Best. Night. Of. My. Life.

Pinch me. Tonight, the unthinkable happened. I actually brought my SLAM to Ireland.

After A LOT of googling, I found a small pub that had an open mic night for comedians, singers and poets. I gave them a quick ring around 7pm and they informed me that I was more than welcome to join their set list for TONIGHT, which was set to start at 9:30pm. Nervously and excitedly, I dragged my bum (and Lauren and Beth's as well) out of DCU and into the city. I was about to hit the crowd with some SLAM... (fun fact... no one in Ireland knows what SLAM poetry is... I learned that out the hard way)

After a jittery bus ride, and 4 tourists who gave us the completely wrong directions, we arrived at: THE BATTLE OF THE AXE at Ha’ penny Bridge Inn... a comfy little pub which an easy-going crowd. Things were looking good.

want more info? -----> http://www.battleoftheaxe.com/#Thursmcs

It took me a while to find ya, but well worth the search!

When we walked inside, I was a bit perplexed to find a lot of people drinking beer, but no stage area. Then after some investigation, I realized that the open mic night was on the second floor... phew. That got me worried.

When we walked into the correct room, this is what we found:

Telling you that I was nervous would be an understatement.

2 hours into the show, my heart was pounding. I could hardly focus knowing that my act was coming up. Would I forget a line? Would they even get the American jokes? I was a wreck.

Luckily... my Bulmers Hard Cider gave be a smidgen of liquid courage. Just a smidgen. (Man, smidgen is a great word. Say it. Say it right now. I know you want to. Smiiiiiiiidgen.)

You're on candid camera...

An example of past entertainment at the Battleoftheaxe open mic...

And the moment that changed my life forever:

**FOR MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY**

After a 6 minute rhyming throw-down on stage, I was finished and reclaimed my seat in the audience... and exhaled. I had done it! AND the crowd was super receptive and friendly -- Ireland rocks!

I sat through the rest of the show, laughing hysterically at the comedians and pleasantly serenaded by the singers. Then finally, the show was over. It was time to choose a Battle of the axe winner. Drum roll please...

I WON?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The coolest thing that has happened to me! EVER. Gahhhhhh... and I won a rubber duck. So legit.

Updates shall follow soon!

And remember...

why close a door, when you can SLAM it? ~ Sam