Did You Hear Me Oprah?

Last night was karaoke again but this time at a new club. The first two times I sang karaoke was at our golf club where everyone knows each other. Last night was at an Irish pub so there were some fresh new faces and singers to make the night interesting. Some of you readers have asked me what I sang: "Take Me Home, Country Roads" by John Denver, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" by Crystal Gayle, "I Honestly Love You" by Olivia Newton John and "Could I Have This Dance" by Anne Murray. For the last song I dragged my friend, Linda, up on stage with me. She had never tried karaoke in a public place and didn't want to do it. However, the crowd cheered her on and insisted she sing with me. She was a good sport and she sounded great. That was fun for me as I was tired of being the only person at our table to get up and sing. The only song I really practiced, "Till There Was You" was not on the D.J's song list so I couldn't sing it. It is a very old song but a good one. I was disappointed and surprised that he didn't have it. Next time, (if there is a next time) I'll bring my own CD along.

There were a lot of really good singers there last night. It was rather intimidating to follow some of them as they were good enough to be on Broadway. The best one not only had an incredibly good voice, she was also gorgeous and fit. I'm sure most of the men wouldn't have cared if she could sing well as long as they could look at her. Fortunately, to balance things out, Joe was there. Joe is a horrible singer. The DJ said he would "help" him sing the song but Joe would have no part of that. Joe really got into his song and moved and danced around the stage to his awful singing. Funny thing is, he had such a good time up there that the audience did too in spite of his poor vocals. That is what karaoke is supposed to be about; having fun regardless of your ability.



I was nervous again but a little better than last time. My friend asked me why I do it when it is such a strain on my nerves. I told her I knew it was good for me to try something that frightened me. For years I watched Oprah preach about growing and becoming all we can be. She said we need to try new things. This was new and most definitely out of my comfort level. While I won't go so far out as to go on rides at Busch Gardens, I will get up in front of a big crowd and risk looking like a fool. I only hope Oprah would be proud of me. Perhaps seeing the struggles of the people at the Alzheimer's unit has made me want to try something challenging before it's too late for me. That's why I do it. To take small chances. To live life to the fullest. To do what I enjoy. To live with passion.