So two weeks ago I was in France for work. I was very busy and important attending a seiminare on purchasing and planning. It was tres interesting and I was very honored to be invited to such an event. It really felt like I was a part of this big company.
One catch, however, was that the siminare was all in French. Myself and my colleague were the only two out of one hundred twenty five people who did not speak or understand any French. It wasn't that bad. My boss, who is French, was able to translate for me and most everyone spoke English. Anyone who wanted to "work on their English" would sit at our table for lunch and dinner so it ended up being totally fine.
Thursday was the networking day. We toured the Veuve Cliquot caves in Reims and also looked at a beautiful Catholic church built in the 5th century AD. At the cocktail hour there were artists doing caricatures of everyone and plenty of champagne to go around.
At dinner we chose a table close to the DJ and once again Frenchies wanting to practice English decided to sit with us, this included the big boss who was emcee-ing the seiminare.
We were all settling into our chairs and pouring glasses of wine when the big boss looked at me and said, "Leeza, 'ave 'aye got a surprise for you!"
"Oooooh," I cooed. "Is it karaoke. I do love karaoke."
"Leeza is so good!" my boss cried from across the table. My boss has witnessed me karaoke the following songs: Waking Up in Vegas (my personal favorite), Baby Got Back, Just Dance and Lose Your Love just to name a few.
"Aaah," the big boss said. "You like karaoke?"
"Yes! All I need is a microphone and I'm set!" I said jokingly.
With that, the big boss sprung up from the table, jettisoned himself over to the DJ booth and grabbed he microphone.
"Aaaah, ladies and gentlemen. We 'ave a very special guest for you tonight. Leeza Gradie is going to sing us a song."
I was beet red. And sweating. And mortified.
I looked up at the big boss and he shoved the mic in my face.
"Sing," he ordered.
"Um...but....Uuuuh....can I get some music?"
"No."
"Uuuh...ehhehahahaahahhahamerrrr...can I wait until I've had a few more drinks?" (Really Lisa? Did you really just say that to the big boss?)
"No."
"Ooookaaaaay...."
I turned in my chair to face the 125 eager faces, all looking at me.
"How's everyone doing tonight?"
The room erupted into thunderous applause and cheering.
"So tonight I'm going to sing a little Lady Gaga Poker Face. Is that OK with everyone?"
More cheering. I was starting to get into my element.
I grabbed the mic and started to sing the chart topping tune a capella.
I was freaking out on the inside but was totally rocking it on the outside. My voice sounded amazing and when I came to the first round of "can't read my, can't read my, no you can't read my poooooooker faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaace," the entire room started to freak out. People were waving their napkins in the air and singing along.
For the remainder of the night everyone was coming up to me and telling me how amazing that was. I was the cool American who sang Lady Gaga.
Watch out for my new single. It drops next month and it's called "Lonely at the top."
Here is my caricature in case you were interested:
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