Welcome back to Bottomless Scomosas, a little letter from my mind to your inbox. In each edition I focus on something that has been on my mind a lot and tie it back in to a piece of comedy for you to enjoy. If it speaks to you, consider sharing with others.
Folks, fall is approaching us (small joy #1). Spooky season. Pumpkin weather. Sweater flavored everything. We’re still in those weird days of summer, where summer still likes to remind us of her power, and it goes dark at like 6:30 PM but it stays 80º till like 9 PM. It’s been hot as hell in New York recently.
Speaking of hell, the return to work has been awful! I’m thankful to be off of unemployment (small joy #2) but oh boy is it an adjustment that I don’t think we should be making. Just when I think I’ve exhausted talking about this, another moment happens that reinvigorates the frustrations. I feel past the point of paralyzing anxiety and instead feel like this Lady Gaga gif:
The last year or so, even pre-pandemic, I’ve felt myself grow less positive and to be honest? I hate to see it! About a month ago, I listened to a sermon about finding small joys throughout a day and life. I’m not always great at that, but here are some small stand-up joys that bring a smile to my face every time.
This absolutely perfect line from Chelsea Peretti that I think about on a weekly basis and has taken up space in my mind, rent free, since 2014. If you have not watched One of the Greats on Netflix, change that ASAP. Peretti also put out new music during quar, the most personally relatable one being a song about oat milk. This song has also been living in my mind rent free since April 2020.
If you ever need a positivity boost or an example of how to smile, turn to Ron Funches. Have we tested if Funches incredible laugh is the vaccine for any disease? Let’s get on that, scientists. Here, Funches talks about things he enjoys, like a 420 friendly version of that favorite things song from The Sound of Music.
Funches voices many animated characters, most recently on the new Netflix series Hoops, though you might recognize him from Bobs Burgers, an assortment of Dan Harmon projects or his numerous guest appearances on sitcoms. I also love how honest Funches is in his standup about raising his son, who has autism.
When I sometimes feel like catapulting myself into the East River, I remember this set from Alex Edelman and his reflections on Free Solo, the Oscar winning Nat Geo doc. Edelman’s stage energy feels like a direct reflection of my brain’s energy.
Edelman has a new album out and has had 3 extremely successful solo shows that have played in the UK and US. He wrote for the new Netflix show Teenage Bounty Hunters which I have not watched yet but from the trailer seems extremely for me.
So, friends, find the small joys in your days. A sudden reminder of a fun memory, the chance to text someone you haven’t spoken to in a bit (small joy #3), or maybe just appreciating the person who made this Dunkin sign:
PS: a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks is better than any Dunkin coffee any given day (do not come for me) BUT the pumpkin muffins at Dunkin are better than most bakery items at Starbucks (I will die on this hill).