Thursday, October 24, 2013

Sometimes… fun hurts.

As you know, Gorm and I (and sometimes others) get together for music day every now and then. What you might not know is that music day has become an integral part of my life; something I look forward to. It has come to be so that I depend on it. Unfortunately, this day can only be organized and executed on so much of a regular basis. Often enough, but at the same time the length between sessions leaves me longing for more and my fingers callous-less.

As a result, I’ve been known to be… somewhat reckless in my music day commitments.

About a year ago, I was battling a bit of a cold and music day was fast approaching. I was convinced the worst that could happen was that I wouldn’t get the rest I needed that night and I might be over-tired the next day.

That White Girl - music day hurts - my throat is fucked

That White Girl - music day hurts - my throat is strep-y

I hadn’t had strep throat in about 18 years, so I dismissed my assumption almost as fast as I made it. The next day, I could no longer deny that I needed medical attention.

I went to the walk-in clinic on my way home from work. The doctor asked what was wrong; I said that I was pretty sure I had strep throat. All doctors seems to react the same way when you self-diagnose yourself. They tell you why it probably isn’t what you think it is. This doctor was no exception.

And then she looked in my mouth. She said she’d normally take a swab before prescribing antibiotics, but…

That White Girl - music day hurts - raging strep throat

I left the office a little smug, having known what the problem was, but also a little scared because I really didn’t want scarlet fever. Again.

You’d think I would have learned from this experience. But like I said, I behave a little recklessly when music day approaches and I’m not feeling well.

That White Girl - music day hurts - I'll be fine

I’d been fighting a cold and Friday night I noticed my voice was cracking. In an attempt to practice before music day, I tried playing, but found that I couldn’t sing very well (mostly that I couldn’t project my voice. At. All.). But I was convinced that the show must go on.

The following day, I woke up feeling pretty good. I went to music day and when I started singing, I found again that I couldn’t project my voice. But I soldiered on.

By the end of the session, I was croaking like a frog and sounded reminiscent of the pimply kid on The Simpsons.

That White Girl - music day hurts - Gorm - you're fucked

Thanks Gorm.

I completely lost my voice for two days. I went to work on Monday and quickly realized just how much I talk at work on a day to day basis. I was told just how fucked up my voice sounded. I received pats on the back in sympathy when I squeaked out a response to their question. I may or may not have had laryngitis.

Despite the pain, ridicule and pity I received:

That White Girl - music day hurts - totally worth it

4 comments:

  1. Who needs to project when there's amplification? Problem solved...sort of. Why do doctors get so uppity about self-diagnoses? What else are we supposed to do to tell them what's wrong with us? If they don't want to know what's wrong, then come into the room, hush me, and send me through an MRI and do blood work, condescending dicks...who are trying to make me healthy.

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  2. Hey, at least your doctor found the problem. Mine said my self diagnosis was completely wrong, and was convinced I was just faking it because when she hit my knee with the hammer thing it jumped. Doctor of the year, everybody!

    I used to get strep throat all the time as a kid, until they ripped out my tonsils. Have you thought of getting a pair of pliers, some Jack Daniels, and just kinda going with the flow?

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  3. Wait - all the singing didn't make things better for the following week?

    I think you'll have to start going through a screening process for music days considering you didn't even tell me you were feeling sick until music day was halfway done!

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  4. Pickleope - I know, they're the worst!!

    Beer - you know what, I've never even given it a thought!

    Gorm - you're probably right. Dammit.

    Petit - I would, but I don't do either of those things. I do read blogs, so I'll take a look at yours though.

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