Singing karaoke at the Chatterbox (Monday nights starting at 9pm) was interesting. The environment is already cozy and warm, but add a small stage and a microphone and it instantly becomes someone’s basement. I felt like I was finally invited to that hip 70s high school party (with my only idea of what the 70s were like coming from “That 70s Show”). Blue Christmas lights, a not-so-good sound system, and daring characters. Everyone was just so loose and easy-going.

There was a larger woman who sang “Edge of Seventeen” by Fleetwood Mac without ever looking at the monitor (I decided it was her anthem). There were a couple guys who paired up for “Angel” by Shaggy (and that was hilarious, girls were nearly rolling on the floor with laughter). There was a woman who sang “One Way or Another” by Blondie and started draping herself all over the karaoke DJ (who was possibly in his 70s) and one of his flunkies (possibly a son?) during the chorus. Then there was Barry, who sang “North to Alaska” by Johnny Horton (a song written about the gold rush of the late 1800s). There were obvious regulars, oblivious new-comers, and there were even girls with braces. I kid you not. It was great.

Today I’m tired, but I also somehow got to work early this morning so I went to Starbucks for a chai latte. Now I’m a little hyper and feeling off-balance. Oh, Tuesday.