Tosca

Puccini’s beloved opera is nail-biting thriller, tragic love story and painful betrayal all rolled into one. One of the most compelling operas ever written, Tosca is set in Rome’s stunning churches and amidst pictorial palazzos during the Napoleonic era. Its ill-fated heroine, Floria Tosca, a famous opera diva and legendary beauty, finds her happy life shattered. She is forced to resort to violent measures to rescue her lover, Cavaradossi, from the web of the lecherous Chief of Police, Scarpia. Puccini’s sensuous melodies and exhilarating orchestration propel this drama forward to its breathtaking conclusion.

Season subscriptions are currently being sold through the Tulsa Opera office. Tickets to individual operas will be available through the PAC ticket office and MyTicketOffice.com at a later date. Individual tickets range from $20 - 95.

Information courtesy of Tulsa Opera

Junie B. Jones

The delightful heroine of a series of books by Barbara Park, Junie B. is lighting up the stage!

The book and lyrics are by Marcy Heise and adapted from Junie B. books: First Grader (at Last!), Boss of Lunch, and One-Man Band. Music is by Zina Goldrich.

This show is presented by the Tulsa PAC Trust as part of the Imagination Series. Tickets are $4 for the morning performances and $7-$8 for the evening and Saturday performances.

Maegan loves Junie B., and I would love to be able to take her to see this, but we’ll just have to wait and see.

Chords: An Exhibition by Brooke Apker Knight

Brooke Apker Knight is a young Tulsa artist who finds inspiration in people and their passions — from music to motherhood to domestic pleasures. She paints in an expressionist style that borders on whimsical. For her, the simplicity of forms and faces makes the people and things she portrays more universal and accessible. Chords is an exhibition of recent acrylics and drawings from an artist who describes herself and her work as “intuitive and transitional.”

TULSA DISC SPORTS ASSOCIATION
presents
2007 Fall Picnic
At Chandler Park
. . . aka “FurDog’s Mountain” . . .
Sunday, September 30th

… tee-time at 10:00 am, Singles …
… expanded, experimental Course … “Flights” mulligans available …
… support the Double-O and have fun doing it …
Disc Golf in the beautiful Autumn air.
……………………… followed by ………………………
Chow-Time … Hot-Dogs ‘n’ More
( “target-time” from 12:30 to 1:30pm )
… feel free to bring extra sides , covered dishes , etc. …
……………………… followed by ………………………
… (short) TDSA General Membership Meeting …
( non-Members welcome to listen in )
( “target-time” from 1:30 to 2:00pm )
… Annual TDSA CLUB ELECTIONS …
PLEASE ATTEND; WE NEED YOUR VOTE
……………………… followed by ………………………
… “Flights” Draw-Doubles at 2:30pm …
… same expanded Course … twice the Fun … “Flights” mulligans available …
… another “kick” for the Double-O …

For more Information :
Call Scott Schumacher: 459-2503 -or- Wayne Forest: 494-9627
* * * a Furry-Trees production * * *

Arts and crafts have been an important part of Cherokee history for centuries. Woven baskets and hand-made textiles once made out of necessity are now fine works of art. In celebration of Cherokee history and art, the Cherokee Heritage Center is honored to host the 12th Annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show and Sale August 25th through October 7th. The 12th Annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show opens to the public August 25th at 10:00 a.m., followed by an awards presentation at noon to recognize all participating artists. The show will be on display through October 7th. A special wado to CNE for once again sponsoring the show.

Still no news on Maegan’s ADHD medicine. I dropped the prescription off Monday, called yesterday, and the pharmacist still hadn’t heard from the Doctor or DHS. Its seriously disheartening, when you consider I took her to the first doctor for ADHD evaluation a month and a half ago.

I’m still sick with whatever bug I picked up from the kids, weeks ago. Of course, all the daily stress I’m dealing with lately doesn’t really help. Poverty sucks, I don’t care what country you live in these days.

James still hasn’t made September’s house payment, and Mom went berserk this morning. It isn’t like I have any say in what bills James pays first. And he has paid all the other bills for this month. But our monthly expenses are around 1700 and James only brings in about 1200, so things are going to fall behind. Mom knew that when she lost her job at Dollar/Thrifty and decided to apply for disability. If we’re lucky, she’ll get a check from SSI by January, until then, we just have to do the best we can.

I’m just sick of being in the middle. James complains about having to pay for everything, not having enough to pay for everything, and being constantly broke. Mom complains about , well pretty much everything about James. They’re giving me an ulcer. It’s not like I have any power here. Honestly, if it weren’t for the kids, I’d leave. One way or the other. Really, what person in their right mind would live in such a toxic environment? On a really bad day, I think about which brother I want to raise my kids. Then I remind myself that that isn’t fair to anyone (Although, Suzi might like to have a red-haired daughter) especially the kids.

Damn, I need to stop feeling sorry for myself now, and get some shit done around here. Don’t worry, I’ll be back tomorrow.

I heard about this special event held at the Pearl Farmer’s Market tomorrow. Here’s a flyer for the fest:

pearl-eco-fest-1.pdf

Saturday we took Maegan to see a psychiatrist, Dr C. After he reviewed the records from Dr A., he talked with us and with Maegan. We agreed that Straterra would probably be best for her.

However, since Straterra is fairly new with no generic option, we may not be able to get it for her. He wrote the prescription for Straterra, but warned us that there was a good chance the insurance would deny it. Apparently, medicaid will pay for Straterra, but usually only after the other, stimulant, medications have been tried first.
That’s bullshit. Everything I’ve read says that the stimulants are not the best option for people with certain psychological profiles. Such as; people with insomnia, anxiety, or family histories of certain psych disorders. Since her paternal grandfather was schizophrenic, both of her parents are bipolar, and Maegan herself has anxiety and insomnia; I don’t think she is a good candidate for taking the stimulants.

I’ll admit I’m not a doctor, but, you know what? I can read. There is a ton of information online from the National Institute of Mental Health to various ADHD organizations. The pros and cons on ADHD meds are fairly easy to find. Start with the name of a medication on google. The search will not only give you the website for the medication (pretty standard practice for the pharmaceutical companies to create webpages for individual medications), it will give you pages where people are discussing the medication’s affects on them and/or their children.

Anyway, I took the prescription for Straterra that Dr C. gave us to Raley’s Pharmacy here in Catoosa Monday. Sure enough, the pharmacist told me the medication had to be pre-approved by Soonercare first. I have to call back tomorrow (Wednesday) morning to find out if Maegan can get it or if we have to call Dr C for something else. I am SO frustrated.

James and I took the kids to a block party here in Catoosa Saturday. It was held at a local church, Rolling Hills Christian Church 18415 E. Admiral Place. It was really nice. The people were all very welcoming. I think we met a few of the church leaders and they were quite friendly, without any of the “recruiting” tactics we usually encounter at a typical meet’n'greet gathering like this.

The kids had lots of other kids to play with. Maegan found a little playground behind the church. That occupied her for a little while. They had a sand volleyball tournament for those that signed up, and an extra net for anyone else that wanted to play but not compete. Morgan played there with a girl he knows from school, I think.

They fed everyone lunch (brisket, chicken, sausage,etc). James and Morgan loved that, and Maegan and I had more than we could possibly eat. The ladies were more than generous with their portions. It was all delicious though.

The kids signed up for ice cream eating contests, so dessert was covered. They did pretty well, but I think the big lunch did them in. Maegan managed to eat all of hers, but this little boy, I think his name was Michael, just inhaled his. He stuck the spoon into the center of his container, and pulled the whole serving of ice cream out in one big chunk. Then, he took about four bites and it was gone. Morgan’s age group came next, and there were several boys his size and bigger. This little, skinny girl whooped them all. She didn’t eat all of her ice cream (the big kids got pints, Maegan’s group got the little single serve containers like the school cafeteria uses), but she ate more than all those big boys could.

All in all, it was a very nice afternoon. We did wish that we had thought to take our frisbee, since the church has great open spaces for tossing a frisbee around. We did have to leave early because Maegan had a doctor’s appointment. Yeah, I know, a doctors appointment on a Saturday?.?
I’ll get to that tomorrow.

The weather is supposed to be great, so, come on  out and support some local heros and enjoy great cars while visiting with friends. Don’t forget to stop by the Blue Star Mothers booth to show your support of our military families.Keystone Volunteer Fire Department
7th Annual Car Show
Keystone State Park Red Carpet Area
15 miles west of Tulsa on Highway 64/412
September 15, 2007
918-363-8007
918-865-6880
Rain Out date September 16, 2007

Come join us for cars and fun on beautiful Lake Keystone.
Dash plaques until they are gone.
50/50 Pot, Horseshoes, & play area for the kids.
You can fish or just enjoy the view.
3 Trophies per Class plus 5 Special Trophies.
Little Tykes Class with Special Awards and Grand Prize.

Cabins and campsites are available for rental
Contact: Keystone State Park Information @ (918) 865-4991

I am so sick of the medical system in this country. I refuse to call it healthcare, since most of us are unhealthy and nobody seems to care.

Maegan’s doctor got her evaluation from the psychologist last week. Yesterday, around 6pm, his receptionist calls to tell me, “Dr G…. doesn’t monitor meds for ADHD. You’ll need to take her to a psychiatrist for that.”

Now, why couldn’t they have told me that weeks ago, when I first took her in to talk to Dr G…. about assessing her for ADHD. If they had told me then that he didn’t monitor ADHD meds, I would have scheduled an appointment with a psychiatrist in the first place. It would have saved us time, not to mention multiple trips to different dr’s offices. Now, I have to find a psychiatrist instead of the psychologist we started seeing, and start all over from there. I’m fairly certain the psychiatrist is going to want to do his or her own evaluation/tests and it’s going to be that much longer before Maegan is taking anything to help her.

People just have no idea how difficult it is living with someone who is constantly moving (and talking) and who has zero impulse control. If she thinks it, she’s going to say or do it only seconds after she’s thought it. In fact,  most of the time I think she’s saying and doing stuff before she finishes thinking about it.

Well, that’s my rant for the day. I’m outta here.

ADHD, Drs, Psychiatrist, Psychologists, Medical System, Health Care

This India Fest sounds like an interesting experience to share with the kids. This Saturday, September 15 from 11 am to 5 pm at Expo Square Exchange Center I (4145 East 21st Street). Admission is $3 for 12+ and $1 for kids 4 to 11.

Utsav - India Fest 2007

Explore the colorful culture of India at Utsav - India Fest 2007 on Saturday, September 15, 11:00-5:00 pm at Expo Square. Discover India anew in all its splendor of dance, music, crafts, cuisine, and spices! India Fest is the annual event organized by the India Association of Greater Tulsa (IAGT) to promote cross-cultural appreciation and celebrate the cultural heritage of the East Indian community in the Tulsa area. Highlights of the festival include music and dance performances, tantalizing culinary delicacies, henna tattoo, activity for kids, and exhibition and sale of traditional clothes and handicrafts. Please click here or call 918-615-2383 for more information.

Posted this back in August, but reminders never hurt. Hopefully the weather will be good this Saturday. Come out and support local heros and great cars while visiting with friends. Don’t forget to stop by the Blue Star Mothers booth to show your support of our military families.

Keystone Volunteer Fire Department
7th Annual Car Show
Keystone State Park Red Carpet Area
15 miles west of Tulsa on Highway 64/412
September 15, 2007
918-363-8007
918-865-6880
Rain Out date September 16, 2007

Come join us for cars and fun on beautiful Lake Keystone.
Dash plaques until they are gone.
50/50 Pot, Horseshoes, & play area for the kids.
You can fish or just enjoy the view.
3 Trophies per Class plus 5 Special Trophies.
Little Tykes Class with Special Awards and Grand Prize.

Cabins and campsites are available for rental
Contact: Keystone State Park Information @ (918) 865-4991

We went out to the Renaissance Faire at Martin Regional Library Saturday, despite all the rain. It felt like there were a billion people there, many of them in costume. I swear, that was the most crowded I have ever seen a library.

It’s too bad I didn’t think to take my camera with us. Maegan got to “pet” a red-tailed hawk, and is still super excited about. She can’t wait to tell her classmates this morning.

The rain had forced all of the scheduled outside events to either cancel or move inside. That caused a lot of chaos, but, overall, the faire was still quite fun. James and Morgan played chess with a cool Lord of the Rings set. I think James won.

Me, Mom, and Maegan watched a trio of belly dancers. They were pretty good, Mom liked the blonde best and, of course, Maegan liked the redhead. I just know that one dancer was the tallest belly dancer I have ever seen. We watched most of their performance, I think, before ADHD girl needed to move on to something else. That, in and of itself, was impressive. Holding the girl’s attention is no small feat.

It’s time for the school bus, so I”m outta here for now.