I am 41

This weekend was my 41st birthday.

I had my presents and cards early on Saturday morning as my wife had to go off to a conference. Lots of nice books and some iTunes vouchers (as I am old-fashioned and still believe in paying for my music).

While Mrs B was at her conference, I went with my daughter to a music festival that her school choir was singing in. I was blown away by the performance. Their music teacher is a total gem. She's young and bright and enthusiastic and lifts all the kids up so they want to do well. The sound they produced was astonishing.

I felt myself welling up. I was so moved - just to see someone who is so devoted to helping kids fulfill their creative potential, it was... Well, maybe you had to be there. Anyway, I wasn't the worst. There was an old guy in front of me blubbing his eyes out.

Of course, when Brady Jr appeared I had to act all cool. My daughter is not into public displays of emotion. Or private one's for that matter.

Saturday night was my first free one for a while and me and Jane slouched on the sofa catching up on Lost. I love that show even though I have no idea what the hell is going on. It's an accurate analogy for Life - even though it makes no sense, you keep going, with a vague feeling you ought to be enjoying it more.

On Sunday morning, Me and Brady Jr went over to the stables to see her horse, Murphy. Brady Jr has been a bit stressed out over the pressures of horse ownership over the winter, but the sun was shining and there was a relaxed and optimistic feel about the place. It was the first weekend this year that has really felt like spring. People were all full of plans and projects for the summer.

In the afternoon we went out for a late lunch with my mum and dad. I ate and drank too much and thought I might have to be winched out of my seat. It was a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon though. I pity the poor wretches who spent it being dragged round IKEA. Jane remarked that I was uncharacteristically quiet. I think I was just a bit talked out.

On Sunday evening, Me and Jane went to the Frog & Bucket to see Richard Herring's Hitler Moustache. What a great night! The show was funny and clever and thought-provoking and inspirational. He took on difficult subjects like racism, fascism and political correctness in a way that was direct and intelligent, without being preachy, or woolly-minded (or, worse, unfunny). All the way home, me and Mrs B were gushing about how great it was.

As well as being a fab night out, the show also reinforced my feeling that this is the kind of thing I want to do in future. It's different from stand-up. With stand-up, the emphasis is on laughs. People don't necessarily want you to say anything of any consequence - they just want to be entertained.

But a one-man show is different. The audiences are generally more intelligent (and more sober) and they have different expectations. You can't do a one-man show (at least not one as good as Richard's) unless you really have something to say. And the format gives you space to do that - you don't have to be cracking gags the entire time. It's a challenge and an opportunity that really inspires and excites me. (Or maybe, like all middle-aged men, I'm just desperate for the chance to force my views and ideas on other people.)

Anyway, something else also happened at the Frog. I was pricked by the slenderest shard of fame. Someone who I didn't know recognised me as Sam Brady the stand-up comedian. I have always thought I didn't want to be famous and would hate to be a celebrity. But even just being acknowledged by one stranger in a Manchester comedy club was enough to inflate my ego to an uncomfortable level. Fame is such a potent drug. Even the tiniest dose, it seems, can get you hooked. I need to be careful of that. I reckon once you start chasing fame, the fun is probably over.

There were also quite a few comedians and promoters there in the audience. Ben Heal from MUCK came over to say hello which was nice. He even offered to lend me his Richard Herring DVD collection. Might take him up on that.