OK, I’ll admit it.
I daydream about being in a comic strip. (I know, I know, I’m a goofball.)
Yes, I actually draw comics sometimes, too, when I feel the urge. Believe me, they’re nothing to write home about. But I always end up laughing somehow. I think I make myself laugh more than what would seem normal—is that weird or what?
In my comic-strip life, I’m a mash-up version of Cathy, Larry in the series Curb Your Enthusiasm (always sticking my foot in my mouth), and a character or insect in a Far Side cartoon (you can’t take the science out of the girl).
I’ve had people tell me I remind them of a cartoon character (how sweet, maybe) or that I have the personality of Elaine in the TV series Seinfeld.
When I hear these things, I’m secretly pleased. I’ve always loved to laugh and to incite laughter in others.
Here’s a fun site I recently discovered: Debbie Ridpath Ohi draws comics on her iPad. They’re funny! And, I think it’s fun to hear what others think about their lives as a comic strip.
What say you?
If you were suddenly transported into a comic, what would you look or act like? Would your comic life be filled with kids cracking jokes? Or, maybe one in a group of dogs poking fun at humans? Or, an insect attempting to prove mathematical theorems in a funny way?
By the way, do you draw comics?
[Image of Comic Book Guy courtesy eskeleton via Creative Commons license]
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Oh, Id be Calvin (from Calvin and Hobbes)! He’s just like I used to be when I was a kid. All imagination, all the time. In fact, I’m still like that.
I think it’s a beautiful gift, to be able to make yourself laugh! How wonderful!
Jay Schryer´s last [type] ..Against the Wind
Hi Jay,
Somehow I had a feeling you’d say that. I always thought Calvin was such a cool kid. You two think alike!
Hey, if I stop laughing it will be *lights out* for moi.
Great to see your smiling face, Jay. Keep up the great writing over at Porsidan!
~xo
Jay, I love Calvin and Hobbes. And I can see you in him too!
Challenging the adult world, one imaginative, unconventional question at a time
Lori, I’m not surprised AT ALL that you’re Elaine. Wild, crazy, hilarious, spontaneous – and in the end, a loyal friend.
I honestly don’t think I can characterize myself as a certain character. I think I have a mixture of Garfield’s deadpan sarcasm and Jerry’s wit and hilarity.
Potent combination.
Sorry I’ve been away so long from the blog. But now college is out. Finally free, I tell ya.
John´s last [type] ..7 Steps to Getting Rid of Embarrassment Once and For All
Hey John,
How’s my favorite college guy?
Great to see you surface from the books for awhile.
Awww, and you’re so sweet. It’s funny, I never saw myself as Elaine, but I’ve heard it so many times, I think I’ll start listening. Funny, yes it is.
Oh, ye-ah! I totally see you as Garfield + Jerry’s wit! Good one! I used to have a poster of Garfield up in my room as a kid that had him with a spinner cap and a swirling his index finger in the air, him saying, “Ask me if I give a whoopity doo.” (My sister collects everything Garfield — and your humor reminds me of her humor! That’s a compliment, she’s FUNNY!)
Hey no worries, I just surfaced from a rough patch myself. Thanks for not forgetting me!
~xo
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by John Anyasor, JaneBeNimble. JaneBeNimble said: Lori's recent post @JaneBeNimble –> Your Life as a Comic Strip http://bit.ly/bWq0YF [...]
I have a feeling I’d be Opus from Bloom County although I don’t know why. I just love him. (Better him than the strung out Bill the Cat!)
When I think of Elaine from Seinfeld, I think of those shoes she had that someone else coveted and her spazzy dancing. But it’s always with a smile so if you’re in the Elaine Universe, you’re okay by me.
(Oh, I can’t draw a lick so no cartooning for moi, alas.)
Lisa@Practically Intuitive´s last [type] ..Do you learn from stern?
Hi Lisa,
Bloom County is a favorite of mine, too. How funny, I have a new perspective of you now.
You can’t draw a lick? Well, actually, neither can I. (LOL)
Have a great weekend, Lisa!
Hey Science-Girl Goofball!!
How fun to see how your “comic life” is!!!
Me? Hmmm….I haven’t really thought about this…
Maybe Hobbes…from Calvin and Hobbes. If nothing else, he’s a pretty cool looking tiger!!
Have a WONDERFUL weekend, Lori!! I’ll probably be…RUNNING!!!
Lance´s last [type] ..Music For The Soul
Hey Hobbes!
And, you know what? You and Jay have always seemed like a team to me, somehow. And now look what’s happened — Jay chose Calvin — Calvin and Hobbes! See! See! I knew it!
ha ha
Yes, yes, you WILL be running. I’m sure you’ll imagine me shouting encouragement in your mind’s ear. Right?
Go get ‘em, Lance!
~xo
I believe if I were in a comic I would not only have super powers, but also the Popeye like ability to eat a cheeseburger in two bites. I always found the way cartoon characters eat to be quite efficient.
I would probably save a pile of money too because I would only ever wear one outfit. That would be a bonus!
Hi Joshua,
You are funny! Are you sure you don’t draw comics, too? That’s a good point about how cartoon characters always eat in gulps, I never thought of that before now. But, actually, I think I’ve seen people eat cheeseburgers in two bites before — not a pretty site.
Speaking of only wearing one outfit, I was in the US Army after high school (seems like a different lifetime now) and that was my favorite thing about it — all I had to do to get dressed in the AM was pick the GREEN outfit. I never had to consider any ‘fashion’ variables, at which I fail horribly.
Thanks for popping over — you’re welcome here any time!
Lori: What a great post and a great question. I don’t know exactly what comic character I would be. I guess I have to figure that one out. I asked my husband, who is a serious comic book fan, and he suggested Storm…Should I be insulted?
Hi Sibyl,
Hey, thanks for stopping by my little ‘ole blog. I popped on over to your blog and was pleasantly surprised — I love that you’re a lawyer and HR professional. What a groovy mix! After I finished my Ph.D. (in molecular bio/biochemisty) I had originally decided I wanted to go into patent law. I took the LSAT, applied, got into a good school, then decided I’d never fit in where I actually had to dress well. So, I decided to go into biotech instead. It’s amazing what you can cover up with a lab coat! ha ha
(For what it’s worth — that was just a long way for me to say I think you’re cool.)
Oh, and tell your husband he rocks. If someone suggested I’d be Storm, I’d be rosy with glee. Awesome! I think you should be Storm, too.
Have a great weekend, Sibyl!
Lori: Thanks for the kind words. It is always great to be thought of as cool … even if perhaps it is not 100% true
Biotech is the REAL DEAL. I think you have gotten the coolness thing mixed up because not just everyone can go into biotech 
Okay, so you think this Storm reference from my husband is actually a compliment? I am sure he will be thanking you for saying that b/c you just got him out of hot water 
Hope you had a great weekend.
Sibyl-alternaview´s last [type] ..Choose to Be at Ease and Everything Will Improve
Thanks, Sibyl. You’re awesome.
Glad to have gotten your hubby out of hot water. And, yeah, for the record, Storm is out-of-control groovy. I just love her and all super strong, kick-butt women, e.g., Laura Croft — Tomb Raider, Officer Ripley in Alien (S. Weaver), A. Jolie in Wanted, etc.
So, if you’re like Storm, can I be your BFF?
Haha, this was kind of a random post but I like it. I was more into superhero comics as a kid. So if I were transported into a comic, I’d probably be a mysterious character. I would have a cape and would also have abilities that included teleportation and going through walls. My comic life would be filled with adventure instead of one with jokes. But it seems like you have a very jokester mind when it comes to comics, heh.
To answer your final question, no I don’t draw comics…but maybe I should. It sounds kind of fun.
Hulbert Lee´s last [type] ..Interview with Tess Marshall
Hi Hulbert,
Excellent interviews over at your site. Very cool.
Yeah, I am very random with my posts. I know it’s not the thing to do to be come a famous blogger, but I really don’t care about that much.
That’s cool that you’d prefer your comic to be filled with adventure, it says a lot about you as a person, Hulbert. Even right now, you’re taking risks with podcasting and interviews, and I think that’s awesome. I think you’re creating what you want in your life and I love that.
And, yes, give drawing a comic a try. No one has to see it if you don’t want them too, but it’s quite fun to let loose and draw yourself into a comic. Give it a try!
Have a great weekend, Hulbert, and keep up the excellent work over at From Bottom Up.
Hi Lori, I looooove comics. I want to be Obelix, he is kind of cool. He goes about his business, he is so strong and has such a good perspective on the Romans. xox Wilma
Wilma Ham´s last [type] ..Wilma on Our ego cannot exist in ‘Heaven on Earth’
Hi Wilma,
Ha ha, Obelix, the menhir sculptor! He’s a character alright — I can see you as that (well, er, except the man part ha ha). Funny.
I also can see you as Obelix because he is strong, well liked, and has good sense about him.
Thanks for playing along! Hope all is well your way.
Comics…hmmm…okay I’d be in the Charlie Brown strip…most likely the little red headed girl because you never see her, but you always hear about her and Charlie loves her….
I used to read “Cathy” way back when and felt like I totally identified with her and how life was always throwing something new her way…
Can’t draw to save my life, but my children can…so I bribe them to draw for me..bit of a motherhood perk in my family:)
Joy´s last [type] ..Fearless Fun Friday- Summer-Time Adjectives…
Hi Joy,
Oh wow, the Charlie Brown comic strip is such a grand pick, I used to read Charlie Brown books for hours and hours. I love Peanuts! And, that’s awesome about the red-headed girl. I can see you as her because everyone loves you, Joy.
That’s one great thing, I could image, about being a mother. I love childrens’ creativity — and I bet it’d be fun to have *artists* surrounding you all the time. That’s a sweet thought.
Hi Lori .. I’d be one of the characters in a Giles cartoon – absolutely choc-a-bloc with life .. fantastic drawings and depictions of life.
I do laugh at myself all the time – but I can’t draw for toffee .. or even chocolates, or even champagne – but for champers I’d give it a go!!
Laughing is so important .. and the odd wry smile! Have a great Sunday .. with hugs and thoughts Hilary
Hilary´s last [type] ..Nature in Balance and the Dark-Bellied Dew Lover-
Hi Hilary,
Thanks for joining in the fun. I agree that the Giles cartoons are great drawings — very full of life and engaging. Great pick! And it says so much about you, Hilary. You’re IN life with both feet and your life (as I see it via your blog) is so rich and steeped in humanity.
Thanks for often laughing with me here and around the internet — your smile brightens my day every time I see it!
Lori,
Please be advised that you already are quite a character in this comic strip called “Life”…
regarding your questions, I would like to be a character in my own comic strip. However, I fear that I could be a very boring character… I tend to preach and preachers might be very boring characters!
I do cartooning , I do comics and my dream is to be a successful cartoonist.
However, I still haven’t decide if a successful cartoonist is who make you laugh or who makes millions of dollars with his work… Let me think more about the right definition of what a successful cartoonist is…
All the best,
Boris
Boris´s last [type] ..Toronto- G20 and the weapons
Hi Boris,
(Same to you, by the way.)
HOW GREAT TO HAVE YOU HERE! I’m in awe of anyone who can draw cartoons like you — you’re very talented! Thanks for your kind words, I think that is one of the best things anyone has told me, that I’m quite a character in this comic strip called life. How cool is that??
Well, in my opinion, if you can combine both laughter with cash — oh, what a combo, eh? I think you’re well on the way, Boris. Seriously, though, it’s a good point you bring up about what is really a successful cartoonist. That’s food for thought.
Thanks for stopping by Boris, you absolutely made my day. Keep up the great work!
P.S. Hey Boris, I just subscribed to your site. Great work over there!
I don’t know who I’d be, Lori. I’m kind of new to the cartoon/comics thing, except for hours and hours of Archie and Veronica, Betty and Jughead, when I was a kid. I can recommend Laurie Sandell’s graphic memoir, “The Impostor’s Daughter,” though.
Lisa´s last [type] ..About that vision board … an update
Hi Lisa,
How’s life as a new MFA?
Oh yes, I do remember Archie — I always thought Jughead was such a goofball, but, I guess he was supposed to be, right? Thanks for the recommendation about the graphic memoir. Memoir is my favorite genre, so I’d be interested in reading a graphic memoir. What a great idea! I’d heard of graphic novels, but not of graphic memoir. Cool. Thanks again and enjoy your day.
Hi Lori,
I love Cathy however I think I’d be in Erma Bombeck in a comic strip. She never made it in one but I think it would be a hit.
Tess Bold Life´s last [type] ..Dayz of Summer Fun…
Hi Tess,
Oh, too funny. I laughed when you mentioned Erma Bombeck. Do you remember when, “If Life is a Bowl of Cherries, What am I Doing in the Pitts?” was all the rage? I remember my mom reading that book when I was young.
I think that would have been a hit comic, too. Hey, do you draw? Maybe there’s an idea for you???
Oh Lori nope don’t draw…however I do have a Cherry Festival Poster (northern Mi.)framed in our cottage. It’s a bowl of cherries sitting on top of a Life magazine. Yes I remember the book…din’t read it. But I never missed her columns.
Tess Bold Life´s last [type] ..Life In The Love Zone Live It-
Hi Lori:
Ha he ha…this is great. Me, I know I’d be a character from the Far Side. I’ve been told that, in a comedic sense I make a great straight guy – similar to the guy (Steve?) in Get Fuzzy with the dog and cat. If I could be a character from a cartoon, I’d probably choose Freddy from the Scooby Doo mysteries (my favorite) because he laughed a lot, solved mysteries and always seemed to be paired with Daphne when they split up into groups.
As far as drawing comics, I’m not very good at it. But when I was in high school, I would draw a stick figure character named Steve the Stick Figure and great mini adventures with him. Lori, great topic for a post…I like your choices!
Tim´s last [type] ..Strategic Partnerships- YouTube Play
Hi Tim!
Thanks for thinking this was great. I know I’m totally random with my posts, but like I told Hulbert, I really don’t care anymore. It’s not like I’m trying to be the next Problogger(ess), right?
I can totally see you as a character in The Far Side. ha ha ha — that made me laugh just now.
Get Fuzzy is funny and cool, good one! And wow, Tim, you’re ripping it up — now I have this visual of you as Freddy. Toooooo funny! I can see that, too.
OK, now that you’ve let the cat out of the bag (er, the stick, rather), you have GOT to send me a little story with Steve the Stick Figure. C’mon, pllleeeeaaseee?
Thanks for your thoughts, Tim. I needed the laughs this morning.
Lori,
First of all…I dare you to share your comics at your site:~) Remember it’s in the Blogger Book of Code that when given a dare, the blogger must respond or face the consequences of the very scary Blog Blob — trying saying THAT ten times:~)
Seriously, I’d love to see your comics:~)
If I was in a comic strip, I would be one of the characters in Tony Single’s comic strips (Trottersville). He doesn’t use her anymore and now I can’t remember her name, but she was this saucy goth girl and I liked her spirit:~)
Sara´s last [type] ..Poem Work
Hi Sara,
On snap! Oh no you di-in’t! You can’t dare me because in the Blogger Book of Code it also says that if the darer hasn’t done the dare herself first, she can’t dare another to do it. Or, I think that’s what I read. (Too funny! But, seriously, I’ll have to think about this one!)
And thanks so much for introducing me to Tony’s comics! I LOVE THEM! Those two are brilliant! I’m so happy to have met another amazing comic. You’re such a generous and giving soul. Thanks for your saucy thoughts here, Sara. They’re awesome!
Hi Lori,
I like the insect attempting to prove mathematical theorems in a funny way, that is, if I get to choose the character.
Somehow we all are a character of comic strips in our real life; after all, they are based on people and their behavior and if we are not too serious about it we can always see the weird things we do everyday.
Do you draw comics? I can’t even draw a circle!
Raul
Alien Ghost´s last [type] ..Being Together
Hi Raul,
(Again, loving the alien avatar!)
You right on point, Raul. I’ve always been fascinated with human behavior and I’m sure that’s why I love comics so much. It allows poking fun at us humans while not singling out anyone. How fun is that! Especially when the fun is pointed out at something I do. I totally get a kick out of funny comics.
As I said, I can draw them but they’re pretty awful. I just dink around and sometimes get a laugh from my hubs or step girls. I like the creative outlet, too.
Great to see you again, Raul! I’m digging your blog.
Too funny, Lori! And hey, remember that Seinfeld when Elaine went to the New Yorker magazine and demanded an explanation about why a particular cartoon was funny? And then the editor admits it’s not really funny, so she gets to do her own New Yorker cartoon, which turns out to be a rip off of Ziggy?
OK, here’s my point. First, I love Elaine and if you are Elaine then no wonder I love you! Second, if I were a cartoon character I think I would be some slightly oddball character in a New Yorker cartoon. You know, one that makes people smile or giggle a bit but they’re not really sure why.
I actually have a New Yorker cartoon up on my wall, given to me by a friend. It’s a psychologist sitting in his office talking on the phone, saying, “What a day! You wouldn’t believe the hellacious archetypes I had to deal with.”
Yep, my kind of humor.
And speaking of archetypes, your post is not random at all. It’s actually very much about story. By sharing these parts of yourself, and asking us to do the same, you’re actually getting us to tell a bit of our story. In a very creative way, no less. I think it’s brilliant.
Patty – Why Not Start Now?´s last [type] ..Meaning Mondays- A Simple Philosophy Emerges
Hi Patty,
You are so awesome, Patty. Your comment just gave me the most massive warm fuzzy! Mmmm!
It’s funny, but I was never too much of a Seinfeld fan but I finally had to watch bunch of episodes since people kept telling me my personality is so much like Elaine. I wanted to know who people thought I really was! ha ha
I actually did see that episode, it was funny!
I hear what you’re saying about what character you’d be. I can totally see that. You’re such a bright and intelligent person, I bet you have all kinds of wacky and very witty ways about you, which makes everyone around you giggle.
Thanks for giving me break about this random post. I enjoy so much learning about others, even the smallest little stories about them. So I thought I’d package it in a way that would make it more fun. Thanks for your comment about this post and for making me feel smart. (ha ha) I’ll take it!!
Enjoy your weekend, Patty!
~xo
Naturally I HAD to visit this thread first! Why wouldn’t I when I live and breathe comic strips? And just a word to the generous Sara of A Healing Connection… have no fear, for Bexley will be back in the next few weeks!
Lori, you have a lovely site here. I look forward to being a regular visitor and getting to know you better. Anyone who loves comics is pretty cool in my book!
I have always been fond of Charles M. Schulz’s Peanuts, Tove Jansson’s Moomin, and Murray Ball’s Footrot Flats. Calvin and Hobbes is pretty high up there on my list too.
I think I would most resemble Charlie Brown for sheer awkwardness, although unlike him I do have a considerable mane of hair! Oh, and I’m much older! Oh, and I’m not a bunch of deftly placed lines on a page. Otherwise, a dead ringer for sure!
Tony!
I’m honored that you’ve visited my hallowed grounds. Thank you.
~Namaste~
I can’t even tell you how excited I am to have you here — a REAL COMIC ARTIST GUY! How cool is that? You have mad skills, Tony. I absolutely am in awe of your talents.
You mentioned some really awesome comics, Tony. Agreed! That’s funny about you being a Charlie Brown with more hair and with more lines (he he).
I can’t imagine you as being awkward, not with those steady drawing hands.
Thanks again for visiting and you’re welcome here anytime.
[...] my blogger buddy, Sara Healy, commented to my post Your Life as a Comic Strip saying, [...]