music, therapy, and me

It is halfway through this season of festivities and stuff, and I am tired of it all. I went to do some laundry (because my room is currently 60 degrees and not getting warmer during the day so kids are bundling up in the blankets that I had my facility buy since they are not fixing the HVAC system AT ALL), and the COTAs were painting applesauce and cinnamon ornaments with students and they put on Christmas music. Now, I do not listen to much Christmas music during this season because it is everywhere and I get tired of it all. So, I was hanging out in the laundry area listening to this music and watching my students either protest or become so enthralled that they were not doing anything they were asked to do. I have three more holiday obligations to go before my holiday can start and I can flood myself with Christmas music. I will be able to listen without thinking about all the things that I need to do in the next 10 days because those 10 days will be OVER! I enjoy Christmas music, ...

Okay, I have officially started my winter break countdown because I have two weeks from today that the Holiday Sing has to happen for my clients. I am not going to be in playing shape by then because the hand specialist has not called me yet so I can't start rehabilitation until that happens. So, I have to figure out how to accompany our singing this year where I cannot play the guitar and I'm not able to trust that my intern will be able to provide us with appropriate accompaniment. So, it is time to get creative and see if I can find karaoke versions of many of our songs to help us with singing.  Tonight is the start of all the extra things that happen during this week - our Angel Tree Service of Remembrance. It is also the annual holiday party at work - something I do not engage in because I have to provide student services during the "party" time and because I cannot eat anything in the facility without knowing where it is produced. (I have a strange infection tha...

Egad! Gadzooks! How did it get to be December 2023 already? I am simultaneously ready and not ready for this month to be here. Christmas presents are being received at their destinations, but the shopping is not finished yet. This is a month of extra worship services, programs, caroling parties, surprises, trying to stay organized, practicing music, figuring out solutions to problems that aries, and figuring out how to play a bunch of music while working on making my finger work again. I am sure that all of you are feeling the same way - here we go... It is time to get into my ultra organization mode. I want to make sure that I am arriving at all the things I need to be at and that the changes in my routine are not forgotten. In addition to being the busiest month of the year, it is the one where I get overwhelmed very easily. So, to help me not get too overwhelmed, I engage in some self-care practices that work for me. I avoid all shopping unless it is in off-peak, early morning hours...