Drive time

My husband and I drive from Maryland to Michigan every year. We tend to get things like All Creatures great and Small or a comedian, or something like a Dresden Files series book (even though I’ve read them a million times) by Jim Butcher. The Harry potter ones were funny because of that particular reader doing female voices. It cracked us up.

String Theory and Other Violin Teaching …issues?

I know it’s been a while since I’ve last posted, but I had to get it out of my head. I’m out of sleep medication (partially my fault and partially the nurse for my neurologist fault) and I started thinking on the new songs I had written for a beginner which lead to why don’t you just do a beginning strings class book and then to stupid things I’ve encountered while teaching.   Just one comment on my health… everything was looking up until my right bicep/tricep/shoulder area started getting pissed. More in a different post.

So let’s start with this book idea. I was thinking how married we are to one or two particular systems of teaching, in my case, Suzuki and Essential Elements for Strings (I think that is the new title). It’s been Essential Elements 2000 for strings for several years and now has had a title change because we aren’t at the start of 2000 anymore. Anyway, even looking around to vary my concerts in classes or even for the individual student, there isn’t a lot of beginner books that don’t have the same songs or similar songs.  I was also noticing that the “classics” that I grew up on as songs in elementary school are disappearing. Things like Old King Cole or She’ll be Coming ’round the Mountain or even Miss Mary Mack. They are songs that have a lot of repetition and are easy to memorize.  Not to mention that they’re funny, well, most of them are. Why not analyze some of them down and put them to written music again except for instruments. My thought was organizing it according to very beginner, meaning that they are getting notes with just the sharps written in my the note and no key signature and these would be done by strings being taught. Then break down other songs or the same ones by key signature (violin -G, D, A/ viola and cello G, D, C, maybe A.) Before you gripe, yes I had some thought for upright bass. To be honest, there isn’t a lot of people playing them at the beginning orchestra phase because, well, hand size and height.  Basses that small are not common and are expensive to rent. It basically rules it out. Now some school systems may have some to loan out for the student not only to play at school but at home. Those are the lucky exceptions.

Then the next grouping would be class songs- meaning ones for the beginning orchestra. Those would be broken down by how many groups you want meaning duet, trio, or quartet/quintet. It would be done according to instrument or mixed class. 

I forgot a section. I want to deal with low/ high fingerings (violin viola) 2nd finger and extensions (cello). 

If I had help doing a bass book, we would be adding fingers other than 1 and 4 as well as shifting would start earlier.

What started me thinking on this is that there is very little supplemental books out there for the teacher to use and we end up with the same concert pieces every few years. I would like to widen that gap to at least 5 years of options. 

Book 2 would be all about the shifted songs that are easy to teach shifting in.  No details there since it’s more about learning the positions than anything else. 

Note: I’m not tackling things like basic instrument or bow hold. This book is supposed to be supplemental, not a primary teaching tool.  I think that is enough of a spoiler. The question is could I get it published as a teacher’s manual with reproduction rights? Would it be sellable. Hmmmm.

As I said, the next item is more on stupid things I hear either in my room, or from other teachers. Most of these “stupid things” really are more stemmed out of ignorance of the instrument. Some are just… common sense. Really, there are no bad questions. As I said, it tends to stem from ignorance.  In most cases, I’m glad they asked. But the first one… I would like to say, just think about it for a minute or “really?” I don’t say that out loud, but there are times…

Parent or Guardian (pog): My child is left handed. Can we get a left handed instrument or re-do it like the guitar? (see above)Me or other teacher (mot): No (short answer). {and yes, I heard an actual teacher of strings ask this of a music store. That person shouldn’t be teaching what they don’t know imo} For you all coming from band to teach, I’m fairly certain you don’t get these questions. Which hand maters to be on top or why can’t I just flip the instrument around (thinking french horn) and play it that way?  I wonder about those asking about the trumpet being played in the other hand. I think that is the same issue as the french horn. Basically, you would have to get a specially made horn. Reasons:

1. It’s doable but not traditionally done.  The bridge and chin rest (point at these) are easily reversible. The pegs, however are not. You may be able to restring it but it would be difficult to tune since it’s not traditionally done that way and the other teachers will be tuning it traditionally without warning. That will break strings that normally don’t break with tuning. Also, there is the chance that the amount of tension required for that string to get that particular note may make the pegs useless to help with tuning. Which brings us to swapping the height of the holes in the peg box (point again). Those would have to be rebored which usually means you will need a completely different neck since it is one unit. That is not cheap. Now, luthier’s correct me if I’m wrong on that but I believe the peg box is from the same piece of wood and not attached.  Other issue, on the inside of the violin, the minimum would be to move the sound post to the other side also. It is also not symmetrical on the inside. The sound would be a little off if you didn’t get one that was done specifically for a lefty.  They aren’t carried widely either but you may be able to find it. In my personal case, I have a hard time finding a 7/8 violin. Sure their made, but they are rare and expensive.  

2. If you put your child into a group larger than 2, you run the risk of him literally ramming his bow arm into another student’s bow arm.  Nothing like a sore funny bone. Based on the amount of room in our classroom, it’s not functional to have a lefty play on the opposite side. 

3. I find that since all the fingerings are done with the left hand, the lefties actually have an advantage since it is their more dexterous hand. 

4.  ok, there is a forum. Talk Classical. Please read it all the way through. There are many ways to look at this. Mostly, it’s going to boil down to how much is that parent willing to pay for a different violin or for modifying the violin.

Chose any or all of the 4. They are all correct.  

Next question…

Student: Why do I have to place this on my shoulder? I’ve seen other players (they usually mean self taught fiddlers) play with it on the chest or arm.

mot: again, we’re back to tradition. Those taking lessons are going to generally be learning the classical style. The reason for this is that it is more flexible with changing in bow style and how easy it is to get into the upper area than anything else. Your head needs to hold the instrument so your hand and arm is free to do other things. That is also why you have a shoulder rest/sponge. That is for comfort, ease of playing, and to help prevent injuries.

3. student: I don’t see the point of loosening the bow. (Usually not said aloud but found when you go into the case to tune.) 

me:  Keep in mind, I have already told them why they should loosen the bow and sometimes you need to remind them weekly until it becomes a habit. One other issue that I would like to mention is that the student might just be lazy. You can usually tell that with other aspects of teaching though. The answer being that you will eventually break the bow. Either it will become impossible to tighten or you will start shedding hairs like crazy.  For most student bows, that means either re-hair or replace that bow usually within 1-5 years depending on the quality of the bow and or the material it’s made of. 

Now of course, other than the verbal reminder what do I do? Let’s start with what I’d like to do. I’d like to say “haven’t you been listening?” or “really?” or “how many times do I have to tell you?” What I end up doing is a little physical exercise. and I mean little being a couple of minutes. When I’m really upset, they get this assignment for at least an hour. I have them make both hands into fists and pull their shoulders up to their ears. Which also usually has a scrunched up face that goes with it. I let them hold it for at least 30 seconds to a minute. Then I ask them how they feel. Then they can let go and shake it out. I then remind them that is what the bow feels like when you don’t loosen it after playing. They are asking it to go hours, days, or months without letting the tension out.  They usually get it after that but some students need more reminders that way or they need a longer reminder and I let them hold it for the whole class period or even through their next class if it’s doable.  I know, I’m mean. It does get the point across though. 

I started typing in the next one then thought, “wow, this could be a blog by itself. I’m beginning to think that I need to do a blog on just teaching violin. Once I start that, I will ad the link here. I’d just keep going to but my bicep/tricep is bugging me so I need to stop typing. I’ll try to keep you informed.

Death Stalks you at Every Turn!

So, later today I leave to have an endometrial biopsy in the hospital apparently because I can’t relax enough in the office to have it done. The Dystonia has literally made me a tight ass. That’s what my obgyn says. No she didn’t. In case you all didn’t know, it’s this biopsy that requires your uterus to be vacuumed. This whole thing started when she thought that putting 2 packs of birth control pills back to back without the brown pills would be a good idea. After 6 months of either extra long or wrong time of the month, we are doing a biopsy. Better safe than sorry right?

The day of the biopsy and I can’t sleep more than 2 hours. Go figure. Part of the problem is that unexpectedly I have been panicking about dying on the table even though this is a routine procedure.They do have to knock me out and do a different type of manipulation under anesthesia. I don’t even want to think what that really means. Anyway, back to my partial panic attack. I started thinking that I was going to die on the table. For no reason at all. So pictures of death stalking me at every turn. It was kinda disturbing. Well then, I should prepare right?

I decided to write down for E what I’d like to wear if I had to be buried assuming my body isn’t donated to science or cremated. I also decided to make up a playlist for my wake or whatever. It’s weird because it was surprisingly relaxing to pick out music and have some go ah.. what a great piece then go wtf? What is Slam by Pendulam doing in this lineup? It’s a wake! So what-it’s my wake, you don’t like the music tough because I do. This is supposed to be about me right? I then decided that blogging about it would also be relaxing. So that is why you are getting this wonderfully upbeat post!

This whole week, I’ve been saying things like “I’m fine”, “it’s no big deal”, “it’s most likely nothing”. Meanwhile, in the back of my head, the difference between what the obgyn said was going to happen and what the hospital said (which had many differences terms wise) was eating away at me unconsciously.
Obgyn said: ” We’ll do the biopsy and I’ll take a look around”.
The hospital said( yes I know a building can’t speak but I didn’t want to say the nurse coordinator in charge of surgery phone calls and now look at what you made me say) “we’re doing the (rattles off 4 procedures) right?”
I said: “is that the same as an endometrial biopsy and looking around?”
the hospital: “kinda”

Well crap. No wonder I’ve suddenly had a panic attack. huh, and I just noticed that I forgot the neupro which helps keep my body from moving while sleeping. That may be a factor but the shut-up and sleep medicine is what isn’t working right now. Ah well. IT’s almost time to get up for the biopsy anyway. Time to bug my hubby. Which reminds me of my pre-panic discussion with him.

Me: YOu know I love you.
E: yes.
Me: You know that I’m an organ donor if I die on the table right?
E: yes.
Me: If I die on the table, be sure to sell my instruments at a reputable dealer.
E: That is your last directive? (aghast)
Me: I’d want you to get as much money as possible for the instruments.
E: ARe you nervous?
Me: maybe a little.
E: Come here.. *hug*

****UPDATE***

I live to see another day but man do I have to pee! They had been feeding me water and tea so I pee before I left the hospital. Now I’m home.

The US Education System

My husband came across another blog that was talking about here experiences with the Colorado Public School system in her area. It’s worth a read. According to Hoyt is the name of it. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to say sound it out! I don’t want to completely ruin it for you. Let’s just say Title One is scary.  Another name is No Child Left Behind.  It looks good on paper but every state implements it differently.

Hoyt’s blog post happened to be dealing with reading and indirectly, spelling. If you grew up like I did, we did phonics and a little whole language. You know the rules.. I before E except after C. I want to talk about the math I saw being taught.

When I was a teacher in the school systems teaching strings, I  usually was walking to the library to get access to a computer or to get a tv for class.  I would pass this math class being taught in the hall by the art room. Yes, this school didn’t have enough rooms. They were teaching multiplication. They were doing it by adding the number to itself. Great start! except this was 5th graders. They should be memorizing the times tables not being told to do 12 x 8 by adding 12 + 12= 24 +12=36 +12… you get the picture. When they get to MSA, it’s a timed test. I’m afraid that when someone actually graduates and moves on to college that they won’t be able to do more advanced math. When I would sit down and do the math next to a student that appeared bored, I showed her how I did it and she was so excited to not be adding. so I set up the problem as 8 x 12= 8X2=16 carry the 1. Then 8×1 =8 but we needed to add the 1, so it now equals 9. So 8×12=96. Then I showed her 12×12 because I could. When I asked the teacher why they weren’t doing the normal way, she said that they couldn’t handle it.  REALLY? HOLY CRAP!

I knew it was a remedial class but HOLY CRAP! They will never get the test done in a reasonable amount of time. The students there weren’t stupid in my opinion, it’s just that they weren’t taught how to do it well. I don’t know if it’s because that county mandated on how to teach it but there has to be some expectations. If this was a class of students with severe learning disorders I’d understand, but at least the person I was sitting next to, she shouldn’t have been there. She just needed to be presented the way to do the math in a logical way. That is what scared me.  At this point, Sylvian should have a ton of offices in this county so that they could rake in the  money. The teachers are teaching it but not well.

Later that year, you should have seen them do division. Oy Vey! That person was still there but I showed her how I did it and she was… oh I get it. That’s easy. I don’t think it’s because I’m a great math teacher. To tell you the truth, it wasn’t really a great subject for me initially but I worked at it. Then I had a great how to teach math teacher when I went to school for music education. I understood the basics better and really everything else started to fall in place.

I’m afraid of what the state or county or school system for any state is dictating to the teachers how to teach math or reading. Maybe the new teachers, but like I said when I was in the system. “Just get out of the way and let me teach.”I’m willing to listen to alternate ways teaching the subject. If it works, I’m willing to try it. The state mandated tests aren’t worth the money they are spending to do it. Just let them test out of the subject. If they can’t do it, get them another teacher in the school and have them repeat it for part of the year and let them test again.

The biggest thing is that if I teacher says (at least in the 2 counties I taught in) they need a tutor or anything else, the school system has to pay for it. They don’t want to pay for it. The teachers don’t have enough time to stay after school to help the kids out that need it (stupid meetings).

Too be fair, the teachers also have a lot of paper work that needs to be done, not just report cards.  There are behavior reports for those that are challenged in that area. They have tests to grade. Rooms to clean, boards to organize in the hall so the students work can be displayed etc. Not to mention preparing for the next day of teaching. Lesson planning, copying, getting props (for lack of other description) together and anything else that is applicable.  Don’t get me started on the field trips! Anyone that is willing to help out in any and all of the classrooms is always greatly appreciated because shit happens.

Creativity in teaching is not rewarded through the school systems. This may be why we are stuck with what we have. Also the fact that all teachers are required to do the course work of a doctorate, not always getting a degree that high but most have at least a masters. How much do we pay our doctors of anything? (law, medicine, psychology etc.) Now compare that with what we pay teachers which is about a 1/4 of the other doctors. If you are around long enough you will get paid $50,000 (at least 15 years). Most teachers can not afford to live where they teach. Heck, a full time teacher may get $32,000 now a day. I was part time so I was only getting $17,000ish and I had a masters! All that money that is going to education is going to the system and is keeping hr and other departments paid (they get paid even more than the teachers!) and they are trying to keep up with the law changes.

Our system is messed up. We really need to revamp this. Hold kids back if needed. You know, their psyche can handle it. We don’t have to keep them back for the whole grade, just the one subject (or 2 sometimes).  they know they didn’t do well. Also, the parents must be active with their child’s education. Without the parents, the kids can slide. I know you’re tired but if you aren’t hounding them to do it, then they may not do it. Some of us are lazy. I applaud Mrs. Hoyt for being on top of her children’s education and fighting for what was right for the students. I also appreciate that she spent at least 3 hours to help them learn what they needed to be properly educated.  Everyone should be so supportive and on top of it.

Pet peeves

Since it seems my pet peves and rants seem more interesting to others than some of the generic info, I thought I’d list them all. See if anyone agrees.

Let’s start with the fact that I am a private violin teacher. I teach at a studio. I am happily married. No kids.

Pet peeve #1:  PEOPLE WHO PARK AT STOP SIGNS.

The law, I believe, is 15 ft from the sign. The idea is to keep the intersection clear. Show your kid you know the law.  Park at least 15 feet from the sign! I mean really, parents in suv’s – I understand you want to pick the kids up in bad weather but is it really so bad to have them walk home, at worst 1 mile, on nice days? No wonder the kids are getting fatter. Even on bad days you are blocking the intersection and I have to get to work. I can’t wait for the bus to get there because I’m going to be late. Let’s get real! Park farther away from the stop sign, walk to the bus stop and walk your kids back. It will do great things for your relationship with your kids and you get to know their friends.  

There is one person in particular in my neighborhood who thinks that since they have a corner lot, they can park at the stop sign and block the right turn lane. That has got to stop.

Pet Peeve #2. PEOPLE WHO ONLY PARK ON THE STREET WHEN THEY HAVE A DRIVEWAY

  In our neighborhood have 2 car garages and 2 car driveways. There is absolutely no reason you need to park your big ol’ suv in the street. If it were one or two spread apart, ok, I can live with it but it seems like it’s half the neighborhood parking on the street. Their driveways are clear! Park there. Your suv is going to get hit by emergency vehicles or your house will burn down because you or your neighbors are parking the suv’s in the street.  It’s half the street parking in the street and you can barely weave through all the parked cars. 

Don’t even get me started on the snow/ice days. The same people who park in the streets aren’t clearing their sidewalks either. The snow plow can’t get through because of your damn cars. Park in the driveway. That is what it’s there for.

 

Pet Peeve #3: PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THAT THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY. (ONE GOD, ONE TYPE OF MARRIAGE ETC.)

I am volunteering at a christian school. Yes, I do expect that there will be religion taught and used to reinforce good behavior. When I was there for an assembly, there was so much religion that it was sounding like brainwashing more than making the point of listening to what is the real message. THis was a Christmas. Jesus is the reason for the season, yet they were talking Santa and presents. Not how he was born etc. How caring and sharing is the point. Maybe a good time to talk volunteerism. None of that was mentioned. 

I know a teacher who would give as gifts, homemade fortune cookies with biblical verses in them. Someone was offended. I had told her that is why I give generic gifts to my students because it can’t be taken any other way. Later that year, she gave me an engraved Bible that was baptist. I’m Catholic. I appreciate the thought, but not the gift.  

People who believe that there is only one right answer don’t look at all sides. I think of the religious extremest that are willing to blow up buildings that have people in it. I think of the people who would protest at a funeral of a military man who did his duty to serve his country. How crass is that? 

Not to mention beating up people because of their ethnicity, sex preference, or other form of belief. I may be biased on this and be calling the kettle black, but it’s just wrong. It’s not what any prophet has said at any point. Wether you believe in Mohammed, Jesus, or Buddha they all preach tolerance. 

Pet Peeve #4: HALF TRUTHS

I know when I’m reading the paper, non-fiction book, or watching/listening to the news that we are only getting part of the information. Not always because they don’t know the other half but because they think we will lose interest in what ever topic it is. We must wave what ever nasty thing that has happened and say we must do more…(insert whatever here). How about the other half of the story? More gun control laws because crazy people are going in and killing people. Usually these people don’t own the guns they are coming in with. Their family owns it or they were stolen or some militia etc. I have mentioned before that if someone wants to kill, they will find the weapon be it gun, hands etc. No, in my opinion we don’t need automatic weapons.  Yet.. the person is determined and will find a weapon at some other location and buy the rounds.

We can’t say everything that can be potentially used as a weapon must be banned because that will leave us with nothing and we would be typing with our noses. Wait.. that can take an eye out.  Maybe our ears? I don’t know. It’s not feasible. We have a difficult line to balance between privacy and the public interest.  Do we start having everyone start seeing therapists and they need to flag potential problems? Do priests who hear confession need to mention that a certain someone has mentioned that they were in for confession and said that they were going to kill lots of people? (actually I don’t think that is going to happen because if they believe in God, they believe in good and evil and wouldn’t be talking to a priest probably..something to think on. Also I don’t know if that is already something they are supposed to do like reporting child abuse or suicidal tendencies).  Crap, this had nothing to do with half truths, excepting on how the media choses to report it. It’s still a pet Peeve.

Pet Peeve #4: THOSE DAMN FINANCIAL ADS

Granted, I used to sell those products but got too fed up. Everyone thinks they know what they are doing. It takes a really strong person to say “I don’t know crap about insurance, investments, etc.” Guess what. IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO GET A PROFESSIONAL! I don’t care if you can’t afford one. If you are managing your stuff at ameritrade (not that I hate them or anything, they don’t dispense advise) and don’t know what you are doing you might as well go to the casino and take a chance. You’ll have the same affect and more fun. At least there you know they are out to get you. There are several companies that can give you advise on what you need. They need to be licensed too or you have no repercussions when things go bad. It’s like doing your own taxes. If you only have to do the ez or a basic 1040, no biggie. But when you start adding things like inheritance from other states, own your own company or any other more complicated thing, get a professional. I will say, when it comes to kids, your life insurance policy should not be their college savings. In whole or universal life, you will borrow the money back. You pay interest on it. If you never pay it back, it will affect the pay out on the policy. Get a professional to help you decide which is the right move for you when you are planning your retirement. btw, people wait to plan for their retirement are another pet peeve. I mean until they are 40 or 50 to start. That is way to late. You will be literally working for your retirement and nothing else. 

 

Pet Peeve 5: TEACHERS WHO AREN’T ADVOCATES FOR THEIR STUDENTS OR THEIR PROGRAMS (see A volunteer can only do so much)

 

ok, so this is only the tip of the iceberg. I will probably do another one on another day to add to it because, unfortunately, there are a lot of them.

A volunteer can only do so much

Let me tell you what happened.

I was at my volunteer position at a local private christian school. I was discussing the problem with consistency of the students because the “class” is after school and competes with clubs. Keep in mind, they do not have a strings program here and we are offering it I guess, technically, as a club. WE tell the kids it’s a class (even though there is no grades) and that the big grading happens at the concert(s). This semester has been particularly bad where I was teaching the same class 2x a week because 1 set of kids would show on Mondays and the others would be on Wednesdays with 2 showing up everyday.

This is not conducive to a good concert at the end of April. The class is only 30 minutes. We have had this discussion of consistency with the students and how it impacts the group as a whole. Imagine a soccer team showing up to a game but only the defense. One day the defense comes to practice, one day the offense comes to practice with the goalie showing up both times. Not a good practice but we do what we can. If it were a team, I can at least kick them out.

The students do well (excepting a couple) at practicing and knowing their music so the real battle is putting the parts together. You can’t do that with people not showing up.

Anyway… that was the background. As I was saying, we were discussing this issue and the fact that it isn’t considered a class and that she (meaning the other teacher that is actually getting paid to be there) has to get it labeled as a class. Preferably a pull out class so we can do it during the school day. I’d settle for after school for elementary and let the middle school and high school have a designated class.  That is where we hit an impasse.  She doesn’t believe that to pull them out of their regular classes is a good idea. She doesn’t even want to see them during the school day.

I told her it’s done all the time in elementary in this county, and a few others in the area. You just pull at 2 different times in the day, 1 in the am and one in the pm. The students are responsible for the work in those classes. I even had a student that had gone through that tell the other teacher how she handled doing that. She even mentioned that she was pulled out not only for orchestra but choir. She said it was fine and the teachers were ok with it and the kids kept up.

She still doesn’t want to do it.

WTF? What I’m hearing from her is that this class isn’t important. I have just spent almost 2 years helping her get this off the ground and SHE IS NOW TELLING ME THAT THE CLASS ISN’T IMPORTANT! Next year when we have 3 classes, there is no way that we can manage it after school. It’s infeasible. We were doing the classes back to back this year, meaning I taught the advanced group and she taught the beginners. The beginners were so far behind when I checked on them.

Now I’ve hit panic mode for the concert.  She hadn’t even started the one song they are doing with the advanced group yet. She hasn’t done anything that wasn’t in unison and quarter notes at this point. (usually at this point, they are reading 2 strings well and struggling with the G or E string, counting, doing quarter and eighth notes and rests. They have also started doing 2 part pieces) I can’t do it all and I shouldn’t. I’m not the one being paid.

Why does it matter more to me that we have a good concert and the one who is being paid isn’t concerned? Then again, she does a lot of chicken with the head cut off for the grade plays/concerts. She treats it more like recitals than concerts. I’m very afraid and mad.She doesn’t want to make it a real class. She isn’t going to go to the school and ask that it be made a real class that gives grades. Has she not seen the studies that music improves the way students work in other classes (so to speak)? Look at this study out of the University of North Carolina or this one from the University of London.   VH1 Save the Music Project even has found reports that support music in our schools. This is just the tip of the iceberg on how many positive benefits there are for students to study music. Why would a teacher not be her own advocate for her music program? It’s just wrong.

I’d do this for her program, go to bat that is, but it would look as if I were trying to angle a job. That is not why I’d do it. The kids that have also put in almost 2 years into the program should be able to benefit from their work also. This teacher has made me so mad, that if we didn’t have a concert coming up, I’d just tell her that it’s not worth my time to tease the kids that this is going to be anything more than a club. If that is what she wants, she doesn’t need me to be coming to help improve their skills. It’s a club not a class. She can plan the concert, find the music, make the goals that the students can achieve but feel challenged at the same time.

At the time when arts are being cut out of every school, it’s up to us to fight for the right to have music. If we don’t advocate our own programs, who will? Parents also need to provide feedback on what is going on and help the teachers get the students the program they  want/need.  A volunteer can only do so much.

 

Why are my teeth chattering?

I feel good today.  Someone has actually read a blog entry. Thanks again Kat. But as I said, it’s my blog and I am going to put in what I want to.  So today it’s about what isn’t making me feel good today. A bunch of things are deciding to break down around the same time. The master bath (that has been on going), the thermostat in the house, the other laptop, tivo.. and I forgot the rest.

Most of these things are over 10 years old. Is the warranty up? What happened to building things to last?

Let’s go in depth. Let’s start with the all critical electronics. (because we all know where we stand on that)

First, the tivo. It was working last night earlier this morning and now the channels won’t change. I’m stuck on fox 5 with the updates of the Pope’s last day going off every 5 minutes. Granted I’m Catholic and it’s a big thing, but still.. every 5 minutes we have to interrupt this program… It’s not like we were nuked or some such thing. It’s like interrupting for a famous serial killer’s electrocution. We have to break for news.. he now ate the potatoes from his last meal.. now back to our regular programming. I mean.. really??? Not that the Pope and a serial killer are of the same caliber but … this whole sentence is coming out wrong.

Let’s just say that they aren’t at the same level and that there are somethings we just don’t need to know. I would like to see his last public appearance, but I don’t need to get updates for his helicopter ride.

and now that we are way off topic..

tivo! what makes this happen. One second it’s working. The other it’s not. It usually resets when we run the fix the channel changing thing but it didn’t this time. We don’t move the box around, we don’t touch the antennae.. there should be no problems.

Also, the old laptop is taking longer and longer naps and doesn’t want to come out of sleep. I know this is a bad sign, but it’s been in the house for well over 10 years. That is why my new one (still used and 5 years old) was bought. I couldn’t have it die with my business life on it.  That would just suck. It still needs a battery (the old one).

And why are my teeth chattering? oh yeah, the thermostat has a mind of it’s own. It wants to stay at 62 degrees F. Ok, not freezing, but enough to have my nose cold. It claims the target temperature is 68.  Why is it drifting? We have the energy saving plan now at 68 as the default. It worked for a day. Tomorrow the technician comes and fixes a misplaced wire. I hope that is the only thing that is causing that but I am moving around the house with portable heaters. I’m either in the basement, the bedroom or the studio with my faithful little heater beside me so it’s at least comfortable.

All this is relatively minor, I know. But it’s still a pain in the butt. Erich has this rough schedule this week and he can’t do the repairs. I’ve done some but they keep breaking again or in a different way. Now for the major one.

That dang bathroom. I swear, cracks in the grout are just forming to irritate me. I hate regrouting and resealing. That master bath, according to a few contractors, has the wrong type of drywall in it. No wonder it leaked within 3 months of moving in! The only fix I have heard is to gut the shower area. Well heck, if we are doing that, we may as well re do the whole bathroom as well since that is 80% of the cost anyway. For several years now we have had to reseal the shower so it won’t leak into the kitchen. The average cost I’m hearing to fix this is $30,000. yep, about 25,000 of that is the shower and that is if we just do it the same way we have it. I need Mike Holmes to make it right. I swear, if I ever run into the house builders, I will give them a piece of my mind. I am not going to hunt them down but I will not let it go if I run into them.   I’ve already complained to them about the hot water heater which literally exploded  on January 1 the first 3 months we were here (the home owner’s warranty only covered $50 of the cost of that) and that I see cracks in the plywood that the roofing is attached to. No leaks but it worries me all the same.  The stupid set up of the pipes not being close enough to the wall the illegal placement of the furnace and hot water heater and oh yeah, the bend in one of the pipes to the gas hot water heater that is also illegal. It is leaking carbon monoxide. I forgot about the leaky windows and doors all over the house. All of this is not covered by the warranty. I love this house but I swear I feel like I’ve been screwed over. It was a new house. I shouldn’t have had to deal with these issues. I should be dealing with do I want french doors or not to go to the deck.

Other than that.. I’m feeling good. :p  Now that I wrote all that, maybe not so well once I think on it. Oh well. Maybe someone can put some input into how to stop having all these problems short of selling the house. How I feel now.

Diet smiet

Let’s start with the obvious. I need to lose weight. I need to do it for my health and so I can look hot.  So I started with a nutritionist a few years back. I lost 30 lbs. Got stressed out and gained it back plus.

That is so typically me. I do well when I’m not stressed and stop eating when I am. So you ask, if that’s true, how do you put on the weight? glad you asked. When you eat under 1000 calories, you hold on to everything.  You could be eating salads only and still be gaining weight. That’s me.

Now I’m trying to apply what I’ve learned and keeping things right. I’m trying to deal with the stress. I’m forcing myself to eat good food regularly.. but that brings me to a problem.

What is good?

Do you eat Paleo-only things you can find by hunting or gathering. I do not mean hunting through the freezer and gathering the ice cream. I mean lean meats, fruits, vegetables, nuts.

Do you eat low fat?

Do you eat high protein? Low Carb? Strict Vegan? What?

Guess what, there is no right answer for anyone. I’m coming up with my own idea. No supplements. Well maybe 1 but I’ll tell you later if it works.

Here is my new plan:

Lots of water and unsweetened tea. No caffeine. No soda, no diet anything. Fake sweeteners only increase your cravings for sweet stuff. Keep it out of the house and things will get better.

2 servings of fruit

4 servings of veggies

1 grain (that will be the hardest part) (rice, bread etc.)

2 normal (12 oz total) of protein

1 starchy veg (potato, corn, carrots)

beans when possible

nuts.. not more than a handful.

milk 1 serving (includes ice cream, but remember, there is additional sugar in that)

and the biggest change to my diet is not what I eat. It’s how I will exercise.  4-6x a week. Physical therapy counts as exercise.

What I think is the biggest problem with the US eating habits is the size of a portion and the lack of exercise. We ingest so much unseen sugar and starch that it’s obscene. I have been reading up on all the various diets. From Eat well to live (which is the least extreme) to Paleo. They all have their good parts and bad parts. The biggest problem is that we are no longer doing physical labor as much as we used to. We aren’t going to go back to an agrarian society so we need to find a real solution.  Eat less exercise more drink more water, yes, that is reasonable.  Your diet needs to become a part of you. It isn’t a short term eating habit or you will be like me.. a yo-yo dieter.

Now I’ve been hearing a ton of things on the news and seen a ton of things on the web. Really what works? I have no freakin’ idea. Green tea? that funky green fruit extract that looks like a cross between an orange and a kiwi? These are all guesses.

Scientist want to find the miracle cure for obesity. There isn’t one. You must do it the old fashioned way. Take it off like you put it on. Gradually. Take small steps. For example, this month, I want to be able to go up 3 flights of stairs without breathing a little heavy. How is that related? I have to do enough cardio to get back into shape to do that. I can’t be sitting here typing, surfing etc. I have to be active.  If I do that, I will lose potentially 3 lbs (maybe more) that month.  No to do the exercise part, I am not going to go diving off the deep end and start swimming or running 8 miles a day. I am not going to do 4 hours of px90 in a day. I am going to do my physical therapy 2x a week. I am going to do errands that send me up and down the stairs all the time. I am going to do some weight lifting and cardio for my other 4 days.  That’s not unreasonable right?

But I have to do it. No if’s and’s or’s or but’s. I’m sick of being sick (literally, I’ve been dealing with sinus infection for 3 weeks and the fevers etc. You don’t do cardio when you run fevers. It will through your body thermostat off.)

I will eat my veggies. And if I’m very good, I’ll have some milk too.  I just can’t eat milk and cookies all day and hope the exercise will take it off. That doesn’t work either.

Getting thin is a lifestyle change. No amount of Olive oil is going to help me lose weight. I am not sacrificing a healthy heart for something that will make it weaker. Have you seen what’s on the Mediterranean diet? It’s healthy if you are a fisherman or farmer and are working the fields/sea all day.  Studies have shown  that they are having more heart related issues in the Mediterranean area because they have become more “westernized”. They are also sitting at their computers stressing out over deadlines and bills and whatever. They are no longer as active.

Let’s talk about advice. Who do you believe? How many studies have been done? I’ve started noticing that Dr. Oz has been endorsing everything from green tea to Garcinia Cambogia extract as a weight loss aide. He endorsed the Mediterranean, Paleo, and the diet in Eat Well to Live. Most doctors will say the same thing. Eat less, exercise more. More water, less soda. Vegetables over cupcakes. Less rice, pasta, alcohol, etc. that can be burned as sugar. and what they won’t say ” get off your fat ass and get some more exercise!”

What is right?

well, according to my research (yeah, I’m a big wig scientist- NOT!) it’s a small amount of oils. Some form of protein. Some sort of starch. Lots of veggies and some fruit (some fruits can be really high in sugar). Cut the salt but not completely. Cut the fat, but don’t switch to margarine or any other “fake” fats. Anything that is simulated isn’t good for you. Deep fat frying is totally out. I don’t care how healthy it was before the batter dipping and dropping it into oil. You about killed it that way. White meat and dark meat in proportion. Limit the fish.

Depending on what doctor you ask, supplements are also dangerous. That is for a different blog post.  I can see how the general public is confused, annoyed and overweight. We just don’t get it. The government doesn’t get it (food pyramid.. step stool.. whatever it is today is just wrong).

Well, we can believe our long term doctors to a point. Some can really be out there. I remember that one of my old doctors recommended a diet based on my blood type. Trust to your research. Ask questions. Read the studies. Yes, you can get them. THey are public record.

In other words, be proactive and your own advocate. You need to know what is right. The only person who truly cares about your own health is you. That is why I’m going to take charge of mine.

Sick day

Yes, I’m home sick today due to a sinus infection.  Funny enough, I’m just running a slight fever but I don’t feel like playing infection tag with my students.

 

So I was thinking about sick days. Why do people not use them?

 

I know that self-employed it means, your off, you don’t get paid. But with those that are working for a company with health benefits why don’t we take them more often? We get grief for mental health days but when we are truly sick, why do we care to share the misery?

Do we truly want to have everyone in the office/place of business catch it and then send it back with love? Is it that we don’t want to appear weak? Is it really, “only a cold?”.

The CDC is trying to keep us home when we’re sick. WE have sick days. In some cases, I remember some teachers saying they have enough sick leave saved up that they could take a year off and still have left over days. At what point do we say enough is enough?

 

Go home- get well- eat some chicken noodle soup and other comfort foods. Get lots of liquids and vitamin C. Get some rest then return to productivity.

 

I do have 2 theories.

 

1. We need to be “seen” at work. It’s part of why telecommuting hasn’t completely caught on. The boss doesn’t see you therefore you must be slacking off, therefore we should fire your sorry butt.  (at least that is what is going through our heads)

2. We can’t stand to be sitting at home because we want to be sitting at home for more than when we are sick. Basically, we don’t want to be at the office but not going may cause this ugly circle and then we get back to reason 1.

 

What do you all think? Is this just a United States thing?  Clue me in. I’ll be sitting here with my thermometer, blanket, and heater watching day time tv or surfing the web or napping. Taking it easy like I should so I can be well tomorrow.

All hail Dystonia!

Has it really been that long?

Yes I got the botox, no it didn’t help.

As a mater of fact, here is how that conversation went.

Neurologist: So, how are you feeling with the spasms.

me: still there.

Neurologist: really?

me: really.

Neurologist: huh.

me: let’s talk about my insomnia instead.

neurologist: ok.

me: You do know I’m entering that period of getting up every hour on the hour. My feet hurt and I tend to charlie horse more.

Neurologist: that sounds more like your periodical limb… wait a minute. (looks up something on the computer)  You may have dystonia.

me: what’s that?

Neurologist: basically, it boils down to the part of your brain that controls movement is stuck in the on position.(dystonia if you really want to read about it in-depth)

me: really? Are you saying my periodical limb movement is waking me up?

Neurologist: yes, and that the spasms when your arm is being stretched is also related and that eye spasm thing you mentioned in passing. It’s rare.

me: wow!

Neurologist: It is also genetic. We are discovering usually through past descriptions of deceased people.

me: huh and you think I have it?

neurologist: yep. Let’s try this patch and see if it works.  If it does, then it’s probably dystonia.

me: If it means the spasms go away and I can sleep I’m all for it.

Of course, that meant finding the dosage strength. You start with 1 gram of med (I think.. sue me it’s dark, and I’m up typing this and I can’t find it in this room) and then work up to what works for you. You know when you stop moving.

Who would have thought I’d be happy to have a new diagnosis of a disease? Not me. The patch does work and I’m actually pretty happy now. Not moving all the time is a weird sensation. I didn’t realize how much I moved until I stopped. There are 3 draw backs to this med for me.

1. It’s a patch, which means it’s adhesive. I’m allergic to most of those. I now have these little red lines or bumps that outline the patch all over my body. It takes a few days for whatever rash to disappear.

2. Of course, since it helps me sleep, it’s not covered by my health plan. (boo! United Health Care) $125 roughly out of pocket each month.

3. I can’t sleep without either med (that and the one that keeps the brain asleep). Hence why I’m up doing the post. I ran out of 1 and will have it tomorrow and I forgot to reapply the stupid patch.

Maybe the green coffee at noon and green tea at 3pm may have contributed a bit to it too. 😦

In other news,

IT is the new year! (those funky horn sounds and twisty things in the background)

new year resolutions:

lose weight (who doesn’t put this on their list?)

restart the exercise routine (this is on everyone’s list too)

3. try to be more consistent with the blog. These may become micro bursts.

4. Get the mini so I can restart my music and food podcast.

5. New printer/scanner for work? maybe, maybe not.

That’s plenty. Let’s see what pans out.  Last year was all about getting that shoulder fixed. It is 80% there. This year mostly focusing on finishing that up and losing the weight which may be a contributor. If I can do that much, it’s going to be a good year.