Snow Log: Day 4

Still Snowing but here a few photos of my banjo. A demonstration will be coming soon.

Snowicane - IC + [space] - NE +D+Y =

SNOW DAY.

So we went to work, but stayed for about 2 hours until our ITD called and told us to go home. But I took some pictures how the effort it took to get to work-- just for a snow day.

I had to have a guy with a tractor dig me a way out of my garage, as the snow was up to my knee-- and just about at the level of my headlights. I couldn't drive through it. The snow drifts off the garage were like two feet off the eave.

Some people use their snow days to play in the snow.... but me? I built a banjo. All I have to do is string and tune it.

ps I really want one of these tractors.

Its snowing again this morning. We're suppose to get a few more inches, but its no where near the level of yesterday's storm. We'll see how it progresses.

That's it. I have to spend some couch time this morning before continuing the banjo project. Finished pictures will be posted soon! Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!

Snowicane 2010 cont'd

So... my Friday site is closed. Looks like I'll be going to the main office again today.

Practically every school district on my way to the main office is closed today.... so I wonder how the drive is.

What I do know is that I will have to deal with considerably less school bus traffic. What a perk.

For a complete list of closings:

http://www.13wham.com/schoolclosings/default.aspx

Snowicane 2010

Well... the wind has picked up and the snow has begun to fall. Since its so windy the snow comes at you sideways at like 30mph. The storm is supposed to pick up tonight, but apparently Brighton is exempt. I don't see snow falling .... just blowing everywhere.

I was promised at least 10" by the time I wake up tomorrow morning and I hope that I will not be disappointed.

I had two sessions today and then spent the rest of the afternoon (mostly by myself) at the main office reading, practicing and working on monthly summaries.

It took a while to get home- the roads were pretty treacherous BUT I came home to a lovely surprise- a card from my mom and my build-a-banjo kit.

This banjo project is going to take a little longer than I had anticipated, but I think I am going to enjoy putting in the time to do it correctly.

Sounds like a weekend project to me.

Tomorrow is still up in the air. My Friday site gets a lot of snow and closes for snow days, so I have to keep an eye out tomorrow morning on the news to see if I'm going down there or back to the main office for another day of reading and practicing.

I'll keep you updated on the status of the snowicane.

Signing out.

WTF

there is no blizzard outside.

I am so disappointed.

There is barely an inch of snow on the ground and now they are saying that it won't really start until tonight.

what liars.

I see no snow hurricane.

I guess I should get ready for work.

There's a Hurricane A-Comin'!!!

That's right. A hurricane is a comin'. I heard it on the radio this morning so it must be true.

They called this incoming storm a "Snow Hurricane" which basically means that it will be heavily snowing, but the winds will be ridiculous.... like 50mph or something.

Don't you worry now, I am a-hunkerin' down in preparation for the storm that's a-comin'. Mostly its just fun to say "there's a hurricane a-comin'!"

It reminds me of the Golden Girls episode when the hurricane of '91 comes to Miami. Sophia talks about the storm a-comin'. Rose and Blanche plan a telethon to save the McKinley lighthouse that gets pummeled in the storm. They all meet at the tv station- its an approved shelter.

What they didn't have in Miami was a Snow Hurricane. Rochester probably won't have one either, but it is fun to say. So we're expecting a bit of snow in the next 2 days. Our ITD has a crazy schedule and board meetings and changing flights to get there and all that other good stuff. Kari in the meantime is sick so she didn't come in to work today. All in all a sort of crazy intense day- but a good one. I was introduced to documentation and now all of a sudden have way more to do during the day.

Tomorrow I will stop off and see a couple of clients on my way into our main office. We'll see if both Kari and our ITD come in. I might have a day to myself to sit at the computer and work on documentation, practice, read, etc. In that case I will probably bring my moccasins to work. I love to wear my moccasins..... moccasins. I love them.

I've provided you a weather map of all the good stuff that's supposed to be coming in. I wish I knew more about weather patterns. All I can tell is that is just barely snowing here in Rochester. So far. Now I am going to get into my pjs, eat a little dinner, eat a few M&Ms courtesy of my mother and wait for the wind to pick up.

Soupsies

See... yesterday was "Halfsies" today is Soup"sies".... I made a pot of soup.

Thats about as exciting as its been around here.

My sessions today went well. Towards the end of my day I started getting another tension headache (like last night). I think I need to find a place to get a massage around here and a haircut. Two things I need desperately. They are on the list next to chocolate puddin' packs. I love some good puddin' for some good snackin'. Obviously, puddin' requires me to leave off the ending g's off of all related words.

It's raining outside which gives a totally different feeling than snow. Not that its bad. Just different. Where's all that snow that everyone said I wouldn't be able to handle?

For now, I'm enjoying the quiet of my apartment. Its so nice to have a relaxing place to come to at the end of the day.... especially with a bowl of homemade soup"sies"!

Halfsies

Today was a half day.

I woke up feeling funny to my stomach (as opposed to sick to my stomach) and definitely slept an hour past my alarm. Oops.

Our ITD had a doctors appointment this morning and wasn't sure what time she'd be coming to the office, or if she'd come into work at all.

Kari came in feeling funny to her stomach and kind of woozy too.

I did my two sessions this morning and came back in to Kari on the phone with our ITD giving us an update. We decided to cancel our afternoon session and head for home.

So I am updating a little early this evening. I'm already on the couch and cozy and trying to let my body decide if its going to be healthy or healthy (sick is no option).

Thank goodness hulu has the 1986 version of Babes in Toyland with Keanu Reeves, Drew Barrymore, and Richard Mulligan. This movie is just about as bad as Grease 2 and Xanadu. I swear it must have medicinal powers. I'm making a big pot of my mom's soup tonight and plan on being in bed by 9p. Sounds like a plan to me!

Sessions went well today. Tomorrow I get to observe an assessment session, in addition to the sessions that I am already running. The assessment session should be really interesting. My supervising therapist, now that he has more time, has a few referrals for assessment. I am really looking forward it it.

okay goodnight moon.

What's a girl to do...

I locked myself out of my apartment this morning!

I laughed at myself all the way to the office. Good thing I didn't have my cell either, otherwise could have just called.

Also, good thing that it is absolutely beautiful outside.

I had a lovely walk with the woman working the office this morning all the way back to my apartment.

In related news I finally finished laundry, took out trash and cleaned the kitchen. Its been a very productive Sunday... so far.

I'm a keep on keepin' on.

Rise and Shine

Its funny to think that 7:45 on a Saturday is considered sleeping in. I've been having issues with my internet again. This time my wireless thingy on my computer doesn't feel like working like it used to. I turned my airport off to give it a little break and have plugged directly into my router. It seems to be working well. Thankfully I had a cord just hanging around that I could use.

Yesterday was a good day. I am learning more and more about my clients. I am going to start getting into the paperwork next week. Once I am doing all of that- the paperwork and the sessions and scheduling- I think I will have a better idea of my caseload. I had the chance to get together with Kari and her husband (who has been visiting all week) for dinner and drinks. I stuffed myself. This place we went to is on my Mon/Wed/Thurs. commute path. Its a grill and tap room with an incredible beer menu and tasty food. They have like 5 different kinds of fries/chips. It was delicious.

I came home and fell asleep before ice dancing.

The big news I'd like to announce is my newest project. I am building a banjo. Not because I don't have enough to do, but I think doing an artsy project in the spare time I don't have will be sort of a zen thing.

I like being able to put things together. This kit comes with all the parts. All you need is a bit of glue, finishing oil and some latex paint. It says it will only take 2 hours, but I think I can draw the process out. And then I have a banjo. Now I know that you're thinking, "do you even know how to play the banjo?" The answer is no. BUT that's the beauty. For half the price I can make my own and then learn. You don't need to pay an arm and a leg on an instrument to learn to play. Its a good plan. I ordered it this morning, so I'm hoping to get it some time in the next week.

I don't have any definite plans this weekend- cleaning and laundry mostly. I should really plan on not leaving to do anything fun until those tasks are done. Its really out of control. I have more reading to dive into-- so be prepared to read about that. My friend and I are also going to really start planning out this opening session for april's conference. Lots of stuff to and take care of while also logging in a fair amount of couch time. I love the weekends.

Soo many things

Soooo many things are happening. I was telling Julie and Stacey tonight about my 18 million projects. I love being busy. I feel like I am in my element and truly alive. Lots of things in the works, including an event in march and april and a possible event for later in the year. hmmm lots of things to think about these days. In addition, I am really loving every minute and every new thing I learn. I had a chance to chat with my ITD today to check in. I have supervision with my supervising therapist at my Tuesday/Friday setting. Anyhow, We had a chance to catch up and check in this afternoon. My ITD is sooooo amazing and brilliant. I read her a line from the reading that I talked about a couple of days ago. That inspired an incredible conversation relating to reading that we'll be diving into later in the internship. But it provided a glimpse of the things we would be reading and the depth of understanding that comes with experience and the capacity to look at these readings over and over again and always gain something new. Phew. That was a brain-full.

I have so much to learn from my ITD-- the sheer amount is unimaginable. I told her today-- that more and more I learn, see, observe, read, the more obvious it is that I am supposed to be working in this way. My ITD said that it showed. That made me happy and feel solid.

Today I did two solo sessions. It went well but I need to just slow down and chill out. When I do that, I can focus effectively on the client and what I'm doing to support them. I can't wait for next Thursday so I can do that. Today we got to spend time in adaptive tech. We fixed a couple of our drums and got to work the sewing machines. I created a music portfolio with velcro clasp at the top. its lovely. I will include photos tomorrow.

I am exhausted and going to bed soon. I have a to finish up a business call and then I will be going to bed. I went to bed around 9:15 last night and I woke up feeling refreshed and way better this morning. Lesson Learned.

Goodnight!

More snow... finally!

Wooo. I made it home. It snowed for most of the day and I had about 2 inches of snow caking the car this afternoon when I was ready to leave. I think Annabelle is finally getting used to being in the cold.

Today was a good day. We did a few sessions some together, some alone, and all under the watchful eye of our ITD. It was a good day. What was really great about today was the chance to just talk about amta (american music therapy association) stuff and other hot topics relating to the field. There are so many interesting debates and issues arising that I did not know about or even consider. Its also interesting to find out our ITD's position on some of the hot topics- although she carefully explains both sides of each issue.

This afternoon I had time to spend down in the somatron. I'd been feeling punky and a little off all day, so it was nice to have that experience. I brought my own preferred music to see what it would be like to be in the music. I brought a little Alicia Keys, a little Matisyahu, and a couple of tracks from a recording project that Julie and I did this winter. It was sort of wild being in the music especially when the music was me at the piano and Julie singing. It really brought me back to the time and place of the recording- even more so because of the talking and celebrating that happened at the end of each track. Each bass note in the piano was vibrating through my body and Julie was blaring in my ears--- similar to how she blares when we play together. Its an endearing thing. Anyhow- it felt significant. It was comforting and uplifting and reminds me of all the fun we have while we play. I ended my session with a song from Alicia Keys' new album and the ever popular "One Day" by Matisyahu. It feels a little strange after you spend time in the somatron- you feel woozy.

It was nice to spend time IN music today. The ride home was only slightly treacherous and now I am safely on the couch. I want to get to mass tonight for Ash Wednesday, but I'm feeling physically exhausted and not 100%--- plus the weather. Its hard to get motivated to get out and do something after coming home from work and its even more difficult when all you like doing is curling up on the couch and sleeping.

Tomorrow is going to be a pretty low key day. I have two solo sessions in the morning. Kari and our ITD will be spending time at Kari's second location tomorrow morning. Tomorrow afternoon we are going to Adaptive Tech to break stuff and fix stuff with the colorful guys there! Sounds like an O.M. project to me.

Oh the smell of Clorox

When sessions are done for the day, we wipe everything clean. As a result my fingers smell faintly of clorox.

Today was the first day that I did sessions all by myself. The past week and a half I've been leading most sessions but with my supervising therapist observing and keeping a close eye on the session. Today I did 3 (out of 4 clients on my caseload) sessions flying solo. I was expecting to be by myself on thursday, but oddly enough I felt prepared and ready. You look at the internship manual and the like and it says only 6 weeks of observations. Only 6 weeks! And you think that you will never be ready to take over sessions with only 6 weeks under your belt. I was concerned in that first week of orientation about having enough experience and being ready. Today I was definitely ready. It was nice that my supervising therapist was there, but the real therapeutic relationship doesn't really start to develop until you get into sessions alone. The extra set of eyes changes the dynamic. So it was good to really get started today. There were some awesome moments that show me that the clients are maybe starting to accept my presence there as the therapist. That was pretty exciting.

I read something today that just nailed music therapy on the head for me. I'm going to take some quotes and things from it and share it with you. I spent like 5 minutes reading from this book to my friend Lisa Rae today. She looked bored, but I couldn't help but express my excitement. The passages I read today just really explained what it is that I believe music can do for people. The words are from "Therapy in Music for Handicapped Children" written in 1971 by Paul Nordoff and Clive Robbins. Yep- that Nordoff-Robbins. Nordoff-Robbins is the approach and model of therapy that I am learning to work in here. Anyhow, I was getting to the end of this book. Here's what it said:

"Our techniques and methods are designed to help develop their potential and to strengthen the positive functions of their psyches... This gives us the opportunity to bring children into purposeful activity and to heighten their awareness.

But as music is not an abstract activity for them, their experience of it is not confused; they can perceive music, learn it and remember it. Their egos can become freely active in musical experience and they can show inherent perceptiveness and intelligence in musical activities.

...Children who have had little chance in life to free and integrate their capacities, are given opportunities to develop and progress. Under these circumstances the children can act with decisiveness and pleasure; they can discover the experience of exercising alertness, thoughtfulness, self-control and responsibility" (134-136).

Basically this says that music therapy in this way is meant to develop the potentials and capacities of people (in this case, children) with disabilities. Music as therapy brings people to life in purposeful, intentional and meaningful activities. In music all parts of the person are integrated and working together to create new experiences and concepts of him/herself. In music they are alert and making decisions as to how they play and what they play--- that requires a certain level of thought, determination and coordination.

They go on to say:

"Singing is a direct expression of the ego living simultaneously in its emotional life, its mental life, and in its physical vocal apparatus. Singing is one of the most integrated and, at the same time, one of the most intimate and telling of our expressive acts" (137).

I just really love what this says.

Lastly, the entire last chapter of this book is about the musician therapist. I won't write a bunch on this, but I will quote two lines.

It talks about the different experiences of a musician.. but the musician therapist (even with other knowledge and experiences with music), finds that "music is revitalized for him, completely changed in purpose and realization."

"...the art of music as therapy will never cease to challenge him, never cease to require all his musical resources"

I love this field for that reason. It never gets old. It is constantly different and changing between clients and professional trends. Otherwise I would get bored. I could go on and on, but I won't. I am exhausted and need to get to bed early tonight.

Anyhow. Tomorrow means more sessions and inservices and things. Today was a great start to getting diving into this whole music therapy thing.

goodnight!

Best of Both Worlds

It has been my goal to be like Hannah Montana and have the Best of Both Worlds. The concept I think applies to a lot of different things. I think I've had the best of both worlds in education. I started at a intensely philosophical program at Chapman and finished up at an extremely practical program at ASU.

At the San Diego County Fair/Garlic Festival I acquired phone numbers and pick ups from both ladies and gentlemen. Some might consider that the best of both worlds, although it wasn't quite what I had in mind.

But never before have I witnessed the Best of Both Worlds like I did this afternoon.

This afternoon, on my way to Chipotle, I found the most amazing combination of delectable delights: A Tim Horton's and Coldstone drive-thru.

That's right. Coffee, Bagels, Toast (only sometimes says Julie), hot chocolate, breakfast wraps and other things AND coldstone ice cream In the Same store.

I thought I was going to faint from excitement as I drove past this mecca of sweet things.

It is now my mission to get back there and utilize the drive thru for both worlds.

Today has been a low-key day. I went to Target and purchased a few things and then to Chipotle for lunch. I spent most of the afternoon chatting with friends and enjoying the I Love Lucy marathon. You know the episodes where Lucy, Ricky, Fred and Ethel make a bet. They are all good ones. I've had a nice day off and enjoyable holiday. This week brings my first solo sessions, inservices galore, and hopefully time to hook up my ipod or phone to the somatron to listen to some preferred music and see how it feels. Always moving forward and having a great time doing it.

Spectacular Saturday/Sunday

oh!

The Harlem Gospel Choir was truly fantastic! They had a great program. People were singing, dancing, clapping, praising, swaying, and cheering. They brought people on stage. We all sang together. There were some incredible moments. They even did songs that I knew- surprisingly. Can I get an Amen?! Okay... maybe not. They did tell a story about having to perform for about 70,000 Catholics. I had this vision of a bunch of Catholics in Yankee Stadium (where the performance was held) sitting, listening to the choir, afraid to clap and sing along. That visual made me laugh.

The mix could have been better from where I was sitting (second row balcony) but otherwise, I mean, hey.... its the Harlem Gospel Choir. Amazing musicians. They can sing by themselves but the BLEND was also absolutely incredible.

Aside from truly enjoying the program, I was proud that I actually went out and did something on my own. I bought the ticket and made the commitment to go and I did. Parking was a breeze. The campus at Geneseo is beautiful, so it was fun to see a little more of it (rather than just driving by it on my way to work). This weekend has just been satisfying.

Today is just a bum around my apartment day. I am keeping a close eye on the olympics. I know I've said it already, but I LOVE the winter olympics. The Winter Olympics do not have nearly the number of "celebrity" athletes, but the events are way more dangerous and exciting. And I love Canada. They are such lovely people--- friendly and they keep their doors unlocked. They deserve at least one gold medal on their home soil. I have enjoyed the opening ceremonies and the events that I have watched so far. The men's luge was on this afternoon and now I'm just waiting for the prime time presentation. Somehow local news here is just not enough to keep my attention.

After yesterday's productivity and breakthrough regarding some other music therapy stuff, I'm exhausted. AND I have tomorrow off too. Happy Presidents day to me. I'm not sure what I'll be doing tomorrow. I have a bit of music therapy business to start working on tomorrow--- working across time zones and all. I'll be able to go into more detail when they happen, but I will say that it has made me excited for the music therapy conference that I'm attending/planning in April. One step at a time, but the energy and enthusiasm is there. So more on that as it comes up.

I'm hoping it will be a productive Presidents day. But alas, I am one holiday ahead of myself. I'd like to wish everyone a happy Valentines Day! Thank you for all of your love and support in my new journey and experience. I love you all very much.

Friday Funday

I was stuck for coming up with a witty title. Obviously my brain is officially no longer working effectively. Today was a great day. All of my sessions went well. I had time to read more charts and our ITD and Kari came to have a meeting about an inservice that we'll be doing for other clinical staff on a professional development day. That was my day in a nutshell. I think that I'm starting to get the hang of this whole music therapy thing--- just a tip off the iceberg.

In other news, Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! They've been together a long time, I've decided. Sassy and Classy. Thanks for the package mom, I'll have them come out tomorrow and deliver it. I don't feel like going out tonight to the fedex place to pick it up.

Tomorrow is the Harlem Gospel Choir. I'm sure I will have some sort of review tomorrow night after the concert. I can't wait!

The Olympics start tonight. I am a sucker for olympic games. The most rewarding part of the winter games has to be all the figure skating--- and mostly for the commentary. I'll be watching the opening ceremony tonight (and more for 10 minutes, Darryl) and imagining that I could've been a figure skater had I really applied myself. Instead I chose the piano. Go figure.

Celebrate Diversity!

Today was our Welcoming Diversity class! It actually rocked. I enjoyed it immensely. The main facilitator was dynamic and so sassy. She really made an impact on me and the entire time I was thinking about how I might want to use these exercises or ideas or if I wanted to look into the training. Then she started talking about all the work she does at high schools for students and teachers regarding diversity training and awareness. She's worked with bullying and cliques and isolation and all that. I felt really inspired.... so in typical bevilacqua fashion, I gave her my card and asked her how to get involved. :) Like I have time to really commit to a ton of time here, but it seems like something I want to do and I can look into how much time it would really take or how much of a commitment this would be. It doesn't hurt to ask.

So she gave me her contact information and I'm going to call her on Monday and see what kind of opportunities she has in mind.

Otherwise, thats all we did today. I came home and had a lengthly phone conversation and now I am just getting around to practice my songs for tomorrow.

That's about all for today.

Tomorrow is a full morning of sessions and then meetings in the afternoon. Our ITD and Kari are traveling down to our site for a meeting to talk about something. :) We know we have to give an inservice in March and I think this meeting is to start discussing this inservice stuff.

Over the Edge

Today, for a bunch of reasons was a day that people were just a little on edge. We had a meeting regarding plans and services and such for a client today. It's like going to meetings for any organization when you realize that some people go about their business in a very different way than you. It sparked a very interesting conversation about building professional identities and made me think. You have to know who you are as a therapist in order to prevent burn out and to keep your passion for the work. Otherwise you'll flail and sink. So it turned out to be an enlightening afternoon. We watched some historic Nordoff-Robbins video clips today too and video clips from a senate hearing from 1991. Sassy polyester power suits. It was fantastic. On the senate videos I saw the MT director from ASU sitting next to Oliver Sacks, just hanging out. It was really cool but also interesting. The N-R video clip was enhanced by all of our ITD's history. She has so much experience and knows so many people that she has stories for just about everything we do. Other than that we did more observations and participation in sessions.

Aside from observing and participating in sessions today, we each kind of figured out our weekly schedule. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday I will have like 5 sessions during program hours. Thursday afternoon I will have the time to read, practice, finish up paperwork, and all that good stuff. In scheduling our ITD tried to give us at least one afternoon free to get some stuff done. I feel better having a tentative schedule set. I feel like it makes things a little bit more manageable.

I will share a story about something that happened today. Kari, my co-intern, was leading a piano improvisation experience this afternoon and the client was definitely testing her. The client would play on the black keys and wait for Kari to settle into a pentatonic groove. And then smile and switch to the white keys- and back and forth and back and forth. This client is so musical and as we found out, playful. It was a lot of fun and a testament to the client's musical perception and level of intention in the playing.

In other news, my friend Stacey took her boards today and passed. She is officially Stacey MT-BC!!!!!! It gets more and more exciting as my friends start becoming certified. It makes me think about how I will be there very soon.

I officially start sessions- like unsupervised and all next Thursday morning. Thank goodness I have a whole week to prepare. Its definitely exciting. I mean its exciting every day. I'm sure you're tired of hearing that, but its still true.

Tomorrow is a class on Diversity Training. We'll see what happens with that. For now, I'm eating a lovely bowl of ice cream while I watch Gypsy. Thank you TCM for playing the classics, commercial free. You know, they don't make movies like they used to. Rosalind Russell makes an excellent Mama Rose. You gotta get a gimmick--- ha. I guess that maybe applies to finding your professional identity... strippers to MT? Sounds like a stretch (or an excellent plot of a Lifetime Movie). I digress. I'm enjoying my dessert and waiting for the snow to really start falling. I was promised 5" and I don't think that happened. I woke up this morning and it looked like it had just dusted us. I was promised horrible winters... with the way that the winter is shaping up on the East Coast, people are going to start coming to Rochester for the weather! Geez. :)

the Ups and Downs

You know, Ups and Downs! It's a real top drawer place in Connecticut. Real top drawer.

Okay not really. Please forgive the Auntie Mame reference. I watched it this weekend. Really I was thinking of the Ups and Downs of being an intern. My godmother reads my blog and she sent me an e mail about how she enjoys reading about my triumphs and "the crappier stuff too." I was thinking about this more on my way home tonight as I was telling my mom about how each session went today. I had 5 sessions today. In one session I'm the co-therapist, so I don't provide any of the piano music. I facilitate the experience and model and do whatever the client needs me to do. The other four sessions I am the primary therapist. I led every session today, with my ST in the room, except for one experience in one session. That means I did a ton of leading today. There were some really beautiful moments in sessions today--- and some awkward ones. The first session went well. I am learning how to work with this particular client. A therapeutic relationship takes time and trust. Sooo I guess with all of my clients, I'm in this weird phase-- like the awkward dating phase. Do we split the dinner tab? Does he pay? If he pays then is it really a date? Its like asking those types of questions, but in music therapy... okay a bit of a stretch. But some examples might be What kind of music does he like? Does the client need a lot of space, or a little? Structure or freer? those types of questions.

Anyhow, the key last week was the simplify everything. I did that today rather successfully. But here are the NEW things I need consider: appropriate and solid introductions and endings for each experience... go figure. I realized that I need to feel like I'm taking my time. Sometimes I feel the need to push through to the next thing. Don't rush, give everything the time and attention it deserves. Commit to what you're doing 100% even if you have no idea what you're doing. If you're confident in what you present to clients, they will go with it.

My second session was the one where I am the co-therapist. This client has the most expressive face. I think I've mentioned him before. He just comes to life in music and the interactions that happen in music are so meaningful for him. Third session went well and there were some lovely moments, but for this client I need to remember to give solid introductions and endings to help him with transitions. The fourth session was okay. This particular client has a lot to teach about improvisation and I always have more to work on after our sessions than any other client. It can be discouraging because the same thing that worked last week may not work this following week and I only have so many tools and all this other stuff. so After those sessions I tend to feel a little discouraged because I don't feel like it went well or that the music was right. That's the down-est part of the day. BUT today, my last session was amazing. We are really building rapport quickly. I tried the greeting song in a different key- one more effective for my voice- and it set the stage for the entire session. It worked well with the type of music he presents at the piano. I remembered to give pauses and space in the music for him to respond- which he did- and I was able to be open and listen to him and his music and reflect it, incorporate it into the music. Whoa. it was really cool. The entire session felt more cohesive and organic. At least that's what my ST said. I definitely felt more focused and in the zone and like I was really connecting with him. It was a good way to end the day. So I guess to wrap it all up, each day has its ups and downs within the greater schemes of ups and downs. Its hard to be an intern and not know anything and to make the best with what you know and the little bits of information you pick up on the way. Its weird to be in a session and your mind goes blank and fingers start flailing everywhere. The kicker is when the supervisor asks you "so what was going on in the session" or "how did that feel?" and you can't even remember the last 30 minutes! It can be frustrating and discouraging, but there are also these moments where the light bulb goes on and something clicks-- like my last session today. LIke my ST said, "yea.. just do more of that." So I keep plugging away and realize that its only been 5 weeks or something. There's still a lot of time and so much to be done. :)

Tomorrow's schedule is still up in the air. I think we're watching a video or something. I hope I also have time to sit in the somatron for a while and listen to some music. Thursday, Kari and I have Diversity Training in the same building where our CPR/FA class occurred. Our ITD assured us that it would be more interesting than the CPR class. Hopefully. It wasn't the subject matter, but rather the other disgruntled peopel taking the class. Friday is at my second site as usual for marathon sessions and then a meeting with our ITD and Kari (they are taking a ride down to see us) regarding a music therapy inservice that we are providing for a professional management day.

This weekend is going to be pretty quiet. I do have Monday off- so I have an extra day to sleep in! I did however buy my ticket to see the Harlem Gospel Choir performance for Saturday! I love gospel choirs. I am excited. I expect to be knocked over by a wall of vocal sound. No valentines, except for Stacey. So my Sunday will probably be pretty quiet, unless I meet a canadian, plaid wearing, lumberjack type hockey player this week. we'll see. You never know.

Tonight we are supposed to get 5-6" of snow. Hopefully I'll have some good pictures to post tomorrow! Snow!

What to do when the Water Main Breaks...

That's right. Our building's water broke today.

We had no water until about 2:30 this afternoon. That meant that program was closed today and clients were not bused to the facility.

Our ITD and Kari went to Kari's second site to do some sessions with her folks over there which left me with a mountain of charts- 4 general main charts, 3 music therapy charts and a bit of a Nordoff-Robbins book. My eyes bare work to read words anymore. Kari and our ITD returned in time for lunch- I guess she had some wonderful sessions there today. I spent some time practicing for my sessions tomorrow at my second site before our piano inservice started.

We moved to the white keys!!! We are now officially authorized to use the white keys. Unfortunately, it was to learn Organum style. For whatever reason, it felt really weird and unnatural and it made me really uncomfortable- which provided a lot of laughs. Its nice to feel more and more at ease with Kari and our ITD in the office there. I feel like a general idea of normalcy is being created each day. After piano we had our inservice on the somatron. Our ITD had some good stories about acquiring the somatron and meeting the creator. In the somatron, you feel parts of the music in different parts of the chair. There are speakers in head rest and in the back of the chair but you also feel the different vibrations throughout the back of the chair all the way down to your feet. It reclines so the optimal position is the same position that astronauts are in when they take off. That physiological position I guess is where everything is aligned. I listened to a guitar piece, jupiter from Holst's planets, and this amazing vocal piece by Bobby McFerrin. Yes, that Bobby McFerrin- the Don't Worry Be Happy Guy. If you have a chance, look up his other videos on youtube. If you didn't know already, he's an amazing vocal artist. What he can do with his voice is astounding. Anyhow, experiencing music this way is totally different than any other way I've listened to music. I sat up and I actually felt woozy. It's really strange.

Kari and I had the rest of the afternoon to experiment with the somatron and listen to some music. Our ITD encouraged us to listen to all sorts of music in the somatron to get a feel for what it will be like for our clients.

In other news, I got a notice in the mailbox saying that I had a past due balance on my February Rent. I owe $5.00. Five dollars. Hilarious. The rent check was made out for the exact amount specified on my leasing agreement. Sooooooo..... $5.00. I have a call into the collection administrator to find out what's going on with that. It's provided a good laugh. Usually these things are $50.00 or $500.00 or even threat of eviction (like what happened to me in Arizona when a payment didn't clear with the bank). Not $5.00. Oh well. More on that later.

Time to eat and practice. I have 5 sessions tomorrow and even though I finish earlier than my Monday/Wednesday/Thursday schedule, I feel more tired on Tuesday and Fridays than the rest of the week- I think. I'm hoping that sessions go smoothly tomorrow- like Friday, but way better. :)

Take that Wegmans Shoppers!

I outsmarted all those Wegmans Shoppers tonight. I went shopping during the Superbowl. My hope was that everyone would be home watching the game and I was right. There was no one there. I got to peruse the aisles at my own pace. I didn't have to fight shopping cart traffic OR wait in line. This is truly a feat for Wegmans- unless you shop at like 2 am.

Which brings me to the next bit of goodness. The nearest Wegmans- The Mega Wegmans- is open 24 hours. Oh my goodness. This changes everything. I love nothing more than late night grocery store outings. This one time in Arizona, my friend Amy and I went on a Safeway adventure that included fruit snacks, a purchased copy of Funny Girl, and a classic photo of me inside one of those refrigerated thingys--- you know, like among the beer. Julie and I once made a midnight trip to the 24 hour Walmart in Gilroy just to look around and ended up buying episodes of the Sherri Lewis Show and goldfish. Ty and I would never start our projects before 10pm and needed a 24 hour store to feed our ambitions. Now if only I could manage to stay up past 9:30 here.

Anyhow, time to put my groceries away and enjoy a nice bowl of ice cream! Game on.

I wish I had Mary Poppins powers

Mary Poppins, and probably Julie Andrews for that matter, has that power to snap and clothes put themselves away, pillows are straightened, beds are made, and drawers are closed. I had the thought today to sing a jaunty tune-- perhaps even a Happy Working Song to clean up my disastrous apartment. I can tell you now from experience that this method does not work.

My apologies for updating so late. I realize that I did not post a Friday update. I had such a busy and overwhelming day and then I picked up Annabelle from the BMW spa. She looks beautiful. They did a nice job and even washed her. She sparkles. I did have to say goodbye to Rhonda.

Rhonda and I had some good times together--- like the time the brakes locked and I was sliding down a hill near an intersection (That would have never happened in Annabelle). We were together a whole week and covered quite a few miles. The Enterprise agent thought it was hilarious that I named her. Oh well. Maybe she just doesn't understand. Here's to you Rhonda. I toast my glass of wine in your honor. Thanks for getting me from point A to B all week long.

Friday was a busy busy day. We had four sessions back to back to back to back. I participated in all of them, but I did end up leading two of them. That wasn't necessarily the plan when we sat down and talked in the morning, but that is what kind of happened. Both sessions were with clients that require all improvised music. It was a very interesting experience and the main lesson here is SIMPLIFY. Like whoa. My supervising therapist complimented my piano skills, in fact, he seemed a bit surprised, BUT its way to complicated. It makes sense. I'm improvising the only way I know and the way I know stems from how I learned in high school. Not that its bad. Its apart of my own little style. But, as I'm discovering, clinical improvisation is a totally different ball game. I have a lot to learn but it was a great day. I'm really starting to be thrown into it now. Its overwhelming and I wish I had better words to describe the feeling. I was trying to do that for my supervisor and come up with questions... but I just don't have any yet. I think its because I don't know what I'm seeing and instead of asking "what am I seeing" right off the bat here, I have to like gather a baseline and get to know clients before I can start asking questions and start truly knowing what it is that I'm seeing. Does that make sense? I'm fighting the residual effects of a fried brain here. Friday was a big day, but I am thankful that I've had that initial experience AND that the car nonsense has been resolved. It has certainly given me some peace of mind--- and probably my parents too.

Today was an apartment day. I cleaned and organized. I vacuumed and put things away. I straightened out my desk and tossed some stuff and papers that I didn't need. I went through the kitchen which was really rather scary, did dishes, washed pots-- then dirtied them all again when I cooked dinner. I had some left over cilantro and jalapenos from the albondigas so I cooked up a little steak, beans, rice, and chopped up some lettuce and had some fajita-y type thingys. They were good. I spent most of this day trying to take care of music therapy association stuff, conference stuff, putting together agendas and transition binders, and working on an event that we have going in March. Phew. Lots of stuff happening. Its hard to devote extra brainpower - especially brain power that I don't have on the weekends. The weekends have been a time to just recharge the old brain and endurance meter. I was talking to Julie today and we're hoping to plan a trip soon. She has a long weekend in a couple of weeks and I'm hoping (both hoping) that she'll be able to make it out for a couple of days. That would be a good way to recharge the ol' brain. We'll see what happens with that.

Tomorrow I have my grocery store trip planned during peak superbowl hours, hoping that everyone else won't have the same idea. People around here still think that the Buffalo Bills have a chance at the superbowl. ha. I don't really have any other big plans aside from practicing. I need to transpose a few tunes for this coming week. Its been a productive day and I'm exhausted! Good thing there's an I Love Lucy marathon on tonight.

Have a happy superbowl day tomorrow. Eat chili and nachos and chips and all that good stuff! I'll be checking out all the ads later on hulu- that way I don't actually have to watch the game or sit through commercials I don't like. I think its a solid plan. Enjoy!

Certified! Or Certifiable?

I am so PLEASED to announce that I have passed my First Aid and CPR training. I can officially save your life.

Actually, as someone who has a history of hurting themselves (only since my employment at the San Diego County Fair.. hmmm coincidence?), becoming certified in First Aid is totally practical. In the past year and a half, I have hurt myself with tools and nails, rusty pipes hidden in rock beds (sliced my toe right open!), and hot pans from the oven (resulting in the nasty 2nd degree burn on my right palm). But NOW! I can administer First Aid to myself- officially.

I might create my OWN Bump and Scrape Log!

I can also do CPR- but thats a little more complicated to do to yourself. I did name my dummy- Roscoe. I saved his life all morning.

The class was great. The main teacher was really knowledgeable and I really learned something. One of the best parts what the disgruntled people taking the class. I think for the state you have to take the class every 2 years or something. There were people in class that have worked for the state for 25 years... so they were unsure why they even needed to do it again.... that and we started late so there was upset about how late we were going to go. Oh yea. Lots of comments under the breath. But when you see these people with the individuals, its like a total 180. Good thing, I guess.

It was a long day and I am very tired. So I'm planning on eating and then hitting the couch. I've got to read a bit and practice my tactile signs for a session tomorrow. That's about it. The week is winding down!

Just for Julie

Today was another busy yet wonderful day. Our ITD had a refresher course re-certification meeting thingy this morning so she came in a little late. I made my very first stop at Tim Horton's today. Its like a canadian coffee, breakfast fast food kind of place. I got a plain toasted bagel with cream cheese because I had forgotten to eat breakfast this morning. It was strange. I was driving in Rhonda this morning and realized when I got to Palmyra that I hadn't eaten. I did manage to have a big cup of coffee before leaving the house.

We observed a few sessions today that were absolutely incredible- talk about seeing music as therapy (instead of In therapy). Through the music clients were able to reach some new level of organization or enlightenment or positive change. It was really incredible. We ran a little group experiment with some clients that went well. Kari and I will be doing the group together that will include the 2 of us and 3 clients. Our ITD seemed pleased with how the group worked, so we'll continue to explore that. We had another piano inservice today and discussed a descending chromatic bass line. Every piano improvisation style we've discussed is centered around the black keys of the piano. You can't lose! You can hit as many black notes as possible with arms, feet, legs and it still sounds amazing. Afterwards I had the chance to practice and I headed for home.

Good News! Annabelle will be done at the health spa tomorrow. The local BMW place received keys from Fedex (thank you Dad) and they were able to run all the tests and figure it out. She'll be ready tomorrow. Because everything closes at like 6pm here, I may not be able to pick her up until Friday. I'm still buzzing around in Rhonda.

Tonight, thankfully, I had the chance to catch up with my very best friend Julie. We just had a small tiff about how I was certain that I had already mentioned her in my posts. What actually happened is that I did, but then deleted it for a sassier sentence. Oops. Sorry Julie. Our schedules just don't match up. I'm asleep by 10pm and she's done with rehearsals at like 11-midnight. But she has little breaks in the day, but I'm at work. Its really sort of ridiculous. So it was nice to be able to just sit and catch up. Whenever we talk its always, "Oh my gosh, we haven't talked in so long"--- "So long" being a relative term. I think this time its been a week and a half or something. Might as well be forever. I won't tell you all her business (like I threatened to on the phone) but I will say that she has been an incredible support through this really big transition. And its awesome that we're finally in the same time zone and only about an hour plane ride (5 hours by car) away. She understands what I do and why its important. Catching up is like my own therapy, which is proving to be important during this stressful and really different time. Plus, I get to practice all of my empathic listening skills on her. Anyhow, I know she's reading because we made a big stink about her being in here already. So glad we got to talk. I was going to include a photo of us (which Julie, you would not be so happy about) but blogger is being finicky tonight.

Now I can go to sleep. Its almost 8 here, so be assured that I am already on the couch in my pjs eating my lemon sorbet. Yumm. LIfe is pretty good. I'm feeling connected with my friends and family and happy about work and the resolution of all this car nonsense.

Tomorrow brings CPR and First Aid training- ALLLLL DAY. I'm out of lunch meat, so I'll have to pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Just thought you should know. :)

The Car Epic continues

If my life were a lifetime movie, I would want Parker Posey to play me.

That was a mostly a statement unrelated to anything.

I heard from the fellas at the BMW health spa (service department). They think the problem lies within the key... so the Key is the Key. get it? I talked to my buddy Rick (I am making friends everywhere here) and before he advised me to spend the money for a new key, he wanted to know if I had a spare. Well of course there is a spare! In Gilroy! Go figure. Thankfully, Dad is coming to the rescue and fed-exing it overnight directly to Rick so they can continue to figure it out tomorrow. I'm hoping that everything will be set by tomorrow afternoon.

I did have to call my other friend, Rob, to extend my reservation on my Hyundai Elantra. I've decided to name her Rhonda.

Today was a good day. I'm feeling happier about this whole car business, especially now that its in the hands of bmw. I observed and participated in more sessions today. They were all amazing. I played piano in one of the sessions to accompany some drumming. I think the client thought it was a practical joke- in a good way that is... like, really? who is this girl that comes to my sessions... and now she's gonna play piano. Bahaha. We had a good time. My supervising therapist was great- making sure to point out the things that I did do well but I also had my fair share of notes to look at for the next session. Work was productive, I started working on some informal documentation and read a chart. My supervising therapist let me go at 4, when he leaves, which has left plenty of time to take care of the car stuff and still have time to sit on the couch before making dinner.

Its a short post today. Tomorrow will probably be shorter as our ITD has a meeting tomorrow morning, then is probably going somewhere with Kari-- I think to her second site. I won't really know until I get there tomorrow, but I have a feeling that I will be reading, practicing, chart reading and video watching.

Thursday is CPR and First Aid training- All Day. I'm actually kind of excited about that. Well as always, more to come.

Thanks to everyone who reads and keeps up with my various adventures!

Another Day... Another Tow

That's right. I heard back from the garage today. The new battery had everything lit up however there is a disconnect between the key and the computer. So my car still won't start. Tonight I had it towed to the bmw dealer in town so that they can look at it first thing tomorrow morning. I wish I had the energy to give you the play-by-play of this whole thing, but I don't. I will say that it pays to make friends with the sassy woman behind the counter at the towing service. Because of that I get a personal phone call to confirm that my car was dropped in the correct place and in one piece. I want to call this woman Betty- but I never got her real name. She is the sassiest and gave me 3 must-do things while I'm in Rochester: Follow RIT hockey (waaay better than the Amerks apparently), check out the Strong Museum of Play (Where they have a kids sized Wegmans----- reminded me of the Grocery Store in the Ag-Ed building at the San Diego County Fair!), and the Rochester International Jazz Festival.

I think I will do all three- she was super sassy and enthusiastic. loving that.

Speaking of the SD County Fair and the Agricultural Education Building/Exhibit, I have to do a shoutout to Holly! Hi Holly! Holly has a fabulous blog about her various culinary adventures (http://hollysdiner.com). I tried her recipe for Albondigas Sunday night and the end product was DELICIOUS!

I took a photo of my big pot of soup because I thought it turned out so well.

I had to improvise, just a little, on some of the ingredients. For example, it seems to be a little more difficult to find a little can of green chiles ready to go. So I found some canned jalapenos and split them up myself. I added a little more cilantro than called for and out of laziness and convenience I used only lean ground beef for the meatballs. Even with a few minor adjustments, this recipe was super easy and tasty. I am having it again for dinner tonight- mostly because after all this car nonsense, I just don't feel like cooking. Anyhow, thanks Holly for the wonderful recipe!

Aside from all this other nonsense, its been a good day. We observed sessions all morning long and I got to participate in a session with a client who will be on my caseload--- very soon! We had a great time. He is very playful and has the best laugh. It's amazing what can be conveyed without using expressive language. I don't know that we said more than the words in the hello and goodbye song.... which believe me, means very few words. We also took a ride today to see about a donated piano and had an inservice on reading music therapy charts. I've got to start digging into those and I have to start being more observant in sessions so I can make my notes and really prepare for taking on clients.

I got home and had mail tonight! My Auntie Lynda sent me a nice card and some Starbucks bucks and my dad sent a package from my apartment in Arizona. The entire box was pretty much my medicine cabinet which I have to say is the most amazing medicine cabinet ever. Forget RiteAid or even CVS. My medicine supply covers pesky coughs, congestion, cuts to 2nd degree burns. Mom and Dad sent a card this weekend with my iPod which I conveniently forgot at home. So tonight I am enjoying my iPod wired through my nice speakers while I work on a few music therapy things and session notes and journaling. Geez. I spend the time to update the blog but usually forget to journal. I've got to get better about that especially because I have to do session notes, monthly reports, journaling! I think I am just now getting an idea of how much work I will be doing outside of my 8-4:30 job thingy. This whole "real" world thing is different. I could take days off whenever I wanted in school. Now I have this responsibility thing. What is that? geez. ;)

With all the car stuff that has happened and figuring out how to take care of myself like any adult, I finally realized that I now live truly by myself far away from home. In Arizona I was far away from home, but there I have a tight knit group of friends who lived 10 minutes away and could come to the rescue say if my car didn't start. A trip home was only a 2 hour plane ride. My closest friend here lives 45 minutes away (which she did drive to rescue me because Enterprise fails). I am just thankful that I already feel like I can count on her. I hope she feels like she can rely on me to help bail her out of trouble too. I think I"m going to make a pot of chili and invite her over for super bowl. Maybe she can explain football to me. Haha. Being away got a little harder in the past week, but its not discouraging. Just every now and then it gets a little lonely. But I kind of think of this experience as one of those moments or times in life that if I don't do it now and do it right, I won't ever get the same chance. So when I get a little lonely, I think of how awesome it is that I get the experience of working and honing my skills, learning to be a therapist, waking up every morning excited about going to work, knowing that I am responsible for only myself (aside from clients) and that this particular circumstance will never happen again. You're only an intern once... even if you never stop learning. Its like I get to see what kind of professional I will be before a bunch of other people get to and that allows me to make mistakes and grow and learn before I have to do the big reveal of Lauren Bevilacqua, MT-BC, R(esponsible)-A(dult).

Anyhow- that keeps me going. And brownies and gummi bears from Wegman's. They have a "Self-Serve" candy selection that is out of this world. :)

Tomorrow I am at the other site and observing more sessions. I'll start taking a more important role this week, whether that's singing along and playing, or just sitting closer in the room. Some clients require more space to be than others. That means MORE chart reading and notes and things! Oh boy. Hopefully my car will be ready to go tomorrow night- because that is definitely when my rental reservation is up. I haven't really come up with a plan for swapping cars, but I guess we'll cross that bridge when it gets here. I guess I'll have to talk to my buddy Rob at Enterprise. The saga continues....