Bryce

Bryce

Happiness

We are responsible to help those who don’t get the same privileges in life. I am not talking those users and abusers that create their own hell and enjoy living in it. Those who did not ask to be in suffering, we should help them.
I have a problem with the higher power thing. It helps a lot of people, so I am careful not to refute it. Not because I fear people coming down on me in anger over my lack of belief but because I would not like to lead anyone astray. I am responsible for me, I do not need a higher power to keep me good and faithful, I am that already. I am a mixture of many things, but they are not because of a higher power.
Death is the end, that’s it, Zippo baby, you are done now. This is why we cling to life; did anyone notice that most people don’t seek to die? IF the afterlife is so wonderful, let us all go there now? HUH? Not me, I am here to live and enjoy everything to the fullest of my ability.
a. What gives your life meaning?
b. How do you make sense of all the suffering in the world (why do you think people suffer)?

“Construction of meaning through engagement” was one of the most tedious pieces of information I ever tried to wade through, it was broken up by constant references to other work, and I found my mind wandering. I read it to family members out loud so that I would keep focused on the reading, they, including the family dog fell asleep while listening to me. This is no reflection on the quality of my reading voice, I might add.
What I did manage to get basically and forgive me if there was more information I might have missed, is a person has to make their own meaning in their individual life. It is different things for each. I loved the quote by William James, and I plan to research him later, “My experience is what I agree to attend to, only those items which I notice shape my mind.” We get what we get. Prime example is this reading; someone else might find it uplifting and informative, while I found it annoying and my ability to concentrate squashed by the tediousness of the work.
Well? What gives my life meaning? I think it is the little every day things. I was deeply religious and thought that everything, good or bad was from God, whether it was supposed to be a learning experience, or a blessing. In later years especially after taking a philosophy class with Dr. Schrödinger I questioned that thinking. I questioned it a lot; I lay awake sweating about God and the afterlife. I thought perhaps since we don’t have a place before we are born, we don’t have a place to go afterwards either. Like a candle we are snuffed out and that is all there is. In the not so far away past, I placed everything happening in my life as part of “Gods Will” This way of thinking, though maybe taken too far, left me quite helpless. I didn’t have a job, I looked everywhere, I was declined several times for jobs I was qualified for. I knew my personality was bright and cheerful, and I was careful not to be too talkative on interviews. So it seemed, “GOD” didn’t want me to be employed and pay my rent. This thinking made me bitter. After all I was a struggling single mother, I went to church, and I was a basically good person. I followed the religious rules so to speak. I couldn’t pay rent; I couldn’t think out of the box, God was going to provide the money for rent. Why would God provide the money for rent? Because I had followed the rules of prayer, I had asked in his name, and I asked with all reverence in the direction of his (God’s) amazing power. This was not the first time that I asked for something and it was denied. This had been a pattern of proceedings in my life, and even the helpful, more spiritually gifted people would comment, that perhaps I hadn’t asked right, or maybe there was another lesson involved… or the big one!! I was not following God’s selected path and therefore was being punished for this. Ok, you can see why this thinking got on my nerves. It’s like there is a magic combination for having one’s needs met, and I didn’t have the right arrangement. When it became up to me, I was less anxious then waiting on God. I do not believe some people are chosen to have all their needs met, while others suffer from hunger and deprivation, I believe life is a series of random events, and you prepare yourself for what ride you find yourself on. I get true meaning from learning new things, growing my garden, playing with my grand babies, and helping others that need a hand up. If it is in my power at all, I will lend a hand or tell someone what I have learned in order to help. I think the true meaning of life is living as a group, we are all connected to each other, and people can share a new way of thinking that can change the world in a matter of minutes. I believe that our limitations are what we are given to work with. The Changes in Beliefs… reading was wonderful. There is meaning in life, but it is simpler then we think. Strangely my basic happiness levels lifted when I gave myself more credit and left God out of the quotient.
b) Why do people suffer? We cannot think on this in the middle class viewpoint. Children tortured and starving cannot be God’s will in any way, I cannot apply the happy Christian teachings to that type of suffering. They did not deserve it; they did not ask for it, they survive day to day not even daring to hope for reprieve. There is no greater good when people suffer. I would include starvation, torture, earthquakes, floods, disease. There is evil and good in the world, unfortunately the evil collides with the good and makes these things happen. There would be some people who would say it is the sins of the father (past generations) visiting the next generation. I say Horseradish! We do not pick where we will be born, or what color our skin will be. It is random. We do not choose wealth over poverty; we have to learn how to achieve it if we are starting from ground zero. Some come from privilege, others do not. Many things go into the making of one person.
Suffering of others makes me far more then sad. I don’t quite know how to explain it, but I feel the connection and regret to others who have hardships more then my own. As human beings it is up to us to help when we can. Some religious organizations such as the Catholic Church in Boise, gives food to the needy. Some of the elderly people in the church are gifted gardeners, and they bring home grown potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, apples and other things from their garden. They live advantaged lives, their personal needs being met. They share the harvest of their gardens and good will. This true giving on a small scale doesn’t get recognized nationally, there is no write up in the local newspapers, there is no great reward for all they do, but they do it anyway. I knew a woman who re-located to Boise with her children, and she was having a hard time finding a job. She just needed a little help, she went to that church and they loaded her car with fresh veggies and fruit for her children. She was able to give them healthy food to eat. But not only that, she felt that human connection, that feeling that there is more then just me and you, there is an us. When communities get together to help it makes us all connected in a good way.
This is why when there is suffering and wrong in the world, the United States sends help. Some people say, we need to help our people in our own country. I say yes we do, but we need to help other countries with the gifts that we have been given. I am thinking poor countries where there isn’t enough to eat, and children and women are used as sex slaves, we have to help stop it. Wrong is wrong, and it is not imposing our kind of beliefs on other cultures if we help stop what is wrong.
I suppose it would be good, if I just answered the question. Why do people suffer? Because it is not a perfect world, so I believe we must strive to protect those who cannot protect themselves, and try and lesson the suffering in the world.

Baby Watch

I am sure Bryce is going to top ten pounds. Chelsie has been having contractions, she is increasingly uncomfortable. She has difficulty sleeping. She is out of breath when she chases 22 month old Quinn.
Her husband of six years took off with the car, computer and cell phone. He decided that he likes being selfish. Chelsie looks back on the time invested with mixed emotions.
I cannot believe how well adjusted she is. I would be hiring a hit man if it were me.
Andy bought her a used car, (very used)and I paid for six months of insurance for her.
I will be having her and the boys stay here after Bryce arrives. Andy says he will stay at his shop for a week and allow her privacy. (COWARD!)

I kinda wish I knew....

Today was move the furniture to another side of the room day, and my bones hurt. Today the kitten decided to jump up on the counter and knock a dozen eggs to the floor. The dog ate them, the dog feels sick.
I took a shower, and sprayed peach body splash on, and was enjoying the cool sensation when another (**@#^!+) Hot flash hit me. I now feel like a soggy peach.
Friday I drove to Boise to fill out information on the Hot Flush test study. They will be testing drug similar to Efexer to find if it is useful for hot flushes. I was thinking, this isn't what I want to do, I don't want to be on that drug, and she came back to see me in the room with the mounds of paper work to inform me that I am too fat for the study.. only she said, "I am sorry your BMI is..." I said, "OOOH I am too fat." She turned red and said, "Oh don't say that." I said, "don't be so shocked, I already know that I am fat."
JEES Louise... people get so aggitated over one word. FAT FAT FAT FAT.
I came home and informed the Andy Unit. He was upset too. He was afronted on my behalf. Which is SOOO darn cute. I seem to be the only one who isn't insulted that I am over weight.
As for Andy, I will have to explain him better when I am in the mood. But I wonder how long I can keep up the happy face, I am growing tired of trying to gently teach him everything... even little things, like, when I touch, you touch back. He doesn't know anything. Perhaps, I will move on.

Nobody

 

Nobody, Nobody.
Do you know I am still the same person I was when I was five years old? Except I don't have my invisible friend Suzy anymore.

Horrible little creatures

They tear up everything, shred plants, attack bare feet, then they look like little angels when they are asleep.
I meant the cat.

Fingers Stuck in the Cookie Jar

Much like the parable of the monkey with his fingers stuck in the cookie jar, I will not let go of old bad habits and free myself.
I hang on to the old ways that do not work, and fear releasing myself.
BUT I am learning.

That's the way, uhuh uhuh I like it!!!

Pardon me, but your age is showing? KC?? I mean really!

Ok, week number three, and most of the anger is gone. The real me isn't such a bad person, and I feel good mostly. I have started cleaning house and feeling enthusiastic about things again.
MAN AM I GLAD.
The hot flahes are very annoying however but I will take them over noises in the head, sudden outbursts of temper, and body aches.

Wait for it!

nearly a week and a half going through withdrawals... Some unexpected parts of my personality are back... oh I forgot that I talk incessantly, and I laugh loud, and I cry over e-mails about lost pets, and I get really mad over injustice. I wonder if Andy is going to like this new intense version of me? He is used to the half baked stale personality that I thought was my real one.
OK, paxil makes the Dreadfuls go away. But with every cure there is a curse. Paxil takes passion, personality, the sense of injustice and the need to argue away too. I liked that, I don't like to argue, not really... But it makes whole wheat nut bread turn into wonder bread. After a time you get used to it, you think your getting old anyway, you don't need passion anymore. I am thankful... but I am kinda sad, mad, disappointed. Why do I have to trade being able to face each day and leave the house for having no life?
I will let you know a few months down the road, when Paxil free, the dreadfuls come back to haunt me. WHO am I anyway? The thought occurs to me that I am not going to allow myself to be over taken by chemicals, but will is not always enough.
So lately I have thought that if I can't see through it, I don't want to eat it either. Most food makes me feel bloated and crummy.
Today I made bean Threads with Cucumbers, celery, herbs, and seasoned rice vinegar. I feel better when I eat light. I put up a picture its quite lovely,ha ha.

Family

 

dooobie Doooobie Doooo

De-tox.

I just bought some yogi Detox tea at Fred Meyers.

I am going through withdrawals, and I feel like Sheeeet...

Its the paxil for anxiety, its 130. a bottle and I cannot afford it, so away I go into withdrawal land. ME NO LIKEY....

with every cure there is a curse I think.

but I have Sherman the cocker, Phantom James, Nodkin, Sushi, and Kewi the cats to keep me grounded, I think I might take two weeks off like with movies, de-tox tea and a big blanket, "Dont call me", I shall tell everyone, "I will call you......"

The Squirrel Upstairs

I wish my apt. manager hadn’t put the yo yo upstairs. I know better then to try and be friends with a Crazy Person.
She said I am a control freak because I didnt want to go to the health and welfair office with her at seven thirty in the morning. It opens at ten.
She has problems with everyone, but she cannot admit that she is the cause of these problems. I knew that I would not be able to help her, and NOW I am on her shit list.
She moved here two weeks ago from washington, she is heavily medicated for many mental health issues. She hates idaho because we are all animal haters. She said I am manipulative and a control freak and say things just to piss her off. AHEM>> me? I have walked on egg shells since we met, because I knew this was inevatable. She wants to move to Montana after two weeks in her apartment... hmmm yes I think its me that has the problem. I told her that since she has problems with everyone she meets she might want to consult a specialist, and also she was correct, her and I could not be friends. GAWD I know the type, don't I?

The House of Pain

a long time ago, when channeling was all the rage in Seattle a gentleman came out calling himself Lazareus. He pronounced Laz ar' ree us.

He was a short stubby little man without many personal qualities, however when he channeled the above mentioned name he became a purveyor of ancient wisdom. NOW me... I am usually a discerner of the truth, and I thought a lot of the information was hype, but he had this hypnotic tape called the house of pain. He said that when ever a person keeps hurting themselves physically it means they have issues from the past that need looking into. I would listen to the tape and literally go out for about a half an hour, and afterwords I would be aware of what I needed to face down. I don't have many issues these days, but when I start getting clumsy I think about the house of pain, and the ways to face down the inner demons. I still have the tape. Maybe some day I will take a trip down the dusty country road to the house of pain. I hypnotize easily... possibly little brain? I don't know.

Motivation

I figured dragging my butt out of bed was the most exercise I needed today.
Then I look around and notice the floor needs sweeping, the room needs organizing and I need to change the bed, wash laundry, water the outdoor plants.
SIIIIIGGGHHH>>> nice, its only in the sixty's today, it was going up in the hundreds then the weather changed it's mind. I am glad, I can't afford to use the air-condtioning, my power bill goes from thirty dollars to one hundred and thirty in two days, YUCK!
but my moon flowers aren't any bigger and my tomatoes are still small and green, they won't take off until it gets hot. Downside is I am a walking hot flash and I don't think I am going to tolerate any heat very well this year.

The blow your butt off diet

So what were the menu writers thinking, putting Broccoli, Cabbage and Tofu all in one meal?
The day before was beans for lunch and beans for dinner. I think I know how this diet is going to work....

Every day I am closer to the REAL me

I quit smoking by not trying to do it all in one day. I am impatient, I want everything, "NOW". Realistically I have figured out that I make myself less anxious by saying to myself, "Self, you know what cake tastes like, you can eat it when you weigh 150." A year isn't far away, but its not tomorrow either, I can do this... me myself and I. My biggest challenge is my boyfriend who thinks sweets are a sign of love. I never had them in the house before, now I am faced with temptation. However I like this, I think how powerful I am each time I pass that jar and don't look into its contents. The jar is evil for me, and I don't even like the way I feel when I eat one of those stupid dry tasteless cookies. I remember what its like to see my feet, I remember walking without being winded. Most of all I remember putting on a cute dress and looking in the mirror and saying "YEAAAH!"

Sherman Sedgewick Dusky

Very cute, annoyer of cats, snatcher of food, destroyer of stuffed animals.

Okaaay

My computer hates me, and I am not very fond of it either. Scott says it needs more memory in the memory board...so this means I cannot play sims. Actually it came at a good time, I made it through finals, not dazzling, but made it. I still have limited energy (too fat) but I am feeling better. I started Sparkspeople.com diet. its free and its good, and I am really liking the whole thing, menus and shopping list for each week, I am not into the social aspects, did you wonder? I am not into group things, but the info is fantastic, and you cannot beat the price....free....

Chatty

END OF FINALS
My computer broke down twice. I have been so tired, I am hoping that it improves, I can't get much done when all I want to do is sleep.
I am going to California tomorrow with Andy and Sherman, Daine is staying with Janelle. I hope that the manager doesn't find the contraband cat. CATRABAND. ok, I adopted another cat unapproved by the apartment Gestapo.
They have officially pissed me off. She called me a few weeks ago screaming that my dog had attacked another residents dog. My dog was attacked. I tried to explain it didn't happen that way, and she told me to be quiet, and go apologise to the woman. SINCE "the woman" is obviously a drama queen, I have no intention of talking to her, let alone apologising for HER dog attacking mine.
Also I am very tired of the company weazle over here looking for things to tattle about. So far, he has told about my gate attached to the porch, (that he helped install) he told that we had two cars parked here, when we didnt', he mentioned that I wasn't scooping dog poo, WHEN I was, and I can prove it by leaving the scooper contents in his van. He tattled about towels drying on my back porch. I took a walk around yesterday there are all kinds of rule breaking going on, and I don't think they get tattled on like we do. AT least I know what a weazle he is, and I won't be trusting him with any information, I am not going to tell them I am going out of town, because I know for a fact that he comes into my apartment when I am not home. Have you ever had that feeling when you walk in the house? that one that makes the hair stand up on your neck? then you notice things out of place. Your sex toy drawer half open etc.. and you know someone had been snooping in your stuff. I get that feeling every so often, so I know he has.
Sherman likes him unfortunately.... I would like it if he didn't.
WELL you know, "God save me from people who know what's best for me" I wish they would butt out of our business. We aren't big rule breakers, you know that kind of people who have un-authorised wet towels on their porch... OMG!!!

The children who slip through the cracks

Children who slip through the cracks


Children from low-income families often are left behind when it comes to serving their individual needs. Especially if the child is deemed unpleasant or unmanageable. Recently most problems that children have in learning and interacting with others were blamed on the parent’s then later society. Fumento, Michael (June 19, 1999). Investors Business Daily. Business Journal,
What if the problems associated with Aspergers were merely a result of nature?
It would be similar to being born with a clubfoot, or other slight imperfection. Parents with children born with Aspergers or other types of Autism often wonder what they did wrong. In the case of Kayla Ellen, it was several years of family whispering, “this child doesn’t seem quite right.” Her empathy and social skills are almost non-existent, but she seems so smart.
A Brief History of Aspergers
Aspergers Syndrome also known as Asperger’s Disorder, is a severe developmental disorder characterized by major difficulties in common contact and limited as well as strange patterns of concentration and actions. Hans Asperger originally described it in 1944. Increased interest in the condition happened later in the 80’s influenced by Lorna Wing. Lorna Wing was a doctor with an Autistic child and began research on Autism and related disorders.
Asperger’s syndrome was added into the DSM-IV in 1994 following a large international field trial involving over a thousand children and adolescents with autism and related disorders. Volkmar et al.,1994. It has such a wide range of behaviors that it is very hard to diagnose. Kayla Ellen’s parents fought the system of doctors, psychiatrists and teachers for five years before getting a correct diagnosis for their child. This was only the beginning of more problems for them.
Kayla Ellen was known for her disruptive antics by the time she was in the first grade. She feared toilets in the lavatory. She would sometimes eat soap to punish herself for bad thoughts. She could be very cruel and hurt other people without regard for anyone’s feelings. It was clear that Kayla Ellen hurt inside, but the problem was how to reach her, and could anyone reach her?
Her family went in for counseling at Warm Springs Children’s center in Boise Idaho. The child counselors set up behavior plans. They would like to try a series of rewards and consequences for Kayla Ellen. Kayla’s mother said that everything worked for a while, but eventually Kayla Ellen would move on to another phase of her behavior. (J Mitchell, personal communication, March 19,2008)
Her mother once said that you never know what you’re going to get next when it comes to Kayla Ellen’s behavior. Sometimes you can correct one type of action to have it replaced with something far worse. Kayla Ellen picked things apart: she couldn’t stand stickers on her toys, or a chip in paint. Certain types of fabric make her twitch uncomfortably. The family sometimes feared going to sleep at night, wondering what would happen when Kayla Ellen got up in the night in the quiet house. Kayla Ellen does not sleep very well and she fears many things, she also is very destructive. She has limited social skills and often pops out with sudden unexpected rude remarks or repetitive noises.
Kayla is lucky in many ways: her family loves her and tries to do what is best for her in the whole scheme of her life. It is not always easy to like a kid with Aspergers.
Eventually the elementary school that Kayla Ellen attends demanded that something be done. They were not prepared to watch Kayla Ellen every second. Kayla Ellen’s mother did not want Kayla Ellen to attend a special school for learning disabled children. She felt that Kayla Ellen has mimicked behavior and being around children who were severely disabled would set Kayla Ellen back in her learning. She knew that Kayla Ellen had rights, but so did other children in school. She went back to the family doctor and he prescribed medicine used in treating Hyperactivity. The school like Kayla Ellen medicated, she was no longer a problem, she sat silently in her chair and didn’t make odd noises or twitch. The family however was not pleased with this turn of events and tried several more types of medication. They didn’t want a zombie for a child, they wanted a child that could manage herself better but retain her own personality. Eventually, the family and doctor found a medication that seemed to do the best for Kayla Ellen. Kayla herself said that she could stop herself from doing things she knew were wrong. Whether this is true or she just said it to please family members no one is sure. Sherman elementary thought with Kayla Ellen’s official diagnosis from Dr. Armentrout that she would qualify for a behavior monitor provided by Idaho. Someone that would walk her to the bathroom, and outside on the playground. Sometimes Kayla Ellen would walk off the school grounds by herself. The behavior monitor unfortunately never happened. Kayla Ellen’s mother could never find out why, even after multiple calls to the school. She was told, not enough funds, or we are working on this situation. Another year has gone by and the child is in the second grade. Kayla Ellen would benefit by someone keeping an eye on her. Someone who would help her identify un-acceptable behavior. Kayla sometimes goes through the motions of how to act, but these emotions are not really true to her, she is just trying them on to see how they feel. Several phone calls from the school were placed to the mother and father asking if they knew where Kayla Ellen was. Both parents have full time jobs, and cannot keep track of their child when they are at work.
What is the cost if this problem is not addressed? Kayla Ellen is only one child and her symptoms are not as severe as other children with Aspergers. One problem is children are trying to learn and are distracted by the antics of the Asperger syndrome child. The other is the cost to families. A lot of money has been paid to the Boise Children’s Home, for therapy, diagnosis, and medication for Kayla Ellen. There is also the toll on families. Kayla Ellen has three little sisters, which see Kayla Ellen as a role model. The attention that Kayla Ellen requires takes away from the attention that should be given to the other girls.
Advocates for Inclusion – Nampa Idaho
Started in 2001, it was regarded as a ground-breaking remedy for children who fall through the cracks. These children are diagnosed with behavior disorders but are able to mainstream with other children in the Idaho School system. On paper, they claim “award Winning” programs that instruct and inspire. In reality, Kayla Ellen’s family found them to be un-helpful. Usually a very nice young woman would come over and take Kayla Ellen on an outing once a week. Kayla Ellen looked forward to it, and if the Worker was late or didn’t show it was very disappointing to her. They did not use behavior management skills; they merely seemed to be intuitive about problem children such as Kayla Ellen. Eventually the child’s parents fired the advocates because of undependability. No-shows and cancellations were common.
Me; originally my major at BSU was Psychology. I am interested in children especially. I had a child seeing a counselor at Boise Children’s home. I became acquainted with the problems of Aspergers children. When faced with the task of a service learning experience, I talked with Kayla Ellen’s parents. I was instructed on the care plan and procedures used to help Kayla Ellen. I have some background in early child hood learning and recognizing problems. I felt that I could do the job that Advocates for inclusion had failed at. I was optimistic about bonding with Kayla, and secretly I thought I would be that amazing teacher that would bring her back to reality. Oh yes I thought with love, understanding, and patience, I would have a great influence on the child.
Most of my meetings with Kayla, I secretly thought she was a pain in the butt. Not so secretly, she felt the same way about me. She thought it annoying that I would not let her climb on tables in the library, or make odd noises at people, or ask rude questions. I was really limiting her fun as far as she was concerned. Her mother agreed with me that Kayla was exhausting. I tried the suggestions outlined by her counselor at the childrens home (L Milleger, personal communication, March 21,2006). When Kayla was particularly agitated we tried squishy balls, these she would squeeze in her hands and it was supposed to calm her. Instead Kayla would pop a hole in them and goo would ooze all over the car. One day we decided to have lunch together as one of our shared experiences. She pitched an unholy fit. Screaming and drawing odd glances from the hapless diners in our vicinity. I talked low and quiet to her until she calmed down, and we continued our meal. Sometimes you can reason with the Aspergers child other times things that worked in the past no longer will work. That is why each new worker assigned to a child thinks they will go where no one else has gone before with the child. Much like me, they think they have some hidden talent that no one else has. They soon find out that it is hit or miss constantly. Many of these children learn to be manipulative and one must always be on their toes.
The thought behind Advocates for inclusion is right. We need to be aware of these children, address their needs and take them out on outings. The more they experience the more they learn what the correct way to behave. They simply don’t know what is proper behavior. One child might cry inconsolably about a missing book, but watch a dog get hit by a car and be fascinated by death without any sadness, another may seem to feel nothing at all. It is clear that more and more cases of Aspergers are popping up. I talked to teachers at Sherman Elementary that had Kayla in their classes. They both said that they see more children each year with behavioral problems, and do not know what the solution is.
All we can do is keep plugging away until we get it right. Advocates for inclusion, Asperger support groups, child counselors all need education. This may get worse before it gets better. Experts are not sure what causes Aspergers. Some think it is genetic and runs in families. There may be difference in the brain structure of people affected by Aspergers. Mayo Clinic, (2008). Asoergers Stbdrin. Link to CNN.com, Retrieved 4-23-2008, from http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00551.html Kayla Ellen’s family is beginning to suspect that their third daughter has it as well as Kayla Ellen.
My purpose was to learn more about Advocates for inclusion and how they serve the needs of the public school system. I think the need is greater then the supply of people provided. I think more research and more dollars needs to go into programs. Programs like this need assistance and public awareness. I am now pursuing Social work as my major, I can see on a first hand basis how sadly lacking our programs are. Children with special needs are often left for last. Gifted children either in book learning or Sports get a lot of attention. Lets focus on all children.

Bibliography:


Fumento, Michael (June 19, 1999). Investors Business Daily. Business Journal

Volkmar et al.,1994


Mayo Clinic, (2008). Asoergers Stbdrin. Link to CNN.com, Retrieved 4-23-2008, from
http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/DS/00551.html

Advocates For Inclusion. (Est 2001). Nampa Idaho: Laura Sandidge

(L Milleger, personal communication, March 21,2008)

(J Mitchell, personal communication, March 19,2008)

(Dr.S Armentrout, personal communication, April 2,2008)

(Dr. J Connelly, Personal Communication, April 2, 2008)

(H. Smith, Advocates for inclusion, April 8, 2008)

Kirby, B (2008). OASIS. Retrieved May 1, 2008, from Online Asperger Syndrome Inf.
Web site: www,ydek,edy/bkirby/asperger/aswhatisit.html

Andy bought his son a beer

Written on the back of the bottle:



Arrogant bastard ale:

This an aggressive beer, you probably won’t like it.

It is quite doubtful that you have the taste or sophistication to be able to appreciate an ale of this quality and depth. We would suggest that you stick to safer and more familiar territory/ maybe something with a multi million dollar ad campaign aimed at convincing you it’s made in a little brewery, or one that implies that their tasteless fizzy yellow beer will give you more sex appeal, perhaps you think multi million dollar ad campaigns make a beer taste better, perhaps your mouthing your words as you read this.

Ahhh Oregon Coast

Daine took that picture with his new camera.
We took Daine, Kayla,Olivia, and Sherman to the coast for spring break.
I had delusions that the break from routine would be good for my oldest grand daughter. NOT!
I meant well as Andy says. Kayla managed to make most everyone miserable except Andy and Sherman.
My poor baby, I wish I could help her enjoy life better. I feel like I failed, however I know it's just the Asbergers. I keep expecting her to get better. She is the most beautiful gifted child, and so very unhappy most of the time....sigh...

YOU Guessed it!

Sherman went camping this weekend with Andyroo and his son.
Now Sherman has the runs and doesn't feel very well. He is refusing to eat his dog food. What can I say? I get mad but its like talking to the wall. A wall that smiles bemusedly while I am feeling unheard.
I warmed a tiny bit of butter and soy sauce and put it on the decrepit animals dog food.
That's what Andyroo is getting for dinner tonight. Sherman is not getting steak and moon pies.. Camping indeed!


The main phone call I got from Andyroo today was, "YOU took the dog." YES I took the dog, I didn't tell him, I need to straighten a few things out with the dog. He is a dog, he doesn't get steak and moon pies, and Lord knows what else he was fed on the camping trip.

Strange

Time is moving in slow motion which is good, I can now get caught up on my math and government and social work...or not, I believe a nap is in order.
The bad thing about having a man around is he brings home cases of moon pies and bags of candy.. Keep it up laughing boy, we will have to get another zip code just for my ass.

will the real me please stand up?

I don't want to think about homework. I will not think about work tomorrow morning.
Things are good around here. Andy is good for all of us.
Daine and I watched "Across the universe" The music was fantastic, all Beatles music, and the characters had names from Beatles songs. Prudence,Max,Lucy,Jude,Sadie.
Every singer on this movie is great, a pleasure to listen to, I would love to get the album from the movie. The character who plays Sadie, does a bang up job on "helter Skelter"
Daine had to rush over to the stereo and play Beatles music last night after the movie.
Andy isn't a Beatles fan, but he patiently waited us out.
How can you not be a Beatles fan? that's like saying, you don't care for fresh air.
One of the things that Andy bought me for Valentines day is a wooden stereo that looks like an antique radio. It also plays records. Daine is fascinated with the record player, he has never seen one before, so now he is playing all my old records. I think its funny that the old technology can be a thing of wonder for today's kids.

Brain Trauma

Ahh a crazy day. Stupidity seems to be on the rise lately. I am thinking it's just deserts for being such a pain in the ass myself.
I am waiting for the resounding pop of heads being pulled out of asses. Will it happen?
I shouldn't think I am the only one with a clue, but lately it seems that way.
I cannot even blame this on PMS< I don't have that anymore, just resounding hot flashes.
I would tell you everything, but people are looking over my shoulder reading my words, so now I have to sound mysterious and fill you in on another date, I AM SO FASCINATING>>>>>>

Is he smart? or stupid.

Andy was out Towing a car, then he went to his shop. He said Sherman leaped out and took off somewhere. Andy wasn't too worried because the dog comes back. Andy's glove was missing, he figured he had accidently kicked it out of the truck somewhere.
Sherman showed up breathless and covered in snow, thinking nothing of it, the two friends drove the wrecker off to retrieve another car, either stuck in the snow or ready for the junk yard. A few hours later they were back at the shop. Sherman again leaped out of the car and took off into the night. This time he came back with Andy's glove that he had burried in the snow. Andy thinks Sherman changed his mind or felt guilty and brought back the glove, there wasn't a chew mark on it.

Traitor Dog

CURSES!! the stupid dog has switched allegiance. He now thinks he is Andy's dog.

BLEH!

I like the snow, I like being a part of the bigger picture. I would like school if I had more time, I would rather be with Andy and Daine, and ... sherman and Phantom James. I would like to take a year off to be lazy. Oh yeah, I already am lazy.

The Viking

Such a sweet kid, my boy Daine Bennet

not james

Andy Says

Andy says my eyes are blue. (they're green)
Andy says my dog doesn't look both ways before crossing the street. ( I say use the leash (*($&($&(&@@@PP!!)
Andy says I cooked a good dinner. ( I say thanx for the KFC)
Andy says he better not find a doll in my room that looks like him with pins in its butt. ( I say, "YOU should have listened to me the first time.")
Andy says he needs a place to park all his cars. (I say, it better not have a wash machine on the back porch and a couch in front!)
Andy says Most people mean well, (I say most people show their true colors if you pay attention.)
Andy says You are a walking encyclopedia. ( I say I just know some stuff.)

the nature of baby Ava

It was a lovely evening, Andy and I took the kids out for dinner at I-hop. We were supposed to go to the Robbie Burns dinner, but the tickets were sold out.
Andy was sitting next to me, Ava was across the table from him. She stared at him suspiciously most of the meal. Finally the light dawned on her face. She had figured out what Andy was! in a growly bear voice she announced, "Grrrmmmpa" Andy was most dismayed, I was laughing my butt off and trying to get her to say it again. She doesn't usually perform on cue. She said it again and again, I think because she saw Andy's reaction. He tried to tell me he wasn't a grampa yet. However I reminded him, we had adopted him, so he was a grampa after all....

Flu Bug is going around

My cat keeps using the printer. My co-workers are getting sick.
I decided to join them. I called in two days. I work two days.
I cleaned the bathroom.... With Bleach... I ate Sonic Burger for dinner... I did not clean the kitchen.
I did not do my math homework.
I am going to bed.

BSU Resumes

Today is my first day of class. I have Social work at 9:15, and Math (yay)at 10:40.
Here we go again!
Wednesdays will be political science, and child psychology in Boise at 6:00 PM.
At least most of my classes are in Nampa this semester. I only have one class in Boise this semester.

MUHAAA HAAAA

Finally! I feel like me again.

Ruby Layne Joins her sisters

Kayla Ellen (7) Olivia Jean (5) Ava Rae (1 1/2)

Andy

The Newest New Year

Everything is kewl, the new Grand Daughter was born January3rd at twelve thirty Pm. Ruby Lane Mitchell. She is two weeks early, but doing fine. Janelle got an infection and had to stay a few days in the hospital with new baby. I don't think she minded too much, thinking about the three little girls at home makes her tired.
Ava Rae, 1 1/2 misses mommy and likes her new baby. I can see problems developing there already. She said "MINE" Daddy had to gentle pry the baby away from her, and she cried.
Did you ever meet someone and have everything click into place? His name is Andy, and he is the warmest person I have ever met, he pulled Dain and me into his heart and I think that's where we will stay.
I have never met a nicer kinder man and I am going to keep him. So the new year has brought pleasant changes for me. Wish me Luck!