Ben Hates Karaoke.

Yes, it’s true. I’m not the biggest fan either, but Ben’s hatred runs deep. One of our close friends, who shall remain anonymous and will be referred to as FRIEND, recently found out about this and sent Ben an email. Ben’s final comment made me laugh out loud at my desk.

Here is how the email conversation unfolded:

FRIEND: Hey buddy! I heard that you “hate” karaoke, is that a true statement? I understand feeling pressure to sing and not really wanting too…but to say you hate it? I mean I don’t like to dance, but I wouldn’t say I hate it by any means! I would humbly request your response, I am puzzled by this rumor that is floating around.

BEN: FRIEND, I hate karaoke. I want to like it, but the feelings that it envokes within me can only be explained as a putrid anxiety. I guess I have been very talented at hiding it until now! Everyone all parades around and sings, and then pressures the non-singers into compromising personal integrity and comfort so the singers don’t feel like the only idiots singing in front of a moniter. I understand it is the epitome of entertainment for some individuals and even cultures (Japanese) But it is nothing short of social holocaust. Sorry to drop that bomb, bro! Maybe one day there will be a world where karaoke and non-karaoke participants can sit down and enjoy the singing idiots in a pressure free environment.  -Ben

FRIEND: Hmm…Well I suppose you can’t blame someone for an opinion. I can’t help but wonder though…do you hate the art of karaoke, or do you hate the singers who apply the pressure that creates the obligation that you must sing? I feel that is what you are getting at with your closing remarks, I would just like clarity.

BEN: Karaoke is a stretch as an art-form, I am hesitant to credit Karaoke as anything inspirational. I also believe, it is hard to separate the pressure pushers from Karaoke as a whole. I believe where one is, there will always be the other. (Like bars and drunks) If I had to be quoted, I would probably say, “Karaoke in all aspects and forms, embodies wayward and akward social displays mixed with conflicting intrapersonal messages that elicits a spectrum of responses ranging from confused admiration and disillusionment to disgust. It is a detriment to society and the human condition. If Jesus was at a Karaoke party instead of a wedding party, his first miracle would have been to obliterate the concept of Karaoke from the human experience.” Once again, sorry for the poop on karaoke party, but I am merely just sharing my position on this matter. I hold nothing against those who enjoy karaoke, (love the sinner, hate the sin) and will continue to smile dumbly and even participate begrudgingly in future karaoke events. Thanks for your concern though, friend! -Ben

The Hill of Truth

This past Saturday Ben competed in the Hill of Truth bike race, located just outside of Knoxville. The objective is to ride the course, in teams or solo, for 12 hours in efforts to complete the most laps before 11 pm. Yep, 12 hours. Ben signed up for the solo category and we got to the site around 9:00 am to set up our (mine and Maggie’s) temporary home for the next 12 hours.

It was our first time there so we didn’t really know what to expect. We ended up setting up our tent on the side of the road where the race begins and where bikers must pass through for each lap. I took lots of movies and magazines, but only made it through one movie because I was so anxious about how Ben was doing.

Across the road from us there was a family set up to support their husband/son. He was also in the solo category and very hardcore. At one point he was in second place and by the time we left I think we was in the lead. In between laps he would pause for a quick nutrient break or to refill his camel-bak or switch bikes and other times he would zoom by yelling, “Tell her to have the electrolytes ready next time!”

Now when Ben stopped in between laps I did not by any means have electrolytes ready! I feel like such a bad wife! I did have PB&J sandwiches and bananas ready though. So take that Mr. Electrolyte.

Ben reached his goal of completing six laps for the race, and at 9:45 pm we packed up and headed home. I am so proud of him! He raced for almost 11 hours! CRAZY! He was totally spent at the end of the race and enjoyed some definite R&R on Sunday.