Off we go into the wild, blue yonder...

Due to ongoing sinus issues, my doctor prescribed Allegra-D. He suggested that I take it in the evening for two reasons: a.) congestion occurs more frequently overnight and into the morning hours and b.) the decongestant in Allegra-D has been known to make people jittery - if I take it in the evening, I'll should sleep through most of the jitteriness.

I took my first dose of Allegra-D Saturday evening. Sunday morning was a choir morning (they sing every other week at both services). As a tribute for Veteran's Day, the choir was singing a piece that included all of the "hymns" from each branch of the armed forces. The 8:30 service went off without a hitch.

During Sunday school, about 45 minutes before the next service was supposed to start, the jitters hit. Hands shaking, legs all jumpy - the whole bit. I was able to find the choir director before the second service and explain the problem. She started to chuckle and told me that she would take things a notch or two slower so that if I sped up, the choir wouldn't be racing to keep up.

It was OK until we got to the middle of the piece. In general, it takes some concentration to switch time signatures because you've been so used to the one you've been playing in. Add to that the effects of the medication and things got really interesting when I had to switch from the 4/4 timing in the Coast Guard hymn to the 12/8 timing for the Air Force hymn. Somewhere in the transition, I sped up, lost a few notes and ended up a half measure ahead of the choir director. Fortunately, I was able to cover up the mess and get back on track when the choir was came in singing "Off we go into the wild, blue yonder ...". That phrase now has taken on a completely different meaning for me.