The road to nowhere
Some of the afternoon was taken up by going for a drive. We drove to Oxford and back. For no reason. Don't ask why. It was just pleasant. That's why. Ah yes. You don't need to ask why. Unless you want to know why it was pleasant to drive for 90 minutes for no particular reason and without stopping.

In which case mind your own business.

First prop
In the evening I had to go to the Laughing Horse New Act competition quarter final in Richmond. I went along early enough to do a sound check. Unsurprisingly I was cheated of the opportunity as there was no means whatsoever of plugging the guitar in. So, I just turned up early. I filled the time by talking shit with the other acts. I sometimes wish I could stop myself doing this - especially when I don't know the people in question. However, I have nerves and talking about anything - preferably something which is of mutual interest - tends to keep me away from being too nervy and also revs me up for a performance.

They drew the running order from a hat. I'd drawn 1st on in the heat and I was expecting to get it again this time. I wasn't disappointed... well, I was disappointed because it meant I had to go on first and most debaters will tell you that you can't win a debate from 1st proposition (hence the title above). I had won the heat from 1st-on, but the stakes were higher here. Everyone here had actually won something.

I got a place in the next round.

I enjoyed my spot and got some nice laughs from the audience. I lost a few laughs here and there - I didn't lose momentum, but the audience missed stuff owing to poor sound (coupled, undoubtedly, with mistakes from the guy who has not done much comedy in the last couple of months).

I got to leave without feeling too stupid. Roll on the next round!