I am an entertainer.

One word: karaoke.

I was made for it. Is it my penchant for over-dramatization? Is it my uncanny ability to emulate any female singer with a low range voice? Or is it my total lack of anything resembling shame when acting like an idiot in public? I'm going with all of the above. I went out with some good friends a few nights back to visit a friend-of-a-friend who was DJing the whole ordeal - and let me say, I am hooked. My poor husband now has to listen to me practice my various singing voices at all hours of the day. (I have Cher down pat - but Shakira, Britney, Jewel and Gaga still need refining.) And I'm afraid he will have to get used to giving up one night a week so I can make a fool of myself in front of total strangers.

But hey, at least I get it honest. It is a little known fact that my mother, father, grandfather, and two aunts are in a southern gospel singing group - The Nesbit Family Choir (they don't really have an official name, that was the first thing that came to mind). And well, they're pretty stinking good. My mother can sing the smoothest, clearest harmony of anyone I know, and my dad can range from bass to tenor with no trouble at all.

In addition to being impressive singers and performers. My family is also a bunch of story-tellers. We love sitting around the table after a Sunday afternoon lunch telling the same stories we've heard countless times before. My brother is the best at it. I could sit for hours and listen to him talk about the time he pooped in our grandpa's RV floor or the numerous adventures he's had with my dad while fishing. It's his gift - and I am jealous and in awe of how he pulls us all in. If you ever have the chance - watch a football game with him as well. He blends his storytelling ability with years of high school football experience (and a mild obsession with all things sports related) to make even the most sports allergic person entertained.

Isn't it interesting how things that you feel come naturally are usually something passed down from the generation before? Yet there's always that spin of individuality thrown in there that makes it something you enjoy, rather than are just good at. I don't think I could ever see my sweet mom being as shamelessly devoted to her Cher impersonation as I am - but then again, I don't have the ear for harmony like she does. It makes me feel good to know my kids are going to enjoy performing one day - just like me, just like their grandma and just like everyone else in their crazy, but lovable, family.


I am an entertainer. I am a product of genetics. I am going back to karaoke next week.


Picture: The Fantastic Fisher Family cicra 1990s. Do we look like a bunch of hams or what?