-whimpers-

[Maple]

So, those of you who remember me (which I'm hoping is mostly everyone?) will possibly remember that I began Irish dance shortly before I poofed. Well, I stuck with it, and now I'm in the championship level. (Twelve years of intense ballet training helped that, I'm sure!) Anyway, the Orieachtas is coming up- that's the regional Irish dance competition. It's kind of a huge deal...if you place at the Oireachtas you can go on to Nationals, and if you place at Nationals you can go on to Worlds. So, needless to say, I would LOVE to place at the Oireachtas! (By the way, it's pronounced or-ahk-tas!) I was lucky enough to be chosen by my teacher to comete in solos and teams, so solos is my main concern (because frankly our team sucks.) So, I have about a month to prepare. Not only am I freaking out about it in general, but yesterday everything went downhill. I have swine flu. Fun, right? But it's whatever, I'm in the hospital now with a 104 degree fever and I feel like crap, but that'll be long over by the time the Oireachtas start. No, the sucky part is that yesterday I collapsed because of my high fever and had a siezure. Fun, right? Now many sixteen year olds can say that. I'm fine for the most part, except that when I fell, I RE-TORE THE LIGEMENT IN MY RIGHT ANKLE! So now I'll be in a huge brace and on crutches for StarClan knows how long! Even if I do get the OK to dance in time, I'll have no way to practice, and Irish dance isn't something you can succeed at without at least two hours of practice each day! So now either my teacher is going to send someone in my place or I'm going to suck, BIG TIME! It just doesn't seem fair. I worked so hard...it's REALLY hard to place in some of the lower levels, because there can be over 45 people. I've gotten at least one first place at every single one of the eight competitions I've been to (you need a first place in every one of your five dances to move up a level), and I went from Beginner to Preliminary Championship (second highest level) in only eight months. I was so proud, and SO stoked for the Oireachtas...and now it's probably not even worth going. So sorry for the major rant, this fever is making me extra emotional. On the bright side, though, the Phillies are winning 8-2! (Sorry, I live in Philly, so it's a huge deal!) So yea, that's about it...sorry for wasting your time with my drama.

[Marrowbone]

Yikes, I hope your ligements heal O.o Just be careful not to stress it! Ligements are INCREDIBLY important, and if stressed during or after healing, you won't be able to walk ever again. If you like, my Sister-in-Law is a massage therapist, and I can ask if massage might help with that. I know it did when my Mom got her knee replaced.
Though Swine Flu really isn't a big deal, be sure not to worry about it, like I'm sure a lot of people will try to get you to. H1N1 is much much much much less deadly then regular flu. The only reason there's so much going on about it is, well, have you noticed how much money people are making off of it?
If you have confidence in your abilities and manage to heal in time, you still have a shot at the competition. Just be careful, get in any practice possible without injuring yourself, and maybe drink wheat grass or something. (I've heard wheat grass is a GREAT energy drink.)

[Maple]

Thanks for the advice Marrow :3 I tore this ligement before, as well as one in my knee, so I'm practiced in how to handle that (unfortunately!) As for the swine flu thing, I don't see what the big deal is. o.O My fever is higher than usual, but that's the only difference between this and the regular flu. They hyped it up way too much, it's not that bad. The doctor told me this morning that I'll be able to dance again by the second week of November. Thankfully it's not as bad of a tear as last time. So, I'll have about a week or so to practice (the Oireachtas start the day after Thanksgiving and go on for I think about three or four days.) So if my teacher decides to keep me in I think I'll be ok. :]

[Fallenpaw]

Aww Maple! I dont even know if you remember me... I sure remember you though. You were so nice and totally fun. Well... I really hope you get better in time for Oireachtas. I know exactly how hard it is to Irish Dance. At least you like it! I hated it!!!!! Your proably good though. I was little and kinda ucked... but yeah... my friend still does it and i watch her practice and god it is rigerous. She torn l igament before too... Sorry I bored you with that uselss peaice of info. All I wanted to say is that I am here for you! and I REALLY hope you get better.

[Maple]

Aw Fallenpaw you're so sweet. :3 Of course I remember you! Thanks so much for that post, it really made me smile!