On Wednesday evening, I went to karaoke for the first time in Texas. Doesn’t sound like a big deal, but honestly, its huge. I had to give myself an out before I even went in: I only had to sing one song and then I could go. I left at 2AM.
My first date with Sean was at a karaoke bar. Karaoke is a big thing for us, so finding a place to go while here was a big deal. Surprisingly, I found a bar that is three whole blocks from the house. It takes the same amount of time to walk as it does to drive (and there is another one that is four blocks away that has karaoke on another day that I may go check out later). I’m never doing anything at 9PM on a Wednesday, so I have no excuse not to go.
But I almost didn’t go. Mom came home from work sick. We’ve both been dealing with sinus related stuff (mold allergy. House is dry but very breezy, so the wet outside means mold spores coming in), and it just came to a head for her on Wednesday. I kept checking to make sure she was OK, and she was feeling better when it getting closer to time to go. So I went, all by myself.
I first heard about the place on the radio. There was a rock show there featuring a mostly unknown rock band from the 80s, more Judas Priest than Guns’n’Roses. For those who don’t know me, I am a bit of a metal head, not like hardcore, but enough where people notice it early. I considered going to the show because it was on a Friday night, $10 cover, seemed like it would be cool. I was also home alone. Instead, I ate some really crappy Chinese buffet (not going back) and drove around town, finding out how close the next town really is, where the Raisin’ Cane’s is being built (this is something I seriously needed to know, I’m an addict who always needs a fix), and where the airport is. I love driving, so this was a great way to spend my Friday night.
Last week, while driving home, I found out that the place is literally five minutes away. Holy shit! If I had known that, I would have gone to see a band I had only heard of that day, made up of guys as old as my dad (if not older) and been my weird little self. Yeah, probably not because anxiety and all that shit kick in, but still, its too close to pretend its not there. I was at least intrigued.
I decided to look on Facebook to see what was going on, decided to go, and I’m glad I did. I got there and sat myself down in a booth, ordered a coke and waited until the show seemed like it was about to start. I introduced myself to the KJ (guy running the show, the “karaoke jockey”) because that is how Sean always does it when he goes to a new place. The rotation was small (about ten singers total, including the KJ). 9PM to 2AM show time. It was loud (it is a rock venue after all, so its to be expected). I was probably the person who sang the most, hearing “holy shit” so many times from the KJ after I would sing. It was surreal.
I talked to the KJ and his girlfriend a lot that night. I talked to random people who would compliment me on my singing. I have never felt more welcome and wanted in a place I had never been. It was amazing.
It can be hard to get out of your comfort zone when you are stuck in your own head. I’ve been working my way out, but I had to take a leap to get there. I’ve made some changes to get things a little more comfortable at the house. I bought a table and chair so I can work on things in my room. Bebe and Ray both think its the best for sleeping, so I guess it was a good choice. We finally got internet, so I can talk to Sean via Skype and actually get to see him. I’m still struggling, but its getting better, just a little every day.
I’m still trying to figure out my money situation. My fingers are crossed that Christmas money will be enough to get something figured out. I have enough to get me to and from Florida for Thanksgiving, so we will have to see after that. I hate not having a schedule and something to do because I struggle to keep myself on task when I’m the one having to make it up as I go. (as seen by erratic postings)
But at least I’ve found a place where I fit where I am. That is a big deal. Sean was a little jealous. He’s looking forward to checking it out when he gets here in December for the Christmas holiday.