Do not go to bed at 1am on Sunday evening. It makes for a weary Monday.
I don't know where my brain was last night. I was physically prepared for the week (laundry done, food prepared, etc.), but mentally, I did not prepare enough to just GO TO BED!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Good wake up
I woke up this morning in NO PAIN!!!
About 15 years ago, I walked down the steps of my dorm and twisted my ankle at the bottom. Then about 10 yrs ago, I stepped out of the shower (just as I would any other day) and pinched my sciatic nerve - only to find out that it was connected to the ankle injury. Since that time, I have had chronic back pain. I see a chiropractor about every 6 weeks to treat the pain and readjust my body. My body goes out of line very easily.
But this morning, I woke up and was not in pain! Most mornings, I am in pain and I work my way through it through stretches and stuff. Man, would I like some good meds for this, but I since I see a chiro for the pain and not a regular doc - I adjust naturally to the pain. My plan lately has been to stop sleeping on my stomach, so I sleep with a kingsize pillow on my left side and a large foam wedge on my right to prevent me from rolling over. To be honest, I feel like a newborn in a crib. But hey, it's working!
About 15 years ago, I walked down the steps of my dorm and twisted my ankle at the bottom. Then about 10 yrs ago, I stepped out of the shower (just as I would any other day) and pinched my sciatic nerve - only to find out that it was connected to the ankle injury. Since that time, I have had chronic back pain. I see a chiropractor about every 6 weeks to treat the pain and readjust my body. My body goes out of line very easily.
But this morning, I woke up and was not in pain! Most mornings, I am in pain and I work my way through it through stretches and stuff. Man, would I like some good meds for this, but I since I see a chiro for the pain and not a regular doc - I adjust naturally to the pain. My plan lately has been to stop sleeping on my stomach, so I sleep with a kingsize pillow on my left side and a large foam wedge on my right to prevent me from rolling over. To be honest, I feel like a newborn in a crib. But hey, it's working!
Validation & a new book
Today, I found articles that support my developing ideas for this position paper. Can I call it a thesis yet? No. I am definitely circling around the ideas that for music curriculum, there are 2 dif't camps of thought: traditional v. contemporary. The article from Music Educators Journal used the word 'reconceptualized', while others have used the term "post-modernism". Hmmm...not quite sure which is the best. But I am most comfortable with the 'contemporary' term. I thought my research was going nowhere - just shooting in the dark - but today, I feel validated in my research. I have to create at least 3 argument points - I will have 4 b/c there are four areas of study within the Action Ideal posit. My argument will be for contemporary music curriculum development and the counterargument will be for traditional music curriculum development.
Today, we went to church - duh, it's Sunday. I am going more often than I used to. I go through slumps every few years where I just don't wanna go or I get wounded by some situation in the church (oh, the can of worms!). But Steve is leading youth worship at a Baptist church on Wednesdays and the contemporary worship service at a Methodist church on Sundays. I am growing to like the Methodist church - there are some definite differences btwn the Meths and the Baps! But we have a new Bible study class and everyone is just so REAL - I LOVE IT! May I just say - FINALLY! So, I like it enough to attend church on a regular basis.
We went to church and then I took Steve to his youth band rehearsal. I swung over to B&N to buy Daniel Levitin's new book, The World in Six Songs, and then took it to Cheesecake Factory to read while I ate lunch. The book is really good. His premise is very much evolution based - that much I don't really care about b/c it's not like he's gonna sway me to that side. Basically, he says that all songs or musics fit into 6 categories: Friendship, Joy, Comfort, Knowledge, Religion, Love. Human nature is searching for those parts of the spirit and self-expression takes the form of music to create them.
This is what is interesting....for years, I have heard that music education courses are in jeopardy of being cut for funding purposes. I think I take this for granted b/c of the school district that I currently teach in. Klein is very pro-fine arts, especially pro-music. Here's the interesting part....Levitin says that music has been an important part of our daily lives throughout human history. He says that music is "a core element of our identity as a species". We are a highly variable species that has created a need for music and allowed it to shape who we are as a global culture and its subgroups. Why then would anyone ever think of it being insignificant in the education of the youth of this world?
Today, we went to church - duh, it's Sunday. I am going more often than I used to. I go through slumps every few years where I just don't wanna go or I get wounded by some situation in the church (oh, the can of worms!). But Steve is leading youth worship at a Baptist church on Wednesdays and the contemporary worship service at a Methodist church on Sundays. I am growing to like the Methodist church - there are some definite differences btwn the Meths and the Baps! But we have a new Bible study class and everyone is just so REAL - I LOVE IT! May I just say - FINALLY! So, I like it enough to attend church on a regular basis.
We went to church and then I took Steve to his youth band rehearsal. I swung over to B&N to buy Daniel Levitin's new book, The World in Six Songs, and then took it to Cheesecake Factory to read while I ate lunch. The book is really good. His premise is very much evolution based - that much I don't really care about b/c it's not like he's gonna sway me to that side. Basically, he says that all songs or musics fit into 6 categories: Friendship, Joy, Comfort, Knowledge, Religion, Love. Human nature is searching for those parts of the spirit and self-expression takes the form of music to create them.
This is what is interesting....for years, I have heard that music education courses are in jeopardy of being cut for funding purposes. I think I take this for granted b/c of the school district that I currently teach in. Klein is very pro-fine arts, especially pro-music. Here's the interesting part....Levitin says that music has been an important part of our daily lives throughout human history. He says that music is "a core element of our identity as a species". We are a highly variable species that has created a need for music and allowed it to shape who we are as a global culture and its subgroups. Why then would anyone ever think of it being insignificant in the education of the youth of this world?
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Action Ideals stump me
I am opinionated, but I do not like to argue. It's a complete waste of energy to me. However, for part of my Concepts of Music Ed grad class, I have to develop a position paper on an Action Ideal set forth by the Mayday Group. My A.I. is 7a.
Action Ideal #7 says
An extensive and intensive consideration of curriculum for music education is needed as a foundation to greater professional unity and must be guided by a sound philosophical process.
a. What philosophical, curricular, psychological, and social principles and criteria should guide curriculum development, evaluation and criticism?
Let me say that I chose one of the easier A.I.'s - I thought.
So I am researching.....trying to find some information that will lead me to a position paper that has an argument and counterargument. Not only do I have to argue it, I have to argue BOTH sides!!?!?!?
I am finding some information - some of it is quite archaic. The argument/counterargument is developing into traditional vs. contemporary perspectives in music education. I guess any topic has the old v. new argument.
Action Ideal #7 says
An extensive and intensive consideration of curriculum for music education is needed as a foundation to greater professional unity and must be guided by a sound philosophical process.
a. What philosophical, curricular, psychological, and social principles and criteria should guide curriculum development, evaluation and criticism?
Let me say that I chose one of the easier A.I.'s - I thought.
So I am researching.....trying to find some information that will lead me to a position paper that has an argument and counterargument. Not only do I have to argue it, I have to argue BOTH sides!!?!?!?
I am finding some information - some of it is quite archaic. The argument/counterargument is developing into traditional vs. contemporary perspectives in music education. I guess any topic has the old v. new argument.
gift-giving made difficult
Let me preface this rant by saying...without children, I am self-centered, and yet probably more self-aware than most women my age. All I've got is time on my hands and most of it is unbalanced.
***
I am plagued with the challenge of self-satisfying gift giving. It is a concept that I put aside so long ago out of hurt and disbelief that I became a people-pleasing gift giver. When I was a child, I used to give my mom gifts that I made or picked out - I can remember being SO HAPPY to give her the gift. It did satisfy me to choose and give the gift. And yet, the gift was was later found on a back shelf hidden away or buried in a drawer. There was no real appreciation for the gift. Lesson to parents - for an appropriate amount of time, display your child's gift to you or at least use it. In the first couple of years of dating Steve, I would buy gifts for Elizabeth that I enjoyed buying and creating the entire package. That was so fun! Again, tossed aside gifts or it was something she didn't like and she made it known. That wall of expectation....I didn't know it was there, first of all, and second, it has been difficult to penetrate. So, I began to exhaust myself finding a gift for her that she would enjoy - it didn't matter. The result was still the same. She is happiest with gifts that she can choose, someone wraps up for her and there is no surprise in the unwrapping. Total control issues. It may do well for me to give a AmEx gift card for the next few years until I can wrap my head around this idea of self-satisfying gift giving. Yet one more area of my life that I can exercise self-centeredness.
The other day, Anna said to me "I can help you choose a gift that you would like to buy for Elizabeth." My first thought was "I don't know what I'd like to buy her, but I would like to get her something that she needs." I think for this pregnancy, we are going to become a diaper provider. That requires little thought and absolutely no emotion.
On the weekend of her wedding, 5 yrs ago, I overheard Elizabeth's business partner say "Tescille just keeps trying." Yep, that's me - child of an alcholic with tons of co-dependent issues - it's my thing. But I am tired of this one-sided relationship going nowhere. It's like dealing with a Seinfeld character - one dimensional on a show about nothing. I keep holding out hope that she will change, until then, I am stuck in this 3 steps forward-2 steps back relationship of frustration.
I have been looking on the internet for the psychology of gift giving or something that would help me think differently about this issue. Apparently, there are all kinds of research studies regarding the social psychology (not sociology) of gift giving, but it is difficult to find articles on the web about it. Social psychology reports include gift giving as part of studies in....reciprocity.
For the past 3 years, we have had this Christmas list thing going in the family. We provide one, the senior Risers do not, and the Parkers...well, Robert tells us what he wants and eludes to what Elizabeth wants. I refuse to do it again this year. We would put things on the list that we needed or wanted, all moderately priced. You get to point in your life, when you have everything you need. Without kids, you buy what you need for yourself or you allow yourself expensive toys. Anyway....They think they know us, but they don't -so they need a list to make it easy. I even went so far as to provide specifics, complete with websites. Sometimes, we get the specific items. Other times, we get downgraded items. My favorite (sarcasm here) is when they say "well, we saw that on your list but we didn't understand why you wanted it, so we didn't get it for you." Seriously? Why do you need to understand why I want it? You wanted the list, we provided it. Not this year. When they ask for the list this year, I am going to say "Whatever you'd like to give us is fine."
***
I am plagued with the challenge of self-satisfying gift giving. It is a concept that I put aside so long ago out of hurt and disbelief that I became a people-pleasing gift giver. When I was a child, I used to give my mom gifts that I made or picked out - I can remember being SO HAPPY to give her the gift. It did satisfy me to choose and give the gift. And yet, the gift was was later found on a back shelf hidden away or buried in a drawer. There was no real appreciation for the gift. Lesson to parents - for an appropriate amount of time, display your child's gift to you or at least use it. In the first couple of years of dating Steve, I would buy gifts for Elizabeth that I enjoyed buying and creating the entire package. That was so fun! Again, tossed aside gifts or it was something she didn't like and she made it known. That wall of expectation....I didn't know it was there, first of all, and second, it has been difficult to penetrate. So, I began to exhaust myself finding a gift for her that she would enjoy - it didn't matter. The result was still the same. She is happiest with gifts that she can choose, someone wraps up for her and there is no surprise in the unwrapping. Total control issues. It may do well for me to give a AmEx gift card for the next few years until I can wrap my head around this idea of self-satisfying gift giving. Yet one more area of my life that I can exercise self-centeredness.
The other day, Anna said to me "I can help you choose a gift that you would like to buy for Elizabeth." My first thought was "I don't know what I'd like to buy her, but I would like to get her something that she needs." I think for this pregnancy, we are going to become a diaper provider. That requires little thought and absolutely no emotion.
On the weekend of her wedding, 5 yrs ago, I overheard Elizabeth's business partner say "Tescille just keeps trying." Yep, that's me - child of an alcholic with tons of co-dependent issues - it's my thing. But I am tired of this one-sided relationship going nowhere. It's like dealing with a Seinfeld character - one dimensional on a show about nothing. I keep holding out hope that she will change, until then, I am stuck in this 3 steps forward-2 steps back relationship of frustration.
I have been looking on the internet for the psychology of gift giving or something that would help me think differently about this issue. Apparently, there are all kinds of research studies regarding the social psychology (not sociology) of gift giving, but it is difficult to find articles on the web about it. Social psychology reports include gift giving as part of studies in....reciprocity.
For the past 3 years, we have had this Christmas list thing going in the family. We provide one, the senior Risers do not, and the Parkers...well, Robert tells us what he wants and eludes to what Elizabeth wants. I refuse to do it again this year. We would put things on the list that we needed or wanted, all moderately priced. You get to point in your life, when you have everything you need. Without kids, you buy what you need for yourself or you allow yourself expensive toys. Anyway....They think they know us, but they don't -so they need a list to make it easy. I even went so far as to provide specifics, complete with websites. Sometimes, we get the specific items. Other times, we get downgraded items. My favorite (sarcasm here) is when they say "well, we saw that on your list but we didn't understand why you wanted it, so we didn't get it for you." Seriously? Why do you need to understand why I want it? You wanted the list, we provided it. Not this year. When they ask for the list this year, I am going to say "Whatever you'd like to give us is fine."
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
3 month comparison
Right Photo - June 11 2008Left Photo - September 11 2008
55 lbs lost!
Look at the difference in my face! WOW!
I am still fat, but I don't feel SUPER FAT anymore. The khaki pants and turquoise top are headed for the donation pile - they are TOO BIG for me now!
A challenge...
My husband and my therapist both agree...that I need to take myself out of the relationship equation, both emotionally and mentally, with Elizabeth. I need to set limitations for myself and create self-satisfying situations which create positive behaviors. "Deal with the hand you were dealt" and "accept the situation 'as is'". Don't expect reciprocity because it will never happen.
My gosh, that looks soooooooooooo good in print. Now, I have to put this into practice.
3 women in my life that have no level of reciprocity: my Mother, Pam (mil), Elizabeth (sil). I have to live with them and maintain some level of relationship with them for the rest of my life. These are not friendships that I can dissolve if I don't like them. ARGH!!!!!! The female-female family relationship is NOT EASY!!!!!!
On the simple side of life - I went to PetSmart to buy pet food, I went to Target to buy toiletries, I went to HEB to buy groceries, I picked up the drycleaning, I filled a prescription, I went to the school to drop off a few things, and I need to eat dinner right now. All very simple parts of life. But then again, none of these things require deep & meaningful relationships.
My gosh, that looks soooooooooooo good in print. Now, I have to put this into practice.
3 women in my life that have no level of reciprocity: my Mother, Pam (mil), Elizabeth (sil). I have to live with them and maintain some level of relationship with them for the rest of my life. These are not friendships that I can dissolve if I don't like them. ARGH!!!!!! The female-female family relationship is NOT EASY!!!!!!
On the simple side of life - I went to PetSmart to buy pet food, I went to Target to buy toiletries, I went to HEB to buy groceries, I picked up the drycleaning, I filled a prescription, I went to the school to drop off a few things, and I need to eat dinner right now. All very simple parts of life. But then again, none of these things require deep & meaningful relationships.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Reciprocity is in short supply
We will become Uncle Steve & Aunt Tescille in May 2009 to Baby Parker #1. Robert & Elizabeth are pregnant. We were...not quite the last to know, but almost. We knew after the West Monroe and Ohio family found out. The West Monroe News Feed got the information to us before Bob & Liz had even thought about breaking the news to this end of the immediate family. I heard from Amy through email this morning - she said that Pam told Aunt Polly. Of course, Pam denied telling Polly. I don't believe that for a second, but whatever. Liz was crying on the phone to Steve b/c she had a special way that she was going to tell him. Robert told me that they were so busy in the last 5 days - us, too. The irony is that the "conception" announcement said "Say Hello to our new Longhorn" with the sonogram picture attached. Well, under that picture it said "Couldn't wait to share the news!" Yeh, you did and someone else shared it for you! You waited until you had shared it with 15 of your nearest and dearest family and friends. And we are not in that loop. But hey, who are we? Steve's just the brother, and I am just the sister-in-law or rather...."the girl that married my brother who did not meet my expectations." Yep, that's me! This is why when Steve and I have news to share with our family, we make sure that all of our ducks are in a row and we have a captive audience. Or we just don't tell them. We don't want a news leak, and nobody gets hurt that way.
Despite my bitterness about these dysfunctional family issues - lots and lots of therapy needed....We are actually happy to be aunt and uncle to this baby. Stephen & Pam will focus all of their energy and money on Elizabeth and the baby. Robert and Elizabeth will, of course, be perfect 1st time parents. Steve & Tescille will be the cool aunt and uncle who just enjoy the child and give great gifts. Hopefully, we'll find gifts that annoy the parents - those are the best. I care little and know nothing about giving baby clothes - so toys and noisemakers, here we come!
We are not surprised that Liz is preggers, we have been waiting 2 years for it to happen. And I know that they are happy. What is sad is that we couldn't be naturally surprised and happy for them in the way they wanted - I would have enjoyed that emotion and actually, I was looking forward to being surprised and excited for them. I keep expecting something more from them, and frankly, it always falls flat. I call Liz to go to lunch. We go to lunch, she never reciprocates. I go out of my way to find great gifts for her - she gets me gifts right off the list (no list this year). When I go to Kingwood to the chiropractor, I used to stop by and see her. I don't do that anymore - not worth it. I don't know why I keep trying with her - it goes nowhere. In the 8 years, that I have known her, she has never shown me reciprocity. Sad, but true.
Despite my bitterness about these dysfunctional family issues - lots and lots of therapy needed....We are actually happy to be aunt and uncle to this baby. Stephen & Pam will focus all of their energy and money on Elizabeth and the baby. Robert and Elizabeth will, of course, be perfect 1st time parents. Steve & Tescille will be the cool aunt and uncle who just enjoy the child and give great gifts. Hopefully, we'll find gifts that annoy the parents - those are the best. I care little and know nothing about giving baby clothes - so toys and noisemakers, here we come!
We are not surprised that Liz is preggers, we have been waiting 2 years for it to happen. And I know that they are happy. What is sad is that we couldn't be naturally surprised and happy for them in the way they wanted - I would have enjoyed that emotion and actually, I was looking forward to being surprised and excited for them. I keep expecting something more from them, and frankly, it always falls flat. I call Liz to go to lunch. We go to lunch, she never reciprocates. I go out of my way to find great gifts for her - she gets me gifts right off the list (no list this year). When I go to Kingwood to the chiropractor, I used to stop by and see her. I don't do that anymore - not worth it. I don't know why I keep trying with her - it goes nowhere. In the 8 years, that I have known her, she has never shown me reciprocity. Sad, but true.
It's really happening...
I am losing weight! That being said, I don't know HOW it is happening b/c I have not eaten well this week. I thought I had gained weight this week. With 7 people in the house and tons of junk food - I have not been as disciplined as I would have liked - my portions have increased and I keep trying to eat bread. I shouldn't b/c it still doesn't go down well. I have tried whole grain pasta, and that's okay. So, this morning, I weigh 248 lbs!!!! I am below the 250 line!!!! WOW!!!! I cannot believe it. In a little over 3 mos. since being banded, I will have lost 60 lbs. - that's incredible! Just 2 more pounds to go and there! I had hoped to lose 60 lbs by Christmas. I am well ahead of the game.
I do have new pics, but I left my connecting cables at school before the hurricane. I'll get them tomorrow.
I do have new pics, but I left my connecting cables at school before the hurricane. I'll get them tomorrow.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Camp Scherisley 08
It is true and final - Camp Scherisley has come to an end. The Schermerhorns were welcomed into the world of restored power this evening about 6pm. After 8 days of being without power, it was a bittersweet parting.
To celebrate - Anna, Kathleen, and I went to see a movie - The Women. It was ok, not great. I love Diane English flicks, but this one was just ok. There were no men in the movie - at all. It was about women's friendships and their lives - only 2 characters evolved. Badly. It definitely could have been funnier - with the high caliber actresses in it. Oh well. I saw it and I won't have to wonder about it anymore.
We came back to the apt. and packed up the Schermie's. They loaded up and went home. It is amazing what a family of 5 can bring into a home in 8 days time. WOW! I think they had twice as many blankets as they had pillows (14:7), 2 video games, 5 board games, 3 puzzles, 3 ice chests full of food plus a box of non-perishables, a laundry basket full of clothes, coffee maker, 2 guitars, etc., etc., etc.
It was a bittersweet parting - we were having fun, and everyone had found their rhythm. But it was nice to have our quiet little home back. All of the activity is nice, but we definitely have a quiet little life.
We love Emma and Hannah, but I gotta say that I have no need to procreate. Probably ever. Plus, it's too late in life. At my age, we'd probably only end up with 1 child - ugh. I can't stand the thought of rearing an only child. We should have started 5 years ago, so we could at least have a small broood. But alas and alak, that is not to be.
Oh, well, we're going to the Schermie's house tomorrow for dinner. Jay's going to cook his infamous sloppy joes. Homemade recipe, folks. The best!
And for other news, I deleted the myspace page that I have had for 3-4 years but never used, and created a facebook page. Not sure why. Really, I was just bored senseless. So, we'll see. I don't have a real appreciation for social networking b/c I prefer face to face contact with actual humans. I have some friends in other places and I guess that I don't communicate with them cuz I don't have to. But now with facebook....well, we'll see.
It's time to build the Scherisley home. It would be so much fun.
To celebrate - Anna, Kathleen, and I went to see a movie - The Women. It was ok, not great. I love Diane English flicks, but this one was just ok. There were no men in the movie - at all. It was about women's friendships and their lives - only 2 characters evolved. Badly. It definitely could have been funnier - with the high caliber actresses in it. Oh well. I saw it and I won't have to wonder about it anymore.
We came back to the apt. and packed up the Schermie's. They loaded up and went home. It is amazing what a family of 5 can bring into a home in 8 days time. WOW! I think they had twice as many blankets as they had pillows (14:7), 2 video games, 5 board games, 3 puzzles, 3 ice chests full of food plus a box of non-perishables, a laundry basket full of clothes, coffee maker, 2 guitars, etc., etc., etc.
It was a bittersweet parting - we were having fun, and everyone had found their rhythm. But it was nice to have our quiet little home back. All of the activity is nice, but we definitely have a quiet little life.
We love Emma and Hannah, but I gotta say that I have no need to procreate. Probably ever. Plus, it's too late in life. At my age, we'd probably only end up with 1 child - ugh. I can't stand the thought of rearing an only child. We should have started 5 years ago, so we could at least have a small broood. But alas and alak, that is not to be.
Oh, well, we're going to the Schermie's house tomorrow for dinner. Jay's going to cook his infamous sloppy joes. Homemade recipe, folks. The best!
And for other news, I deleted the myspace page that I have had for 3-4 years but never used, and created a facebook page. Not sure why. Really, I was just bored senseless. So, we'll see. I don't have a real appreciation for social networking b/c I prefer face to face contact with actual humans. I have some friends in other places and I guess that I don't communicate with them cuz I don't have to. But now with facebook....well, we'll see.
It's time to build the Scherisley home. It would be so much fun.
Camp Scherisley Day 8
We wake up on this Sunday morning to find ourselves in Day 8 of Camp Scherisley. Yesterday, Steve and Jay went to a guitar shop and then to a jam session - a good way to get out of the apt. We all went to Berryhill's last night for Jay's gig. Good band - lots of southern rock, country and just plain ole rock n roll! Of course, the day was not devoid of drama. It was definitely there, just not sure why.
I went to my LapBand support meeting - only 2 of us showed - but was able to run into some old friends. A couple of brothers that Steve used to work with at FranklinCovey. Nice guys.
Currently, I am reading Music Matters by David Elliott. It is lofty stuff and I have realized a few things.....first, I don't ask enough questions. Well, when it comes to matters of philosophy, I don't. I have never been a questioner of those types of issues, so if you present a philosophy, I am likely to absorb it as fact. Sad, but true. I read Bennett Riemer's Philosophy of Music Education in college as part of elem. music ed course and it has pretty much been my bible since then. Now, reading Music Matters, my thoughts are in a tizzy. Very scholarly word - tizzy. Second, I have figured out that my brain thinks Riemer, but I practice Elliott. Or rather, my philosophy of music is based on the aesthetic concept (Riemer), but my teaching style and methodology is this praxial approach (Elliott). I'll keep reading to figure all of it out. I will say that it is slow reading.
So, we went to church - no electricity. The church had a couple of generators hooked up out back to run a few fans and the sound system. It was fine till the 3rd song, and it became miserable. I can't say unbearable b/c I don't think that's right to say in our current situation. Nothing is unbearable. Well, maybe sewage. By the end of the service, I was just wishing that I had worn less clothes. Or at least shorts and a tank top. Jay went with us and played with Steve. Anna and the girls went to church at Prince of Peace. They did go by the house - still no power, so we'll be working on Day 9 soon.
When we arrived home, we cooked chili cheese hot dogs, fries and tots. Now the girls are playing on "the park." Or rather, the apt. playground. The guys are watching them while the women roam the internet on our 3 computers.
8 days of nothing to do. Not unbearable. Not insane. But definitely working on it.
I went to my LapBand support meeting - only 2 of us showed - but was able to run into some old friends. A couple of brothers that Steve used to work with at FranklinCovey. Nice guys.
Currently, I am reading Music Matters by David Elliott. It is lofty stuff and I have realized a few things.....first, I don't ask enough questions. Well, when it comes to matters of philosophy, I don't. I have never been a questioner of those types of issues, so if you present a philosophy, I am likely to absorb it as fact. Sad, but true. I read Bennett Riemer's Philosophy of Music Education in college as part of elem. music ed course and it has pretty much been my bible since then. Now, reading Music Matters, my thoughts are in a tizzy. Very scholarly word - tizzy. Second, I have figured out that my brain thinks Riemer, but I practice Elliott. Or rather, my philosophy of music is based on the aesthetic concept (Riemer), but my teaching style and methodology is this praxial approach (Elliott). I'll keep reading to figure all of it out. I will say that it is slow reading.
So, we went to church - no electricity. The church had a couple of generators hooked up out back to run a few fans and the sound system. It was fine till the 3rd song, and it became miserable. I can't say unbearable b/c I don't think that's right to say in our current situation. Nothing is unbearable. Well, maybe sewage. By the end of the service, I was just wishing that I had worn less clothes. Or at least shorts and a tank top. Jay went with us and played with Steve. Anna and the girls went to church at Prince of Peace. They did go by the house - still no power, so we'll be working on Day 9 soon.
When we arrived home, we cooked chili cheese hot dogs, fries and tots. Now the girls are playing on "the park." Or rather, the apt. playground. The guys are watching them while the women roam the internet on our 3 computers.
8 days of nothing to do. Not unbearable. Not insane. But definitely working on it.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Camp Scherisley Day 7
So, here we are! One week of an adventure - happily coexisting and much better than I anticipated. The girls are having fun - watching movies and playing games. The adults are looking at computer screens and putting puzzles together. I went to UH yesterday to study - it was more of a search for books that would aid my research for the position paper. I checked out the books that didn't have an electronic presence (eBook) - I walked away with 6 books. But I did run into my prof - that allowed me to pick up my first set of graded papers and ask her a few questions. Since I was on campus, I decided to stick around for Dr. Weber's Chorale rehearsal. I always learn so much from her - she has such efficient rehearsal techniques. Why say 3 words when you can just say 1? Tutti! Instead of "all parts together" or "all together now". Anna and I went to the grocery store - it is restocked - with the exception of bread. It was good to get away for a bit. We ate chicken cacciatore for dinner. I won't tell anyone that the boneless, skinless chicken thighs that I bought at Wal-Mart on Sunday had a sort of funky smell to them. But I marinated them with a pkg of chicken breast in evoo and lots of garlic - for about 36 hours - you couldn't tell. Then I slowcooked them on High for 3-4 hrs and poured that cacciatore sauce over the top - it was GREAT! If anyone gets sick, well...........I don't know what I'll do. We watched movies last night - Ratatouille, The Sound of Music, Princess Diaries - good times. I am going to my LapBand support meeting this morning.
On with Day 7!
On with Day 7!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Camp Riser Day 6
Yes, it's Day 6 - I cannot believe we are this far into this adventure! Tempers flared and cooled yesterday - all is well again. Or at least swept under the rug until someone cleans in that location. We all went out to eat last night - this was a first since the storm. We took our troop to Mel's Country Cafe - home of the all things battered and fried - yummmmm! The Schermie's had never been there, now they are huge fans. We had a great time eating and trying to talk in a very loud restaurant. We couldn't hear each other. On the way back to Camp Riser, we all had a good belly laugh - the girls wanted to watch a movie in the van and wanted the adults to be quiet. So, the adults proceeded to make as much noise as possible - Jay & Steve talking at the top of their lungs mimicking the girls, Anna, Kathleen, & I just laughed and laughed and laughed. The levity was needed, to say the least. Upon our return to "the compound", aka the apartment, we played The Game of Life. What fun! We had all forgotten how to play and they have added a few new items to the board, but it was a great time!
Today, everyone will venture out again. I am going down to UH Music Library to do some research for my position paper. The rest of the folks - well, who knows what the day holds?
Just a note.....for a long time, we have referred to ourselves as The Scherisley's. Or shall we write it ScheRisLey? This dubbed name is a combination for Schermerhorn-Riser-Bartley. The reason for this dubbing is that we spend so much time together that we have playful dreams of buying a piece of land and building a multi-family home on it - complete with a common kitchen (commercial grade, of course). It would be appropriate to now call us Camp Scherisley.
On with Day 6!
Today, everyone will venture out again. I am going down to UH Music Library to do some research for my position paper. The rest of the folks - well, who knows what the day holds?
Just a note.....for a long time, we have referred to ourselves as The Scherisley's. Or shall we write it ScheRisLey? This dubbed name is a combination for Schermerhorn-Riser-Bartley. The reason for this dubbing is that we spend so much time together that we have playful dreams of buying a piece of land and building a multi-family home on it - complete with a common kitchen (commercial grade, of course). It would be appropriate to now call us Camp Scherisley.
On with Day 6!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
We knew it would happen.......
Camp Riser Day 5 - flaring tempers. 5 adults in a cozy space - at least 2 of us have to get mad about something. It probably didn't help that we have played Imaginiff - a board game variation of truth/dare, or spent the morning looking at Chinese Zodiac signs. I don't know how that got started but no good can come from reading those things and pointing out to each person "Yeh, you are like that!" Only those who are self-aware need to be reading that stuff. Otherwise, it's a lesson in self-defense.
Day 5.....
It is amazing how we can fit 3 people in a tiny kitchen - everyone doing different jobs. Or we can all be pursuing different tasks in the apt., but not be in each other's way. Camp Riser is going just fine - better than expected actually. I made belgian waffles yesterday for breakfast, everyone raided the fridge for lunch (eat those leftovers!), and we had hamburgers on Texas toast for dinner. There is no fresh bread to be found in Houston, so we went with frozen Texas toast. Elvis puzzle #2 has been completed, the girls have watched more movies than they want to (although they would prefer to watch Shrek or Shrek 2 all day), Guitar Hero is being played - smack talk is being spewed, and 3 laptops/1 PC are in constant use. The Schermerhorns have been switching between 2 changes of clothes. The Schermie's went home yesterday to clean up their yard. Steve and I ran errands. Both trips are in an effort to get out of the apt. and just do something. It helps. I have taken to napping - cuz there is nothing to do.
The good news is everyone is still getting along. Emma and Hannah are beginning to melt down sometimes, but for the most part, they have adapted pretty well. The bad news is that Centerpoint doesn't expect to get the Schermie's zip code restored to power until well into next week!!!! Centerpoint has been posting updates, and now they have posted a timeline for power restoration. When will we EVER go back to school? This is completely crazy. It looks like life is returning to normal, but then you realize that more than half of Houston is STILL without power. I could care less how long the Schermerhorn's stay with us....the fact of the matter is that I am ready to go back to school. These are crazy times.
Graduate school....I try to study...on the patio, in the upstairs office, on the table while others are watching movies. It is difficult to do anything with 7 people occupying 900 sq. ft. I have one assignment done. I am on my 3rd article for the article review - reading about Gender/Race Distinctions in Music Education. The gender articles were very feminist - I am not interested in angry women in music education. I have taken to the articles regarding race. The first one was a bit condescending, the second was a snoozefest, but the third.....downright interesting. Who knew that African-Americans have had a direct influence on Appalachian music and a new term has been coined? Affrilachian! I love it!!! I was trying to complete my article review for class tonight, but alas and alak, we will not meet. So, this week, we are engaged in an online class - this is really more of an online discussion through a blog, but it is cool. I like it. What is difficult for me right now is not being in class for the 3 weeks, I have no idea how I need to improve my writing skills (this stream of consciousness blog is not included in that statement). I have turned in 2 sets of assignments, received something of a grade on the 1st set and I am still grasping at straws. I have to start this position paper, but not sure how. Maybe if I can find some position papers online to study the writing style? Who knows?
So, we have completed 5 nights of Camp Riser and we are beginning Day 5. We'll see what the day holds....
The good news is everyone is still getting along. Emma and Hannah are beginning to melt down sometimes, but for the most part, they have adapted pretty well. The bad news is that Centerpoint doesn't expect to get the Schermie's zip code restored to power until well into next week!!!! Centerpoint has been posting updates, and now they have posted a timeline for power restoration. When will we EVER go back to school? This is completely crazy. It looks like life is returning to normal, but then you realize that more than half of Houston is STILL without power. I could care less how long the Schermerhorn's stay with us....the fact of the matter is that I am ready to go back to school. These are crazy times.
Graduate school....I try to study...on the patio, in the upstairs office, on the table while others are watching movies. It is difficult to do anything with 7 people occupying 900 sq. ft. I have one assignment done. I am on my 3rd article for the article review - reading about Gender/Race Distinctions in Music Education. The gender articles were very feminist - I am not interested in angry women in music education. I have taken to the articles regarding race. The first one was a bit condescending, the second was a snoozefest, but the third.....downright interesting. Who knew that African-Americans have had a direct influence on Appalachian music and a new term has been coined? Affrilachian! I love it!!! I was trying to complete my article review for class tonight, but alas and alak, we will not meet. So, this week, we are engaged in an online class - this is really more of an online discussion through a blog, but it is cool. I like it. What is difficult for me right now is not being in class for the 3 weeks, I have no idea how I need to improve my writing skills (this stream of consciousness blog is not included in that statement). I have turned in 2 sets of assignments, received something of a grade on the 1st set and I am still grasping at straws. I have to start this position paper, but not sure how. Maybe if I can find some position papers online to study the writing style? Who knows?
So, we have completed 5 nights of Camp Riser and we are beginning Day 5. We'll see what the day holds....
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Camp Riser Day 4
We are on Day 4 of Camp Riser - we are all still fine. We bought SingStar 80s for the PS2 last night and karaoke'd all night long. I am pretty tired. We're have Belgian Waffles this morning for breakfast. I am trying to figure out when to make them. The gas lines were shorter yesterday, but I never got gas. We need hamburger buns for tonight's dinner. I have to get an article read today and the review started. Steve being out of work for 6 days - I don't know how will we recover from this. Paying bills will be a nightmare. Right now, there are too many bills to pay and not enough money to go around. Direct Energy keeps calling, wanting to be paid. We just can't do it right now. I don't know what the solution is or how to find it.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Hurricane Break
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We will be out of school for the rest of the week! I might as well just go insane right this very second. The knowledge of this is unbearable! Okay, not entirely so, but I cannot believe this is happening. Hurricane Ike blew so many transformers in Houston that getting power restored is very slow. We have power, and that's a blessing. I cannot imagine being without it right now. Actually, we would have gone to Bryan and stayed with my mom. For air-conditioning, I can put it all aside. I think. So, life is rolling along. The house is quiet right now. I need to go get gas, but then I'll have to wait in line. I need to get a couple of things at the grocery store, but HEB is wiped out of all meat, produce, and dairy. These are crazy times, people. CRAZEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weight wise.....I am rocking steady between 251 and 254 for the last two weeks. In the last 2 days, I have been on the lower end of things. I think I need another fill.
Weight wise.....I am rocking steady between 251 and 254 for the last two weeks. In the last 2 days, I have been on the lower end of things. I think I need another fill.
Camp Riser Rhythms
Yesterday, we found our "rhythm" - for a house full of musicians, that's funny. I am the early Riser - waking before all others to prepare breakfast and start the day. Yesterday, I had a breakfast casserole prepped, cooked, and sitting on the counter before anyone woke up. I have always loved cooking for people, so going from meal to meal is fun. Once breakfast is finished, you begin working on lunch, and once lunch is finished, you begin working on dinner - I love it! Camp Riser is a picky-food bunch, so that's the only frustrating part. I have very little tolerance for picky-eaters. I must admit that I have few (very few) food items that I am picky about, but they are not major things like onions or cheese or chicken or lettuce.
It was 67 degrees yesterday morning, so I set off on a brisk walk. It felt great! Upon my return, Camp Riser was awaking slowly. Steve couldn't go into work b/c Cheeburger still has no power. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that Steve lost his job with Home Depot about a month ago and in 2 days, got a job at a local burger joint. It's money, not a lot, but something is better than nothing. The group left for an outing, I stayed back to get some peace and quiet. Still no power at the Schermie house. Who knows when it will be back up? When they return, we all found our "rhythm". Steve was upstairs on the computer, Jay was reading a book (or playing the guitar with Steve), Anna was working on the computer, the girls were watching a movie, Kathleen and I parked on the patio to do some schoolwork (with lawn chairs and tray tables). It was nice, everyone had found their spot and no one got in the other's way. Kathleen went to help our neighbors clean the debris off the apt. complex playground, and we invited them for dinner. Anna cooked enchiladas, mexican rice, and beans for 10 people. We makeshifted our dining area to seat 7 adults, and put the kids on tray tables in the living room. It was cool outside, so we opened up all the windows to let the air flow through, and we had a great time. It was fun. Now we begin Day 3 of Camp Riser, so we'll see what the day holds......
It was 67 degrees yesterday morning, so I set off on a brisk walk. It felt great! Upon my return, Camp Riser was awaking slowly. Steve couldn't go into work b/c Cheeburger still has no power. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention that Steve lost his job with Home Depot about a month ago and in 2 days, got a job at a local burger joint. It's money, not a lot, but something is better than nothing. The group left for an outing, I stayed back to get some peace and quiet. Still no power at the Schermie house. Who knows when it will be back up? When they return, we all found our "rhythm". Steve was upstairs on the computer, Jay was reading a book (or playing the guitar with Steve), Anna was working on the computer, the girls were watching a movie, Kathleen and I parked on the patio to do some schoolwork (with lawn chairs and tray tables). It was nice, everyone had found their spot and no one got in the other's way. Kathleen went to help our neighbors clean the debris off the apt. complex playground, and we invited them for dinner. Anna cooked enchiladas, mexican rice, and beans for 10 people. We makeshifted our dining area to seat 7 adults, and put the kids on tray tables in the living room. It was cool outside, so we opened up all the windows to let the air flow through, and we had a great time. It was fun. Now we begin Day 3 of Camp Riser, so we'll see what the day holds......
Monday, September 15, 2008
It's been a while.....
Since the last blogging.....I have been filled again to 2.5cc's of saline in my LapBand. School started, all of my students are FABULOUS. I love them all. Graduate school has begun, and I have attended 1 of the first 3 classes - due to an absence for Open House, then school closing to prepare for Hurricane Ike.
Hurricane Ike came slowly and went away fast, leaving a deluge of a mess in its path. CRAZY storm! So, here's my selfish little perspective on it....
All that we got at our apt. was a lot of wind and rain - loudly. As a native Texan, I must say that I was pretty non-chalant about the whole thing - which freaked Steve out completely. Why was I not more worried? I worry about everything that I can control and Texas weather ain't one of 'em. Well...that kind of arrogance on my part helped me not be afraid of the storm, but also completely unprepared for the aftermath. I'll think differently next time. Let's see, we had very little food in our house, the milk was past its due date, my SUV was low on gas, and I think we had 2 candles and one working flashlight. Hey, I was just mad that they cancelled school, so I chose lack of hurricane preparation as my rebellion. The storm hit, our power went out about 5:30am on Saturday morning, I opened the windows to let the cool breeze in, and sat down to do some homework for my grad class. We got cabin fever about 3pm and got in the car to go wandering. No power, no phone service, and not sure what to eat. We got to Anna and Jay's house through a few detours b/c of downed trees, power lines, and flooded roads. They had no power either, so we all piled into their van to survey Ike's damage (it's BAD!) and try to find cell service somewhere. After a couple of hours, we landed back at their house to eat (cooking frito pie on the grill) and play dominos in the candle lit garage. The Schermie's house was HOT with no A/C. Steve and I headed home about 10pm - we drove into Tomball to see LIGHTS!!!! Yes, there was screaming and yelling involved - sheer delight, really. I sent Steve back to Anna's house to get them (cuz we had no phone service to call), and about 11pm, the Schermerhorns arrived in PJs at our apt. ready to sleep in the cold A/C. 7 people in 900 sq. ft. - 5 adults & 2 little girls - I know people live like this everyday. Camp Riser was open for business. Steve left Sunday morning to go to church, but came back w/in 20 minutes b/c the roads were flooded again from the Saturday night cold front and rain storm. We sent Steve and Jay out to see if they could get to the Schermerhorn house to check the power - no luck, more flooded roads and gridlocked traffic, so they came back. I pieced together a meal for us, then Anna, Kathleen, and I went on an adventure in the SUV with very little gas. Through gridlocked traffic and flooded parts of Hwy 249 - we made it to the Schermerhorn house (still no power). It took us about an hour (normally 15 min.) to get there and we packed up all the food, got more clothes, and put 2 gallons of gas in my tank. We made it back to Tomball Wal-Mart to buy a few things to sustain 7 people for 3 days. We drove by HEB to see 4 lines of cars waiting for gas - I thought they were lined up at the Burger King drive-thru - we're talking 30-40 cars per line. There were people waiting at the pump with shopping carts FULL of gas cans. This is a weird picture - a combination of suburbia and a 3rd world country. Wal-Mart had gas earlier in the day and we drove by thinking "We don't want to wait in those lines" - stupid thoughts, really. So, we finally made it back to the apt. - now the SUV is on serious fumes. Steve's car is full of gas, but low to the ground as is the Schermie's minivan - the SUV is the amphibian in our vehicle family. We're all here at the apt. - just hanging out, watching movies, playing the one board game we bought at W-M, and dominoes. We only know how to play Mexican Train and I had NO IDEA that there were rules to that game! By the way....Steve and I tried to pass the time on Saturday and play Phase 10....still not convinced about that game....we thought we'd play so that we could learn how to beat the Parkers and the Risers at the next holiday gathering. We read ALL the rules....a lot. That didn't work - we just ended up making house rules of our own. Plus, with no power and no XBox, Steve was cranky. I thought it best to shut down the game when he said "I don't like this game, it's making me cuss!" Camp Riser is still in session and trying to figure how to keep two little girls from feeling cooped up - there is nowhere to play b/c of all the debris and soggy ground. The whole city of Houston has a curfew, just in case you want to drive into a large puddle and flood out your car b/c you can't see the road at night. And now.....for the worst news of all....school is closed through Wednesday, Sept. 17! I know that Houston has a ton of cleanup to do (understatement), but this news is the least exciting for me. That's my whiny little story, folks. Who knows how long Camp Riser will be open, but we know we can accomodate 7 people in this space and the air mattress is a perfect fit for our living room. The good news is that no one is hurt and Camp Riser is air-conditioned!
Hurricane Ike came slowly and went away fast, leaving a deluge of a mess in its path. CRAZY storm! So, here's my selfish little perspective on it....
All that we got at our apt. was a lot of wind and rain - loudly. As a native Texan, I must say that I was pretty non-chalant about the whole thing - which freaked Steve out completely. Why was I not more worried? I worry about everything that I can control and Texas weather ain't one of 'em. Well...that kind of arrogance on my part helped me not be afraid of the storm, but also completely unprepared for the aftermath. I'll think differently next time. Let's see, we had very little food in our house, the milk was past its due date, my SUV was low on gas, and I think we had 2 candles and one working flashlight. Hey, I was just mad that they cancelled school, so I chose lack of hurricane preparation as my rebellion. The storm hit, our power went out about 5:30am on Saturday morning, I opened the windows to let the cool breeze in, and sat down to do some homework for my grad class. We got cabin fever about 3pm and got in the car to go wandering. No power, no phone service, and not sure what to eat. We got to Anna and Jay's house through a few detours b/c of downed trees, power lines, and flooded roads. They had no power either, so we all piled into their van to survey Ike's damage (it's BAD!) and try to find cell service somewhere. After a couple of hours, we landed back at their house to eat (cooking frito pie on the grill) and play dominos in the candle lit garage. The Schermie's house was HOT with no A/C. Steve and I headed home about 10pm - we drove into Tomball to see LIGHTS!!!! Yes, there was screaming and yelling involved - sheer delight, really. I sent Steve back to Anna's house to get them (cuz we had no phone service to call), and about 11pm, the Schermerhorns arrived in PJs at our apt. ready to sleep in the cold A/C. 7 people in 900 sq. ft. - 5 adults & 2 little girls - I know people live like this everyday. Camp Riser was open for business. Steve left Sunday morning to go to church, but came back w/in 20 minutes b/c the roads were flooded again from the Saturday night cold front and rain storm. We sent Steve and Jay out to see if they could get to the Schermerhorn house to check the power - no luck, more flooded roads and gridlocked traffic, so they came back. I pieced together a meal for us, then Anna, Kathleen, and I went on an adventure in the SUV with very little gas. Through gridlocked traffic and flooded parts of Hwy 249 - we made it to the Schermerhorn house (still no power). It took us about an hour (normally 15 min.) to get there and we packed up all the food, got more clothes, and put 2 gallons of gas in my tank. We made it back to Tomball Wal-Mart to buy a few things to sustain 7 people for 3 days. We drove by HEB to see 4 lines of cars waiting for gas - I thought they were lined up at the Burger King drive-thru - we're talking 30-40 cars per line. There were people waiting at the pump with shopping carts FULL of gas cans. This is a weird picture - a combination of suburbia and a 3rd world country. Wal-Mart had gas earlier in the day and we drove by thinking "We don't want to wait in those lines" - stupid thoughts, really. So, we finally made it back to the apt. - now the SUV is on serious fumes. Steve's car is full of gas, but low to the ground as is the Schermie's minivan - the SUV is the amphibian in our vehicle family. We're all here at the apt. - just hanging out, watching movies, playing the one board game we bought at W-M, and dominoes. We only know how to play Mexican Train and I had NO IDEA that there were rules to that game! By the way....Steve and I tried to pass the time on Saturday and play Phase 10....still not convinced about that game....we thought we'd play so that we could learn how to beat the Parkers and the Risers at the next holiday gathering. We read ALL the rules....a lot. That didn't work - we just ended up making house rules of our own. Plus, with no power and no XBox, Steve was cranky. I thought it best to shut down the game when he said "I don't like this game, it's making me cuss!" Camp Riser is still in session and trying to figure how to keep two little girls from feeling cooped up - there is nowhere to play b/c of all the debris and soggy ground. The whole city of Houston has a curfew, just in case you want to drive into a large puddle and flood out your car b/c you can't see the road at night. And now.....for the worst news of all....school is closed through Wednesday, Sept. 17! I know that Houston has a ton of cleanup to do (understatement), but this news is the least exciting for me. That's my whiny little story, folks. Who knows how long Camp Riser will be open, but we know we can accomodate 7 people in this space and the air mattress is a perfect fit for our living room. The good news is that no one is hurt and Camp Riser is air-conditioned!
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