HAPPY NEW YEAR! As 2o10 begins, I am reviewing my list and looking forward to the next 8 months. For now, though, let's talk about last weekend, which my best friend Tori refers to as my "Rochester 2-fer." Hmmm...intrigued? Read on... :)
Tori and I arrived in Rochester last Sunday afternoon. After checking in to our hotel, we headed to the Blue Cross Arena, where the Amerks were hosting the Binghamton Senators. An employee led us to the ice and I had my sound check. WOW-- this was really happening! Tori and I walked around and killed time for about a half hour before we went to our seats (by the way, a very nice usher called us "the two beauties" on our walk there--NICE!). Just before the 5pm start, I walked behind the ice and met a game operations intern, who went over the order of the pre-game program. It was at this time that the arena workers placed a long carpet runner on the ice. This carpet would be my stage in a few short minutes. :)
FINALLY, the lights in the arena went down and the starting line-up was introduced for both teams. As I listened, I stepped from side to side-- nervous energy as I waited to sing. It was not long before I heard, "And now, would you all please rise as Kristy Alberry sings our national anthem..." The intern handed me the microphone and I walked down the carpet, into the spotlight...THE SPOTLIGHT! :) I stared at the American flag and started singing. I thought of my list and cracked a smile- I kept wondering what everyone in the arena was thinking. Was I doing ok? Did I sound ok? And then, out of the corner of my eye, I see MYSELF on the JUMBOTRON! I kept thinking, "Don't look! Don't look!", but it's pretty cool to see yourself on something like that. :) Standing a few feet in front of me was the goalie for the Binghamton Senators, who apparently was so pumped up he deemed it necessary to slam his stick into his leg numerous times while I was singing. BOOOOO! Now I would definitely be rooting for the Amerks. :) As I came to the end of the anthem, and sang "o'er the land of the freeeeeeee...", the arena broke into cheering and shouting--WHAT A RUSH! I finished the anthem and enjoyed my favorite part of it all-- the applause. What a great feeling! I paused for a moment to breathe after walking off the ice, then headed to my seat where I received many compliments from the people around me. SUCCESS! It had gone well. :) Check out my performance by clicking on the title of this post!
The BEST part of the night was being surprised by my sorority sister, "J.T."; her husband, Mike; and son, Owen. Living in Rochester, they came to support me and bring Owen to his first hockey game. Mike said Owen wants to be a hockey player now. :) It meant so much to me that they came to the game. I rarely talk to them, yet they still came to hear me sing. Thank you, Fredonia, for giving me these lifelong friends.
After the game, Tori and I enjoyed dinner and drinks at our hotel. We ended up meeting the gentleman who runs the hotel, who was curious about my list. So, that is how, after several gin and tonic's, I was taught how to tie a neck tie. :) I know it sounds crazy, but what a great experience. Anyone could've taught me how to do it, but the fact that I was learning from a stranger made it way more fun, and now I have a great story to tell! I still need some practice, but I officially know how to tie a neck tie and can cross that off my list. So, singing at a major sporting event and tying a neck tie in the same day-- hence, my "Rochester 2-fer." :)
I can't talk about my big Rochester weekend without talking about the person that made it so special...Tori. I wouldn't have gone through this experience with anyone but her. I'm certain this is a weekend we'll be talking and laughing about for years. There are many blessings in my life, and one I am especially thankful for is Tori, my "BFF." :)
No mistletoe for me this season...looks like it's going to be 31 in 32. :(
BUT...who says you can't use mistletoe on Valentine's Day????
