the temporal life of a comic

So, months ago, I was asked to do 30 minutes of comedy at a benefit for kids with cancer that would take place next Saturday night at 7pm, in Brooklyn.

Then, I was asked by Chicks & Giggles to do a comedy show at Columbia University for Women's History Month, also at 7pm, and at Columbia, which is the exact opposite of "near Brooklyn."

But I really want to do both, so I work it out that I can go on early at one show and late at another and cab it in between. Settled. Expensive, but settled.

Then, Columbia moves the Chicks show to 10pm, which seems much better, so now I'm relaxed about the in-between travel.

Then, I discover that a rather important work-related event is occurring at 7pm ... in Queens.

I know there is only the slimmest chance that I could attend the work event 7-8, cab it to the benefit by 8:20, go on around 8:30 or 8:45, get out by 9:30, and cab it to Columbia by 10, but I ask the organizer of the benefit anyway if he knows my stage time, and he says:

We're going to have to postpone, because the hostess has cancer.

To reiterate:

A benefit for kids with cancer has been postponed because the hostess has cancer.

So, um, I'm going to work, and then to the Chicks & Giggles show at Columbia.

Um ... a benefit for kids with cancer has been postponed because the hostess has cancer.

My mind is blown.