I have sung the United States and Canadian national anthems in three states and two countries. If ever there was a cool hobby, this is it. Here are a few things I learned:
1. When you take no for an answer you forever lose your chance for a yes.
Years ago my husband and I were at a Buffalo Bills game on a cold December Sunday. A woman walked out on the field wearing a full length fur and I told my husband how lovely I thought she looked. He said, casually, “Someday when you sing the national anthem at Rich Stadium (it was a long time ago!) I’ll buy you a fur coat.”
When the word “no” is spoken to me I actually hear the word “maybe.” Believe me, that can be exceedingly irritating to most people but I don’t care. I auditioned several times for the Bills and was rejected each time. Meanwhile, I auditioned for the Buffalo Bison’s (AAA Baseball) and got the gig. I made an audition tape (like I said, it was a long time ago) and sent it to several major league teams. I followed up and took “maybe” for an answer. Eventually I landed the Toronto Blue Jays, the Cleveland Indians (sang at opening day!) and the New York Mets.
It took me seven years from that “challenge” to sing at a Bills game. My husband took me shopping for a fur but I didn’t actually want one. I wanted to prove I could do something so crazy and off my radar. And, I did.
2. When you start something you have to finish it.
Start the song and stop – um, no! I have blanked out a few times but somehow have gotten through each song. I was so nervous in Cleveland that I have no memory of actually singing. None.
In life, once you jump inside the rope you have to keep jumping until the twirlers stop. I try to finish everything I start.
3. Don’t just say words, feel them and mean them.
When I sing the national anthem I think of each word as I sing them. I picture the people waiting for defeat by the bay during the Battle of Baltimore and yet seeing the flag at dawn still waving proudly in the wind.
When I say something to someone, compliment them; tell them I love them I mean it with all my being. I will never say something I do not mean.
4. Being treated like a star doesn’t mean you don’t still have to clean your toilets.
Once, in Toronto singing for the Blue Jays, a woman wanted to know if I was famous. I am not. She didn’t buy it and told me she thought my life must be so glamorous. I have had many wonderful opportunities to see and do things that many only dream of. I’ve been to Super Bowls, Final Fours and the World Series. I have eaten in five star restaurants and relaxed in exclusive spas. Nothing gets me back to center more, however, than cleaning my own house.
Each time I clean my bathroom I think of this woman and of how glamorous my life is. I always remember that life is fragile and the trappings are just that. Trappings!
Until next time!
Jude Russo Caserta
AthleticBudgetCoach.com/blog
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