Don't Call It a Comeback
I've always idolized the comback as a form of humour. Maybe I am stuck in a victim complex, where I have to indentify with the victims of jokes here, and celebrate with them in the victory of a good comeback. I didn't always have the guts to make comebacks, and sometimes a good comeback only makes you more of a victim in the long run.

Quick witty remarks are also similar form of humour, not in the "What are you up to? Oh about 5'11." kind of way, but more in the sense of wit in response to wit. Almost like a who's funnier contest, or a response to the challenge to be funny. I have developped a bit of repuation in my new town and church, as a bit of a funny-man (I know, it's a surprise to me too). Here are a few of my latest quick witted humour moments, with my words in bold, the context in italics, and the words of others in normal font.

At a backyard party with various friends and family, gathering under shelter because of a persistent rain.
"Hey Will, I invited two pastors to this party, I thought this kind of thing would be taken care of."
"Oh, my deal with God was that everyone would have a good time. I'm more about giving out inter-personal social blessings, not controlling the weather."

In the middle of the song before the sermon on Thanksgiving Sunday, the lights over the pews somehow went out. The lights over the pulpit were fine, as was the sound equipment, so our 'electrical guy' ran out to fix it. My comment came as I got to the pulpit before I began my sermon.
"You can always tell how serious the problem is by who runs off to fix it. You'll notice our electrician went to fix the problem, which is good, because if our treasurer ran off, then you would know it was a deeper problem."

I was standing in line for photo development, after having been told once that I was waiting in the wrong place. A man approached not sure if I was waiting or shopping.
"Are you in line here?"
"I hope so."
I didn't think it was all that funny, but the woman in front of me in line, almost exploded with laughter.

I know those aren't side splittingly funny, but they each got a good response. Sometimes people just think you're funny and want to laugh at whatever you say. That's both how I justify much of my popularity and how I explain the career of Chris Kattan. Feel free to add some of your own witty rejoinders in the comments.

   [ posted by William @ 1:28 AM ]