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
Friday, May 14, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
9 more weeks...
...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! ;)
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! ;)
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Once a Phi Sigma Sigma...
...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
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
Monday, April 26, 2010
...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?
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?
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
I have been MIA.
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Somewhere My Love
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
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
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Mothers Know Best
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.
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.
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