Appreciation

Posted on by ashleyjillian Posted in UncategorizedTagged , , , , , , , ,

Hi friends,

I just wanted to super thank you for being so supportive of everything I do. As a bit of an introvert, it truly astounds me to find so many people that can relate to my short stories AND understand my sense of humor. You fucking rule hardcore, and I like you a lot.

Last August, I officially started pursuing comedy and humor writing. I’ve made some of the best friends I’ll ever have, grown massive crushes on people I’m too shy to talk to and eaten a lot of leftover coleslaw for dinner because that’s the level of poor I am. Also, coleslaw fucking rules hardcore.

While it’s been one of the best years of my life, it’s also been the most emotionally and physically exhausting. Doing comedy stuff 4-7 nights a week on top of working full-time and writing my book is insane. I am, in a way, fortunate enough to be the kind of person who needs to be hyper-productive, but sometimes that can run my whole life into the ground. For the last four months I have been getting by on five-hours of sleep a night and two Americanos a day. I’ve been living in the duality of having a great time being poor and young and pursuing a dream, but also being totally exhausted and living in a bit of haze. I took the past week off to sleep, watch the second season of Downton Abbey (holy shit), and evaluate what I’m doing with my life. The answer is yes, working my butt off is totally worth it, I just need to get an average of one hour more of sleep a night and neglect my non-comedy friends less.

Also, know that this isn’t a post made because I want to be lauded for living this lifestyle. It’s as selfish and shallow as any other type of life, just a whole lot more fun and highly relevant to my interest of living the simple life. Not the Paris Hilton kind, though Paris Hilton’s My British BFF is probably in my top ten reality shows of all time. Plus, the show itself is still simple because I can watch it for free, online — in bed.

Some of you have nominated me for those awards that go around these parts, which is super sweet, but I don’t really believe in awards and my inner-Berkeleyan won’t budge on that. Though, my inner-Berkeleyan is OK with reality television watching and occasional red meat eating.

I’m thankful that I’ve reached just the level of minor Internet fame that I am invited to birthday parties of people I haven’t seen in 10-years via Facebook. But I am mostly thankful for you, because knowing that every time I write something it goes out to 1,900+ people fucking rules, hardcore.

Hugs///

Ashley

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p.s. if you have any questions for me about anything comedy, writing or taking leaps of faith-related, feel free to post them in the comment section or e-mail me at ashleyjt7 [at] gmail. Bonus points if you tweet them at me @alltidashley

90 thoughts on “Appreciation”

  1. Reply
    Southern Sea Muse says:

    Coleslaw rocks…one is wealthy when consuming coleslaw. Reminds me of my damned oatmeal days. You are right where you need to be in making a positive, productive contribution to the world – keep on doing what you’re doing.

  2. Reply
    thewritingblues says:

    I love, love, love this post. Top to bottom, love it. For so many, many reasons. And yeah, coleslaw rules big time. That needs to be said. Thanks for awesomely readable posts.

  5. Reply
    philindablanke says:

    I just found you last week and and I like you alresdy.

    I am at the beginning of that path. It’s a choice like the pussies that settled in Denver because the Rockie Mountains seemed too big. If they only knew that California was over there… ramblimg… sorry

    It is cool to see that you are humble and appreciate people… Nice work!

  8. Reply
    Janyaa says:

    I’m a new follower, but I’m enjoying the blog so far! Sounds like you’re doing exactly what you’re supposed to be doing!

  10. Reply
    sorrygnat says:

    Ashley, being introverted doesn’t stop one from being a comic, or being an extrovert. I write with strands of humor, and I admire standup comics; you have to lace your psyche with an exquisite sensitivity and maybe be depressed, but it’s all worth it. My favorite right now is Stephen Colbert, and i am so gratefuly he and Jon Stewart can make what’s happening in our world funny. I wish you totally the very best.

  12. Reply
    Rachael Black says:

    You fucking slay me girlfriend
    ‘As a bit of an introvert, it truly astounds me to find so many people that can relate to my short stories AND understand my sense of humor.’
    Been out of town -and literally out of internet range- for the past two months. Dig every post and still keep up when I get home.
    This post is fab.Many thanks.

  13. Reply
    joehinojosa says:

    Coleslaw does rock. I’m partial to ramen for some weird reason. But, be selfish, live the dream and have fun, and thanks for letting us come for the ride.

  14. Reply
    lostnchina says:

    How very gracious and nice of you to post this piece. I know for me sometimes blogging on here is kind of like a self-love fest – go on and on about ourselves, what we’re doing and nervous breakdowns we’re on the verge of having…while forgetting the great readers and followers we have. Thanks for a great and humbling post.

  16. Reply
    elroyjones says:

    I am so happy that you are having this experience. One day (when you have more money but less energy) you will look back on your coleslaw dinner era and say “Wow I was so happy then, life was uncomplicated.” My sister and I lived through the time of beets and Irish soda bread, it was grand. As always, I send wishes for continued happiness and success.

  18. Reply
    brennagee says:

    I love that you are an introvert doing comedy. Do you think many comedians and comedy writers are introverts? Do get some rest. Solitude is vital for you to recharge.
    Your writing has the perfect amounts of edge and blunt honesty. I read your posts because they make me laugh and often contain a small surprise nugget of revelation.

  20. Reply
    roadwax says:

    Are you really doing this on just coleslaw and lattes…? I was convinced it was crusts of bread dipped in whiskey.I even imagined I heard the squeak when you moved your laptop. You are a true professional and I salute you.

  21. Reply
    Wendie Donabie says:

    Congrats that you are living your dream? It’s taken me to 61 to do that….and it doesn’t get easier….but is still worth the effort…

    Any advice on spreading my blog? I publicize on all the available social media in WordPress… but I’m not actually sharing my more serious writing on the blog. (i.e. poetry, short stories, reflective pieces about life) – concerned about copyright and future publishing opps…. Any thoughts?

    Thanks Ashley… Hope you start getting that extra hour a night!!!

    Wendie

    1. Reply
      ashleyjillian says:

      I would say select a few pieces, or maybe like 10% of your work to put up on your blog. Pick stuff that really captures your voice as a writer, and save the other stuff for publication. Basically, leave people entranced and wanting and they will keep coming back.

  22. Reply
    People and Chairs says:

    Many performers (actors, comedians, musicians, sports personalities) are intensely shy or introverted. My own husband suffered from anxiety disorder for years before he discovered improv – to the point where he couldn’t go to our corner grocery store without breaking out in a cold sweat. Now he is fearlessly, joyfully extroverted, and thrives on helping others who suffer from anxiety, shyness, or low self-esteem.

    Enjoy your Ramen Days, Ashley (or coleslaw in your case!), but also know that life can be even more fun with each passing year. I just turned 46 and have never been happier. I’m grateful for the hugely talented, fun, freaky friends I’ve made from being part of the comedy community in Toronto. Pursue your dreams, but take care of yourself too. : )

    1. Reply
      ashleyjillian says:

      I’m totally comfortable being more of an Introvert, sometimes I feel like the whole pressure to come out of your shell thing is just a social rule created by extroverts, which most social rules are.

  23. Reply
    rich says:

    are you writing/performing stand up? i wrote a stand up routine last summer and want to find an open mic night to perform it.

  24. Reply
    Wendie Donabie says:

    Congrats on following your dream – it’s taken me to 61 to do that and it doesn’t get any easier but it IS worth the effort.

    Any suggestions on spreading my blog? I am using all of the Social Media available through WORDPRESS.

    Also I’ve been reluctant to post my more serious writing (i.e. poetry, short stories, reflective fiction about life) due to concern about copyright and future publishing opps… Any thoughts?

    Enjoy your blog….

    Wendie

  31. Reply
    Viciously Sweet says:

    The internet makes you realize that you are not alone in your humor. We are all a little fabulously strange. For example, I draw and work full time and am trying to figure out someway to make an extra business. I also live off of Dr. Pepper related caffeine, and fun dip.

  33. Reply
    Oliver says:

    Glad you’re out there doing what you do. Your posts are always entertaining and give me a nice chance to waste 20-30 minutes at work. Keep up the kickassery.

  38. Reply
    mskatykins says:

    This is the shit, Ashley Jillian – go you! 🙂 You are living the dream, hardcore, girl – just go for it, only got one life and it’s damn short for regrets! 🙂

  39. Reply
    bnewvision says:

    Thanks for keeping it Real!! Ashley Jillian you Rock! Love this post to pieces! You are an inspiration..find your niche and run with it. I am encouraged to continue to move forward and live my dreams!

  40. Reply
    seapunk2 says:

    I used to think that pork fat rules…. Ask around, pork fat STILL rules! However, since I became a pescatarian, uh, you know, a fish eater, pork fat rules only in my imagination… 😀

  43. Reply
    2kdb2 says:

    thanks for taking time to stop by my blog–sounds like you’re incredibly ambitious. wish I’d had your energy 30 years ago, lol! the grass is always greener ‘on the other side’ but it doesn’t mean you’re not right where you should be right now, if you’re living your dream. you go girl!!! lol.

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