Monday, March 31, 2008

Seriously, am I just cursed?

I'm thinking I probably shouldn't do any more theatre with this particular theatre company. Why, you ask? Hasn't it been fun? Is it not artistically satisfying? Do you hate the people involved?

Oh, nothing like that, I assure you. It just seems that every time I work with this company, something happens to me. Physically. Something...not so good. Something different every time, and while I'm certainly no stranger to accident and injury, still, I can't help but wonder...is the universe trying to tell me something? (/Carrie Bradshaw)

Four shows in four years.

Show number one (which I know I've blogged about, but I'm too lazy to look it up and link it): my first musical in many, many years, and it managed to coincide precisely with the first cold I'd had in five years, and the ONLY time I've ever completely lost my voice. I mimed an entire performance. Big fun.

Show number two: another musical. A couple of days before rehearsals started, I fell and broke my arm. Did the entire rehearsal period (including dance rehearsals) in a cast, did the show with my arm wrapped in an ace bandage. (Didn't tell my doctor, for fear he'd freak out and forbid me to do it.)

Show number three: driving to rehearsal the week the show opened, an idiot pulled out in front me. I couldn't stop in time, and smacked into him. Smashed up my car, bruised my chest and cracked a rib. Was in pain every time I breathed for the whole run of the show.

Show number four: the current show. Said theatre company now has a policy whereby the cast of the show is required to do load-in/load-out of the set. (For the record, I think this is insane. Things can happen when heavy things are being lifted and carried, under the best of circumstances. What if one of your actors is put out of commission? It's not like we have understudies. Nonetheless, I wanted to do the show, so I agreed to it.) I wasn't thrilled about it, naturally, but I've always had a nice strong back (New Guy and I moved every bit of his furniture into his apartment when he came to town, and I never had a twinge) so I didn't worry about it, particularly. Nothing I lifted/moved seemed to be a problem AS I lifted/moved it, but a few minutes later...what's that unsettling feeling in my lower back? Oh, dear. Is this what they mean by "throw out your back"? Is this what happens when you start to get old? I made it through rehearsal, stopped at the drugstore on the way home for aromatic old people cream, and spent a few hours on a heating pad.

This morning? Well...I was able to move. And really, it only hurt when I sat down, tried to get up from sitting, or needed for some reason to bend over. You know...EVERY SINGLE PART OF MY MORNING ROUTINE. (I attempted to drop blobs of canned cat food onto the platter on the floor without bending. That was amusing. There may or may not have been some plops that hit cat heads. Hee.) I didn't for a moment consider shaving my legs, and the hair dryer? Down there under the bathroom sink? Totally not worth it. Getting up and down from the toilet was easier, seeing as how the previous occupant of my house was (literally) a 100-year-old woman who had nice little handles installed everywhere she needed them, including one very handy one across from the toilet. God bless her.

I'm pleased to report, though, that moving has become considerably easier as the hours have passed and my muscles have loosened up, so I don't think doing the show is going to be any problem. I'm just going to be miserable first thing in the morning for a few days. I mean, even more miserable than my usual "my god, do I really have to get up and go to work again" misery. Gah.

So, what do you think? Cursed?

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Definitely cursed.

3carnations said...

I'm sure the cats (how many are there again? :-) ) loved that some food may or may not landed on another cat's head. That cat probably got the best cat bath of his life. Of course, while I'm sure he enjoyed the bath, it was probably very frustrating to smell the food and not be able to get at it...

My neck and left shoulder blade have been very sore for the last couple days. It's weird how things are connected. The pain has been on my left side, therefore it hurt to reach for things with my right arm. Makes sense.

Noelle said...

Sounds bad. I can believe they would ask actors to be involved in load-in and out, but I can't believe they'd have you do the heavy stuff. Aren't there props that need to be organized or railings that need a touch-up of paint? Those are much more actor-friendly. (Unless I was acting, I could hurt myself on anything!)

I hope you're feeling better, and maybe find a new theatre. Curses and theatre have a way of going together, methinks.

stinkypaw said...

Bad coincidences maybe? But it does read painful - heat is your friend in this case, and try to get New Guy to give you a nice lower back rub - use him while he's still around! ;-)

Take care of yourself!

Mary said...

Curse? Perhaps. Better than george's Death Curse, though. Not that she's actually cursed! But she suspects she is ...

A friend of mine hurt her neck while drying her hair a few weeks ago. Her shoulder swelled up and moving her head was painful. When she saw her doctor about it, he replied, "Welcome to your 40s!" :P

Stefanie said...

Aw, man. That sucks. Cursed? Methinks so, really.

nancypearlwannabe said...

I just performed a sacred voodoo ritual to relieve you from your curse. You should be good to go now. Let me know how that works out for you.

Unknown said...

If you are cursed than so am I.

I hope you heal QUICKLY!

Sauntering Soul said...

Ouch! I'm so sorry you're in pain.

Last year I pulled a muscle in my back trying on a dress in a dressing room. Hopefully that makes you feel a little better.

Hope you are 'back' to normal soon. Sorry - couldn't help myself.

georgeious said...

see, that's why i helped scott with the lights that morning. no pain, only blindness. that should be your "out" next time.

i threw out my back for the first time this year, too. there was a lot of walking around shaped like a fish hook, and spreading feet very widely apart in order to get to lower cabinets. on the good side, my cats were more than happy to act as a heating pad on my hip as i wallowed on the couch all twisted up in a sideways position.

is it my fault if someone dies every time i direct a show?!?! watch your back... two more to go before the end of the summer.

Anonymous said...

Helpful information. Fortunate me I found your web site by accident, and I am shocked why
this twist of fate did not came about earlier! I bookmarked it.


my weblog :: cheapnfljerseys.wsmisports.com

Anonymous said...

Good info. Lucky me I ran across your site by accident (stumbleupon).
I've saved as a favorite for later!

Stop by my blog: Louis Vuitton Outlet

Anonymous said...

Hey! I'm at work browsing your blog from my new apple iphone! Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the great work!

My web blog: Louis Vuitton Handbags

Anonymous said...

Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets
I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates.
I've been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.

my page ... Air Max

Anonymous said...

Its such as you read my mind! You seem to know so much approximately this, such as you wrote the
e book in it or something. I feel that you could do with a few p.

c. to drive the message home a little bit, however other than that, this
is magnificent blog. An excellent read. I'll definitely be back.

my weblog ... Learn More

Anonymous said...

I just like the valuable info you provide on your articles.
I'll bookmark your blog and check again here regularly. I'm quite certain I'll be told many new stuff right right here! Best of luck for the next!

Visit my homepage ... NFL wholesale Jerseys

Anonymous said...

I have read so many articles or reviews on the topic of the blogger lovers
but this post is actually a nice paragraph, keep it up.


Here is my webpage Louis Vuitton Outlet

Anonymous said...

An interesting discussion is definitely worth comment.
I do think that you ought to write more about this subject, it may not be a taboo subject
but typically people do not speak about such subjects. To the next!
Many thanks!!

My web blog Air Jordan

Anonymous said...

You can definitely see your skills in the article you write.
The arena hopes for more passionate writers like you who
aren't afraid to mention how they believe. All the time follow your heart.

Here is my weblog; binaural beats download

Anonymous said...

You really make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something that I think I would never understand.
It seems too complex and very broad for me. I am looking forward for
your next post, I'll try to get the hang of it!

Have a look at my blog: Louis Vuitton Pas Cher