My surgery Monday was uneventful. The procedure was at 07:30 am, and I was home before 11:00 am, well medicated with no nausea. I was surprised to find out shortly before the operation that my right foot would be in a splint for two weeks, more or less. The implication of this, dear reader, is I am prohibited from showering during that time period. I also have to use crutches, as I've been instructed to avoid putting weight on my foot. This time period spills over into my planned return to work from vacation, so I have had to cancel a week of office and find coverage for labor and delivery during my extended absence. One would think I'd be happy having the extra time off, but I dislike burdening my colleagues. It's unavoidable, though.
Despite having had surgery and spending a lot of the past couple of days high on narcotics, I have found time to practice. Here's where I am:
Still plugging away at long tones (Moyse).
Playing harmonic exercises starting on low C, C# and D (Wye).
T and G EJ 1 and 2, last page, two octaves, articulation #4, 69 beats per minute; EJ 4, Eb major through Bb minor, articulation #4, 69 beats per minute.
Cavally etude number 11.
Orchestra Excerpts: Beethoven's 4th.
Solo work: JSB Partita in A minor. My phrasing and endurance have improved tremendously in the first movement, and I have half of the second movement under my fingers very well.
I'm ecstatic about my progress. It may be slow, but I definitely have forward momentum. I'm relieved that this surgery isn't slowing me down at all.
Aside from practicing, I've been watching bad TV and spending way too much time on social networking sites. I have come up with some genius Facebook statuses (stati?), though.
Did I mention that Ms. Trimber has loaned me a different flute? I am playing on a Trevor James, giving me a chance to use my Hammig headjoint until my brand spanking new Miyazawa arrives. It's much better than the Powell she initially loaned to me. After the Powell, she had brought over a Haynes, which was nice but the E key sticks. I think now I'm all set until I get my flute.
Now, I must put some titles for this project out there. I figure if I at least post a few ideas, then eventually one will stick.
1. The Physician-Musician: A Year of My Life
2. Physician Flutist: A Year of Rediscovering Music
3. Musical Supplement: A Yearlong Project
I'm not in love with any of these, but I want to incorporate music, medicine and the year long nature of this project in the title. Again, if anyone out there is reading and has a suggestion, I'm listening, or, ah, reading.
No shower for a 2 weeks? Oh-oh! Man, you will be one happy guy when the splint is off! :) :) it would be interesting to see what kind of Facebook stuff splints inspire. :) :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are making progress. Isn't that rewarding. So, now, you really like to cook, right? Do you ever associate music you play with certain dishes or foods from different countries?
I think all your title ideas are good. My personal fav. is #1.
I'm definitely put upon by the splint. I'm going to see Thr Hunger Games tomorrow, and I've decided to wrap plastic wrap around the splint and take a shower. I'm such a bad patient.
DeleteI love to cook. I definitely associate food culture with music and language culture.
Someone else suggested I keep the name as is, which inspired me to think of just Thd Flute Project. It doesn't include my bring a physician or the yearlong nature of the blog. I'll keep thinking.
I was wondering if you'd be interested in playing some duets with me on Skype
ReplyDeleteSure. I don't know how to do that, so I'll need for you to coach me. Thanks.
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