Sea Day

Not much to do today...we're at sea...on our way to Tonga.  We slept in, had a late breakfast, laid out by the pool, had lunch, walked around the ship, took a nap, ate dinner, played trivia and the slot machines, then came back to the room.  Yep.  It's a day at sea.

So let me back track to last night.  It was the night all cruisers wait for: karaoke night.  This.  This is what I live for.  Those of you who know me know that I KILL at karaoke.  We went on a Holland America cruise back in 2008, and I walked away with every piece of swag they could find to give me.  I cleared out their prize shelf with about 5 songs.  I live for karaoke night.  Last night was no exception.

We arrived at the appointed bar early to get a good seat, which, given that karaoke didn't start until 10:45 and we're on a ship of 8:30 bedtimers, was not hard to come by.  We ordered a drink and listened to the soothing sounds of the band, Krakow and the Sunshine Band (this IS an international ship).  Soon after, I saw Corey the leader of the evening's entertainment approach with the song notebooks - those endless lists of available material.  I snagged a book and began making my list of possibles.  The book had a decent list, but didn't include a single Bonnie Raitt tune (my go-to choice) and very few Linda Ronstadt and/or Carole King songs (my easy back-up).  Usually after I wow the crowd with my big ol' rock/folk voice, I calm them down with a nostalgic "Over the Rainbow" or "Crazy."  I finally take them over the edge with a classic like "Dancin' in the Streets" or "At Last."  This time would be different.

I chose "I Feel the Earth Move" by Carole King.  A perfectly good opener and one that I've sung a thousand times before.  I'm called to the stage, introduced, I say a few words and the song begins.  But it's not the right song.  I mean, it's the right song, but it's not the right version.  Show of hands...who among you has ever heard the crazy disco version of "I Feel the Earth Move"?  Yeah, I didn't think so.  Curveball!

First off, this version is a whole step higher than Carole's.  Second, it's almost double time.  And third, it has absolutely no soul...a quality I bank on in a karaoke competition.  Joe said I should have seen the look on my face.  I can only imagine.  But the show must go on, so I dive in.  It's going pretty well until the vamp.  Whoever did this version, for some insane reason, has added OOOOhhhs and Bams...ad nauseum...and it goes on forever.  For. Ever.  So, I'm standing up there thinking, "should I try to make up some words here?"  "should I try to sing the fucking oooohhhhs and bams?" "should I do the "Carlton?"  I opt for the "Carlton."

Finally, the torture ended.  A nice round of applause for the little lady.  I thought about trying to redeem myself, but no one else was singing, so I guess I'll wait for next time...which should be in a day or so.  I've learned my lesson, though...I swear I'm going to have them play the first bit of "Crazy" before I step on the stage and end up doing Kiss' version of it.

Tomorrow...another day at sea.