Today is Friday. It used to be my favorite day of the week; it used to be my nap day. Unfortunately, it is nap day no longer. I’m busy this Friday.

Like most days, Kelley drops me off at my house before continuing down to her own. I use the half an hour I have to myself to eat a snack of cheese and crackers and watch “Cash in the Attic” on BBCA. Then it’s time for me to grab my music and purse, say goodbye to Mom and my brother, and head towards Danville in the Jeep.

I arrive at the Mariellas’ house for my voice lesson just before 5:30. I’m not as warmed up as I thought I would be after two nights of the Winter Choir Concert, but no matter. We work through it, and I’m extremely happy by the end of the lesson. I wish Mrs. Mariella and Margaret a happy holiday, and then skip back to the car.

I guess it’s not surprising that I missed my next destination. I knew in theory where the venue for the Danville Library Teen Advisory Board sponsored concert was, but the holiday traffic and lights must have confused me. I end up parking at the Trader Joe’s parking lot a block or so away, and giggle as I entertain thoughts of being mugged in the middle of Danville’s sparkling shopping center.

I make it to the hall fine, and watch the bands set up, greeting the members I know, and inquiring about the holidays of the rest of the board. Seng gives us raffle prizes and let’s us know what we’ll be introducing, and I attempt to get to know our band. I get the feeling that the night isn’t going to go as well as we planned.

The first group, an a capella choir from a nearby school, is fifteen minutes late. The viewers don’t seem to mind, milling around in small groups. I’m surprised to see so many people I know here, but then again, it’s the first time I’ve been to a concert like this.

The first group performs, but no one really listens to them, or to the raffles going on between groups. I find it a bit annoying, but then realize that it’s simply the nature of the event. After that, the entire event is just amusing. The second group plays the Classic Rock I’m familiar with. The third is something entirely new. It involves fifteen minutes of incoherent screaming, and a dangerous looking mosh pit.

Then it’s my turn to present. I’ve made up my mind that I will be heard, no matter what. I will get some attention and do my job. I suppose the adrenaline of performing after two years off the stage made me a little giddy. In the end, I did get some attention while I read off raffle winners, but I realize once again that it doesn’t matter too much. Everyone is here to have fun.

A group of my friends has finally arrived, and we spend an enjoyable evening attempting to communicate. The event comes to an end, and I stick around to see if the Advisory Board has any other business. Apparently, Seng and I are alone in this thought. The Veteran’s Hall clears of everyone except my group of friends, so I grab a broom and started skipping around the room at fairly high speeds. It’s quite fun, dancing in the nearly empty hall with a broom, sweeping broken candy canes and Starbuck’s labels.

But that, too, must come to an end. My friend Wes gallantly offers me a ride to my car, keeping me warm and saving me from any ill-intentioned night prowlers. I say goodbye with a wave and wish him happy holidays before driving back to my house.

My parents have stayed awake to hear about the concert, which I dutifully describe. We likely watch the end of a movie before everyone heads to bed. I fall asleep, thinking about the strange experience of my first concert. I wonder if Wes and the others will find something to do so late at night, but as I snuggle in bed, I’m happy I didn’t go with them. I didn’t get my nap, after all, and it’s been a very tiring day.

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