My big day is coming up. It’s not a wedding, not a baby, but it’s essentially just as important. It’s my biggest storytelling show in Portland thus far.

A couple months ago I got an email from Jimmy Radosta, a storyteller, writer and former journalist. I met him briefly after a storytelling show, complimented his performance and I’m sure my name/face was washed away by all the other people he spoke with that evening.

So imagine my surprise when his name popped into my inbox. I hesitated to open it, and when I finally got the courage to do so, I was gobsmacked. (I’ve always wanted to use that word. It works well here, right?)

It turns out that Jimmy is also the communications and marketing director of a group called Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon. He wanted me to tell a story for a fundraiser at the Alberta Rose Theatre! Whaaa? I felt like I was Molly Ringwald in Sixteen Candles and Anthony Michael Hall just told me that Jake Ryan was asking about me at the dance.

Seriously. I had to read the email a few times to believe it. Naturally I said yes, but good lawd.

The fundraiser is called “It’s Not Me It’s You.” So we’re sharing our dating horror stories, and my “castmates” or whatever you call them (clearly I need to pick up some theater lingo) are ridiculously talented. Not sure why I made the list, but check them out:

• Amy Miller, Portland’s Funniest Comedian 2013, writer, Midnight Mass Comedy
• Lesley Harper, storyteller and director of Full Resolve Consulting
• David Walker, filmmaker and writer, BadAzz MoFo, “Reflections on Blaxploitation”
• JoAnn Schinderle, standup comic and host of Control Yourself: A Showcase of Funny
• Curtis Cook, standup comic, Curtis Cook Presents: Hell or Highwater
• Reba Sparrow, actor, producer and story coach at The Mystery Box Show
• Brenna Monahan, Planned Parenthood health center manager

It’s also hosted by variety show stars Bri Pruett of Late Night Action w/ Alex Falcone and Leo Daedalus from The Late Now.

Crazy town that I’m in that line-up! Click here for more info on tickets.

Anyway, Jimmy was telling me that this event began in 2010 to give folks a fun alternative to the kissy-kissy warm and fuzzy Valentine’s Day drivel. Plus the money goes to helping Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon.

“I feel it’s important because women’s health is under an unprecedented attack across the country, and I want to stop that trend from hurting Oregonians,” Jimmy wrote. “I’m proud to live in a state that trusts women to make their own personal medical decisions without the interference of politicians, and we need to remain a beacon of hope to states that are rolling back the clock on women’s rights.”

Planned Parenthood Advocates of Oregon supports and educates people about legislation such as a comprehensive women’s health bill, protecting patient privacy and reproductive freedom as well as expanding access to men’s reproductive health care. It has a laundry list of other do-goodings, but also supports its coalition partners that includes the Fair Shot agenda. And those Fair Shot folks push for pesky things such as raising the minimum wage and requiring paid sick leave.

But enough about all of those important social issues. Let’s get back to talking about me.

Kidding.

Kinda.

If you’re in town, I hope you guys come, it’s going to be a hilarious night. Or if I flop it’ll be mortifying, but still funny for you, so really you should come.