Thoughts upon Thoughts

Lately I my brain has been constantly switching from one thought to another. Especially when my children aren't here to give me a run for my money. I go from wishing I was employed to wishing I had a larger place to live and that I could give my children a better life. Forgive me folks I am hormonal and usually when that hits, you had better watch out. I feel like "Storm" from X-Men with her power to conjure up a raging thunderstorm.


I have reading some articles regarding the benefits of having a pet dog for a child with Autism. Don't you think there are some "what ifs?!" I hope I don't sound optimistic but what if your living situation doesn't permit you to have pets? Also what about cats? I actually read blog created by a girl in her 20's who has Autism. She currently lives in a special home especially for specific disorders and she absolutely loves cats! KingdomofRats, it's quite interesting to read. I guess if there are "what ifs", then you just move on and there isn't much you can do otherwise. I know when individuals do write these articles it's for everyone and it's to help us. But at times I do feel like I am the minority. Many of us have a different socioeconomical situation and the authors might not realize that not everyone who has an Autistic child is on the same level financially. I don't want to get myself in a can of worms. Just spatting today and the hormones are kicking in.

Forgive me for not keeping up on my blog lately. I have been job hunting like crazy. I have applied to several school districts and have also had a few interviews. No such luck. I do enjoy the time spent at home with the boys and I will probably regret it when I do return to work. Anyway, as my blog states, "One Day at a Time."

Still here on Earth

Will be short today. Just letting everyone know that I am still alive and kicking. I will honestly return with more words on the page! Happy Tuesday.

Crosswalks...

Lately the family has been on a health kick and I am trying to incorporate walking into most of our activities. Luckily for us the summer school program for the boys is less than a mile from where we live at an nearby elementary school, so instead of driving we walk. No problem right? NOT. These last few times we have walked it's been a little nerve racking. We have to walk to cross the street at a crosswalk. The first few times BP was very cooperative while waiting for the light and holding my hand at the same time, then when the little green man popped on we gracefully walked across. On Friday it was different. This time BP ran up to the corner to where we stop, pushed the button to cross and refused to hold my hand. When the "green man" popped on he refused to hold my hand again, while I tried to grab it and he begin walking across the street radically, screaming at the same time. He was not paying attention to the cars waiting at the light and almost walked into one! He literally would have stopped in his tracks if I hadn't of grabbed him out of the way. Meanwhile my other son C tripped and fell on the street, skinned his knee and elbow. I was so busy dealing with BP that I didn't even see him fall.

So yesterday I tried a different strategy. I decided that we should cross at different street that has less traffic and in front of the school. Yesterday went very smoothly, today not so smoothly. Today we approached the cross walk refusing to hold my hand. This "the green man" popped on very quickly and he didn't want any part of holding my hand. I had to physically hold on to him and at that point he refused to continue. BP sat down in the middle of the street, screamed. I had to pick him up and forcibly get him across the rest of the way or else we could have been hit by cars. "The little green man" waits for no one.

These are the "whats" of Autism. What set him off? Could it have been the fact that he and his brother argued over who would push the button to cross the street just befored they crossed? I honestly do not like being forceful with my son. I fear for his life and if he isn't going to budge I must do what I can. He simply doesn't understand the concept that cars will hit you or the idea of safety. I will trudge on and we will try the crosswalk again tomorrow.

The Blue Dinosaurs and White Cheese?

This weekend thoughts have been brewing through my mind as to what my blog would be for today. This was a most difficult choice. I am one of those individuals that store information in my brain and then as soon as I sit down at the computer, stare at a blank screen, I have sudden writer's block. Maybe I should write it down. :)

News on the job market, I did not get the job up north. I received an email on Friday thanking me for my interest in the position. It was a difficult choice etc. I will keep plugging away. There is so much competion out there and everyone is searching in the job market. I did manage to get myself on an eligiblity list for the county. I will see where that takes me. Even if we don't relocate up north. I would still like to move elsewhere. A place that would allow pets.

BP has had a relatively good weekend. I have to keep on him with potty issues though. He enjoys the computer and other activities so much that he tends to run to the bathroom with intentions to go but most of the time he ends up running to bathroom, shouting "I need to go potty!" Typically he doesn't make it to the bathroom in time. I find lately that the laundry room has become my home away from home! My dream is to someday have my own washer and dryer.


I think that for me I find that I lack the patience to understand "his" language. BP is a fanatic on Dinosaurs, Godzilla, Dragons and the like. I'd like to thank the technology-video world for the invention of the DVR! In our household it's a requirement and if we didn't have it, I'd would lose my sanity. I have tried to record every Prehistoric Planet program on Discovery Kids. Of course when BP finds a certain episode he enjoys there is no stopping him. I think I have lost count as to the number of times I have seen the famous T-Rex devour the Triceratops. The frustrating part of BP's world is interpreting the "BP language." This morning for example, he asks me, "Can we watch Dinosaurs 4?" My mind is going in circles at this point. "What Dinosaurs? Then he states, "the Blue Dinosaurs." Dinosaurs 4 could mean:

• Watching one of our Jurassic Park films. (but there is only 3) No that's not it.


• Blue Dinosaurs (Prehistoric Planet-Dinosaurs underwater, blue ocean)

We went through six shows that I recently recorded of Prehistoric Planet and a mini-meltdown. Each one was a "No!" Then at the last moment popped up a program I recorded that happened to about the infamous T-Rex and had nothing to do with Prehistoric Planet. Bingo! I need some coffee and will prepare myself for the multi-viewing. I think I had my own meltdown.
Note: As am writing this blog, BP has come to me and again has asked to watch "Dinosaurs and Dragons." The other program doesn't have enough action for him. This time I can interpret it. My applause goes out the DVR.
I have also discovered that BP loves "white cheese." Cottage Cheese. Welcome to His world. I am learning something new everyday.

Thursday's Thoughts, The Three P's: Protesting, Planes and Pets

Protesting:


Lately I have been reading all the news regarding talk radio host Michael Savage and his statement "children who have autism are brats." I also notice that he now is starting to back pedal and there is a group in SF at his radio station that will be standing in protest to oust him. I just want to wish them luck. I know he was ousted before with his anti-gay comments. I think he's radio just for all the publicity and nothing more.

Planes:

There is another story that stuck me regarding the story of a Mom and her three year-old Autistic son who were thrown out of an American Eagle Plane a few weeks ago. Apparently he had a meltdown and according to sources Mom did not stow the paper bag full of his "comfort toys" in the proper place. Which is not correct. I'd like to comment on this story. There are a few ideas I'd like to get across. First of which is regarding the American Airlines Crew. Don't you think it should be apart of their training to handle any situation that arises? I am not going to inform them of how they should preform their job but customer service should be the main focus, especially on an aircraft. I know they must have to be trained on handling a person in a wheelchair or an individual who requires much more assistance. Handicapped or otherwise.


From a parents standpoint, if you are going to fly with your child. Please be prepared. Pack the comfort items, music and anything that helps to calm the outbursts. Personally, BP has never been on a plane. I wonder myself how he would do.


Pets:
Pets and Autism-We currently have no pets in our house because our apartment complex does not allow them. But if we have to relocate because of my new job. I would love to for our family to have a new pet. I have been reading up on pets as therapy for children with Autism. I have heard that dogs are wonderful (don't forget the cats), in certain situations though. This website and many others have great incite to what it's like with pets and their friends with Autism and ASD. I have also heard that fish aquariums are great to have as well. It seems to have a calming effect on them.
Can anyone share with me as to their stories of how an animal friends have helped your son or daughter in their therapies? Feel free to leave me a post. I'd love to read your comments.
Happy Thursday everyone. Sometimes I wonder where I put my sense-of-humor these days. Cheers.

I think it's urologist time again

Both BP and C were born with a condition called hypospadias. I can't explain it because I am thinking it would put my blog at risk for being flagged so I have put a link so you have some idea of the condition. BP had three surgeries all before age of two to try and correct it. Lets just say it effects the urinating stream and later in life, other things. Now that he is fully potty trained, we have noticed that his stream is not correct and sprays out like a shower head and far to the left. Last night it ended up all over the bathroom floor. So most likely he will need to see his Pediatric Urologist to assess his situation. C had two surgeries to correct it and he seems to be fine. Both boys had to endure the painful and the utmost detailed of the "doubling diapering routine." One diaper was cut to fit around the area and of course the second was worn over the first. C at six months had to wear a catheter everyday for a week. Luckily, BP didn't have to endure that part of it. I clearly remember the pain I felt for both boys and the what seemed like endless hours of waiting with all the other parents at Children's Hospital.

I honestly though wouldn't change places with anyone.

Keeping changing my mind

I keep trying different styles, graphics and themes for my blog page. I can't seem to be satisfied with anything yet. I will probably keep trying new things until I like what I see. I am a perfectionist when when it comes to art and such. So if it's a bit different everytime you stop on by, I am in the process of changing my mind. :)