Personal Life
Muriel Hykes aka. Dr. Mom
Born January 11, 1956. I went to Ben FrankIin
elementary in Bloomsburg PA. It was a training school for the Bloomsburg
Teacher's College. We always had plenty of student teachers! I attended
one year in Bristol, Tennessee at a farmer's elementary whose name escapes
me. Then I did two years at Obadiah Knight Elementary in Dallas, Texas.
Then back to Bloomsburg, where Mom's family was, for two years. For my
8-10th grades, I was at Shikellamy schools in Sunbury, PA. I finally graduated
from high school in Montoursville, Pa.. (Better known as the sleepy little
community that lost its children in the TWA Flight 800 mystery.) I graduated
from
Penn State (psychology and pre-med
)in 1977. I joined Mensa in 1979
in Detroit. I learned to play Dungeons and Dragons there before the rest
of the country had even heard of it. I still like games although I no longer
have time to play. I introduced my boys to the wonderful world of imagination
through books and role-playing games. More about games on the boys' pages.
I started the Williamsport Area
Mensa (Part of the Central Pa.) group after moving back here in 1980. I
lived in New Orleans for two great years while I took biology courses at
University
of New Orleans. There I discovered my multiple chemical sensitivities.
I came back and picked up another bachelor's degree (biology) (going part-time)
from Lycoming College in 1984.
I never thought computers were much fun after
learning PLC on ancient machine at Penn State
in 1976. We used punch cards to program! Then I discovered the Internet.
Now, I even shop for parts and upgrade the systems I maintain. We are a
six computer household. I despise "frames". They were invented
by people who use huge monitors. They often are poorly done and don't let
you go when you click on another link. I also hate shopping for clothes
or furnishings, but love computer shows. The internet made all the difference.
I once had aspirations of medical school until
chemical sensitivities cut me down in my prime. I am much better now due
to vitamins and clinical ecologists. My blood tests are still sick, but
I feel better. I now spends numerous hours in advocacy work for gifted,
learning disabled, allergic and handicapped children. Being the mother
of five such boys IS my hobby and my job. I am a nutritonal consultant
and expert on allergies and non-traditonal therapies.
Loved ones have to keep a tight grip on me
when we pass a large bookstore. I read SF, science fact, and a lot of nutrition.
I subscribe to Comic Relief and MAD. In fact, I have a MAD collection back
to '69. (In my job, I have to keep laughing. ) I also collect Analog Magazine
and Star Wars toys. Here is a link to my hobbies
page.
The five Bailey boys live with me and
my "Dr. SETI", H. Paul Shuch. We were
legally married on Dec. 30th, 1996. Since he is Jewish and I am mostly
Lutheran. We had our ceremony June 14, 1998 outdoors at our new dream
home.
Paul is the director of the SETI
League. You can find out lots more about his work there and see some
casual pictures of me there. He has songs he wrote for me on his personal
web site.
You can see a formal
picture of me to commemorate my 40th birthday. I actually won it in
a Mother's Day Contest. It was a random drawing, but I deserved it
more than anyone I know. Do you remember Queen For A Day? It was a TV show
where women would tell how hard their lives were so they could win prizes
like a new washer. Somebody should give me a year's supply of laundry detergent!
My mother, Joyce
led quite an interesting life. She was declared dead several
times. The last one took- February 16, 1998. She wrote a book,
(excerpts coming soon).
The local judge who heard the child support case blatantly ignored
our state law and said that my new husband should be responsible for supporting
my ex's children.
The master also ruled that I should be able to earn $1000 a month PART-TIME,
AFTER TAXES!!! Yeah, right. I have not been employed outside the
home for 20 years. The first appeal was upheld. Eventually, he was
forced to pay enough to support them. But I still have an assigned income.
The case ignored my status as a nuturing parent. This is a blatant
violation of Pa. law.
Editorial
page.
Wisdom page 1
for those who seek it.
Wisdom page 2
Book Recommendations
Ask Dr. Mom
Advice about anything.
Health Tips My most popular
feature.
HOME
To Dr. Mom
Mail
to Dr. Mom
Last update March 3, 1999