Take the Plunge

Well, here we go! Yes, I have finally done it- I have a job as a Music Therapist! I'm actually getting paid to do therapy! No, it's not a lot during the summer, and yes, it currently requires a 2 hour drive every week because I'm still working part time in the office... but that's ok! I'm willing to do it! I'm working mostly with individuals with special needs with some nursing home work thrown in there on occasion.

I had my first sessions today. It was an OK day as far as first days go. Two clients I had not met last week when I was shadowing the girl I am taking over for. First meetings are always interesting- finding out likes, dislikes, goal areas, what works, what doesn't work, etc. My sessions at the nursing home were OK. The first was better than the second, but the activity level for one is much higher than the other. And it's been a LONG time since I've worked with geriatrics. Whew! So different than the kiddos I see! And, naturally, the client I was most nervous about went awesome.

So, now I have to find somewhere to live. And hope I don't have to choose between food and gas!

In other news... Well... That's most of my news right now. =)

I like that I'm always telling myself I'm going to be a more active blogger... and then I stop writing for weeks (or months) at a time. Funny how that works, isn't it?

Well, in the last few weeks, I've presented Music Therapy at one of the local hospitals, attended the SER-AMTA conference in Charlotte, and was a guest, along with Elmo, with one of the local support groups. Coming up in May, I'll have a booth at one of the local Resource Fairs for parents with children with Special Needs. All in all, a good day for Music Therapy! Now, if only I can get a job in my actual field!

Leading up to conference, I had to miss three weeks of sessions with my kiddos- two to make up work hours and another week they were on Spring Break. I didn't realize just how much they kick off my week! Those kids are so full of excitement and happiness! I really wish I was working with kids full time. I am seriously looking into private practice! Scary, but I think it might be the best path for me to take at the moment. And it would get me out of my parents house. (And I am SO ready to get out of my parents house! Don't get me wrong, I love them. But seriously. It's time.)

Spent last weekend with some most lovely people at the zoo. And the mall. And the park. And Jacob's house. What I wouldn't give to live in the general proximity of these lovely people. Pics to come of that adventure. (I'm at work... Shh! Don't tell!)

I find myself in a general need of an attitude adjustment. And it's not like I don't know the cause of said icky attitude. I've been trying to do things my way instead of the way of my most Glorious Creator.

And where has that gotten me? Well, let's review...
1. I'm unsatisified with my work situation. I know this isn't where I'm going to be forever, but I'm here now and I should be applying myself to the best of my abilities everyday. Instead of using this sense of unsatisfaction to propel me forward into a job I'm called to, I'm just sitting at my computer complaining. Not helpful.
2. I'm unsatisfied with myself. This is a day-by-day struggle that I face everyday- the person in the mirror. And I mean that on a totally "face-value" level. Since May 2010, I've been on a journey to change my reflection- mostly in the way of losing weight. Of which I've been successful, but there are days where I am just all around unhappy with myself. I've come to accept that this will be something I'll deal with for the rest of my days and I will overcome it. And come out stronger in the end.
3. I'm unsatisified with my current "relationship status". Well, this is both true and untrue. I mean, I'm not filling out a profile on match.com or anything, but I'm more than ready to be through with the singleness part of my journey through life.

General unsatisfaction and a large void in my life that I can't fill. And you know what? I can't fix this problem on my own. I think I'll hand it over to Someone far greater than myself.

Validation

It's such a great feeling when you're doing what you know you're called to do. Today, I had a Music Therapy group with two students at my mom's school. They were two adorable little boys who are 4 and 5 years old- who isn't cute when they're that age? It was such a great experience! I was warned Monday that we might only make it 15 to 20 minutes of sitting and attending, and that's fine with me- new things can be hard to take sometimes and the 4 year old attention span is short enough already- but these guys not only attended for a full 30 minutes, but after I was done I pulled out my Ocean Drum and you would have thought I just pulled the moon from the sky! They sat a "shared" it back and forth for at least another 15 minutes. I say "shared" because the turn taking was not volunteered... Haha. The only thing that could have made the session any better would have been to get paid for it, but we're taking it one step at a time. I have to convince the "Powers that Be" that MT is beneficial and necessary and if that means not getting paid for services for a little while, then so be it. I am quickly gaining support with the Special Ed teachers and support staff, and that's the first step!
I really wish I could share with the world some of the pictures the teacher sent me- so sweet! One picture is just too cute- he could be the poster child for Music Therapy! Alas, I have a Code of Ethics and that little thing called "the law" I have to adhere to. Ah well. Just picture, if you will, a child totally engaged and excited about the music he's creating. =)

What happened to summer?

Today was Mom's first day of school! Where did summer go?! Here's a strange fact- I, of all people, did not go to the pool or the beach at all this summer. Not once. I feel like I need a do-over. I love water related things! It just ended up not working out. Both trips to the ocean ended up not working out because I had just started my job. Money trumps beach, sadly.
BUT! I did get a new car. Yay! The Neon is no more. I am now the proud owner of a 2011 Corolla! I love it.
Job: Eh. It is what it is. I can't really complain. Kids Choir might end up being my undoing, but I'll do what I can.
Music Therapy: Well, right now, no one is paying me for MT. But I'll be doing two groups at Mom's school with both SpecEd classes. Hopefully, this will lead to getting paid to work with these kids! I really would love to see MT in the schools here. I think there's a great need and lots of potential. I just have to prove MT is something worth fighting for! 
Labor Day weekend, I get to drive it up to VA to go claim my belongings. Where am I going to put all that stuff? Who knows. I would love to get my own place, but right now, my options are: find four people to live with so I could afford rent (and no, I don't know for people I would live with in NA) or live in places that are... well, not on my list of places I would consider living. Because as a single white female... well, not a good plan. So, I'm here at home saving for a townhouse. Or until Prince Charming comes in a sweeps me off my feet, whichever comes first. (My vote is for Prince Charming.)
I have lost another 5 lbs, bringing my total to 45 lbs lost. Yay!
Speaking of Prince Charming, he can totally ride in any minute now... 

MT-BC

Today, it's official.

I am a board certified Music Therapist.

Hold your applause.

Other than that, life goes on as usual. Work is starting to have a routine. Sometimes I'm super busy, other times I twiddle my thumbs.

My car is barely hanging on... Our days together are numbered. I'm planning on trading it in late summer or early fall. Fingers crossed we make it that far.

Off to Kay's wedding this weekend! Yay! I'm excited. I mean, I've only known they were going to get married since they started dating. It's about time. And this means I get a weekend in Charleston! Oh, sweet Charleston! I've missed you.

Hopefully with the start of school and a few things I have lined up at the end of the summer I will start doing some MT. Crossed fingers there as well.

Other exciting news... Hm. Well... I can afford to go shopping again. That's exciting. Especially since I can afford non-necessary items like shoes and jewelry again. Sometimes, it's the small things.

Puzzle Palooza

I don't know who named this camp, but it certainly wasn't me. Ah well.

This week I'm working at a camp for children with Autism. Well, working probably isn't the best word for it since I'm not getting paid. But whatever. I'm working with the OT- who is fantastic AND knows about MT! She's been more than happy to work in some music with her plans. I didn't know I was going to be there until Friday and she didn't know until she walked into the room. Yay spontaneity!

It's been... Interesting. Because the workers are mostly parents of kids at camp and students who, I assume are either siblings or kids from the church it's held in, some are better with the kids than others. But because they're volunteers, you don't want to walk up to someone you don't know from Adams house cat and say "You're doing this wrong and this is why this child is reacting this way to you." But I did tell one younger girl that the only reason the child she's working with is behaving the way he is is because she reacts every time. It's a game to him now and he thinks its funny. She didn't really listen. Ok, go ahead and think you know better than I do, it's fine. I'm only 10 years older than you. And I have a college degree. But whatever.

I have had several lovely MT moments thus far. The Purple Alligator song is a hit, of course. I have had two different ask to "play" my guitar for the class, and one who also sang and "played" for the class. This coming from the student who told us he didn't want to participate because he couldn't throw a ball very well. Love it.  And I have had a largely nonverbal student talk to me. More than once. I think it's because I take the time to understand what he's saying to me when he's not using words. And I know sign language, which he responds really well to.

And I've had parents ask for my info and for me to come speak or do a session for a few support groups in the area. Things are looking up for my Music Therapy career around here! Now... I have to conquer the board exam!

Movin' On Up

I AM NOT AN INTERN ANYMORE!!!

Today was my last day as an intern! I am (almost) officially ready to practice Music Therapy. As soon as I take -and pass- my board exams. Graduation is Saturday and then my undergrad career is officially over. How strange. I can remember that first week of my internship- feeling overwhelmed, scared, intimidated, excited. Much like that first week of school way back when. My, how life has changed.

In celebration, I've decided to actually write a real blog post. One with details and everything. I wish I had pics... but I just don't. Sorry world.

The past week has been filled with goodbyes. I have had to say goodbye to the 35 kids I work with! That's a lot of goodbyes! For the most part, they went smoothly, no tears or tantrums. The kids were ok with it, too. I did have one student refuse to sing goodbye, one wrap himself around my legs, one "Love You" from a mostly non-language user, lots of hugs, and even some "I'll miss you"s. I'm not typically one to get super emotional, especially in front of people I'm not super close to, but I will say I've teared up in the car a few times after those sessions. I wasn't quite prepared for having some of those kids mean as much to me as they do now. But when you see students make progress- use language, grow skills, laugh, sing, play... It's hard to separate yourself. These students, and I hope many, many more, are part of who I am. They have changed me and molded me in ways unimaginable. I can't imagine having done my internship anywhere else.

Now I'm (sort of) in the process of packing up to return home. I can't say I'll really miss living in a college town, but I will miss those people I got to know and count as friends here. I was an outsider who was invited into a small part of Virginia Tech for a short while. And even if I don't have any idea what the point of the game of Corn Hole is, I'm glad to say that I have friends here and will count it among the many places I call home.

This past nine months, I have discovered I can live without Diet Coke. And eating out. Which very much helped in the almost 40 pounds I've dropped in the past year. Now for those last 12 pounds to make 50 and to KEEP IT OFF. Wish me luck. I don't want to go back to where I was. Ever. Unless I'm about to birth a child.

Still single. Shocking, I know. But I have faith. That guy is out there somewhere. I just don't know where yet. If anyone out there has any idea, please clue me in.

We're finally settled in the new house. The grass is growing and the driveway is poured. My car is parked behind the house in it's own spot. Obviously, it's time for me to move on.

Now I have to find a job! Eek!

Final Days

I'm down to THREE more days. THREE. Today was my last day at my favorite school with my favorite students. One of them wrapped himself around my legs today. Yesterday I had a student put her face on the ground with her hiney in the air while I sang the goodbye song and she refused to finish the song. =(

I can remember way back to the start of this Internship... days seemed so long and the end of the year seemed so very far away. Now I only have three days left and I'm really sad! I wish I could share the faces and voices of my students. They have wiggled their way into my heart, even on those rough days.

It seems a bit unfair that I have to leave, find a job (!), and make my way in the real world.

Anyone want to hire me?

Twenty Days and Counting

Today I had what is most likely to be my last Sunday at church. Bittersweet moment! I'm over the moon excited to graduate, get certified, and start doing what I have truly come to love. I'm also slightly terrified, but what can I say. So, I've been thinking back over the past nine months, and here are some thoughts I've had...

1. I'm hardly the same person I am when I got here. I'd like to say I've  mellowed out. I may have never been the most up tight person to begin with, but I don't worry when things start to go a little wonky. I've learned to just go with it. I can't get upset when my students throw tantrums or don't want to sing a song I've prepared.

2. I've learned to put a lid on my sarcasm. This has been the biggest struggle for me for years. Yes, my sarcasm is always going to be a part of me. But I didn't want people thinking I was mean when I first got here because I put up my sarcasm barrier. I heard that from a lot of my now close friends at the end of last year; I didn't want a repeat. I didn't have four years for people to get to know me here. I had four weeks.

3. I (almost) always sing in key! As long as I take the time to think about it and don't assume I know how a song goes and where it starts.

4. High schoolers are not scary. Now my high school and middle school groups are some of my favorites.

5. I've come to learn that those kids that are "easy" are actually far more difficult to work with than the "difficult" kids.

6. I've accomplished things I never thought I could do. I've done this internship, I've found a church where I feel included and accepted that wasn't a place that I already knew people my age, I've made new friends, and I've lost 37 pounds. That last one is actually the most impressive to myself. I honestly never thought it would happen. =)

7. Today, Logan named me an honorary Hokie.I consider that a pretty big complement. =)

Musical Moments

The end of my internship is drawing near and I'm really enjoying this last month or so of sessions. The students are responding well and I'm comfortable enough to try new and more challenging things. I've been doing more improv activities and I'm learning to make up songs as I go- much sucess with the Clock Song and So-and-so ate Ms Julie. Today I had my additional session with my case study student and it's just so awesome to see the difference in him from the start of the year. He used to say maybe five "words" per session and now he's chattering the whole time, even singing with me! And he looks like a Fraggle, so the combination of enthusiasm and Fraggle is just too adorable. Downside of coming to the end is that I'm swamped with work. Researching and writing my case study, reading two books simultanesly and trying to spend enough time planning sessions to keep them interesting and new, and looking for that all important JOB. As my case study would say, Whew!

"Spring Break" is a week and a half away and I can't wait! I'm headed to Charleston before heading home and I cannot wait to see my friends!

In other news unrelated to anything else, I've lost a total of 35 pounds. =)

I love you, Ms Stephanie!

That's the first thing I heard this morning when I got to school. What better way to start the day? Well, other than Kathy Lee and Hoda, which I also got to watch today! For last week's Tuesday having been so awful, today has  been awesome. =)

Not to be premature, but it's looking like I'm going to reach 35 pounds this week putting me ahead of my goal for graduation and Kayla's wedding! That's exciting! Especially when I consider I never honestly thought I'd be at this point. I wanted to, and here I am. Officially wearing a smaller pants size than I ever did at CSU. Thanks for that, Caf. I blame Jimmy and his Philly Cheese Steaks. Darn you, Jimmy.

Almost down to one month until graduation, less than a month until I return to Charleston! Who's excited? I am!

As Time Goes By

Well, it's trying to be Spring here in the mountains. It was warm for like a week, now we're calling for Winter-mix this weekend. Yuck. Ah well. At least I'm not battling inch thick pine pollen this year. My allergies are thankful. =)

This week started off not great. Tired, ready to be done, beyond ready to see friends from home, in need of a social life, all of these things coming together to take a toll mentally on me. Add on top of that some, admittedly needed, criticism from my intern supervisor, by Tuesday I was about to throw in the towel. Not on life, just on this week. No one call any hotlines, please. =) But after a few words of encouragement and a monologue to myself more or less summed up to "Suck it up, Steph", the week took a sharp turn around Wednesday. I suppose I'm starting to feel like I don't need supervision, I have been here 7 almost 8 months, but I so quickly forget I am still a student and I am most certainly not perfect. I can always improve. Oh, self awareness.

Graduation, the end of my internship, and then my board exams are all just around the corner. It seems like so recently I was sitting in my first class thinking about just how long it was going to be until the end was in sight. Now it's right in front of me and I just hope I'm ready.

Well, time for another session. Off to sing about a Purple Alligator. =)

Rhythm of Love

So, last time I posted the remix Rhythm of Love which is now often stuck in my head. I played it this morning for my middle school group, which is one of my most fun and enthusiastic groups, and they loved it! One student even told me so, unprompted, on her communication device. It's these little moments that make it all worth it.

In other news, I got a new workout DVD this weekend. It's one of the Biggest Loser things, and let me tell you- my legs are killing me today! But in a good way. I hope.

Had an awesome conversation with my best-ie, Christie today. Much needed, much loved. So good to talk to someone about everything going on in life, from friends, guys, what's up in our Spiritual lives, work, you name it, we talked about it. That is probably the number one thing I lack here- a really close friend who I can talk about absolutely anything with. All in good time, right?

This Week on The Intern

It's been a really good week. I had a seven year old ask me "How's life?" and a high school dance the Thriller. What beats that? Found a new favorite song, a MT friendly version of Rhythm of Love by the Plain White T's. Very fun. I like the original version as well, but this one is kid friendly. My echo microphone has become quite the popular item this week. Funny how something so simple that only costs a dollar can become something so exciting.

For your listening pleasure, here's the video of the PWTs song. And as it's me... I can't get the video to shrink enough. Ah well. Visit www.listenlearnmusic.com for the original. =)

A Few New Experiences

My weekend has been an interesting one to say the least. Bit by bit, I'm moving into the new house. I've uncovered- count them- 16 mixing bowls I've managed to collect over the years. I'm getting rid of quite a few... Keeping the two nice plastic bowls that are more like popcorn bowls, the three metal bowls, and the 5 ceramic bowls that are pretty and colorful... eliminating 6. Anyone want a bowl?

So, it snowed this weekend. My first time seeing snow in December! I like snow. It's so pretty and makes everything look all new and clean. But my word, is it cold this week. Tuesday's high is 32. 32! That's freezing! Literally! Ah well. Well, this morning I had to sweep all the snow off my car to go to church. That was a new experience. Also new- snow with no gloves. Not fun. Guess what I'm doing on my time off tomorrow? Yes. Buying gloves. And coffee creamer. 

Two hour delay tomorrow. Yay for a little extra sleep, but sad day- I had some new fun stuffs planned for tomorrow. And now I don't get to use them. I mean, yes, I'll just save them for next week. But still. Arg. 

Today, I thought I was going to be computer-less until Thursday. My computer fell victim to two nasty, nasty viruses. It totally took out my spyware. But thankfully, that dumb stuff they make you download at CSU is still up and working on my computer. Who knew. After like two hours of messing with my computer, here I am. Back in action. Oh, look at that. As I'm sitting here, my spyware is back. Everything seems all right. Woohoo! Let's hope that's a first that remains a single time experience.

This was early afternoon yesterday. It's all nice and white and covered now... but it's dark outside.

Light at the End of the Tunnel

So we're FINALLY starting the moving process! Yay! It's looking like the "official" moving date will be the weekend around Dec. 10... Which is fine with me cause I won't be here! I'll be in Aiken doing a MT proposal. So, all my stuff has to be out of here by the afternoon of the 9th. I've been getting my kitchen put together, my lights work, I have doors, my appliances are all in, I just need the light in the living room installed. And, you know, general cleaning. And having my bed frame put back together. I am wondering, however, how in the world I got all my clothes to fit in those suitcases...

Spent the last two days on my own due to sick kids (my supervisor's) and I've had two really good days! Had one of those "Hey, I could really do this" moments this afternoon. Woah, real life!

The Intern: A few things I've learned

1. I have learned that I seem to have a certain talent for understanding those with severe speech impediments. And those who have developed their own language of sorts.
2. Changing the strings on a classical guitar is way more of a pain than my acoustic.
3. Guitar strings make your hands smell like old pennies. Yuck.
4. Cold in VA is so completely different than cold in SC. 37 degrees just doesn't feel as cold here.
5. I still don't like eating sandwiches everyday.
6. Pretty much everything can be played in D or A. Few exceptions.
7. My car and I still have a love-hate relationship. That is, we love to hate each other.
8. Driving on some of the back roads in the mountains makes me feel car sick. And I'm the one driving.
9. I like having my own kitchen. Or at least one that I do the majority of the cooking in.
10. If it weren't for Skype and AIM, I probably wouldn't be able to make it through this whole thing.
11. Even though they're hours and miles away, I still have some of the best friends I could ever ask for.
12. Even though I will probably never find a church like Summit, it's good to be getting involved in one here.
13. Whoever invented decaf coffee should be shot.
14. I really miss the convenience of free gym use and evenings with the elliptical.
15. Yes, I can lose 20 pounds. And I have. =)

The Intern: Day 40

I have completed eight weeks of my internship! Go me! Monday I (sorta) take on my own case load. I say sorta because I'm actually seeing everyone we see on Monday by myself. And Tuesday is a little funny as well, but that's ok. Today was a really good day. I've identified the student I'm going to be working with as a Case Study and I'm really looking forward to it. My case study in school was so different than this student and I think this will be more interesting and beneficial for me in the long run. Next week I'm tackling some journal article reviews. Easy-peasy. I've done so many of those I could do them in my sleep at this point. But, it must be done, so do them I shall.
Still not doing much to talk about on my weekends. It's a little difficult to meet people my own age. Even at church where I'm in Sunday School with my "peers", they all see each other more than once a week for an hour or so, unlike me. I do hope I can make a few connections with people. If not, well, I'm going to be watching a lot of movies and doing lots of craft projects. Such is life. But here's to hoping. =)
One thing that I really want to do but can't due to my lack of friends here is going out to take pictures. =( So much to photograph, no one to keep me from falling to my doom.
Well. 19 days until Thanksgiving break and with it come some of my very favorite people! And 50 days until Christmas, so 46 or so days before I get to go home for Christmas break. Huzzah.

The Intern: Day 27

It's Tuesday and Glee is a rerun. Read: I'm bored. I'm also waiting on a Skype date with Kayla. Ugh. Hurry up. Kay!

So, an update on my life:
The apartment and house are painted! My apartment has most of the tile laid, so we're waiting on cabinets and electrical stuff. The end is in sight! It will be so nice to have all my stuff again.

The Internship is going really well. I've started working with some of the students "on my own". My supervisor is still in the room, of course, but it's just me, doing Music Therapy. =)

Meeting Mom halfway between here and home this weekend, so that's something to look forward to. It will have been six weeks since I've seen anyone in my family outside of my computer screen!

And- get excited- I have actually added someone from VA as a FB friend. Go me. Making progress. He's in my Bible study and SS class from church. Speaking of which, finally found my way into the college SS class and really enjoyed it. Yay! Here's to hoping I make at least a few friends between now and May.

And... yep, that's about it.

The Intern: Day 25

So, the big day is coming: It's time to start choosing students I will be taking on as my own case load! I feel like it's kinda taken forever, but I guess it'll all end up ok in the end. I'm excited, a little nervous. You know, the usual. I am excited to start doing my own thing, though. I'll be able to plan ahead instead of being tossed into the middle of something I didn't start. O_o

In other news, my apartment has a floor! And paint on the walls! Next step: cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom! After all that's done in rest of the house, there's not much left before we get to move in! We're looking at right before Thanksgiving for a move in date. I'm pretty excited to have my own space. Not that I mind living here where I am now, but it'll be nice to feel like more of a "grown-up".  =)

And... yep, that's about it. You have been updated on my super exciting life.

Hopefully tomorrow I'll have some pictures of my apartment!