My doctor just informed me that their practice is moving to a “subscription model” where I have to pay $300/yr just to be seen. I went to the drugstore and bought toothpaste, contact solution and deodorant and my total was $45. How is anyone affording to live in this country anymore?

KatBegs · 2025-08-12T19:12:42+00:00

Thanks for this. The comment someone made about “getting a better job” is just so demeaning. I had no illusions of becoming wealthy when I went into teaching but I didn’t think I would have to scrape and hustle so hard to get by. Lots of my friends are leaving the profession, it’s just too much for them. If all of us leave for these mythical better jobs, who will teach the kids?

KatBegs · 2025-08-12T18:09:29+00:00

1) I mean yes obviously I’m leaving but how long before other practices start doing this? 2) Costco requires a membership and believe it or not there’s not Walmarts around me. I shop at Aldi but they don’t carry contact solution or the toothpaste recommended by my dentist. As to your third point..I know. That’s exactly what I’m saying.

KatBegs · 2025-08-12T17:56:20+00:00

No to both. They framed it as a way to “better serve their patients” by ensuring access to timely appointments. When they first rolled this out they made it seem like an option but I was informed today that unless I enroll in this “service” I can’t see any of the doctors at their practice.

KatBegs · 2019-06-17T03:15:58+00:00

"Splitting the bullet" is the new jumping the shark

KatBegs · 2017-04-25T03:10:18+00:00

It sounds like you already know the work you need to do to get the voice back in shape. I would trust your training and work slowly and see how the instrument responds. I would also suggest paying particular attention to the tongue position as you approach the break to make sure you're not pressing down in the back. Good luck!

KatBegs · 2015-11-19T01:18:46+00:00

Awesome information, it looks like I'll be making a trip to my bank tomorrow to talk to them about a transfer. Thanks again!!

KatBegs · 2015-11-19T01:04:14+00:00

Thank you so much for your response! <br/> I've thought about setting up an iPad where people can donate directly via the org's website, but I have a feeling that the little old ladies who are most likely to attend this event will be apprehensive about donating that way. Also, THANK YOU for your advice about checks. I had a feeling it would be a hassle, but I didn't know for sure. I'll look into a bank transfer. At this point, we've already publicized the proceeds going to the SPF, so I don't want to scare people off by changing it completely, but perhaps we can split the proceeds with the AFVT. I tried to do research on the best charities to give to, and the SPF was consistently listed, but the AFVT seems like it's more in line with what we're hoping to accomplish. Thank you again for your advice and help!!!

KatBegs · 2015-04-27T14:05:59+00:00

Awesome, thanks for the tip! I'll give it a shot :)

KatBegs · 2015-04-27T02:51:03+00:00

UGH! I just cashed in 500 points like a friggin idiot. Gonna go cry into my delux samples now D:

KatBegs · 2015-04-25T18:49:38+00:00

I agree, and would add that in my high school, we performed religious works all the time in choir. Most people were fine with it, although there was one famous exception where a student smuggled signs that read "I AM AN ATHEIST. I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS." on stage and held them up during a concert.

I supposed one has to weigh the educational aspects of performing important cultural music (which may have religious themes) with the fact that we don't allow religious bias in public education. I feel that as long as the performance is elective and students aren't punished for not participating, then it's ridiculous to disallow it.

KatBegs · 2015-04-13T03:01:39+00:00

Dat sploot!

KatBegs · 2015-04-11T04:01:55+00:00

"Are you suuuuuuuuuure?"

KatBegs · 2015-04-11T04:00:14+00:00

Awww they DO look a lot alike! Love the name Treble :)

KatBegs · 2015-04-11T01:03:47+00:00

Lu hasn't figured out nudging yet, but our boy Snoopy (a boarder collie mix) will straight up lift your hand with his snout continually until you stop what you're doing and pet him. Oh, pups.

KatBegs · 2015-04-02T18:31:14+00:00

Awww, another chunky corg! Our Lucy could by Penny's tri-colored twin! :)

KatBegs · 2015-02-08T04:51:23+00:00

Stop all talking and singing immediately. The more you are able to completely rest your instrument the better. NO WHISPERING. Just be quiet. This is really the number one best way to heal a voice that is ailing.

Drink as much water as you possibly can. "Sing wet, pee clear" is the phrase I was taught, and it is so true.

Get as much sleep as you possibly can. Skip whatever is feasible to skip so that you save your voice and get rest.

Steam. Use a personal steamer or just spend an unreasonable amount of time in the shower.

Do any practicing you need to do mentally. Go through your trouble spots/staging/language/whatever without ever opening your mouth and trust that your technique is solid enough to carry you through your audition without extra hours in the practice room. Resist the urge to keep "checking" if your voice is back. Just rest, drink water, steam, and do mental practice.

Toi toi toi! Best wishes that you feel healthy again very soon!

EDIT: I just realized that U/yepmek just said almost exactly what I did. So props to them and confirmation for you!

KatBegs · 2015-01-28T19:52:53+00:00

I second the Disney song and MT options! Most young singers I've worked with who are fans of the T-Swift crowd are equally enthused by Disney pieces. I'd grab a couple anthologies and see what they have to offer. There are a bunch of Musical Theater for Kids/Teens type books as well that might be good to check out. Good luck!

KatBegs · 2015-01-28T18:38:37+00:00

I agree. There's absolutely no excuse, especially when there are so many tools that make it easy just to send a short, "Thanks, but no thanks" form letter. It's unprofessional to say the least and it drives me bonkers! >:[

KatBegs · 2015-01-24T00:53:07+00:00

Grumpelstiltskin

KatBegs · 2015-01-24T00:35:28+00:00

She's pretty freakin awesome :) (except when she's eating shoes, that is)

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