Why I Stood Up Chris Brogan for Our Karaoke Duet
On the Sunday morning of last year’s SOBCon (a conference for Successful and Outstanding Bloggers), Chris Brogan said he missed me at karaoke the previous night and that he had a song in mind for me; one he felt I could sing because it only has one word – Tequila!
Honestly, I had never pictured myself doing karaoke, but I was touched that Chris had pictured it and had given it enough thought to have a song in mind. “Next year,†I said with a smile!
For the most part, when I say I’m going to do something, I do it. It may take me a while, but I try to keep my word. I didn’t brush off and forget “next yearâ€. For months after SOBCon09, I kept thinking, What have I gotten myself into this time?
Then I went ziplining across Robson Square, completely blurring the line between ability and disability, between can and can’t, and whatever other arbitrary lines that exist, and leaving me at the point where I’m saying, “Bring it on, Life! I’m ready!â€
Karaoke? What’s the worst that could happen? I could make a fool of myself on stage for four minutes. Like no one else has ever done that before at karaoke! Besides, once everyone else is sufficiently imbibed, I may sound pretty good.
Shortly before leaving for Chicago, I asked Chris if we were still on for our karaoke duet. (I’m unsure whether Chris originally intended Tequila to be a duet, but I figured we might as well have fun together while I’m making a fool of myself.) In typical Brogan-style, he responded with an enthusiastic yes!
Saturday evening a group of us were hanging out at Morton’s Bar & Grill, getting organized to head over to the Blue Frog Bar & Grill to meet up with fellow SOBs for karaoke. My friend Hope kindly phoned the Blue Frog to ask if they are wheelchair accessible. They aren’t.
The group left for the Blue Frog. I went back to the hotel to go bed, disappointed. In that moment, inaccessibility wasn’t about the law, my rights, or me being part of an under tapped market. In that moment, it was about missing the opportunity to do something crazy and unexpected with someone I admire, respect and trust.
Perhaps next time, Chris!
If you enjoyed this post, consider buying me a chai tea latte. Thanks kindly.
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