another snow day

Happy Valentines' Day! And yes. A full-blown blizzard sweeps across Northeast Ohio last night and today (and we still had parent-teacher conferences last night). Although conferences went well and I had 13 parents show up, it took me an hour and a half to get home and the weather was awful. Luckily, the people I work with are great and we drove back in a 5 car caravan so if something happened, no one would get trapped alone. We all made it home safe and it is a relief that we don't have to drive to school today (as the governor is advising that no one drives this morning). This is the fifth snow day we have had this year and with any more added on after this, we will probably start chipping away at spring break.

Kyle unfortunately has work today but he made it there safely and I am so thankful for that. These are pictures I found on the local news website. Northern Ohio is a snowy mess today...

thoughts on music education

After attending the Ohio Music Educator's Association conference last Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I have a renewed purpose in what God has called me to do with my life and what a gift and a blessing my job really is. At the conference, I attended 13 seminars and about 6 concerts and loved every minute of it. Before the conference officially started, my friend Kristy and I attended the Highly Qualified Professional Development Pre-Conference session and spent the rest of the weekend attending sessions towards a certificate (which makes both myself and my school district happy).

Some of the highlights within the conference include:
1. Learning more about the Alexander Technique and how living by this methodology could improve not only your posture but also your performance and speaking voice (more on this later).
2. Attending a session about tracking the male changing voice (I loved this professor's ideas and am hoping to attend University of Akron under her direction for my Master's degree).
3. Hearing the US Army Herald Trumpets and the USAF Band of Flight (they perform regularly for diplomatic events across the country and around the world).
4. Listening to Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser speak and inspire and encourage us as music educators (his books seem very insightful for anyone in this profession).
5. Seeing the Kentucky Christian University Choir sing (they are from my family's hometown of Grayson, KY).
6. Learning about new music theory books and software (by Alfred) to enhance my teaching.
7. Dr. James Jordan's keynote address: The Musician's Walk (very insightful and his books look equally amazing).
8. Learning new breath support techniques and this cool but wierd contraption called PowerLung (more on this later too).
9. Most importantly of all....Running into my friend Derek Brown from Hope and getting to have dinner with him and his family. The coolest part about this is that I didn't even know he would be there and haven't been able to find his address since he got married. By far, this made my entire experience wonderful (I included one of our junior recital poster pictures...how I miss Derek and Lisa)! Friends from Hope will always be there and it was so cool to get to catch up and watch him perform (most amazing performer I know).
10. Learning a TON about microphone set-up, use and choosing appropriate mic technology for your ensemble (this one was a bit overwhelming).
11. Seeing one of our high school students perform in the All-State Jazz Band.
12. Getting to hear the Columbus Children's Choir perform (so many happy memories).

Overall, this was great because I got to know the other 2 music teachers in my district more, I got to reconnect with friends from Hope, and I am now inspired to start a small auditioned choir in my school. Teaching is one of the most influential jobs out there, and I feel very honored and blessed to get to do this everyday.

another day with no school

Well, let's see...now 3 out of the past 5 school days have been snow/cold days without school. This is crazy. The wierd part about this week is that I will only be at my school tomorrow because on Thursday and Friday I am going to the Music Education Conference in Columbus. What an off week!

On the other hand, today I am hoping to use this cold day to get to the doctor because I think I have yet another sinus infection. Yuck! Do you get these all the time too or am I the only one? I did some research on this and here is some useful information.


Sinus Secrets

Chronic sinusitis -- already the most common chronic disease in the US, and still on the rise -- is fast becoming resistant to the antibiotics often used to treat it. Nevertheless, if you visit your doctor complaining that you're headachy, feverish, have clogged sinuses and can't breathe, guess what he/she is most likely to prescribe? Antibiotics.

Conventional medical treatment of sinusitis with course after course of antibiotics has created a very difficult situation, observes Robert S. Ivker, DO, author of Sinus Survival: The Holistic Medical Treatment for Allergies, Colds and Sinusitis (Tarcher/Putnam). Instead of curing the disease, this overly simplistic response has made an already stubborn illness even more difficult to manage. What are better options as many suffer through sinus misery?

MISMANAGEMENT CAUSES MORE RESISTANT INFECTION

Unfortunately, people keep asking for -- and doctors keep providing -- antibiotics both prophylactically and for viral infections such as colds and flu. The overprescription and overuse of antibiotics is creating an explosion of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, the so-called super-germs or super-bugs. Inside the body, bacteria respond to repeated antibiotic attacks by developing into ever stronger and more drug-resistant strains.

Repeated courses of antibiotics also open the door to yeast overgrowth and fungal infection, warns Dr. Ivker. He told me research at Mayo Clinic confirms that when sinus problems become chronic, there is nearly always a fungal component... a fact that conventional medical doctors still fail to recognize. The problem is that antibiotics destroy the friendly, beneficial bacteria that normally populate the digestive tract, which then opens the door for opportunistic and destructive fungi to flourish in assorted membranes of the body -- including the sinuses.

The good news is that more and more doctors are coming to understand that it is both the presence of disease-causing organisms and an immune system weakened by the presence of the fungi overgrowth that makes a person more susceptible to chronic sinusitis.

Read on below for more on sinus infection survival...


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The Germinator!

The germs that give us colds and flu are bad enough. But today there are more bacteria and viruses than ever to worry about -- E. coli, bird flu, flesh-eating bacteria! And they say worse are coming!

That's why a prominent doctor who has studied the immune system for 20 years was so glad to rediscover an herb the Chinese have used for thousands of years to fight germs and keep people healthy. Unlike antibiotics, which can actually make you more vulnerable to illness, the "germinator" herb obliterates the germs without harm to the rest of your body.

Herbs instead of antibiotics. Vitamins and natural supplements instead of statin drugs. How many other falsehoods are we sold by the medical establishment -- the same establishment that profits from our continued sickness?

Read on...


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SINUS SECRETS (PART 2)

PREVENTION IS THE KEY

Dr. Ivker stresses that the answer lies in prevention. You must heal and restore the inflamed and damaged mucous membranes in the nose and sinuses, and strengthen the immune system. Here's what you can do to survive -- or better yet prevent -- a sinus infection...

Take vitamin C. If you are a chronic sinusitis sufferer, Dr. Ivker recommends that you take 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg of this infection-fighting antioxidant three times daily. During an active infection, you need more -- 3,000 mg to 5,000 mg three times a day. While this may sound like a lot, Dr. Ivker points out that the body both requires more and can utilize more vitamin C when fighting an infection. Other supplements to consider: Fish oil, flaxseed oil, homeopathic Kali bichromicum and Kali sulphuricum, echinacea, goldenseal and Sinupret (a German herbal combination remedy available at www.bionorica.usa.com).

Note: Daily Health News contributing editor, Andrew L. Rubman, ND, adds that he has success with his patients in also using zinc, 50 mg two times a day... selenium, 400 to 800 micrograms a day... an omega-3 oil supplement twice daily... and n-acetyl cysteine, 500 mg, two times a day.

Drink six to eight glasses of water daily. (Note: Significant quantities of water should always be consumed at non-meal times so it does not interfere with digestion.) Water and other healthful fluids -- such as herbal teas, broth, diluted fruit juice and sparking water -- moisturize the mucous membranes and help keep nasal discharge thin. Dr. Ivker notes that warm fluids are especially soothing. In particular, he recommends medicinal teas made with the immune-enhancing herbs astragalus and echinacea.

Avoid inflammatory foods such as sugar, refined white flour, red meat, fried items, partially hydrogenated oils and additives. These weaken the immune system and provide an opening for infection of all kinds. Also go dairy-free, since cow's milk increases mucus secretion. (Read more about controlling inflammation in Daily Health News, June 10, 2004.)

Eat antioxidant-rich foods -- fresh fruits and vegetables (preferably organic), whole grains, beans, cold-water fish (such as salmon, mackerel and sardines) and lean cuts of hormone-free meat. Preparation counts too: Poaching, steaming and stewing are healthier choices than frying, barbecuing or smoking.

Get a lot of sleep. A lack of sleep weakens immunity and makes you more vulnerable to infection, cautions Dr. Ivker. If you do come down with a sinus infection, instead of pushing yourself and possibly becoming even more ill, take it easy. Climb into bed for a day or two. Turn off the phone, make a cup of tea and enjoy a few good books or movies. To keep stress levels low, make sure you snooze through the news (or better yet, turn off the television altogether).

Let go of anger. Yes, it's that old mind-body connection again. Repressed anger is stressful and can trigger infection, explains Dr Ivker. To safely release anger, he recommends the following exercise: Kneel next to a bed or sofa with a pillow on it. Bring your arms up in an L-shaped, perpendicular position, elbows bent and fists clenched. Inhale as you do this, and picture in your mind the person or situation that makes you angry. Next exhale as you rapidly bring your arms down, elbows and fists to the pillow as if punching it. If you practice this simple exercise on a daily basis (10 to 15 repetitions take only a minute), Dr. Ivker predicts that you will feel lighter overall, and experience feelings of great release and relief.

Steam sinus troubles away. Inhaling steam relieves discomfort and loosens secretions in the sinuses. Steam inhalers are readily available in pharmacies, or simply take a hot and steamy bath or shower or place a towel over your head as you bend over a sink of steaming water. Dr. Rubman often has his patients add aromatic sports rubs, such as mentholatum, to the water to better open up the nasal passages. Dr. Ivker advises that you follow steaming with nasal irrigation to cleanse nasal passages, improve drainage and make it easier to breathe. To accomplish this, he recommends the Hydro Pulse Nasal/Sinus Irrigation System (available at drugstores and at multiple sites on-line)... or as we have written about in Daily Health News, a bulb syringe and a good saline and aromatic mix can do the trick for many. In cold winter months, when sinusitis is most prevalent, daily nasal irrigation can help ward off infection.

Embrace aromatherapy. When you're congested, add a drop or two of eucalyptus or menthol oil to a bowl of hot water and inhale. Or try my favorite aromatherapy: Go out for sushi topped with plenty of spicy wasabi mustard. Some people prefer horseradish, and more traditional approaches to breathing easier include smearing a dab of Vick's VapoRub under the nose.

A BALANCED APPROACH IS BEST

By creating a strong healthy system you should be able to beat back the sinus infections. Keep your sinuses moist and draining. Should an infection crop up, do all you can to beat it without antibiotics to avoid creating another possible cycle of fungal infection. However, sometimes the critters just won't quit. In that case, you may need an antibiotic -- sinus infections left untreated for extended periods of time can cause significant damage. Hopefully with good preventive care, you won't need to take that step.

its SOOOO cold

Can you believe that the current temperature outside is a mere 1 degree and that the wind chill is about 20 below? Well, its time to believe it and its not a real suprise to me. After growing up in Chicago, you get used to the lake effect snow and the wind chill advisories. In fact, my parents are experiencing this deep freeze too. However, the good part about living here in Cleveland is that when this terribly cold weather hits, they actually CLOSE the schools! So, needless to say, as a teacher here in this wintry tundra, I have had 2 days off out of the past 4 school days. My mom on the other hand is fearlessly leading her elementary children in this winter weather and I commend her for doing so. So, the things I am thankful for today are: a warm coat, a car that runs well, heat in my apartment, a job (that gives people a break when the weather is bad), and Kyle (because he gets up early to go to work and takes me to lunch on my day off). Ah the winter weather...currently, a blessing.

After searching for pictures of this arctic tundra, I found someone's web page entitled "This is why I hate winter in Cleveland, Ohio." This person must not be a teacher.

REAL church bulletin entries

I got these from Amber's blog. Kyle and I were laughing so hard at some of these and thought it was only right to put them on here for you to enjoy as well. Thanks, Amber!

REAL Church Bulletin Entries

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The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
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The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water."
The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus."
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Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM
in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.
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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM.
Please use the back door.
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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet
in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM.
The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy
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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church.
Please use large double door at the side entrance.
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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across
from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
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Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled.
Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those
things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.
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The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.
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Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community.
Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "Hell" to someone who
doesn't care much about you.
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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
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Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again,"
giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
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For those of you who have children and don't know it,
we have a nursery downstairs.
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Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir.
They need all the help they can get.
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The Rector will preach his farewell message
after which the choir will sing:"Break Forth Into Joy."
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Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church.
So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
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A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall.
Music will follow.
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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?"
Come early and listen to our choir practice.
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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of
several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the
deceased person you want remembered.
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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment
and gracious hostility.
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Potluck supper Sunday ! at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind.
They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
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Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM.
All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.
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The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would
lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
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The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan
last Sunday: "I upped My Pledge - Up Yours"

and the singing continues...

Every Wednesday evening, I have an hour long voice lesson with the head of the voice department at Cleveland Institute of Music. I enjoyed my lessons in college and I feel that it is beneficial to both myself and my students to study privately while teaching because I often bring many of the ideas I learn here to my classroom.

On January 27, I had the opportunity to perform the Italian aria, "Mi chiamano Mimi" (from the opera La Boheme) for a master class at CIM led my Dr. Mary Schiller. Dr. Schiller has a very impressive background which includes receiving a Fullbright scholarship to study voice in Europe, performing in numerous operas, and adjudicating auditions for the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Performing at the master class included singing my aria for an audience of other voice students and professors and then having Dr. Schiller critique my performance and work with me to improve it for thirty minutes. I enjoy performing very much and I am pleased that CIM has given me the chance to do so. This experience was a tremendous learning opportunity for me and I am very excited to share some of Dr. Schiller's ideas with my students.

To learn more about her ideas for proper posture (which could help us all), Google the "Alexander Technique."