And I'm back

Gosh, I had a lovely time in LA.

I hung with my friend and her little baby boy for a few days and then drove down to Orange and saw my old roommate from Santa Ana and spent time with him. Gosh it was fun. We just chatted and snacked and hot tubbed and watched one of our favorite movies. It was great to see him and see his parents. I loved them dearly. I ended up going to chapman and seeing friends. It turned out to be an extremely positive experience. I saw a bunch of friends and old professors. I think now that I am done with school and have my MT-BC that I was able to focus on all of the fantastic memories I had while going to school there.

I had a chance to have lunch with a former music therapy professor while visiting. This professor also owns a company that provides services to people with disabilities. Its inspiring to hear about how the company has grown and expanded. I guess some places are still hiring full time music therapy positions. It seems like there is more need to create your own job. especially now. I'm still trying to decide

I was talking to a friend of mine who told me to reflect on what I want in a job-- things like "I want to be treated with respect-- with respect of my person and time and abilities" - that kind of stuff. I think it will be a good exercise in trying to decide what I want.

I did decide, today in fact, that I want to network with music therapists in the area. I have to figure out how to find them. :) I think I will sent out a few e mails. I do love sending emails. I haven't heard of many around here. I'm not exactly sure why, but I am determined to find a few. Maybe I'll email some friends on the regional board to see where I should start.

Anyhow, I am going to be house sitting soon which is going to provide me some time to work on a presentation proposal for a music therapy conference. I think Peaches, the dog I'm sitting, can help me out with that... or at least provide comic relief.

That's it for now. I drove a lot today! (22 to 405 to 605 to 210 to 5) and I am exhausted. Time for bed.

Forgot to mention

My certificate arrived in the mail today. Doesn't it look official?

Twas the night before...

I leave for LA.

I've got all my gifts and presents set to go- and they are even semi-wrapped. Everybody has a bag. My mother always taught me to never go anywhere empty handed. I think I'll bring a plate of brownies too- but I'll wait until late tonight to bake them. Its way too hot to turn the oven on.

I am excited to get down to see my friend and her family. We're going to try and see a former professor too. Its fun to get together with our old prof now as we both transferred from Chapman. She is a hoot and a half and I am excited to see her in person. She was instrumental in getting me to Arizona and beyond. She is also so fun to spend time with. Hopefully Casey and I will get to visit with her among other things. I think we're going to go out one night, sort of "girls -night" and of course a cooking lesson (I'll be teaching).

I am also going to have the chance to get down to Orange to see my roommate from Chapman. He's a great guy and I adore his parents, so I am excited to see them. I haven't seen him since I moved to Arizona... I think its been like 2 years. Jon is just one of my best guy friends. He's just a true friend-- you know, one of those people who I can just pick up where we left off no matter how long its been. I am excited to see him later in the week. I'll probably get back up to Gilroy on Thursday.

I don't think I'll get to the chapman campus- I guess I could drop in on people to say hello. Most of the time when I've visited the campus its been more of a bitter experience. Maybe there is still a little bit of hurt there from everything that went down. No matter. It doesn't really matter what Jon and I do- it will be fun regardless.

No other progress on the job front. I am still enjoying the vacation time for sure. Time is passing quickly though. I am housesitting next week and getting my wisdom tooth extract the week after that! Soon it'll be november and time for my boston trip! I can't wait. Its been nice to have some time off to sleep in, visit friends, read fun books, and putz around town. Its refreshing to come back to Gilroy after being away for extended periods of time. I've lived here all of my life- and while its true that there is little to do around here- I love being home and enjoying life at a slower pace... at least for a little while. :) its kind of like being at Cheers, where everybody knows your name.

I am, for the first time ever, taking the white car on my little road trip. I have driven the X5- Annabelle- since my sophomore year at Chapman. I guess times have changed and now I will drive the white car. I'll have to get around without GPS and without a voice telling me (in a snotty tone) "Please make a legal U-turn." Annabelle and I have gotten into a shouting match many times. :) She thinks she knows everything. Anyhow, its just me and my ipod tomorrow for the drive. I am looking forward to it. Hopefully I won't get lost or leave my purse anywhere (damn Ohio). I am so excited to get down south and will certainly update when I return- probably with photos! Yahoo.

Safe travels everyone.

opportunity

I had a lovely chat today with someone who is looking to hire music therapists in the Western Region. This person sent me a message to give her a call if I was interested in some employment opportunities, so I decided to give it a go.

It was a very encouraging phone conversation. I got the sense that she is definitely willing to work with my timeline - with all my trips and various commitments throughout the month of October. Sooooo we'll see what comes of this. I am currently trying to schedule an onsite visit to see the facility and meet everyone. I need to see how it feels before jumping right in.

In the meantime, I'm awaiting the arrival of my good friend from high school. She's coming down to Gilroy tonight (the white car is still being worked on) to grab a bite to eat and hang out for a bit. Being without car also means that my LA trip has been postponed for a day or so.

Hmm... lots of stuff happening. It's kind of exciting!

Driving Miss Daisy

My parents think its important that I really learn how to drive a stick shift.

I can do it, I just don't have the practice.

So today, my mother encouraged me to drive the volkswagon to my doctor's appointment. I did well, except that I stalled one time on Third and Wren. Its so stupid. I can't seem to get into first from a complete stop smoothly. Eck. I stalled again getting into the driveway. It was pretty hilarious. So, I suppose my new project is to just practice. I did drive all over town- to my appointment and out to the bank and back (plus an extra lap around the block).

On the tooth front- I have just one wisdom tooth and he's going to extract it in a few weeks. yipee. He's a nice guy and was interested in music therapy- or at least a quick definition. That was nice. The person who took my blood pressure and explained the procedure was really nice and obviously loves her job. What a hoot.

Btw, Kari, my co-intern, passed her certification exam today!!!! WOOOOO HOOOO Kari, MT-BC!

After such an eventful day, I believe I deserve a little afternoon nap!

Clearly behind...

I haven't updated in a while. I know.

I have been enjoying my vacation and down time especially since my test is done and passed. I have been productive in pulling together my resume, I just ordered some new business cards AND I'm starting to pool together some resources for a marketed folder to bring to potential employers.

Soooo I'm trying to balance the fun and still move forward. Once my resume is done (especially my resume) I am going to start contacting facilities in the area. I have a couple in mind. We'll see what happens. I also have a potential opportunity somewhere to gain experience

I am getting excited for the next few weeks. Here's what is up on the agenda:

LA Trip - later this week! I'm visiting my best friend from Chapman. She recently had a little baby boy and I haven't seen her since her wedding. I am excited to head down there and spend a few days.

House/Dog sitting- Early October. I'll be watching a friend's dog and house while they are away on vacation for a week or so. I am looking forward to that.

Junior Retreat- Mid October. I am really looking forward to going on the retreat. Its going to be different leading this retreat as an adult. I'm looking forward to a fresh point of view and to see which parts of the retreat will resonant with me now-- a whole 5-6 years later.

Boston Trip - Early November. I booked my tickets to go see my best friend Julie in Boston. I am very excited. I will also be able to see my co-intern while I am out there.

Those are the big things. I am able to get together with a bunch of old high school friends while I am home as well. That has been fun too.

Oh. Tomorrow I get to go see an oral surgeon about a wisdom tooth. I have just one. They found just one. 23 years and not a word about my wisdom teeth. Until last week. So I have a consult tomorrow to see if they have to be extracted. We'll see what happens.

That's the update for now. I will keep you all posted of opportunities and adventures that I run into. I'm looking to build a list of potential agencies and facilities for pitching music therapy programs in the area. If you have any ideas, resources, or connections let me know!

I Passed!!!

WOOOO HOOOO!

I passed my exam and am officially a Board Certified Music Therapist.

Now I just have to practice signing my name:

Lauren F. Bevilacqua, MT-BC

Studying

today I'm tackling old psychology notes; music therapy in psychopathology, and verbal techniques from counseling.

just wanted to let you all know.

it's pretty dull over here.

yesterday I reviewed AMTA Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice and CBMT Scope of Practice and Code of Ethics. I read up on music therapy in hospice, and made a bunch of flash cards from some vocab.

I think tomorrow I'll finish up my practice test and have it scored to see how I did.

well, back to the books.

moving along

things are moving along. I heard back from the people with the certification exam and was able to set a date for my exam. that has definitely been more motivating. I actually feel the need to study and work on my practice exam. sigh.

I will sit for my test next week.

I will keep you all updated!

keep all your fingers crossed!

Lunch dates and things

Today was fun. I got together with a teacher from high school today. We had lunch over at Willow Street. It was nice to catch up and network a bit- he's going to pass along some jobs and gigs my way if he gets them. I was also asked if I'd be interested in getting involved as an adult leader on one of the retreats next month. So all in all, a great day. It was kind of a trip to be back in some of my old high school stomping grounds.

After I finished at school I stopped by one of my best high school friend's house. She happened to be home and lives about 10 minutes away from Mitty. It was great to see her. I haven't seen her in probably a year. She's newly engaged to a guy we went to high school with who also happens to be in the navy and close to deployment. So I am excited that I am going to be home to occupy her time while he's away. Apparently I am good at that.

It was a great day and now I should probably study and eat dinner. Mayyybe a movie first.... sigh. I can see how this "studying" thing is going to end up.

more progress

OK. So aside from margarita time this afternoon, today was very productive. I played and practiced- my lounge act is getting quite good- and Dad cleaned out the basement = recording studio. I'll post a picture tomorrow. It's a pretty cool space. I have my old TV/monitor from my AZ apartment hooked up so I can use it as more desktop space, but I've also hooked up my DVD player- so really, there' s no reason to ever leave the basement except for eat and sleep. brilliant. I am excited that it looks so good. I don't know what I was thinking of trying to do the same set up in my room. That would have been overwhelming. So Julie, if you're reading this, come home soon so we can play.

In other news, I ordered my practice exam and started on some questions. Some of the questions I absolutely knew- hands down. Other questions were more in between and there were a few just absolutely ridiculous questions-- impossible scenarios because they are dependent on so many things. Sigh. I guess that is the trouble with this test. I don't want to be over confident- but I am encouraged after doing almost half of it. I'll tackle some more tomorrow and revisit monday/tuesday- Maybe I'll be ready to take the test by Friday at the earliest- depending on my application materials. I am glad to be doing the test- its nice to get acquainted with the test format and using the computer. I find that if I just trust my instincts, that I will most likely come out with the correct answer. We'll see. I haven't submitted my answers yet but I am making notes of the things I am unsure of to review.... things like in other populations that I have little to no experience in - like Hospice and Psychiatric facilities. At this point, I just want to get this damn thing over with and pass it. blech. The story continues....

Dad and I are putting the last little touches on the basement tomorrow and I plan to read, practice and study- quite a day planned. Gotta work on my tan that has certainly faded since being in NY and continue my reading, relaxing and reviewing- the three Rs. What day is it anyhow? hmmm Sunday (almost). Okay. Well. Sunday Funday.

In other news, Michigan won their season opener today. GO BLUE!

If I just keep unpacking....

then I don't have to study.

I have to say that ALL of my boxes have been opened and emptied. My drawers and closets have been cleaned out (Lots of stuff to give away!) and I still have some straightening up to do. BUT now that everything has been opened and sorted, I will eventually have to study for my certification exam. There are no more excuses or other pressing matters to attend to. I am just going to have to do it. I think tomorrow I will purchase the practice exam and see how I do. That way I can see what areas of MT practice, theory and standards I need to brush up on and study a little more. I don't want to be overly confident, but I feel like because I've been living music therapy that I am going to do pretty well. But I don't want to get cocky and then not pass. Sigh. Such problems I have in my life now, eh? :)

The unpacking has gone smoothly. Purging a lot of stuff feels good and my room is almost all put together. We moved out my old bed and moved in my Arizona bed (AKA the best bed in the entire world) and I have cleared out some books to sell to Garlic City Books. What a great used book store. If you haven't been in there - its fabulous. They even have ice cream! Auntie Lynda and I went over there yesterday afternoon and it was just lovely. Anyhow, Unpacking and reading over MT literature (except for the hour I spent sun tanning with my Victor Wooten book- although its still music related). I feel happy to have this downtime after a 5 year long journey into music therapy, but I am starting to feel like I am behind. My resume isn't done and I'm not actively looking for jobs- I can barely motivate myself to study for this damn test... So that's where I'm at right now. My co-intern has a very exciting job interview in the coming week - so maybe the "behind" feeling is attributed to her success! ( I just have a feeling she is going to get this job)

I guess I'll go on AMTA website and see what kinds of jobs are available.... maybe. Oh gosh- I still have things to put away... maybe I'll do that instead. :) I can see where this is going.

No big labor day plans, although I am excited to go to an annual BBQ with some family friends. I haven't been since I started college, so I am looking forward to that. Hopefully by early next week I will have a date scheduled for my exam- maybe that will spark some motivation. I hope so. The recording "studio" has not been set up yet. Dad and I have been "rearranging furniture and cleaning"-ed out for the past few days. But I am certain that its going to be pretty darn cool when we get everything all set up.

In the meantime, if you know anyone who needs a piano for events or an accompanist, I am available. It'd be nice to fill my calendar a bit.

Well, back to my boxes of crap. Its really amazing what I have found over the past few days. I found a lot of high school stuff which has definitely made me nostalgic and I found a lot of stuff that was more of "Why the hell did I ever keep this?" But in case, its been nice to get reorganized and reoriented. Must... keep... organizing. Then study... maybe. ;)

And I'm Back...

Back in Gilroy.

Its definitely nice to be home after my Ohio adventure and this Michigan nonsense. It was very stressful to be in michigan and it was really weird going there right after finishing my intense internship experience. I didn't feel like myself. But now I am back. I had my flight (through Houston- great airport) and my music books to refocus and feel like myself again. Thankfully, I do.

Now I just need to organize my life here a bit. I am taking a few days to just kind of putz around, although, tonight I started moving things around in my room, making space for my little "recording" studio. I have a ton of crap in my room that I don't necessarily need, so I have to find a good way to pack things up. My room feels very cluttered and I don't really like it. As with everything, its a process. I don't necessarily want to get rid of music therapy stuff until I take my certification exam.

I did, however, get my hair cut today- that was nice. I was feeling pretty scraggly there for a while. So I got my hair done and gathered my materials to apply for my certification exam. Geez. The process for applying to even schedule a date to take this test it really annoying- transcripts, letters, papers, and by snail mail. you'd think that they'd make all this stuff available online- it'd be way easier. I have been talking with the people at the CBMT (Certification Board for Music Therapists) and have things kind of taken care of. I will have my application in the mail tomorrow- express. So I will have to make a trip to Fedex, and probably a trip to guitar center (I want to suspend my banjo from the wall to take up less floor space), and of course continue my reading list. Maybe I'll even review some MT material. I've started to pick things to review for this test-- I'm actually really looking forward to taking the practice exam and see how I do.

Anyhow, I'm enjoying my vacation so far. Slowly, I will start diving into my boxes and things. I am very happy to be home and to be relaxing and being meaningfully productive (instead of just ridiculously productive. I want to enjoy my time off). That's about it for tonight. Goodnight!