Have You Ever Wished to be a Rock Star?

When I was 12, I lived in Lansing, Michigan, in one of four two-story duplexes that were next to a fire station. Besides bugging the firemen to slide down their pole everyday, I generally had a good time playing with the kids who lived in the Hopkin's neighborhood. It was perhaps, the fun-ist street I ever lived on as a kid. I was the leader of the Hopkins' gang. Meaning I was the oldest of about 10 kids who, my brother and I would play with, get in trouble with and fight with. One of our "genius" ideas as a group was to start a rock band. It was crazy how much time we spent figuring out what we were going to play, the concerts we were going to give and how we were going to make our millions. Now a days, you have the video game called "Rock Band." No need to day dream anymore. Just invite your friends over and all the sudden you are Duran Duran. The game comes with a microphone, a set of drums, a guitar and base. There are a variety of songs that pretty much anyone who plays would recognize. Anyway, this past Saturday night my hubby and I meet up with our new "gang." We don't live on the same street with them anymore but we do get together every few weeks for some dinner and some hanging out. Some of you might know the members, as the "81st Street" boys and their wives. After having dinner at our favorite new place called "Dear John's" in Culver City (you should check this place out) we went back to Courtleigh (the name of the street where one band member lives) and proceeded to drink and play Rock Band. As most of you probably know, I was never the sporty girl in school nor was I ever really into video games (well, ok I was was when Atari came out, remember Frogger and Pacman?). I pretty much said good-bye to video games when I couldn't save the princess on Super Mario Bros. when Nintendo first came out. Now I can take them or leave them. Mostly leave them unless its Wii Fit or we are with a group of friends. Anyway, a few cocktails in, I decide to play the drums. I guess the reason I never really played sports in school was I was afraid I was going to fail or majorly suck. So I pretty much never put myself out there. I tried Softball, Track and even made it through 3/4 of a season of tennis but I always found a reason to quit. As an adult I try my best to try things I think I might suck at. You know, get over your fear, type of stuff. Guess What? I not only had fun but after practising a few times I got better. I wasn't as good as my fellow band members, who have had a lot of practise but I got myself into the 80% and a few 90% range after starting at 60%. I was very proud of myself! I can very easily find myself sitting on the sidelines, taking on the position of watcher but in my old age, I am finding that it's more fun to participate even if I don't think I will be good. Too bad I didn't figure this out earlier on! Think of all the things I missed! Anyhoo, this Rock Band game fulfilled my little kid aspiration of being a rock star. I tended to do a lot better when I just let go and not think about the notes I had to hit. So readers of Brokencandy, next time you find yourself in a situation of whether to try or sit on the sidelines, I highly encourage you participate. You might just find you're a rock star and have a bunch of fun!