First Official Kick-off Meeting

We will have our first official kick-off meeting at Flatbread Pizza in Bedford on Friday, June 13, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. A private room has been reserved for us. Food and drink will be available to order for individuals to purchase. New members will receive a free bumper sticker. We will have surprise guests. All parents are welcome. For more information and to R.S.V.P. (by June 10th), e-mail jtzouvelis@comcast.net.

IMPERFECT HEARING

I went for a hearing test today for the first time because I've suspected mild hearing loss in my left ear. The results show that I do have mild hearing loss just as I suspected. I was seen at an office in Woburn and don't plan to return. My next test will be at Mass Eye and Ear in Boston. I really can laugh about this even though it is not exactly a laughing matter - but, it was the bedside manner of the doctor - "Hopefully it's just wax that is causing the hearing loss," he says - gee, that put my mind at ease. Then, he looks in my ears and says, "I'm sorry to say, it's not wax...that's too bad...that's too bad." So my response, after some silence, as he wrote in his notes was, "Why is it too bad?" And he said, "because that would be the easiest thing to get rid of..." "O.k., so do I have a brain tumor?" I wanted to say...but I didn't ...he said it could be any of the following "4" things...wow, he can add...so he lists them - then the final thing he mentions is that I should get an MRI to rule out the possibility of an anorism - even though he's almost 100% sure that's not what it is, I should get the test - I wonder if he ever had an MRI - so simple, just stuff the person into a machine and expose them to maximum radiation to find out that they most likely have nothing wrong with them. Money well spent, too, don't you think?

LET THE PLANNING BEGIN

We'll be having another planning meeting next week to create a calendar of events for our group. We welcome any suggestions, but whatever we do will always be fun. I have a funny story to share with our members. This will surely make you laugh. Dunkin Donuts was giving away free small iced coffees this past Thursday. I was sure to get mine and enjoyed every last sip. The next day, I went through the drive up to make one of my usual purchases. The woman on the intercom taking my order kept asking me to repeat what I was saying because she was having trouble hearing me. When I pulled up to the window and she handed me my order, I asked, "what kind of coffee is this?" (because I thought it was flavored and I ordered regular). She responded - what did you order? I couldn't hear you and I still can't hear you? I could not believe how rude the two women behind the window were. I "shut up", even though I really wanted to say something. I just kept my mouth shut. I was going to immediately complain to the manager about how rude they were. It's so obvious they hate their jobs. But, it turns out my coffee was just what I ordered. Now, I can safely return to the drive-up and hope they hear me next time. This is the kind of funny story members can share - something that happens in our daily life that we can laugh about after. Sharing laughs is the best medicine.

What Next?

We had a nice audience today who all seem interested in the idea of the Shut Up Club. It will be separate from the Parent Advisory Council (PAC), but the two organizations will support each other. Patty Konjoian attended our first "planning" meeting today at the Burlington Public Library. I introduced her and hopefully will get more used to speaking in public. The only opposition was that our mission statement says that members will not need to feel alone anymore and one of the PAC leaders was hurt by this because that is PAC's mission, too, and she's absolutely right, but the two organizations are there to help people who need them in different ways. Our group's purpose is to give members an opportunity to have fun and release - no crying allowed! Laughter mandatory. What next? We want to get a "Shut Up" team together to walk on May 31st at the NAMI Walk which starts at Artesani Park in Brighton. 9:00 registration, 11:00 start of walk. If you're interested, e-mail jtzouvelis@comcast.net. You'll get a free t-shirt - families welcome.

BIG DAY

Today is the big day - History in the making as we meet at the Burlington Public Library to discuss the launch of this unique support group, "The Shut Up Club". I hope we get a good turn-out and welcome feedback. We can make this happen!

Welcome New Members

It's the eve before our first official Shut Up Club planning meeting. I am so excited to be part of this Movement of Imperfection started by sisters, Gina Gallagher and Patty Konjoian, authors of "Shut Up About...Your Perfect Kid!". From the day I first met them at the Billerica Public Library - my life has changed. I am laughing so much more and no longer feel alone. This is how I want all members of the Shut Up Club to feel - we are in this together. We are comrades. It's time to have fun!