Cold Remedies

Getting sick is the worst thing that can happen for a singer. If I didn't use my voice for my "job" it would be so easy to just let a cold run its course. When I get sick, I pull every trick out of the book to get better as fast as possible. Most recently there was a dry cough going around New York City. There were no other symptoms except for a cough. Well I caught it, and coughing is very rough on the vocal cords so I quickly lost my voice. Plan of attack? Tea with honey, personal steamer, mucinex, emergen-c packets, LOTS of water, plenty of sleep, vocal rest (no talking especially on the cell phone), no whispering, zinc lozenges (no lozenges with menthol as that dries me out even more), no dairy or citrus or alcohol...I started doing easy vocal warmups and I got my voice back within a couple of days. I was singing again even though the cough was hanging around! I also placed my voice very forward so it was more nasal and took all pressure off of my throat; plus, I was very careful about singing properly from my diaphragm.

I have had to sing shows where I had no voice at all in the morning but somehow these steps and probably a lot of adrenaline has gotten me through :)

TIP OF THE DAY
Do you have any other home remedies that work for you? I'd love to hear about them!

Avatar

So I finally saw Avatar in 3D tonight. All I can say is WOW. This was also my first 3D movie experience and took movie watching to another level. The special effects, colors, and cinematography were incredible. The characters and storyline were moving. James Cameron has created another epic film and definitely lived up to the hype.


THOUGHT OF THE DAY
I am inspired by James Cameron's vision. He spent at least 15 years on Avatar and even waited when technology hadn't caught up to his 'vision'. If you have an idea, you can achieve it. Just keep the 'vision' alive and everything will fall into place :)

Cell Phones and Your Health

My brother forwarded me a very disturbing article about cell phones and your health:

GQ Article

Over the years I'm sure we have all heard claims that "cell phones cause cancer" and we have brushed it off as "ok whatever". But then you have to stop and wonder...is there any truth to it? Do we need to make a change? Or through natural selection, will future generations be resistant? I use my cell phone constantly as do pretty much everyone I know. I do try to use a headset but it is not always efficient. Hmmm....

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Do you have any evidence of how cell phones are affecting our health? Do you know someone that has suffered from a brain tumor? I'd love to hear your thoughts on the topic!

Birthdays!

What is your favorite thing about birthdays? The cake? Friends? Presents? A rite of passage? For me, it is that birthdays bring people together. Even if I haven't talked to someone in awhile, if it's their birthday I pick up the phone or send them an email. That's what I love about them! I just had my birthday yesterday and I reconnected with so many friends--it was wonderful! I couldn't help but have a smile on my face all day with all the positive conversations, well wishes, and birthday songs. Thank you to everyone for making it such a special day.


TIP OF THE DAY
Even if it isn't their birthday, call up a friend you haven't talked to in awhile. It will make their day :)