A Year Later...

Those of you who have read my blog for awhile may remember this post from a year ago about spraining my ankle right before our concert started. I was walking down the stage steps and the step cracked.

It is now a year later. It was the same concert and the same step. I fell...again. They never fixed the step they just turned it around. That created a small whole towards the back of that step. My left foot got caught in it. I went to step down and rolled my right ankle.

After school I headed to the OT clinic and the doctor remembered me from a year ago. After x-rays and some painful tests, he told me I have another horrible sprain and a tiny chip in the ankle bone. Fortunately the chip is really more of a "flake" and in a part of the bone that shouldn't case any problems...just pain.

He was quick to tell me I couldn't do anymore concerts and had to stay away from the stage. Not going to happen. We have another concert on Thursday. All I'm suppose to do is teach. Boo! I'm still going on our retreat and no one can stop me!!!!

Never a dull moment in my life!

Five Rough Days

The last five days have been very long ones. I did nothing but sleep and watch movies. I'm not really the type of person who likes to spend time alone. In fact if I have to go an entire with not talking to another person face-to-face, I feel like I'm going to explode. Imagine five days of that!

But that is what it takes to get over a horrible case of bronchitis. According to my doctor if I would have waited any longer to come in I probably would have had pneumonia. Fantastic! Of course when I went back to work today I got a million questions about whether I had the swine flu or not. I'm not sure it was the best decision to go back but there is a big deadline tomorrow morning and ISTEP started today. I'm so thankful to be feeling a little bit better.

A little help please

I'm almost through the first week of the workout Brooke helped me create. I didn't think it is was possible for my body to ache as much as it does. I'm still alive and the ankle is holding up well, which makes me happy.

The problem is my workout playlist is in need of some new tunes. So friends help me out here. Give me some good workout tunes and I'll add them. Other than five songs I picked at random today, you get to create the entire playlist. I can't believe I'm doing this. You should feel special knowing I'm give you all this freedom. This workout bit must be making me crazy.

My Random Five:
Adding to the Noise - Switchfoot
Ain't Nothing Wrong with That - Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Bleed American - Jimmy Eat World
Count Me In - Leeland
We Won't Be Quiet - David Crowder Band


Bring on the songs!

Classroom vs Gym

I started a new workout plan today and I've concluded I need an easier plan. Wow am I out of shape! While I was praying my way through Brooke's Crazy Core Cardio Class I had the realization that the gym and my classroom aren't horribly different. There are some common threads that just show up in different ways. Let me give you some examples.

1) Comparison Game -
Classroom - When someone else is better students quit so they don't look dumb.
Gym - People do dumb stuff to make themselves look better.

2) Excuse Game
Classroom - Make the stupidest excuses ever for not doing the work.
Gym - Make the stupidest excuses ever for not doing the work.

3) "Ya feel me?"
Classroom - Do you understand what I'm trying to say Miss Koutz?
Gym - Are you in pain yet Sarah?

4) Striving to Survive
Classroom - Dodging things being thrown at you, avoiding punches thrown in a fight, keeping your hearing during a student meltdown
Gym - Not passing out, puking, crying or dying in Brooke's class

Let me make sure I make this perfectly clear. Brooke is an INCREDIBLE trainer. She is encouraging the entire time she is pushing you to your breaking point. She has helped me find an individual workout plan the works well for me. If she can motivate me to fit a workout into my schedule she can help anyone. Thinking of joining a gym or need a good workout plan, she is the one to help you out.

Not Myself

I've done several things that are uncharacteristic of me today. It is all rather weird. I'm not really sure what to make of it all. It isn't really a bad thing, just not my normal self. If you know me even a little bit, this list will surprise you.

• I woke up around 10:30 and then stayed in bed for another hour staring at my ceiling.
  
• The very first thing I did was cook an entire brunch...for just myself.
• Went outside in the snow when I could have stayed inside.
• Went Christmas shopping before December 24th.
• Actually enjoyed the snow and driving in it. I even got a little upset when there was a brief pause in the snowing.
  
• I enjoyed shopping and wished I had more time to do it.

As crazy and abnormal as all of that may be I'm thankful to finally start getting some energy back. The second set of blood test came back last week and last Friday I found out that I have incredibly low iron. Simple solution to that and already I'm starting to feel the difference.

I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Who knows what kind of crazy stuff I'll be doing then?!

Give in already!

I'm very stubborn at times. I know that isn't news to most of you. I haven't been to an allergist in over six years. After a run-in with a bad batch of serum, I quit going and have done remarkably well just taking prescription medication. Unfortunately, I think it is time to give in and go back.

I've had so many allergy attacks in the last few months, I quit counting. Students walk in my classroom and ask me if I've been crying. Other staff members run away in fear I have some sort of deadly disease. My roommate has come home twice now and asked if I'm okay. Currently...
- One eye is almost swollen shut
- My eyes have turned into small waterfalls
- I can't breathe from my nose
- My nose is running like a leaky faucet
- I'm on Kleenex box number two today
- I can't go more than two minutes without sneezing

None of this has stopped me from working or doing anything. I figure I can make it another six years before I have to go back. What do you think?

Quick Clarification

Evidently my twittering has caused some confusion so I thought I would clear it up for everyone. A little over a month ago I went to the doctor for a simple sinus infection. After the conversation with her, my mom and a few other friends I started putting some pieces together that indicate something in my body is out of whack. I decided I would let it go in hopes it would all go away.

After putting it off, I finally went back to the doctor this week. She is pretty sure I have some thyroid problems, we are just waiting for the test results to come back. Really, that isn't too difficult of a problem to manage. Once the right dose of medicine is found, I'll notice a huge change. I'll have energy...and hopefully won't be so cold!

So no, I'm not on on my death bed. I'm not seriously ill. I'm still battling the sinus infection and the test results should come back this week. All will be well. No more worrying my friends. I do want to say thanks to those of you who have e-mailed, text or called to see how I've been doing this week. It had made me smile. I love my friends!!!!

Workout Party

I just got back a little bit ago from my first workout party with Brooke Curry. She is the greatest! I've been talking to her for a long time about the benefits of working out and my hatred for the traditional "work out at the gym" plans. After hurting my ankle this spring, I realized just how much I needed to work out. That injury slowed me down immensely and the recovery has been slow.

Finally, I decided I needed to just get a plan and do it. She came up with a perfect solution. She became my personal trainer. Once a week I meet her at the gym and we work out for about an hour. The workout she developed for me is perfect. It focuses on strengthening my weak ankle, improving my balance, building my arm strength for conducting and staying flexible. The hour flew by.

I was so nervous about being able to keep up with her. She is phenominal coach. If you live in this area and are struggling to get moving, you should stop by Anytime Fitness and talk to her. It is worth it. Seriously, if I can do this...anyone can!

Taking it easy...

Ever since I sprained my ankle I've had a thousand things to do and no time to rest. After hearing the doctor tell me last week that my ankle isn't healing probably I knew I was going to have to do something.

So the them of this week is taking it easy. I've been catching up on my list of movies I've wanted to watch and friends I've wanted touch base with. Later this week I'll start filing all of the lesson plans from this year but until then I'm not going to do much of anything but take care of my ankle.

I feel like a lazy bum but I would really like to play softball this summer. Over all the taking it easy gig isn't so bad. Who would have thought?!

Week in Review

Sunday Matthew and his family came to my parents house and I grilled chicken and burgers for dinner. And of course for dessert we had watermelon and s'mores. However there were no seed spitting contest since it was a seedless watermelon.

Monday my parents and I went to St. Louis to watch Matthew's family in the parade. Then Dad and Matthew cooked brunch for all of us. We ate so much food.

Tuesday was horrible as you can read in my previous post. That is all I have to say about that.

Wednesday was the last day with students. Praise Jesus! It was also our end of the year bash at Oasis. It was an awesome night. Jeffrey was generous enough to let me join the band for the last night. Good times. I also went to the doctor and found out my ankle isn't healing as well as he would like. He gave me three exercises to do is day and one is VERY painful.

Thursday I had a wonderful surprise phone call from Eric. He asked were I was and told me to come to Lula's and meet he gang. Eric, Wally and Mitch drove from Lansing to South Bend just to visit all of their favorite restaurants that we don't have in Michigan. They hit up Wings, Etc., Lula's, the Rib Shack, and Ritter's. If they would have had more time they probably would have hit up Hacienda too. Sonic isn't open yet so they couldn't go there either. Evidently they have been talking about this road trip for 15 years. Jeremiah and Jason met up with them too. I absolutely love hanging out with these guys. Yes I often find myself being the only girl.

Friday I finished cleaning my classroom and most of the music department. I was finally glad to be done with that. I spend the evening with Kristin, Cody, and Sarah celebrating Lauren's preschool graduation. I absolutely love that family. Cody is hilarious!

Yesterday was the marathon of high school graduation parties. After church I went to the Century Center to see DC dance at the Starlite Ball, or something like that. It was a huge ballroom dancing contest and ball. DC did an amazing job once again. It was so much fun to hang out with friends and students and support DC.

Today I finally got to hang out with Dominic. He has a loose tooth that is driving him nuts. We had a great time singing songs, dancing and playing with bubbles. That kid is so awesome. Other than that I've done something I haven't done in months...I took a Sunday afternoon nap.

A Long Monday

I have to be honest. The whole Smooth Stone Award thing has blown me away. I've been so overwhelmed I don't even know what to think. Thanks to all of you who have send your congratulations and encouragement this weekend. It help be get through today.

Do you ever have those moments when you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep because something comes to mind that you can't stop thinking about? Well my morning started extra early due to this very thing. I got to school and it rapidly went downhill. We didn't really get things worked out but I've done all I can on my end.

My ankle was doing really well until last night. I was sitting around talking with some friends after Lifeline and all of the sudden I felt and heard a pop in my ankle. I have no idea what happen but it has been really sore ever since then. I had just got to the point I could almost walk at a normal pace. The swelling has gone started to get worse as well. I'm glad I already have an appointment scheduled for tomorrow.

My apartment is still a mess. I started cooking dinner tonight and gave up because my ankle hurt so bad. Hopefully the ankle will stop hurting enough I can stand up long enough to clean and pack up school supplies for the summer. I'm heading to bed early tonight and I'm excited.

the show must go on…part 2

I have decided that being a music educator is a very dangerous occupation. I can't count the number of bruises I received from breaking up fights and teaching live skills students while at Dickinson. This week alone I've sprained an ankle, got a blood blister and several large bruises. Seriously people, they don't tell you this in college.

Our concerts are done for the year. The choir has a very low key performances for a couple of our sixth grade classes. I was very proud of all of my classes. They performed well.
--> The band was solid but I know they have a whole lot more in them. They ended with a tougher piece and did a very nice job.
--> The choir was strong but mighty. They were presented with some very difficult circumstance and it didn't show during the concert. All their music was memorized!!!
--> My fifth and sixth graders nailed their performance. Unfortunately I had to cut their favorite pieces but they didn't complain once. They behaved better than any other group of general music students I've ever had. I can't tell you how happy this made me. We are talking about a group of around 100 students.
--> The jazz band rocked it out today. I did something very risky and counted off our last chart at the fastest tempo we've tried it at. The last time we did it that fast it was a little sloppy. But for some reason I was just feeling it faster today and they delivered VERY well. It was the cleanest they have ever played it.

So despite the injuries and other very frustrating events this week in the world of music education, I'm proud of my students. They have done well.

the show must go on…

We had our first Edison Encore concert today. About 5 – 10 minutes before the concert started I was walking down the stage steps. I was unaware of the fact that one of the steps had a crack in the wood’s corner. As I stepped down on that corner, I fell flat on the floor and rolled my ankle. I laughed until I realized I could barely stand up and the whole room was spinning. My vision kept blacking out for seconds at a time. I couldn’t but any weight on the foot BUT…

…the show must go on…

So I leaned on the stage for a while and answered some questions. I sat on the steps and answered some more. Then I stood up, walked on stage and directed the band and choir. After school I had to clean things up and headed to a meeting on the other side of South Bend. I figured I could walk this all off. Not so much.

So as things got worse with the ankle, I finally got a hold of someone to head with me to get it checked out. I’m stubborn and insisted on walking on it. BAD IDEA!!! I have a really bad sprain that will take a while to heal. The doctor didn’t say I needed crutches so I’m hobbling around trying not to scream with each step.

Only I could have something like this happen before a concert.

What just happened?

Crazy things have happened today...

You all need to go check out Jeff's and DC's blog to see what happened at Oasis tonight?  What?!

I had a great conversations with some friends at the wonderful Bella Vita tonight.  It wasn't planned ahead of time just God crossing some people's paths to share about what he is doing in their lives.  It was awesome.

I'm learning the reality of my career in music being shorter than I expected.  It makes sense looking back at my journey why God has allowed some things to play out the way they have.  I'll cherish the ability I have to hear now, knowing it might not be as strong a few months from now.  There is just no telling.  Sidenote:  I'm still getting dizzy and my ears still hurt.  The medicine the doctor gave me made me sick to my stomach.  I go see the ENT on Tuesday.

I had a good conversation with a student tonight.  It was about pleasant things but it was good for us to talk through some things.  I'm amazed over and over again as God uses my story to help someone else.  Only he can do that.

Jason told me my cookies look like raw hamburger patties!  He is just jealous he isn't eating them. :)

Mr. Kurtis threw a paper wad at me in the middle of a rehearsal today.  It is a good thing he is bigger than me, otherwise, I would have snapped.

My favorite part of the school day: I had a student come knock on my door during choir today with an Oasis question.  I love it!  

Only 7 days until Spring Break!!!!

Only 30 days of school until our final performance!  Eeks!

Only 40 school days left until the end of the year!!!!!!

Ear Update

I went to the doctor today after school. Unfortunately, there wasn't much she could do. She gave me some prescriptions that should take care of the pain and dizziness until I go to a specialist next week. We'll see what happens after that.

What is wrong with me?

I had some thoughts about Easter that I have been thinking about all weekend. I've been trying to write them but my body can't handle it right now. I'm not really sure what is wrong with me but whatever it is, it isn't right.

I woke up early this morning incredibly dizzy. I rolled over and the whole room was spinning. My head felt like it was ready to explode and my eyes felt like they were going to pop out. Pleasant, isn't it? I quickly closed my eyes and tried to go back to sleep. I would sleep for awhile and wake up again to the same problem. This happened over and over and over. I was so dizzy I felt like I had just finished riding a fast spinning ride that makes you sick just watching. I decided not to get out of bed until I woke up not feeling that way.

I finally woke up around 11 not feeling dizzy. I've been fine all day until the middle of service tonight. I was sitting there and the room started spinning. I felt like I was going to pass out. I got a little scared about driving home afterwards but made it here fine but I have no clue what is causing this.

My theory is my ears. They have still been sore but not sore enough to do anything. I'll call the specialist this week and try to get an appointment. I'm hoping it is just a build up of fluid that can be taken care of with medication. If there are any doctors or nurses reading, help me out here!

Week's End - Weekend Goals

WEEK IN REVIEW:
- Returned from a great weekend with my parents to jump into a band rehearsal for Lifeline
- 3 1/2 days off work that was spent in bed with a few tears and one REALLY painful earache
- Great time at Oasis speaking to our students about making wise choices
- Fun times at Hacienda with some hilarious friends
- One of my favorite parts of the week was back this week: Friday Chats with Kristin
- AMAZING Girlz Only night! God showed up and our girls responded.


WEEKEND GOALS:
- Attend Core Class 401
- Contact our Chicag08 team
- Nail down big picture ideas for next month's Oasis messages
- Grade papers and adjust lesson plans
- SLEEP!

No sleep...again

This is crazy! I can't sleep again. My ear started hurting really bad again about an hour ago. I hope the specialist will be able to see me soon so I can start doing things. I'm going crazy!

Random Rush

You would think that since I've been home with this horrible earache for three days I would have blogged. Well you thought wrong. I don't have much time before I need to head to the church but I wanted to update those of you who follow my ear drama on this blog.

Last night my ear took a turn for the worse, which means I didn't sleep much at all. I felt like someone was shoving a knife in my ear. I stayed home today because I was just getting to the point I could sleep when it was time to get up and go to school. I've been sleeping most of the day and feel much better. There is still pain but it is tolerable. Praise God! My specialist just called with the names of some ENTs locally that should be able to give me some better answers.

Now I'm off to the church to hang out with some awesome middle school students. It should be a busy night.
- I'll be rocking it out with the band. Praise God for in-ears that make things nice and quiet.
- I'll be sharing tonight about how to leave middle school with regret. Praise God for using our weaknesses to show his strength.
- I'll be checking in with my Eagle's Nest girls to see how their week is going. Praise God for awesome middle school girls who are trying to find out what the next step is so they can take it.
I love middle school ministry!

Pain in my ear...

For the last two weeks my right ear has been hurting horribly. This weekend it got much worse. Usually I would go at the first signs of pain because of all my previous problems. However, I got sick of the doctor telling me it looked fine and having nothing to fix the problem.

Today I finally decided to give in and go see my family doctor. I'm glad I did. It appears there may be a problem with the tube in my right ear. The doctor wasn't able to get a good look because of the tube's angle. Therefore she couldn't be certain whether there was an infection or not. She hooked me up with some ear drops that are safe for my tube and may take care of the problem. If I don't notice a change this week I'll have to go back to the specialist who has the proper tools to get a better look.

We'll see what happens this week.