#1. The biggest difficulty I have with silence is that I cannot interact with strangers. In fact, when you are unable to talk, upon coming across a stranger, your first reaction is to withdraw. At least mine is. Because I will not be able to hold on to an interaction. How am I going to any new friends now?

#2. When you want to say something, drawing attention to yourself is very difficult. You can be in the same room but your only way to say that you have to say something is by clapping or snapping your fingers. If you happen to have three dogs around, that is guaranteed to result in chaos.

#3. When outside, you are totally dependent on technology. I have to carry my iPhone with me all the time. Whether neighbors say something or the barista friends in coffee shops greet me, I have to flash out a screen to say “Temporarily Speech Impaired”. Took Tuey out for a walk early morning today. Forgot my phone at home. Quite a few folks must have thought I was in a foul mood given my non-reactions or simple head nods to questions that clearly demanded longer answers!!

#4. Also, I realized I like writing. I mean, I really like writing. I am constantly with a fountain pen and a pad or on my blog editor. Re-reading some of those, I further realize that, much like the wine in my favorite airlines, what I lack in quality, I certainly make up in quantity!!

This might be as good a clue as any to stop writing any further here 🙂

The otolaryngologist entered my pre-op area. I had recognized him from a distance and had already waved at him. Like my regular doctor, he is very personable and has a great sense of humor. Instantly, we started talking about Thanksgiving plans and all that.

“So, Mr. Roy, you understand why you are here right?”
“Yes, we will take out the growth in my voice mail box.”
“Indeed”

He explained once again the non-surgical choices I had (including laser) and confirmed that I wanted the surgery.
We went over the chances of things going wrong and what might be the worst case scenarios.

“I am committed, Doctor. Let’s go for it.”

“Okay. We will do the Sinatra option then”

“Sinatra option? What is that?” I asked.

“Well, we take the growth out and seal with nearby tissue in a way that if Frank Sinatra had come here, he would be singing back on stage in two weeks’ time”.

“Sinatra option it is, then Doctor”.

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For my Bengali friends: সেই থেকে আমি হন্যে হয়ে একটা গানের মাস্টার খুঁজছি !!

(For the Bengali challenged: I have been looking for a music teacher ever since)

1. Dogs care very little about hand signals or sign language
2. After I am thru, my family can take any of your families in a game of Charades.
3. Salad places like Salata are completely out. (this is where you have to pick each ingredient in your salad)
4. Some of my friends are not doing the math before calling me to wish me a speedy recovery
5. I am very scared to go to the airport now. If I see something, what should I do?

Imagine this… you have to stay completely silent for 2 weeks. This is not like your silent retreat kind of thing. You are home. Free to go around doing your usual stuff at home and office as long you do not use your vocal chords. This is due to a medical surgery – but you are guaranteed full recovery at the end of it. So, you do not have to worry about health complications from this.

Well, this is what I am going thru.

Of course, being silent means I have to slow things down. Also, I have a bit of extra time at hand since I cannot do any strenuous physical exercises – so no running or gym and all that.

Now, my question is – how would you use this as an opportunity? What are some of the ideas you have for me that I can use this to come out with a better version of me?

So far, I have started learning ASL. What else?