It is supposed to be super cold tomorrow. It is about 12 degrees out right now. With the wind chill, ooh, I have no idea. I am thankful that I have a warm place to sleep. I hope everyone who lost their power in these last few days have their power back. It is not a good night to be out in the cold.
Several schools will be closed tomorrow because of the weather. So far, it is a couple of the private schools. It is just not a day to be out and about. I will be home too. I do have to go out for my blood test, but other than that, I am a home bound girl. I have a couple of lessons tomorrow. Bob didn't have his lesson today so he is coming tomorrow.
It is so quiet here now that my wild boys are gone. Rahul and Samuel are so cute and lovable, but oh so wild! Rahul can imitate anything I play (one hand at a time, of course) but to get him to read the notes is a challenge. He is doing well for not practicing. Neither Rahul or Samuel practice. They come once a week and we do what we can. They seem to really like lessons so that is a good thing. I am hoping that when they are older, they will practice on their own.
I have a new slow cooker. My old one only worked on low. This new one is a bit bigger and I like it a lot. I am planning to make some potato soup tomorrow for dinner. It is really good soup and I have chicken to put in to the soup as well as some other veggies. It will last for several days so that is a good thing. I like their soups.
Today was a slow day. Time seemed to drag a bit. I think it was because my only 2 lessons were in the evening and not earlier in the day. I am reading a new book about hormones and how they interact with the food we eat. It also talks about eating healthy and losing weight along with staying in a healthy weight. I am really looking into these holistic type things because I think it should help some of the pain level and other symptoms. I saw online a list of symptoms for fibro. Wow, there were about 60 something. Sometimes I forget how many there are. It is also a rather long list of the co-existing conditions that go right along to keep fibro company.
Well, I believe it is time to read before heading for bed. I also need to find the paper with the blood tests Dr. A would like done. Ooh, I hope I have drank enough water today. I am a very hard poke. I am hoping that when I am thinner, it won't be so bad.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
The Beginning of a New Musical Week 1-20
It has been such a quiet day. I went out to get some lunch (I was in the mood for Chipotle) and then came home. I do not plan to go out again today. I did have a small issue from yesterday. I lost my handicap card. I don't know how but I did. It was super windy out so maybe it fell out when I got out of the car. Either way, I don't have it anymore. I should be able to get a new one on Tuesday as Monday is a holiday. I am not to worried, but it is annoying that I did lose it.
I have just the usual week planned for the coming week except for the protime blood test. I think I missed the last test so I called and made an appointment for this week. I also have some other things that need to be tested from the arthritis doctor.
I love my nook. It has opened up a world of new authors for me. A lot of the books were free so that is even better. I wish I had gotten my nook a long time ago but I have it now. I also am now addicted to the angry birds game. I have the regular version, space version, star wars version, and the seasonal version. It is a fun game.
Sometimes, I just wish I had the library like the one in Beauty and the Beast. I would have a lovely fireplace with big comfy chairs and tea. That to me would be the best thing ever.
I have just discovered Castle this season. I am a few seasons behind, but I do like the show. TNT do run re-runs of it several days a week so that is good. I also like their "Rizzoli and Isles" show too. I do hope they continue with that show. I really like the actresses that are in it. Anyways, I am not really up on what some of the new shows are or even some that have been on for a few years, like Castle.
Well, it is time to make some tea, watch a little TV, sometime in there eat a salad for dinner and eventually, go to bed.
I have just the usual week planned for the coming week except for the protime blood test. I think I missed the last test so I called and made an appointment for this week. I also have some other things that need to be tested from the arthritis doctor.
I love my nook. It has opened up a world of new authors for me. A lot of the books were free so that is even better. I wish I had gotten my nook a long time ago but I have it now. I also am now addicted to the angry birds game. I have the regular version, space version, star wars version, and the seasonal version. It is a fun game.
Sometimes, I just wish I had the library like the one in Beauty and the Beast. I would have a lovely fireplace with big comfy chairs and tea. That to me would be the best thing ever.
I have just discovered Castle this season. I am a few seasons behind, but I do like the show. TNT do run re-runs of it several days a week so that is good. I also like their "Rizzoli and Isles" show too. I do hope they continue with that show. I really like the actresses that are in it. Anyways, I am not really up on what some of the new shows are or even some that have been on for a few years, like Castle.
Well, it is time to make some tea, watch a little TV, sometime in there eat a salad for dinner and eventually, go to bed.
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Saturday 1-19
It was a lovely day. I had a few lessons early in the afternoon followed by a much needed nap. Sometimes, I think I sleep better during these midday naps. I am not sure what is up for tomorrow. I have Rick's lesson in the early afternoon, but other than that, I don't have any solid plans for the rest of the day. I will need to get stuff together for what I need for the week done and I should possibly vacuum the living room. I haven't done this yet since the tree came down on Saturday last week. I also need to get all of the christmas stuffed animals in a box and put in the family room. I am not sure where all of the Christmas stuff is going to go. I don't know if it would be best to put it in the crawl space or in the attic. Acer and Calli both want to go in the attic and in the crawl space. What sillies.
Natalie, Hannah, and Lydia will be stopping lessons for a while. They want to work on some stuff on their own. Patrick, their 7 year old brother, will be beginning lessons. I am excited for him to be starting. Sarah will be continuing her lessons. I have some music for the girls to play. I have ordered the music to les miz for the girls and for others too.
I would have to say it is a missing mom evening. Not in the crying and upset kind of night, just a I miss Mom night. I want to get out some pictures of the little lady and put them in one of the multisize photo frames. I have some pictures of when mom was about 3 and she was so adorable. She really was. Then I do have some other pictures of her as a pre-teen and a young teen. I love the picture of Mom when she was in the air force at 18 years old. It is simply very very very very very very beautiful. I am not sure how many pictures I will need for it as I have not purchased the frame yet. I am not sure, but I may have one in the spare room. I will look later. It is just one of the projects I plan to do this winter. I am so much like mom it is scary at times. Now I am the one with projects instead of Mom. Momma always had a project going on in the house. I also am planning some new clothing choices for summer and next fall. I am hoping that I will be well on my way with the weight loss. I am looking into making sure that I have the vitamins to help control the pain and perhaps work on weight loss. I am doing pretty well with eating healthy. I do need to do a bit better, but over all, it isn't bad. I am very interested in learning all about holistic healing and hope to merge the two. I don't think I will stop going with the traditional medicine, but combine the two and work in concert. No, I am not expecting anything like a miracle, just help with some of the headache pains and brain fog. The exhaustion and headaches are what get me the most. I do hope for some relief with the exhaustion.
It is time to read for a bit before bed.
Natalie, Hannah, and Lydia will be stopping lessons for a while. They want to work on some stuff on their own. Patrick, their 7 year old brother, will be beginning lessons. I am excited for him to be starting. Sarah will be continuing her lessons. I have some music for the girls to play. I have ordered the music to les miz for the girls and for others too.
I would have to say it is a missing mom evening. Not in the crying and upset kind of night, just a I miss Mom night. I want to get out some pictures of the little lady and put them in one of the multisize photo frames. I have some pictures of when mom was about 3 and she was so adorable. She really was. Then I do have some other pictures of her as a pre-teen and a young teen. I love the picture of Mom when she was in the air force at 18 years old. It is simply very very very very very very beautiful. I am not sure how many pictures I will need for it as I have not purchased the frame yet. I am not sure, but I may have one in the spare room. I will look later. It is just one of the projects I plan to do this winter. I am so much like mom it is scary at times. Now I am the one with projects instead of Mom. Momma always had a project going on in the house. I also am planning some new clothing choices for summer and next fall. I am hoping that I will be well on my way with the weight loss. I am looking into making sure that I have the vitamins to help control the pain and perhaps work on weight loss. I am doing pretty well with eating healthy. I do need to do a bit better, but over all, it isn't bad. I am very interested in learning all about holistic healing and hope to merge the two. I don't think I will stop going with the traditional medicine, but combine the two and work in concert. No, I am not expecting anything like a miracle, just help with some of the headache pains and brain fog. The exhaustion and headaches are what get me the most. I do hope for some relief with the exhaustion.
It is time to read for a bit before bed.
Friday, January 18, 2013
Friday 1/18
It has been a few days since I posted. Sometimes, it seems that time is drifting away from me. I am often a bit foggy during the day sometimes. I do have trouble with concentrating at times.
Today has been a medium to bad headache day. I hope tomorrow will be better. I don't have too many plans for the weekend. I plan to just have a good, low keyed weekend.
Acer had his lesson today. When he was working on his piano music, we talked about block and broken chords. He got the concept immediately, which does not surprise me as he usually only needs to be told once when it comes to music. So then we switched to his vocal lesson. He was warming up when he said that when I change the key of the warm up, it is a block chord and when he does his he he he exercise, it is a broken chord. He was right. That is exactly what we do. I should not have been as surprised as I was though since music is something he does understand right away. He is a very musical young man.
I am in the middle of rearranging the dining room. The desk is now on its way to the Muglia residence. I also had an old but still working scanner. Because I have a mac and I use the operating system 10, it is no longer compatible with the scanner. I am glad it went to a good home. My dining room table is slowly moving into the spot it belongs. I had the small folding table brought down from a bedroom upstairs so that my printers and DVD player would have something to sit on until the office is ready for them. I think that the girls will really be able to use these things so they can continue to create their artwork. I think they are very talented as does Star, who is their art teacher. I really I want to help my students reach their goals in life. I am hoping that I will have a movie marathon soon with the girls. On Monday, the girls brother, Patrick will be starting piano. He is very good at figuring out melodies on the piano. I am anxious to hear what he will be able to do. I also think that Patrick and Acer would be good to play duets together. We shall see how well he will do. Natalie will not be taking lessons right now. She would like to learn some stuff on her own. I told her it is not a problem. Hannah is not sure if she is going to or keep going. She and Natalie are at the point where they can play a lot of really hard songs. I do think that maybe they should do a bit more in theory, but overall, it is completely what they would like to do. I will still bring them music to play. We saw Les Miserables and I have ordered the music for them. I hope it is a piano solo version. I will find out when I get it. One has been sent so I should get it hopefully tomorrow.
I am going to read for a bit and then head for bed.
Today has been a medium to bad headache day. I hope tomorrow will be better. I don't have too many plans for the weekend. I plan to just have a good, low keyed weekend.
Acer had his lesson today. When he was working on his piano music, we talked about block and broken chords. He got the concept immediately, which does not surprise me as he usually only needs to be told once when it comes to music. So then we switched to his vocal lesson. He was warming up when he said that when I change the key of the warm up, it is a block chord and when he does his he he he exercise, it is a broken chord. He was right. That is exactly what we do. I should not have been as surprised as I was though since music is something he does understand right away. He is a very musical young man.
I am in the middle of rearranging the dining room. The desk is now on its way to the Muglia residence. I also had an old but still working scanner. Because I have a mac and I use the operating system 10, it is no longer compatible with the scanner. I am glad it went to a good home. My dining room table is slowly moving into the spot it belongs. I had the small folding table brought down from a bedroom upstairs so that my printers and DVD player would have something to sit on until the office is ready for them. I think that the girls will really be able to use these things so they can continue to create their artwork. I think they are very talented as does Star, who is their art teacher. I really I want to help my students reach their goals in life. I am hoping that I will have a movie marathon soon with the girls. On Monday, the girls brother, Patrick will be starting piano. He is very good at figuring out melodies on the piano. I am anxious to hear what he will be able to do. I also think that Patrick and Acer would be good to play duets together. We shall see how well he will do. Natalie will not be taking lessons right now. She would like to learn some stuff on her own. I told her it is not a problem. Hannah is not sure if she is going to or keep going. She and Natalie are at the point where they can play a lot of really hard songs. I do think that maybe they should do a bit more in theory, but overall, it is completely what they would like to do. I will still bring them music to play. We saw Les Miserables and I have ordered the music for them. I hope it is a piano solo version. I will find out when I get it. One has been sent so I should get it hopefully tomorrow.
I am going to read for a bit and then head for bed.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Monday 1-14
It has been a good day for visitors. My Aunt Michelle came over to see me and to pick up some packages. I had 2 lessons. Rachel and Isaac are doing very well. I am thankful that I can teach a bit. It gives me something to look forward to each day. That one hour or one and a half hour where the students are here really makes my day better.
My head was a bit more sore than usual today just like yesterday. I have noticed that the dry mouth I was having has stopped. I think it is because I dropped down the dosage of the headache medicine. I am also not having the visions that I was before so it is better all around. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to do more than what I can do right now. I am not sure, I don't focus on this, I just wonder every so often. I am trying to manage the symptoms better with vitamins and healthier food instead of just medicine. I take so many that it feels like I take a pharmacy of pills. I know that they help, but I would rather not take so much. At this point, I cannot stop taking any of them. I had thought about not taking the anxiety medicine, but then I realized that my anxiety is not as bad since I do take the medicine twice a day so it would not be in my best interest to not take it. I guess that is the same with a lot of people who take medicine. They think they are doing well and won't need the medicine. I have started taking vitamin D, a different dosage of iron (since the old one was not doing it's job enough), a vitamin just for eyes (I have macular degeneration), and calcium. I am looking at more natural supplements that may make it easier for me to take less medicine. I also am working on losing all this excess weight. I need to work on balance too since my balance is not so good. I get good giggles when I think how I used to dance everywhere. I was a very serious dancer when I was in my late teens and early to mid 20s. I loved dance so much. I was headed to Broadway until I got sidetracked with Fibro. Fortunately, my dance teacher started me teaching. Without that, it would have been worse. When we lost the music store, I wasn't sure I would ever be able to work again. I was a train wreck. I had stopped teaching for a while because I just couldn't do it. I know I will never be able to work retail again. However, as time passes it no longer bothers me. I am happy with what I do.
Well, time to read a bit, have a tea and then head for bed.
My head was a bit more sore than usual today just like yesterday. I have noticed that the dry mouth I was having has stopped. I think it is because I dropped down the dosage of the headache medicine. I am also not having the visions that I was before so it is better all around. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to do more than what I can do right now. I am not sure, I don't focus on this, I just wonder every so often. I am trying to manage the symptoms better with vitamins and healthier food instead of just medicine. I take so many that it feels like I take a pharmacy of pills. I know that they help, but I would rather not take so much. At this point, I cannot stop taking any of them. I had thought about not taking the anxiety medicine, but then I realized that my anxiety is not as bad since I do take the medicine twice a day so it would not be in my best interest to not take it. I guess that is the same with a lot of people who take medicine. They think they are doing well and won't need the medicine. I have started taking vitamin D, a different dosage of iron (since the old one was not doing it's job enough), a vitamin just for eyes (I have macular degeneration), and calcium. I am looking at more natural supplements that may make it easier for me to take less medicine. I also am working on losing all this excess weight. I need to work on balance too since my balance is not so good. I get good giggles when I think how I used to dance everywhere. I was a very serious dancer when I was in my late teens and early to mid 20s. I loved dance so much. I was headed to Broadway until I got sidetracked with Fibro. Fortunately, my dance teacher started me teaching. Without that, it would have been worse. When we lost the music store, I wasn't sure I would ever be able to work again. I was a train wreck. I had stopped teaching for a while because I just couldn't do it. I know I will never be able to work retail again. However, as time passes it no longer bothers me. I am happy with what I do.
Well, time to read a bit, have a tea and then head for bed.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
Sunday 1-13
My living room looks soooooo empty without the big Christmas tree in it. Acer and Calli came yesterday to help take everything down. They were here about 3 1/2 or so hours and we got the entire tree and many other decorations down and put away. Calli did most of it. Acer wanted to take down the garlands on the railings and he did a very good job doing it. My job was to cut bubble wrap so that Calli could wrap the ornaments and put them in the boxes. She did so well. The garlands and beads are all put away. I just have to vacuum the living room. I haven't done this yet. I will do it before lessons tomorrow. I was so wiped out last night after the kids went home. I went straight to bed. I was also really sore from it, which surprised me. I didn't expect that. I was really sore but after a night sleeping somewhat okay, I am back to the regular soreness.
Today was a quiet type of day. Rick had his lesson and is doing very well. We worked on adding pedal to one of the songs he is working on. After that I had to go to the pharmacy to pick up a refill. I also needed to pick up some vitamins and nighttime pain medicine. I think I got everything. I also picked up a few bananas for this week too. I am trying really hard to eat mostly fruits and vegetables instead of grains like bread and things like that. I am working very hard on this. I am also looking into alternatives for pain management and controlling the symptoms of everything I have. There has to be something out there that will help.
I really like my nook. I am so glad I have one now. I have about 80 or so books on it already. Many of them were free but I also received a lot of Barnes and Noble Gift Certificates for Christmas from both family and friends. I still have a really long wish list but hey, I can get to those after I read everything else. I have my favorite authors and some new ones that I haven't read yet. I love reading. I do have to wear reading glasses now (this is in addition to the lovely contacts I already wear) but since I didn't want bifocals, I will take the reading glasses. Kathy was right, the nook really expands the books that you read.
My Aunt Michelle and Uncle John will be coming either tonight or tomorrow to pick up a couple of packages and their Christmas presents. Because of what happened to their puppies right before Christmas, I have not seen her since. Peanut has come home and seems to be healing well. At this point, the vet is unsure whether or not that Peanut will need her little leg removed. Her pelvis is healing properly so no surgery needed to fix that. Peanut is so cute and so was Poppy. It seems that both Peanut and my aunt and uncle's other dog, Raven miss Poppy. Raven keeps looking for both of them. I do hope that 2013 is a much better year for them.
I have had a bad headache all day today. It doesn't seem like it is going down so far today. I can only hope it does by the time I head for bed. I hope tomorrow it won't be so bad tomorrow. I am not as sore as I was last night so I am really glad about that. Right now the boxes are in the family room. I will figure out where to put them later. I am not sure if they will go under the house or in the attic. It works where they are right now that is what counts. I am really pleased with how festive my house was for the Christmas Season. I still have to take down the pictures in the dining room. I forgot yesterday and I will do it tomorrow.
Well, I think it is time for a lovely tea and reading right now. I hope your evening is good too.
Today was a quiet type of day. Rick had his lesson and is doing very well. We worked on adding pedal to one of the songs he is working on. After that I had to go to the pharmacy to pick up a refill. I also needed to pick up some vitamins and nighttime pain medicine. I think I got everything. I also picked up a few bananas for this week too. I am trying really hard to eat mostly fruits and vegetables instead of grains like bread and things like that. I am working very hard on this. I am also looking into alternatives for pain management and controlling the symptoms of everything I have. There has to be something out there that will help.
I really like my nook. I am so glad I have one now. I have about 80 or so books on it already. Many of them were free but I also received a lot of Barnes and Noble Gift Certificates for Christmas from both family and friends. I still have a really long wish list but hey, I can get to those after I read everything else. I have my favorite authors and some new ones that I haven't read yet. I love reading. I do have to wear reading glasses now (this is in addition to the lovely contacts I already wear) but since I didn't want bifocals, I will take the reading glasses. Kathy was right, the nook really expands the books that you read.
My Aunt Michelle and Uncle John will be coming either tonight or tomorrow to pick up a couple of packages and their Christmas presents. Because of what happened to their puppies right before Christmas, I have not seen her since. Peanut has come home and seems to be healing well. At this point, the vet is unsure whether or not that Peanut will need her little leg removed. Her pelvis is healing properly so no surgery needed to fix that. Peanut is so cute and so was Poppy. It seems that both Peanut and my aunt and uncle's other dog, Raven miss Poppy. Raven keeps looking for both of them. I do hope that 2013 is a much better year for them.
I have had a bad headache all day today. It doesn't seem like it is going down so far today. I can only hope it does by the time I head for bed. I hope tomorrow it won't be so bad tomorrow. I am not as sore as I was last night so I am really glad about that. Right now the boxes are in the family room. I will figure out where to put them later. I am not sure if they will go under the house or in the attic. It works where they are right now that is what counts. I am really pleased with how festive my house was for the Christmas Season. I still have to take down the pictures in the dining room. I forgot yesterday and I will do it tomorrow.
Well, I think it is time for a lovely tea and reading right now. I hope your evening is good too.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
midweek! 1-9
I am getting back into the swing of things (well, sort of). I have 2 lessons tomorrow and I believe that is all. Faith is such a good student. She lives down the road from me and her family are very good neighbors. I would say that many of the neighbors in my subdivision are very good neighbors. I also do get a small thrill to just go down the stairs to the living room to teach. So much easier than going out to a studio or people's house. With the health issues, it wouldn't really be possible to do that at this point. It is easier also because if I need something, I have it in the house. Also, if students are absent or don't show up, I am already home so that is good. Although, I don't have too many just not show up. Usually, all my students let me know they are going to be absent.
I am doing pretty well with the eating healthy. I really feel better, not necessarily physically better, but a better frame of mind when I eat better. I still have been having a problem with the lightheadedness. I get light headed so easy. I know part of it is the medicine. I am hoping that in the future that I won't need so much medicine. I am looking at trying to control pain with vitamins and such. I have read that when we have vitamin deficiencies that it can cause more symptoms of fibro and everything that goes with it. The bruise on my calf is getting better. The red spot isn't too hot anymore so I know it is not a blood clot. I think the danger of the blood clot is over. I am hoping so at least. The center of the bruise is still hard like a lump. I don't really know how long it will take to go away, but it does get better everyday. It just feels weird and is still swollen. Then again, my legs, feet, and hands are often swollen. I don't know why, they just are.
My headache is doing about the same. It is bad in the morning and in the evening but during the afternoon it isn't so bad. At this point, I expect when I see Dr. Rossi again we will probably change to a different medicine since at the higher doses caused me to hallucinate and the lower dose doesn't work too well. I mean, it IS better than nothing, but not as well as I know she would like it to work. It is nice to work with a doctor who's goal for me is to not have an everyday headache. I look forward to that day too. I can't remember what it is like to not have a headache of some sort. Yes, sometimes I am able to ignore it because I am so used to it. I used to think that it was just a part of fibro and I had to just learn how to live with it like everything else. Maybe I won't have to just learn to live with it. I have noticed that when I am sitting or lying down, I don't have a problem with light headedness, only when I am standing or walking. I am not sure what that really means except that I am light headed when I stand or walking. I do know that one of the side effects of some of the medicine is light headedness or dizziness so I don't really think it is anything to worry about.
I am hoping that this weekend, I will have some help taking down the Christmas tree and the decorations. Acer has expressed interest in helping. He wants to take down the decorations that are on the railings in the hallways. It depends on whether or not Calli has homework or goalball to know if she can help too. I think if I just do a bit everyday, then it won't be such a huge job. The tree is about 5 or so feet and completely covered in decorations and I mean completely. I don't think there is any branch that doesn't have at least 1 ornament and some even have 2 or 3 ornaments on the branch. I would have to say that the kids did an amazing job decorating. Everything looked so festive and beautiful.
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Tuesday 1-8
I had a new student tonight, Nick. He is in 8th grade and very musical. So far, I have had 3 new students. Of course, this balances out the 5 that have stopped lessons at this time. You have to be super flexible for teaching and realize that changes can be made from one week to the next. Nothing is written in stone, so to speak. I am thankful that it usually evens out eventually.
Kathy's birthday will be on Thursday. She will be 45. I will be 45 in April. It is so strange at times, this passing of life. I don't feel 45 or even have a clue of how a 45 year old even feels. My spirit hasn't gotten any older than how I felt when I was young and much more carefree. However, I must confess that my physical body feels very, very, very old at times. I think everyone has moments with feeling old and feeling young.
I have no memory of actually meeting Kathy, none at all. I also cannot remember a time when we were not friends outside of childhood arguments and such typical behavior. However, our friendship has lasted the test of time. From what our parents have told us, Kathy and I met in our church Sunday School. Both my mother and her parents say that we met around 3 years old. When I was 5 and starting Kindergarten, Mom said that it was thanks to Kathy being in the same class as me that saved her from a major meltdown from me. Mom had talked to me about Kindergarten and what I would be doing, she neglected to tell me I had to stay in school all morning. See, I thought you went to school, got your work and then went home to do your work with Mom. I was about to start the meltdown when Mom pointed out that Kathy was in my class and there was an empty seat right next to her. I sat next to her for the rest of the day and for the rest of the year. It was good that we ended up at the same school since we saw each other a lot. We had many play dates as children. Kathy and I would play games, read, listen to music, and everything else two young girls would do. I remember in 6th grade I got very angry at Kathy, I remember a bit about it but not really. I do remember that in band she and I were sent into the practice room to work our disagreement. I think it took a while to get over it. I don't remember too much about it but I do know that talking to Mom made it okay and then Kathy and I were fine again. I think that was the longest time we were upset and angry with each other. I also remember when she got married. I was so excited for her. Kathy was so exhausted by time the wedding day arrived that I think I was a bit more bouncing off the walls than she was. It was a glorious day. I also remember the day I met each of her children. Being an aunt is a great thing and I am glad that she considers me a part of her family. Her children are the light of my life as is many of my students are.
This afternoon, I was checking facebook and I suddenly couldn't remember what day it was. I was totally freaked for a few minutes as I thought I missed Kathy's birthday. I quickly checked my planner for the date and realized that no, Thursday will be her birthday, not today.
I am watching NCIS. Oh my, this was a really good episode. It is a very sad one too since Vance's wife dies as well as Ziva's father. NCIS Los Angeles will be on after this one.
My leg hurts more today than it did on Tuesday. The bruised parts are a bit better as in they are not bright red like they had been. It just hurts all up and down the leg. I hope it will be better tomorrow. My headache is going back down to the regular one. I am also more light headed today than usual. I am sure it isn't anything serious. I am not up for anything serious with everything that is going on.
Ooh, it is time for NCIS Los Angeles.
Kathy's birthday will be on Thursday. She will be 45. I will be 45 in April. It is so strange at times, this passing of life. I don't feel 45 or even have a clue of how a 45 year old even feels. My spirit hasn't gotten any older than how I felt when I was young and much more carefree. However, I must confess that my physical body feels very, very, very old at times. I think everyone has moments with feeling old and feeling young.
I have no memory of actually meeting Kathy, none at all. I also cannot remember a time when we were not friends outside of childhood arguments and such typical behavior. However, our friendship has lasted the test of time. From what our parents have told us, Kathy and I met in our church Sunday School. Both my mother and her parents say that we met around 3 years old. When I was 5 and starting Kindergarten, Mom said that it was thanks to Kathy being in the same class as me that saved her from a major meltdown from me. Mom had talked to me about Kindergarten and what I would be doing, she neglected to tell me I had to stay in school all morning. See, I thought you went to school, got your work and then went home to do your work with Mom. I was about to start the meltdown when Mom pointed out that Kathy was in my class and there was an empty seat right next to her. I sat next to her for the rest of the day and for the rest of the year. It was good that we ended up at the same school since we saw each other a lot. We had many play dates as children. Kathy and I would play games, read, listen to music, and everything else two young girls would do. I remember in 6th grade I got very angry at Kathy, I remember a bit about it but not really. I do remember that in band she and I were sent into the practice room to work our disagreement. I think it took a while to get over it. I don't remember too much about it but I do know that talking to Mom made it okay and then Kathy and I were fine again. I think that was the longest time we were upset and angry with each other. I also remember when she got married. I was so excited for her. Kathy was so exhausted by time the wedding day arrived that I think I was a bit more bouncing off the walls than she was. It was a glorious day. I also remember the day I met each of her children. Being an aunt is a great thing and I am glad that she considers me a part of her family. Her children are the light of my life as is many of my students are.
This afternoon, I was checking facebook and I suddenly couldn't remember what day it was. I was totally freaked for a few minutes as I thought I missed Kathy's birthday. I quickly checked my planner for the date and realized that no, Thursday will be her birthday, not today.
I am watching NCIS. Oh my, this was a really good episode. It is a very sad one too since Vance's wife dies as well as Ziva's father. NCIS Los Angeles will be on after this one.
My leg hurts more today than it did on Tuesday. The bruised parts are a bit better as in they are not bright red like they had been. It just hurts all up and down the leg. I hope it will be better tomorrow. My headache is going back down to the regular one. I am also more light headed today than usual. I am sure it isn't anything serious. I am not up for anything serious with everything that is going on.
Ooh, it is time for NCIS Los Angeles.
Monday, January 7, 2013
The Start of the First Full Week of January 1-7
I turned in all the competition stuff on Saturday. I mailed the checks from the parents on Saturday too. I have to mail my dues tomorrow. I sent in the form, I just need to mail the check.
I had new songs for Isaac all copied and put in sheet protectors. I was looking through the Musical Theatre book for young men and I found a couple of songs that I thought were perfect for Isaac. I got the music ready and when he arrived, his music was ready for him. My wild boys, Rahul and Sammy, had their lessons and boy were they both a bit too much on the wild side. I hope next week will be better for the young men. Rachel did very well at her lesson today. She is one of the sweetest girls EVER. She works very hard and she seems to really like piano. I am pleased with her progress.
A couple of my students are stopping lessons for now. I have a few new ones starting this week. It sure balances out the ones quitting with the new ones so it works out well.
Other than a few lessons, my day was rather quiet. I have several books on my nook. I received several Barnes and Noble gift cards. Of course, at this time, they have all been used. I love my nook. I like some of the games that is on there too. I really like the angry bird ones. They are crazy but I do like them.
On Sunday I saw Les Miserables again. I wanted to see it with my lovely girls so I called earlier in the week to see when they were available to see the movie. I also called Star and asked if she was interested too. When Natalie had her lesson, I asked if she was interested in going also. Natalie said yes so we had 2 Natalies on Sunday. The six of us then went to get ice cream after the movie. It was a lovely way to spend the day. When I dropped the Muglia girls off and Star off, I came home and relaxed before heading to bed. Natalie Z seemed to really get along well with the Muglia girls and with Star. I hope there is another movie or event that we can do together again.
I am planning to start taking the decorations off the Christmas tree this week. Acer would like to help. He said so. Maybe on Saturday Acer will be able to come over and help me take them down. I also have to remember to take the decorations off of the top of the other piano too. Somehow, last year, that didn't happen. Whoops! I will take them down this year. Rahul and Sammy want to use that piano next week. Acer also likes that piano better than the one we are currently using. I have to get both pianos tuned sometime this winter. They are completely out of tune, not at all, it is just it is time to tune them so they won't go out of tune.
I am watching Castle right now. I haven't seen too many of them yet, but I do like them a lot. There wasn't anything else on the TV one night so I put TNT on and Castle was on. I watched a couple of episodes and discovered that I liked it. So on Monday nights on ABC are the current season episodes and the episodes shown on TNT are re-runs.
I hope tomorrow is a less pain day for everyone!
I had new songs for Isaac all copied and put in sheet protectors. I was looking through the Musical Theatre book for young men and I found a couple of songs that I thought were perfect for Isaac. I got the music ready and when he arrived, his music was ready for him. My wild boys, Rahul and Sammy, had their lessons and boy were they both a bit too much on the wild side. I hope next week will be better for the young men. Rachel did very well at her lesson today. She is one of the sweetest girls EVER. She works very hard and she seems to really like piano. I am pleased with her progress.
A couple of my students are stopping lessons for now. I have a few new ones starting this week. It sure balances out the ones quitting with the new ones so it works out well.
Other than a few lessons, my day was rather quiet. I have several books on my nook. I received several Barnes and Noble gift cards. Of course, at this time, they have all been used. I love my nook. I like some of the games that is on there too. I really like the angry bird ones. They are crazy but I do like them.
On Sunday I saw Les Miserables again. I wanted to see it with my lovely girls so I called earlier in the week to see when they were available to see the movie. I also called Star and asked if she was interested too. When Natalie had her lesson, I asked if she was interested in going also. Natalie said yes so we had 2 Natalies on Sunday. The six of us then went to get ice cream after the movie. It was a lovely way to spend the day. When I dropped the Muglia girls off and Star off, I came home and relaxed before heading to bed. Natalie Z seemed to really get along well with the Muglia girls and with Star. I hope there is another movie or event that we can do together again.
I am planning to start taking the decorations off the Christmas tree this week. Acer would like to help. He said so. Maybe on Saturday Acer will be able to come over and help me take them down. I also have to remember to take the decorations off of the top of the other piano too. Somehow, last year, that didn't happen. Whoops! I will take them down this year. Rahul and Sammy want to use that piano next week. Acer also likes that piano better than the one we are currently using. I have to get both pianos tuned sometime this winter. They are completely out of tune, not at all, it is just it is time to tune them so they won't go out of tune.
I am watching Castle right now. I haven't seen too many of them yet, but I do like them a lot. There wasn't anything else on the TV one night so I put TNT on and Castle was on. I watched a couple of episodes and discovered that I liked it. So on Monday nights on ABC are the current season episodes and the episodes shown on TNT are re-runs.
I hope tomorrow is a less pain day for everyone!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
A Blast from the Past 1-5
I received a call a while ago. It was from a friend who I have not actually seen or talked to in about 20 or so years. Her name is Amy. She and I danced at the same dance studio. We were both teachers there as well as her twin sister, Andrea. I spent about 9 years at the studio both as a teacher and a student. I didn't start dance until I was 16 right after I had my surgery and recovered for a year. I could not dance or twist or anything like that until I fully recovered. It took a year and I finished my year on December 8. I began taking dance the next month. I loved it right away. I took dance because I wanted to be on Broadway and you definitely needed to learn how to dance. I started teaching vocal at 18, right after I graduated from High School.
I went to the studio that day to sign up for the dance classes. Karen, the owner and director of the studio handed me a schedule. She said that these are the people who are signing up for voice lessons. I was like, what? I had a few students later that week. I think I floated from week to week until about Christmas. I was so stressed about teaching that I want to quit. I never wanted to be a teacher in the first place. I was talking to my mom and she asked me for my lesson plans. I looked at her and said, what lesson plans. Mom was shocked so she taught me how to write lesson plans. This helped a lot. After the first year, I got a better hang of teaching and that helped. It also helped that I was learning how to teach and things like that in school.
I am now very thankful that Karen did what she did as I got very sick and had to drop out of a national tour. Unfortunately, I have never been healthy enough to do any professional performing. I was surprised that after I learned how to plan lessons that I really did enjoy the lessons. For the first 2 years of teaching voice, mom would help me go over what the goals were for each lesson. When I was about 20 or 21, I was hired to start teaching piano. I was very nervous because I had only played for a couple of years. However, the lady at the store who hired me had much more faith in me than I did. I got the beginners books and went through them to see how to approach the music. I think I was the only music major who was excited about taking piano. We didn't have one at home. I had to go to school to practice both piano and voice. It was like that when I went to Macomb and also when I went to Wayne State University.
It really is thanks to Mom that I didn't quit teaching. Now, I know all the piano books so well that I no longer need to write down a lesson plan. The closest thing to that is to write what other music the student will be learning. It is the same thing with the vocal students. Mom was so proud that I was a teacher. When my brothers would ask mom if I was ever going to get a "real" job. Mom's comment was she has a "real" job. It used to drive my brothers crazy for some reason.
Once I started buying music for students and for myself, Mom decided that I needed to organize my music better. She spent Saturday mornings for several months creating my data base. She not only would put the name of the book in, but also listed all the songs that were in the book, who wrote or arranged the songs and what level the music was in. I am so grateful that she did that. On Sundays, Mom would ask me what songs I would need for the week. Yes, I know, talk about spoiled! All I had to do was write the name of the song, who composed it, and the level and she would pull them for me. She would also check back in all the books that I had received back.
It was such a great system. Yes, I still use it. I am not totally up on all my music being listed but I am close. I no longer loan out a lot of the original music because I have had many pieces disappear over the years. Students quit and never return my music. Now, I copy a lot of it for the student and then they use the original for competitions and concerts. Because I am a teacher, I am allowed, by law, to make one copy per student to be used as a teaching tool. I bring all the original music to the events so that we have it.
Sometimes it makes me sad to see her handwriting on the tags and most of the time it makes me smile. I think one of my worst fears is that I will forget mom. I know that it is not a reasonable fear, but I still do worry about it. I am not as organized as my mom but I am learning to be. I am also working on being a better money manager like mom was. I am a lot like my mom except to when it comes to money. For some reason, I used to be so much more materialistic than I am now. Now, I want to have the relationships instead of the things.
Well, it is time to read for a bit. I am hoping that Amy will message me back so we can go and hang out.
I went to the studio that day to sign up for the dance classes. Karen, the owner and director of the studio handed me a schedule. She said that these are the people who are signing up for voice lessons. I was like, what? I had a few students later that week. I think I floated from week to week until about Christmas. I was so stressed about teaching that I want to quit. I never wanted to be a teacher in the first place. I was talking to my mom and she asked me for my lesson plans. I looked at her and said, what lesson plans. Mom was shocked so she taught me how to write lesson plans. This helped a lot. After the first year, I got a better hang of teaching and that helped. It also helped that I was learning how to teach and things like that in school.
I am now very thankful that Karen did what she did as I got very sick and had to drop out of a national tour. Unfortunately, I have never been healthy enough to do any professional performing. I was surprised that after I learned how to plan lessons that I really did enjoy the lessons. For the first 2 years of teaching voice, mom would help me go over what the goals were for each lesson. When I was about 20 or 21, I was hired to start teaching piano. I was very nervous because I had only played for a couple of years. However, the lady at the store who hired me had much more faith in me than I did. I got the beginners books and went through them to see how to approach the music. I think I was the only music major who was excited about taking piano. We didn't have one at home. I had to go to school to practice both piano and voice. It was like that when I went to Macomb and also when I went to Wayne State University.
It really is thanks to Mom that I didn't quit teaching. Now, I know all the piano books so well that I no longer need to write down a lesson plan. The closest thing to that is to write what other music the student will be learning. It is the same thing with the vocal students. Mom was so proud that I was a teacher. When my brothers would ask mom if I was ever going to get a "real" job. Mom's comment was she has a "real" job. It used to drive my brothers crazy for some reason.
Once I started buying music for students and for myself, Mom decided that I needed to organize my music better. She spent Saturday mornings for several months creating my data base. She not only would put the name of the book in, but also listed all the songs that were in the book, who wrote or arranged the songs and what level the music was in. I am so grateful that she did that. On Sundays, Mom would ask me what songs I would need for the week. Yes, I know, talk about spoiled! All I had to do was write the name of the song, who composed it, and the level and she would pull them for me. She would also check back in all the books that I had received back.
It was such a great system. Yes, I still use it. I am not totally up on all my music being listed but I am close. I no longer loan out a lot of the original music because I have had many pieces disappear over the years. Students quit and never return my music. Now, I copy a lot of it for the student and then they use the original for competitions and concerts. Because I am a teacher, I am allowed, by law, to make one copy per student to be used as a teaching tool. I bring all the original music to the events so that we have it.
Sometimes it makes me sad to see her handwriting on the tags and most of the time it makes me smile. I think one of my worst fears is that I will forget mom. I know that it is not a reasonable fear, but I still do worry about it. I am not as organized as my mom but I am learning to be. I am also working on being a better money manager like mom was. I am a lot like my mom except to when it comes to money. For some reason, I used to be so much more materialistic than I am now. Now, I want to have the relationships instead of the things.
Well, it is time to read for a bit. I am hoping that Amy will message me back so we can go and hang out.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Friday 1-4
It has been a pretty quiet day. I had 2 lessons, Emily and Natalie. Emily is in level 3 now and she is doing very well. She is a very sweet girl. Natalie is 12 and will be going to competition for the first time. She is very nervous about competition. 3 of the Muglia girls (Hannah, Lydia, and Natalie), Star, and Natalie will be going with me to see Les Miserables. Star and I have already seen it but we both loved it so much that we will see it again. After that we will go and get ice cream for the girls. I am hoping that Star will be able to calm so of the fears that Natalie has. She is very nervous. I think at times that Natalie is so hard on herself that she sets herself up for failure. I am hoping that after she speaks with Star that she will be okay and not so nervous.
Calli and Acer will most likely have their lessons tomorrow. Acer is working on the Minuet in G by Bach for piano and Be Kind to Your Parents for singing. He is a cutie. I had hoped that Calli would have been able to join us, but there is a family event so no Calli for the afternoon. I hope to have her come with me and keep me company while I pick up a few things at the store. I don't have too much, just a few things, but we have a good time when we shop together. It will also be the first time Q would be coming with us. It should be a good time. I am looking forward to it.
I am getting pretty tired so I am going to read for a bit before heading to bed. I have 3 new students tomorrow!
Calli and Acer will most likely have their lessons tomorrow. Acer is working on the Minuet in G by Bach for piano and Be Kind to Your Parents for singing. He is a cutie. I had hoped that Calli would have been able to join us, but there is a family event so no Calli for the afternoon. I hope to have her come with me and keep me company while I pick up a few things at the store. I don't have too much, just a few things, but we have a good time when we shop together. It will also be the first time Q would be coming with us. It should be a good time. I am looking forward to it.
I am getting pretty tired so I am going to read for a bit before heading to bed. I have 3 new students tomorrow!
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