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Karen Allendoerfer

Illness (it's going around)

April 2, 2007 at 11:55 PM

For the past couple of days, I've been sicker than I have been in years. I'm not sure which illness wins the prize, there was the bronchitis when I was writing my undergrad thesis, and something equally nasty when I was writing my Ph.D. thesis. And then there were a few when my daughter was a baby, brought something home from day care, and because I was breastfeeding I didn't feel comfortable taking any drugs, and I was miserable for a week. I had a flu shot this year. And my boss is sick too--she has "just" a sore throat. I don't have the heart to tell her that's how this started too. It seems harmless for a few days until it turns you into a coughing, sneezing, shivering, nose-blowing pile of jello. I didn't go in to work today and I'm not planning to go tomorrow, either.

So, I haven't practiced for 3 days now. I got my violin back from the luthier but don't want to touch it in my current state. He cleaned it, put new strings, bridge, and nut on it, and it looks really nice. I don't want to sneeze all over it or start hacking every time I play something (if I could even get out of bed and stand up long enough to play through a piece, which is sort of debatable).

I don't actually get sick that often, but when I do, it's a doozy. How do you manage to "practice every day" if you're sick as a dog?

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on April 3, 2007 at 6:30 AM
I hope you're feeling much better very soon.
From Emily Grossman
Posted on April 3, 2007 at 7:04 AM
Let yourself be human and take time off. You will find lots of enjoyment when you return to practicing, since your ears and fingers get to start fresh again. Hope you feel better soon!
From Anne Horvath
Posted on April 3, 2007 at 2:24 PM
I hardly ever get sick, but when I do, I don't work, practice, or do anything productive but sleep. Quit feeling guilty! And I hope feel better soon.
From Karin Lin
Posted on April 4, 2007 at 6:03 AM
Aww, Karen, feel better soon! Listen to what Anne said. :)
From Diane Lai
Posted on April 5, 2007 at 2:14 AM
when i'm sick or lazy (ok, ok, mostly lazy), I just practice vibrato without the bow. That way I'm still improving, but I can still watch TV.

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