This past weekend was packed!
Friday night, while getting my things ready for the next day, I somehow pinched a nerve in my back*. I went from being fine to being in excruciating pain in a split second. I could barely make it up the stairs and was crying because it hurt so badly. I was thisclose to going to the ER, but what stopped me was my jam-packed weekend of plans. I knew if I got muscle relaxers or a strong pain medication, I wouldn't be able to drive, which would have ruined everything. So I sucked it up and went to sleep, with the hope that I would wake up back to normal.
Well, I did not wake up back to normal and, in fact, had a lot of trouble taking a shower and getting dressed for my graduation. I warned those in the line up near me that if they saw me grimace or heard me swear, it was because of the pain and not because I was having a bad time.
Graduation was good, though! I was worried about sitting for 3+ hours, but I made it and even didn't melt in the rain that fell on us for about an hour. It was a nice ceremony, even with the rain, and it's exciting to now have another degree. Afterwards Ali, our dad, and I went out to lunch, which was a lot of fun, even though I hurt so bad I was slurring my words, haha!
After a nap and cake**, I headed north to celebrate with my friends at Hard Times in Fairfax. I was pleasantly surprised with how many people came out...and how many of those people bought me shots! Again, who knew?! It was like my birthday all over again. I had a great time and thanks again to everyone for celebrating with me:)
Sunday, after sleeping way in and getting some much needed rest, I got ready for what was soon to become and awesome evening. I had been looking forward to seeing Radiohead live for months and the crappy weather was not about to stop me. With a last second change in our lineup***, Ali, Amira, Brendan and I arrived at Nissan Pavilion at about 530pm ready face the elements and claim our spot on the lawn.
However, I don't think any of us had any idea how insane the "elements" would get. Umbrellas did nothing so we wrapped our bodies in trash bags. I felt like a dispenser as I kept pulling them out of my (what I thought was) waterproof bag. With a couple hours to wait, we decided to try sitting so we spread out our 8'x10' tarp and formed a fort-like contraption. I'm pretty sure people around us both laughed and were jealous.
At 730pm the Liars took the stage and I'm pretty sure I've seen them before. They were good, but when it's pouring you really just want the main act to go on. I have no idea what time Radiohead took the stage as I didn't wear a watch and wasn't about to take my phone out for fear it would get soaked. I totally took a page from the David Blaine book and tried to go into a zen-like meditative state to not feel the rain and cold, but it didn't really work. What did work was hearing Radiohead when they began their first song, "All I Need" because torrential downpours mean nothing when an amazing band is playing.
We ended up standing for 2+ hours in never-ending rain, soaked to the bone and freezing, but it was all worth it as they put on an amazing show. Just check out the set list:
01 All I Need
02 Jigsaw Falling Into Place
03 Lucky
04 15 Step
05 Nude
06 Pyramid Song
07 Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
08 Myxomatosis
09 Idioteque
10 Faust Arp
11 Videotape
12 Paranoid Android
13 Just
14 Reckoner
15 Everything In Its Right Place
16 Bangers + Mash
17 Bodysnatchers
Encore 1:
18 Like Spinning Plates
19 Optimistic
20 Karma Police
21 Go Slowly
22 Planet Telex
Encore 2:
23 Fake Plastic Trees
24 The National Anthem
25 House Of Cards
My favorites were Planet Telex, Paranoid Android, Idioteque, and Everything In It's Right Place. Along with every other song, haha. I think my only complaint would be that I didn't get to see Johnny Greenwood enough, but when that's my only complaint, I think I'm doing okay. Especially since a ton of people, as I read, couldn't even get into the show because of washed out roads and flooded parking lots. Sorry, boos.
Overall the concert was a success, despite being soaking wet and freezing once we finally left and found our car****. I think I am still cold from last night and have worn layers and a scarf all day. No pictures from the show, unfortunately, but really, the rain was that bad because you know if anyone was going to risk it for a good shot, it would be me.
XO,
SVR
*This was my dad's diagnosis...since he's had the same thing happen.
**And presents! Who knew!? Hellloooo, Tiffany ring!
***:(
****A struggle in itself!
7 comments:
uhm sorry resident chiropractor must speak... nerves don't really get "pinched"
you should have told me! I could've told you what to do, like stretches and ice, etc. ER!? riiight.
I'm glad everything turned out OK in the end. Sounds like the show was great. It seems like every time Radiohead comes to town there's always an interesting story to tell. ;p
Haha, I know. It's more a figure of speech sorta thing. It describes the pain well.
I actually did almost call you, but it was late and by then I was worried you'd tell me to go to the ER. I tried stretching it, but at the time it sorta felt like I was going to die so that didn't go very far. And really, my mentioning the ER is to show how bad it really was-I am NOT one to run to the doctor, haha.
A packed weekend indeed! I'm guessing the shots would help with the pain...
And Radiohead, fantastique! Paranoid Android takes me back to my undergrad days in Edinburgh ("when I am king you will be first against the wall!") and the other lot are great too ("we hope that you choke" was always a favourite...) Hmm, bit dark really. Damn that Thom and his lazy eye...
Might still want to think about getting that back checked out.... better safe than sorry!
I'm glad I finally got to hear the recap about Radiohead. I'm insanely jealous, but it's my own damn fault. Damn 'dark day'. I'm so glad it was worth it though. If anyone deserved to see them, it was you!
Ouch! But way to fight through it. Especially for such an awesome weekend!
Not sure if I'm more jealous that you got to see Radiohead or that you got to go to Hard Times. I really miss it. I had to learn to make my own chili for christsakes.
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