I've been taking an improvisation class every Saturday for the last month at a local theater. It basically involves playing acting games for two and half hours, thinking and reacting rapidly to whatever scenario is presented. Sound Ball, Famous Names, One Word Stories, Grocery Store, High-Low Status, and a handful of other exercises which involve unrehearsed action by the participants. Some of the activities are similar to the games on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?"

While I am still far from being a decent actor by any means, I have learned a little about how to approach my everyday life. In one specific activity called Book Pages, a group of four people had to create a story from a random title decided by the audience. Each person then told a page worth of details until the story became ludicrous and ultimately wrapped up. In one specific story entitled "Of Rice and Beans," the actors described a young man's search for pork while his sister Fred tagged along. While the actors continually hinted that the young man would sell Fred in his quest for meat, a transaction never occurred.

After the end of the story, our teacher explained that every time someone brought up the idea of selling Fred it was immediately discouraged. This was a big no-no. In improvisation, you should always keep going further with an idea, no matter how outlandish. Every time a person says no to a possibility, an entire avenue of adventures is negated. The trick is to take whatever scenario is presented and run with it. In other words, sell Fred whenever you have the chance.

After that class, I took a step away from myself and looked at how I approached life in general. How many times have situations presented themselves, and I ultimately talked myself out of doing something different with one little word--no. No is easy. No is safe. No releases me from venturing into the unknown.

Look at that pretty girl sitting alone in the corner. Should I talk to her? No, I don't know anything about her. No, she could be weird. No, I might make a fool of myself. The situation is diffused, and nothing happens. What would have happened if I'd sold Fred? A string of improvised events would have presented themselves, and I could have had an unpredictable adventure.

A buddy calls me up wanting to shoot pool. Should I go? No, I'm not a good pool player. No, it's cold outside. No, the television has a bright hypnotizing glow. Sell Fred!

I've never tried Sushi before. Sell Fred!
I've never gone to the rolling hills outside of Magdelena. Sell Fred!
I haven't ever taken part in a sweat lodge. Sell Fred!
I'm out of shape and there's a gym down the block. Sell Fred!
I've always heard D.H. Lawrence was pretty good writer. Sell Fred!
I've always wanted to do some acting. Sell Fred!
I think I could write an Internet column once a week.
Sell Fred! Sell Fred! Sell Fred!

Everything we do on a regular basis started out as something foreign. We had to make a conscious decision to say 'Yes' instead of 'No.' I know the results will not always be positive. Sometimes, the girl blows you off, you shoot lousy pool, and the foreign food tastes foul, but now you've experienced more than you did before. Life can be as unpredictable as you want it to be. It's a little scary that way, but it's definitely less boring.

There are still several times in life when we can't sell Fred. We can't take part in every random event that comes by, but it's amazing how much more fun a day can be when you say 'Yes' many more times than 'No.' Make sense?

Chris Jungle will someday amass enough obscure references to thoroughly confuse everyone.