tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64425573567367028982024-02-20T04:15:44.469-05:00Melissa Speaks Out(even if you don't wanna hear it)One elementary teacher's account of daily life as she continues to recover from vocal cord surgery.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-35177578199488153652010-07-05T18:31:00.002-04:002010-07-05T18:39:25.637-04:00Long time no typeI have not posted in a very long time. I ended up finishing 3/4 of the 100 mile bike ride. I was disappointed in myself but I just couldn't continue. I am very proud of myself, I have never gone that far on a bicycle and it was an amazing journey. I would like to do it again next year. The reflux cam right back and even worse so now I am on more meds. My ENT says I'm too young(haha) to be married to a pill but it feels like the pill is the only thing working right now. Oh well, I will try it for a few more months and we shall see what happens. Everything else in my life is simply lovely and it is crazy to me that one year ago today I was recovering from my surgery and starting a very long quiet summer. I'm continuing the vocal rest this year only because the boys are with their Dad and I'm all alone. I'm sure I'll make up for it one way or another ;)<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-70583634948498717582010-05-09T23:22:00.002-04:002010-05-09T23:26:53.679-04:00one month into treatmentWell...one month after starting treatment for my acid reflux induced laryngitis I am a little better. I am still coughing a bit. It is much less than a month ago but it still doesn't feel quite right. I do not have as much heartburn as before and I have been riding a bit more this month. One more month of treatment to tell if there is any change. We shall see.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-42861818391893456452010-04-13T10:48:00.002-04:002010-04-13T11:13:43.300-04:00Another good reason NOT to exercise!So you go through life trying to improve yourself. Push yourself. Try new things. Make strides. Raise money for charity. Be a good person. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hah</span>! You train for a 100 mile bike race thinking "This is awesome, just think if you can really pull this off it will be a big accomplishment." A couple of months into training you come down with this weird cough. Metallic/blood like aftertaste in your mouth, hacking like a 40 year smoker etc. Not fun. So it scared me. With all the vocal chord trouble I have had I was getting really nervous. Excessive coughing is something to avoid if I can, along with clearing my throat, yelling and whispering. For the past 4 weeks I have had a lot of throat pain, many asthma issues, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">indigestion</span> etc. I went to see the wonderful, fabulous Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Haben</span> today. His conclusion..."you have acid reflux induced laryngitis which is a result of our recent cycling training(most likely)". It is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">apparently</span> due to the position of your body as you ride your bike. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hmmmmmm</span> good reason to bail on ride? NO! I AM NOT A <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">QUITER</span>! A complainer maybe, but no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">quitter</span>. My throat is swollen, bumpy, and there are some slight <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">calluses</span> on the vocal chords but they are closing symmetrically so there is nothing to worry about as far as the surgery/recovery etc. Here's something TO WORRY about. NO MORE BEER! Yes you read correctly. I am not longer allowed to drink beer or soda and I have to take a pill everyday for the reflux. After his diagnosis was made he said, "by no means should you stop exercising, and you are too young to be married to a pill for the rest of your life but let's try this out for a few months and...I'll even sponsor you for the ride." Well, thank you very much Doc! I love that guy. <br /><br />Mel OUT!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-34342245899627347892010-01-30T09:28:00.002-05:002010-01-30T09:55:37.907-05:00Been a looooong timeIt has been a long time since I felt the need to blog. I figured I should at least type a few lines. I have been enjoying my "new" voice. The Dr. gave me some vocal exercises to try and I really think they are working. My voice is getting stronger each day and I do not have much vocal strain. I am still using all the alternative methods I can think of in class and the kids have been great! Jake heard me singing yesterday and said "Oooohh Mamma, sounding like a pro!" That was nice to hear, I'm pretty sure he is NOT tone deaf so I'm gonna take that compliment and run with it.<br /><br />I look back on the past year(s) struggles and I think about all the emotion, fear, frustration I felt. Seems silly at times that I felt so "down and out" but I guess it was a grieving process that I needed to go through. Even though I know it wasn't "all that bad". I feel a little ashamed now. I wasn't given a death sentence, it wasn't cancer, I didn't have a limb removed. I could still eat, work, play with my kids, function with day to day tasks. It just took a little longer or some extra thought or time to do certain things. I felt such a loss when it first happened back in 2000 with the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">paralyzed</span> chord and then again in Fall of 2008 when I was told I had the nodules. My voice has always been such a huge part of my life. It was such a huge part of my personality. Communication is and always has been so important to me. It's informative, it's social, it's comedic, it's melodic. I talk to myself most days(no I'm not crazy). It was just that...a LOSS. But that loss has now brought me some gains as well.<br /><br />So now I'm grateful...I needed the time to change. I needed the change. I'm a much better listener now, I think. You will have to ask my friends to see if they think so. I try not to yell as much, you will have to ask my kids if they think that is true. I don't enjoy sporting events as much as I can't cheer the teams(or my kids) on the way I used to. (I have a pretty good whistle though) In general, I think I'm doing just fine and if the vocal chord problem is the biggest health issue I ever have...well I'm doing really, really, really great! And that's pretty darn good!<br /><br />I will sing in moderation, read books aloud to children in moderation, converse with friends with moderation and keep on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">keepin'</span> on...I hope you all do as well. Thanks for reading<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-83113633670696933752009-12-08T21:16:00.002-05:002009-12-08T21:31:28.221-05:00YAHOOOOOOO!Finally! <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">After</span> 10 years of suffering with this "condition" I have perfectly symmetrically moving vocal chords. My speech pathology friends are cheering with me. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wahoooooooooo</span>! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Yipppppeeee</span>! They look great. Straight as an arrow, bump free, vibrating symmetrically and closing completely. I am thrilled. My doctor is thrilled. He even gave me some vocal exercises to do to build stamina so that I can work on my singing voice. This time of year is hard for me, I love to sing with the Christmas music and I have been sounding like a pubescent boy for the past few weeks when attempting to sing. It should get better with some practice. I hope so, I do love to sing. I survived parent teacher conferences and a wonderful trip to New Orleans where I met the most wonderful people and talked, danced and sang the weekend away. I wish I could rewind to there now. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Aahhhhh</span>....oh well.<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-79101016166441846682009-11-19T19:36:00.002-05:002009-11-19T19:43:52.449-05:00The Record Still StandsCody has decided to assist me with my plan to not work a full work week. I picked his lifeless body up from daycare this afternoon to find out that he has a 102.00 temp. Can't go to school tomorrow, nope. That means I can't go to school tomorrow and that also means I have to cancel 6 parent teacher conferences too. 14 years of teaching and I have never had to do that before. I guess I will save my voice. That is a plus but that also means next week will be hard. I have to double up on the conferences Monday and Tuesday. That's how things go friends, you just deal with it <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cuz</span> that's all you can do. I will be very thankful when Thanksgiving rolls around, day of rest? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nahhhhhhh</span> turkey, talk, and tasty treats. (And throw in some huge balloons, musical numbers and Santa!-my favorite part of the day...yep, the parade)<br /><br />Mel Out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-61338087936449981402009-11-10T19:27:00.002-05:002009-11-10T19:47:44.656-05:00The Beat Goes OnIf you know me at all, a little bit or inside out you know that eventually this blog was going to be just ramblings about my life in general. So I will share a tid-bit with you. Tonight I ran out of gas as I was taking 4 children home from Religious Ed. Yep, empty, nada, nuttin honey! I had just enough fumes and sense to coast to the side of the road during "rush hour" traffic on route 31 in Perinton. <br />My Daddy always told me "Do not go below 1/4 of a tank in good weather and 1/2 tank in the winter. Up until today, I had taken this advice to heart and used it wisely. Today, I obviously lost all senses. It won't happen again, 23 year record down the drain. I feel like a failed factory worker who just broke the "days since last injury on the job" counter and blew the bonus for the whole crew. Live and learn, AGAIN.<br />On Sunday, I was bound and determined to make sure we were at church. I was feeling so good about being in full voice I wanted to sing at church. The boys, however, had a different plan. They have decided that it is their goal in life to miss church as often as possible. They have made it a game. They try to "oversleep", fake sickness, even change the time on the clocks so that I think we don't have enough time to make it. (They are cunning, devilish little men...I love them.) While getting Cody(6) dressed for the big event, he says to me..."Hey Mom, ya know what? I was flipping through the channels and I saw church on TV. We could just watch it. We don't even have to leave the house!" Yeah...NO! We went to church. We were welcomed for the second week by a darling elderly woman named Sally who loves to announce how long it's been since she has seen us in church. (I'm trying lady, I really am.) I know she means no harm but I already have all the Catholic guilt I can stand right now. My penance, I'm sure, is teaching Kindergarten Religious Ed every Tuesday. I'm earning my place in Heaven, I hope. Anyway, we enjoyed Mass. At one point Jake even leaned over and said "Nice voice Mom, I think it's coming back. And they are playing all your favorites." He was right it wasn't bad. Wasn't up to snuff though either. My voice cracked like a pubescent boy at times, cut out completely at times and it was scratchy afterwards. Baby steps people...I'm taking baby steps. A call to the Dr. will go in tomorrow.<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-19118381523164563992009-11-07T20:48:00.002-05:002009-11-07T20:53:40.879-05:00ah HAH!I have found the secret to success. I have reached the summit. I have found the answer to all life's problems. The cure for...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ok</span> I have done none of that. Sorry for the build up. What I have found is that my voice holds out really well if I don't work a full work week. (I have not "worked" a full week since school started. Workshops, kid sickness, no daycare, Dr.'s <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">appts</span> etc.) This past week I managed to work two whole days in a row. Phew...it was tough but I plugged through. I was wondering why I was in full <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">singing</span> voice Friday afternoon as I drove home. It may be the key to my own personal success and happiness. I need to find a way to keep this pace. Any suggestions? I'm thinking <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">sabbatical</span>. But where? To "study" what? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Hmmmmmm</span>?<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-77281459007081217302009-10-23T17:09:00.002-04:002009-10-23T17:14:42.456-04:00The weeks are flying by...This week was pretty uneventful, voice wise. It was a slow week and I kept myself in check. The microphone is second nature now and the "quiet time" is getting to be. I have noticed that I often tell Cody he is yelling. Gee where does he get that from? I am really sensitive to the volume all of a sudden. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sooooo</span>, I apologize for being so loud all these years, how annoying. I'm still working on it though, I know I am not always as quiet as I should be but I recognize it much more these days. I'm enjoying my life right now. The class is wonderful, the boys are fun and the rest of my life is settling down nicely. There is so much to enjoy and look forward to right now. I wish the same for all of you. I'm a lucky girl!<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-17196079361574024002009-10-19T20:27:00.002-04:002009-10-19T20:30:30.749-04:00HA! Again!I sang today! La, la, la, la, la, la , la... and it sounded damn good. Well... I was the only one in the car and I could possibly be tone deaf. But whatever. I felt good. It didn't feel strained or anything. I made it through the first cold of the season(it wasn't easy). AND I SANG TODAY PEOPLE! Watch out Mariah, Melissa is in the house. (I can dream can't I?) Stop laughing, it could happen.<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-3175862028148892312009-10-08T20:36:00.002-04:002009-10-08T20:39:11.109-04:00Sniff, SniffNo I'm not crying. I have caught my first cold of the year. Minor, tiny even-- but enough to be annoying. I am chugging fluids, taking Day Quil and Airborne. Thank goodness for the long weekend(thank you, Christopher Columbus). My voice will be well rested. It is always harder when I have a cold, it seems to go right to the vocal cords. Oh well...life goes on. Soup, rest and liquids. Yeah, that's tough to take.<br /><br />Mel Out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-30473392933504180862009-10-04T20:33:00.002-04:002009-10-04T20:46:25.430-04:00Another great week!Things went very well this week. Religious Ed class was tough because I forgot my water bottle. I won't make that mistake again. It was great to be with Cody even though he said I was mean. "Mom, you were mean at Religion class. You didn't call on me when I raised my hand. I knew all the answers and you wouldn't call on me." I did in fact call on him several times, but I explained to him there are 5 other children that would like to participate. Yeah, he doesn't care. I'm mean. Oh well.<br /><br />I watched the social speaking as well this week and a wonderful parent gave me a "dog clicker" to assist in the classroom. Those of you who are from the 70's will remember the little annoying tin noise makers that we used to drive our parents crazy. The ones with the little insects on the end, the size of a barrette. I have actually been looking for something similar all summer with no luck. This clicker works great. It's just loud enough to get their attention. I call it a "kid clicker". Things are going very well in the classroom. I'm happy, the kids are happy. It's all good.<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-48612163173198419112009-09-27T17:46:00.002-04:002009-09-27T17:54:35.769-04:00One Week Later...I concentrated on vocal rest this week. Not bad. Only spoke to the chosen few. I'm getting really good at deciding who is "speech worthy". I did rather well with the whole thing. The kids are fabulous(school kids). My own personal kids are still testing the waters. Oh well. The only bad part to the week was a mishap while <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">consuming</span> my usual gallons of water each day. It just went down the wrong way and I had a major coughing fit. Tears rolled down my cheeks and the kids kept asking, "Are you <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span> Ms. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Bilyo</span>". The hang on 1 sec hand motion meant nothing to them. I went to the hallway to recover. After that my throat hurt for a couple days. YIKES! Note to self...don't cough unless you really, really have to.<br /><br />For the most part, life is really good and I am enjoying the ride right now. That's all I can do. I start teaching Kindergarten Religious Education on Tuesday(no snickers, apparently they are letting anyone teach religion these days). We shall see how that factors into my vocal cord irritation.<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-71413992518542193692009-09-20T11:40:00.002-04:002009-09-20T11:56:42.640-04:00Social Speaking 101 (review class required)Enjoyed my first Pub Crawl. Yep, good time. We drank, we talked, we laughed, we danced and of course...we sang. I did everything I'm not supposed to do. Well the dancing was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ok</span> but with dancing comes singing...no, no, no. Can I help it that it was a cover band and I knew every song? Could I help it that we knew one of the wives and they requested <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bon</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Jovi</span> just for me? Can I help it that it was a beautiful day with really fun <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">girlies</span> to hang with? I know, I know self control is an issue here. Story of my life! The bars were loud(not supposed to talk "over" anyone etc). The band was loud too. The girls were hysterical and I just plain <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">love</span> to talk. Also, this was the first full week of school and I had curriculum night. I already had a few extra hours of talking on the record books.<br /><br />I have learned my lesson though. Jake called me at 8:30 AM(<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Geesh</span> kid, ever sleep in?) He just wanted to chat. My voice was strained and he felt bad keeping me on the phone. It was my choice to abuse my voice, he shouldn't have to pay for it. I need to save my voice for those who are important to me. I guess you will know if you are one of the chosen few if I return the banter. (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Hee</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">hee</span>!) So back to the recommendations for vocal rest this week. I have already begun today with a few hours of silence and some nice warm tea. Thank goodness for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">txt</span> messaging.<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-45865603709527380122009-09-15T20:59:00.002-04:002009-09-15T21:02:38.290-04:00Pbbbbttttthhhh Sarah!So Sarah thinks I need to change the blog title. I suggested Big Mouth Bilyo is back. I didn't like that, however. For now what you see is what you get. Suggestions from the peanut gallery are always welcome. The kids are doing great with the routines etc. My throat is a little sore today and I have curriculum night tomorrow so stay tuned. And keep your fingers crossed. I just hope noone falls asleep. True story, someone did one year.<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-61330840741953264022009-09-14T23:21:00.002-04:002009-09-14T23:36:48.754-04:00Monday's are tough!Especially sunny Mondays. I didn't want to go to work this morning, just had a lovely weekend. I had lots of vocal rest...<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ok</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">ok</span> I lie! I'm a fraud. Whatever! I did rest a bit. I didn't sing while I cleaned the house, just danced. I didn't use my voice at all while playing Go Fish with the boys for almost and hour. I didn't shout at the soccer game, nope not once. When I took the boys to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Wickham</span> Farms for Putt Putt and the bouncy pillow(I don't recommend for women with after children bouncing issues) I used my whistle to get their attention. I didn't care that the other parents thought I was a freak, I didn't care that they thought I was the father in the Sound of Music before he became all mushy for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Fräulein</span> Maria. Didn't care. It worked, I blew, they froze and looked at me. Ya do what ya gotta do my friends.<br /><br />I only had 15 children today, 2 out sick and one...well...I think in Russia, not really sure. We had a fire drill and they responded like good little Pavlovian puppies. I was so proud. They followed every hand gesture and every mouthed word. They will know how to read lips very well after being with me. Parents all over Webster will despise me. I rewarded them with a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">danceparty</span> where the boys taught me some "cool moves". They are some serious party animals. I love 'em. I do. Gonna be a good year. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Aaaaahhhhhhhh can't wait</span>.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-20419548124601837922009-09-09T21:14:00.002-04:002009-09-09T21:28:43.261-04:00Rock Star!I felt like a rock star today...well, I guess I imagine I felt the same rush as a rock star. Stood in the hallway at "my post" like I have done every day of school for the past 14 years and accepted every hug and high five I could possibly muster without hurting someone. I love my job! Where else can you get that much sincere <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lovin</span>'. <br /><br />I had cried all the way to work thinking about my boys entering their new situations(middle school and kindergarten). I felt old, like time had passed so quickly and I worried. I worried Jake wouldn't find his classes or have any buddies in them. I worried that Cody would be too scared(he kept saying he was nervous) and cry at school-I hate when they cry at school, breaks your heart. So I needed all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">lovin</span>' I could get and boy did they bring it! Upon walking in to the cafeteria I had shouts from all corners and kids risking breaking the rules to rush me for a squeeze. Lots of the kids even remembered that I had surgery over the summer. They asked about my voice and if the students were being good. Man, I love those kiddos.<br /><br />My plan went well and because I have so many students from the first grade next to me now in my second grade class I had them do the explaining for me. It was perfect. (I'm knocking on wood right now-can't hurt). The students were attentive, fun, engaged---maybe they were scared or tired. You can never really tell the first day. I will keep y'all posted. Right now I am riding high on SUCCESS. I'll take it and I will see what tomorrow brings. <br /><br />Best part about today...I was able to have dinnertime conversation with the boys about their first day of school and Jake even said, "Hey mom your voice sounds great, didn't you have to talk a lot today?" And my throat is not sore at all. I am grinning like a goofy kid tonight. <br /><br />"Go Melissa, it's yo birthday, go and party like it's yo birthday" I know <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">HK</span> is singing anyone else?<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-70539776648654492572009-09-08T21:56:00.003-04:002009-09-08T22:14:13.406-04:00Night Before School JittersYep...I got 'em. I know, those of you who know me well are yelling at your computers "bologna, never been nervous in her life" Well, you are wrong. I always get a little jumpy the night before. I am excited and nervous at the same time.<br /><br />I LOVE the first day of school, always have. I remember getting all dressed up for kindergarten(even though I fought my mom, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">cuz</span> I didn't want to wear a dress-"boys don't have to wear dresses") The sassy Dorothy Hamill haircut in the 5<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> grade. I remember the scratchy polyester herringbone uniform from Junior High. And the freedom of walking into High School, knowing I chose to go to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">EFA</span> rather than <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Notre</span> Dame(no more Catholic School for this chick!)<br /><br />It's no different now, I love the new school supplies and the fact that you get a "do over" each year. Fresh start, fresh faces. The chance to make a difference or have one made in your life. I LOVE IT.<br /><br />But tonight...I'm apprehensive. Change is entering my workplace. Some change is good, lots of change I am not too sure about. We shall see. The boys are both in different settings(Cody in Kindergarten and Jake at a middle school where he knows kids but all his best buds are elsewhere). Stress effects my vocal cords <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">sooooo</span> I'm trying not to stress out about it. Just let it all work itself out.<br /><br />I have a great plan in place for mission "reduce verbalization". Stop laughing...it could happen. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Geez</span>, I love to talk. I do. And read out loud and really ham it up for the kids, and you guys too.(my two readers) I am hopeful, optimistic and energized. Good things are on the way, you will see and I am going to tackle this like everything else in my life. Jump in with both feet and hang on for a wild ride. Join me won't you?<br /><br />Mel out!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-5992849644002646332009-09-05T00:35:00.002-04:002009-09-05T00:53:53.514-04:00Ok...so I may have panicked. I can soooo do this!Went to school today for the final, yes I say FINAL time before Tuesday. If it isn't ready the 7 year <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">olds</span> won't even know right? Right. But I did make a pretty good plan of action for the pantomime routine that will be my teaching style from now on. Granted I <em>can </em>talk I just have to cut back on the talking, the volume has to come down and I can't animate it as much as with growling, clearing-you know the fun stuff the kids love when you read to them out loud. Oh well. I will adjust and the kids will do the animation for me.<br /><br />I found these great signs that say everything I need. Sit down. Raise your hand. Clean up. Line up quietly etc. I will flag those babies around every chance I get. The first day of school I will just lay it on the line...this is how it is I do not repeat and that is that. I have my microphone still and it has an extra so I will let the kids use the microphone to repeat the directions so I don't have to and anything that has to be read aloud, they can do that too. They love to use microphones. They will be "kid coaches" or my "co -teachers" or something like that I can not think of anything really catchy this late.<br /><br />I will use the time at lunch, specials, recess, before and after school for vocal rest. Keep quiet in the hall when walking with the kids. Continue the water hydration and stay out of loud situations on the weekends when I am being social. No yelling at sporting events, do not talk over people in loud rooms like restaurants etc. Then maybe I can save my voice for singing a bit. I do miss it.<br /><br />I can totally do this. Piece of cake. Well.....I will try anyhow. Never been really good at keeping quiet. But I don't have to anymore I just have to make some adjustments and stick to them. I got this. You'll see.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-51662424584214433042009-09-02T20:50:00.002-04:002009-09-02T20:58:21.427-04:00She's baaaack!<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Sooooo</span>.... It's not going as well as I had hoped. Therefore I have decided to return to the blog. I have very little voice stamina and it is still painful to speak. Is this some cruel joke? Payback for something I have done in my life? Maybe. I am using all of the vocal hygiene guidelines- staying hydrated, not whispering, not yelling(well...do you know me? Do you know my kids? Do you know how I feel about dealing with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">incompetent</span> individuals?) All I know is school starts next week and I can't even make it a couple of hours with social conversation or with my own two children without having pain, strain and exhaustion. I'm in trouble, I think. I do have some stress in my life still and I carry that stress in my neck and throat. Imagine feeling like someone has his hand clasped around your throat at all times. That is exactly how it feels all the time. I can't wear a crew neck t-shirt or a necklace. Anything against my neck drives me crazy. It is very frustrating. I have no idea how I will make it through the first week of school. You have to talk <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">soooooo</span> much the first few days. After that I will be able to work some routines that will allow me to use signals etc. but the first few days that is almost impossible. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Harumph</span>! The Doc doesn't want to see me until Oct. YIKES!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-28664271348452037172009-08-01T09:51:00.003-04:002009-08-01T10:09:49.181-04:00Last post?I'm going to go out on a limb here and say this will be my last post. My official recovery period is to end on Tuesday. Lots of other things have ended as well. Another chronological year and my stint as a pet owner to name a couple. I guess I just couldn't hack it. Loved the little guy but he had some issues that I just couldn't "fix" no matter how hard I tried or wanted it to work out. I will miss him dearly, I got him for me not the kids. I needed him. Oh well.<br /><br />I've learned <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">alot</span> these past 4 weeks about myself, my "<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">condition</span>", patience, friendship and listening. I will listen more(not just because I have to) because it has been quite interesting to hear what I have missed all these years of blabbing. So... no more "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Motor</span>-mouth Melissa". My brothers will be so disappointed it took all these years for me to figure this out. Better late than never, I say.<br /><br />Thank you to everyone who <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">txtd</span> with me, brought me flowers, left me voicemail messages, sent cards etc. I appreciate it all.<br /><br />Peace out...Melissa(the Cute Mute)Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-73681962230642645662009-07-26T01:20:00.002-04:002009-07-26T01:28:28.290-04:00Good experimentMy Intro to Psychology <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">professor</span> Benny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Hunziker</span>(spelling is not correct here I know) would be proud to know I continue to be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">fascinated</span> by the social behavior of people. I know that it is not everyday that a woman sports a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">metallic</span> pink <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">magna</span> doodle in a bar as she attempts to converse with her friend. But, hey...that doesn't mean she is a liar. Most people just kindly stare and nudge the person next to them "Hey look at that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">wack</span> job?" or someone might come up and say "Hey <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">whatcha</span> drawing?" It's actually a great conversation starter if the right person comes up to you. On the other hand when a crazy drunk 60+ fella comes over and decides it is his mission in life to discredit the mute, well...that's too much. And that's how the night went, lovely conversation with friend, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">interruption</span> by onlooker "What the heck is this?", lovely conversation <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">with</span> friend, interruption by onlooker "She must be lying I don't see a scar.", lovely conversation with friend, onlooker takes <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">magna</span> doodle and writes own message to me on it-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Hellllloooooo</span> I can hear I just can't talk duh? It's a whole <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">lotta</span> work I just don't know if it's worth it. Ugh!Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-56461229240112484962009-07-22T18:20:00.002-04:002009-07-22T18:36:19.359-04:00I've had all I can stands..."I've had all I can stands and I can't stands no more!"(Popeye) I need more than spinach to get me through this.<br /><br />I know it was a woman who invented summer camp. Well, I should say I think that because I am at the breaking point. She knew what she was doing, ship 'em out and save your sanity. I wish I had the funds for summer camp. No matter what I suggest it is not more fun than the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wii</span>. And I'm not allowing the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Wii</span> on a sunny summer day. Pool? Good for about 30 minutes tops. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Swingset</span>? 30. Walking the dog? 45 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">mins</span>. Playground? 30minutes. The other stuff costs major money. Have you gone bowling lately? Or to play putt, putt? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Geeeeesh</span>! <br /><br />God forbid I try to do some laundry while clouds and rain surround us. They want me to entertain them 24/7. Why can't you- read a book...clean your room...color(ya know the thing with crayons and a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">pre-made</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">picture</span>, been around FOREVER) They act like I'm asking them to solve the economic problem in this country or to scrub the toilets.<br /><br />I know things are different now but I remember waking up on a summer day early, putting on my bathing suit under my clothes (just in case a kind friend invited me to swim) hopped on my bike and be gone ALL DAY. I could always find something to occupy my time. These two boys of mine are "bored" no matter what hoops I jump through. I'm exhausted and I have been bumped up to speaking for 5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">mins</span>. per hour but it is very uncomfortable. My throat is sore and it's making me cranky. <br /><br />I would like to run away for a nice long 4 day weekend just for me, but I'm broke so I'll just hop on my swing in the backyard with a glass of wine and pretend I guess. Deep breaths count to 10.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-9136592861612434122009-07-20T08:44:00.002-04:002009-07-20T09:14:46.150-04:00Not gonna catch me Coppah!So yeah the Johnny <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Depp</span> movie rubbed off on me a little. Baby Face <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Bilyo</span> and the Roth Girls were heading for an adventurous afternoon. We were dressed to the nines and we knew it. Nothing was gonna stop us from making our hit. Destination: <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Clymer</span>, NY St. Matthias Church. Quaint little chapel surrounded by a cornfield. With GPS in hand Carrie navigated from the backseat and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Steph</span> with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">mapquest</span> directions in hand assisted from the front. I drove the get away car. My mission: get us there on time(yes we were cutting it close) Country back roads led the way, very stealth mission-in and out and nobody gets hurt. Pay attention to speed limit signs? Please? Why would we do that? We were too busy looking for Route 21 and you know country roads for the most part are 55. Well, not this one, 30 here, 45 here, back to 30(we noticed this after the lights were blazing behind us).<br /><br />Yep, with lights a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">blazin</span> the fuzz bore down on us. I pulled over well before the sirens blared, no need for more attention we were trying to keep a low profile. The officer cautiously came up along side the vehicle, checking in the windows upon approach. I had my white board perched on my lap ready for communication. He said "Hi there Ladies!" I waved and bit my lip. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Steph</span> stepped in and relayed the important information "She wants me to let you know she cannot speak due to a surgical procedure". He looked confused but went with it. He asked sternly, "Do you know why I pulled you over? I wrote <em>guessing speed? I was looking for the County Route 21 sign and I didn't see a speed limit sign.</em> He said, "That is exactly why I pulled you over I had you clocked at 53 in a 30." We all gasped a little, YIKES. I figured I was going 45 but whatever. He took my license and registration and went to run it through the system. I hoped there weren't any warrants out for me. (Hey, ya never know) <br /><br />The officer returned about 5 minutes later shaking his head, not a good sign to me. He spoke slowly and with defeat..." I can't believe I'm gonna do this but I'm going to let you go with a verbal warning. Just slow down, please slow way down." Then he helped us with directions and sent us on our way. Phew..... very lucky, I know this all too well. My brother(the cop) would have given me 2 tickets just to teach me a lesson. I signed sorry and thank you to the kind officer. We were off...<br /><br />Got to the wedding in just the nick of time. It was a beautiful ceremony. The bride was a vision. The priest was had a very thick accent and at one point Lexy, who sat to my left, reached in my purse to get the mini <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">magna</span> doodle to offer it to him for clarification. It was hysterical! We then got lost(again) for a few minutes but regrouped, refocused, reprogrammed and we were on our way to the reception. We all needed a drink at this point!<br /><br />Reception was nice, everything looked so beautiful and the food was fabulous! We danced, we drank something I'm pretty sure was borderline moonshine(had the headache to prove it and I didn't even have that much) and I kept my big mouth shut. Guests kept coming up to Carrie and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Steph</span> saying, "And why doesn't your friend speak?" It didn't keep me from dancing and lip syncing. Good times, good times. I wonder what other trouble I can cause over the next two weeks ;)Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6442557356736702898.post-89842444030458149872009-07-15T12:39:00.003-04:002009-07-15T17:18:39.809-04:00And the Doctor said...He said I could speak for 1 min/hour for the rest of this week. What? Things like...<em>yes</em>...<em>no</em>...<em>please</em>...<em>thank you</em> ...and an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">occasional</span>...<em>pass the butter</em>. Who says that anyhow? Wally and the Beaver maybe on re-runs. Does this guy know who he is dealing with? I am no mere amateur fella. I have been a professional <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">gabber</span></span> since birth. I can't get by with those few words for that short of time without taking it too far, it is easier to just stay a complete mute. It's gonna take a lot of self control-YIKES!<br /><br />Lab results were clear, no cancer. Yahoo! Maybe my luck is turning around. I have resorted to using a referee whistle to call the boys in from outdoors and for when I mean business. It works like a charm.<br /><br />As always thanks for reading friends and I hope to say thank you, or please or pass the butter to you very soon.Melhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18346030756711474073noreply@blogger.com0