August 19, 2009
The end (of summer) nears
Well, it’s just a little over a week (8 days, in fact) until the end of summer, officially signaled by the Music Department orientation meeting and reception. On one hand I’d like a little more time, given that I did a bunch of traveling that wasn’t really vacationing, but on the other hand I’m ready to get back to work. I don’t do “nothing” very well. Granted, I’m able to easily fill my time with video games, movies, and the like, but that becomes monotonous rather quickly. When I have something to do, on the other hand, time passes quickly, and I feel some sense of accomplishment. And I certainly have a lot to do in the upcoming months.
Not that I haven’t already gotten some stuff done. Little by little, I’ve been getting back into the swing of things, editing dissertation outlines, summer activities reports for grants, and the like. Plus, there’s a possible taiko-related project on the horizon that I may be able to talk about in the near future. Stay tuned for that.
Plus, I’ve also been busy injuring myself. Woke up last Friday with pain in my left shoulder, pain that didn’t go away and seemed to be getting worse. So, I went to the Pitt Student Health Center yesterday. The doctor there (who, in an odd coincidence, was the father of one of my brother’s classmates all throughout elementary, middle, and high school – go figure) did some preliminary tests and while he didn’t seem to think that it was too bad – just a minor strain – he recommended I see the orthopedic doctor that comes to the clinic every Wednesday. But, before that, I had to get some x-rays done, as that’s what the ortho likes to see. Not only did I get a doctor’s visit, my first in quite a while (at least a year, probably longer), but I got to go to the hospital too! And get an x-ray done, as a bonus! Joy!
Today rolled around, and I went to see the ortho. After some pushing and prodding (along with lifting, pulling, and the like), he diagnosed me with having “subacromial impingement” and “rotator cuff strain” in my left shoulder. He prescribed physical therapy, along with taking ibuprofen. Thus, beginning on Friday I’ll be doing physical therapy at UPMC. Luckily, my health insurance through Pitt covers it 100%, with no need for a copay or anything. It’s going to be a bit of an annoyance, but as long as I get better I’m not going to complain. After all, a healthy shoulder will be quite useful for playing taiko (and won’t hurt regarding other things, too, like washing my hair or putting on my shoes).
So, lots to look forward to in the next few months. School, taiko, physical therapy… the fun never stops!
May 26, 2009
University of Pittsburgh Gamelan at the Columbus Asian Festival
This past weekend, I played with Pitt’s University Gamelan at the Columbus Asian Festival. It was a fun experience; we got put up in a hotel, there were a bunch of cool performances to see (including a few taiko performances by some local school groups), and as is always the case at such festivals, lots of good food.
I have uploaded pictures of our performance to my web gallery. Click on the picture below to check them out!
The Road Goes Ever On and On... 