Committed

I've made a commitment. No, not that kind of commitment. I am still very single and there no ring near my fing. I have committed to something that I never thought I would... Singing. In public. With my own voice. Ordinarily I would have NEVER, I repeat, NEVER said yes to such an insane thing, however one of my best friends asked me to sing at her wedding. How does one say no to that? Exactly. You don't. So here I am committed to singing in my best friend's wedding and not-so-silently freaking out about it.

In the midst of the 'holy shit I just committed to this' thought process I've been going through I've also realized that I need to look at this as a great experience to go through. I mean, how many people get asked to sing at their best friend's wedding? My guess isn't that too many. Will it be a huge challenge for me to get over this funny thing called stage fright? Abso-fucking-lutely. But I'm feeling excited and extremely honored to have been asked to do this. So... This. Is. Happening! When I commit to something I go big or I go home, and I can assure you I will not be going home on this one. 

Now back to the stage fright. Here's the deal - I have admitted (thanks to this blog) that I can carry a tune, but the reason I don't own up to it is because I have insanely horrible terrible stage fright. The only times I've been able to get up on a stage and sing in front of people was at my grade school music concerts and a few drunken college nights singing karaoke at Fiesta Mexican. Singing Total Eclipse of the Heart always goes much better with a few gay guys and a pitcher of mango margaritas. True story. That happened on more Tuesday nights than I'd like to recall. And since those days are longggg gone, my options are limited to the following:

A. bucking up

B. taking voice lessons

C. trying karaoke... sober

D. all of the above. 

Must go with option D. Here's to hoping I don't royally mess up and drop an F bomb in God's house. That would be my luck. 

  

take it or leave it: Decorating gingerbread houses. Not just for kids... add a little competition to it and you've got 4 girls ready to rumble with frosting and candy. Naturally, the judge chose my house for first place! Far left... she's a looker!  

Snow Daze

I love snow. Many people make it very clear that they hate it and can't wait for spring to roll around, but I say to hell with you. I mean really, we're in Midwest, people! If you can't handle the cold, snow, or driving in it please get the F out. You make winter so much worse for those of us who actually enjoy it! Your constant complaints on Facebook and Twitter are not going to make the snow go away. Having grown up in the Chicago suburbs I quickly learned that one is required to adapt to winter and massive amounts of snow. All I ask is if you live here, please try to do the same. 

There is something so magical and perfect about watching a winter snowfall. It takes me back to my childhood... the days when I lived for a snow day. Nowadays that doesn't happen unless we get 2 feet of snow, but nonetheless, I love a great winter storm. Waking up and looking out the window with the hopes of seeing snow covered streets and trees is a priceless thing. That's a moment that makes my inner child come out and realize the endless list of fun you can have with some good snow. I promise you it can be fun for adults... it doesn't fall from the sky just for the kids... 

• Car sledding and/or snowboarding - slightly risky, yes, but it gives you a rush of adrenaline and a good laugh when someone wipes out. This is something only to be done in neighborhoods where the plows are last to come to... a major perk of my parents living where they do.

• Snowmobiling - literally did this everyday after school and on the weekends when we had 4 or more inches of snow when I was a kid. My best friend and I growing up were both lucky enough to have our own snowmobiles and big enough yards to tear up. We would build little jumps to go off of, pull each other on the sled, and when we were feeling risky we'd drive down the streets, which is illegal. Bad asses.

• Drunk sledding - you never seem to get cold while your drunk and sledding. And even better, if you wipe out hard it won't hurt until the following day. It's sort of amazing.

• Silence of the snow - have you ever walked outside after a fresh layer snow is on the ground and noticed how silent everything is around you? If you haven't, you should experience it. Quite peaceful. Every year I get all bundled up, snow pants and all, and head outside to lay in the snow for a few minutes. The snow absorbs the sounds around you and it's just you, the snow, and silence. Pure winter bliss. 

Even if you could never fathom doing such childish things as an adult, I would ask you to reconsider. I think it's really important for everyone to take a step back from reality and act like a kid again. It helps clear the mind and for a little bit and it will make you forget about the harsh realities in life. Try it. And equally as important, embrace the snow. You live in the Midwest. Get used it or go to Florida. 




take it or leave it: