Live From NewYork My Car...

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!