I admit it: I'm a car singer. I'll bellow out songs up the 101 until my throat is soar.

And yet, put me in front of a karaoke machine, and I'll freeze up like a popsicle. Karaoke, I don't do. But Caraoke, sure.

Unfortunately, other drivers don't always expect someone to be Caraoking, I guess. I say that because of the funny looks.

Like this one time (in band camp), I was waiting at a stop light and giving a live performance of Billy Joel's "Baby Grand." My stereo was my backup band and my dashboard was my audience. I didn't realize that the truck driver to my right was also gawking.

When I noticed him, he gave me a disgusted smirk, as if I'd just stepped into dog poo and trailed it into his house. It made me feel dirty. I cleared my throat and pretended that the song was just a precursor to the excavation of my esophagus. (Doesn't everyone sing "Baby Grand" before they clear their throat?)

As soon as the light turned green, I hit the gas. I watched him disappear in the rear-view. "Baby Grand" finished and I considered replaying the song. But then "New York State of Mind" came on. I smiled. Now for our next performance…

Halfway through the second chorus, I arrived at another red light. I peeked to my right and a cute girl in a Civic peered over. She had also witnessed part of my performance. Only, instead of a disgusted smirk, she gave me a delightful smile.

Thunderous applause shook in my thoughts. The crowd likes this one! I continued singing, albeit more dramatically now that my audience was engaged. Yes, I'm easily encouraged.

Suddenly, a loud horn blared from behind. The girl giggled and drove off. I looked at the green light and for a moment, couldn't comprehend what to do. Wasn't I just performing in a concert hall? Where did my audience go? What's that honking noise?

Then I hit the gas. The Civic disappeared around a corner and I continued on, this time singing without abandon. Even though there were detractors, there were also fans in the audience. So I sang for them now.

. . .

Are you a car singer?