Play Your Part

Music and Music Therapy Helps Teen Fair Victim Rebuild

2011-09-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

I came across this post today and thought I would share it. It's about a teenager who became paralyzed after the Indiana Fair accident before a concert.

Click HERE to read the article.

I think it is important that hospitals nationwide offer music therapy in hopes to connect with a patient, make them smile, and make them feel worthy.

My New Job

2011-09-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

I am very excited to announce that I have been offered a full-time music therapy job (with benefits!) at a facility in Irvine. Let me tell you the story of how I created this job opportunity for myself...

My job search started in late July, early August. I really wanted to wait until we were settled back in California to start the search, mostly because it is so time consuming. Once I finally started looking online, there were no music therapy postings anywhere. Uh oh. No need to panic, I signed up as a TakeLessons instructor, got a contract for a company down in San Juan Capistrano, and a contract for the Children's Music Fund. By no means was this going to pay the bills.

I started searching Craigslist and came across numerous companies hiring for speech therapists, behavior therapists and occupational therapists. Unfortunately, and obviously, I didn't qualify. However, a thought came across my mind. Why not offer my services to these companies that offer amazing therapies that go hand in hand with what I do? I had to be creative. And that's what I did. I emailed various companies in the Orange County area offering music therapy. I included a cover letter, resume, recommendation letters...the whole shebang.

You know what? It worked. All it took was one hit (and several interviews and meetings) and now I have a full-time job.

I will be working as a music therapist for a facility that offers speech, occupational and behavioral therapies. I am starting from nothing, starting a program I have always wanted to start, fulfilling my dream on someone else's dime. And most importantly, I will be working with kids with Autism, making a difference one smile at a time.

Update 4: "The Next Chapter"

2011-09-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I talked about music therapy on this "music therapy" blog of mine. Ending my job in Cincinnati back in June allowed me to have a nice summer of traveling, moving, and getting settled in Southern California. Many things have happened since the traveling stopped.

We moved to Orange, California. Our new home is right across the street from this place, 2 miles from this place, and 4 miles from this place . Yay!

We got a puppy! We rescued a 4-month old MaltiPoo named Poppy and have fallen in love! Caring for a puppy is a full-time job in and of itself! Phew!

Poppy the puppy

The next big announcement is: I got a job! I can't wait to tell you all about it in the next post.

Update 3: Vegas!

2011-09-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

Our last stop on our long trek back to California was Vegas. We love Vegas, but someone has made Vegas even more exciting, and that is Teren's best friend, RCorry. He moved out there in March to start working for the Smith Center. Hubby and I were very excited to see him and Rachel in Vegas, catch up, gamble, sun bathe, and shop. To our surprise, our friends Trent, Amanda and Jeff were there, too! Sneaky RCorry.

Jeff and me (that was a very nice bathrobe)

The girls!

The boys!

All of us in the elevator

Up next: "The Next Chapter"

Update 2: Wisconsin for 4th of July

2011-08-31T14:37:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin was our first stop on our long haul from Cincinnati to California. You may be wondering...why Wisconsin? It's not really the most direct way...

Well, I have family there! We spent the 4th of July with my Grandma (who is 93!), Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. We had a blast! My family is from a little town called Hazel Green, Wisconsin (located in the south west corner). We spent the 4th on the Mississippi, at a parade, and at a local town, Shullsburg.

At the parade!

Teren and Layla on the Mississippi

Fireworks in Shullsburg

My Grandma with her great grandchild (my cousin's son)

I love the 4th of July :)

Update 1: Caribbean Cruise

2011-08-25T09:32:00.000-07:00

On my last post found here, I talked about things that I was excited about. The first one was my family's Caribbean Cruise.

We had an amazing time (to say the least). We enjoyed Royal Caribbean's "Oasis of the Seas" boat and went to Haiti, Jamaica, and Cozumel. Take a look at some of our pictures!

On the "Boardwalk"

My hubby and me at dinner

Musicians on Labadee, Haiti

The gang in Haiti

My brother and our tour guide in Falmouth, Jamaica

My mom and dad - love them :)

Hubby, Mom and Me

Here's to the first of many updates that will be coming soon! Lot's to catch you all up on!

Tomorrow's My Last Day at MTS

2011-06-20T12:25:00.001-07:00

Well, I've survived my countdown, to say the least. Tomorrow is my last day at MTS and I have mixed feelings.

Things I'm excited for:
Seeing my family next week for a Caribbean Cruise!
Seeing family in Wisconsin for July 4th.
Seeing RCorry and Rachel in Vegas!
Moving back to California and starting "the next chapter" of our lives.

Things I'm not excited for:
Saying my final goodbyes tomorrow at work.
Leaving my first 'real' job.
Leaving my/our friends in Cincinnati.

Here are pictures from the rest of Teren's graduation week!

Teren and his parents: Rande and Adrienne

Adie, Aunt Robby (Rande's Sister), Me, and Ronna (Rande's Sister) Dinner at La Poste

Uncle Henry (Ronna's Hubby), Teren, and Rande

Family Fun!

2011-06-10T20:39:00.001-07:00

Don't have too much time to blog today/this week as my family has been in town. Today was Teren's first graduation ceremony (the lonnggg one) that honored "Doctoral Hooding and Masters Recognition."

Hubby made it on the jumbo tron!

Tomorrow will be the All-CCM graduation and hopefully will be more intimate.

We are eating tons, laughing a lot, and making up for lost time!

Teren and Me at lunch at Montgomery Inn

Me, Ronna and Robby waiting in the car until we could be seated at Terry's Turf.

Adie, Teren, Me and Rande at Terry's Turf

More pictures to come! Have a great weekend, everyone!

The Countdown Begins

2011-06-05T13:38:00.000-07:00

I'm a big countdown person. Once I know how many days until something occurs, I find it easier to make it through the days and then have something to look forward to. It's just how I work and how I get myself motivated.

Yesterday was my last day working with my groups and clients on Saturdays. Parents brought in two thoughtful and beautiful bouquets, a lotion gift set, cards, and hugs.

Flowers from my clients

So, here's my work countdown until my last day of work!

3 more Tuesdays
1 more Wednesday
2 more Thursdays

This Wednesday my In-laws and some extended family come into town for my husband's Masters Graduation from CCM. We actually moved to Cincinnati after our July 2009 wedding for him to pursue his Masters in Orchestral Conducting from CCM and now he is finally done! I'm so proud of him!

My in-laws and us at our wedding

I am looking forward to spending time with our family, packing up our apartment, and moving on to California!

3 Things...

2011-06-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

...You Must Tell Your Client Before You Say "Goodbye" for Good.

In my last post about Termination, I discussed the five steps needed to make termination successful for both the client and yourself. Today I will discuss the three things you must tell your client before your final goodbye.

1. Appreciation
Tell them why you appreciate them. What you've done together, how much fun you've had together, why they're such a great musician, etc.

2. Regrets
Of course I wish I could spend more time with all of my clients! But, unfortunately, that is not the case. Tell your client something you regret. "I wish we could have worked some more on your guitar because you are sounding really good." "I was really looking forward to getting to know you better."

3. Gift/Wish
Wish something to your client. For example, "My wish for you is that you continue to spread music and joy to all those that hear you sing." or "I hope that you always remember me when you sing our favorite song, and remember that when I sing it, I'll always think of you, too." If you've made CD's, DVD's or projects, the last session is the perfect time to present them with this.

Some of my last sessions are this coming Saturday and this next week. I am preparing videos, photo slide shows, hand written notes to each and every client, and a Donut party for my Saturday morning groups.

Do you have any traditions for your last sessions with clients?

Spread the Word...

2011-05-28T12:31:00.000-07:00

...to end the Word.

It's a serious matter. Help me spread the word to end the word.

The 5 Steps to a Successful Termination

2011-05-27T11:35:00.000-07:00

As my last day at Music Therapy Services is quickly approaching, (June 21st) I have already started the termination process with my clients. Here are the 5 steps to make the termination process a success:

1. Announce it is going to end
This is the reason why it's ending. In my case, I'm moving. Make sure you, as a therapist, are emotionally ready and stable to let your clients know. Feelings will come up*.
2. Set a time frame
How many more sessions will the client/group have with you? Perhaps hand out calendars or make a visual aide depending on how they process information. I gave some of my older clients iCalendars with a countdown (ie. Two weeks left, one week left, last music together). During sessions with some of my younger clients, I use a picture schedule, with a picture of me for each week remaining.
3. Have a Plan
How will we use the remaining time together? Do we need to change our expectations of each other? What sorts of interventions should be implemented in the last several weeks?
4. Review what our goals have been
What sorts of goals and objectives have we been focusing on? Have they been successful? Should they be updated in order to meet that goal within the allotted time frame?
5. Plan new music opportunities for the rest of your time together
Plan and schedule interventions that will allow for closure. Maybe an intervention that allows a 'gift' to be provided after you go your separate ways. Things such as CD's, music videos, DVD's, recordings, song-writing interventions are always appropriate. Your final session is when you say your final goodbyes and present a 'gift' to your client.

* Identify and Express Feelings: Whether this be verbally or musically. Hopefully you have spent enough time with your client that you are able to identify signs of anger, denial, sadness, frustration. If unable to verbally express, plan interventions that will allow expression through music (drum improvisation, music listening, song writing, drawing/coloring to music, etc).

*Encourage and Empower the client: Let them know they'll be okay on their own, without you. If possible, always refer your clients to another music therapist, and process the transition with them. If not, let them know that although we won't be seeing each other, we will always remember the times we've had together. This is where the 'gift' makes it easier for a younger client.

Next post I'll discuss the three things you should tell your client before you say goodbye.

A Beautiful Goodbye

2011-05-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

May and June always seem like the start of the goodbyes, or the endings. To start, we have TV show's season finales, where we'll all have to wait until next fall to see what happens to our favorite characters. Probably the biggest goodbye on TV this week was Oprah's last and final episode...her show ran for 25 years. American Idol and Dancing with the Stars also announced their winners.

And in my case, I have been announcing to all of my clients that I will soon be leaving. It definitely isn't the easiest thing I've had to do. Within music therapy, the process of termination is so important. When done correctly, the client and music therapist can have a sense of closure, can reflect on their time spent together, and can hope for something together for the future.

When I told one of my clients I was moving to California, after the initial shock, I asked him how he felt. He said, "Well, I guess I'll get a new music therapist (then he paused) but just because I won't see you doesn't mean we can't still keep in touch." I definitely agreed and commended him for being so mature about the whole situation (he's 10). He then went into an in depth discussion about the best way to contact him LOL! I definitely wasn't prepared by this reaction, but was pleasantly surprised, and once again I learned something from a client.

In my next post, I'll talk about the appropriate steps for termination.

Art

2011-05-24T09:18:00.001-07:00

Well, duh.

Source: misterrwc

Bella's Birthday Bash

2011-05-21T06:32:00.000-07:00

Today is Bella's Birthday Bash in Orange County, CA. I honestly wish I could be in CA right now so that I can attend this huge party to remember Bella, who passed away in October from complications during her EB treatment.

If you aren't following Bella's Blessings, please check out Tim and Ang's blog to see how you can help.

Tim has also started a texting campaign. Tim says:

Remember, you can donate $5 simply by texting BELLA to 50555. Easy, right?

As I leave you today, here is a video of Bella and Ali partaking in some pilates!

Happy Saturday!

A Little About Me, A Little About You

2011-05-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

I've just recently begun this whole blog and twitter thing...and as I become to start to make relationships with other bloggers and tweeters (?) I find that it is very impersonal. That being said, JoAnn Jordan posted this after seeing this from Michelle Erfurt.

So, if you're interested in learning more about me, continue reading!

A picture of my husband and me circa 2009

* Making: An outline for a "Career Day" presentation I'm giving at one of my best friend's school, Summit Academy, 8th grade class.
* Cooking: Nothing right now, but will be making chicken stir fry with brown rice and edamame for my husband tonight for [his Birthday] dinner!
* Drinking: Sparkling Raspberry flavored water.
* Reading: "Music Therapy in Pediatric Medicine" by David E. Wolfe and Eric G. Waldon. I'm putting together a proposal for music therapy in a pediatric medical setting, focusing on children with epilepsy and those undergoing radical brain surgery. Dr. Wolfe was a mentor of mine at Chapman University.
* Wanting: To get home to my hubby.
* Looking: Outside at the sunshine. It is finally not raining!
* Playing: Nothing. But thinking of Adele's 21 album.
* Wasting: Time.
* Wishing: To be on a Caribbean cruise with my family (only 5 weeks).
* Enjoying: The quiet morning, painting this. It's almost done, Ryan.
* Waiting: For the day we arrive back in CA! June 10th or 11th!
* Liking: The way my hair looks today.
* Wondering: What the future holds in terms of my career.
* Loving: The warmer weather.
* Hoping: To one day own my own private music therapy practice.
* Marveling: At the change I'm going through, the change my family is going through.
* Needing: Nothing in particular.
* Smelling: My baked Doritos. nom nom.
* Wearing: Flip flops (yay) khakis and a pink ruffly top.
* Following: American Idol.
* Noticing: The clock ticking.
* Knowing: I will be missed at my current job.
* Thinking: I should get back to work.
* Opening: My husband may be opening birthday cards. Me, nothing :)
* Giggling: At my husband for freaking out about turning 25!
* Feeling: Content.

Google Chrome

2011-05-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

What a great advertisement Google has just come up with promoting "Google Chrome." The first thing I thought of though, after getting past the initial "this is adorable", was the music. Listen to it without the sound and it doesn't nearly have the same effect.

As a music therapist, I constantly think about how music makes a difference. Music is all around us and sometimes we don't even know it's there, but without it, things would be a lot different.

Just a thought.

Change

2011-05-14T13:30:00.000-07:00

That's a big word. For me at least.

Change is something that I try to avoid at all costs. But this one, this change, I know it's going to be good.

Here's the change: My husband and I are moving (back) to California. We're Californians at heart and that's where we were both raised. Although we have enjoyed our time here in Cincinnati, we really couldn't be happier about leaving.

I have just told my current boss that I will be leaving in six weeks. Rachel (check out her amazing blog here) recently wrote a post that I totally related to. Giving up Hope resonated with me because that was something I had to deal with myself. I emailed Rachel and asked for some advice, tips, and things she did when she herself resigned. So, thank you Rachel for sincere kindness in providing me support and the words of wisdom I needed. Although it was a day I have been dreading, my boss took the news surprisingly well and has already offered to write me a letter of recommendation.

Phew. I am relieved that it went so well.

Many changes are still coming my way...and I'll update you as I start to process them myself.

Daddy and Daughter

2011-05-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

I know this video isn't new but it touches my heart every time I see it!

And..I love Ellen :)

Today is Monday

2011-05-13T13:16:00.001-07:00

Well, today is actually Friday the 13th...but this post is about a book called "Today is Monday." You can find the book here for purchase from Amazon. I am currently using this book as a method to teach my preschoolers the days of the week. Not only does it have awesome illustrations, but it also includes the sheet music in the back so you can sing the lyrics.

You might recognize Eric Carle for his illustration seen below:

The Very Hungry Catepillar is a childhood classic!

Andrew over at the MTI in the ATL helped me the other day when I needed a days of the week song that started on a Monday. Since the book starts on a Monday, to keep consistent, my other songs/materials should also start on a Monday. Thanks for your help, Andrew.

Michelle Obama Doing 'The Dougie' & 'The Running Man' Dances (Official V...

2011-05-07T06:37:00.000-07:00

2011-05-07T06:24:00.001-07:00

Get the Kids Moving

2011-05-07T06:19:00.000-07:00

My boss just sent me a great link to Beyonce and Michelle Obama's anti-obesity campaign. I do a few Movement and Music groups, which focus on, what else...moving to the music. These particular clients live rather sedentary lifestyles, making them great candidates for this group. My entire sessions are planned to keep them moving and get their heart rates pumping. We have done dances to Elvis, The Black Eyed Peas and are currently working on a Michael Jackson dance to "The Way You Make Me Feel." My first steps in creating a dance are:

- Get the client's input - What songs do you want to dance to? I usually bring in three songs and then let them vote on which one they want.

- Watch the music video (if appropriate) - This way, they can see the moves the singer and back up dancers are doing and get an idea of dance moves they might want to do.

- Let each client decide on at least one dance move - It's their dance, right? Let them decide what moves they want to do! :)

- Write the moves down, or video - I can't tell you how much this helps from week to week to remember the dance steps...I'm one to forget!

- Rehearse - It will take them some time to get the sequencing and moves down, as well as to get the dance moves in sync with each other.

- Record - Once the dance is mastered, use your handy dandy flip camera and record their performance.

- Share - Make DVDs of their dance so they have a final product to show their families, peers, and support staff. Even better, perform it for an audience.

Beyonce has adapted her song "Get Me Bodied," and made a video and song called "Move Your Body."

Click here for the link to the article and videos.

There is also an instructional video to help teach your students/clients the dance moves. I can't wait to share this with my clients--they will be excited to learn from Beyonce and they really enjoy watching videos as well.

You're Nominated!

2011-04-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

That's the email I got about a month ago from Hamilton Choices, Cincinnati's Choices program. Ohio Choices is a "nonprofit organization, [that] coordinates support for youth involved in multiple systems and their families." I have a number of clients that I work with who are currently a Hamilton Choices client, which means music therapy is funded by Hamilton Choices. These clients are by far my toughest clients because they have a number of mental health and emotional issues. Although they are my toughest clients, I have learned the most by working with them. Not only do I see them in my music therapy sessions, but I get to go to their team meetings and be a part of their care team. Attending these meetings has been key in my growth as a therapist. Working with school teachers, therapists, doctors, psychologists, parents, and care managers in these meetings, I am able to better understand what the client is going through, start to understand their everyday life, and get feedback from very important people.

On Thursday, Hamilton Choices held their annual award ceremony. Three of my clients from Music Therapy Services performed, and one client was a Hamilton Choices client. One of his goals is self-expression...and boy did he express! It was tons of fun to see him perform in front of 80-100 people. I'm a proud music therapist :)

I won the "Innovative" award. The award states:

Brianna Shaffer build[s] "Innovative relationships and support[s] networks for youth with emotional or behavioral disabilities and their families."

I am very honored.

10 Days of Easter - Visuals

2011-04-19T06:43:00.001-07:00

I made a video with my visuals for the "10 Days of Easter".

Here is the link!

Ten Days of Easter

2011-04-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

Major holidays always make lesson planning easier. It gives my sessions a theme and allows me to teach my clients about what's happening around them. Easter allows us to talk about springtime, flowers, baby animals, Easter (of course), and all the fun things to do during Easter time. Piggy-backing off of Rachel's post "Ten Days of Thanksgiving," I came up with the "Ten Days of Easter."

Working backwards, here are the lyrics:

On the 10th day of Easter my true love gave to me:
10 BABY LAMBS
9 SUNS A SHINING
8 CHIRPING BLUE BIRDS
7 CHERRY BLOSSOMS
6 GEESE A LAYING
5 GOLDEN EGGS!
4 FLYING BUTTERFLIES
3 ORANGE TULIPS
2 MARSHMALLOW PEEPS
AND A BUNNY IN AN EASTER BASKET!

My clients favorites so far are the peeps, eggs, and baby lambs.

This is a wonderful intervention to work on counting forwards and backwards, sequencing, and speech production. I like to have my higher functioning client(s) be my Vanna White :) They love to help flip over my pages.

Pictures to come.

Music Sparks

2011-04-07T11:43:00.000-07:00

Music Sparks is a great blog that I follow. You should check it out. Joann Jordan, MT-BC is a blogger who has recently blogged about springtime interventions. My latest post discussed my excitement about Spring!

Here is the link to Joann's April Shower Songs. Hope you may find it as helpful as I have.

Find me on...

2011-04-06T12:41:00.000-07:00

...The Music Therapy Tween! Michelle Erfurt has this great website which is contains "Tips and thoughts from a traveling music therapist, business owner and hobby addict."

Thanks, Michelle, for including my blog :)

You can find a post about Play Your Part here.

Spring has Sprung!

2011-04-05T10:32:00.000-07:00

So...finally, after what has seemed like the longest winter ever, spring has sprung in Cincinnati!

Here's even a picture to prove it!

(at one of my contracts in Batavia, Ohio)

This was my first 'real' winter. Last winter, while my hubby was here in Cincinnati, I was completing my internship at MusicWorx, Inc. in beautiful and sunny California! Although I was so busy, at least I got to enjoy the sun instead of the snow.

Flowers have started to bloom and the sun is shining again. My upcoming sessions will include flowers, songs about spring, and Easter. Do you recommend any great songs for the spring?

Rejuvenation

2011-03-29T12:04:00.000-07:00

Being a relatively new music therapist (6 months!), I find myself to get into a slump every three months. I'm not sure if this will be an ongoing trend, but something I have already picked up on. I started my new job at Music Therapy Services of Cincinnati in October, took a week off between Christmas and New Years and then just took another week off at the end of March for my spring break.

At the end of each three month period, I am pooped...emotionally, physically, and my energy and creativity is almost non-existent. Being a therapist and working so closely with children and adults that require my full attention, I feel like it is unhealthy to work in these conditions.

This is my first day back at work...and yes, I am tired, but already excited for new ideas that are pouring out of my head. You know that dread of going back to work, right? Well, I dreaded it just as much as anyone, but when I saw my clients again and the breakthroughs they make each week, makes me love and appreciate my job and work.

Also...this helps, too. A great boss who greets me with flowers when I return to work!

What do you do to refresh yourself as a therapist?

St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-16T12:33:00.000-07:00

I found this song (set to the tune of "This is the Way We Wash Our Hands") in my boss's huge "Holiday Songs" binder. However, it talked about things my preschoolers would not understand...like corned beef and cabbage, and 'top of the morning', etc. I adapted it and this is what I came up with.

Two goals we are working on:

Numbering/sequencing of events
Body parts/naming and finding

This song is not only fun, but addresses these goals.

Lyrics (chords are G and D7):

This is a song for St. Patrick's day, St. Patrick's day, St. Patrick's day.
This is a song for St. Patrick's day, St. Patrick's day is a comin'.

Put the shamrock on your belly, on your belly, on your belly.
Put the shamrock on your belly, St. Patrick's day is a comin'.

Put the shamrock on your finger, on your finger, on your finger.
Put the shamrock on your finger, St. Patrick's day is a comin'.

Put the shamrock on your elbow, on your elbow, on your elbow.
Put the shamrock on your elbow, St. Patrick's day is a comin'.

This is a song for St. Patrick's day, St. Patrick's day, St. Patrick's day.
This is a song for St. Patrick's day, St. Patrick's day is a comin'.

Each student/participant gets a turn to pick three different body parts out of the bag. This allows for suspense and gives them a 'choice'. They then get to turn around to the group and place the "MAGIC SHAMROCK" on the appropriate body parts. After the 1st body part, I'll say, "What's next?" It is the classes turn to tell us what is next!

Adaptations: Instead of having one person do it at a time, you could make shamrocks for every participant. I have a class of 5-6 so everyone gets a turn.

The shamrock is a stock image I found on the internet, cut out, laminated, and then I taped a shape drum mallet to the back (nope, didn't have a popsicle stick)! Resourceful if I do say so myself!

Fields of Athenry

2011-03-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

I started prepping for St. Patrick's Day last week, and when at one of my contracts, I asked clients and staff if they had any requests or favorite St. Patrick's day songs. I got the "Danny Boy" and "When Irish Eyes are Smiling" requests and then I got "Fields of Athenry" from one of the staff members. This particular staff member is always stumping me with new songs and bands I've never heard of. So...I had to learn it!

Good ole' YouTube helped me figure it out.

Fields of Athenry soundtrack

Here's the words and chords. The video is in E and I actually play it in C due to my range.

I plan on playing it one time through and then having my clients play softer instruments, work on 'softer' and maybe get them up to slow dance with a partner of the opposite sex.

What you guys think?

New Goodbye Song

2011-03-08T09:22:00.000-08:00

Since it's a new month, it is also time for a new Goodbye song. Like previously stated, I like to keep my clients on their toes.

Here's my new Goodbye Song: Goodbye, Goodbye, Goodbye

I used the melody "With a Little Help From My Friends" by the Beatles.

What do you think?

Well Hello Everybody!

2011-02-28T10:21:00.000-08:00

It's a new month and it's time for a new 'Hello' song. I like to keep things interesting and one way to do that is to introduce a new 'hello' song. Many, many of my adult clients L-O-V-E Elvis Presley...so I thought I would adapt a famous song of his as our new hello song.

I chose "Hound Dog" and the new version is here for you to enjoy. My clients are a little less mobile and less active due to their age, so movement is a great way to get our classes started and the blood flowing.

Enjoy!

Wachs is Walking to Houston

2011-02-17T10:15:00.000-08:00

A good friend, past professor, and amazing musician, Daniel Wachs was invited to work with the Houston Symphony!

Here's the article posted on Chapman's Happenings Website.

Hope it went well, Daniel! Cheers!

Giffords hitting "All the Right Recovery Notes"

2011-02-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to my friend (and senior-intern at MusicWorx) Steph for posting this article on twitter! It discusses how music therapy has affected Gifford's speech thus far in her recovery.

Giffords Article

xoxo

Guilt. Where Does it Come From?

2011-02-12T11:07:00.001-08:00

My good friend, Tim Ringgold, has an amazing story to tell. He was a colleague of mine at Chapman University and is a fabulous music therapist with a big heart.

Please visit his blog Bella's Blessings. In his latest post, there is a great video of him speaking about guilt. I think about him often and am touched to know him.

xoxo

Organization. What's That?

2011-02-09T14:33:00.001-08:00

Since I am a new (6 months board-certified) music therapist, I am starting to create songs, templates, PEC symbols, flashcards, etc. I was using rubber bands and plastic baggies....until I found the best thing ever at Target!

I pop in every couple of weeks (and those of you that know me) know that Target makes me happy :) And..on this occasion, Target made me very happy. I found just what I needed, took home two, and left only spending 2 bucks and some change. They were in the dollar section!

This specific file is for PEC SYMBOLS.

I have tabs for instruments, animals, colors, people, food, and names.

Here's a close up view.

I have another one for flashcards, cds, rhythm cards, and stickers.

Please share your ways to stay organized!

L-O-V-E

2011-02-08T12:50:00.001-08:00

Valentine's Day is less than a week away...so...I thought I'd share with you what I'm doing with my clients this week!

A lot of my clients are working on sounding out words, spelling, and word recognition. This intervention goes along great with Valentine's Day and works on the goals listed above. Using an oldie (but goody) "L-O-V-E" clients learn or work on spelling the word "love." Here are the visuals that go along with the intervention. Velcro and a laminating machine are my best friends.

"L is for the way you look at me."

"O is for the only one I see."

"V is very, very extraordinary."

"E is even more than anyone that you adore..and LOVE..."

Here are the words and chords for your convenience.

"Music Can Bring You Home..."

2011-02-08T10:28:00.000-08:00

A line from the new movie hitting theaters on March 18th. Are you as excited as I am?!

Here is The Music Never Stopped trailer!

The Note-Ables

2011-02-01T12:48:00.000-08:00

Just came across this news story and video and thought I'd share it with you. Music Therapy is used in this case to help a young man with autism learn to communicate and to become more sociable.

The Note-Ables: Changing Lives Through Music

Here is the Note-Able's website. They are a non-profit organization based out of Reno, NV.

Stairs or Escalator?

2011-01-30T06:34:00.000-08:00

How many of you would prefer to take the escalator over the stairs when going to the subway, airport, mall? Unless I'm in a rush, I gravitate towards the escalator.

But...if I had this option, I would have chose the stairs.

Musical Stairs

Today is a lazy Sunday for us at the Shaffer household. Phew!

I'm Employed!

2011-01-29T13:40:00.000-08:00

This blog started off describing my internship experiences. Now that I am board-certified (yipee!) I have found a job (yipee!) and am working!

The company I work for is a private Music Therapy practice located in Cincinnati about 25 minutes from my house. I do some traveling to various facilities in the greater Cincinnati area and also work in the studio/office located in Anderson. I am currently working 30 hours at Music Therapy Services. Here is their website...and...you might even see someone you recognize!

Music Therapy Services

My boss is a CCM Alum (the university my husband is currently attending) and she also played in the CSO (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra) before she became a music therapist.

Happy Saturday. How many of you music therapists* out there work on Saturday??

*my hand shoots up in the air

New year, New look

2011-01-27T19:11:00.000-08:00

After viewing and following multiple blogs (music therapy blogs and for-fun blogs) for months, I have finally decided to re-vamp my blog and start at it again. I hope to share my stories working with clients, articles I come across, videos, pictures, and music therapy interventions.

Up first is this article I came across. Sundance Review: "The Music Never Stopped"

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/sundance-review-music-stopped-75724

This movie has been getting a ton of buzz in the music therapy world. As music therapists, we are hoping this movie provides an opportunity for others to learn about our field. I hope it comes to theaters in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Where has the time gone?

2010-11-25T13:20:00.000-08:00

Hi All. Whoever you all are...I know, I know, the majority of you probably continue to check back only to see my last post way back in June. Since my internship has ended, numerous things have happened and my life is starting to turn into something I had hoped for five-six months ago.

I haven't decided where this blog is going to go, what my purpose is, or if I want to start a new one...but, for now, I just needed a place to write.

Happy Thanksgiving. How are you celebrating? Since my husband's and my family is in CA, we are doing our second-annual Thanksgiving dinner at Maggiano's. They have a fabulous Thanksgiving menu and I looking forward to stuffing and tons and tons of leftovers! My parents are actually in Hawaii now, my brother is at home with my two aunts and my Grandma, and T's parents are cooking a fabulous meal in which we wish we could be a part of. However, being married and starting a life of our own brings new traditions that I am oh so happy for.

Dinner is early tonight because I am working the Black Friday sales at Macy's--start time: 5:45am. But! I am lucky because the store opens at 4am. I'll let you know if there are any customers at 6am! Yikes.

Happy Thanksgiving and of course, happy shopping!

xoxo

So Long, Farewell!

2010-06-29T21:41:00.000-07:00

That's what Barbara started to sing to us tonight! haha. Love it.

Here's a picture of the whole team from our Intern party last night. Thanks to the J-Team for making such an incredible dinner for us!

Here is the Senior team with Barbara!

And...just so Barbara will see this, I am going to use the word "music therapy" so that it comes up on her google alerts!

My senior project (which I've been keeping kind of a secret from all of you out there) was creating social networking for the companies. You can check out the sites listed below and you can find us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and flickr. :)

MusicWorx

Resounding Joy

xoxo

Here's to my last day of internship! My mom is coming down tomorrow to attend my last session. It is the Polster Cancer support group...should be fun :)

Sudden Urge...

2010-06-28T00:23:00.000-07:00

I had a sudden urge to write this right now. I'm so tired I can barely keep my eyes open, but here I am.

3 final days.

Tomorrow is our intern party. The junior interns, or J-Team as we now call them, will be making dinner for me and Des. I wonder what they're cooking for us?!? I bet they've been in the kitchen all weekend preparing ;)

2 sessions tomorrow, work on project a bit more, and then par-tayy!

Here is a picture of K from her dance recital. It is just too cute not to post.

Here is a picture of the intern team from our Terri, Inc concert a week 1/2 ago. The theme was "Tribute to Broadway"

T, RC, and TH are in Vegas. I bet they're having fun.

Gooooood night.

xoxo

So...I'm Almost Done!

2010-06-24T23:00:00.001-07:00

Yup..I said it! 4 more days of internship! Things are tying up nicely and I am definitely becoming excited for summer which includes a trip to NY, Sedona, taking the CBMT exam, and going to Italy! Boy will it be busy but I will be with T and my families!

The last few weeks have been super busy. I can't even think back three weeks ago. My placements have been wrapping up and I have been running sessions galore. My experience has been absolutely wonderful.

Wanted to leave you tonight with a few mandalas.

"Calm" It looks like a tear but I was visualizing a wing.

"Burst"

"Centered"

What do you think? Tomorrow I will post pics from K's dance recital!

xoxo

3 weeks...

2010-06-13T22:51:00.001-07:00

This past week flew by! I knew it would because I was looking forward to T's return to CA! He made it home safely and we spent all weekend together.

Friday we had dinner at my in-laws and then went out for drinks at Lazy Dog (a new one opened in the Tustin Marketplace!) with RC, TR, and Flynns (T's roommates last year at the Pagoda). It was nice to catch up and see old friends again.

Saturday I got my nails done with my mommy! Yay! Ladies, doesn't it just feel so wonderful to get your nails done? It's definitely one of my favorite things to do to treat myself. Then I went back to the in-laws for brunch with T, RC, and my FIL. yum. My FIL makes the best pancakes ever. I'm not a pancake-lover, but these have turned me to the other side. We made a quick trip to the mall to return a few things and then headed to my house. Saturday night was my mom's retirement party! It was fun and great to see my mom so excited :) She looked beautiful, I must say.

Sunday we slept in. My dad made waffles and T and I went through our wedding photos. We are starting the process of creating a wedding album with our photographer. Can you believe it has already been a year almost?

Here's a link to her website if you are wanting to reminisce.

http://carlydaniel.com/montages/wedding1/index.html

I finished up my Sunday by going to Opah for happy hour with T, RC, RRF, and T&A to watch the Lakers. Geeze...Lakers...enough said.

Here's to almost being done. And to my hubby being home...for 3 1/2 weeks. haha.

xoxo

Weird Things...Meant to Be?

2010-06-03T23:36:00.000-07:00

Not sure why I'm up this late blogging, but have an urge to tell you about a client I saw today. Thursday mornings are our hospice mornings. I have really come to enjoy working in this population...a surprise to myself, I must say. Anywho...I got there at 9:30am and ran over the census. I recognized a name. A name I thought I had seen at Scripps probably about a month or two before. F/37, cervical cancer. No..it couldn't be the same woman.

It was. She was sleeping, but I did play for her. I didn't want to wake her, thought she might wake up if she heard the music, but she obviously needed her beauty sleep. When I visited her in the hospital, she was such a pleasant woman. She seemed younger than 37, had a cute pixie haircut and spoke with an accent. I can't remember where she lived before moving to SD, but I think it may have been Russia. When I saw her sleeping this morning, she looked so thin, emaciated with no color in her cheeks like the first time I met her. When I saw her in the hospital she loved the music, kept asking for more. I introduced her to the John Denver song Leaving on a Jet Plane. She listened attentively as I sang to her and when I finished I asked her if she liked the lyrics, the melody, etc. She said, "Why did you pick that song?" I don't know. I just did..."I thought you would like it." She said, "My boyfriend is a pilot." Bam. Intuition?

On my 3rd visit with her, she moved rooms because she had to be in a contact precaution and pressurized room. It was so hot! I had to wear a gown, gloves, and a mask (the first time I've had to wear a mask..the gown and gloves are NOT new to me)--I thought I was going to pass out of heat exhaustion. But--alas, my job goes on and I wanted to play for her. She was very sympathetic for my get-up and said it was all due to a "scrape" she received which drew blood.

Seeing her today in a hospice setting made me feel sad. She is so young. She is full of life. I played Leaving on a Jetplane for her and hope that she heard it.

I'll leave you tonight on a happy note. T comes home in a week! And...here are a few pics my FIL (father-in-law) sent me from the trip to Cincy of my hubby in his new tux with tails ;)

The second picture is of T and Auntie R!

xoxo

One Month...

2010-06-01T22:12:00.000-07:00

As I write this I am at a loss for words. The only thing I can think about is how little time I have left at MusicWorx. My senior intern had her last day today. We ate lunch at Poseidon in Del Mar. Coincidentally, it was directly across the street from my parent's favorite restaurant, Pacifica Del Mar. They go to Pacifica almost every year for their anniversary dinner...yet they've only taken my bro and me once! ;) Poseidon was great! I had shrimp tacos and we got three desserts. The more the merrier. We also had a great wine--Carmel Road wine, 2008 Pinot Noir. Delish.

I have worked so hard, yet have probably worked the hardest the last month and a half and this next month ahead. My dreams of becoming a music therapist are so close in front of me. I just have a few more things ahead. I came across this quote. I know it's cheesy, but it relates to me in this present moment.

"The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work."

-Oprah

Busy day tomorrow. Good night!

xoxo

SATC 2

2010-05-27T23:05:00.000-07:00

The intern team is planning on getting a bite to eat and watching Sex and the City 2 tomorrow night after work. I'm really looking forward to it. My co-intern and I have yet to officially "welcome" our junior interns and we've been waiting for the perfect time to do it. Well, now is the time. I haven't heard one way or the other about SATC 2...thoughts? Let's hope we can get tickets.

This week was great. Although I was stressing about several additional sessions I had to plan for, everything went smoothly. Today at MTCCA (my senior placement for children with autism 1:1), I led every session bc my supervisor was out of town. The kids are so wonderful to work with and they teach me a lot. Barbara said once you are no longer learning from your clients then it is time to quit/retire. Definitely not there yet (haha). I learn at least 1 new thing a day but usually more like 5-10 new things everyday. It's really crazy.

I had a fantastic hospice experience on Tuesday. Due to the fact that we had a gig this Thursday morning, I volunteered to go to hospice on Tues (mainly bc it is right near E's house in Carlsbad) and bc I love going to hospice. Census was high 10/12 beds full. Lately, there have been about 5 pts. One of the clients I saw was sitting out in the family room area by himself. Mr. S was sitting there and I went up to him and started playing some music for him. He asked for his wife...I said she would be there shortly (not knowing if he had a wife, his wife had passed, was divorced, etc). I could tell he was mildly disoriented due to his inability to answer questions, his talking about topics unrelated to what we were talking about, etc. However, he was able to sing with me once I started a song. During the middle of Tennessee Waltz, a lovely older woman walked up. I hoped and prayed it was his wife. She came up to him and said, "Honey, it's F. It's me" and kissed him. YES! It was his wife! (phew!) She told me to keep singing and she started singing to him, holding him, comforting him. He said, "I remember, I remember". We sang for a while more and then I went on my merry way. Later, Mr. S's wife came up to me and said, "He is asking for more music. He loves the music". Simply wonderful.

All is well in my world. T has his first official major performance this weekend. His parents, grand parents, and aunt are in Cincy to witness it! Wish I could be there... however, I have to work on Monday (Memorial Day). No worries. 2 weeks until I see my hubby.

xoxo

As Time Goes By

2010-05-23T23:20:00.000-07:00

These next 6 weeks are going to be insane. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself. Yikes. This week I already have to plan for 4 additional sessions (that I didn't have last week), will be driving to Ramona (again), and I already had to work today. I am starting to get into the "senior" mode that my senior intern told me about. It hit. Hard. I have so much left to do and it seems like time is starting to run out. I keep telling myself that "I will get everything done". Yes. And...I work better under pressure anyway.

I had a fabulous weekend. I got to reunite with some wonderful Phi Sigs and Chapman friends. It was graduation. Can you possibly believe that I graduated one year ago from today? Crazy jive (wow I sound like Teren). It was just a great time catching up with friends, eating, and drinking wonderful Sangria. mmmm.

Here's a peek of Friday night.

Notice Dracula. I met him for the first time. EOB has a blog dedicated to stories about Dracula. Presh.

I am awfully tired. Will try to update this again sooner rather than later.

My new favorite placement: Rady's Children Hospital..working on the hematology/oncology unit! Cutest kids ever.

xoxo

7 Weeks to Go!

2010-05-14T21:26:00.000-07:00

You probably thought I forgot about this little thing called a blog. Well...I haven't completely forgotten about it, it has just been on the back burner. I have been completely swamped at work. In a good way. Busy makes the weeks go by faster.

I'll start with my mini vaca to Cincy. It was ahhh-mazing. I loved seeing my hubby and spending quality time with him. We didn't do anything out of the ordinary. Mostly relaxed and enjoyed each other's company. The weather was beautiful and the trees are green and the flowers are starting to bloom. I didn't want to leave on Sunday night, and apparently, neither did Delta. My initial flight was from Cincy to Salt Lake to Orange County. Flight 1 was delayed an hour meaning I would have to spend the night in Salt Lake because I would have missed my connection. Nope. Not an option. I was able to get on a direct flight from Cincy to LAX, but then my poor daddy had to come all the way to LA to get me. Of course he did (bc he is the best dad ever), but then my bag didn't arrive. It didn't get the memo I wasn't getting on the flight to Salt Lake :( Nonetheless, I got home at 1:30 am, slept a few hours, drove to Carlsbad at 5:45am and got to work at 7:30am.

The rest of the week has seemed like catch-up. Trying to catch up on sleep that I missed, work that I didn't get done, etc. Overall, the week was rather successful. I got a lot accomplished in regards to my Senior project. Soon I will announce the changes on my blog (but not until I get the okay from Barbara).

I'm pretty tired now, so I won't go into detail about my week. I do have some patient highlights I would like to share so I may blog over the weekend. All is well.

xoxo

9 more weeks...

2010-05-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

...until internship is done! Not that I'm counting or anything.

Time continues to fly by. Wednesday morning I will by flying to Cincy to visit T! What a nice little trip and reunion that will be. I have been having a great time with my new placements. With the new placements comes more responsibility and more planning, but as the weeks go on, it becomes easier and easier. My new placements are Rady's children hospital (oncology and hematology unit), MTCCA (kids ages 3-8 diagnosed with autism), Del Cerro Manor (elderly with dementia), a group for women who were homeless and violently/domestically abused, and Sound Minds (a program for teen moms and their babies).

This weekend was busy--I worked all day on Saturday! The team had a conference to present for--Scripps Integrative Nursing Conference. It was quite an experience having between 50-75 nurses in two back-to-back sessions which included, active music making, drumming, humming, and toning. They sure were enthusiastic! Saturday evening provided me a unique experience. Resounding Joy, Inc. had their first ever benefit concert. Veronica May performed. Wow. She is amazing. A former intern, Veronica now works as a music therapist and is currently recording her second album. She sings, song writes, and plays percussive guitar. Did I already say "amazing"?! All proceeds from the concert went to Resounding Joy.

On Sunday I went up to Chapman to Phi Sig's Senior/Alum brunch. It was great to see some of the gals I have missed so much. It seems like just yesterday when I was at the same brunch last year, but as a graduate. I remember it vividly. It's been a whirlwind of a year.

Here is my latest time line:

1.5 days until Cincy
6 weeks until T comes home (to OC)
8 weeks until mom retires (woot)
9 weeks until my internship is completed!
10 weeks until NY/PA for C&L's wedding!
12-13 weeks until CBMT exam (cross your fingers)
14 weeks until Sedona, AZ with fam
15 weeks until Italy to visit T at Spoletto

Busy Busy Bri! ;)

Once a Phi Sigma Sigma...

2010-04-29T22:15:00.000-07:00

...Always a Phi Sigma Sigma!

As I opened up my email this evening, my inbox contained my monthly e-news letter from my sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. One of my closest friend, Laila went to Haiti this past summer to volunteer. Take a look at her wonderful journey here:

http://www.phisigmasigma.org/PHISIGMASIGMA/PHISIGMASIGMA/inAction/CollegianSpotlight/Profiles/Collegians/LailaShad/Default.aspx

This week has flown by...May starts on Saturday! Next Wednesday I will be in Cincinnati visiting T! Can't wait :)

xoxo

Twitter

2010-04-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

...so I haven't broken down and created a twitter account. However, a fellow music therapist has a blog and posted something she found on twitter. I thought it was funny and would like to share it with you.

Go to Twitter and type “youknowyoureamusictherapistwhen” into the search bar to see all of the entries. Here it goes in 140 characters or less!

1. you’re adapting lyrics to “Party in the USA” for a presentation. (via Excelsior72)

2. you have to put your groceries in your back seat because your trunk is full (via michelleerfurt)

3. you have at least a dozen stock phrases to convince participants that they CAN make music (via Rachelle881)

4. any two taps in succession by your infant with her spoon counts as a beat to immediately echo back to her (via timringgold)

5. you write songs to teach neuroscience! Love it KimberlySMoore

6. the bumps you hit on the road are emphasized with a jingle jingle ♫

7. you are transcribing the latest Black Eyed Peas song for boomwhackers ensemble

8. your filing cabinet contains health docs, tax docs, receipts, business docs, and songs to learn

9. you take a turn in the car and get the whoooooooosh of the ocean drum somewhere underneath the back seat

10. fun djembes and other world percussion becomes part of your home decor

11. you impress your business professional friends by reciting all the lyrics to latest tween heart throb hit

12. the finished product from a visit with the fam includes a well-polished music video w/everyone making music

13. you turn baby babble into song and/or guitar riffs

14. you own enough musical instruments to invite neighbors within a city mile radius over for a jam session.

15. you’ve got the following in your head: bellydancing rhythm, functional kids song, April Showers, & J Denver

16. you listen, then politely and diplomatically clarify when people ask you if you are an entertainer

17. you start noticing the iso-principle and entrainment out there in the real world…

Soo funny. I relate to quite a few and I'm not even an official music therapist yet! LOL.

Today was a great day. Our substance abuse group went really well! My co-intern and I planned a cool session with intentional listening and creative arts. The clients had to create 3 mandalas, each representing the past, present and future. The music played in the background was to elicit specific memories/emotions/etc related to that specific time in their lives. Each client created 3 mandalas that were meaningful to them and then they shared them with the entire group.

We then had a drum circle at the integrative center to celebrate earth day/week (April 22nd). It took place outside in the labrynth that overlooks the ocean. Unfortunately, it was overcast and foggy and you couldn't even see the ocean! bummer. what's with this weather?

I had a fantastic weekend. :)

Tomorrow will be busy at the hospital. Barbara is coming to do supervision. Where did April go?

I have been MIA.

2010-04-20T21:51:00.001-07:00

Sorry for not posting recently. After my trip to Vegas for the WRAMTA conference, I have just been sooo busy. Not to mention, sick. The sinus infection I thought I recovered from somehow found its way back into my body. I have been sick since Saturday.

Conference went extremely well. I had a fun time reconnecting with fellow Chapman students/interns that I once went to school with. GQ was there. Man, i missed her ;) She was my "partner in crime" during Dr. Luce's classes. It seems like just yesterday, ya? I had time to do some networking, hear some really awesome presentations, and have fun in Vegas! Traffic back on Sunday was miserable....8 hours. yikes.

I have just been overwhelmed with getting back into the groove. It is a bit harder with only 3 interns as opposed to 4. I feel like I am always constantly behind. We have so many hospital floor hours to get finished by the end of the month...and that is sure creeping up quickly.

Good news. Today is my birthday. 23. Nope, I don't feel any older.

2 weeks from tomorrow I will be in Cincinnati. I am visiting T :) I have really missed him lately, especially today since it's my bday. I wish I could just cuddle. However, he did send me lovely pink daisies and roses. He knows the way to my heart :)

I'm exhausted, so that's it for now. Once I completely get over this sinus/flu/sore throat thing, I'm hoping to quickly get back to the groove.

xoxo

Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy birthday! It really means a lot!

Somewhere My Love

2010-04-07T23:16:00.000-07:00

Here is my "Story of the Week". There are a lot of things that make this session unique, amazing and 'meant to be'...I even thought to myself, "Well, God, you made it happen".

The intern team went to Hospice on Tuesday (yesterday) instead of Thursday. We had to switch our schedules around a bit this week due to Western Regional Conference. Anywho...that is puzzle piece number one.

1. We don't usually go to hospice on Tuesdays...usually Thursdays.

I saw a client who I have visited before and I took our new Junior-Intern with me to observe. This was her first observation! I charted and did everything properly. I told the Junior to go with my co-intern for the next session so that she could see her as well.

2. I went to the next session by myself...not that that isn't normal, but I didn't have Junior with me.

As I went to see client in bed A, the curtain to bed B was pulled. While I was singing, I could hear a priest/minister say a prayer for the patient in bed B. After he was done, he left the room, greeted me on his way out. I continued to play music for bed A and when I was done, I could hear family members of bed B say, "Mom, do you hear that beautiful music?" As I finished up my time with bed A, I peeked my head over the curtain and asked, "Would you like me to play some music for you?" The family member's faces lit up. They couldn't have been more pleased.

The first song they asked me to play was "Somewhere My Love" from Dr. Zhivago.

3. "Somewhere My Love" was my Grandpa's favorite song. :)

I said, "Oh, that was my Grandfather's favorite song". The daughter said, "That was my mom's favorite song, too". Unfortunately, I didn't know the words, but I sure could hum the thing. The family seemed pleased. About 10 seconds into humming, the pt. relaxed. You could tell that she could hear the music, she was at ease.

I played a few more songs that the daughter and other family members asked for. I mentioned that I had a spiritual song book (remembering that they were just praying moments before). They requested "How Great Thou Art".

4. "How Great Thou Art" is one of my favorite hymns.

As I sat there playing quietly in the background, singing an amazing song about God, the pt. passed. The daughter was sobbing, the family members praying, holding the pt's hand. I thought to myself, "I'm holding up pretty well..." and right as I thought about that, tears started forming. I had to look away, concentrate on the music. The daughter said such amazing things about her mother and I could tell that although she was mourning the loss that she would make it through because her mom is with God.

A nurse came in to check the pt. and look for a heartbeat. She nodded "yes" that the pt. had passed. Surreal. As I left the room, the daughter and other family member (I think it might have been an aunt) thanked me for the music. They hugged me and said that she had always "loved music".

It's moments like these that make me think about my career. It was a tough moment, but one that I will likely never forget. My motto, if you know me at all, is "whatever happens, happens for a reason". I think this session happened for a reason. I don't think, I know. It has once again reaffirmed my career path, my constant hard work and dedication towards perfecting my musical skills, therapeutic skills. And maybe this session happened because my Grandpa is watching down on me :) It was his bday on April Fools day.

Tomorrow, we head to Vegas for the Western Regional Music Therapy Conference. Barbara reminded us today that, "Whatever happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". I should have told her it does...until it ends up on facebook...or my blog ;)

http://wramta.org/conference2010.html

Mothers Know Best

2010-04-03T13:11:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's right. They do.

On Wednesday I had to drive up to the Nig to pick up my mail (which I forgot over the weekend) because in my mail was a packet so that I can complete a Drug test. The first thing my mom said when I walked in the door was, "What's wrong with your voice. You are sick. Go to the doctor". I was sick, but didn't want to go to the doctor. That was the last place I wanted to go actually. My throat was very sore, I could barely swallow and I had a major sinus headache. Results? Sinus Infection solved with antibiotics, Sudafed PE and throat lozenges. Feeling much better today and about 36 hours after the doctor visit I was back to normal. Luckily nothing too bad because I didn't have to take a day off from work.

Lot's of things have happened this past week. It's been a bit crazy. One of my Senior Interns is leaving (booooo). She is finished :) and heading back to Texas this coming Tuesday. On Thursday evening us Junior Interns cooked dinner at Barbara's house to celebrate the Senior's accomplishments. We are such proud little babies. Here is a picture from that night! Our other Senior intern still has about a month to go!

I never talked about my fabulous mini spring break. T came out for about 10 days. I took off 3 days from work. L&C came to visit as well (our friends that are originally from PA, C goes to school at CCM with T, they are getting married July 10!). We had a fabulous time! It was Chris's 24th bday on March 25th so we took a Duffy boat around Newport Beach and ate at Cuccina Alessa http://www.cucinaalessa.com/about.html (the restaurant where T and I had our Rehearsal Dinner). Yum Yum.

Here is a picture of the four of us at the Ritz Carlton, Dana Point.

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/LagunaNiguel/Default.htm?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=goobranddanapointlocal_snarz_x_tig&mktcmp=goobranddanapointlocal_snarz_x_tig&ptnr=thayer_banner_snarz

I will eventually post more pictures (I promise). I am now officially a Senior Intern. It's crazy. I can't believe how time flies by. It seems like yesterday when I said "goodbye" to T at LAX on New Year's day. All that I can say is that I am happy. I am constantly learning, constantly busy (which makes the long distance relationship not seem so bad), and I am in love :)

xoxo

13 weeks left. The countdown begins. hehe.

iPod Minis Are for Girls

2010-03-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

I just got an iPod Touch from T for an early bday present. I'm fooling around with it tonight. But...I'm off to bed now. I've got this sore throat thing going on and a sinus headache. ehh.

My title reminds me of Borat and T and RC's Borat impersonations.

xoxo

My Hubby Has Landed

2010-03-22T22:03:00.000-07:00

Yup, that's right folks. T arrived at LAX on Wednesday late morning. I still had to work the rest of the week, but he came to visit in Carlsbad on Thursday night. We went out to Island's for din din. yum.

On Friday I left a bit early (to beat horrible traffic) and went to the Nig (short for Laguna Niguel, thanks RC) to my parent's house. T was golfing with buddies. That night we had dinner at T's parents' house and then went to drinks at Orange Hill with two other couples. It was so nice! We sat outside and could see the whole town of orange lit up with lights. We could even see Disneyland fireworks. Fire pits kept us warm. I definitely recommend this place for the view! http://www.theorangehillrestaurant.com/

The weekend was full of family gatherings. Saturday was at T's house. All the important people attended (minus the Trips :(). Sunday was at my house, an early (2 weeks) Easter celebration due to T being home and mom's chemo schedule.

I wasn't feeling so hot on Sunday evening around 5pm. I got pretty tired and my throat started hurting. I took a nap from 5:30-7:30pm and then drove down to Carlsbad around 8:30pm. Today I am definitely feeling better but the throat is still a bit scratchy and hoarse. I've taken EmergenC a couple times already. This is not a good week to get sick considering I am taking Wed-Fri off to spend time with T. L&C (our friends we met in Cincy, originally from PA) are flying into LAX tomorrow around 7pm. T will pick them up and I will meet them in the Nig.

Let's hope the weather stays warm for our guests!

xoxo

Shoes

2010-03-17T20:38:00.000-07:00

My friend, Jenn posted this article. I really enjoyed it and thought I would share it with you. If you know me, you know i LOVE shoes.

http://www.latimesmagazine.com/2010/03/in-my-mothers-shoes.html

Today was my second to last time at TERI, Inc. I have enjoyed my time there immensely and have learned a lot from my supervisor. She treated me to lunch today to thank me for my hard work. I themed all of my sessions today around St. Patrick's Day. We sang a song about 5 shamrocks and they had to count the shamrocks, we sang When Irish Eyes are Smiling with the kids playing green Boom Whackers, and we sang a song about rainbows. Fun stuff. Be jealous.

I finally figured out how to post a link correctly and to italicize. It's about time, I know.

T came into town today. I will be seeing him on Friday! Can't wait to spend the weekend with him :) Work again Monday and Tuesday and I am taking off Wed-Fri next week.

When Irish Eyes are Smiling :)

2010-03-16T20:42:00.000-07:00

Sure they're like a morn in spring. Today felt like summer, not spring (is it even spring yet??). The weather makes me want to go to the beach, not be stuck indoors all day. Walking to and from the hospital is the only time I have outside. Boy do I enjoy those few minutes. I also love the La Jolla breeze. :)

I never talked about my weekend. Friday was a bit different because I went up to Chapman to give a presentation to the Music Therapy class. I saw my professor (Hi!) and all the junior and senior music therapy students. As you may or may not know, Chapman is "phasing out" the music therapy program. Only two more graduating classes left. Weird? Yup.

Saturday my mom and my cousin went shopping at the mall in Mission Viejo, to lunch at the Cheesecake factory, and then some more shopping. Mom bought me a few items that she is saving for my birthday (April 20). Does your mom still do that for you? Even at 22, almost 23, she still puts things away! haha. It makes me laugh a little bit but I still like it. My cousin and I went to get our nails done (she treated for my early bday present) and then we had to go back to Nordstrom because our clerk forgot to put my mom's sunglasses into our bag. Her name was "Skye". Perhaps that was the problem. ;) Saturday evening we all went to Maggiano's for dinner.

Sunday morning brought the time change. I like and hate the time change all at the same time. I love that it stays darker, later, but I dislike waking up when it is still dark outside. You win some, you lose some. We went for a walk after making an egg, onion, tomato, and cheese scramble. T would be proud of me :) Ran a few more errands and then I got ready for my sorority meeting. I was heading up to Chapman again to visit my sorority, Phi Sigma Sigma. I haven't been back since I graduated in May. I must say I had mixed feelings. I was excited to see a bunch of the girls, mainly the seniors and juniors, but terrified to meet approximately 60 new members. The whole dynamic has changed and I don't know half of the girls. I guess every new alumna feels the way I feel...a little sad, anxious, uneasy of leaving the chapter, leaving the girls, and leaving college in general.

Monday and Tuesday have flown by. The weeks seem to be going by faster and faster. T flies into LAX tomorrow around noon. I probably won't see him until Friday after work, but I texted him today saying "I love you, see you Thursday". Maybe he'll get the 'subtle' (haha) hint. It's ONLY been 5 1/2 weeks since I've seen him. lol.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!

Skype Date

2010-03-11T23:23:00.001-08:00

I just had a skype date with my old roomies from 142. Maya and DeeDee. I miss them so much. It is great talking with them after being apart for so long. I feel like no matter how long we haven't spoken, that the minute we do we are back to being our old, fun-loving, free-spirited college girls. Do you have friends like that? DeeDee still has her famous "one liners". Maya still has that contagious laugh. We are planning for a 142 reunion hopefully in April or March when we can meet up and go out for a night in Los Angeles.

Tomorrow I will go to TACO (Third Avenue Charitable Organization) to make some 'recreational music' with Resounding Joy. Then I will head up to Orange to meet Cathy O'Neil for lunch at Papa Hassan's, followed by my presentation to the Music Therapy class at Chapman. I am really excited about my presentation. I will be discussing my current life as an intern, give them words of advice, answer any of their questions regarding internships in general. We will then be doing an hour of interventions: focusing on Relaxation (deep breathing, humming, and toning).

Humming is my new favorite thing. Here is the reason. Try humming in bed when you can't fall asleep. It's this simple: you either think or hum. You can't do both at the same time, really. So, the next time your mind is racing, try to hum on a pitch (or play around with the pitch) and see if your mind clears, if you become more relaxed, and if you eventually wake up to your alarm and not even realize you were asleep.

City Roads, Please no Traffic...

2010-03-09T20:56:00.000-08:00

...to the place, I call home. Can you name the song I just re-wrote? (Hint: John Denver) Well...there was a ton of traffic tonight even leaving at 6:30pm. I stayed a little later tonight so that I would MISS the traffic, but alas. I was practicing music for a concert we (myself and my co-intern) will be giving to TERI, Inc. We have to give a 35-40 minute concert (nothing therapeutic about it) to the staff and clients at TERI. It's a way for them to send us off, hear our true talents as musicians, and for the clients to practice proper concert etiquette. I will be playing piano and my part of the concert is based around Musicals and Disney music. Les Mis, Phantom, Beauty and the Beast, Cats.

Erica has turned me onto Trader Joe's "Chocolatey Cats Cookies: For People". We eat them together. :) I'm eating them now.

Today was a busy day. I had a meeting with Barbara about my senior project (social networking). Then I went to the office at 11am, packed for our pulmonary group. The Pulmonary Group is a new, 4 week class for people with you-guessed-it, pulmonary issues. We focus a lot on breath, practicing deep breathing, humming, toning. Can you guess the best musical method for this type of client?? I never would have guessed....but it is HARMONICAS! Everyone had to purchase a harmonica (the package included a book and a CD) for the class. Surprisingly, playing the harmonica takes great breath support, lots of air, and control. About 4 of the clients today were on oxygen and kind of struggled with the harmonicas. We assigned them homework! It was great fun!

After the group ended at 1:30, I had to rush to floors because Barbara was supervising us again. Luckily she saw me first and once I was done at 3pm, I rushed to the office to eat lunch! I was starving! Then back to the floors to get in more hours/clients and back to the office at 5:15pm.

I'll leave you with pics of the trips.

The Trips' 8th Bday!

Que Sera Sera

2010-03-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

Whatever will be will be. Remember that song? Doris Day. My grandpa used to tell me I looked liker her. Anywho. It's a great song and I sang it twice today to two different patients. One requested it and another asked me to play a song that I like.

I was on the hospital floors for 3 hours today in the afternoon. I saw 4 patients, had no declines (yay!) and no N/A's (not available). I was in the hospital the same amount of time that I billed the hospital. That is a task in-and-of-itself. Usually there is a lot of dead time....like going to see a patient to then notice the Dr. walked in, or to just about to head in and you hear them on their cell phone, or you hear them call for the nurse that they need to use the bathroom. All kinds of things will hold me up..so seeing those patients and billing for the same time I was gone is great. There wasn't a lot of wasted time, that is.

Listen to this. I saw a 90 year old woman who had quadruple bypass surgery on Monday. She looks absolutely wonderful, red hair and all! She loves music but due to throat problems can no longer sing or whistle. She said she used to whistle all the time. Cutest thing ever.

Tomorrow night I am going out with the interns for drinks/dinner at Rock Bottom. Then I will go see Kambria at Temple! She has a solo :) Saturday morning I will go to Karate with the boys...they have an exam to see if they get to the next level and a new belt! Should be cute. Sat. late morning I will be off to my parents. Did I ever mention that I love the weekends?

On the Wings of Love

2010-03-01T23:13:00.001-08:00

Sorry, I had to do it. THE BACHELOR. Broke my heart. He picked Vienna. Barf. He's a pilot--the theme song was "On the Wings of Love". Not cheesy at all.

Today was great! My co-intern and I co-lead McDonald's today. Theme: Active Music-Making. Overall, the group really went well...the clients jammed realllllly well together, had a great groove going, and worked together as a community to make music. Awesome.

We had a visitor today. She is a college student at CSU (Colorado State Un), graduating in May, and applying for the MusicWorx internship. That was me about a year and a half ago. I applied the November before my graduation, so November 2008. Seems like a crazy long time ago. It was. I told Barbara we should have made her dance for part of the interview. Barbara agreed ;)

Did ya hear? Teren will be studying 5 weeks in Italy this summer for an Opera Program through CCM. I applied for an administrative position; however, CCM students get priority (obviously), so we don't know if I'll be going for the full 5 weeks or not. Rande and Adie are planning on visiting, so if I don't get the job, it will be a family vaca to visit and travel with T. :D So much to look forward to.

Love you all and thanks for reading!

xoxo

MARCH MADNESS!

2010-03-01T00:26:00.001-08:00

Let it begin! Month three!

Two months have flown by. I really couldn't be happier at this moment, thinking that I am 1/3 done with my internship. January was full of fear...fear of the unknown, am I good enough?, what do i do? February was full of growth. Planning and leading sessions gradually, learning my way around, becoming comfortable in my own skin. March is going to be full of leading, planning, more learning (always, always more to learn), and being CONFIDENT.

Song stuck in my head: "Blowing in the Wind" Boy Dylan

Here's to month three! (my favorite number, too!)...so it must be good!

xoxo

I'm a Sickie :(

2010-02-24T14:44:00.000-08:00

I returned home from Cincinnati late Sunday night. Although I was exhausted, I was excited for the week. Monday came and went quickly. At around 9pm, I was more than ready to catch up on my sleep, so I headed to bed and fell asleep. 10pm came and I woke up to horrible stomach pains. I won't go into gross details, but my stomach was not happy with me and therefore I didn't get much of any sleep. I haven't been "this kind of sick" in a longgg time. Yucky.

I stayed home on Tuesday and today. There goes my making 85 client-hours this week. I planned on getting in 20 client-hours this week to make my 85 goal...but I missed about 6 yesterday at 7.5 today. There is an event on the weekend that I will go to and it is approximately 4 hours. I worked on my Senior Project today for about 3 hours (those hours will count, too!) and I have been sleeping a lot. You can never plan for sickness...and I definitely didn't plan this...but, not much you can do about it. The hours will get made up (eventually) and everything will be OKAY.

I am already feeling much better than yesterday. I have a headache which is probably from not eating more than a handful of crackers yesterday, but my stomach is slowly recovering.

Cincinnati!

2010-02-19T08:41:00.000-08:00

So...I made it to Cincinnati! After driving up to Redondo Beach on Wednesday night, making it there around 10pm, showering, and sleeping approximately 4 hours...waking up at 3:30, getting to the airport at 4:30 and being at my gate at 4:35am for a 6:10am flight...I made it! It's beautiful...about 10 inches of snow on the ground..cold, but not too cold. Probably in the 30's.

Teren is at school for the day. I slept in (yay!), ate breakfast, am checking emails, and will probably go see "Young Victoria" at 2pm at the Esquire Theater (on Ludlow). I have been receiving so many emails from Barbara. Let me explain. I, well we (Barbara and I) finally came up with my senior project idea. Remember that I have to do a case study and a senior project for this internship. My senior project will focus on Social Networking for both of Barbara's companies: MusicWorx, Inc. and Resounding Joy. In today's society, it's all about social networking, right? With facebook, Myspace, blogs, flickr, twitter, etc. etc....social networking can really get a company going and more widespread. That being said, Barbara has been sending me links of other companies to see what kind of networking they are doing. The first step of my project is to make a spreadsheet of what every competing company does. Fun. Eventually, I have to figure out how to put my own twist on this project...in time.

My hubby looks great...for those of you wondering. We celebrated Valentine's last night by cooking Indian food together. It has become one of our favorite meals--Chicken Masala, brown rice, raita (the yogurt dip, mmm), and naan (we use whole wheat pita haha). We opened a bottle of wine and I gave T my card :0 He already sent me flowers last Friday that were beautiful!

I'll keep you posted on our weekend. Tonight we will be going out to din din with Chris and Lauren, Sat we will make a stop at CAN YOU GUESS?? COSTCO, probably go out for another dinner, and Sun T already said we have to make pancakes.

xoxo

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T16:17:00.000-08:00

Feb 14th! Half way done with the month...4 days until I see my Valentine! Yay!! T sent me beautiful bouquet of daisies and roses on Friday :) I brought them home with me and they are on the dining room table. Tonight our family is having...wait for it....lobster! Adie and Rande are coming over and my Grandma is here.

So..I'm sure you are wondering how Tuesday went, when Barbara came to observe me in the hospital. It went well...once she was with me I wasn't nervous; however, she was about 35 minutes late and that meant I had already seen my 2 referrals. Bummer. I need to work on my presentation once I walk into the room. It's more of the business stuff I need to work on, not necessarily the therapy or music part.

Tuesday night I went to the Ronald McDonald House. The cutest little girl was there. She was into EVERYTHING and definitely liked to collect instruments and make piles. Just imagine a 1 year old with tight little ringlets collecting boom whackers and trying to walk with them...boom whackers can be up to 4 feet long (although we had ones that were only up to 2 feet...but still hilarious nonetheless).

The rest of the week went by smoothly. This week was the most tiring, mainly because I worked 3 long days/nights on M, T, W...I worked until 8 or 8:30. I'm ready for my mini-vaca on Thursday!!

xoxox

Eeeek!

2010-02-08T22:19:00.000-08:00

Barbara is coming to observe us at Scripps! Eeeek! I'm nervous...There is so much "unknown" when going into a session, and with Barbara watching I just want to do everything right. Think good thoughts tomorrow at 2pm! :)

I really like Barbara, look up to her and all, but am still a little star struck I guess. In the MT world, she is wayyyy up there in terms of 'famous' people. I mean, I read her books for goodness sakes. I will be fine...I know I will, but this whole thing is a bit new and eeek!

Today was long. Woke up at 6am, got to work at 7:45 am, and got home at 8:45pm. Tonight we had supervision at Resounding Joy, the non-profit. If I wasn't so busy, I would love to volunteer at Resounding Joy...haha...it sounds funny, but the stories I heard tonight were so beautiful...but then I realized I do this for a career and get paid (well, eventually will get paid). Cool, huh?

Another late night tomorrow. We have Ronald McDonald House (Rady's children's hospital...the house is a place for families to stay who could otherwise not afford to be with their children while in the hospital...there is also one at CHOC) tomorrow night from 6-7:30pm...so I am going with a Senior intern. Should be fun, I am looking forward to it!

Off to bed!

Find Ants, Finance

2010-02-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

Friday was fantastic. I went to see a patient on 5E, had an hour long session with her...we did song analysis of Chris Daughtry's song, Home. She is/was a big fan of American Idol, Chris Daughtry and David Cook. C has been in the hospital since 12/27/09...a long time and has been waiting to go "Home" so the song I selected was perfect. I only knew the chorus of the song..so my handy dandy Ipod (30 GB from Mom and Dad..Thanks!) was perfect to play the song with portable speakers we have in the office for our use. Technology is great. C was also a substitute teacher and a k-6 grade music teacher.

I then went to Parkinson's group and had a blast. I love the guys and gals in the group! We talked about the super bowl, sang God Bless America and Take Me Out to the Ballgame...although they did point out that that song was for baseball...I knew that (duh) but then we tried to figure out if there was a football song...and we couldn't come up with anything. Do you know of any songs sung at football games? My favorite client in the group is W. W wasn't in class today because he fell and was admitted to the hospital on Tuesday. I actually got a referral from his nurse on Thursday and saw him in his room. He said he would see me Friday, but I suppose he wasn't discharged yet. He's such a character and kind of reminds me of my Grandpa Bill. It's the sense of humor.

I met the gang (trips and Erica) at Temple at 7:30pm. Kambria was singing in the choir. E's friend was there and talking about finance because that's what he does for a living...money. Jason replied, "Whenever I find ants, I never find any money!!" He thought we were saying "find ants" instead of "finance". Made my night. Kids really do say the funniest things!

Today is the Triplet's birthday party. EXTREME BOWLING. Wish us luck! I hope to take some pictures.... :)

Here's a pick from Monday night I've been meaning to post. Zachary got a bit creative with his chicken noodle soup.

I Just Called to Say "I Love You"

2010-02-04T22:21:00.000-08:00

I'm surprised every Thursday night at how fast the week has gone. It's Friday already and only 2 more weeks until I will be in Cincinnati to visit T. I guess the whole "keeping busy" thing really works.

I have had a relatively uneventful week. Teri, Inc. yesterday was tons of fun. I am getting to know the kids' personalities, behaviors, and musical preferences. Music truly does amazing things. One client, S, was singing the entire time (the past two weeks she wouldn't participate and would just do self-stimming behaviors); however, yesterday she tried everything...strummed my guitar, picked an instrument, played it, danced, and really benefited from music. I always wonder what is going on in their heads??? S's favorite song is Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called to Say 'I Love You'"..her face lights up when we sing it! :)

We had Polster last night-week 3 out of 6. I led 2 interventions! It was great...we did music making (drumming with djembes, dumbeks, shakers, paddle drums, buffalo drum, agogo, and lots of other toys..we also did 3 chants). Even though I started leading things this week, I definitely benefit from making music.

Today we went to Glenbrook (Hospice) and then my co-intern and I went back to Scripps for hospital floors. We saw three patients, and got in 3.5 hours on the floors. Tomorrow I will follow up with the patients we didn't get to...My favorite floor so far is 6West. This is because I have a favorite nurse there. She is great! N gives GREAT referrals, knows what the patient will benefit from, and is just very easy-going. One of her referrals we saw was C. She was referred because she was angry and agitated. My co-intern and I thought it would be appropriate to do relaxation and deep breathing exercises. Nurse N thought that would be a great idea...so in we went. C talked about all her pain, told us everything she could to complain, but said she liked her nurse..haha. We introduced the idea of relaxation and she said "sure". Her pain was at an 8 (on a scale of 1-10) and after our 15 minute relaxation exercise, her pain lessened and she rated it at a 6. Amazing. Our pre and post tests are very important...we definitely put that data into the patient's chart and keep it for our own MusicWorx records.

Hope you enjoyed my stories for the time being. I'm off to bed. I'm on my own tomorrow at the office. My co-intern will be at Teri, Inc, 1 senior is in Seattle doing concerts (she is a Tar player!!! amazing!!), and my other senior intern is taking the day off because her long distance boyfriend came into town!! Fun stuff.

xoxo

I'm On My Own!

2010-02-02T22:05:00.001-08:00

I got signed off on documentation! Yay! That means I can now go on rounds in the hospital by myself, without a senior intern! Woot. That was the highlight of my day :)

Tuesday's are consumed purely by Scripps floors. The days go by quickly, but being inside all day, in a dark-ish hospital is a bit tiring and it really wears you out. I'm exhausted after every Tuesday.

Kambria is selling Girl Scout Cookies...so if ya are interested, I'm sure she'd love to sell you a box, or two, maybe ten. Her goal is...wait for it...to sell 350 boxes! haha...gotta love kids. There is some prize at that number sold that she wants..I'm not even sure what the prize is but it must be goooood. As of right now, Thin Mints and Samoas are by far the most popular.

I am leading more and more everyday. Tomorrow night at our Polster group (Music as Medicine cancer support group) we are doing Music Making and I am leading about a 3rd of the session, sharing it with 2 other interns. I'm quite stoked.

That's all for now.

Mom, WELCOME HOME!

Goodbye January

2010-01-31T11:09:00.000-08:00

The last day of January. Let's prepare for February. A lot going on...but it's a short month, so will fly by!

I slept in today :) Yesterday I had training for Resounding Joy, so I couldn't sleep in at all (training from 9-6pm). I had a late night on Friday--went to Jenn's parents house for a very nice dinner! Ryan and his dad were there. It was so great to see everyone and to have a home cooked meal :)

Tomorrow, the team has a presentation for the Integrative Center at Scripps. I have several articles to read and then to present to some important people. Hopefully all goes well.

February will be a busy month with a few presentations, my first time leading various sessions, and tons of work.

Only 18 days until I will visit Teren.

Today I will go grocery shopping, maybe check out the outlets(?), and get some work done, as well as practice guitar.

Month 2, here I come.

Gonna Take a Sentimental Journey

2010-01-28T23:46:00.000-08:00

I've got that song stuck in my head...gonna set my heart at ease.

I had a good day. Left the office at 6pm to come home and finish up my "You're the Boss!" assignment. There are 9 units total and units 1-3 are due tomorrow. I just finished up. Coming up with your own company is a time consuming process. Lot's of work...but if I ever do end up starting my own company down the line, I've got all my resources in one convenient place.

Week 4 is just about done. Was it just me or did this 1st month of internship fly by? phew.

I don't have any pictures to show you, but I'll put one up that is on my computer desktop.

Happy Friday, all!

Gonna Take a Sentimental Journey :)

The Subconcious is Freaking Me OUT!

2010-01-26T22:08:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you all about my mandalas!

Today I was reading the MARI Book (a book that tells you what your mandalas mean..after you draw them) and found out some pretty fascinating things about 3 of my 6 mandalas.

Mandala #2 "Spiral" I used my two favorite colors: Turquoise and Purple

It fit perfectly into Stage #1 titled "The Void". "In sexual relations lacks the sensual or intimate" The purple meant, "Marks the 1st grief of separation. The leaving of the Beloved! May have a programming of self-sacrifice". The aqua color meant, "Attempting to heal the trauma that may have occurred at these levels". CRAZY?! YES. So..honey, that means I miss you and am still trying to recover from saying goodbye to you 4, almost 5 weeks ago. When I read this one I seriously had a Twilight Zone moment.

Mandala #6 "The Beginning" I had to listen to music while drawing

This one fit into Stage #4 titled "The Beginning". Ironic, much?? Totally freaking me out...same title that I gave my mandala. The pink represents "dependent, lacks energy, may also be at a place to rest and get nurtured, massage might be good". Ya, I'll take a massage. Not lacking energy yet, but maybe when I look at the mandala in say, oh..3 months. The royal blue represents "receptive/intuitive, going back to depths--good mother". I feel that as a MT, I have to be receptive to people's needs, concerns, tension, pain, etc, and as a MT we have to follow our intuition. The "healthy blues" signify "passivity and dependence on the feminine (co-dependence dynamics)". I saw this as me being dependent on my senior interns. I feel myself getting a little uneasy and nervous for having to go out on the hospital floors by myself. With time.

#5 "Mystery" draw mandala on black paper

This mandala fit into Stage #8 called "Functioning Ego". I didn't have time to look up what each specific color meant, but the description of the stage says enough on its own. "One has to come into full adulthood with an identity in the world, is able to be focused, and to be a mature person. One may also be concerned about their career or what they want to do. The specialist lives here".

Throughout this internship, I hope to find my identity as a Music Therapist. Before starting only 3 weeks ago, I thought I wanted to work with children with physical and mental disabilities. I may have already proven myself wrong.

So...try out the mandalas. They are quite amazing and can teach you a lot about yourself...things you never knew!

xoxo

Intern #95

2010-01-25T22:30:00.000-08:00

So..I am intern number 95! Just found out last week that I am the 95th intern at MusicWorx. Cool, ya? That's a lot of interns!

Today was a good day. Everything went smoothly--nothing out of the ordinary. Symposium went well. We had to go over AMTA.Pro, which is an online podcast thingy. Music Therapists put articles online and they record themselves reading it..kinda neat. Today we went over Group MT for Children and MT Reimbursements. Who knew getting a reimbursement for a MT session could be so involved??? yikes. Anyway, if you are a MT student, intern, etc..I highly recommend you check out the AMTA.Pro site. Just go to the AMTA website, then at the right side find AMTA.Pro...then select the article(s) you are interested in! Snap.

I will leave you tonight with a picture! The sunset tonight was beautiful outside our office! I got a quick picture on my cell phone and you can see my reflection, the office reflection, and the sunset all in one...Enjoy.

Tomorrow we will be at the hospital all day. I hope to get signed off of documentation this week!

xoxo

Week 4

2010-01-24T23:08:00.000-08:00

Bring on week 4!

Saturday I went to the McDonald's Center presentation. It was about the 28 day, in patient drug and alcohol addiction facility. It was very informative and touching. After that ended, I drove home, well to the car dealership (my pesty little engine light likes to pop up every-so-often) and then home. I had a lazy afternoon working on some MusicWorx stuff. We had dinner at the Nov's house. Mom is still vacationing it up in New Zealand/Australia. She comes back a week from Tuesday.

Sunday morning--slept in! Did some more work, watched football with the boys (go colts and saints!), then left for La Jolla at 1:45. I had to be at the office at 2:45 because we had "Alternative Happy Hour". Resounding Joy partners with this group which offers things such as yoga, toning, acupuncture, massage, Qi Gong, sound healing, and community drumming (Resounding Joy). So..the event lasted from 4-8pm and we did a drum circle from 7-7:45. The drum circle was tons of fun..the rest of the three hours was a bit boring, but we had a booth so we had to be there...

I finished up some work tonight and now I am off to bed. Early morning tomorrow. 2 events on the weekend made my weekend very short. I feel jipped. oh well.

I will leave you tonight with my last 2 mandalas.

#5: Mandala on black paper
Title: Mystery

#6: Listen to music while drawing
Title: The Beginning

3 Weeks Down!

2010-01-22T23:56:00.000-08:00

This week flew by! The rain made our week a bit inconvenient, but overall...a good week.

Wednesday

I went to Teri, Inc. Led a Hello song and 1 intervention. The day went by so quickly! Thank goodness, because when we did our orientation and observations, the day felt sooo long! When in action it goes by like a snap! It was fun and I am learning a lot from Terri, the Music Therapist there.

After Teri, Inc., we had D (rett's syndrome), then had to head BACK to the office! geeze. Wednesday nights for the next 6 weeks we have Polster group which is a Scripp's funded Music as Medicine class for women with cancer. It was pouring all day Wednesday and we didn't know if anyone would show up! We lugged all our equipment, in the rain mind you, and 1 person showed up! 5 on 1 service..hahah. Barbara goes to Polster sessions. It was pretty cool though. It was an overview of what is to come the next 5 weeks of the class. We went over drumming, breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, toning, and other cool stuff. It wasn't until 8pm when I left the office.

Thursday

Glenbrook hospice. 2 of my patients that I saw last week passed away. It is really sad to think about it, but at least I know that I helped either ease their pain, put a smile on their face, or just sing them a song. M, the client I talked about last week (the one who wasn't breathing for like 30 seconds at a time) passed, as did another woman who we saw with her family.

Supervision with Barbara was on Thursday! We went to Panera, had a nice lunch, and then sat there for another 2 hours discussing our internship: expectations, schedule, projects, case study, student competencies/evaluations, documentation, interns....the list goes on and on. It was overall a good meeting.

Back to the office at around 2:45 to finish up Inventory! We finally finished!!! Left the office at 5:00pm!

After leaving the office, I got a lovely message from Aunt Ronna inviting me to meet her, Henry and the kids for din din at Islands! It worked out perfectly--perfect timing, perfect restaurant, and perfect company! I was soo glad I was able to make it and not have to work LATE for one day out of the week.

I fell asleep for the last 10 minutes of Grey's Anatomy. The rain started up at about 9:30ish and made me really tired! I slept like a rock.

Today/Friday

We had TACO today. Stephanie and I did... TACO stands for Third Avenue Charitable Organization. TACO serves breakfast to the homeless every Monday and Friday mornings. Resounding Joy (Barbara's non-profit) has a contract with them for the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month to provide community-based,recreational music. So..we show up, and guess what? No music because of the weather. bummer.

Back to the office. Did some hospital floors, Parkinson's group, lunch. Stephanie and Bahareh had to plan for McDonald's on Monday, so I started inputting our monthly data into the computer. Then, at 2:30pm I left for D's session, where I would meet Desiree (She goes to Teri, Inc. on Friday so we meet at D's). After that---back to the office for our intern dinner!

The 4 of us (Bahareh, Stephanie, Desiree, and I) went to Fidel's for dinner. It is a Mexican restaurant. So delicious. I got the special. Shrimp tacos! Yum yum. It was nice to get out of the office, get to know each other and let loose. The strawberry margarita was delicioso!

Now, here I am...in the present! I felt so behind not blogging the last couple nights; however, I have been too tired and drained to rethink my days! haha.

I should get signed off of documentation next week. That means I will be able to go on the hospital floors by myself, as opposed to with a Senior Intern. fun stuff.

I'm off to bed. Happy Weekend!

xoxo

Nap, Anyone?

2010-01-19T21:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, so just to prove my mom wrong, well...not wrong, but to show her it's okay...here is a link to an article about sleep. Naps equal a positive thing! However, I haven't taken any naps and probably won't be for a long while.

http://health.ivillage.com/slideshow/health/5_reasons_you_need_more_sleep/napping_does_your_brain_good.html

I'm a bit sleepy, so will just give a brief update.

Today consisted of all hospital rounds. Saw a few patients, learned how to document Declines and N/A's--people who decline MT for some reason (usually because they are tired) and people who either aren't in their room, or currently sleeping.

I did my 5th mandala today...will post a picture soon.

Headed home around 6:30 and made a quick stop at Target for a few things. The trips were asking why I was home so late....and they were showing me that they were in their pj's already and I wasn't! The first thing I always do when I come home is put my pj's on...so they are picking up my habits rather quickly.

Tomorrow, Teri, Inc., our private client D, Inventory, and Polster. Polster is a "music as medicine" group that meets for 6 weeks from 6-7:30 on Wednesdays. It is for women who are cancer survivors and those fighting cancer. Hits close to home, so should be an interesting group.

Night night.

Here comes the Rain do do do do...

2010-01-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

I love going to sleep when it is raining outside. Something about the repetitive noise and trickling outside my window is reassuring and soothing. Traffic was okay today, even with the rain 1) because it was MLK day, people were off of work (cough*not me*cough) and 2) because I left early and came home late. Left the house at 7am and left the office at 6:30ish which is before and after the traffic rush. I was worried the roads might be unbearable with the rain. Lucky me.

McDonalds Center: Lyric Analysis and Songwriting. We analyzed "Let it Be" and then split into two groups to insert our own words/lyrics. The whole group enjoyed the session, lots of clients were excited about the song choice (yay!), and the group came together to write a song that they could call theirs.

Integrative Center: (last Monday I went to Parkinson's--every other week I will be at Integrative) 10:30am, group where people are changing their lifestyle. Mainly people who have suffered massive heart attacks, weight gain/loss, death, abuse etc. Could be any reason and any age. Youngest kid is 16, P, and P is a very bright young man. He saw he had a problem and made a choice to move from Alaska to join this program with his dad. Dad did the program 2 years earlier when he suffered a massive heart attack. The theme today was Lyric Analysis and Creative Arts. Lots of tears.

Then it was time for some quick office work. Barbara gave me the task of sharpening the colored pencils. This is the time when I tell myself that I am an "intern". haha. 12:30 the other girls came back from Parkinson's and it was time for lunch and symposium. Remember, Mondays are the only days where Barbara is with us the whole day. We have a social lunch..then after we eat we discuss McDonald Center session, go over our schedule for the week, patient highlights (Chapman kids...Cathy's story of the week! my favorite thing ever), and assigned reading. This week we had to read two of Barbara's articles that were published in the Journal of Music Therapy.

3:30 it was time to go back to the office. I was assigned, or maybe I volunteered, to document all the quotes clients and patient's have said during/after a music therapy session. I had, along with help from Desiree, to find pertinent, meaningful quotes that clients said throughout all of 2009. It took a couple hours, but it got finished and sent to Barbara at 6:30ish. They had to be done today and sent off to Becky (another Musicworx past intern and Chapman grad!) so she could finish inputting data. Fun stuff.

Tomorrow we have to be at the office at 9am (whooo whoa!) for hospital rounds. We have quite a few referrals to get to tomorrow am.

1 month from today I will be in Cincinnati! The countdown continues. Rande--you were right, 24 weeks left! haha.

My toes are freezing!

2010-01-17T15:28:00.000-08:00

So my toes are cold. You know why? My husband and dad are basically the same person. They both don't like to turn on the heat. They say you always marry someone that reminds you of your dad--yup, I did :) I'm at home for the weekend. It has been very relaxing and quiet. My mom is in New Zealand on a cruise with her sister, Christie, and friends, Pam and Terri. It's quiet here 1) because my mom isn't here and 2) because there aren't any triplets living at my parent's house! haha. But..it is cold in the house. Don't tell Dad, but while he was gone I turned on the heat. hehe.

Wanted to share some pictures with you of our office in La Jolla. The office building itself is not literally connected to the hospital, but a short walk, and on the campus. We have one little office in a rather large, multi-level office building. There are also doctor's offices, nurses, and other staff working in the building. We have to keep our door shut while in our office because in the past, we have been told we are too loud and noisy. We are making music, so....okay, we'll keep it down!

This picture is from the back closet looking towards the front door of our office.

From the back of the office looking to the right.

The closet AKA storage for instruments!

The closet view to the left. Lots of books, instruments, and great resources for us to use!

Inventory, which I have been talking a lot about lately, requires us to "check off" everything on a list to make sure we have it. Can you now imagine how time-consuming this process is? Almost done, almost done. Here's to another quick, fast, meaningful week full of learning, knowledge, and growth.

Oh..if you've been "following" me and aren't officially a follower, please either comment or become a follower! I would love to know who is reading my blog!

Mandalas

2010-01-15T18:58:00.001-08:00

Oh...I forgot!

I'll leave you here with some of my mandalas.

We had to title them and do a certain thing for each...
#1: Light, free choice (in previous post, not shown here)
#2: Spiral, use 2 favorite colors
#3: Growth, use 2 least favorite colors
#4: "Out of the Water", use non-dominant hand.

Which one is your favorite?

#2

#3

#4

TGIF!

2010-01-15T18:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

Today I was with Stephanie doing rounds on the ICU. We went to the SICU...can anyone guess what that stands for? Surgical Intensive Care Unit. Anyone recovering from surgery. We saw a man who was recovering from a fall---85 yrs old...all drugged up. Was not ready for music therapy because he was so disoriented. We were not able to orient him at all. Oh well...

We then saw a very nice man, in his 60's who suffered a spinal cord injury (we think from surfing). He asked for Pink Floyd. Awesome.

Then it was time for our Parkinson's group at 11:15am for an hour.

Lunch, then more floors. We saw B, 68 year old male, retired police officer. Another nice man! We got the referral yesterday while at the ICU, and when we went to see him this morning, he was on his way up to the 5th floor, which is the same as 4W/4E. Not really sure how it is the same (because it is a different floor)...but it is...so we bill 5E to the 4th floor. I think it must be for overflow. So we saw B on the 5th floor. He had surgery for his bladder cancer. He was in very good spirits, talked about how much he loves Buddy Holly, Elvis, Rolling Stones. He reminisced a lot and talked about his wife. Then he got this idea that we should serenade to his wife over the phone...so we left her a voice message singing "Love me Tender". Love Me Tender is the ONLY Elvis movie where Elvis dies in the end...interesting, eh? I ACTUALLY knew that random fact, but B informed us as well! He said his wife tells him he is a terrible singer..haha..but he said today, for the first time, he actually thought he sounded good and on-pitch. His mood really changed, he was happy, laughing, talking non-stop, and asked us to come back! So...we said that if he was still there on Monday that we would return...but, hopefully he is gone (bc that means he can go home!).

At 2:30 I had to leave for D's session from 3-4. After that, home sweet home.

I'm keeping busy as to not think about my longing for Teren. I love him so much! 4 weeks and 6 days until I see him again. 24 weeks left of internship. This timeline, countdown thing really shows my personality--Melancholy/Perfect. Hahah...

xoxo

Such a lovely place, such a lovely face...

2010-01-14T20:00:00.000-08:00

Wednesday came and went quickly. Desiree started the morning with inventory and then did hospital rounds until lunch. I went to the 5th East with Bahareh. It is a new floor for us--we thought we weren't supposed to do work on this floor--until we realized they brought up ICU patients from the 1st floor. Overflow, basically. 1st, 3rd, and 5th floors are all ICU floors. While working with ICU patients, we have to first read their vital signs (found in the nurses station on a large computer screen), and document it into "Pre-test" in our documentation book BEFORE we begin our session. This is in hopes to raise/lower (whatever is appropriate) certain levels during music therapy treatment. The first thing we do once our session is over is stop our timer (we time our session for billing purposes) and then go read the vital signs and document them under "Post-test".

I watched half of American Idol on Tuesday, finished it up on Wednesday. Wednesday night I watched half....when will I finish the other half? Not sure. I don't think it's as much fun without Paula.

Today I met the team at Glenbrook for our two hour hospice rounds. 10 out of 12 beds were full today. Sandy, a very nice nurse, explained all the patients to us--usually she will recommend where to go first based on need, if family is present, if awake, etc. Stephanie and I visited a patient with 5 family members present. Sandy said that her death was "imminent". Family had just flown from Texas to be there. We sang religious songs, as they were Christian.

Stephanie and I also saw M. He was lying in bed, unresponsive. Stephanie sang Hotel California. M was not hooked up to any machines. At one point he stopped breathing. Stephanie and I locked eyes...we were a bit freaked. About 30 seconds later, the heavy breathing began again. Stephanie asked if I wanted to play, so I played EM, am, dm in sequence, finger picking. Stephanie and I vocalized/hummed. It was really beautiful. While we were doing this, M's doctor came in to check in. She said that M had been like this for almost a week and she was surprised he was still "hanging on". She said to us that the music was beautiful and that we were "helping him pass to the other side". She came in right at the time he wasn't taking breaths, put her hand over his heart, and didn't feel much of anything. Then...another breath. She couldn't believe it either.

After hospice, back to the office for lunch. Bahareh and I ate together. It was nice getting to know more about her. At 2pm it was time for supervision with Noelle. Noelle works for Music Worx and for Resounding Joy (Barbara's companies). Every other Thursday I will have supervision with her on the hospital floors. Today she gave us a tour of the ICU, 1st floor. There are even codes to get in...and I know it! haha. I feel so important! hehe. Tour was good and we got 5 referrals while down there. Stephanie and I will go to ICU tomorrow to follow up with the referrals.

Tonight...Grey's Anatomy with Aunt Ronna! Yay! She brought mahi mahi for dinner...yummy. Kambria said it smelled like, "dog food" so she ate chicken. haha.

Tomorrow is Friday!!!

American Idol

2010-01-12T21:38:00.000-08:00

Hi, All--

Quick update for today. Nothing too exciting happened today. Desiree and I had another day of Scripps training. This time it was for our specific hospital: Scripps, La Jolla. Learned basic things about the hospital, a tour, blah, blah. 8am-4:30pm. The last 2 hours was all about transferring patients. From the bed to the gurney, from the gurney to the bed, from the floor to the toilet. There were actually some pretty cool machines which we got to see and try out. There is the "Maximove"which was my favorite name. It looks like a mini hammock and is used to transport people who cannot move at all, or really large and in charge people. ;) The maximove is not to be used when patients are claustrophobic. I should have taken a picture. This portion of the orientation was a waste of time for us MTs because we will not be transferring patients.

Desiree and I planned our session with D. D is the client with Rett's. We will be going to D without the Senior interns present, so we are both excited! We will be using a ukulele, Q-chord, various percussion instruments, and a sound drum. Will let you know tomorrow how it goes! Wish us newbies luck!

Who will be the next American Idol? If you know me at all, you know that I am a big Idol fan. I only watched the first half because I had some work to get done, but will follow up with the rest tomorrow night.

No TERI, Inc. tomorrow because Teri, the MT there, is out of town in Kauai! I told her to have a blast since T and I honeymooned there. I will hear all about it next week.

This week is already going by faster...yay!

xoxo

Every Little Thing's Gonna Be Alright

2010-01-11T21:16:00.000-08:00

I made it to week two. 25 more weeks to go. Today started at 7:45 at the office. The seniors were preparing for the McDonald Center group that starts at 8:50am. The McDonald Center is a 28 day in-patient alcohol and drug addiction rehabilitation center. They are required to go to music therapy every Monday, attend counseling sessions, journal daily, and other things such as meditation. I was told that these patients will never miss their smoke break. ha. The session turned out great! There are four music therapy lesson plans for this group. Today's session was music therapy and creative arts (drawing/coloring). Session started with a relaxation exercise. I participated...we were supposed to visualize something (that represented the addiction) in one hand, and it was something heavy, weighing down on us. I visualized this teeny-tiny fire ball. I've been having a lot of tension in between my shoulders and viewed this fire ball as the tension I have been keeping there. In our other hand (which was my left hand) we were supposed to visualize something (that represented recovery) that was weightless, positive, etc. I visualized a pure heart. The clients then were supposed to draw what they visualized on a mandala. They had two, and they drew their addiction one first. They were given 12 minutes. Some clients used every second, while others were done in 2 minutes. The next mandala represented their road to recovery. After finishing the mandalas, each client shared what they saw in the relaxation exercise and how it was represented in their mandala. Some of the drawings weren't very sophisticated, but how they discussed what it meant to them and how the negative transformed into this positive was just stunning. The clients then compared each of their mandalas with the whole group--you should have seen all the similarities. Just amazing--every client, although a different addition, different story, and different life, had very similar thoughts, feelings, and emotions while drawing their mandalas. Mandalas represent the unconscious thoughts in a person. It was a very successful session and I really enjoyed observing and participating.

Next I went with Bahareh to a Parkinson's group. 7 men with Parkinson's come to this group that works with a Physical Therapist (PT) and Music Therapist (MT) simultaneously. MT's are supposed to support the PT and clients while doing stretching, exercising, and counting. Piano is used--it was interesting to watch Bahareh play the piano--all improv. When clients raise their arms, the music should get higher and when the arms are lowered, the music should lower as well. Very simplistic (makes sense, right), but very helpful to the clients. The last 15 min. is purely MT--sing a long, egg shakers for movement (fine and gross), articulating words for speaking, and just for enjoyment! Next week we are going to bring the tone chimes!

Monday's are the only day when Barbara comes to the office. She observes the McDonald session, leads the integrative session (which I will go to next Monday--we switch off every week), and then we eat lunch and discuss in detail the McDonald session. We also go over patient highlights and the schedule for the week. You should see the schedule...yikes. All color-coded and fancy schmancy. At about 3:30 we were done with symposium.

After that, I went with Stephanie to 4West. That is the 4th floor, West side of Scripps La Jolla. The floors are divided into 2 wings, East and West. Pretty self-explanatory. I'm starting to slowly learn my way around the hospital...the first floor and lower level are a bit confusing, but I've got the other floors down.

Stephanie and I went to see patient, R (using initials for confidentiality) who had a brain aneurysm and who is only 21, married, and his wife is expecting a baby. R was in the ICU for I think a month at least, and was just moved up to 4W. His brother-in-law and wife were present. R is paralyzed on his left side. He tries to move his fingers on his left hand, but is unable to as of right now. You can see his frustration in his eyes, but his wife keeps motivating him. We sang some songs while he drummed with a paddle drum and mallet using his right hand. His wife would fool with him and move the drum so he had to work at hitting it! :) He asked for Incubus and Stephanie sang "Drive", then Stephanie asked if he liked reggae. He said yes, so she sang "Three Little Birds" by Bob Marley. I'd only heard the song once before, but tried to sing along. The chorus is very good and pertains to the issues that R has been facing. A nurse came to jam with us (R wanted this nurse to "jam" with us, so she did). AWESOME nurse. For the first time I saw joy in his eyes. At the chorus, the line "and every little thing's gonna be alright" repeats a few times, and it became very emotional. You could see R tear up a bit. We kept repeating that line and he grabbed for his wife to hug him. It was very emotional. From what I've heard, he has made huge improvements from the ICU and is improving everyday. Very, very rewarding to say the least. I had to hold back my own tears.

Left the office at about 5:20pm. Tomorrow will be another orientation at Scripps, La Jolla. 8am-3pm, followed by inventory. yippee. Hear my excitement?

Tomorrow is our 6 month anniversary!! Geeze--those 6 months of marriage have flown by! Right, honey?? Pure bliss. I am one lucky wifey :)

All my love.

xoxo

Thurs/Fri Update

2010-01-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

So, I'm already behind, but have caught my family up this weekend with my new adventure. I already got harassed about eating too many snacks, saying I have long days and if I'm sleeping enough. I am fine, don't worry please. My snacks are healthy, my days are long to me because I haven't actually WORKED my entire life, and I sleep plenty. My mom says I need to say goodbye to naps. I will not...if I find time for a nap and need one, I will take one :)

Geeze, mom.

Moving on...Thursday started at Glenbrook, a senior living community with a hospice wing. We work 2 hours in Hospice. It is a 6 room, 12 bed facility. I shadowed Stephanie and Bahareh and saw three clients. What an experience. I think I will really enjoy my time at Hospice.

We saw a private client with Rett's syndrome. It is only found in women (because it is on the X chromosome) and is a degenerative disease. We will see this client twice a week.

Thursday ended with hospital floors. Stephanie and I saw a client who was in a motorcycle accident and had lost his right leg. The client played us a song that they had written. Music is very powerful.

Ronna welcomed me when I got home on Thursday night to delicious Mac and Cheese! Yummy! We wanted to watch Grey's Anatomy together but I guess it's not on yet..boo.

On Friday, Desiree and I had our orientation to the adult program at TERI, Inc. The adult program starts at 22 years old on upward. The facility is very nice with different classrooms such as art, wood shop, a nice outdoor area for playing, swinging, eating, and a huge gym for working out.

After visiting our private client, we ended Friday at the hospital. I shadowed Stephanie and we visited a client who has asceding paralysis. She is in a great deal of pain in her feet so we did a relaxation excerise using a Kalimba and a relaxational script. Stephanie did a great job and the client said "I feel much more relaxed" after the session. YAY! That is exactly the reaction we wanted. After learning how to chart and bill the hospital, it was time for home.

I met Erica and the triplets at Temple at around 7pm. There was traffic, of course, so I met them at temple as opposed to going home and driving with them. Kambria was singing in the girls choir. Zachary and Jason sat on each side of me and we had a front row seat to watch Kambria. Zach leaned in towards me and asked, "Have you ever been to temple?" I responded, yes. He then continued, "It's pretty boring, isn't it?" OH...the things kids say. I told him to "enjoy the music" and that he could rest his head on my shoulder. Kambria did a fantastic job and looked great in her favorite outfit! ;)

Saturday was an early morning, too. No sleeping in? Not until Sunday I suppose. Resounding Joy is a non-profit that Dr. Barbara Reuer founded. It provides music to the community, not necessarily music therapy, but more recreational, creative, and community-based music. All of us interns went to the Farmer's Market somewhere in San Diego and played a Drum Circle. It was for the kids. Some of the kids jumped right in and others were a little skeptical. All-in-all, it was a great jamming session and was fun. It wrapped at noon then we had to load all the instruments and drop them off at the office.

By 1pm, I was on my way home. It took me exactly an hour to get home from La Jolla...traffic was moving! Lucky me. This weekend has provided me the opportunity to take NAPS and sleep in. I have been practicing my guitar and have been playing the piano for enjoyment. Chris and Sara are watching the Packers. Grandma is here taking a nap. I must get the nap thing from Grandma. haha. It all makes sense now.

That's it for me...back to Carlsbad around 7ish, of course after a homemade dinner from mom and a visit with my in-laws! :)

xoxo

Nap, Anyone?

2010-01-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

Today was our orientation at TERI, Inc. We met Terri, not to be confused with TERI, Inc. Terri is the music therapist hired as a private contractor. She goes to TERI 3 days a week from 9-2pm. Long days...I must say. [Mom--Terri reminds me of a mix between Heidi and Terri..haha] Any who, we observed Terri's sessions and asked a ton of questions. I will be working there on Wednesdays from 9-2pm in the Childrens Center. They also have a separate location strictly for adults with DD (Developmental Disabilities). One of the best part about the location of TERI is that it is only about 20 minutes away from where I am staying in Carlsbad, and it is north, meaning: NO TRAFFIC!

Here is a link to TERI, Inc.'s website so you can learn more about them.

http://www.teriinc.org/

After we left TERI, I went to Trader Joe's to pick up a few things for the rest of the week...I need more snacks to keep me going before and after lunch. Getting home around 3pm, I was ready for a nap! Geeze louise. I am already tired, but luckily not mentally strained. Probably not used to such long days and getting up so early. Back to the college days of naps (when I can fit them in) and staying up late and getting up early to finish up work.

Barbara requires us to complete 6 mandalas during the first month of our internship and several personality tests. Tonight I completed my first mandala and we could use whatever colors we wanted. I was stumped at first as what to draw, but just let the colors flow. I'm not sure what it quite represents but Barbara will (supposedly) use these mandalas to better understand our personalities. We shall see...

Here is a photo of my first mandala.

Tonight I will also be completing a series of personality tests and some other paperwork. Exciting, I know.

Interns Schminterns

2010-01-05T20:11:00.000-08:00

Oh, the life of the "intern" has begun. Desiree, the other new junior intern, and I met our Senior interns. They are very nice and basically took us through our next 6 months. They talked about hours needed (1040 in 6 months), our daily schedules, office work, etc. etc. Basically, diarrhea of the mouth. Although there are tons of things to get done, start, and accomplish, I am not stressed yet. phew. Keyword: yet.

We toured the hospital with Barbara (our director), had a TB shot, blood test for MMR, and had lunch in the hospital cafeteria in about 1 hour flat. Then it was off to tour the hospital with the Seniors. We will be doing bedside work on floors 4, 6, 7, and the NICU. We were told about the East wing and West wing, the differences, how to figure which one is which, blah blah. The view from the 7th floor of Scripps La Jolla is beautiful.

Afterwards, Desiree and I had to start inventory of the office. A long and time-consuming process. While going through the books and manuals, I came across "Documents Schmocuments: If It's Not Documented, It Didn't Happen". Us MT's from Chapman can totally name the author. Right? I read the title and immediately thought of Dr. Luce--once looking down to find the author's name, I was right. Documentation in the MT profession is so important, for the title's reason exactly. MusicWorx has its own way to properly chart and document sessions--something else I will be learning.

It will probably take us at least 2-3 weeks to complete our inventory task. Once we finished, we left the office at approximately 4:40pm. When I hit the outside, for the first time in a while I took in the smells around me. The air was damp, almost ocean-like, and I could smell the trees. This was when I pinched myself. We live in a truly beautiful place. T, I love you but do not miss the bone-chilling cold weather of Cincy. ;)

Tomorrow, off to TERI, Inc. I will be working with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Orientation is Wed and Fri from 9am-2pm. Wish me luck.

xoxo

"Kids are dirt wrapped in noise"

2010-01-04T17:00:00.000-08:00

I've never done a blog before, as you might eventually or very quickly notice. However, I thought it would be appropriate to start this as I go through this next, shall we say, "journey" through life. I have just moved to Carlsbad, CA for 6 months as I complete my undergraduate degree from Chapman. This includes a 6 month music therapy internship and a board certification exam before I am given the title as Brianna Shaffer MT-BC (Music Therapist-Board Certified). I am currently living with T's cousin, Erica and her three kids, 7-year old triplets: Jason, Zachary, and Kambria.

Well, today was my first day at my new internship. MusicWorx of CA is a non-paid internship out of Scripps Hospital, La Jolla. Yup--I said it, non-paid. Yippee. I will probably do more work during these next 6 months than I did in my 4 years of college. But--even though I don't sound excited NOW, I really am--and am looking forward to gaining knowledge, friendships, and the ability to grow as a musician and as a therapist.

Here is the link to my internship :)
http://www.musicworxofcalifornia.com/
I will be working in the NICU, in a Drug/Alcohol Abuse Rehab Center, on the Scripps hospital floors, with children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and hospice.

So...today we had training from 8am-3:30pm at Scripps. This was basic training for ANY new employee at Scripps (RNs, technicians, coordinators, etc). The presenters were personable and interesting. While learning to properly wash our hands, the main gal was going on and on about how important it is to wash properly, don't forget your thumbs, etc etc when she said, "kids are dirt wrapped in noise". bahaha. I found this really funny and very true. Living with 3, 7-year olds has ALREADY proved to be noisy and as I thought about this quote, I realized how many germs children can carry. With 6 months of tough work in front of me I thought, "oh geeze...I don't want to get sick". Long story short: wash your hands for at least 15 seconds with soap.

Amazingly, the food was delicious, service was great, and I got a re-usable Scripps green grocery bag. Wow, I know. I also stole some extra snackies for future days when I need an extra pick-me-up.

Tomorrow, Intern Office at 9am.