My family got together last weekend for our yearly extended family camping trip.
One of our traditions is an Improv Night – when we entertain each other with skits we pull together at the last minute.
Each family brings an unmarked bag of 10 random items that we distribute one evening. Each family is then given about 15 minutes to pull together a skit using those items.
The results are hilarious!
This year – however – was different. But I didn’t learn that fact right away.
You see – my siblings used our annual Improv Night to surprise me for my 50th birthday. (I should have expected this – since I have a history of surprising my siblings on their 50th birthdays!)
I was very active in speech and drama in high school and have always been a bit disappointed that I was never given a lead role in any of the high school plays.
So this year – my family gave me the lead role in each of their skits.
They just didn’t tell me.
After the kids and I did our skit – which was a true improv – using the special bag full of random geriatric items they gathered for us – I was called on to act in every other skit.
Skits that were written in advance, with appropriate props and – not surprisingly – were full of family memories and embarrassing moments for yours truly.
There were certain “This is Your Life” kind of moments.
And some wild “I can’t believe they are making me do this” kind of moments.
Each skit was different – I was handed a prop or a costume or both and given a few instructions.
And I winged it.
Acting my heart out to tremendous applause and wild laughter!
And when the final skit was over – they had me walk the red carpet and handed me a plastic imitation Oscar for my performances – before spraying me with silly string.
Because they love me.
I guess.
Hollywood here I come!
Or not.
After a career like mine, it might be time for retirement.
Blue Jeans and Cotton Tees 