10 on Tueday

My Tuesday 10 posts have gotten a bit sporadic lately. I'd love for this to be a weekly feature on my blog. Sometimes life gets in the way though. I've had a lot on my mind lately. Here's a glimpse into some right here, right now things.

1. This is going to be a rough week. The state has reduced the rate it pays for music therapy by 50% effective Feb. 1 (we just found this out last week). I am unable to work the hours I work and survive on that rate. Unfortunately, I am leaving my state contract behind and becoming a private pay only therapist for the time being. With the economy in the state it is, I am losing several clients and therapy hours. I may have to say good bye to a few kids this week. Luckily, I have several families who are willing and able to pay me privately to work with their kiddos.

2. I have been busy the past week coming up with lots of alternative plans. I LOVE music therapy but don't see things getting better with the state any time soon. Additional cuts are imminent and finding additional clients who can and will private pay for music therapy may prove challenging. So, I am planning on going back to school. I'm still deciding how and for what, but the most cost effective and practical plan is to do a post baccalaureate teaching certification program so I can get a job teaching, while pursuing a masters degree in something. There are lots of special education positions out there and I'd say I'm pretty qualified but for the missing certification. I'm spending lots of time looking into programs and options and it is quite overwhelming.

3. I may need a way to add some supplemental income depending on how many private pay hours I ultimately have. Things are still a bit up in there for some families as they are figuring out ways to make this work. I am still figuring out what to do and if I need to do something more, but I've considered teaching some lessons, doing developmental music groups, starting an etsy store, taking a part time job......

4. The plan for 2010 was to get pregnant. The above issues makes this plan a bit more complicated. As we are a self employed household paying for maternity care is a big issue. Decreased income doesn't really help our pay down debt and save for maternity expenses plan.

5. I'm highly stressed about all this, but know that we will be fine. I have faith that things will work out. Truthfully, it might just be the push I need to pursue dreams I've had for a long time. I always said I was going back to school and I've always talked about doing more, becoming more. I love what I do and believe 100% in music therapy but I've often wondered about starting a developmental center, an autism school or a therapy center. Maybe now is the time to take the first steps....

6. In the mean time, I've resorted to lots of craft time as a stress reliever. I need things to keep me busy and keep me from constantly turning things over in my head. I've scrapped a lot this past week or so. I've been knitting a bunch too. I'm super close to pulling out my flute and playing for fun.

7. Working with the Scrap for a Cure February kit right now. It's a lovely kit full of fun colors and great embellishments. Here are a couple of sneaks at what I've done so far with the kit:


The brad in the previous page is from my stash, as are the letters in this next one.


8. Trying a couple new recipes this week. Last night I made potato and lentil soup. It was yummy, but took longer than I anticipated to cook. Tonight I'll be trying this recipe for Sesame Noodles and Wednesday I'll make Cinnamon Spiced Moroccan Chicken for Shawn and will create some sort of moroccan inspired vegetarian dish for myself (I'll probably use similar ingredients and sub quinoa, couscous and/or chickpeas for the chicken). Thursday is Shawn's dinner night and Friday will likely be take out or burgers/veggie burgers.

9. Cruising the Help for Haiti shop at etsy. Love that so many people are donating items for this fundraiser.

10. Thinking about Valentine's day projects and crafties. Working on a little mini album with the above Scrap for a Cure kit. I'm also envisioning some heart banners and cute little cards. I'd better get crafting.

Happy Tuesday.