What is wrong with people? Robbers are bad, bad people. They are weak, useless, pathetic examples of human beings. Anyone who would rob a 94-year-old man should just be shot, not to kill, but to wound, to suffer. Or maybe just lock them up and throw away the key. Uncle Harold is not quite as upset about this as I am. After all, he is 94. He's been through a lot, through a war. I am mad.
Uncle Harold was gone for 1 1/2 hours this afternoon. During that time, some imbecile broke the glass out of his back garage door and went into his house. They took a gun and some money.
When I drove by Uncle Harold's tonight, he was sitting in his driveway reading his mail, before going back into the house. It was about 5-10 minutes after I saw him that he called my Mom. I could tell by her voice and the look on her face that something was wrong. She told him that she would call John or that Mary would be right down. She got off the phone and said that Uncle Harold had been robbed. I went right down and called 911 from his phone.
Poor man...He was breathing funny. He was very concerned about some clothes in a closet. It was very exciting in a bad way.
Not all is lost though. There was a bright spot to an otherwise terrible event. That's right, the Deputy was totally crushing on me. That's right. I saw him checking me out...checking on the ring finger. And he so let me know that he was single. When he asked what was missing, I told him that it was a little hard to tell because Uncle Harold isn't the neatest housekeeper. So, "D" says, "Hey, us single guys gotta try to keep a clean house."
Then, we were talking about all the break-ins in the area, and he said that I'd have to have my husband teach me how to use a gun. So, I said, "I don't have one of those."
And "D" asked me for my phone number too! Okay, that was for the police report.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Mommy's stress causes autism?
...the findings suggest that prenatal stress might have lingering effects on children's brain structures -- particularly those involved in language and verbal abilities. Read the rest of the article.
Stress is a cause for most anything that can go wrong in your body. If you look up any disease/illness, stress can be a precursor.
Was I stressed during my pregnancy with Sophie? Heck yeah.
My then-husband started cheating on me early on in that pregnancy. Although I didn't know that he was cheating, cheaters act differently, and I picked up on those changes. He came home later than usual, didn't help out around the house, etc. All of that added stress. He moved out of the house when I was about 6 months pregnant. More stress. Basically, he was a jerk.
So, was the stress I felt my fault for not handling it better? Or was it his fault for being the worst husband/dad in the universe? (Obviously, I know the answer!)
Stress is a cause for most anything that can go wrong in your body. If you look up any disease/illness, stress can be a precursor.
Was I stressed during my pregnancy with Sophie? Heck yeah.
My then-husband started cheating on me early on in that pregnancy. Although I didn't know that he was cheating, cheaters act differently, and I picked up on those changes. He came home later than usual, didn't help out around the house, etc. All of that added stress. He moved out of the house when I was about 6 months pregnant. More stress. Basically, he was a jerk.
So, was the stress I felt my fault for not handling it better? Or was it his fault for being the worst husband/dad in the universe? (Obviously, I know the answer!)
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
My Theory on Friendship
I've always thought that to share happiness and laughter is a wonderful thing, because you make others happy as well. The happiness grows and grows exponentially. However, I think to share your sadness and your worries with your friends is an even better thing. Each friend willingly takes a bit of your sadness away. Sadness does not grow when shared. We take it and replace it with love and understanding. So, please feel the love and understanding.
Ben...too young
I went to a memorial service today. A 22-year-old boy, barely a man, even though he was a great big hunky corn-fed farmer! He did not have his seat belt on, drinking and speeding. He was not invincible. His Mom spoke today; she pleaded to wear a seat belt when you are in a car. If she sees you without one, she'll tell the cops to ticket you and make you donate to her son's memorial fund.
Although I knew Ben only occasion, I've known his family since I was 5 when I rode the same bus as his Mother and his 3 Aunts. His Aunt Laurie is one of my best friends. She recorded a beautiful song that they played today at the service. Her voice, just the thought of her emotions pouring out, made me tear up.
I drive by Ben's Grandparents house and see his name on the seed signs. I went to parties there and decorated a float for the fair parade.
I drive by the corner where he died. It's one road over from my Mom's.
I've picked pumpkins and watched farm animals at his parents' farm.
He wanted to be a farmer. He was a farmer. It's a sad thing to speak in past tense about someone so young.
Live life. Embrace it.
Sometimes, I feel like I am just getting by. A wise woman reminded me: some people live big, and others live more quietly.
Value life. Embrace it!
Although I knew Ben only occasion, I've known his family since I was 5 when I rode the same bus as his Mother and his 3 Aunts. His Aunt Laurie is one of my best friends. She recorded a beautiful song that they played today at the service. Her voice, just the thought of her emotions pouring out, made me tear up.
I drive by Ben's Grandparents house and see his name on the seed signs. I went to parties there and decorated a float for the fair parade.
I drive by the corner where he died. It's one road over from my Mom's.
I've picked pumpkins and watched farm animals at his parents' farm.
He wanted to be a farmer. He was a farmer. It's a sad thing to speak in past tense about someone so young.
Live life. Embrace it.
Sometimes, I feel like I am just getting by. A wise woman reminded me: some people live big, and others live more quietly.
Value life. Embrace it!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Twilight series
I started to read the Twilight series since Hannah is into the 2nd book. I decided it would give us some things to talk about. Although vampires are creepy, I decided the stories are no different from (or at least similar to) the classic storyline of Beauty and the Beast.
I loved the tv series from the 80s with Ron Perlman, Linda Hamilton, and Roy Dotrice. Funny that Ron Perlman now plays Hellboy, another beast, in the movies. I watched a few episodes over the weekend, free online.
I always liked the Beast. Maybe this is why I like those darn bad boys nowadays?
I'll have to see where the Twilight books go, and what topics they bring up for me to discuss with Hannah.
I loved the tv series from the 80s with Ron Perlman, Linda Hamilton, and Roy Dotrice. Funny that Ron Perlman now plays Hellboy, another beast, in the movies. I watched a few episodes over the weekend, free online.
I always liked the Beast. Maybe this is why I like those darn bad boys nowadays?
I'll have to see where the Twilight books go, and what topics they bring up for me to discuss with Hannah.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Autism...letter to teachers
I just wanted to thank you all in advance for everything you'll be doing for and with Sophie this school year! I'm so excited that she's had a good first few days and expect the goodness to continue all year.
If you have any suggestions, I'm more than willing to listen. Your suggestion might be something I've thought about, but accidentally zoomed by without addressing or trying. (The mind of a parent of a special needs child goes 100 mph.)
Also, if you have any questions or concerns about Sophie, please let me know. All my phone numbers are below, or please email. Whatever works for you.
In lieu of filling out the forms that Mrs. Hamilton sent home, I've written a bit here about Sophie (from her perspective) for those who don't know her all that well yet!
My name is Sophie Lash. I am 9 years old...almost 10!
I live with my Mom and my sister Hannah...right across the street from South Meadows. My Dad lives near Lansing, and he comes to see me and my sister once or twice a month, but he really doesn't spend a lot of time with me. I have a Grandma who lives in Chelsea. I get off the bus at Grandma's house. I have 2 Uncles who I get to see a bunch. You will see Uncle John when my Mom goes to California (January 11-15). As much as I like school, I really like to be with Grandma, but Uncle John will help me get to school on those days. I also have an Aunt, Uncle, and 2 cousins in Kansas. I also have a Great Uncle who is 95 years old. You'll see them all on my Dynavox!
A most noticeable thing about me is that I don’t talk yet. My mom hopes that I will someday, but for now, I use pictures and the Dynavox to tell what I want. I can also get my point across in other ways. Can you imagine how hard it is to communicate without being able to talk? When I get really mad, I sometimes say Mom or No. When you least expect it, a word might just slip out.
I am very strong and fast, if I want to be. Sometimes, I move as slow as a snail.
I like to watch movies with lots of music and dancing. I like watching the Wiggles, Bear in the Big Blue House, Barney (sometimes on youtube.com). I like Kidsongs videos too. Once in a while, I like more grown-up movies like Shrek, Stuart Little, and Annie.
I like music a lot. I go to music therapy once a week with Mr. Mike in Ann Arbor. For this school year, it will be on Thursdays at 6 p.m. Did you know that people hear music with a different part of their brain than they hear talking? It’s easier for me to understand music or singing. So, sometimes when I am not in a good mood or paying attention, I listen to music, and it makes me feel better. Singing what you want to tell me gets me to understand a little better too. I love my ipod!
I like toys. I like little toys. (You might call them manipulatives.) I love my beads. If I am mad and need to calm down, please give me my beads. I like to flutter little toys or beads. Besides really liking that visual stimulation, I am the champion bead-twirler of the universe.
I like puzzles. I am really good at putting puzzles together. I like the alphabet and numbers and maps. I like the calendar.
I like any group of things that I can look at and study and then display the way that I want. My Mom says that I am an artist of installation pieces. I like to create pretty displays that take up the whole room!
I love to play in the water. In the sink, I use different cups and watch the way the light hits the water. Sometimes, I like really hot water, so please help me watch out so that I don't hurt myself or anyone else.
I like junk food. My Mom tries and tries to get me to eat healthier food, but I just don’t like the smell or the texture of that food. The somewhat healthy things I like are popcorn, rice cakes, yogurt, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts, corn chex and rice chex. The unhealthy things are ice cream and cookies. (Watch out...I will nab your cookies if they are left out!)
I like animals. I have a dog, named Rascal, who I tolerate. My friend Belinda has a cat. I like to kiss and pet the cat. I spent a lot of time at Belinda’s playing with other kids this summer.
Sometimes transitions can be very hard for me. Beads and music and patience help. I'm not trying to be difficult, just trying to work through things. If I am really angry, singing the alphabet song or "Itsy-Bitsy Spider" or counting to ten helps me settle down. It helps me focus on something other than my frustration. (If I take your hands and twist them in diferent directions, I am requesting your rendition of "Itsy-Bitsy Spider".)
I don't like my hair touched, but then again, sometimes I might want you to press on my head. (I tolerate the hair-combing when I absolutely have to! I'm getting better. This summer, I sat in the chair and wore the cape when I got my haircut. My Mom almost cried, and the hairdresser was so pleased!) I am way better at brushing my teeth than I used to be, but trips to the dentist are still pretty rough on me and the dentist. I like to have my arms, hands, legs, and feet rubbed. I might ask you to rub my arms.
I'm very sweet and loving and smart. I have a lot inside me that is just waiting to come out.
As you can tell I could talk forever about Sophie. In fact, I'll be on a panel in October at Siena Heights University, giving the parent's perspective on autism. I'm afraid I won't give anyone else a chance to talk.
If you have any suggestions, I'm more than willing to listen. Your suggestion might be something I've thought about, but accidentally zoomed by without addressing or trying. (The mind of a parent of a special needs child goes 100 mph.)
Also, if you have any questions or concerns about Sophie, please let me know. All my phone numbers are below, or please email. Whatever works for you.
In lieu of filling out the forms that Mrs. Hamilton sent home, I've written a bit here about Sophie (from her perspective) for those who don't know her all that well yet!
My name is Sophie Lash. I am 9 years old...almost 10!
I live with my Mom and my sister Hannah...right across the street from South Meadows. My Dad lives near Lansing, and he comes to see me and my sister once or twice a month, but he really doesn't spend a lot of time with me. I have a Grandma who lives in Chelsea. I get off the bus at Grandma's house. I have 2 Uncles who I get to see a bunch. You will see Uncle John when my Mom goes to California (January 11-15). As much as I like school, I really like to be with Grandma, but Uncle John will help me get to school on those days. I also have an Aunt, Uncle, and 2 cousins in Kansas. I also have a Great Uncle who is 95 years old. You'll see them all on my Dynavox!
A most noticeable thing about me is that I don’t talk yet. My mom hopes that I will someday, but for now, I use pictures and the Dynavox to tell what I want. I can also get my point across in other ways. Can you imagine how hard it is to communicate without being able to talk? When I get really mad, I sometimes say Mom or No. When you least expect it, a word might just slip out.
I am very strong and fast, if I want to be. Sometimes, I move as slow as a snail.
I like to watch movies with lots of music and dancing. I like watching the Wiggles, Bear in the Big Blue House, Barney (sometimes on youtube.com). I like Kidsongs videos too. Once in a while, I like more grown-up movies like Shrek, Stuart Little, and Annie.
I like music a lot. I go to music therapy once a week with Mr. Mike in Ann Arbor. For this school year, it will be on Thursdays at 6 p.m. Did you know that people hear music with a different part of their brain than they hear talking? It’s easier for me to understand music or singing. So, sometimes when I am not in a good mood or paying attention, I listen to music, and it makes me feel better. Singing what you want to tell me gets me to understand a little better too. I love my ipod!
I like toys. I like little toys. (You might call them manipulatives.) I love my beads. If I am mad and need to calm down, please give me my beads. I like to flutter little toys or beads. Besides really liking that visual stimulation, I am the champion bead-twirler of the universe.
I like puzzles. I am really good at putting puzzles together. I like the alphabet and numbers and maps. I like the calendar.
I like any group of things that I can look at and study and then display the way that I want. My Mom says that I am an artist of installation pieces. I like to create pretty displays that take up the whole room!
I love to play in the water. In the sink, I use different cups and watch the way the light hits the water. Sometimes, I like really hot water, so please help me watch out so that I don't hurt myself or anyone else.
I like junk food. My Mom tries and tries to get me to eat healthier food, but I just don’t like the smell or the texture of that food. The somewhat healthy things I like are popcorn, rice cakes, yogurt, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts, corn chex and rice chex. The unhealthy things are ice cream and cookies. (Watch out...I will nab your cookies if they are left out!)
I like animals. I have a dog, named Rascal, who I tolerate. My friend Belinda has a cat. I like to kiss and pet the cat. I spent a lot of time at Belinda’s playing with other kids this summer.
Sometimes transitions can be very hard for me. Beads and music and patience help. I'm not trying to be difficult, just trying to work through things. If I am really angry, singing the alphabet song or "Itsy-Bitsy Spider" or counting to ten helps me settle down. It helps me focus on something other than my frustration. (If I take your hands and twist them in diferent directions, I am requesting your rendition of "Itsy-Bitsy Spider".)
I don't like my hair touched, but then again, sometimes I might want you to press on my head. (I tolerate the hair-combing when I absolutely have to! I'm getting better. This summer, I sat in the chair and wore the cape when I got my haircut. My Mom almost cried, and the hairdresser was so pleased!) I am way better at brushing my teeth than I used to be, but trips to the dentist are still pretty rough on me and the dentist. I like to have my arms, hands, legs, and feet rubbed. I might ask you to rub my arms.
I'm very sweet and loving and smart. I have a lot inside me that is just waiting to come out.
As you can tell I could talk forever about Sophie. In fact, I'll be on a panel in October at Siena Heights University, giving the parent's perspective on autism. I'm afraid I won't give anyone else a chance to talk.
Autism...Researchers are stupid!
A friend sent me this message:
Okay... one out of every 150 kids in the U.S. have autism, and they declare the measles vaccine to be absolutely safe because they did a study using 25 kids?????
article
No wonder you're frustrated. It just blows my mind...
Yes, it does blow my mind. It seems to me that researchers are being funded by big pharma companies to disprove any theories that the MMR vaccine affected kids with autism. INSTEAD...why don't they research something that will help my kid?
In my direct experience with researchers, they don't know what they are doing. I would rather spend my time talking to school therapist. The people that work at schools actually care about my kid. I think researchers are probably on the spectrum a bit and cannot see the forest for the trees.
Okay... one out of every 150 kids in the U.S. have autism, and they declare the measles vaccine to be absolutely safe because they did a study using 25 kids?????
article
No wonder you're frustrated. It just blows my mind...
Yes, it does blow my mind. It seems to me that researchers are being funded by big pharma companies to disprove any theories that the MMR vaccine affected kids with autism. INSTEAD...why don't they research something that will help my kid?
In my direct experience with researchers, they don't know what they are doing. I would rather spend my time talking to school therapist. The people that work at schools actually care about my kid. I think researchers are probably on the spectrum a bit and cannot see the forest for the trees.
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