Monday, April 2, 2012
Admin stuff....credit due!
It has come to my attention that some people online are removing tags and effectively stealing artwork from Autism Creations. I love AutismCreations and you have seen their art on this page as well as my Facebook page. Just in case I ever inadvertently implied that their work was my own, I want to make it 100% clear that I have never created any autism art outside of cutting puzzle pieces with my cricut and gluing them to frames, wreaths, cards etc. I, in no way have the kind of graphic talent it takes to create work like Autism Creations. It is incredibly frustrating to create something only to have it stolen so I wanted to take some time to share this info with you. I would be deeply saddened if Autism Creations stopped sharing their work with us all! Check them out on Facebook, you will be amazed at how much they have shared with us all and don't forget your manners and drop a Thank You and a share when you use their stuff but most importantly always give credit where credit is due!
Sunday, March 18, 2012
There's an app for that...
Not an exceptional one but apparently
I can use the blogger iPhone app on my iPad to send more Rantings and Ravings! Pretty cool, but seriously blogger.... How about an iPad app because I seriously hate this keyboard! Stayed tuned once I have my phone charged, we will see if there is an android app too! Ain't technology grand?
I can use the blogger iPhone app on my iPad to send more Rantings and Ravings! Pretty cool, but seriously blogger.... How about an iPad app because I seriously hate this keyboard! Stayed tuned once I have my phone charged, we will see if there is an android app too! Ain't technology grand?
Friday, March 16, 2012
OOPS!!!! Long time, no post....
It's not that I didn't WANT to make a blog post, it's not that I didn't have IDEAS for a blog post (I had tons!), it's that I never found TIME to make a new blog post!!! I've missed you all and I've missed this page.... so..... no matter what this is getting posted today even if there is bad grammer, horrible punctuation and disjointed thoughts! And here are some disjointed thoughts now.....
I know I've posted before about "I Hate Autism" days and now I am revising that because I think there needs to be multiple parts to dislike about Autism:
1) I hate the work that comes with a child that has Autism, the scheduling, the paperwork, the calls from the school, the IEP meetings, and all the piles and piles of paper that goes with every meeting, doctor, educator, therapist, non-profit group, resource, grant, ans insurance company. It is just piling up, falling over and overwhelming my desk at this point and this isn't even the BUSY time of the year for this stuff! (That comes at the end of the year, prepping for summer schedules and the next school year)
2) Everybody always wants something from a parent with a special needs child. The doctors want bubble forms and copies of every evaluation. The school wants input forms, copies of every evaluation and multiple fundraisers. The non-profits want $$$money$$$, when are they going to realize that it is ME applying for those grants and rolling access funds? We are the people who are requesting the MONEY! It would be foolish to send in a $100 donation and then request a $200 grant for music therapy doncha think???
3) Of course there is just the plain, old, Autism Sucks days where you receive 2 calls from the school, you pick up a wild child from his classroom when you remember quite clearly dropping off a pleasant boy, the assessment sheet says, "hit a teacher, put hands on a student, sent to support", you make a break for the peace and quiet of home only to find that the internet is messed up and all calming strategies are shot to hell because 99% of them rely on internet availability. Less effective calming strategies are put immediately into place but will take at least twice as long as "screens" but is far far better than nothing.
Now... you all know I try my best to maintain a positive attitude about life always. Some days are great, some days are 1/2 great and some days suck royal. Sometimes its more important to know WHY something sucks, understand that there just isn't a thing you can do about it and work to get past it the only way you can. For me today that means, the stack of paper on my desk can fall over if it wants, it will still be there tomorrow. Funding requests from Autism Speaks, DAN!, NAA, ASA and the like will more than likely be passed into the trash bin unopened. I will revel in the silence of my house while the boys are at school and prepare myself for their arrival in the car at 3:15 with lots of noises, complaints, requests and kisses. I will remember that not all days are all bad and that sometimes you just have to focus on the good and let the bad float away in the nighttime.
I know I've posted before about "I Hate Autism" days and now I am revising that because I think there needs to be multiple parts to dislike about Autism:
1) I hate the work that comes with a child that has Autism, the scheduling, the paperwork, the calls from the school, the IEP meetings, and all the piles and piles of paper that goes with every meeting, doctor, educator, therapist, non-profit group, resource, grant, ans insurance company. It is just piling up, falling over and overwhelming my desk at this point and this isn't even the BUSY time of the year for this stuff! (That comes at the end of the year, prepping for summer schedules and the next school year)
2) Everybody always wants something from a parent with a special needs child. The doctors want bubble forms and copies of every evaluation. The school wants input forms, copies of every evaluation and multiple fundraisers. The non-profits want $$$money$$$, when are they going to realize that it is ME applying for those grants and rolling access funds? We are the people who are requesting the MONEY! It would be foolish to send in a $100 donation and then request a $200 grant for music therapy doncha think???
3) Of course there is just the plain, old, Autism Sucks days where you receive 2 calls from the school, you pick up a wild child from his classroom when you remember quite clearly dropping off a pleasant boy, the assessment sheet says, "hit a teacher, put hands on a student, sent to support", you make a break for the peace and quiet of home only to find that the internet is messed up and all calming strategies are shot to hell because 99% of them rely on internet availability. Less effective calming strategies are put immediately into place but will take at least twice as long as "screens" but is far far better than nothing.
Now... you all know I try my best to maintain a positive attitude about life always. Some days are great, some days are 1/2 great and some days suck royal. Sometimes its more important to know WHY something sucks, understand that there just isn't a thing you can do about it and work to get past it the only way you can. For me today that means, the stack of paper on my desk can fall over if it wants, it will still be there tomorrow. Funding requests from Autism Speaks, DAN!, NAA, ASA and the like will more than likely be passed into the trash bin unopened. I will revel in the silence of my house while the boys are at school and prepare myself for their arrival in the car at 3:15 with lots of noises, complaints, requests and kisses. I will remember that not all days are all bad and that sometimes you just have to focus on the good and let the bad float away in the nighttime.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Bedroom Cleaning.... Lunatic Style
This comes from a reader question (LOVE THAT!) How do you get your child to clean his room?
Here is my take on kids' room cleaning... If he doesn't do it then I have to therefore every frustrating baby step I take in the direction towards his independence is one more step towards one less thing I have to do.
With that goal in mind, here are some steps which **may** help get your ASD kid(s) cleaning their room! I'm hoping and wishing right along there with you!!!! You will have to repeat steps again and again, I've taken literally months almost years doing the same step over and over. My fall down is consistency and regularity, maybe you'll be better with that and have results faster!
1. Clean his room with him in there. Don't expect any help but talk about his toys and favorite clothes as you pick them up. If he helped in any way... Big praise! "Thanks SO much for helping me! You made this job so much easier!!!"
2. After that try parallel cleaning, do it together! Pick up a shirt and ask him to pick up a shirt then put them away (or in the hamper) at the same time. Keep talking, "Where do you think this goes?" "Is this clean or dirty?" "Where do we keep the cars again? I forget". Maybe even make a game of it, "I've found a red shirt! Can you find a red shirt?" "I've found Thomas the Tank Engine, can you find Percy?" Be careful here, this could set up an anxiety situation if they can't find what you are suggesting. Maybe only suggest things you can see for yourself.
3. After that hand over hand, ask him to pick up his things, hand stuff to him if you have to, continue to talk your way though where it goes.
4. Sit on the floor and talk him through doing it himself. At this point, you've already got the dialog, there isn't going to be any new words or requests thrown his way. Nothing unexpected unless you are willing to help, he may find comfort in the routine at this point. It took a while to get through this one for us, we were doing an in-between steps for a while.
5. At last! Just keep him company while he picks it up and helps if he asks. It seems to my boys that one of the main reasons why they don't clean their room (or play by themselves in the basement) is because they don't want to be alone. It isn't that they can't or won't do the task they just don't want to do it alone.
6. I think the final goal will be for him to clean it himself with a spot check at the end.
All that said, we are near the end of the process with my 9 year old (and it's taken 7 years to get this far) and we are somewhere in the middle for my 7 year old who is more stubborn.
As always, any suggestions you have I can absolutely add! Leave a comment and let me know what works for you! Everything on this page is working documents and I would love to share your ideas!
GOOD LUCK!
Friday, September 2, 2011
HELP! I think my son has Autism, where do I start?
Its sad to say that is a common email or call that I get and always I am happy to help. I would like to take this blog post and turn it into a little mini resource guide for all my friends and friends of friends who have contacted me recently. I fear I have not been able to dedicate as much time as I would like to every response and with these links, I should at least be able to catch up on giving these friends some of the info I have promised.
First of all, relax, take a deep breath. The common thread I get in email is a sense of panic, very understandable panic. It was in panic 8 years ago that I found myself carting Cameron to preschool 5 days a week, speech 3 days a week, occupational therapy 2 days a week, visiting with the developmental pediatrician once a month (an hour away), making plans to contact a list of neurologists and specialists and buried beneath a stack of Autism books 20 high on my nightstand (and in the bathroom, in my car, my purse, my staircase, my ottoman and oddly enough once in my freezer). Every single person who has contacted me is a very dedicated, level headed and intelligent Mom and I know they will do what is needed eventually, but (please hear this) you don't have to do it ALL RIGHT NOW.
PRE-DIAGNOSIS- You are worried that something *may* be wrong. Okay, don't fight your mommy gut but also don't jump to "worse case scenario" (Autism). There are many reasons why a child may act they way he/she does and if you are worried please see below:
Talk to you pediatrician. This is the doctor who has the most time with your child, he/she has been watching them grown from infancy to now so they are always a good first contact. The word of your Ped is not the final answer though, I will caution you in that. I was worried about Cameron at his 1 year visit and was completely blown off by our pediatrician. I found a new one and don't regret that decision one second. The ped cannot give you a full diagnosis but they can point you in the right direction for your local area. They've seen this before and will have a host of referrals for you. This may sound like a step you can skip but I think it is an important one because of the referrals, keeping everyone on the same page, having him prepared for any blood work you might have to request and you probably already have an appointment set up anyway since this is the doctor your child sees the most often. Specialists can take 6-8 months to schedule, you can usually see your primary doctor within a month. Use the resource.
No big smiles or other warm, joyful expressions by six months or thereafter
No back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles, or other facial expressions by nine months or thereafter
No babbling by 12 months
No back-and-forth gestures, such as pointing, showing, reaching, or waving by 12 months
No words by 16 months
No two-word meaningful phrases (without imitating or repeating) by 24 months
Any loss of speech or babbling or social skills at any age
First of all, relax, take a deep breath. The common thread I get in email is a sense of panic, very understandable panic. It was in panic 8 years ago that I found myself carting Cameron to preschool 5 days a week, speech 3 days a week, occupational therapy 2 days a week, visiting with the developmental pediatrician once a month (an hour away), making plans to contact a list of neurologists and specialists and buried beneath a stack of Autism books 20 high on my nightstand (and in the bathroom, in my car, my purse, my staircase, my ottoman and oddly enough once in my freezer). Every single person who has contacted me is a very dedicated, level headed and intelligent Mom and I know they will do what is needed eventually, but (please hear this) you don't have to do it ALL RIGHT NOW.
PRE-DIAGNOSIS- You are worried that something *may* be wrong. Okay, don't fight your mommy gut but also don't jump to "worse case scenario" (Autism). There are many reasons why a child may act they way he/she does and if you are worried please see below:
Talk to you pediatrician. This is the doctor who has the most time with your child, he/she has been watching them grown from infancy to now so they are always a good first contact. The word of your Ped is not the final answer though, I will caution you in that. I was worried about Cameron at his 1 year visit and was completely blown off by our pediatrician. I found a new one and don't regret that decision one second. The ped cannot give you a full diagnosis but they can point you in the right direction for your local area. They've seen this before and will have a host of referrals for you. This may sound like a step you can skip but I think it is an important one because of the referrals, keeping everyone on the same page, having him prepared for any blood work you might have to request and you probably already have an appointment set up anyway since this is the doctor your child sees the most often. Specialists can take 6-8 months to schedule, you can usually see your primary doctor within a month. Use the resource.
Check out the signs of Autism. DO NOT GOOGLE 'AUTISM'!!! I cannot stress this enough, Google will give you some truly horrible sites, please wait to overwhelm yourself with that later on when you can more easily filter out the fact from the crap. Answering no to all of these does not mean your child doesn't have Autism, if you are still concerned contact someone to do an evaluation. Answering yes to all of these also does not mean your child has Autism. It means your child has some symptoms of Autism, a formal evaluation is necessary to determine actual diagnosis. The test most commonly used is the ADOS and is a play based test for very young children and is more visual and question based as the child gets older.
These are the signs of Autism:
Contact a State Agency. I think every state has an early intervention resource, in Maryland it is called Infants and Toddlers. ANYONE can contact them for an evaluation, for any concern. Initially I called them for a speech concern and then we went forward with the Autism Evaluation once it became apparent that the speech delay had a cause. Once your child is school age, schools have resources to do evaluations as well. In Maryland it is called Child Find. I, personally, don't put 100% faith in the evaluations done by state agencies but it is a good step in the right direction. As before, you will get able to get in to see them within a short time frame (I think they have to contact you and meet with you within a month-- I will verify that though), a specialist will take far longer. Go ahead an contact both at the same time if you wish.
Consult a specialist for diagnosis/treatment. Typically you start with a Developmental Pediatrician who can give a full evaluation. Additionally you might be able to contact a Neuropsychologist (with a diagnosis, you'll probably meet one anyway). A Speech Language Pathologist might be able to do an evaluation depending on the scope of their education. A Pediatric Psychologist might also be able to do an eval as well.
I will tell you that our trip on the Autism Highway looks like this:
- Pediatrician (blown off, waited 6 months)
- Infants & Todders (Speech Eval)
- New Pediatrician (who wanted to know why we hadn't already called I&T, we already had)
- Diagnosis by Psychologist at I&T (given state funded Speech, OT and Classroom instruction)
- Additional Speech Therapy (private)
- Second opinion by Developmental Pediatrician (private)
- Additional OT (private)
- Third opinion by Developmental Pediatrician (private- highly regarded doctor at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders at Kennedy Kreiger who was an ass but gave us good information).
- Child Find (the school had to accept his diagnosis)
- Special Education PreSchool
- Behavioral Psychologist (private)
- Special Program with Inclusive opportunities on grade level class room.
- Psychiatrist (medication trials)
So far so good... I'm sure I am leaving something out though. I want to follow this up very very shortly with another blog post, "Great, now we have a diagnosis, NOW what do I do?" In the interim... here are some links for Pre-Diagnosis AND Post-Diagnosis that may be helpful.
The Signs of Autism- Autism Speaks
Developmental Milestone by Age- Autism Speaks
Aspergers- Autism Speaks
An AWESOME downloadable 100 day kit, what to do once you have a diagnosis- Autism Speaks
Aspergers Kit downloadable- Autism Speaks
What is the ADOS- Wikipedia
Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program- Maryland Department of Education
Maryland Infants and Toddlers Contact list by county- Autism Connect MD
Maryland Child Find Contact List-Maryland Dept of Ed.
C.A.R.D (Center for Autism and Related Disorders)- Kennedy Krieger Institute
I will put a resource list on the Rantings Facebook page and will add to it periodically. In the interim, keep sending me your questions... I'll either answer them personally or I'll put them in a blog post. A LOT of people have the same questions and I am happy to answer them all. Hang in there, we're all in this together!
Monday, August 29, 2011
Individualized Education Plan: Lunatic Autism Mom
Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Name: Maggie (aka: Lunatic Autism Mom)
Agency: House on the hill, the one with the weeds in the flower beds.
IEP Team Meeting Date: 08/29/11
Participants: Maggie (mom); Rob (hubbie); Cam (ASD kid #1); Adam (ASD kid #2)
Eligibility: C-Section 2001 & 2004; ASD Diagnosis 2004 & 2007
Primary Disability: Autism Induced Lunacy (AIL)
Supplementary Aids, Services, Supports: Medication as prescribed, Weekly Sanity Checks with a professional, Spousal Support, YMCA, Husband's Salary.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
Goal #1
The Lunatic Autism Mom will keep everything in the calendar most at her disposal (phone) and will synch it to the household electronic calendar at least weekly.
by: 9/1/11
Resources to help meet this goal: This will be coordinated through the support of helpful hubby in ensuring that the technology "talks" to one another and by keeping the phone at hand at all times.
**This goal is 99% completed**
Goal #2
The Lunatic Autism Mom will stay home one full day per week with the exception of driving the kids to and from school, no exceptions will be made for any reason.
by: 10/1/11
Resources to help meet this goal: Lunatic Autism Mom will chose one day per week, prior to that week, and will schedule that as her HOME day. She will not brush her hair, will wear sweats or pjs to school drop off and will, in general, be too embarassed at her attire and appearance to step foot out of her car. This day can be spent accomplishing long over-due tasks (painting), catching up on housework (laundry) or allowing herself to be sick when the fever is over 99.9 degrees (sleep).
**Week 1 HOME day is currently scheduled!**
Goal #3
The Lunatic Autism Mom needs more energy and needs to get in shape.
by: 9/1/11
Resources to help meet this goal: Lunatic Autism Mom has hired a trainer to literally kick her ass into shape. She will meet with said trainer 2 times per week for a minimum of 10 sessions with the option to increase her sessions to 20. She will not stress over the cost of this trainer and will not cry at the assessment appointment since"you have to start somewhere".
**Assessment this Thursday, please pray for me.**
Goal #4
The Lunatic Autism Mom will schedule fun and relaxing things during school hours at a minimum of one per week.
by: 9/1/11
Resources to help meet this goal: The primary resource will be wonderfully supportive and caring hubby's paycheck. Occasional weeks might allow for a 1 hour relaxation massage and other weeks might allow for a guilt free hour of silence at the local library. In between, the Lunatic Autism Mom will try not to skip hair cuts and will not allow her gray roots to grow to obviousness (as they are now). The Lunatic Autism Mom will "put her money where her mouth is" and take care of everyone in her family including herself.
**Seriously, I am 35 and have a full head of gray hair. I've been dying it since I was 16, bad genes I guess. How does one acquire that casual, classic, youthful, silver gray bob that looks so good on the models in JJill and Lands End Catalog? I would totally consider letting it go if I knew I could look like that in the end!**
Goal #5 (the final goal)
The Lunatic Autism Mom would like to learn something new this year. Something new could be kayaking, a foreign language, standing board paddling, snowboarding/skiing or visiting local museums for general knowledge.
by: the end of the school year
Resources to help meet this goal: the entire Smithsonian, various lakes and the Chesapeake Bay, the local library, Liberty Mountain and the kindness and support of handsome hubby to chillax with the boys during the hours that learning this new skill cannot be accomplished during school hours.
** Yeah like I need another hobby, I'm a big time crafter but I want to learn something not crafty, more active and something that I could eventually share with my boys once I understand the mechanics myself. **
Assessment report due: 01/01/12
In the immortal words of a person who never existed (and didn't fully understand correct grammar):
DO OR DO NOT, THERE IS NO TRY.
-Yoda
Name: Maggie (aka: Lunatic Autism Mom)
Agency: House on the hill, the one with the weeds in the flower beds.
IEP Team Meeting Date: 08/29/11
Participants: Maggie (mom); Rob (hubbie); Cam (ASD kid #1); Adam (ASD kid #2)
Eligibility: C-Section 2001 & 2004; ASD Diagnosis 2004 & 2007
Primary Disability: Autism Induced Lunacy (AIL)
Supplementary Aids, Services, Supports: Medication as prescribed, Weekly Sanity Checks with a professional, Spousal Support, YMCA, Husband's Salary.
GOALS & OBJECTIVES:
Goal #1
The Lunatic Autism Mom will keep everything in the calendar most at her disposal (phone) and will synch it to the household electronic calendar at least weekly.
by: 9/1/11
Resources to help meet this goal: This will be coordinated through the support of helpful hubby in ensuring that the technology "talks" to one another and by keeping the phone at hand at all times.
**This goal is 99% completed**
Goal #2
The Lunatic Autism Mom will stay home one full day per week with the exception of driving the kids to and from school, no exceptions will be made for any reason.
by: 10/1/11
Resources to help meet this goal: Lunatic Autism Mom will chose one day per week, prior to that week, and will schedule that as her HOME day. She will not brush her hair, will wear sweats or pjs to school drop off and will, in general, be too embarassed at her attire and appearance to step foot out of her car. This day can be spent accomplishing long over-due tasks (painting), catching up on housework (laundry) or allowing herself to be sick when the fever is over 99.9 degrees (sleep).
**Week 1 HOME day is currently scheduled!**
Goal #3
The Lunatic Autism Mom needs more energy and needs to get in shape.
by: 9/1/11
Resources to help meet this goal: Lunatic Autism Mom has hired a trainer to literally kick her ass into shape. She will meet with said trainer 2 times per week for a minimum of 10 sessions with the option to increase her sessions to 20. She will not stress over the cost of this trainer and will not cry at the assessment appointment since"you have to start somewhere".
**Assessment this Thursday, please pray for me.**
Goal #4
The Lunatic Autism Mom will schedule fun and relaxing things during school hours at a minimum of one per week.
by: 9/1/11
Resources to help meet this goal: The primary resource will be wonderfully supportive and caring hubby's paycheck. Occasional weeks might allow for a 1 hour relaxation massage and other weeks might allow for a guilt free hour of silence at the local library. In between, the Lunatic Autism Mom will try not to skip hair cuts and will not allow her gray roots to grow to obviousness (as they are now). The Lunatic Autism Mom will "put her money where her mouth is" and take care of everyone in her family including herself.
**Seriously, I am 35 and have a full head of gray hair. I've been dying it since I was 16, bad genes I guess. How does one acquire that casual, classic, youthful, silver gray bob that looks so good on the models in JJill and Lands End Catalog? I would totally consider letting it go if I knew I could look like that in the end!**
Goal #5 (the final goal)
The Lunatic Autism Mom would like to learn something new this year. Something new could be kayaking, a foreign language, standing board paddling, snowboarding/skiing or visiting local museums for general knowledge.
by: the end of the school year
Resources to help meet this goal: the entire Smithsonian, various lakes and the Chesapeake Bay, the local library, Liberty Mountain and the kindness and support of handsome hubby to chillax with the boys during the hours that learning this new skill cannot be accomplished during school hours.
** Yeah like I need another hobby, I'm a big time crafter but I want to learn something not crafty, more active and something that I could eventually share with my boys once I understand the mechanics myself. **
Assessment report due: 01/01/12
In the immortal words of a person who never existed (and didn't fully understand correct grammar):
DO OR DO NOT, THERE IS NO TRY.
-Yoda
Monday, August 22, 2011
Long time... no post... Lets talk cars!
Today I am running errands with my two boys and they HATE running errands with a hot a burning passion. I notice my TPMS light has come on again (tire pressure monitoring system) and this leads me to a very lengthy and quite topsy turvy all together curvy thought process about vehicles and why we drive what we do.
I have a minivan, I know shocked right? Mother of two Autistic boys and I drive a minivan. Do I like my van? Yes. Do I like driving my van? Heck no! It's a van! Quite arguably the most convenient yet boring vehicle on the planet! But here's the thing, it's a Honda Odyssey and if you have to drive a minivan this is totally the way to go! It's a great van, very roomy, very convenient and the perfect accompaniment to the insane life of an Autism Mom. For example the TPMS light, it is telling me that my tire is low on air. Thank you TMPS light, I never ever think to check the air pressure and usually rely on my oil change place to do it for me. Speaking of which, there's a light for that too! Right now that light is telling me that it's almost time for an oil change which I am totally going to put off until school starts back up again. I absolutely cannot forget about the Variable Engine, I drive ridiculous mileage (122,215 miles to date) and when I am driving on the highway the engine will cut back to 3 cylinders to save on gas. This is a much needed and very appreciated feature.
I file all of this under the heading, "will save your sanity" but as I bought this van in 2008 it is still lacking in more sanity saving features, the first being bluetooth. I've had to add a Jabbra bluetooth speaker to the van to compensate. The month AFTER my van was built, they added bluetooth. Drat! The next model year they added power jacks to the second row of seats... I would KILL for power jacks to fuel the boys DS systems! Lastly, I hear rumors that some radios actually act like MP3 players. My friend, Andrew just bought a total bachelor car that does this and I WANT!!!! Not that the 6-CD changer isn't great and all but to only have to deal with the CD once and then never again? Heaven.
I traveled to the beach this weekend with the family, I drove and changed CDs, I drove and plugged and unplugged power cables, I drove and watched the TPMS light come on, I drove and I drove and I am starting to think that the type of car you have isn't as important as what features it offers. I think there may come a day where the final straw to push me right into insanity might just fall within the doors and wheels of my vehicle. I'm guessing I will be attempting to change a CD, plug in a power cable and my phone is going to ring at the same time as I am running late for an appointment with a specialist in Baltimore. It's just a guess but I think it's a pretty sure bet.
Just in case you are wondering... yes, I have a Minivan Step-Down Plan. After two Honda Odyssey vans I feel I have put in my mini-van driving time but to go to a car (even a big one) would be a shock to the system. In between there should be something van-like but not actually a van... in my dreams I see this:
I have a minivan, I know shocked right? Mother of two Autistic boys and I drive a minivan. Do I like my van? Yes. Do I like driving my van? Heck no! It's a van! Quite arguably the most convenient yet boring vehicle on the planet! But here's the thing, it's a Honda Odyssey and if you have to drive a minivan this is totally the way to go! It's a great van, very roomy, very convenient and the perfect accompaniment to the insane life of an Autism Mom. For example the TPMS light, it is telling me that my tire is low on air. Thank you TMPS light, I never ever think to check the air pressure and usually rely on my oil change place to do it for me. Speaking of which, there's a light for that too! Right now that light is telling me that it's almost time for an oil change which I am totally going to put off until school starts back up again. I absolutely cannot forget about the Variable Engine, I drive ridiculous mileage (122,215 miles to date) and when I am driving on the highway the engine will cut back to 3 cylinders to save on gas. This is a much needed and very appreciated feature.
I file all of this under the heading, "will save your sanity" but as I bought this van in 2008 it is still lacking in more sanity saving features, the first being bluetooth. I've had to add a Jabbra bluetooth speaker to the van to compensate. The month AFTER my van was built, they added bluetooth. Drat! The next model year they added power jacks to the second row of seats... I would KILL for power jacks to fuel the boys DS systems! Lastly, I hear rumors that some radios actually act like MP3 players. My friend, Andrew just bought a total bachelor car that does this and I WANT!!!! Not that the 6-CD changer isn't great and all but to only have to deal with the CD once and then never again? Heaven.
I traveled to the beach this weekend with the family, I drove and changed CDs, I drove and plugged and unplugged power cables, I drove and watched the TPMS light come on, I drove and I drove and I am starting to think that the type of car you have isn't as important as what features it offers. I think there may come a day where the final straw to push me right into insanity might just fall within the doors and wheels of my vehicle. I'm guessing I will be attempting to change a CD, plug in a power cable and my phone is going to ring at the same time as I am running late for an appointment with a specialist in Baltimore. It's just a guess but I think it's a pretty sure bet.
Just in case you are wondering... yes, I have a Minivan Step-Down Plan. After two Honda Odyssey vans I feel I have put in my mini-van driving time but to go to a car (even a big one) would be a shock to the system. In between there should be something van-like but not actually a van... in my dreams I see this:
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