Survival Mode for the Next Week

'Tis the season for MJ to be a bit scattered and overwhelmed!

This is the week before the Online Conference for Music Therapy, and I am the treasurer and continuing education director for the conference. Right now, I am getting emails sent out to people from all over the world, and I am fielding questions from all sorts of folks about all sorts of situations!

In addition, I just saw a position that I would enjoy doing, so I am thinking about applying. The worst case scenario is that I would not get the job, so why not try?? I have some time to get things together, but I would have to become a member again of an organization that I have stepped away from. Ugh. I have some time to think about this situation, but not much.

This tends to be my busiest time of year - OCMT and everything else just seems to show up at this time. If I need to do something in an urgent manner, it will happen during OCMT week. It is pretty funny to note that there are 51 other weeks in the year, but I end up having all sorts of things happening in this one week. For example, I have a visit with my oncologist on Monday after getting my TB test and after working with five groups that I have not seen on Mondays for over 6 weeks now. As far as I know, I do not have any other appointments (yet), but I know that they are out there, lurking.

The visit with my oncologist should be pretty smooth. The issues that they were concerned about after my last round of tests seem to have been resolved (according to the report I read), so I should just be moving forward with an annual colonoscopy and then one every three years. Colon cancer is no joke, so it is important to keep up with regular screenings. Apparently, I tend to grow tumors pretty fast, so I have to do things a bit differently than most, and now my siblings have to as well.

I did get one question answered - I do NOT have an additional appendix like my mother. That was the first question that I had for the doctor because the last scan report stated that I did have an additional appendix. That question has been answered. Isn't it interesting how our bodies can be the same and different at the same time?

As long as I can keep my cool and progress as needed, I can get through this experience yet again. After all, I have done this for fifteen conferences now. For now, though, I am going to get some groceries and see if there are some good cookies at the Dollar Tree, Fortunately, it is cold enough outside that I can get groceries first and then shop at the Dollar Tree without food spoiling in the back seat. I don't usually go somewhere after I get my groceries, but I feel confident that I can do that today.

I have started my lists - things to do for OCMT as I am still doing other things. Lists are one of my systems, and they really do help me move through the daily, weekly, and project requirements for all of my projects. Currently, I have administrative things to do for my business as well as the OCMT stuff on the list. In addition, as I think about this particular job opportunity, I have other things to add to the list that are not part of my usual thinking - that is okay. I love projects and getting things going. In addition to being stressed about OCMT week, I am also stimulated! It is definitely a heady feeling.

We are going to be doing our Country of the Month this next week. I have the presentation ready, and it is time to explore a bit more about the music of a different culture than my own. Some of my students look forward to these - others do not. So, I am thinking of ways to help those who do not enjoy the presentations a bit more. I am planning a parade as well as bringing in some unique instruments to experience. We will talk a bit about some of the cultural traditions of the country - as much as I know about them. I try really hard to be respectful and honest when I discuss different countries with my students. If I am unsure of a cultural tradition or practice, then I research them later. It is a responsibility that I take seriously.

It is time to head out into the world, get my groceries, and see if I can find the cookies that I am looking for - it is time to cook food and eat well this week as I move into OCMT week!

I'll see you when I see you!!

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