes to the pet store on his lunch break, and looks through the window. He promises himself he’s not going to take home a kitten. But unfortunately, every time, he sees the cutest kitten he’s ever seen (my daughter), and simply must to take her home to meet the others. This has been going on for two years, there are like 104 kittens, and she has a distinct impression for each one (some have accents). I cry laughing every single time.
8. The latest with Mum is that she has been calling and asking for super-specific body measurements: shoulder to shoulder, shoulder to navel (?). This happens a lot, because she loves clothes and I don’t, but I do like to indulge her, if I can. In any case, I’ve been too busy to send them to her. The request has increased in urgency over the last two weeks, and I finally asked what they’re for. She says she’s ordering some pre-pleated saris that we can wear together. Mind you, I’ve worn a sari once in my life, and it was on my wedding day. I sighed. For what, Ma. “To go out to lunch, what do you care?” she said. So I will find a tape measure.
9. Follow my dear darling Camilla if you want 40% more laughs in your life, but today she posted this and I SCREAMED. I really did.
xo
To go out to lunch, what do you care. Haaaaahahahaha.
Garth and Kat forever!
Are you familiar with “Millions of Cats” by Wanda Gag?