Get your groove on strong.
Yes, lock that door, shutter those blinds, and crank that bumping thumping music, baby. Because it’s time to get down with the get down:
• The Microphone. Wooden spoons are ideal but there are good substitutes like toothbrushes, combs, or even a bulky plastic hair dryer. Just don’t trip on the cord.
• The Crowd. It’s all about mirrors. Nod and let them nod right back at you. Watch them mouth the words and raise their fists with yours. What a beautiful audience.
• The Critics. There are none! This is the best part. Nobody says you’re singing out of key so just wail till you can’t wail no more. For bonus points get your voice so loud and dirty it scratches the back of your throat.
• The Wardrobe. You’ve got a few costume options including the classic ripped raggedy T-shirt and pair of faded sweats. There’s also underwear only, or even, well… you know. Relax, you look great. Time to rock out.
Yes, we’ve all been home alone and sometimes it’s fun to lose yourself in the moment.
After all, maybe you’re hanging with a heavy heart, burning with a hot temper, or just snowed in after a bad day. If there’s a black cloud hanging ugly over your head there’s no cheaper cure than having a solo dance party in the comfort of your place.
Some come on and turn it on, crank it up, and just shake it baby, shake it baby, shake it like that.
AWESOME!
Send stories or photos about The Book of Awesome to 1000awesomethings@gmail.com
Join us in Toronto on May 11th!
–Email message–
“This book is way thicker than i expected. love it so far! but since i’m still in school i don’t have a lot of time for pleasure reading so this will be my book for the summer, which is only a month away :) – Matthew @matthewklassen”
Photo from: here
71 Comments
April 21, 2010 at 12:03 am
I look forward to reading this every day! You always put a smile on my face and I can’t wait to get the book. :)
April 21, 2010 at 12:04 am
Swiffer duster mic and accompanist vacuum were both on my stage at my last show. It was so good.
April 21, 2010 at 11:40 am
Speaking of Swiffer-branded rock products, I like to use the full Swiffer broom, as it serves as an appropriate microphone stand.. helps me practice my Axel Rose inspired hip sway while rocking out at the mic stand.
Alternatively, I’ll abandon the props all together, turn on some ’80s retro hits, and do my best “Breakfast-Club-dance-scene” impersonation, where I’ll split my time between each of the main character’s dances.. I do a mean Molly Ringwald.
For anyone looking for John Hughes-style inspiration for their next solo-dance party: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZINZmN1_GM
April 21, 2010 at 12:25 pm
That video was truly inspirational. Office dance party? Right now? Anyone? Ok, I guess I’ll wait until I get home.
All hail the mighty Swiffer brand for providing useful products for neat-freaks and solo-dancers alike!
April 21, 2010 at 12:17 am
Also: dancing outside in public, at night when no one is around. Loads of fun!
April 21, 2010 at 6:42 pm
You’re right, I remember I was in a really bad mood one day and was taking a long walk to cool off and listening to my music, when one of my favorite songs came on. I was jumping off stuff, spinning around, and basically having the best time of my life. It made my week.
April 21, 2010 at 12:56 am
Love doing this! :)
April 21, 2010 at 1:05 am
I do this ALL THE TIME!
April 21, 2010 at 1:13 am
Awesome. I love doing this.
It’s also fun to plug your ears with ear buds and a good song, and dance around in the park, in the rain, like no one is watching.
And, it’s even more fun when other people join in, too!
This blog always makes my day.
April 21, 2010 at 1:43 am
I thought this was one of those things I was supposed to be embarrassed about. I realize I was mistaken. It is merely AWESOME.
April 21, 2010 at 2:22 am
this is the cure for everything!
April 21, 2010 at 2:26 am
I had to comment – I’m home alone and spent the last 40 minutes dancing around my apartment. As I sat down, I decided to check this blog before getting back to work. Good thing I did, because it made my not-so-great day AWESOME!
April 21, 2010 at 2:42 am
[...] http://1000awesomethings.com/2010/04/21/522-dancing-when-youre-home-alone/ [...]
April 21, 2010 at 2:52 am
OMG!! I was just thinking this the other day!! I don’t go for shutting the blinds, don’t care who sees. Agree, it is also fun to dance along the street with your IPOD cranked up
April 21, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Hahaha, theres a guy who dances on a busy intersection all the time in Edmonton. It’s pretty awesome, actually.
He’s not that great, but the fact he’ll boogie in -25 weather is pretty trophy worthy if you ask me :)
May 7, 2010 at 12:11 am
Lol in Ann Arbor there’s a guy who dances in an alley to Michael Jackson and every time I go downtown and he’s there it just makes me smile. He adds character to the town and makes strangers happy. Can you say awesome?
April 21, 2010 at 5:12 am
And what about singing or playing electric guitar out loud? That’s the best (since I’m not a good dancer)!
April 21, 2010 at 5:17 am
When there’s nobody around to hear you and you just let rip there is, worryingly, a real part of your brain saying: “Hey, I don’t sound half bad…”
April 21, 2010 at 6:35 am
I love dancing when it doesn’t matter what you look like. Even if its just being silly with friends.
I am a frequent dancer at home when I’m alone. I like to break out that air guitar and play to my heart’s content. Sometimes there’s even some air drums…..
April 21, 2010 at 9:55 am
And you must miss the days of singing into your baby’s foot, right?! ;)
April 21, 2010 at 2:04 pm
I just finished the first two pages of the comments from the last week of the contest, and they are AWESOME so far.
However, I just wanted to post that I finally got this joke! yay :)
Inside jokes with other commenters? AWESOME!
April 21, 2010 at 2:23 pm
LOL…she will never be too old for me to sing into her foot! Although it was way cuter when she was just a few months old.
April 21, 2010 at 2:31 pm
Ha ha, wait until she’s a teenager and has giant, stinky feet. And says, “Mom! Gross! You’re so weird! Get away from my feet!” LOL.
April 21, 2010 at 2:46 pm
LOL…
Oh, teenager years……I can see her saying something like that. She gets a little weirded out now when I do it and she’s only 5!
April 21, 2010 at 5:25 pm
I hope, hope, hope that you don’t ever stop. Teenagers need parents to do things like this to embarass them! Helps keep them in line, but also makes them remember that someone loves them enough to sing into their stinky feet!
April 21, 2010 at 7:13 am
I just did this yesterday, only I was singing into my breakfast spoon and knocked it against my front tooth.
That really, really hurts.
But I love this!
April 21, 2010 at 2:25 pm
I have done that only once. I have a small chip in my front tooth due to swinging the “mircrophone” a little to hard and close to my mouth.
I feel your pain
April 21, 2010 at 8:12 am
I prefer a microphone free dance — I can be more interpretative that way. :)
April 21, 2010 at 9:27 am
I usually just make my hand into a fist and viola! a microphone is created…
April 21, 2010 at 9:37 am
While doing this I also turn the radio up really loud so that it always “sounds” like I blend perfectly with the singer while I sing… You know b/c I’m that good! :)
April 21, 2010 at 9:53 am
I’m with ya there! The less I hear of my own voice, the better off the situation is :D
April 21, 2010 at 10:25 am
I don’t know if you’ve already written about it, but dancing alone makes me think of the joy of rocking out while driving. I wouldn’t survive my commute without doing so!!
April 21, 2010 at 10:49 am
So fun. :D
http://1000awesomethings.com/2009/06/24/737-catching-somebody-singing-in-their-car-and-sharing-a-laugh-with-them/
April 21, 2010 at 11:54 am
Awwww… its like our little commenters are all grown up and can point out previously posted awesome things all on their own… ;)
April 21, 2010 at 12:14 pm
Well, Freddo … I learned from the best!
April 21, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Are you kidding me Freddo? Laura totally picked up your slack – and then some – on the last contest week! She and Bekah were like this transcontinental tag team or something. You should check it out when you get a chance.
April 21, 2010 at 1:38 pm
Ack! I definitely need to. My vacation came at a terrible time. I was so enjoying the big happy commenting family that we’d become during the contests first 3 weeks, and then I just disappeared during the grand finale. Lame on my part, I know..
I definitely need to go check out all the comments, and see all the comment awesomeness by Laura and Bekah!
Thanks for putting my in my place.. :)
April 21, 2010 at 1:50 pm
YEAH! I mean, how dare you take a vacation? Didn’t you know that blog contests for which you are ineligible to actually win any prizes are more important than a trip with your wife?
:D
Totally kidding, of course, but you were missed.
On the other hand, now you and your wife can happily recite beer ingredients … so all is not lost.
April 21, 2010 at 5:23 pm
I’m definitely disappointed that I missed the comment party as it was happening, but it sure is brightening up my day catching up on it now..
You ladies are awesome!
Also? “Code #897″ FTW!
April 21, 2010 at 2:28 pm
Glad you are back …you were missed. You did miss all the fun though…..
It was like a mini party
April 21, 2010 at 2:34 pm
Anytime. ;)
But yeah, we’re glad you’re back.
April 21, 2010 at 10:45 am
I dance with my fish. I have a betta and he loves to see people moving a lot in front of his tank; it makes him wiggle back and forth in excitement, which makes me wiggle back and forth in excitement.
April 21, 2010 at 11:36 am
definitely one of life simple pleasures. love it.
April 21, 2010 at 12:55 pm
This may sound silly, but I dance EVERYWHERE as long as I’m alone, and theres no incriminating evidence that will end up on youtube or 4chan :l
This includes the shower, our office buildings stairwell, the elevator, home alone, and with my cat! (…I dance with my cat regardless if im home alone or not though, yay crazy cat ladies!)
:)
ps. love your blog :)
April 21, 2010 at 1:16 pm
Oh now THIS is my jam. I don’t even have to be in the house for this. School has been so stressful for me that on my way back from the library at 3AM I pump some serious tunes and dance like nobody is watching while, in all honesty, they probably are, and calling the cops.
It’s awesome though. So awesome.
Favorite dancing music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5AXBSpGDHg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2QbgPa7ZWw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4HnYLeypZ4
April 21, 2010 at 3:33 pm
Definately an awesome part of life.
I’m guilty of dancing not just when I’m home alone, but when I’m home alone, and doing the dishes, vaccuming, or even watching the opening song for Spongebob Squarepants.
April 21, 2010 at 4:17 pm
I voted for you at the Webby Awards!! You’re winning, but by a small margin over some travel blog. :P We all have to vote. http://www.webby.aol.com
April 21, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Exactly, everyone should vote!
This link is a bit more direct:
http://webby.aol.com/media/blog__cultural
April 21, 2010 at 5:19 pm
Just wanted to chime in that Olivia’s square is eriely reminiscent of one Ms. Jdurley..
Oh yeah, and you should totally vote for this site in the webby’s. Don’t we want to see what Neil’s going to give in his 5-word-or-less acceptance speech again this year?
http://webby.aol.com/media/blog__cultural
April 21, 2010 at 5:28 pm
What a coincidence, I’m home alone for a few hours for the first time in months…
April 21, 2010 at 6:49 pm
I do this all the time. I know I am no good at it :)
April 21, 2010 at 8:18 pm
I’d say that I NEVER did this, but I’m afraid the resulting bolt of lightning might short out my pc when it his me.
April 21, 2010 at 9:08 pm
Ok, so I just discovered this blog from a friend’s gchat status, and I have to say – I’m sold! This post had me – dancing along with a wooden spoon while you are cooking is by far the most cathartic moment ever! But it’s gotta be belted – no humming or mumbling! Like, screaming the words! Thats where its at.
Awesome!
April 21, 2010 at 9:45 pm
I used to do this ALL THE TIME when I was a kid! When and why did I stop? Time to close the curtains and turn up the volume. This is a good one!
April 21, 2010 at 9:51 pm
this is quite possibly one of my favourite things on your blog. i do this on a frequent basis, at least once a week. that one song will come on, i’ll crank the music and i’ll be dancing in my room, to the kitchen, back to my room, jumping on the bed, and making a fool of myself, but if makes me feel better EVERY time. THANK YOU for posting this. and i plan on seeing you on the 11th in Toronto!
ps. i haven’t gone thru your list yet, but do you have one that says “being recognized at that restaurant you love?” there’s this place i love to eat where i live but it’s only open during the summer. i ate there all last summer and the people that worked there got to know me quite a bit, but a whole year passed and i went there again for the first time today and they still remembered me. AWESOME!
April 21, 2010 at 10:25 pm
I am a dancing machine, only when I’m alone of course! It is truly awesome getting down and going crazy! It’s probably one of my favorite things to do :) Cept I don’t close the curtains
p.s. saving up for the book! can’t wait :)
April 22, 2010 at 10:19 am
The best is when you get in an elevator alone and bust out crazy dance moves while you go up, then walk off all calmly when there’s someone at the floor you’re getting off at.
April 22, 2010 at 10:23 am
THANK YOU all for your comments. I came here to cheer myself up and it totally worked. you guys are great. I’m gonna go Rock Out to BEP or something like that. can’t wait.
April 22, 2010 at 2:30 pm
I dance around with the dog, usually in my ugly green sweat pants while cleaing the house.
April 24, 2010 at 8:32 pm
Heck Yeah!!!
April 25, 2010 at 5:28 pm
I do this ALL the time since I was 3. Now it’s a trend. :P jk.
April 27, 2010 at 1:45 pm
[...] since then. Starting from 1000 and working its way down, the site has featured things like “Dancing when you’re home alone,” “When a baby falls asleep on you,” and “Listening to couples tell you how [...]
April 28, 2010 at 8:01 pm
My awesome is loving your book and finding out you went to high school with my son and lived in our neighborhood.
Awesome!!!!
May 2, 2010 at 6:33 pm
[...] Awesome Things before, but go and update yourself because this site is seriously fabulous I like #522, #995, and #833 [...]
May 6, 2010 at 9:40 pm
Wow this is funny! that’s me on the picture, the photo is here on my flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/katiecruel/
And yes, being home alone and dancing is the best thiing EVER!
May 11, 2010 at 10:24 am
Turkey Basters work the best, in my opinion, for mics.
May 11, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Right. For mics.
August 11, 2010 at 6:19 pm
heeheehee…
May 16, 2010 at 6:47 am
[...] Bloggen 1000 Awesome Things legger jevnlig ut småting i hverdagen som, når man tenker over det, i mangel av et bedre norsk ord, rett og slett bare er awesome. For eksempel å sykle gjennom folketomme gater når det er virkelig sent, glemme hvilken dag det er når man har ferie, eller danse når man er hjemme alene. [...]
July 9, 2010 at 3:30 pm
I do this in the shower…safe no…but extra secretive…yes!!!
July 22, 2010 at 10:29 am
I’m addicted to dance!
I dance almost every day, it sets me free from daily worries :D
Awesome ♥!