Sometimes, without even realizing it, your in the middle of a once in a lifetime experience.

Case in point: On the first night of our Carnival cruise, my Brother-In-Law Steve and I sang karaoke. My first song choice was one they didn’t have, Barenaked Ladies The Old Apartment. So instead I went to a staple: Billy Vera and the Beaters, At This Moment. As a result, I caught the attention of three larger black women in the front row. My third choice was a constant crowd pleaser, Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline. Mary, one the three women, was the most outspoken and when they got up and sang R. Kelly’s I Beleive I Can Fly, they dedicated the song to me, and afterward they reitertated… “This ones for you Joe! We love you Joe!” So I did what any reasonable person would do. To show appreciation for their outpouring of affection, I ran from the back of the bar, up onto the stage and gave Mary a big hug. I then promptlty retreated back to my seat and took a swig of my dirty martini. Kinda wish my kids were there to see it live since the embarrassment factor for them would have been a 15 on a 1 – 10 scale. #almosttotalwin

Steve and I soon realized, that after 11pm, karaoke changed over from the traditional dj set up to singing with a live band. Um… a full band backing us up at karaoke? YES PLEASE. Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville seemed appropriate. Afterward, Michael the karaoke DJ told me I should try out for the Legends show and specifically for Elton John. Not really knowing what that was at first I dismissed it. But after further cohersion of Michael and another passenger John C. (who is a veteran of the show) I decided to try out. So the next night I at karaoke I auditioned for Legends. The show that features passengers as the main attraction for entertainment. They held open try outs for lucky hopefuls who wanted to sing as Brittany Spears, Elton John, Elvis, James Brown and more.

I thought what’s the harm? The only risk of auduitioning is that I don’t make. Then I’m out nothing. But If I do make it the reward is big. There’s the chance to take part in something extraordinary. A once in a lifetime opportunity to let go. To kick the rust off of a stressed out mind, body and soul. To do something so outrageous that even I had to really think twice about it. And all without really understanding the ask. I was placing full faith in the vacation, and eternal memories was the potential reward for my faith.

This cruise was more than a vacation. It was a decompression of the everyday. An encyclopedia book shot to the noggin that forced me to stop, rub my head and think about what is really important in my life.

So I auditioned.

And sang the song Croccodile Rock.

And scored the part of Elton John, and was one of ten who preformed at the Legends show in front of a packed theater of fellow passengers, and my family on the Friday night of the cruise.

(A 15 on a 1 – 10 scale.)

#totalwin #jazzhands