Twenty-Something Resolution, Week Three

I did TWO new things this week!  Does that mean I can take next week off?

First, I'll start with what happened on Wednesday that I haven't had time to write about yet.
There is a Music Therapy intervention that our team have all been trained in, but we haven't been using it, because of concerns regarding the research to support the effectiveness and validity of the intervention.  This week, my colleague and I met with the therapy team, along with a distinguished Music Therapist for extra support, to discuss beginning a program to initiate using this intervention in our hospital.  It was the first time I was able to discuss/propose a Music Therapy program, and definitely one of the first times I felt confident in what I know.  It was all very grown-up.  Afterward, we were exhausted and energized all at the same time.  There's still more work to be done, but we are excited.

Second, I went to Montgomery this weekend.  I've never been to Montgomery, but I didn't really get to explore much.  I went for the Alabama Music Educator's Association (AMEA) conference.  Since August, I have been playing in a group called Alabama Winds.  This group consists of band directors and music educators across the state (including my own high school band directors), as well as retired music educators, and the occasional member without a Music Ed degree (such as myself).  It has been an absolute pleasure playing with them, and this year, we had the honor to play a concert at AMEA.  It was an amazing concert to play, filled with much musicianship and artistry.  We even got to play with Tom "Bones" Malone, who played with the Blues Brothers and on The Late Show with David Letterman (I think, I don't really know who hosts which show...)  Anyway, it was magical and I love to play my horn, and I have been so blessed to be able to play with such talented musicians.

Hooray for music!

Twenty-Something Resolution, Week Two

Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.
Some weeks will be naturally full of new things, some weeks I will have to look for new things to try, and some weeks will have new things thrust upon them.
This week has been thrusted upon.

I've had a slow leak in my tire for a few weeks.  I asked my dad to look at it, and he didn't see anything.  He even took it to Sam's for me, but didn't have them inspect it properly (because it was a 45 min wait).  He just told me to put air in it every once in a while, and then when it's time to get new tires, all will be well.

Except he was wrong.  Which, admittedly, doesn't happen often.  I noticed on Thursday evening after work that the tire had leaked some air - about 7 PSI below its recommended amount of air.  So, I made plans for the next morning to get a bit of air in it at the Goodyear service center conveniently located on my way to work.  While I was there, the gentleman who filled it informed me of a nail in the tire.  Here's the photo evidence:

It's small, but enough to cause a leak, and too close to the sidewall to repair.  The prognosis was not good.  I had to buy a new tire.

After a stressful day of adulting, I decided to buy one new tire at Goodyear.  The next morning, when I arrived at my Goodyear appointment, I thought all would be well, just get my new tire and go, end of story.  However, NOTHING is ever that simple for me.  The men at Goodyear put a new tire on to replace the original, and while they were routinely checking the other tires, lo and behold, ANOTHER NAIL!!  In ANOTHER TIRE!!  And guess what else?  It was also too close to the sidewall to repair.  I didn't take a picture, but I did make him take me back and show me, just to be sure.  He then told me my back two tires were worn, but I trust my daddy, who said they were fine for a little longer.  Long story short, I now have two new Goodyear tires and hole the size of $269 in my bank account.

I called my parents (even though I'm adult, I like to get some wisdom!) and mom decided that the guy probably put the second nail in himself just to take advantage of me because I'm young and a woman.  I, on the other hand, am more like Dumbledore and I always see the best in people.  Either way, once the nail was there I had no choice.  So, I sat in the waiting room, knitting, mourning the loss of my money, and hoping for Peter Pan to come take me to Neverland where I won't have to grow up.

Fun times.

Twenty-something Resolution, Week One

I might be cheating a bit this week, but I'm just getting into the swing of this new lifestyle, so my future posts should get better.  And to explain why this is cheating and why this is even relevant, you need a bit of a backstory.

Last year's resolution (one of them, at least) was to stop drinking soda.  Cold turkey.  Well, not quite cold turkey, because I wasn't addicted or anything, but you get the idea.  It wasn't that difficult, just a bit tricky every once in a while because there were times when my only options were soda and sweet tea.  Being from the midwest, I can't handle sweet tea down here in dixie, so I would just go without. Anyway, I completed it.  I expected to grab a coke on the first of the year, and I intended to, but when I got up to order my lunch that day, none of the sodas in the fountain looked appetizing, so I just decided to go with water instead.  Long story short, I haven't even wanted a soda yet.  Until last night.  On my way to church for choir practice, I had to stop at McDonald's for dinner.  Side-note: I don't like McDonald's, and the thought of it makes me cringe, but it's handy when you're in a pinch.  Anyway, I ordered my measly meal, and a carbonated beverage to go along with it.

So you might already be able to tell why this week's "new thing" is a bit of a cheat.  Because it's not really new to me.  I've been drinking soda for a majority of my life.  But what was new about this, was my reaction to the coke.  I HATED it.  It was too sweet, and bitter all at the same time, it covered my throat in gunky mucous, then later dried out my throat, and it made my heart race.

If you ever wondered whether Coca-Cola is an acquired taste, let me just tell you: it is.  And it isn't so tasty once you've un-acquired it.

Typical "twentysomething" New Year Resolution

I've decided that my new year's resolution is to try new things, have new experiences, conquer fears, and have an open mind about it all.  Every week, I will try to intentionally do something I've never done before, or try something that scares me (within reason, of course, I'm not dumb enough to put myself in danger).
Even if it's as simple as eating some food I've never tried and looks gross, I'm hoping to expand my world.  I'm also going to try doing this while saving money.  Don't know how that will work, but we'll find out.
So, I'm calling on you, people of the internet.  (Except I'm pretty sure only one person actually reads this thing.)  Keep me accountable and I'll keep you updated.

P.S. This is starting today instead of the 1st.  2015 started on a Thursday.  Give a girl a break.

Ferguson

I have roots in Ferguson.  If it weren't for Ferguson, I wouldn't be here.  I wouldn't exist.  My parents lived and met in Ferguson.  They got married, moved to another suburb of St. Louis, had me, and I grew up in St. Louis.  Not at all far away from West Florissant Ave.  And now, at this very moment, the eyes of a nation are looking to my city.

My heart is breaking.

I don't understand how looting, vandalism, and violence will create any positive change.  These actions showcase the worst of humanity.  Hate begets hate.  None of these actions will bring back any lives lost.

There is so much I want to say, but m emotions are getting in the way and I need to organize my thoughts first.  However, as per usual, I can express my thoughts and feelings surrounding this situation in song.  Here are the lyrics that I am holding on to:

"Imagine all the people living life in peace...  Imagine all the people sharing all the world."

"Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth, the peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father, brothers all are we
Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony

Let peace begin with me, let this be the moment now,
With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow:
To take each moment and live each moment in peace eternally,
Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me."

All About That What?

I normally don't do this, but I think I'm ready to stir up some discussion.
I've had the Meghan Trainor song, "All About that Bass" stuck in my head a lot recently.  It's a catchy tune, and it attempts to break down societal ideals of "beauty."  However, I can't ignore the fact that she builds herself up by bringing others down, and bases her worth on the attentions of the opposite sex.  Let's analyze these lyrics.

I'll start by giving you the lyrics to the verses so you can have some context if you're not familiar.

Yeah, it's pretty clear, I ain't no size two
But I can shake it, shake it
Like I'm supposed to do
'Cause I got that boom boom that all the boys chase
And all the right junk in all the right places

I see the magazine working' that Photoshop
We know that shit ain't real
C'mon now, make it stop
If you got that beauty, beauty, just raise 'em up
'Cause ever inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top

Yeah, my mama she told me don't worry about your size
She says, "Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."
You know I won't be no stick figure Barbie doll
So if that's what you're into then go ahead and move along

I'm bringing booty back
Go ahead and tell them skinny bitches that
No I'm just playing.  I know you think you're fat
But I'm here to tell ya
Every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top


"I ain't no size two."  Let me begin by telling you a little something about myself: I happen to be a size two.  A natural, unsolicited size two.  That's the body God gave me.  I'm grateful for my health, but my size really doesn't concern me much.  Why is she singling me out?  (I wouldn't normally take it personally, but for the sake of argument, let's just go with it.)

"I got that boom boom that all the boys chase."  So, since I'm small, I can assume from her lyrics that I don't have the "boom boom."  Boys don't chase me around, but I sincerely doubt that has anything to do with my lack of "boom boom."  It's probably because I'm obnoxious and I scare them away.  I can guarantee it has more to do with my loud personality.

"Boys like a little more booty to hold at night."  Throughout the song, Trainor makes the case that her body is beautiful the way it is.  And it is.  She's hot!  If I swung that way, I'd be into that!  However, she measures her worth not based on her personal beauty, self respect, her rockin' musical talent, or her identity.  She measures her worth based on boys wanting to hold her booty.  Come on, Meghan.  You're awesome!  You don't need to base your worth on what boys can get from you!!  You just do you!

"You know I won't be no stick figure Barbie doll."  Again, I'm going to reference the issue of skinny shaming.  Do women who have "Barbie doll" features any less human? (maybe some are because they are partly made of plastic, but either way, they still have souls, right?)

"Skinny bitches"  Not all skinny people are bitches.  And not all people with "that bass" are lazy, as the stereotype goes...

"I know you think you're fat, but I'm here to tell ya every inch of you is perfect from the bottom to the top."  Don't assume that skinny people are obsessed with staying that way.  I don't think I'm fat.  I know I'm small.  But I'm also not perfect.  No one is, and that's just part of the beauty of life!  But I also don't need you to tell me I'm "perfect" for me to feel good about myself.  Thanks for the encouragement, but you tore me down before you built me up with superficial and inaccurate positivity.

I am beautiful because I am part of this life that we all share.  We are all beautiful because we are all loved.  Don't let your self worth/ideal of beauty be based on size or sexuality.

All that being said, the song rocks and I appreciate that she's trying to break the mold.  I just don't really like the mold she's trying to make.  But, if it sparks discussion, it's worth it!
"Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable."

Blessings

Last week was a very exciting time for my family.  Mom and I went to Missouri to celebrate.
I have a cousin who is beginning a new journey.  If you knew where she came from, and where she is now, you'd be absolutely astounded.  I won't go into any gruesome details, but basically her life was heading in one direction, and now, because of faithful and supportive loved ones, and the power of God, her life is heading in the opposite direction.  We've spent many nights, days, hours, minutes, and tears praying for her.  Now, I can't wait to see how this new chapter of her life unfolds.
Congratulations!
Another exciting thing is the birth of our newest family member.  Another blessing after a storm.  New births are always reason to be grateful, but this particular one has something extra special, healing, and miraculous.  Praise be to God for the beauty of life!  (also, I got to hold the new baby before my mother!  That has never happened before!)

Now I will conclude with the lyrics of a song that has been an inspiration: "Blessings" by Laura Story

We pray for blessings, we pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
And all the while You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way to much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops,
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near,
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

We pray for wisdom, Your voice to hear
We cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise fromYour word is not enough
And all the while You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

What if Your blessings come through raindrops,
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near,
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?

When friends betray us, When darkness seems to win, we know
The pain reminds this heart that this is not,
This is not our home!
It's not our Home!

What if Your blessings come through raindrops,
What if Your healing comes through tears?
What if the thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know you're near?
What if my greatest disappointments,
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can't satisfy?
What if trials of this life,
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights,
Are Your mercies in disguise?

Some Things You Need to Know about Music Therapy

There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding the term "music therapy."  I am a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC), and I've gotten a lot of reactions to my occupation.  One of the most memorable was when a patient told me, "I'm not into any of that Kum-Ba-Yah $h!t."  Or when I was a student and told people I was majoring in music therapy, "what do you want to do with that degree?"  Go into dentistry, of course!!

I'm here to clear some things up.

• First, a definition of music therapy.

Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.

• Music therapy is not just for sick musicians.  

Anyone, regardless of musical background, can benefit from music therapy interventions.  No experience necessary.  The reason for this is because music therapy goals are non-musical.  We simply use music to reach our goals.

• I am not a volunteer

I spent a lot of money, time, and effort studying and learning how to do what I do.  (This is addressed in a later bullet point.  Stay with me!)  Please respect that with the acknowledgment that I deserve to be paid.

• I am not an entertainer.

I am a therapist.  I assess patients' needs, create goals, implement plans, and document progress.  What I do is challenging work, and everything I do is purposeful.  This is therapy, not entertainment.

• "So, do you just play guitar and sing all day long?"

Take just out of your vocabulary.  I don't just do anything.  See above.

• "I'm too anxious right now, I really don't need any more stimulation."

As a music therapist, I am trained to use music and music therapy techniques to decrease anxiety and promote relaxation.  If you're feeling anxious, I'm the perfect person you want to see right now.  Not only is music therapy effective in decreasing anxiety, it is non pharmacological, which means no side effects!

• We are not hippies.

I know "music therapy" can sound very hippie-dippie, but as I've said before, I am a therapist.  I don't sit around a campfire singing "Pass it On."

• Let me tell you about our education.  It's more invested than you'd think.

Every (real) music therapist has (at least) a bachelor's degree in music therapy.  Not a certificate, but an actual degree.  And the degree is actually specifically in music therapy.  A lot of people ask if we have music degrees.  They're right.  But wait, there's more.  Our degree includes music courses, psychology courses, anatomy, liberal arts core, music therapy clinicals/practica, and probably some others that I've forgotten (and you can't really blame me, it's a bit overwhelming.)  And that's just the coursework.  Most people take 4.5-5 years to complete this part of undergrad.  The rest is the 6-month internship, which is INTENSE!!  This is a requirement, not an option.  This is where all the in-depth training happens.  This is where we take all the things we learn in the classroom, and apply it under supervision and direction of a qualified supervisor.  My internship changed my life.

• No, I don't want to try out for American Idol

I like my job.  If I wanted to try out for American Idol, I wouldn't be able to do what I love.  Thanks for the compliment, but I probably won't follow your suggestion.

• "Is there an article out there about what you do?"

Yes, lots.  Music therapy is an evidence-based practice.  We have two research journals, Journal of Music Therapy, and Music Therapy Perspectives.  I realize you're probably looking for some feel-good "music calms the savage breast" or "music heals the soul" article, but these research articles are much more exciting.  (maybe I just feel that way because I'm a nerd...)

• I am NOT here for background music.

Just, no.

• "I'm afraid I might fall asleep if you play music, I don't want to be rude."

I work in a medical setting, where patients may be dealing with anxiety or pain.  If music therapy promotes so much relaxation that my patient falls asleep, that means I have done my job.  I take it as a compliment!  Please fall asleep!  (The only problem is that I'm very clumsy, so I usually wake them up when I'm trying to leave...)

• "Can you go play for [insert patient's name here]?"

No, but I can provide music therapy services for them.  What is your reason for referral?

• Yes, I've seen all the Dateline specials about music.

I get very excited when music changed lives.  That's why I got into this profession!  However, not every story you hear on the news is music therapy.  Music therapy only happens when a credentialed professional is providing services.  Sure, it may look the same as that volunteer who plays piano at the nursing home, but a music therapist has a clinical purpose behind EVERY aspect of their interaction with a patient or client.  The volunteer on the Dateline special may be talented and I appreciate their time and compassion, but they don't have the ability to make the clinical decisions I do.  It's not the same thing.

• Lastly, a link for you.

www.musictherapy.org

Yes, we're organized.

Thanks for sticking with me.  I hope you found this informative!  Next time you see someone in the hospital elevator with a guitar, don't ask for "a little elevator music,"  or scream "FREE BIRD!!"  (Those jokes weren't funny the first thousand times)  Instead, thank them for their hard work and passion using the great medium of music to impact lives!