Open Mic

I thought I would share my recent open mic experience. So here goes....

I have been meaning to get back into the poetry scene, but haven't really had the time. Plus, I haven't written any good poetry in a long time. So I decided to make it a full event and invite some of my friends. I made an Evite and everything.

I had no idea where to go because the spot I used to go to closed down. So I emailed a dope poet that used to do features all the time when I first started performing, in what seems like ages ago, and he sent me a list of the best spots in the area.

It wasn't going to be anything special, but just a chance for us to hang out and for my friends to get to know each other (I have friends from all walks of life & we never hang out as one group). And it was also a chance for some of my friends to see me perform. I didn't realize that many of them didn't even know that I write. The spot is dress code and I'm running late because I'm doing my hair real nice and getting all dolled up. I get there and the place is packed, hardly any seats left. I asked the DJ where to sign up and put my name about 1/2 down the list. I definitely didn't want to go first.

My friends and I sit down and listen to the music and catch up. It was nice to see them. We, or should I say, I don't get out much. After about 20-30 minutes the MC finally goes up to the mic and starts the night. He calls the first name, no one stands.... And then to my surprise, he calls my name! I'm like WHAT??? I look at my friends like 'did he just call me???' Yeah, well my name is hard to mistake for someone else's. I couldn't believe that I was called first, especailly since I put my name 1/2 down the list. So I get up and walk toward the mic and this is what happened...

The MC adjusts the mic, bringing it down real low because I'm barely over five feet tall. I get on the mic and introduce myself. Here's what I say:

Me: Okay, so how's is everyone doing tonight?
Crowd: Good!
Me: Okay, so I haven't been on the mic in four years so....
MC (interrupting me): You haven't been on the mic in four years?
Me: Yeah!
MC: Well, we usually do this for the first timers, but since you haven't been on the mic in awhile, we'll do it for you too. (I'm looking at him like, do WHAT?)
MC: Go to the corner! (Pointing toward the entrance) (I'm looking at him like, what am I five and your sending me to my room. Why do I have to go to the corner?)
MC: Don't worry, you're not in trouble. Just go to the corner.
(So I walk to the corner.)
MC: Okay, so I know it can be a little intimidating being on the mic and all, so what I want you to do, NAME, is walk over to the mic with the most confidence you got and come and rock the mic. Can you do that?
Me: Yeah!

So I start walking and the crowd goes crazy. Screaming, clapping! I felt like Whitney Houston at a concert or something. It was CRAZY!! And I think that it actually made me more nervous than I was, but it was fun. I'm back at the mic and I start doing my piece. It's my favorite piece. I wrote it for my honey. It's about when you first realize your in love with someone and what that feels like.

I was looking around the room and the crowd liked it. They cheered so loud at the end. It was very nice. I can't wait to go back.

I'll Start With A Question???

I just started blogging. Actually this is my first post, in case you haven't noticed. I recently had an argument with someone about me going to school FT and leaving my Girls in the care of someone else. Up until now, really only last school year, I had been only going to school for two days a week and my husband was with the Girls during that time. Starting next month, both of us will be in school so I will need to hire someone to watch them. I am torn about it. Of course, I don't want to leave my children with someone else, but I also believe that people leave their kids with others everyday, surely there is someone out there capable to caring for my kids while I'm in school.

I am trying to better myself and my situation (both, my husband & I are) so that we can give the Girls everything we want them to have. Anyways, I digressed. The argument was about this very subject. This person in my life thinks that I should stay home with them until they are at least 5 years old (right now they are 3 years old and 15 months, so that's another four years). They believe, and I agree, that the first five years are crucial to their development and you (the parent) has the most influence over them during this time.

It's hard for me to take this person seriously because of everything they've been through and the experiences they are drawing from. They are currently studying for their GED test and are in their fifties. I just don't see how that happens. How can you be over fifty and not have a HS education or your GED? And then try and lecture me about how I should wait to go to school and be a MOTHER to mine? If you can't tell, I am quite insulted with this statement. How could she say that? Well the truth is that she did! I just didn't want to bring up the facts about her family and how four out of her six children don't have a HS diploma or GED. And the only reason why the other two do is because they were raised by their fathers.

I'm not trying to demean her. I just don't see how I should place any value on her opinion or advice. I mean she wants me to follow in her foot steps and not get education while raising my children. Umm...I think not! I have dreams to follow and goals to accomplish!

What do you guys think???