Happy birthday, Dad.

I don’t want to give anyone a toothache…

but how sweet! Scott celebrated our 4-month wedding anniversary with beautiful flowers and a great dinner!!! I love you Scott!!!

My life as a wife.

Hello. You know, with it being such a crazy year, haven’t talked too much about being married and life with Scott. Well, in case you were curious, it’s wonderful. I had always wondered if I would get married, and now I know. He’s a better husband than I could have ever imagined. Sometimes, I’m doing something mundane, like making the bed, and it hits me, “wow! this is ours!”. He’s so thoughtful, fun, loving, helpful, smart….I could go on and on and on…..

Anyway, just thought I’d let you know.

Career-inspiring performance.

I owned this “Time Capsule” VHS cassette that contained this performance, and as a teenager, I would watch it over and over (I know- strange, right?). Anyway, I had never heard of John Prine, but loved his words (it’s a song I play quite a bit, actually). This led me to investigate Prine, his songs, and folk music in general. I love the way the three of them smile throughout the song - like they are having fun. And of course, I was in complete admiration of Natalie…so much so that I wore pants that were really too short (my mom hated it!). Finally, wow - they were in Scotland! So dreary and beautiful. So, here you go - my career-inspiring performance:

If you are lonely you can talk to me.

Yesterday afternoon, a man died in his home of brain cancer - a true original. I didn’t work with him all that much, but the few times I did were interesting. In memory, here is this man’s favorite song. (What are the chances?)

Musical hero of the day.

Here are three beautiful numbers by the one and only Beaker!!! His expression in “Danny Boy” is so touching!

Stayin’ busy.

Howdy. Just wanted to check in with my dear friend, the personal website. Things have been somewhat hectic this week, but no complaints.

I experienced the death of a patient that was very difficult for me. Clearly certain people resonate with you more than others, and you just never know when they will come into your lives and show you something new. However, it is always difficult when there are young children involved.

I have been reading Carl Rogers On Becoming a Person this week. Carl is the psychologist I most relate to among the heavy hitters, and boy, is this a good read. In case you are not familiar, he is the primary developer of “client-centered psychotherapy”.

Moving right along, there are a few things I have been busy with that I just can’t share here on the website. Nothing really shocking or crazy, just things being kept in secret for one reason or another.  Maybe they are gifts.  Maybe they are exciting future plans that cannot be jinxed

Today definitely is a cleaning day at the Walldren House.  We say goodbye to our lovely houseguest Bandit, and will then say goodbye to the hair that we are slightly allergic to.  Shaun is a non-shedding breed, and wow, that makes a difference!  Speaking of our little devil, today is his first day of school!!!  As of this week, he will be four months old, and according the our vet, is the time when learning starts to click.

Well, sorry I don’t have more excitement for you.  Maybe some other time.  Stay tuned.

catch up.

1.I love the fact that Matthew Sweet makes pottery. I wish I could buy one of his cats! They are beautiful!

2.Last week I discovered that I really like the HBO series Rome. Just so happens that I felt like watching something from our collection, and Scott owns the two boxes, so pretty randomly I gave it a shot. It is so much fun!!! I think I only have 7 or 8 episodes left though.

3.I am petsitting my friend Brenda’s dog while she is away, and turns out her girl Bandit is terrified of our little Shaun. On top of that, she seems to have some sort of trust thing going on where she has to be right next to me. She’s incredibly well behaved, I just wish they could play. I start puppy training classes with Shaun in a week! He’ll be 4 months old soon.

4.A nice little piece called “The Audacity of Vanity” that Scott forwarded to me. Written by a paralzyed psychiatrist turned political journalist who is too conservative for my taste, but makes some good points. No one cares, all we want is “change”. Yep, I’m still bitter.

5.I love Don’s Dock! The grilled salmon I had last week was amazing, and it reminds me of the seafood stands back in New England. Check them out if you are near Des Plaines!

6.Finally, a YouTube Video for you. Wow. This one only has 10 views. Know who it is? A certain cool drummer of a certain potter???

2 years.

Wow.  I’m having all kinds of computer problems!!!  Let’s see if I can get the point across I was trying to make this morning, in which I titled “2 years.”.

Today was my 2 year anniversary with Midwest Palliative and Hospice CareCenter.  I am so lucky to work for an organization that values the importance of music in the care plans of their patients.  I absolutely love what I do, and look forward to seeing what the future holds!

Sadly, my colleague Deb is taking off for North Carolina next week to continue her education.  I will really miss her - she’s one of a kind.  We do have another music therapist coming in (who is actually from North Carolina) who I think will be a great addition to our team.

Hey sweetie - Relax. and get a good nights sleep!

Interesting Swedish research study on a link between men developing diabetes and anxiety, depression, and insomnia.  Especially good to keep in mind for people like Scott who have a strong genetic risk.  I love you baby!