Trickery

On Friday I completely lost my voice. Not just a case of scratchy, winter cold, but absolutely no sound when I opened my mouth. At work, everyone kept asking if I was trying to keep a secret, due to my incessant whispering. At home, Lucy kept asking me why I couldn’t just “talk loud” because she couldn’t hear or understand a word I was saying.

And while it totally sucked, I sort of felt like a third grader playing hooky. Technically, I actually felt much, much better than I had earlier in the week, I just sounded worse. So when my boss came into my office at work and told me he wanted me to go home, I willingly obliged. I spent Friday afternoon cooking up a massive amount of treats to give away to friends and neighbors, for once actually ahead of schedule. Our Saturday was supposed to be filled with playdates and Christmas parties and gift exchanges, but instead I spent the entire day in my jammies, my voice slowly gaining strength until I sounded a bit like a cross between a goose and a donkey. I took two naps, one when Trent took Lucy out for lunch and another when she was taking her own nap. Lu went to bed early and Trent and I watched The Hangover while feasting on Gatorade and soup. Though I was sad to cancel plans with friends, I sorely needed a lazy Saturday, and it was totally glorious.

And on Sunday, when my voice was mostly back (though still nasal and cracking here and there), I somehow convinced Lucy that when she is naughty, my voice goes away. I know, right? Awful. But effective.

Happy Winter Solstice everyone! The days will only get longer from here, and hopefully the extra sun time will help us all get healthier. Or at least, happier.