Hits and Misses (Nov 30 – Dec 6)

Here’s a look back at the week that was….

HITS

• Few things are better than returning home after a vacation and having the chance to spend quality time with friends. The fun began as soon as I stepped off the plane and into the waiting car. The conversation started and I was immediately caught up on everything that had happened during my absence. The fun continued over good food that involved two trips to Lubbock to the local Cracker Barrel. Southern comfort food, good conversation, and lots of laughter were just what I needed in this next-to-last week in the office.
• I was pleased to receive a good report from the doctor on Wednesday morning. The prescription is doing its job and keeping things under control. I still have to monitor things through lifestyle choices, but it is refreshing to know that the changes that I have made — as small as they are — are making a difference.
• Earlier this year, I met a composer and arranger who had discovered my videos of her compositions on YouTube. We have chatted a few times and I have enjoyed getting to know her. I was very honored when she reached out this week and asked if I would review some of her newest compositions and provide feedback. I always enjoy looking at new pieces to consider for my students and jumped at the chance! The pieces were charming and I think these will ultimately be good options for teaching pieces. I’m looking forward to getting to dive into some of the other pieces in the set and see how they end up.

MISSES

• Smelly people do not belong on flights. This person did not suffer from body odor. He smelled like an ash tray that had not been cleaned out in years. Lucky me, he also sat right beside me on my flight from Memphis to Dallas. Thankfully, it was a rather quick flight. I tried to turn my head toward the aisle to avoid the burnt smell, but there I encountered a shedding kitty. I pulled out my inhaler in the Dallas airport and hoped that the final leg of my journey would have better air to breathe.
• One of my continued challenges is attempting to explain things to the Geriatric patients from a distance. This week, I began sharing daily Christmas carols on Facebook. My mother called me to let me know that the video was not working on her iPad. After several minutes of trying to explain that a double click on the image was all that was needed, I finally had to give up. I think she either got my brother or one of her co-workers to show her how to get the videos to play, but on that day, I just couldn’t figure out how to make it any easier.
• As the semester winds down, I have found myself shifting pianos more than I like. Normally, I just grab a couple of students and get them to handle the moving duties for me. This week, there weren’t as many students around to help. So I got to put some weight behind the rebuilt — maybe I should start calling her “Big Bertha!” — and managed to aggravate my lower back in the process. A trip to the chiropractor put me back in alignment pretty quickly, but I still had to move gingerly for a few days.

Hits and Misses (Nov 15-21)

Here’s a look back at the week that was….

HITS

• The final week of the semester finally arrived at WBU. I was thrilled to make the last recording of the semester and to close up piano lessons for a few weeks. Don’t get me wrong….I really do love making music with these students. But this has been a horribly challenging semester. It’s not “officially” over yet, but I’m mostly done….and I couldn’t be more thankful.
• On Friday morning, I headed to the airport to enjoy a few days in the Geriatric Ward. I wasn’t sure if I was going to come home or not due to the pandemic. Mom and I talked at length and determined that we felt fairly comfortable with our plan, so I came home. I’ve only been here for 3 days at this point, but I can already tell you that this was exactly what I needed emotionally.
• Before heading home, Mom told me that she wanted to decorate the tree differently this year and she needed some ideas. I gave a couple of ideas, we settled on one, and on Saturday, we started putting it together. Our snowman tree is amazing, if I do say so myself.

MISSES

• After getting a negative COVID test before traveling to Arkansas, it was a little frustrating to get notifications on Saturday that several of my students tested positive. Did I mention that they received their results on Thursday? Just annoying that it is taking so long to get the information distributed.
• Traveling is always difficult for my body. I have had 2 restless nights with very little sleep. Hopefully tonight will be a change and I’ll get some rest.

Hits and Misses (November 8-14)

Here’s a look back at the week that was…..

HITS

• Much of the week was devoted to rehearsals and the final outdoor performance of WBU Opera Scenes on Thursday evening. Like everything else in 2020, it was a different experience. Were there challenges? Certainly. Did people ultimately enjoy the production and hear good music? Yes. That’s what was most important and incredibly fulfilling after a long patch of not being able to present works on the stage.
• On Friday, I was in need of comfort food and a little self-pampering. For this Southern boy, that often means carbs…..and if there’s a gravy or creamy sauce involved, then things are just better! I grabbed my book and headed to Lubbock for a late lunch. I found a secluded table in the back of Cracker Barrel, ordered a plate of grilled chicken and dumplings, and told the waitress that she would not need to check on me after delivering the food unless she needed the table for other guests. The food was actually quite good. The change of scenery, a little warmth from the fireplace, and my book turned out to be the perfect way to spend an afternoon.
• Speaking of the book that I read, I have to include it in this week’s HITS. I normally limit my reading reviews to another blog since everyone is not interested in hearing about what I’m reading. (If you do want to follow my reading journey, follow Reading for Me.) This week’s book was quite possibly one of the best I have read this year. The House Girl by Tara Conklin is a historical novel that explores the life of a slave, Josephine, in the Antebellum South. When a modern-day NYC lawyer is hired to find the perfect client for a reparation case, she begins to explore Josephine’s life while searching for the house girl’s descendants. The story is riveting, insightful, and a great read.

MISSES

• I struggled with headaches much of the week. Things aligned for the perfect storm. There wasn’t always time to eat properly with a hectic schedule. My allergies were giving me fits. My neck continued to complain after last month’s accident. Thankfully, visits to the chiropractor were able to keep things at bay for the most part throughout the week. Honestly, I think I would rather be sick than deal with a headache. They tend to wipe me out worse than anything else.
• All of my life, I have heard that God doesn’t make mistakes. I found myself questioning that statement a bit this week as the grackle invasion hit the Wayland campus in full force. What usefulness can these dirty, noisy birds really have? One of them even took target practice at me while I was sitting outside, minding my own business during the opera dress rehearsal. What did I do to offend you, dear grackle? I really wish you would go back wherever you came from since we cannot seem to get rid of you by any other method. It’s nothing personal, really….but I think you have overstayed your welcome here. It’s time for you to move on!

Hits and Misses (November 1-7, 2020)

Here’s a look back at the week that was….

HITS

• I am so thankful that my Election Day experience was relatively easy. I arrived at my polling place on Tuesday morning, cast my ballot, and did not have to wait in a line as many predicted. I was pleased to see the safety measures that were in place and the willingness of the poll workers to assist when issues arose.
• After a very long week, I decided to slip away on Friday and Saturday. I didn’t have a plan in mind since I just wanted to drive until I felt like I was far enough away from the daily routine. I took care of a few things at home on Friday morning and headed east in the rental car that afternoon. I ended up stopping for the night in Wichita Falls. There’s nothing there, but it was a different set of four walls than what I look at while in Plainview. On Saturday morning, I set out to find a bookstore and some breakfast. By the time I settled on something, I had made my way to Denton – I told you, I had no plan. Spent the morning and afternoon in the area before driving home to get some rest before morning services on Sunday morning. I think it was the perfect weekend to tide me over until I am able to get home for Thanksgiving break. Just a few more weeks to go before I can get some real rest…

MISSES

• I did not enjoy the uncertainty of Tuesday’s elections that filled the air all week long. I was just ready to come to terms with the outcome – whether I liked it or not was not really the point – I just needed to begin to wrap my mind around things and prepare my heart for the days ahead.
• I continued to deal with soreness in my neck, back, and arms as a result of my recent car accident. One thing is for sure. As I am aging, it is getting more and more challenging to bounce back from getting knocked around a bit. This week promises to be quite busy and may actually be an adventure for my body. Planning to get to bed early each night and have already made appointments with the chiropractor for Wednesday and Thursday. Here we go…..

Hits and Misses (Oct 26 – Nov 1)

Here’s a look back at the week that was…..

HITS

• I love a good snow day! In a semester without any breaks (Thanks, COVID!), getting a couple of days off because of inclement weather was a Heaven-sent blessing. I didn’t bring home any work and answered only essential emails for two blessed days. I took the time to allow my mind to wander and let my body rest. Since it looks as though the long semester without any breaks will once again be required in the Spring, I am beginning to look for ways to allow myself to have times of rest. The weekends alone are simply not going to cut it.
• I was so incredibly proud of the WBU Marching Pioneers as they presented their final concert on Friday afternoon. I am still disappointed (dare I say “angry, furious, and pissed!”) that the program is coming to an end and I don’t anticipate that changing any time soon. The students and faculty, however, handled themselves with class, played well, and managed to have fun in the process. I loved the black t-shirts and the crisp logos. Nice touch!
• In the midst of a somewhat crazy week, it was very nice to have a couple of opportunities to share food with friends. I know this seems to be a regularly appearing “Hit.” There is just something special about gathering around a table with people and sharing. The laughter, the conversation, and the friendships are very important to my mental health.

MISSES

• As much as I enjoyed the Snow Days this week, I hate cold weather. I cranked the thermostat up in my apartment and prayed that the power would remain on. (It did until I returned to work on Thursday.) I spent the cold days at home in sweatshirts and flannel pants while wrapped in a blanket in a favorite chair. I was cozy. I just wanted to make sure I didn’t experience any chill in the air.  Jack Frost is not my friend!
• The downside to this week’s snow days was definitely trying to reschedule all of the missed appointments. I managed to miss a heavy day of testing as a result of the snow. It was hard enough to find time to fit in all of the exams in the first place. If everything goes well, I think I will have gotten caught up by the end of today….just in time to be a day behind in the new week. Thanksgiving cannot get here soon enough for me!
• I decided to grab lunch from Weekenders on Sunday afternoon. I ordered a BBQ sandwich and was ready to chow down before heading out the door for an afternoon performance. Now, you must understand that this Memphis boy KNOWS that a BBQ sandwich means pulled pork with lots of sticky sauce. (The rest of the world is simply confused if asking for a BBQ means anything else!) I was a little surprised when the young woman who took my order asked if I wanted a sliced or chopped sandwich. I assumed she was new and that her youth was the reason for her lack of BBQ knowledge. When I got home, imagine my shock when I opened the bag only to discover that I was holding a chopped beef brisket sandwich. It was tasty, but it most certainly WAS NOT a BBQ sandwich! A trip to Corky’s or Memphis BBQ Company is definitely in order in the weeks ahead. I need to experience REAL BBQ soon because I am suffering from withdrawals.

There’s Been a Change

Yesterday, I turned on my television.

Why is this statement worthy of a blog post? Because it was the first time my television had been turned on in my Texas apartment in the year 2020. The small portable set works and cable is connected for my viewing pleasure. (Honestly, I only have cable because it is more cost effective to have it included in my bundle than to pay for internet service alone.)

Don’t misunderstand. My apartment is not silent nor a monastery. I just find that watching programs on Hulu, Netflix, and YouTube allow me to have more control over my schedule than working my viewing time around the boob tube. When I watch television, I inevitably find myself sitting in front of the screen waiting for the program to air and then continue to sit like a mindless zombie after the program is over. It is just too easy for me to become engrossed in whatever is coming up next. Before I know it, my time has been taken over and I have accomplished nothing.

Keeping the television off is the key to increasing my personal reading. I have also noticed that my mood and outlook has improved when the talking box is silent. I can only take so much of the negative talk that comes through the media. Now, I determine when I am going to watch the news and limit my intake to that short span of time.

What caused me to turn on the television last night? It’s probably not my proudest addiction, but I will confess anyway. Last night was the season finale of Big Brother All-Stars. I have been a loyal viewer every summer and fall since season 8 or so. (To help put things in perspective, this was the conclusion of season 22.) I didn’t want to wait for the episode to be available for streaming and risk finding out who had won the season before watching for myself. Sometimes it is in the simple pleasures in life.

Hits and Misses (Oct 19-25)

Here’s a look back at the week that was….

HITS

• I am thankful that after last weekend’s accident, I was never terribly sore. I chalk that fact up to a weekend of rest, fair use of Tylenol, and quick visits with Dr. Nate throughout the week to begin getting things back in place along my neck and back. I’m still not fully back to normal, but I am feeling human again.
• The virtual Waves Weekend was such fun! I would have loved to have traveled to Malibu this year, but COVID had other plans. Still, I enjoyed getting to connect with a few of my fraternity brothers via Zoom and have a chance to catch up. It’s definitely been far too long since I’ve been back to Pepperdine. A return visit is in order as soon as travel is safe.
• On Sunday evening, I was able to perform the piano recital that was postponed last week at Abernathy First Baptist. The sanctuary was a lovely space. The people were charming and incredibly supportive. It was also nice to get to reconnect with some treasured friends while I was there. I needed that interaction more than I think I even realized. Thanks, friends!

MISSES

• On Saturday evening, I learned of the tragic death of Megan Daniels. She was involved in a fatal car accident early Saturday morning and died on the scene. Megan was a student in the children’s ministry that I served in Memphis many years ago. She was always energetic, kept me on my toes, and would bring laughter wherever she went. My heart breaks for her mother and siblings who are left behind, struggling to understand why as they try to pick up the pieces. You will be missed, Megan.
• This week, some past wounds decided to rear their ugly heads again. Nothing happened in life that should have set things off. No one pushed buttons. I wasn’t intentionally remembering former pain. It just showed up….and things that hurt long ago continue to hurt. Time heals all wounds? Sure, but the scars may still be tender at times……and no one can truly determine just how long it takes for the deepest hurts to go away. Even though I have forgiven those who caused me pain, I continue to work through the healing process.
• As the week drew to a close, I just had to accept that I am over it. Define “it” as you will…. I’m tired of it. I’m over COVID, wearing masks, and socially distancing from everyone around me. I’m tired of making excuses for the poor decisions of others. I’m tired of pretending that the world is rosy and happy when it really is not. I’m tired of editing myself in an effort to remain politically correct and not offend others. Yeah…. I’m tired….and I’m over it.

Hits and Misses (Oct 4-10, 2020)

Here’s a look back at the week that was….

HITS

• This week included really good piano lessons for almost all of my students. It is so rewarding to see young pianists making progress and continuing to enjoy the craft. It reminds me why I love my job — even in challenging times.
• This week also saw my return to the praise team at College Heights. I haven’t played for a church service since the beginning of the pandemic and wasn’t completely convinced that I would ever return. Thursday evening was an enjoyable time, working with friends and students as we prepared our hearts, voices, and hands to lead the congregation in worship.
• Donut night returned! It was small. It was quiet, socially distanced, and safe. But it was also very fun! I think that those of us who got to participate can say that it was just what we needed.
• Seeing someone else succeed can be so fulfilling! This week, one of my former students faced a portion of a barrier exam that has plagued him for a few semesters. He was nervous. He was intimated by me. (Still haven’t figured that part out, but I’ll take him at his word.) He rose to the occasion and got the job done. Now, there’s just one aspect of the exam remaining and I have a pretty good feeling about this one!

MISSES

• Technical difficulties plagued my world this week. The chapel live-stream would not work, so I had to figure something out for my small group on the fly. The battery on my iPad was draining very rapidly after the latest update. “Technical support” is becoming an oxymoron in my personal vocabulary.
• More and more students are beginning to experience illness. We just have to survive a few more weeks in order to put this semester in the rear-view mirror….and it can’t come soon enough!

Hits and Misses (Sept 28-Oct 4)

I suppose it is time to return to my writing routine. Why the silence? Honestly, there wasn’t much of a positive nature that I wanted to say. I still don’t have a lot of positivity to spread at the moment, but now I am beginning to trust myself to know when and how to use my personal “edit” button. That means I think I can begin safely writing again.

So here’s an abbreviated look back at the week that was….just because I really don’t want to relive all of the “misses” that I could list here.

HITS

• There are few things that are more healing to my soul than spending time with friends. Whether it’s a food run, a string of text messages, or a perfectly timed meme, my closest friends can almost always sense when I am in need of a little escape. After a couple of incredibly rough weeks, I am so thankful that friends began to make things seem much better.
• When things are tough, it’s nice to know that I am not alone in my emotional journey. Even though I hate to know that others are also struggling, it is affirming that my response is not unusual. I’m learning that it is perfectly fine to experience a mixture of anger, distrust, frustration, and betrayal all at the same time. I don’t see those emotions going away for a very long time — they will just be less prominent.
• Making music with other musicians is the very reason I entered my chosen field. This week, I got to forget about the ickiness of my world for a while and focus on upcoming performances. I just have to keep intentionally choosing to share music with the world through every venue that is available to me — and remind those listening of the value that the arts bring into their lives.

MISSES

• COVID, you have overstayed your welcome far too long. It’s really time for you to leave!
• Defending reprehensible actions was not what I signed up for.
• Short-sightedness is not a quality I look for in leadership.
• If I call you (because you KNOW how much I hate the phone), I really do not want to rehash the work week during a social call. I especially do not want to talk about work right now……
• Guilt trips are not cool. Do not use them on me.

Hits and Misses (Aug 30-Sept 5)

Here’s a look back at the week that was…..

HITS

• There’s nothing better than getting snail mail from another person. I’m not talking about flyers or bills. Everyone hates those! This week, I was thrilled to receive two personal letters in my mailbox. Last month, I renewed my subscription to International Pen Friends and have begun corresponding with pen pals again. This week, letters came from Kansas and Belgium. I have participated in International Pen Friends off and on throughout my life and have thoroughly enjoyed it. When we were all quarantined in our homes, writing seemed like the perfect way to feel connected with other people. Now we just wait and see how the introductions go — and hope that an old-fashioned friendship develops.
• Friday afternoon, I had to make a trip to Lubbock and realized that I had not had lunch yet. It was rather late, so restaurants were not going to be crowded. I took a chance and poked my head in Red Robin and saw that only two tables were occupied. So I asked for a table away from everyone else and enjoyed a quiet meal at a favorite restaurant.

MISSES

• Things at work seemed busier than normal. I felt as though I was trying to stay one step ahead all week. I was shocked and pleasantly surprised when I realized at lunch on Friday that I had managed to get everything done that was on my to-do list.
• On Friday morning, I was scheduled to visit with my primary care physician to follow-up on some labs that my cardiologist had preformed earlier in the summer. Once the front office got approval for the visit from my insurance (that’s another annoyance all together), I finally got to visit with the nurse for the intake session. Just like clockwork, I sneezed several times when I sat on the examination table. The nurse’s eyebrows went up and we began a dialogue about the “symptoms” that I had been experiencing this week. I attributed everything to allergies and thought I was going to dodge “the test.” Then she asked the question I had hoped to avoid: Have you been exposed to COVID-19? When I asked her to clarify how she was defining “exposure”, I knew I was sunk! So the doctor ordered a nasal swab in addition to the blood work I came in for. The nasal swab was not as bad as I had feared, but it was still not something that I want to willingly do again.
• After 30 minutes of waiting for results from Friday morning’s tests, the doctor entered the room with “I have good news and bad news.” Good news — I tested negative for COVID. I didn’t think I was sick when I went in, but it is good to get reassurance that I am not carrying the virus a symptomatically. The bad news was something that I have been expecting for a while. I have diabetes. Apparently, my score was just over the threshold for the disease and the doctor was very clear that it is something that can be managed with a few simple steps. So, I’m learning to drink diet sodas, increasing my water intake, and adding a new medication to my daily regime. We will re-evaluate my condition just before I head home for Thanksgiving.