Live in Columbus: The Karaoke Comeback No One Asked For

This weekend, I traveled to a city where I'd never been, to a wedding where I knew no one except my dear, darling high school friend Abbie, and her fiance PJ. The potential for misadventure was high. All the more so when poor PJ was sticken with a rather serious illness, and had to bail with Abbie in the middle of the reception to be tended by EMTs. Take THAT, Platinum Weddings!

But there's an upshot to being a single gal in a room full of strangers. You have absolutely nothing to lose. And there was karaoke there...

This would be my first time at the mic in three years. And bless their hearts, Abbie's friends and family were amazingly sweet. I think I've unofficially become a member of the Sockloff clan. I'm both a Shep and a Sock. Awesome.

That said, for those of you who may have wondered why I hang around with music kids, but never go on stage myself, this should explain a lot.

First, we warm up with Elvis:

And after a bit more bourbon, team up with a stranger for some Starship:

It's pretty much everything you could hope for and more, yes?

A Big Honkin' Slice of Americana

Wanna know where I've been lately?

I've been riding halfway across the country in a big green Blazer full of Jeffrey's worldy possessions with a bag of pork rinds and several dozen CDs at my feet, keeping track of the miles and various exotic roadkill that rolled by.

Our trip took us through Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, DC; Maryland, Delaware, and my own little corner of Pennsylvania.

It's a very interesting drive, starting out flatter than all get-out and winding through the Smoky Mountains and then through the vehicular nightmare that is the Beltway before ending in the familiar chemical-plant-lined highways of Philadelphia.

I saw my fair share of smooshed armadillos on the side of the road and ate my fair share of greasy fried meat along the way.

Though it should be noted that the smooshed armadillos had nothing whatsoever to do with the greasy fried meat that I consumed.

At least I hope that's the case.

It was a very successful trip, ending in Jeffrey securing a place in lovely Forestville, MD and the obtainment of a fine green sofa and comfy mattresses.

Is obtainment a real word? Does it really matter?

So I'm back in NYC for the time being. Classes start tomorrow, which should result in a welcome return to routine.

Robyn