David Sedaris

David Sedaris was in town last night doing a show. Back in August, before tickets had even gone on sale, I let my dad know that I would very much enjoy going to the show with him for my birthday, seeing as the show would be 5 days after my birthday. I was very excited when my dad let me know he had purchased the tickets.

Anyway, we met for dinner at Monti's then went to the theater. It was ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS! We had really great seats and Mr. Sedaris was great. He read several of his stories, both new and old. He even read some stuff that was never published. At the end he answered questions from the audience and gave everyone a book recommendation (which I am going to see about getting from the library).

When the show was over he said that he would be in the lobby signing books. I have been reading "When You Are Engulfed In Flames" (his newest book) and was almost finished, so I had been carrying it in my purse, where it still happened to be. I told my dad I wanted to get my book signed. He made fun of me and warned that I would be in line a long time. I told him I was aware, but I wanted to do it. He headed to his car and I got in line.

I decided that now was as good a time as any to finish reading the book. I thought about how stupid I would look and decided that I didn't care. I was bored and had a book to finish. Once the book was finished, I was bored standing in line, so I started listening to the conversations going on around me. I don't quite know how to describe it, other than I was in line with a bunch of public radio listeners. Some trying to sound smarter than they actually are, some were pretentious, some where just college kids. It was an interesting mix.

When it was finally my turn, I asked Mr. Sedaris if he would sign my book "Happy Birthday." He asked when my birthday was, and I told him. He then asked if he could guess my age. I told him sure, thinking this would be interesting since no one EVER guesses my age.

Him: 28?
Me: Nope.
Him: Higher or lower?
Me: Higher.
Him: 31?
Me: Nope, higher.
Him: Really?
Me: Yep, but you were close. I'm 32, but you did a good job. Most people think I'm 23. (I don't know why they think this, but they do.)
Him: The trick when guessing a woman's age is to guess 4 years too low. It makes them happier. I have something for you. (He signed my book "Happy 32nd Birthday")

He then reached down a grabbed a plastic bag. Not a cheap grocery bag, but a high quality plastic bag with a reinforced handle. He pulls an item out and says "This is soap from the 4 Seasons Hotel in Houston." I laughed, took the soap and said thank you. He said "It was nice to meet you." I said "Have a good night" and walked away.

He told a story during the show about how he likes to give things out to people at his book signings, and it is usually the free stuff you get in hotels.

As I was walking to my car I called my dad to let him know about my present, and to let him know that it had only taken an hour. (When I left there were still people farther back in line than where I had started, so I was happy it had only taken an hour) I then told my dad "And I scored soap from the 4 Seasons in Houston!" There was silence at the other end of the phone. "What?" my dad asked, confused as though he didn't understand what I had said or wasn't sure if he had heard me correctly. I then told him about the conversation and the offer of a gift, then repeated that he had given me soap from the 4 Seasons. My dad BUSTED UP! He thought it was hilarious not only that Mr. Sedaris actually does give away stuff at his book signings, but that I had been given soap.

I had no idea when I asked my dad for tickets to the show for my birthday that it would end up being such a cool gift. :)