Each day I leave work in the afternoon to go pick up my daughter from her school and drive her home, and then come back to work for the last little bit.
Well, the other day, I discovered this new "thing"; a coping mechanism, if you will, to relieve stress. Ever since I got my ipod I don't listen to the radio anymore, and luckily I have an auxiliary connection in my car stereo. I have always loved listening to music while driving and I love being able to choose music to reflect my moods. Of course, being not so usual, I sing along. But not like your average person. Oh no baby, I take heed to that bumper sticker quote and "sing like no one's listening".
Except, when my kids are in the car, they get all embarrassed and think I am certifiable. They are probably right. The point is, I don't care if the other drivers around me notice. If I wanna have myself an ipod sing-along-concert at the top of my lungs, in the privacy of my own vehicle, it's my right. Right? Besides, when I am singing along with me besties, or my "boyfriends" as I call them (i.e. Jason mraz) how can I NOT sing loud?
Okay, so back to this particular afternoon... I was listening to the live album of my bestie-boyfriend Jason Mraz, of course singing really loud and of course basking in the knowledge that he had no doubt written the song, "After an Afternoon" about me (hello!..."your rich brown eyes, your lips, and your dark hair"), I came to a stop light and noticed the guy in the truck in the lane next to me, staring as if he was witnessing something from the latest episode of Ripley's Believe It Or Not. I pretended not to notice his shock and instead smiled, gave a half nod, and continued singing as if there was no tomorrow. He couldn't help but smile and give a half-laugh in return.
Aint no shame, was the thought that crossed my mind. The light turned green and we continued on. As I pulled into a parking space at work, the song came to an end, I held out the last note and the crowd cheered uncontrollably. I smiled. And not just a little everyday smile; but a big-time smile that someone not so usual, someone like me would smile. In fact, I wanted to bow and say, "thank you, thank you".
It was then I had this realization: I really should listen to live albums more often. I mean couldn't we all use a little more cheering and applause in our everyday lives? And the crowds at concerts are so much better than any atta-boys you're going to get from anyone at work, right?
So it's settled then. When I need a little pick-me-up, I am tuning in to one of my besties; the live version. And I am taking all the applause I can get!
13 comments:
Oh, Emma! There is nothing better than having a good old sing-a-long when you are on your own! I do it all the time...yes, even in the middle of the night I have been known to put my i-pod on at full blast and have a sing and dance around while I am doing housework. There is nothing so unusual as that!
But, not so long ago, I discovered that It was impossible to run backwards and sing at the same time! Result...a broken ankle, and some stupid cows that I am sure were laughing at me!
I do sing in my car but when I get to a stoplight I just kind of hum along because I get too embarrassed.
I love singing in the car, but my kids are not to crazy about it. I bet you gave the guy in the truck a little pick-me-up too.
Now I want to go out an buy some live albums. I need a round of applause now and then.
I don't have an ipod, but I still sing a long anyway and really could care less what people think! If my kids are with me we all are singing along!
You sing a song and I'll sing a song and we'll sing a song together........
You are so cooool! My kids always have a crazy look for me everytime I have music playing and swaying and boppin my head to the music! Love to sing but never thought of a cheering crowd as a pic me up! I love concerts, we need to go sometime Emma!!!!!!!
What an awesome concept!!
you go girl! Give those other cars something to smile at.
You're right, I think we could all use a little applause in our daily lives :)
This is great. Steve sings in his car at work. So here he is in a UHP uniform singing. Usually he is alone, sometimes I"m with him. It makes me laugh. When I'm with him he is always saying "you should hear me when I'm alone".
I don't get into the mood to sing often, and when I do I usually end up singing to the dogs & cats. They still look at me like I'm crazy but at least they can't say anything. I will have to try a live song next time...
LMAO!! You're hilarious! Totally love it!
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