Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Big Day

We're meeting with the neuropsychologist today, to go over her report. I'll let you know what we hear.

I have been frozen in place, metaphorically speaking -- unable to write anything. Everything else is getting done by some automaton who looks like me, but it's getting done.

This mental illness thing is Too. Fucking. Hard. Especially because it's my kid.

But I do have good news to share: our Saskia was accepted into a very competitive summer opera program run out of the Walnut Hill School for the Arts. (I wish she would let me post her audition tapes but she would kill me. Maybe even literally.)

She'll be studying, and of course performing, opera at the school -- and for seven days in Italy! I was determined to make it happen if she got in...because it is not likely we will be able to give her the experience of travel anytime soon, if at all. I wrangled her some good financial aid, and her amazing grandparents came to the rescue -- once again. Between those sources, my money from O Magazine (whenever that piece comes out -- don't know yet), and Saskia's left-over Bat Mitzvah money, we will be able to do this.

YEAH!!!!!!

And that is all for now. The Hellacious Hound is gazing imploringly in my face. I think it's time for a walk.

Auf Wiedersehen, Readers!

8 comments:

  1. Wow for Saskia! That is incredible!! And so envious -- I wish I had an opera-loving kid! (I keep trying, but so far, no luck. How did you introduce her to opera?)

    Thinking good thoughts for the meeting with the neuropsych.

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    1. Thanks, Atty! Well, I always just listened to it while she was around (in the car, especially). When she was 3 she was obsessed with Don Giovanni. Every time we got in the car and I asked her what she wanted to hear she said, "Don Giovanni." One day I had total DG fatigue (unusual for me, I must say) and I craftily put The Marriage of Figaro in the CD player. I thought, "It's all Mozart, she'll never know the difference." Well, after three measures she piped up indignantly, "THAT's not Don Giovanni!" And it wasn't even an obvious part, like the overture.

      When she got older she disdained classical music for a while, of course. But I did sign her up for a program called Boston Children's Opera, in which kids performed operas written for kids (that was 2nd-4th grade). It was a lot of fun, and the kids had a wide range of abilities. But it was only when she started studying voice with a classical singer, at age 13 or 14, that she made the decision she wanted to sing opera. And that was partly because that's the type of voice she was born with. She likes (and sings) show tunes too, especially Sondheim, who is more "operatic" in style.

      Didn't know you liked opera! Yet another point of connection!

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    2. The best I've managed with Pea so far is the crazy ruckus she made inside me when I saw the Flying Dutchman when I was 6 months pregnant. (I had a season ticket for years -- just one, mind, because M "hated opera in Europe, so what makes you think I'll like it in Portland?" although he has enjoyed some of the small-stage projections, even Monteverdi.)

      I've been trying to sneak in more here and there with Pea, but I can't even get her to like Bach Cantatas (secular or otherwise) right now.

      I love DG!

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  2. Hoping you heard good
    News from the neuropsych. I am a mom with a son who has adhd. We too just recently visited a neuropsych and are trying out a new rx. I hear exactly where u are coming from. Life really does suck sometimes. Congrats on the news about your daughter!

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    1. Thank you so much, Anon! The neuropsych news was not great -- I will blog about it soon. Sorry to hear you are also dealing with the suckage of disability...but I hope also the joys that come with a special kid. How is the new med working? I hope you are taking care of yourself...that is my biggest challenge, but it's so important. I'm so glad you commented, and I hope you'll keep reading! Let me know how your son gets on.

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  3. Yes, definitely trying to take care of me. Have been beating the crap out of the elliptical these days. Helps me deal with the stress of it all. The new med is essentially an anti-depressant, which can take 2-3 weeks to show its effect. This Friday will be week 1 since we have been on the new med. I havent seen any change in behavior. Makes me want to run back to the stimulant meds. The dr said not to give up on it so quickly. I hope he is right. keep blogging! Keeps me from googling about adhd and getting more depressed! I really should sign off as Debbie Downer rather than Anon! :)

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  4. I found you because I was researching Janet Reid and saw you were one of the few women she reps. After reading some of you past blogs I am ready to sign up. I love your honesty. My family had mental health challenges, some of which I inherited, but they're all gone now. However, I have a lifetime of inspiration to write about. I've finished a memoir and YA and looking for a home for them. As challenging as my life has been, it has made me who I am and I'm okay with that. I guess I'm a half-full kinda girl. Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your writing and I'm looking forward to reading more.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by, Deborah, and for your kind words! I'm glad you've got such a positive outlook, and most of all, that you are writing. That's awesome. Good luck, and please do come back!

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