Since I've finished going to the Owatonna clinic for appointments, I've really begun to realize a bunch of differences in how easily I can perform tasks for work and school. Most of them have involved reading more easily and making sure I put myself in a position where I do it so it is easiest on my eyes. I've in general become more aware of how my internal muscles (meaning muscles that I don't necessarily strengthen by lifting weights), and how to convey what I'm experiencing as a result. For example, when I started taking voice lessons this semester my instructor told me I was singing from the throat, producing a woolly sound. So when I really started feeling for where the sound was being made vs. how it should be projected, I made the adjustment rather quickly. Another example involved the final exam in music history I took on Tuesday morning. Normally it's supposed to be a two-hour test, and it really was, but I finished it with 15 minutes to spare. Normally when I took tests in HS and the early years in college I usually took the entire testing period (unless it was for Music Theory). So I've got some side-effects in my success story from going to vision therapy appointments. [Speaking of which, I need to fill out my success story handout and mail it to them.]
So I finally made it back to Chicago. I basically squeezed my music history exam and a 7-hour driving trip in one day on 6 hours' sleep. I wouldn't recommend it to those faint of mind. [I cheated by chugging a Pepsi so I could stay awake.]
I'm glad to be back and see all of my "home" friends, but I already miss my Olaf ones.
I've got a few potential projects brewing over my time here. Chris and I will transcribe a few Ben Folds songs, I will probably orchestrate a piece or two I'd already written, and I will try my dangdest to practice at the Music Institute while it's open. I went for a bit yesterday, and I probably will return sometime today, but I have to figure out what all's going to go down.
I went bowling last night, and for the first time I had discomfort in my wrist towards the end of the evening. Usually it occurs in my elbow, but it's a sign that I need to strengthen my wrists when I lift weights next month. Going down the list I probably want to focus more on abs and ankles too so I can improve my jumping skills, specifically in frisbee where I'm dead if I'm guarding someone who can jump well.
If I'm going to maintain my body strength, I need to eat food. I'm going out to get some right now.