I'm going in...

Every once in a while you have to do something outrageous.  It should be something you know you shouldn't do.  Something wild, crazy, inadvisable, uncharacteristic, and especially risky.  If there's a chance you may end up regretting it, that's even better.  As long as it won't leave you in financial ruin or hurt someone else, just DO it.  Break up the monotony.  Give you and everyone you know something to talk about.  You need stories to tell your grandchildren.  Adventures to keep you young and vibrant.  When my ex-father-in-law died a few years ago, the family asked me to give his eulogy.  It was one of the hardest things I ever had to write.  In his entire life he only completed the basic requirements.  He got married and had three children.  He worked at the railroad for over 40 years, always doing the same job.  He shared his genes with his family but nothing else.  No one knew him.  He never listened to music.  He hated to travel.  He had no friends.  He never went to parties or even family reunions.  He didn't drink or smoke.  He had no habits, bad or good.  He didn't dance, sing or read.  He didn't watch TV or go to the theater.  He liked to eat out, but only with his wife, and only at Diners.  In this world of more than 38 flavors, he was the most plain vanilla man I ever met.  We may never forget him, but there is very little to remember.  So tonight I'm going to follow my own advice.  I'm going to play hooky from work and sneak out to a local club and enter their 'Open Mike Night' for stand up comics.  I'm going alone.  Without Ray, the kids, family, friends or co-workers to support me.  Not a familiar face to focus on, only the faces of strangers.  Hopefully the laughing and smiling faces of strangers.  I will test the waters and see if I have any comedic talent whatsoever.  Am I nervous?  No.  The word petrified comes to mind.  But if I never try, I'll never make it.  You can't leave the room without opening the door.  This is more like trying to climb out of the window, but I think you get the point.  I'm going to do it, damn it.  I'm going in...