2018 SF Sketchfest is over for me. It continues in schedule, but I have overwhelmed my introvert self so I call the journey complete. I saw an amazing group of performers and morphed into shy fourth grade me when I said hello after the shows.
What was different this year was the group around me as I made my way to the talent. In an series of unfortunate events, my husband got sick and I went to three shows without him. I was not concerned about my safety as I drove the hilly streets of San Francisco without him. (He was. His basic protection instincts kicked in. I appreciate them.) I knew I would have a good time, but also knew the experience would be altered without my primary partner in crime with me.
But it was an experience I am grateful I had. After the first show at Cal Academy Night Life and the Stan Against Evil panel, I gently moved my way to Dana Gould and Janey Varney to shake hands and get autographs. But actively moved to a couple also shaking hands. I asked it they were Steve and Izzy from Everything I Learned from Movies Podcast. Sure enough yes and the next hour and a half was filled with chatter in all different directions.
That night at The Wahlberg Solution, my table for one status got me in front row center despite the long ass line to get in. I met this guy named Alex and his friends (damn, I already forgot their names) and we exchanged Dan Van Kirk stories and realized we both be at the same two shows the next day.
At Dump People Town, I saw sat in front of two women, turned around to offer to buy them my two drink minimum and realized I was sitting behind Erin and Edith whom I met two years ago at LA Podfest. As I bought my DPT merch, I saw I was standing next to Brandon. I met and competed against him at Last Man Stanton at a Doug Benson Stand up show in San Jose last year. Knowing full well he would be at Doug Loves Movies next, I said hello.
At my final show I was around Alex and his friends, Brandon in front of me with two guys that I talked movie trivia with, and Julie who I remember meeting after the Walhberg Solution too. I get so nervous trying to push my way into groups but everyone was very nice. I did, however, remove myself when the smoke started to get thick.
I will point out that one of the coolest moments of the day. I said hello to Kenny Stevensen and we talked about the Fast and the Furious. Between the two of us, we had only see one and he mentioned that I seem to know a lot about the franchise even though I didn't watch them. I chose to take that as complement.
Another glorious start to the year. Thank you again SF Sketchfest!
