Rita's Reflections: Life is what you make it and laughing helps

Someone who wishes to remain anonymous called me her favorite comedian while checking out at Meijer. I was flattered. I love to laugh, and I appreciate others like Brab with a healthy sense of humor.

The comedians I find the funniest are those who poke fun at themselves. I understand that kind of humor because I do the same thing. It is a defense mechanism. Pick on yourself before someone picks on you.

Doing standup comedy must be like walking a tightrope at times. Hoping for cheers instead of jeers.

Larry bought me several Chelsea Handler books. She makes me laugh so hard that my stomach hurts. Handler is like a bold and lecherous man. She is outspoken and promiscuous, and she does not care who knows it. Although not my style, I admire her guts to go after what she wants.

When I was a kid, I entertained my mom impersonating Lily Tomlin in character as Edith Ann. Edith Ann sat in an oversized rocking chair that dwarfed her. Her catchphrase was “Hello, my name is Edith Ann, and I am 5 years old.” Then she would proceed to tell a story from a child’s perspective. Now, I have a rocking chair on my front porch, I am thinking about reviving Edith Ann — grown-up style.

As a former Ma Bell operator, mom’s favorite Tomlin character was Ernestine. Ernestine snorted when she laughed. I sometimes snort when I laugh. Larry calls me Peppa, from the animated cartoon Peppa Pig. Name calling is not acceptable at our house, but the fact remains, I sometimes snort like a pig.

One of my favorite comedians was Chris Farley during his stint on Saturday Night Live. I can still see Farley dressed like a Chippendale dancer gyrating next to handsome Patrick Swayze. What a hunk! Swayze wasn’t bad either.

Gilda Radner always made me laugh. Gilda was born in Detroit and died at the age of 42 of ovarian cancer. As an SNL cast member, she portrayed hilarious women like Lisa Loopner, a nerdy high school girl with a libido-driven nerd boyfriend named Todd DilaMuca, played by Bill Murray.

My favorite Gilda character was Emily Litella. Emily was an elderly lady with a hearing problem who went off on tangents after misunderstanding the subject of an editorial she was opposing. They often went something like this: “What is all this fuss I hear about the Supreme Court decision on the “deaf” penalty? It’s terrible! Deaf people have enough problems as it is!”

Emily would get increasingly agitated until the news anchor, Jane Curtin, or Chevy Chase, reeled her in and explained she had misheard the subject matter. In this case the word was "death" penalty, not "deaf" penalty. In which Emily would then turn to the camera, smile sweetly, and say something like, “Oh, that’s very different.” “Never mind.”

Who doesn’t like a class clown? Most teachers. George Carlin is one of my all-time favorites. Too bad I cannot tell you the seven dirty words George said you can never say on television. He was making a point about some words being taboo.

Larry and I had the privilege of seeing Kevin Nealon on Oct. 21 at MCCC. Kevin is a versatile actor and comedian. I would not recommend sitting in the front row if you do not want to interact with Kevin’s improvisational genius. And make sure you have an interesting occupation like tool and die maker if you do.

The flyer for the event stated the show was for mature audiences only. With my history, I held my breath as Larry ushered me into the door and hid me in the far back.

During the show, Kevin stated life is what you make it. I agree. Laughing in our house is a big part of that.

— Rita Wyatt Zorn is a wife, mother, grandmother and lifetime Monroe County resident. She can be reached at 7.noniez@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Rita's Reflections: Life is what you make it and laughing helps