Last night, I had a comedy show with Utility Players at the Good Luck Macbeth Theater in downtown Reno. What an absolutely fantastic night; everyone seemed to be at the top of their game and delivered a ridiculous amazing show. It's an incredible surreal experience to be backstage in the green room running through our typical warm ups and have your producer/host walk in and tell you that our show sold out 15 minutes after opening the doors. The idea that we are creating a product that people want to see over and over again is a gratifying experience and I believe motivate us as a troupe to push ourselves week after week.

Now, like most entertainers and performers, I have weird and strange pre-show rituals. I have an IPOD playlist loaded with my favorite "pump it up" anthems - including everything from "Defying Gravity" from Wicked to "Don't Stop Believing" from GLEE - , I always have to dab a little bit of lavender oil on myself for good luck, and of course I do not eat anything six hours prior to the show. Though I often brag that I have a stomach of steel and can literally eat anything without any major repercussions, I never take that risk before a show. The last thing that I want to have happen is to be an in the middle of an improv scene and have to tragically run to the bathroom. 

So, it is safe to assume that when I finish a show and the adrenaline has begun to wear off, that my stomach starts sending painful signals to my brain screaming "I'M HUNGRY". It's pretty much the only thing I can think of after a show; which of the many Reno delicacies will I indulge in tonight. Without fail, it usually falls to one of three options; Awful Awful, Denny's or the Gold 'N Silver. Last night the Gold 'N Silver won out. Like most diners, the Gold 'N Silver has a certain charm, apparent from the moment you walk in. Whether it is the rows of slot machines that greet you or the eclectic patrons that frequent the joint, the Gold 'N Silver is one the hidden gems of Reno.  Guy Fieri of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives had a similar feeling toward the place when he showcased it on his show. Renown for their Lemonade Porkchops or their world famous gravy, you usually can never go wrong with something from the Gold 'N Silver. I think their best feature though is the squeeze bottle of Ranch dressing that they provide every table; I swear that their Ranch is by far the best Ranch dressing I have ever had. 

Ugh, but last night I regret my post-show binge. First of all, I ordered a side Caesar salad. I don't know why I did it. I think knowing that I would invariably order something that was fried, I thought I was doing my body a favor by ordering a "salad". For $4.50 I got what appeared to be one of the Dole pre-made Caesar salads; the triangular looking salad pieces, with some croutons, a little bit of parmesan cheese, and a sprinkling of Caesar dressing. There was absolutely nothing nutritional whatsoever about what I ordered and it certainly wasn't a side salad worthy of charging $4.50. However knowing that my meal was on it's way - and the ability to use the Ranch - kept me happy and made me forget my less than stellar starter. The rest of the meal was fine - including the brownie sundae my roommate ordered. However when all four of us got home, we began clutching our sides and stomachs - chastising ourselves for our overindulgence - and carefully sprinting to all of our open bathrooms. 

Now it is Sunday morning and I find myself wrapped in my Snuggie, snipping Ginger Ale, nibbling on Saltine crackers, and regretting the whole ordeal. Damn you Gold 'N Silver. Damn you for your delicious diner food that leaves my body both satisfied and in pain. I think I need to take a break from you for a while until both my body and I forget forget what you have done to us. Until next time ...