attack of the african crown crane

my job is rarely boring. in fact, since i never really know what someone is going to say, it's almost always interesting.

now don't get me wrong... i especially love when i have the opportunity to interpret at major theme parks in orlando.... wink wink. however, since i now know the shows like the back of my hand... it's not always that big of a challenge. i'm not complacent, i just know what i'm doing when i go there. the shows are always the same... that's the goal, anyway.

yesterday was the exception.

let me also add that my job is usually not dangerous. i mean, it can be, but for the most part it's extremely safe.

again, yesterday was the exception.



kevin and i were interpreting a particular bird show, when one of the stars of said show, decided to deviate from their well rehearsed script. when i say deviate, i mean... attack the interpreter closest to them!

no joke, people. i was standing near the stage, minding my own business... interpreting.. when all of a sudden, everything around me became windy! my hair was blowing around, feathers were flying, people in the audience were on their feet gasping and pointing, and a manager ran out into the middle of the crowd. the beautiful african crown crane was trying to attack me!

after i realized what was happening, i immediately jumped in front of kevin, and lowered myself as close to the ground as possible.. without actually lying down. the bird, who was no longer hovering over me, safely landed on the ground right next the first row of audience members. afraid that he was going to come back for round two, and try peck my eyes out, i hid behind kevin. finally, the trainer managed to get the bird onto the stage, and helped it to exit.

i'm not kidding when i say that it was incredibly hard for me to compose myself and finish the show.

you know how it feels when you're almost in a car accident? you know...the whole body becomes like jello thing? that's exactly how i felt.

i couldn't stop shaking and really just wanted to sit down and cry because i was so scared.

the rest of the show went very well, and afterwards we had a chance to talk over the situation with the trainers, etc. they told me that every show is videotaped for quality purposes, and that they would be reviewing the tape to see if i unintentionally provocted the bird to go crazy. please God, let me see that tape someday!!!

looking back now... it is pretty funny. it was definitely an experience that i will never forget!

*before someone asks.. no, this is not an actual image of the "attack"...

it's simply an illustration for your enjoyment!

(listening to "Blue Light" by Bloc Party)