Wrenched

I bowl every other Friday night in one of the gay leagues here in town, and tonight was bowling night. Gay leagues are like regular leagues, only not very many girls and thumping hi-NRG dance music specially mixed for each session by one of our league members. Oh, and the team names can be a bit risque. We used to be "Up Your Average", then "I cant believe it's not gutter." For some reason this year we're "Bowlwinkle." But I digress. On the way to the lanes I stopped for a coffee and a cookie, got there and was feeling good, and had a 213 first game. We won!

Mike and I went out for a smoke before the second game started. On the way back I stopped at the bar and got a cocktail, changed back into my bowling shoes, and began the second game with a spare.

Second frame I begin my approach, get to the line, release and...BAM. Shooting pain on the right side of my lower back, down my right butt cheek and into the back of my thigh. Dropped the ball badly and left a split. The good news was that I stayed upright. I hobbled back to a crowd of bewildered faces, offers of pain relievers, and the suggestion to take a moment and relax because nobody was in a hurry.

That was it. I couldn't pick up my ball without more shooting pain. I sat out while the opposing team proceeded to kick our ass, hoping that it was a temporary thing. It wasn't. I tried to stretch out and walk it off, even bending to mimic my approach to see how it felt. It was fine, until I had my 16 pound ball in my hand, and I couldn't do it.

Everyone enjoy your weekend, I'll be here with the heating pad!

***Update*** For self-medicating or serving to friends I recommend Cupcake Vineyards' Sauvignon Blanc. Perfect with some hummus and pita chips while wrapping presents and avoiding anything that requires bending forward.