Stand-up success!

Ian has BIG plans.  B. I. G.  The ambition is pouring out of him and he has many, many dreams.  Broadway, movies, stand-up comedy, restaurant owner/operator of multiple different themes and all kinds of food, and tons of television series ideas, complete with several episodes sketched out with characters and plots. And oh yeah, he wants to get his pilot's license.   I absolutely love the enthusiasm he has and want to support his dreams as best as we can.

Ian has been working on his stand-up routine and was recently given the opportunity to perform it at this restaurant/bar in Alexandria.  It was set-up by his friend's father who knows the owner of this restaurant.  They have an open mic night on Wednesdays and Ian got the chance to perform. Ian had a 5 minute set and got up on the stage like a pro and killed it.  Everyone in the bar area stopped what they were doing (you know, drinking and talking) and gave Ian their full attention.   After it was over, so many people came over to him and complimented him for his poise, how funny he was, and that it was too short!

The level of confidence Ian has coupled with no sense of fear is admirable.  How many people can say at age 14 they would've had the wherewithal to do something like this?   After his performance, Ian said he is now comfortable inviting people he knows to watch future stand-up gigs.  And believe me, there will be more.  Ian is already researching where he can pop up on stage again at an open mic night and is working on more jokes.

I honestly feel like the minute Ian has all the freedom he needs and isn't hindered by 8 hours in school every day or having to get to bed at a reasonable hour, it will be fascinating to see what happens next.  This is a kid who is living his best life and is jumping at the chance to do new things and get going on all his plans.