tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20185290897197631332024-03-18T02:47:53.765-07:00Real Mom of OCSO MUCH MORE THAN A "REAL HOUSEWIFE".
Real Moms aren't Perfect,Perfect Moms aren't Real
RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.comBlogger232125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-2168116478508696142020-06-16T22:57:00.003-07:002020-09-08T12:34:06.376-07:00Just Followed the Right Thing FinallyMy whole life, I've never been one to follow, never run with the big crowd, the popular, the stylish, the followers. I didn't always lead, but I found my own path, sometimes with confidence, sometimes with fear, sometimes with a lack of knowledge, but for the most part, I found my way, with a few bumps, bruises, and failures, but for the most part I am proud of my path, as imperfect as it is.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Now stay with me, because we are living in absolute utter chaos and insanity. I'm watching people in complete fear, some justified, some not. I'm watching people grow to hate each other over diversity of opinion over masks. I'm watching people held hostage, their lives, careers, educations, relationships taken from them. I'm hearing and reading noise, that's all it is now is noise. There are very few media outlets that are now producing facts, they're producing propaganda and fodder. I started to do a lot of questioning, which lead to a lot of research about this Covid - 19 dilemma. I am not at risk, neither are my kids or husband, therefore, I have tapped out of the "safer at home" situation. If you or your family are at risk, I'm sorry, and take whatever precautions you're comfortable to protect yourself. In the last few weeks, I have traveled to another state, eaten at a restaurant, had people over for dinner, gone to friends house for dinner, and had some play dates, hugged my friends (the ones that want to be hugged, I respect the wishes and requirements of everyone), I have laughed, and gone back to enjoying life. Thank GOODNESS.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I realize that this is going to light some peoples ass on fire, that I'm not listening to the relentless media telling me to be fearful, and the brimstone of virus is going to crawl up my butt and inflame my respiratory system and send me to an early grave. But I kind of don't care. Honestly, it took me decades to get to a point, where I was comfortable, and confident enough in my judgement that your opinion, especially one I didn't ask for, carries no weight in my decision making, or my belief and decisions. I will continue to live cautiously, responsibly, and comfortably for my family. I recommend and suggest you do the same. Wherever you are in your Covid-19 journey, be comfortable, confident, and fearless. If you are still at home and you're happy, and experiencing no discomfort after 100 days of lockdown - more power to you. Please, however, respect those that are out and about and have moved on and are confident in their necessary steps to get back to life, work, education, livelihoods. You do you, and let me do me. This lockdown brought out the best and worst in people, and I'm guilty of some incredible anger and judgement, but I finally woke up. I'm not going to change any minds, and it's not my job to. My job is to parent my kids, and be a partner to my husband as we see fit. Your opinion of how we do it, is none of my business.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I'll be honest with you, after 8 weeks of "safer at home", I felt my life, liberties and all happiness were zapped from me and my kids. "The Cure was worse than the virus", and after weeks of research and consults, we started going out. Beach, hiking, walks, drives, nothing terribly offensive. For crying out loud though, I was called irresponsible, reprehensible, stupid, anti-vaxxer, idiot, moron, and the best yet an accomplice at murders. And I don't say that to get a reaction, and for you to feel bad for me. But I realized I am confident and strong enough in my beliefs, my convictions, and my faith, that those words didn't hurt me one bit, they didn't make me second guess, they didn't make me cower and change my mind to fit their fears and conformity. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeFlSr5cCsQ/XumvVqi-BGI/AAAAAAAB9ag/5SdQjdq61MIH0vAtiuLBMrRyD10PvpdLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot%2B2020-06-16%2B22.50.44.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="391" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeFlSr5cCsQ/XumvVqi-BGI/AAAAAAAB9ag/5SdQjdq61MIH0vAtiuLBMrRyD10PvpdLwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot%2B2020-06-16%2B22.50.44.png" width="320" /></a>The Cure was worse than the virus for me. I was not right after 2 months of what I choose to call horse manure. I want to work, I want to see my kids thrive, I want to be with my people. So when I stopped asking and expecting permission to be a responsible confident adult, I did what I wanted. A month out from those decisions, and no Covid, no doomsday, no masks, just us, living, wrapped in the armor of God, and practicing our Faith. Our Faith that is bigger than fear. Our Faith that can not live in the same house as Fear. I chose the Faith, and I chose to follow the signs I prayed for. The armor of God, protected me from the hurtful words, the judgmental Karens, and the virus.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So while I've never been a follower of the masses, I just finally had to faithfully, without hesitation follow God and the happiness returned, the life, the joy, the peace of mind. I hope you're in peace, no matter where you are in this ridiculous insanity that is our world right now.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-89249113661615959812020-05-11T22:11:00.002-07:002020-05-11T22:32:16.150-07:00What I've LearnedHere in California, we have been under some pretty restrictive lockdown because of Covid-19. Unless of course, you count that you can go to any big box store or home improvement store, and have just about anything delivered to your house. But thats it, you're at your house for 2 months, with your family. I love my family don't get me wrong, my kids are my world, but I like them to go to school - no, I LOVE them to go to school. I like me to go to work. I LOVE my husband to go to work. That's all been taken away, and frankly it sucks monkey balls. It sucks for me, it sucks for my kids, it sucks for my husband. If you're still loving quarantine life, then I need your secret.<br />
<br />
But in the midst of this I have learned new things, and some of my old tried and true convictions remain unscathed.<div><br /></div><div>Exercise ALWAYS makes my mind feel happy.</div><div>(Why do I put it off?)<br />
<br />
Cooking for 4 people 3meals a day everyday is exhausting.</div><div>
(we get take out for Taco Tuesdays, or I'd have died by now)<br />
<br />
My husband talks more than any other human being on the planet.<br />
( he has the gift of gab, and uses it - relentlessly)<br />
<br />
My son J tells some really funny jokes.<br />
(tells me at least 4 a day)<br />
<br />
My son F is a sweet happy soul.<br />
(this lockdown is real hard on him, but he's handling it incredibly well)<br />
<br />
My dogs love us being here all the time.<br />
(many walks, and lots of cuddles)<br />
I still hate laundry.<br />
<br />
Faith and Fear can not live together in the same house. (this is fact)<br />
(if I didn't have Faith in God that all will be okay, I can't imagine)<br />
<br />
Trying new things is good.<br />
(new foods, new exercises, new books, new recipes, new crafts)<br />
<br />
Learning new things is good.<br />
(Knitting, baking, cooking, and yoga)<br />
<br />
I didn't go to teacher school for a reason.<br />
(I have zero patience)</div><div><br /></div><div>Living cautiously, without fear is making this nightmare tolerable.<br />
<br />
A Roomba was the best investment I ever made.</div><div>(2 dogs, 2 kids - crumbs ALWAYS)<br />
<br />I will never buy this New Normal BS.</div><div>(I will go back to the Real Normal as soon as I won't get arrested for it)<br />
<br />
Thinking critically and independently is the best thing you'll ever do for you and your family.</div><div>(Question everything and research what hits you in the gut)<br /><div><br /></div><div>I wrote cards and mailed them, and it was refreshingly nostalgic.</div><div><br /></div><div>If I didn't have a motorcycle to ride, I don't know how this would have turned out.</div><div><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="1242" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uOqEiksj7Nw/XrovlB8JJgI/AAAAAAAB9C8/O9mNHgVALqU22Vv6vodF03FULW3H-Xq6wCK4BGAsYHg/w200-h199/IMG_9530.PNG" width="200" /></div><div>I miss my friends, and I miss my REAL NORMAL life, I'm going back to you, and you should too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay Safe, Stay Healthy, Stay Sane!</div></div>RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-52283139554733862902020-05-07T20:40:00.004-07:002020-05-07T20:50:55.945-07:00Safer At Home except for the PTSD<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><font size="2">I’ll be honest, I have not handled or am not handling this “Safer at Home” Bullshit ordered by our government, well at all for a variety of reasons.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>First one being, I HATE people any people telling me what to do. Didn’t like it when my parents did it, my teachers, I tolerated bosses because of the money.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But I really hate self-righteous sanctimonious politicians who look like they’re enjoying our plight, financial crisis, losing businesses, and literally on house arrest for doing nothing.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>But I digress.</font></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><font size="2"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></font></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><font size="2">Today I felt like I was hit in the stomach with a bat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It hit me, why I’m really struggling through this.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>In the 55 days we’ve been in quarantine, we passed a milestone, it was 11 years ago one of my kids was diagnosed with Autism.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I don’t celebrate that day, I acknowledge it, and try not to cry. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></font></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><font size="2"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></font></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</div>
<font size="2"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am feeling like this quarantine are the early dark days of Autism.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The days when I didn’t know what was happening, what was going on, how to cope, and I was a literal prisoner in my house with a newborn and 40 hours a week of ABA therapy for my son.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I couldn’t leave the house, and in those days the husband worked until 10 at night.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>It was lonely, it was sad, it was scary, people were telling me what and how to do things, and I just hated those days. My sons behavior was so unpredictable, I rarely went out,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I cognitively lost my son, I lost a motherhood that I had always dreamed of.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Those were hard days.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They were so hard.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span><br />
</font><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LV5xIx5ZVVI/XrTOt89EzOI/AAAAAAAB8-Y/JfrGQWJbpZMePsV3GlaXg9Wc19YR46ZcwCPcBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8915.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><font size="2"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1242" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LV5xIx5ZVVI/XrTOt89EzOI/AAAAAAAB8-Y/JfrGQWJbpZMePsV3GlaXg9Wc19YR46ZcwCPcBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_8915.PNG" width="267" /></font></a><font size="2"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The days were long, they were lonely, and I didn’t know anyone in my boat.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I buckled down and worked hard, and did everything within</span> my power to help my son and eventually my 2nd son was diagnosed. It was isolating, depressing, and soul crushing.<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: small;"> </span>Because as friends with typical kids grew and developed, and I saw the deficits in my kids, it was hard, and they distanced or you distanced.<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: small;"> </span>My kids wanting to watch the same movie or section of a movie over and over and their “friends” had out<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-size: small;"> </span>moved on to new things, they’d distance or I’d distance, and I was mostly alone navigating through a labyrinth of unknown. </span><br />
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">I think when my kids were 6 and 4, I found my groove, I got my jam on with other like minded moms, and they helped me up out of the dark, where I saw a light, I saw the progress in my kids, they taught me, they helped me, they loved me until I could learn to love this life I was dealt.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Even in my hard days or their hard days, I had a place to turn. I learned more about autism, I learned about never giving up, and I learned about how important it was to always be learning. I love my people, our friends, our baseball league, our dance classes, our webinars, our coffee talks. I love The Autism Community in Action and what it’s done for my family and my son.</span></span><br />
</font><div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">So what snapped in me in this “Safer At Home” nightmare is the fact that I miss my people. I need my people.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I know many feel the same, so I see you! <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>We worked so hard to provide our kids with as full of a life as possible, what most people with neuro typical children take for granted, and they have come so far, and we are locked up. LOCKED UP, can’t go any of the places that they enjoy or love, and it’s killing all of us, if you know autism, you know what I’m saying.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></span></font></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
<font size="2"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;">So to you special needs parents that are feeling that PTSD of being<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>back in those early days of isolation and the darkest days of our lives.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>I feel you, I see you, and I am praying for you.</span></span></font></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: helvetica; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 13px;">
<span class="s1" style="font-kerning: none;"></span></div>
RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-72296545443739476672020-02-17T09:34:00.000-08:002020-02-17T09:38:57.778-08:00The Unexpected Gift4 years ago this weekend, I took a class. I got my Motorcycle endorsement to legally ride a motorcycle. I had been a passenger on my husbands Harley Davidson for a little over a year, and wanted to spread my wings so to speak and try something new and get my own bike.<br />
<br />
I passed the class, passed the test, and my life was forever changed, without expecting it. I really did this, got on the back of the bike and learned to ride for my husband, it was something he loved, and we needed to shake things up a bit. Our life was a rut, a serious rut, parents of little kids with special needs your life is an appointment book of therapies and eggshell walking. So while I was aware and respectfully fearful of the risks of motorcycle riding, I took the challenge, and got a gift.<br />
<br />
I am fairly certain that Harley Davidson was largely responsible for repairing some serious cracks in our marriage. 80% of special needs parents/marriages end in divorce, for a variety of reasons. We were on a very slippery slope when I first got on the back of his bike 5 years ago. But I got on the back, and I had to touch him, trust him, listen and follow his instructions, something I fought for a long time, as a mom and a wife. But it helped, it changed us, it strengthened us.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFRFZBlJ9t4/XkrNnzpuFWI/AAAAAAAB6Ok/YFq1eCbRj7gMpmgQXgxyGryYxvs6rCBRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.12.12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="540" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZFRFZBlJ9t4/XkrNnzpuFWI/AAAAAAAB6Ok/YFq1eCbRj7gMpmgQXgxyGryYxvs6rCBRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.12.12.png" width="172" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgDHYAecymc/XkrNn4mnTZI/AAAAAAAB6Oo/u3H0M0Ai540j9mNV4BQ8FGNCpAuasy8kACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.13.36.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="919" height="147" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QgDHYAecymc/XkrNn4mnTZI/AAAAAAAB6Oo/u3H0M0Ai540j9mNV4BQ8FGNCpAuasy8kACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.13.36.png" width="200" /></a>Being on my bike, was the absolute only thing I could do, that took my mind off of my kids special needs, and all of the thoughts that come with those needs. When you're on a bike, you have to be laser focused on the road and all around you, there is no room in that tunnel for the "what if someone isn't nice to my child at school" thoughts. It brought me a relief, a strength, it rebuilt my mind, it lifted me out of a sea of motherhood sludge, it brought me respite and relief that no anti-depressant or therapist could. Now when I say that, don't think I don't love being a mom, because it was what I was born to do, I love it. I'm good at it as long as I don't have to make Pinterest projects.<br />
<br />
This gift of a motorcycle that I got turned into a lifestyle and a life. The bike gave me more of a gift than I ever thought fathomable. The <a href="http://www.ochog.org/" target="_blank">Orange Coast Harley Owners Group</a> has brought some great relationships, we have seen roads and sights that you never experience in a car. I have ridden my bike over the Golden Gate Bridge, through a Giant Redwood, I have ridden and stopped in the Fabulous Five National Parks in Utah. My adventures will continue on my Harley.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAO6ufGQz3A/XkrNn9g3JtI/AAAAAAAB6Og/Ha4oItw9J_IJAAtNuO1OwLmZ61xLs3aZACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.11.58.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="598" data-original-width="926" height="128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QAO6ufGQz3A/XkrNn9g3JtI/AAAAAAAB6Og/Ha4oItw9J_IJAAtNuO1OwLmZ61xLs3aZACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.11.58.png" width="200" /></a>So as I reflect on this anniversary that significantly altered my life for the better, I want to thank Harley Davidson for the gift and the lifestyle and the fun and adventure and bringing me back to life.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOvDjhAp6vQ/XkrNokHTYAI/AAAAAAAB6Os/2ZXBwTOch3gc1m4tCf5KdF1oT_VLlaUTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.16.26.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1039" height="128" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AOvDjhAp6vQ/XkrNokHTYAI/AAAAAAAB6Os/2ZXBwTOch3gc1m4tCf5KdF1oT_VLlaUTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.16.26.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afwKNw_CRDE/XkrNomBlAvI/AAAAAAAB6Ow/XR4zPTmTrTc12NtEvht8jRIzxV8cdmz2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.19.53.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="661" height="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-afwKNw_CRDE/XkrNomBlAvI/AAAAAAAB6Ow/XR4zPTmTrTc12NtEvht8jRIzxV8cdmz2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.19.53.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GtXNsPOjJY/XkrNo3BNKzI/AAAAAAAB6O0/flokd3B4Vkc9Es_foCS0fmFSGKgFHhnqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.23.41.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="552" data-original-width="422" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7GtXNsPOjJY/XkrNo3BNKzI/AAAAAAAB6O0/flokd3B4Vkc9Es_foCS0fmFSGKgFHhnqwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.23.41.png" width="152" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1Zq0fHf2_U/XkrNpBKW8zI/AAAAAAAB6O4/bzNpZ-isQ_0jGVn_WYTHQ6OQdzF90SXawCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.24.35.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="552" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d1Zq0fHf2_U/XkrNpBKW8zI/AAAAAAAB6O4/bzNpZ-isQ_0jGVn_WYTHQ6OQdzF90SXawCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.24.35.png" width="198" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ims969dY48U/XkrNpCAZq9I/AAAAAAAB6O8/u8ktgCdWQd8Hdhwq505TJGFN2P1D0PLSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.29.44.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="945" height="138" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ims969dY48U/XkrNpCAZq9I/AAAAAAAB6O8/u8ktgCdWQd8Hdhwq505TJGFN2P1D0PLSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Screenshot%2B2020-02-17%2B09.29.44.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-60297474106358047232020-01-01T03:40:00.002-08:002020-01-01T03:40:39.024-08:00The growing pains decade to the Roaring 20'sMy life is good, I am grateful, and I am happy. Sitting here sick, and watching social media, and reading every one's end of decade lists, and what they've been through and where they are going, and it just got me to thinking, because I live by the seat of my pants and am most of the time I'm just trying to catch my breath and fold some laundry while driving, working, raising children, being married and keeping some modicum of order. What really happened in this decade? Holy crap, it was good, it was bad, and some stuff was really ugly.<br />
<br />
2000's - The Decade I became a real Grown Up, met/married the husband, changed careers, bought houses, sold houses, had 2 babies, lost a parent, survived a shitty economy.<br />
<br />
The 2010's while they started out with a bam, we had a new 1 year old and a 3 year old recently diagnosed with autism, he was just starting pre-school, my husband had a great job. Things were not ideal, but we were managing, and making headway and grieving what was a fairly seriously life changing medical diagnosis for our first born. But starting in 2010 we had a snowball effect of great and devastating circumstances that would take any sane person for a loop.<br />
<br />
In 2010 we were adjusting to autism, and the therapies that come with it, when I was diagnosed with cancer. 6 months of surgeries, I was cancer free and rebuilt. My first TACA meeting.<br />
<br />
2011- Our 2nd child was diagnosed with autism, the crushing blow took away my breath and faith. I started my blog.<br />
<br />
2012 - I took my health and sanity back and tried to heal, met some other autism moms and started running. It did something for me, it helped heal my heart, clear my head, and with every step that hit the pavement I released some heartache, and gained some strength. Autism started to not sleep, probably the most brutal time. Lost 80 lbs.<br />
<br />
2013 - I ran my first half marathon, I ran my 2nd half marathon, I accepted what autism was in our lives, and started working on ways to help my kids have better lives than the crap diagnosis and pathetic life the system sets them up for. We got Disneyland Annual Passes, and I loved it, it put my kids out in the real world, and forced them to grow. My first TACA Conference<br />
<br />
2014 - The Sleepless Years - Autism Slept - Rarely, it was brutal. The behavior years, my son was hurting, it was palpable. The tears flowed freely, his behavior was off the charts, and the school district, doctors, and family were helpless. The first time I sued the school district, and won and started our AAC Journey.<br />
<br />
2015 - The Year Harley Davidson entered our life. The year my kids finally started to love the beach, our first big family road trip, Disneyland, Knotts Berry Farm, new school for one kid, and many many cool things for Jackson. This was a good year, this was the year I had the most Autism hope since diagnosis. Jackson was in a school play.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzUpie9qfoM/Xgx_-Lh3hKI/AAAAAAAB5EM/KUODQnR-6JA6JxYEQUm8sjZgBJp5bbSjwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/EAE0A19B-CFBC-4529-BD1B-8B2EC4EB5B6D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kzUpie9qfoM/Xgx_-Lh3hKI/AAAAAAAB5EM/KUODQnR-6JA6JxYEQUm8sjZgBJp5bbSjwCKgBGAsYHg/s200/EAE0A19B-CFBC-4529-BD1B-8B2EC4EB5B6D.jpg" width="112" /></a>2016 - Road Trips, Beach Days, Lake Days, Fun, Family, and the day that changed our lives. A traumatic brain injury, someone let my son get hurt, some people didn't care he got hurt. His recovery was torturous, painful, and it was a devastating setback for him. "Friends" walked away from us, because they're of the opinion "no voice no value" and because my son can't physically talk, they really didn't think he deserved dignity, safety or respect. last time I ran a half marathon. I got my motorcycle license and my own Harley Davidson. The adventure began.<br />
<br />
2017 - AMAZING NEW SCHOOL for Franklin, Jackson found things he loved, music, dance, sports, going to Angel games, USC games, road trips, beach days, lake days, Disney days. With the horrible effects of post concussion syndrome took a toll on our family and my sweet boy Franklin. Unreal new Harley Davidson adventures, first vacation without the kids. Menopause. Laid off of a job.<br />
<br />
2018 - Franklin's health improved significantly, and we started to see some strides from his horrible setback. Jackson was in a school play, played baseball, loved to stay with grandparents overnight. Fantastic road adventures on the Harley through Utah and all the beauty of the National Parks. Laid off of a job.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mTYl5-v3Ck/Xgx_-FPAFdI/AAAAAAAB5EM/o-tROKbKcbQB-Zk7W9jyFtfql7-Sc9gtwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8671.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3mTYl5-v3Ck/Xgx_-FPAFdI/AAAAAAAB5EM/o-tROKbKcbQB-Zk7W9jyFtfql7-Sc9gtwCKgBGAsYHg/s200/IMG_8671.HEIC" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMdW71vxb2g/XgyAz4-83WI/AAAAAAAB5EY/Ix-IsjopHksmC-qkzXHRd4nb1eup68uQwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/726257F0-FA3D-4FAF-832B-C84634A12C6D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FMdW71vxb2g/XgyAz4-83WI/AAAAAAAB5EY/Ix-IsjopHksmC-qkzXHRd4nb1eup68uQwCKgBGAsYHg/s200/726257F0-FA3D-4FAF-832B-C84634A12C6D.jpg" width="112" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkLMjb2WAMM/Xgx_-Gq5ksI/AAAAAAAB5EM/XwpZ5MRdeiMnpz2vNiBGyhw8kXHDmmDDgCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_9126.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="727" height="169" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hkLMjb2WAMM/Xgx_-Gq5ksI/AAAAAAAB5EM/XwpZ5MRdeiMnpz2vNiBGyhw8kXHDmmDDgCKgBGAsYHg/s200/IMG_9126.PNG" width="200" /></a>2019 - Wow, kids in puberty, schools, health, things for my kids are great. We gave up our Disney passes this year, it was sad, but we were grateful for all the things Disney provided to our kids growth. Working always working, keeping our financial heads above water, loving our journeys that Harley Davidson provides us. Grateful always grateful I'm a Real Mom and not a Real Housewife. Lost 2 good friends to Cancer, and was brought back into<br />
<br />
This decade was good, bad and ugly. There are things I want to bring back for the "Roaring 20's", and things I want to let go of, dreams I have for myself, my kids and our family. I think the blog is coming back more frequent and regular, running is coming back, hopefully hot flashes will go away. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-VJuAg57EU/Xgx_-Ey3tBI/AAAAAAAB5EM/Sf63RQaafoUTUGdO__Jy1UlyIewmd9AIwCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_8991.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L-VJuAg57EU/Xgx_-Ey3tBI/AAAAAAAB5EM/Sf63RQaafoUTUGdO__Jy1UlyIewmd9AIwCKgBGAsYHg/s200/IMG_8991.HEIC" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9NS98qLJzI/XgyAzx8npXI/AAAAAAAB5EY/EIhJRjAJRScCbiP0xIBGcj--8y3RfHkvQCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_7815.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1203" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q9NS98qLJzI/XgyAzx8npXI/AAAAAAAB5EY/EIhJRjAJRScCbiP0xIBGcj--8y3RfHkvQCKgBGAsYHg/s320/IMG_7815.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So Bring it on 2020. We're ready for you. :)<br />
<br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-54777151973052767152019-10-22T18:04:00.002-07:002019-10-22T18:04:34.958-07:00Life Lessons of the Week
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="376">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hashtag"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Unresolved Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Link"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:swiss;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-520082689 -1073697537 9 0 511 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Baghdad;
panose-1:1 0 5 0 0 0 0 2 0 4;
mso-font-charset:178;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-2147475453 -2147483648 8 0 64 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:"Baskerville Old Face";
panose-1:2 2 6 2 8 5 5 2 3 3;
mso-font-charset:77;
mso-generic-font-family:roman;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:8.5in 11.0in;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">Autism is hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is always going to be hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But the hard gets different.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">Your journey is the destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Always savor where you are at.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">Celebrate the small wins, they are just as
important as big wins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmCmFQw9o3U/Xa-m91Ogr6I/AAAAAAAB3_I/Y4Iuf6OfzfI12B_EM-it4veGOkNKrsajgCKgBGAsYHg/s1600/IMG_2892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DmCmFQw9o3U/Xa-m91Ogr6I/AAAAAAAB3_I/Y4Iuf6OfzfI12B_EM-it4veGOkNKrsajgCKgBGAsYHg/s200/IMG_2892.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">Keep your circus tent small. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">Vaccine Injury is Real.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be kind to those families whose kids are
injured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">California is a HOT Mess, but the weather is nice,
that’s becoming not enough though.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">When I exercise I’m so much better in my head, the
rest is a bonus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">Nothing about the Real Housewives is real. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">Your opinion of you is all that’s important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">Hugs from friends you rarely see are amazing!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">Happiness is a choice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Baskerville Old Face",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Baghdad;">Men can not have babies. Biologically impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-87779702000915837652019-03-17T21:29:00.000-07:002019-03-17T21:29:21.083-07:00They Said He was Unteachable<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I relive that day in our IEP meeting with my son's "team", as a 1st grader I was told by several, he was unteachable, unengaged, and unwilling to cooperate, and I should consider taking him out of school. He was 6/7 years old then, and I was riddled with anger and heartbreak. These were EDUCATORS, and they were giving up on a little boy with autism, because he couldn't talk. Because he didn't fit in the box of the neurotypical child that they determined worthy, nor did he fit in the much smaller box of autism that they deem acceptable to teach in their ONE way that they offer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You suffer these blows from educators, medical professionals, and many in the community often as a parent to children with special needs, especially parent of children that have no physical voice or functional communication. They expect you to accept their mediocrity, and one way style of teaching. They expect you to take their lies and laziness as "we're doing everything we can". They also expect you to accept them not treating your child with dignity and respect because they have no voice, to tell you that the professionals, teacher and therapists are killing their souls and not presuming competence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am going to say this that there are A LOT of AMAZING SPECIAL EDUCATION PROFESSIONALS, and we have been honored to have them. I am not ignorant to that fact at all. We have been blessed with some teachers that have brought my son back from the darkest place, after years of being warehoused, marginalized, neglected to the point of being put in the ICU. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have been tired of the overplayed excuses from teachers and therapists with all the things he CAN'T do. They never gave him a chance, offering him a whole 15 minutes of speech, including walking time. But I digress.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As a mom, you have the PhD on your kid. You do. I do, I barely made it out of high school, but NO ONE knows my kids better than me, no one knows when he crinkles his nose what is about to come, when he cocks his head to the left he's happy. He hates the back of his head being touched, but he loves his forehead being rubbed. You just know your kid, because they are a part of you. It did take me awhile to get my Autism Mom Wings and fly with them, but once I did, the world became so much more open and available to him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have followed moms who have walked this treacherous, exhausting, exhilarating, and overwhelming path before me, and if I see something working for their child, I bother them, I ask them, "what did you do?", "can you help me?", "where can I find that?" "What is my next step?" The kids, the kids have always been my evidence, and all I need really to be willing to try new supplements, diets, methods, treatments. If it's working on kids in my circle and I can do some research and see it's working for others, we have nothing to lose to try something.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We have embarked on this new journey for about a year, and I finally feel like I have my wings and I can sort of fly solo with it. We are doing a program called Rapid Prompting Method which <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">is used to teach academics, and communication is also taught in the process. Despite behaviors, the academic focus of every RPM lesson is designed to activate the reasoning part of the brain so that the student becomes distracted by and engaged in learning.</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFV4PaHxCxw/XI8dZlxPMQI/AAAAAAABtqk/Lte-TZZDEKgSUELth6a35CC79duoIE6xwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2556.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jFV4PaHxCxw/XI8dZlxPMQI/AAAAAAABtqk/Lte-TZZDEKgSUELth6a35CC79duoIE6xwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_2556.mp4" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">RPM is distinct from other methods as it is based upon how the brain works. The aim is to bring the student to maximum learning through the open learning channel and to elicit the best (not simply to test) out of the child to enable maximum output in that given time. As a student's cognitive and motor proficiency increases, the sophistication of a student's response also improves.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">RPM uses prompting to initiate a student's independent response, without physical support. In addition to teaching letter-chart pointing, RPM also utilizes stencils and other drawing exercises to lead to independent handwriting.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In a nutshell, I just have to say to all of those at those IEP meetings who said, he was not teachable - YOU WASTED A CRAP TON OF MONEY ON YOUR DEGREES. YOU ARE WRONG, and YOU OWE HIM AN APOLOGY! This kid has chops, he knows stuff, he has absorbed more than you can even fathom. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For example for fun tonight we did a few lessons - here are some of the questions, and his answers.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What part of the body does a rattle snake shake to make noise? - a T-A-I-L (so he knows the answer and how to spell it)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you are watching a sunset, are you facing East, West, North or South? W-E-S-T </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Name the Tallest Mountain on Earth - Everest or Whitney? E-V-E-R-E-S-T </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">How Many Quarters make $.75 - 3</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">He knows stuff, a lot of stuff, different stuff, how to spell, he has opinions, I was told his functional communication would be just communicating his needs for food and toys. Boy did they underestimate him.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">UNTEACHABLE - that's what they said. Well this journey we are on is now about to soar like a rocket ship. I hope you follow along in our journey. This is the part where I get to say It's Not Game Over because of Autism, It's GAME ON!!! </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-33128632228002552662019-02-26T09:21:00.001-08:002019-02-26T10:18:57.481-08:00I went "ALL IN" on CBD I am a mom of 2 boys with Autism and one of them on the more impacted side of the spectrum. Because of a mostly ignorant, unhelpful and inadequate healthcare system and medical professionals, I am as many autism families are, constantly on the research path to help our kids with other co-morbid diagnosis they suffer from. Because "that's just autism" isn't an acceptable answer when your kid is suffering with:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>constant crying</li>
<li>constipation</li>
<li>rashes</li>
<li>insomnia</li>
<li>ticks</li>
<li>vomiting</li>
<li>anxiety</li>
<li>inflammation</li>
<li>aggression</li>
<li>seizures</li>
</ul>
There are doctors that are willing to help kids with autism they are few and far between. Medical treatment for kids with autism is grossly inadequate and borders on malpractice for the most part.<br />
<br />
My 12 year old is more severe, non verbal, and has suffered from many other symptoms that multiple doctors have never wanted to get to the bottom of, but they basically wanted to medicate him to the point of him being a "thorazine shuffle" kind of kid, to keep him and me quiet and out of the doctors office. When he was 5 we were in a very bad way, his behavior that was mostly self injurious continued to get bad to the point where I feared for his safety constantly, and the only help that I was offered was anti-psychotics from Neurologists and Psychiatrists. My gut told me this wasn't right, but my physical exhaustion and emotional state won, and we elected to put him on Respirodol. What a nightmare. The relief it brought him, was not near the side effects, and the more I did research the more I realized I did the wrong thing. This was no solution for him.<br />
<br />
I AM NOT A DOCTOR AND AM NOT SAYING TAKE YOUR KIDS OFF OF MEDS, FOR MY SON IT WAS NOT THE SOLUTION. MEDICATIONS ARE NECESSARY FOR SOME PEOPLE. BUT SEEK YOUR OWN MEDICAL ADVICE.<br />
<br />
I had seen a segment on 60 minutes about Charlotte's Web Hemp CBD oil and the miracles it was working for people with Epilepsy, Apraxia, Autism and Cancer. So I ordered some, this was before it was legal in California, so I could only acquire it from the grower in Colorado, and it was pricey. But I always will try anything once. While the results of this product I tried for about 6 months were not what others got, there was still some benefit to it. The best way I can describe it is that it took some of the "Steam" out of my son. He wasn't tense, his vocal stereotypy was decreased, his screaming decreased, his pacing decreased. For us it did not bring language, sleep, or cure his autism. I was a little disappointed and felt I was sold some really expensive snake oil, but was happy for those who it brought a complete benefit for.I didn't continue this brand, because the benefit vs. expense wasn't working for us.<br />
<br />
In late 2016 my son was involved in an accident at school and suffered a traumatic brain injury after a file cabinet fell on him (don't even ask - but sheer stupidity, selfishness and a lack of common sense were the cause). But moving on, this injury caused me as a mom to dig deep, I was hurt, scared, angry, and disappointed in EVERYONE. This was the period of time where we learned first hand how absolutely neglectful and incompetent medical personnel were. This was were we experienced people in medical, legal, education and our community that the attitude was that because he had no voice, he had autism, that his life had no significant value. That was the hardest biggest and most sour pill I have ever had to swallow in my life. Time heals all wounds, but leaves scars for sure.<br />
<br />
The symptoms and all that come along with a grade 2 concussion, are no joke, and don't go away with a pill or a visit to the doctor and a vaccination. My son suffered a loss of skills - life skills that we had acquired over the years, loss of potty training at 9 years old, loss of the ability to make full sentences on his communication device, migraines, vagus nerve damage, insomnia, PTSD, anxiety and self injurious behavior trying to alleviate his own headaches. He spent the better part of 2 years in his room in the dark mostly crying. The Concussion Clinic at Children's Hospital Orange County denied him as a patient because of his autism (after waiting 7 months for an appointment) - their reason was they couldn't get an accurate assessment on him because he couldn't talk. It was complete horse shit, they just chose to discriminate on a case that would cause them to actually have to do work other than prescribe a pain pill.<br />
<br />
In the midst of this absolute shit storm of symptoms Post Concussion Syndrome was ruining us, it was painful, stressful, and we were utterly on an island alone. One day we were at Disneyland with another family, and my son lost his mind, it was anxiety, panic attack, pain - and you just don't want that to happen at Disneyland for the sheer crowd factor, you can't get out, you can't get help, and every loser this side of the Mississippi River is staring at you, without offering a single ounce of help. Our friends who have a son who was going through a medical issue offered us some CBD Tincture oil to help. 40 minutes after taking the oil, it brought relief, relief, visible change in his attitude, body, mind and soul. Not like what I had seen before, where it just sort of took the edge off, this was actual relief.<br />
<br />
I was given a huge shot of hope, and the rejuvenated belief that there was something that would relieve his pain, anxiety, and trauma. So after I picked myself up, brushed myself off, I found a new resolve and gratitude and the energy and stamina to help my son, rather than just survive his injury, pain, and trauma. We had a little bottle of oil, and it changed everything. EVERYTHING. The brand we had used was Papa & Barkley 1:30 Tincture Oil - It is 30 parts CBD oil, and 1 part THC. This oil seemed to have the kick that we needed neurologically, physically, and emotionally to bring a kind of comfort to him that we had never seen. <br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUby0-bnQM8/XHVySmGnFAI/AAAAAAABtb8/xPcUO0gN28EzM1j8_GkTVqTFV5YzNusZACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2019-02-26%2B08.41.36.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="329" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUby0-bnQM8/XHVySmGnFAI/AAAAAAABtb8/xPcUO0gN28EzM1j8_GkTVqTFV5YzNusZACLcBGAs/s200/Screenshot%2B2019-02-26%2B08.41.36.png" width="197" /></a><br />
In the year we have been using CBD on our son, he has been relieved of most pain, the migraines were cut in half almost immediately, anxiety is much lower, gut issues are being alleviated, and sleep OMG SLEEP, finally after years. And all of this with no side effects, he doesn't get high, his blood work is super clean, no pre-diabetes like the Respirdol had brought on, no sweats, no dry mouth, none of the other crap that heavy duty pain killers and anti-psychotics bring with them. The only think mainstream medicine offered was a prescription pad and medications that were completely inadequate and inappropriate for a child suffering. The pharmaceuticals left him drooling, constipated, and quiet, which then doctors would say, "well this is all we can do, it is severe autism, you need to accept this Mrs. Goddard" BULLSHIT - would anyone accept that for their kid? Why was I expected to because he couldn't talk? <a href="http://www.papaandbarkley.com/" target="_blank">Papa & Barkley</a> gave my son a mostly pain free life, free from anxiety (for the most part), it allows him to sleep through the night about 90% of the time. When I added Chiropractic care into his repertoire with the CBD we had the game changer. The adjustments from <a href="http://www.gravityspinal.com/" target="_blank">Gravity Spinal Chiropractic</a> and the care from Dr. VanSeters was sincere, frequent, and good. It added to my childs recovery, and brought comfort, contentment and extrication from the grips of Post Concussion Syndrome and some of the more severe aspects of Autism.<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QXlRWFyzlA/XHVz7YhQD6I/AAAAAAABtcI/te_MNHlWKe0oNS97LihLDqIkon3vDi8ygCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2019-02-26%2B09.13.52.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="407" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4QXlRWFyzlA/XHVz7YhQD6I/AAAAAAABtcI/te_MNHlWKe0oNS97LihLDqIkon3vDi8ygCLcBGAs/s200/Screenshot%2B2019-02-26%2B09.13.52.png" width="136" /></a><br />
My gratitude exists on many levels for this discovery, because I think when I did find it, I was just days away from completely giving up on<br />
him, and accepting that his life was more screwed and sad than it was with just an autism diagnosis. This is just our experience, this is in no way intended as a medical recommendation for you. This is our experience, strength and hope for families with Autism, who have basically been locked out of good care, because of Autism. This helped us, it brought my son comfort, it alleviated his injury, and cracked the shell of autism, where we can and are able to bring further recovery and he can come out of the dark. Thank you Dr. Brandon, and thank you Papa & Barkley, and thank you Mrs. Lopez for sharing the oil with us on that fateful day at the Happiest Place on Earth.<br />
<br />
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/QS7qLDizDYo?start=39" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com303tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-46616848388897994362019-02-11T23:54:00.002-08:002019-02-11T23:54:37.567-08:00Life Lessons of the WeekLessons are good, sometimes they're painful, but they bring growth, they sometimes bring tears, but the hurt heals, the bad becomes good or great, and the cycle of life continues.<br />
<br />
1) People that hurt or desert you when you were down, they were never ever your people.<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcK5HrOXvBY/XGJ7kOCUAoI/AAAAAAABtZk/v4Fa7vIgXrw1GmsyoV7e7wYAi26UBI9mwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2019-02-11%2B23.50.54.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="503" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcK5HrOXvBY/XGJ7kOCUAoI/AAAAAAABtZk/v4Fa7vIgXrw1GmsyoV7e7wYAi26UBI9mwCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2019-02-11%2B23.50.54.png" width="241" /></a><br />
2) Mean Girls sadly didn't end in high school<br />
<br />
3) Time doesn't always heal all wounds, but it opens your eyes which brings the healing<br />
<br />
4)The Instant Pot is the greatest invention of this century<br />
<br />
5) A 4th grade boy and his first crush is terrifying AF to his mom<br />
<br />
6) The Gas Light in my car doesn't scare me<br />
<br />
7) My parents are awesome<br />
<br />
8) Save your money<br />
<br />
9) Make Wise Spending choices<br />
<br />
10) Read More Books<br />
<br />
11) Walk away from anything you can't change<br />
<br />
12) Pray More<br />
<br />
13) Ride a Harley Davidson more often (it will change your life)<br />
<br />
14) Hydrate Hydrate HydrateRealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-58715039603107488322018-10-08T17:51:00.000-07:002018-10-08T17:51:04.465-07:00Stumped and SadThat Autism. My God, there are just some days, I can't get past what it has robbed my children of. It's robbed them of being caring. It's robbed them of compassion, it's robbed them of empathy, it's robbed them of being a part of community, because autism makes them self-centered. To other children neuro typical children this makes them look like jerks and not good friends, so the isolation continues. We have been in social skills for years, and they have come a long long way from where they were, and I do not forget that. But there is an element missing, and it's caring.<br />
<br />
My 9 year old, loves to be around people, loves to be the center of attention. But that's just it, he wants to be the center and if you're not catering to him and his obsession, the amount of poops he could give about what your kid or you have to say is zero. Well that's not relationship building, and kids don't like it. Even other kids with autism don't like that, because the want to be the center of their own universe too, AND I GET IT. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edPDtjV7Xsw/W7v7S05ZNqI/AAAAAAABmeY/Au7XeYAfChs3NIc09kfyj_g9bSS0KSL0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-10-08%2B17.42.46.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="454" data-original-width="483" height="187" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-edPDtjV7Xsw/W7v7S05ZNqI/AAAAAAABmeY/Au7XeYAfChs3NIc09kfyj_g9bSS0KSL0gCLcBGAs/s200/Screenshot%2B2018-10-08%2B17.42.46.png" width="200" /></a>I don't know how to teach that. I can teach potty training to an 11 year old, I can feed a kid who will only eat 2 things, I can calm a tantrum down, I can not go to the bathroom for 2 hours because I'm trying to teach my son not to bang his head on the wall, I can teach him how to put on socks and shoes, I can teach him how to catch a ball, I can teach him math, I can teach him to ride a bike, flip on a trampoline, swim, body surf, I can teach him so many things, but I can't teach him how to care - care about himself, me, his friends, his life. The indifference is infuriating and frustrating, and confusing and my heart breaks for them. Because you see as they grow up, their typical peers don't like that crap, they want to feel like they are valued in a relationship, and THEY SHOULD BE.<br />
<br />
I guess I'm asking, because I don't know how to do it. I'm not the perfect mom, I am an autism mom, and I like most of us in Autismville, have had to learn how to be a teacher, lawyer, cook, scientist, OT, PT, Speech Pathologist, Psychologist, Mario Kart Master, Ipad Repair extraordinaire, but I don't know how to teach him to care. Yeah we can do that ABA train him like a dog, to ask 2 or 3 exchanges of questions, but when we aren't there to prompt the shit out of that, what happens? Those are the questions that keep me up all night.<br />
<br />
How do I...........(FILL IN THE BLANK)? How do I make him care? What am I missing? Am I the Only One? What Actually Happens When I'm Not There? <br />
<br />
My heart hurt all day today, and I think that's why.RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-47092342503914098722018-09-25T18:03:00.004-07:002018-09-25T18:03:55.878-07:00I did it! I ran, I actually ran<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjVMqXt9cdc/T6hThXp0-PI/AAAAAAAAAWA/dOqcwH6QxpcvAkiu6yXcvnPdDNiCG5qFwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/finishlinemarathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjVMqXt9cdc/T6hThXp0-PI/AAAAAAAAAWA/dOqcwH6QxpcvAkiu6yXcvnPdDNiCG5qFwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/finishlinemarathon.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My FIRST Half Marathon 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I remember when I started running 8 years ago, and it was painful, and it took my time to get my wind up, my stamina, my stride well, and it took awhile before I actually felt like a runner and I ran some races. I got through the awkward, the painful, and made myself an athlete at 42, after kids and cancer and 2 autism diagnosis. Running I am pretty much saved my sanity.<br />
<br />
2 years ago after my son was injured at school, I went dark, I stopped, just stopped. I ran a half marathon 2 days after his injury and haven't run since.<br />
<br />
In these 2 years, I gained weight, went a little crazy, had a little PTSD, and seriously injured kid to care for, and a lot of tears to shed.<br />
<br />
Well we have all turned the corner, he is finally on a road to a better place, I am ready to get out of this sick mind, and chubby body and get my MOJO and my happy back. <br />
<br />
As an autism mom, I am the first to neglect myself, and care for everyone else and what they need and want until I'm exhausted enough to not do anything for myself. Well I'm changing that today. I realized that caring for my kids, especially as they get older, bigger, stronger. I need to get healthier because I am all they have. I learned a lot of lessons, there is not anyone that cares what happens to them. We don't have anyone that would step up if something was to happen to them. So my self-care will be guilt free (maybe) and not selfish. It's just like if I needed to take a chemo infusion if I had cancer - I NEED IT, THEY NEED IT. My care is essential to their care.<br />
<br />
So I am not sure where I'm running to if I'm going to train for a race, for now it's just more of a therapeutic thing. I have to lose the awkward, get back in runners shape, lose the summer 20 I put on, and figure out if I'm going to do a race, or just I don't know, I just don't know. RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-35008973680627828812018-09-03T21:41:00.000-07:002018-09-03T21:41:20.930-07:00My Last Long Meaningful RunMy last long meaningful run was September 4, 2016, it was a Sunday, it was the Disneyland Half Marathon. I was so excited training for it and doing it, and I had a <a href="https://sparkleathletic.com/" target="_blank">Sparkle Athletic</a> skirt that I got for it, I raised money for my favorite charity (<a href="https://tacanow.org/" target="_blank">Talk About Curing Autism)</a>. It's always a thrill to do a RunDisney event, and get treated like cattle and put in our pens at 4 am. All joking aside RunDisney events are magical and I've seen people that couldn't on a great day run 13 feet bust out 13 miles in a Chewbacca costume - for real!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-POLBF6p9xJc/W44K1yeNrGI/AAAAAAABmLY/QkUFUJ-g-awzRebm7uzXluneNhAYs0q2gCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-09-03%2B21.31.34.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="832" data-original-width="925" height="287" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-POLBF6p9xJc/W44K1yeNrGI/AAAAAAABmLY/QkUFUJ-g-awzRebm7uzXluneNhAYs0q2gCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-09-03%2B21.31.34.png" width="320" /></a>Two Years Ago, two long, life changing, therapeutic growing years. This race was sort of my runner come back, I had lost my mojo, and wasn't all that into it, but I trained and was ready felt strong, and couldn't wait to run. <br />
<br />
There is a a whole ritual to participating in a <a href="http://www.rundisney.com/" target="_blank">Run Disney </a>event, and going to the Race Expo, and picking up your packet. On this particular race, I was lucky enough to beat the crowds and go on the first day of the Expo, right after I dropped my kids at school, I was able to head over to the Disneyland Hotel and pick up my packet, and then I got this phone call hysterical phone call in the basement of the Disneyland Hotel. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My son was injured at school and rushed to the ER via ambulance. I was 30-45 minutes away from him, and felt like the shittiest mother on earth. My sons life was forever changed, our lives were upside down, and I was struck with a horrible sadness, inadequacy, and feeling of failure and an incredible disappointment in myself and so many that I thought should have had his back. The injury and incident, changed us, me as a mother, us as a family, and traumatically effected my son who is still recovering. But this is something for another post. He is on a good path now and almost fully recovered, so we are grateful for that.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wavCWjTzmFY/W44LEVku3eI/AAAAAAABmLc/3s-XjtzTr-wNp8IRNHI3Q6mkGhRFi7qPACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-09-03%2B21.32.47.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wavCWjTzmFY/W44LEVku3eI/AAAAAAABmLc/3s-XjtzTr-wNp8IRNHI3Q6mkGhRFi7qPACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-09-03%2B21.32.47.png" /></a>But to race day. It was 3 days post accident, the day after my son was released from the hospital, and I decided with consultations with my husband, that I could leave for 6 hours and run the race. <br />
13 - point - 1 friggin miles of tears. 13.1 miles of PTSD, 13.1 miles that I didn't want to run, I wanted to be with my little one. I wanted to hold him and protect him and the mom guilt kicked my ass for even doing anything like that for myself.<br />
<br />
I came home and basically hung up my H<a href="http://www.hokaoneone.com/" target="_blank">oka</a><a href="http://www.hokaoneone.com/" target="_blank"> One's </a>and went on recovery mode for my kid. I had to learn a whole new injury, syndrome and how to help it recover with an already challenged kid with severe autism. I was just a journey I needed to take, and I don't really have a reason or excuse why I didn't really run anymore. The few times I tried to take a run, my head went to a dark place, so I just went to the gym or my garage and worked out 1 mile from where my child was, and not 30 miles from him. It was weird, I felt like I had a little control of his safety if I was close to him, I can't even explain my shattered feelings and reasons why. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdktGiZFHlA/W44LzzRzExI/AAAAAAABmLs/6CIv-DwzPyAu741O3xzAG5qFZqjvF5fZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-09-03%2B21.36.04.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="699" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YdktGiZFHlA/W44LzzRzExI/AAAAAAABmLs/6CIv-DwzPyAu741O3xzAG5qFZqjvF5fZwCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-09-03%2B21.36.04.png" width="308" /></a>But anyway, my body needs it now, my mind needs it now, and I think my son and husband needs the me that used to run, and like to run, and felt empowered, independent and strong when I run. I ran 10 half marathons. I didn't win them, I didn't even come close, but I finished, and from the fat farm I came from it was quite the damn accomplishment. So I'm gonna add running back into my repertoire. I'm not sure I'm ready for a race, but I think I can see myself doing a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving, and maybe a half marathon on Super Bowl Sunday. <br />
<br />
My son is recovering from a traumatic brain injury, my chubby buns can get out and run. Like I always said my $100 running shoes were the best therapy I ever had. I'm back, I feel it, I need it, I am back. Let's do this!<br />
<br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-78532815431789918562018-09-01T22:10:00.000-07:002018-09-02T20:43:33.615-07:00Back to School ---- With HopeI am usually the mom doing the happy dance when kids go back to school. As an Autism mom, summer is sometimes really really really long. After many years of work, finding my kids "thing", and doing our best to set the kids up for success, I was a little sad to see this summer come to an end.<br />
<br />
Being a special needs parent and starting a new school year is incredibly stressful, the uncertainty, the new teacher, new room, new kids, new schedule. The district I live in is incredibly negligent and irresponsible where Special Education population is concerned, the anxiety goes on all year. You never know what is going to happen at school, and frankly the schools are no longer about education. I haven't figured out what the hell they're doing but they are not interested in educating special needs kids, they are more like a mediocre babysitter. So we prep, prime the kid, and hope and pray for the best. The jury is still out on the teacher and his aide, I'll give them time to get their feet wet with the kids, if I don't see progress by back to school night, then my charming but firm side will come out.<br />
<br />
I make a very valiant effort to start the school with giving the administration, principal, and special education departments the benefit of the doubt, and try to swallow that they "have our kids best interests at heart". I'm going to really try this year, I'm going to try to not yell, scream, and freak out when my kid is being marginalized, forgotten, and excluded from things because their classroom is at the back of the school, not encouraging inclusion. When they leave a kid on a playground that can't talk, I won't let them have it. When a kid gets out of school that can't talk, I won't call them incompetent. When a kid goes home with a bruise, scrape, or bite mark and we are told we are not entitled to an incident, or "he fell". None of this is over dramatic imagination, this stuff happens to special education children, especially non verbal ones, EVERY SINGLE DAY all over the country.<br />
<br />
But this year I'm not screaming at people after the fact. But I'm going to try and plead to their common sense and decency, because the reactionary mom is just as bad as a reactionary school I am usually the mom doing the happy dance when kids go back to school. As an Autism mom, summer is sometimes really really really long. After many years of work, finding my kids "thing", and doing our best to set the kids up for success, I was a little sad to see this summer come to an end.<br />
<br />
But this year I'm not screaming at people after the fact. But I'm going to try and plead to Administrators of school districts everywhere.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Please to Special Education Teachers, and Staff. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>These are our children. We love them, we worship them, they are tiny humans just like the neurotypical kids. Please protect them, follow their IEP, work with the parents to make the kid as successful as you can. Please assume competence and capability. This is how you do it right. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>How you don't do it right, is lie to parents, deny or withhold services or knowledge of services to a kid that clearly needs them. Treating our kids like they don't matter and that any hurt that happens isn't an enormous deal. And Never Never Never tell a parent their child is unteachable.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>We know who is doing it right, and we love who is doing it right. And so do our kids, and we know who isn't doing it right.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Let's do it right together, forget what the Administrators want you to do, they're really just overpaid buffoons, that couldn't walk 5 feet in a teachers shoes. Kick their rules and their control to the curb, our kids matter too. You can do it, the parents will stand with you if we know you have our kids backs. We can do this, we really can - I hope.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKR-rgg_EFM/W4tvSq9V7ZI/AAAAAAABmEg/_wPnbVgYJEIrnFt1oLSoBdfyw4IT0YrsACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-09-01%2B22.02.56.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="405" height="309" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKR-rgg_EFM/W4tvSq9V7ZI/AAAAAAABmEg/_wPnbVgYJEIrnFt1oLSoBdfyw4IT0YrsACLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-09-01%2B22.02.56.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i></div>
RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-4383614954747313112018-07-31T11:58:00.000-07:002018-07-31T11:58:19.715-07:00GO RVING - WHAT A BLAST<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jUOv66vL5M/W2CuO4fY7GI/AAAAAAABibE/hqhFndCaelUafG9fPdQWDyOiQeuEWZmuACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1472" data-original-width="828" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jUOv66vL5M/W2CuO4fY7GI/AAAAAAABibE/hqhFndCaelUafG9fPdQWDyOiQeuEWZmuACKgBGAs/s200/IMG_5052.JPG" width="112" /></a>Last week my kids and I went up to Reno to meet my parents to take their new RV out on it's maiden voyage. We haven't traveled to many hotels and resorts with my kids because the new environment and transitions is a bit of a challenge with autism, and I can not always guarantee success. I thought going in an RV where everything is familiar and we have all our stuff, food choice ability to cater to the dietary needs of my kids without a huge hassle.<br />
<br />
So we met up in at their home in Reno and went on about a 60 mile journey to Graeagle, CA at the <a href="http://www.littlebearrvpark.com/" target="_blank">Little Bear RV Park</a>. I wasn't quite sure what to expect, but I have to say I was way more than pleasantly surprised. The setting was stunning, the grounds were very well maintained and the staff was beyond helpful and polite. The other campers were very friendly and courteous, almost not like being in California.<br />
<br />
The RV Spaces were big, large enough to put a 38' motor coach in there. The park had WiFi, enormous pine trees and a river running through the park at the back side. It was a little climb to get down the river, but we drove about a mile and found an easy spot to get in the river. The kids were ecstatic that swimming was on the table for activities.<br />
<br />
My older son and I rented one of the small cabins in the park. The cabins had electricity and a small TV, bathrooms with showers were available, and located less than 30 feet from our cabin. They were exceptionally clean and well maintained. The Cabin had a set of bunk beds and a full bed, it was a good fit for us and allowed a great night of sleep for my son and myself.<br />
<br />
The area Graeagle is gorgeous, there are cute shops in town, there is a lot of rivers to float down, I had no idea how many people floated down rivers and the bridges were such a great back drop.<br />
<br />
The whole RV experience was absolutely ideal for traveling with children with autism, I was able to bring all their creature comforts from home, their special dietary needs as well as their particular picky foods that they like to eat. Sometimes on vacation that just doesn't workout and my kids don't eat well or at all. So being able to know they are getting good food, rather than vacation crud was so relieving.<br />
<br />
I would and can't wait to do another RV trip, talking my husband into trying it out, and we were so successful at the Little Bear RV park, I would without hesitation go there again.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6OjFA2t8Bc/W2CuO8xwDtI/AAAAAAABibE/1XviIP5XmHYmwJAFz3zlKjsCkLd4MgmywCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5042.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t6OjFA2t8Bc/W2CuO8xwDtI/AAAAAAABibE/1XviIP5XmHYmwJAFz3zlKjsCkLd4MgmywCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_5042.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2n3r44zJTw/W2CuO9lQJOI/AAAAAAABibE/lGyZ69IlrAYd0ATWYAqD4qvN2zm5QAJrwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i2n3r44zJTw/W2CuO9lQJOI/AAAAAAABibE/lGyZ69IlrAYd0ATWYAqD4qvN2zm5QAJrwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_5053.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKxUThymmG4/W2CuO00r_AI/AAAAAAABibE/IPYDd9NMgCseuz431yDDxZiaf2HXg9FMQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKxUThymmG4/W2CuO00r_AI/AAAAAAABibE/IPYDd9NMgCseuz431yDDxZiaf2HXg9FMQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_5026.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkVaJa7qJWU/W2CuO0AwAWI/AAAAAAABibE/4ZTr2xP240o0R1_sMTRS2siwV0yRWCpvQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZkVaJa7qJWU/W2CuO0AwAWI/AAAAAAABibE/4ZTr2xP240o0R1_sMTRS2siwV0yRWCpvQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_5022.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yY7FVfsx4Y/W2CuO9Sn-QI/AAAAAAABibE/Wt9SgNEbFWArKFvJ9qAX613VOMHJ5CstwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5060.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3yY7FVfsx4Y/W2CuO9Sn-QI/AAAAAAABibE/Wt9SgNEbFWArKFvJ9qAX613VOMHJ5CstwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_5060.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh7UstY2Qiw/W2CuO84v43I/AAAAAAABibE/r3_JZiZUSX83QRgLdD7RjRThbOZO7yfTQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Eh7UstY2Qiw/W2CuO84v43I/AAAAAAABibE/r3_JZiZUSX83QRgLdD7RjRThbOZO7yfTQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_5058.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik3B9irsZ4s/W2CuO6As6OI/AAAAAAABibE/F1zIHmEVgdw6zB-BKZo08jXjzYzA8d9DQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_5056.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ik3B9irsZ4s/W2CuO6As6OI/AAAAAAABibE/F1zIHmEVgdw6zB-BKZo08jXjzYzA8d9DQCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_5056.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span id="goog_1889935649"></span><span id="goog_1889935650"></span><br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-57898234204007797922018-07-29T09:46:00.001-07:002018-07-29T09:46:56.015-07:00My Kid Did the Unthinkable....<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XiNHj4fwrow/W13ul7oMPaI/AAAAAAABgtI/T4rFdN6oBGYop3HBchvD2NjCLYlPXdWcQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-07-29%2B09.40.55.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="309" data-original-width="309" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XiNHj4fwrow/W13ul7oMPaI/AAAAAAABgtI/T4rFdN6oBGYop3HBchvD2NjCLYlPXdWcQCLcBGAs/s200/Screenshot%2B2018-07-29%2B09.40.55.png" width="200" /></a>Yesterday after a few errands and taking my 9 year old for a haircut, we stopped off to pick up a few things at the market. Now he has autism, I don't label kids as low functioning or high functioning, because there is no such term - it's something parents have made up to make themselves feel better and school districts use to enable their lack of services they will give your kids (but I digress). <br />
<br />
I manage with and adapt his "quirky" behavior as best as I can, and work on constantly, the kid rarely has a break from some kind of activity or therapy. I expect certain things, statements, stims, behaviors and perseverance depending on our activity or location, and have the tools after years of observations and training on how to limit or redirect. So I'm pretty much on guard and ready to ninja warrior autism at any second when we are out in public.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
We did our shopping, our routine, or obsessions on certain items in the store, redirecting, moving forward and then as we are checking out, he asks the checker for some stickers "May I please have some stickers, please?" - So I am cockily beaming at his politeness and manners.......then the little asshole (yes sometimes my kids are assholes, and it's okay) SPITS on the checker. Yes, you read that right, he spat on her. There was no rhyme, reason, or anything that a 25 year old behavior therapist could smugly lecture me on that would prepare me for this mortification. I mean I'm an autism mom, I live with a pretty fair level of mortified everyday depending on how awful the "perfect OC mom" stares are on any given day. But this level of mortification left me stunned, and amazed at my parenting skills that I didn't backhand him right in the store or in my car. I just drove home crying. That was all I could do. I mean, I wasn't prepared for that, there is no parenting book or blog that tells you how to "embrace the spitting on store employees"... there isn't. I'm not the mom that just accepts "well it is autism, he isn't responsible for what he does". Nope, my kid knows right from wrong, he does - I constantly drill him on what is the good choice vs. the bad choice. <br />
<br />
This is not the first time he has done this. About 3 years ago, he used his birthday money to buy an extremely over priced Star Wars set. As we checked out at Target, he spit on the cashier. We apologized, and in my humiliated state I walked right over to the returns desk, and made him return the toy and give the money to me. You would think that would have taught him, because he cried about the Star Wars crap and his money for about a month.<br />
<br />
So today my walk of shame will be back to the store with my son to give her the note of apology from my child, and hopefully the manager will allow me the 2 minutes to take this learning experience for my son and for me as a parent.<br />
<br />
Because autism isn't an excuse, if I want inclusion everywhere in school but don't expect appropriate behavior and use inappropriate behavior as teaching opportunities I'm not doing my job as a mom.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XwVyKLYB1o/W13ul7FGv2I/AAAAAAABgtE/MdTk-C7JOEYkvBQMTV8DW_Nfj5eQp4U0QCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-07-29%2B09.41.24.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9XwVyKLYB1o/W13ul7FGv2I/AAAAAAABgtE/MdTk-C7JOEYkvBQMTV8DW_Nfj5eQp4U0QCLcBGAs/s200/Screenshot%2B2018-07-29%2B09.41.24.png" width="200" /></a>I will rally through this day of him crying that he doesn't have an Ipad or his "Cars", but he will learn, it may happen again in 3 years, but he will remember this consequence. I don't have a trick but my work today will be to get him to understand WHAT he did, that it was WRONG, MEAN, and UNACCEPTABLE. I'm doing my best at being real, there is not plastic surgery, medication, or ignorance that will hide autism, I just have to take it on a day at a time. We are Autism Tough, and while Autism may have won this round, I intend on winning the fight.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-89609333602852928262018-06-01T14:34:00.000-07:002018-06-01T14:34:06.121-07:00The Mighty Five - Day 1We did it. We took a 5 day trip without our kids. We rode our Harley's from Orange County CA, to Utah through The Mighty 5 National Parks. 1886 miles in 5 days. An incredible experience to say the least. I hope you enjoy reading our experience as much as we enjoyed living it. I expected it to be beautiful in Utah, and I'll just say this, it so surpassed my expections.<br />
<br />
Day 1<br />
<br />
We left our home in Mission Viejo at 6AM, and the worst part of long trips are usually the first day and the last day, because it is just straight highway driving trying to get to the destination. So basically the 15 fwy is just straight and very fast especially once you get to Nevada. But we can't go up the 15 fwy to Vegas without stopping at the <a href="http://madgreekcafe.com/" target="_blank">Mad Greek in Bake</a>r. it's been a 30 year tradition of stopping and getting a fantastic Gyro.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SBhs_pAQaA/WxG5uAHXFaI/AAAAAAABVOQ/xi4VPJ1Hrn44m56VHQIXiEHZ7Phb9stTwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-06-01%2B14.24.45.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="653" height="204" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--SBhs_pAQaA/WxG5uAHXFaI/AAAAAAABVOQ/xi4VPJ1Hrn44m56VHQIXiEHZ7Phb9stTwCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-06-01%2B14.24.45.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Today we weren't just going to Vegas, we had about another 5 hours to go until La Verken, UT the gateway of <a href="https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm" target="_blank">Zion National Park</a>. After a quick drop our bags at the hotel, we hopped back on the bikes and took the 20 mile trek up to the gates of Zion.<br />
<br />
The Gates of Zion take you through Springdale, which has adorable shops, good restaurants and positive vibes. Plenty of small business to support while coming in and out of Zion that will meet all of your needs.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1X-bymU0QAc/WxG7avKA68I/AAAAAAABVOc/UY0YE0hHbZM4G1bYzeSFPlA9wNp4X-odwCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-06-01%2B14.32.02.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="532" height="247" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1X-bymU0QAc/WxG7avKA68I/AAAAAAABVOc/UY0YE0hHbZM4G1bYzeSFPlA9wNp4X-odwCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-06-01%2B14.32.02.png" width="320" /></a>You can't drive through Zion and make stops like other national parks, but the Tram system will take you to all points of interest and hikes and walks that you could desire. We were able to conquer the Weeping Wall and The Narrows. We got to the park at 4 and it closed at 10, we were able to do about 5 miles of hikes and all 9 stops on the tram system. It really was a beautiful park, with may different terrains and plant life. There were hikes for all abilities, many were wheelchair accessible, and some were not. So plan accordingly. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle for water, there are refill stations available.<br />
<br />
We at at Porters Smokehouse and Grill on Zion Blvd. I'm writing this after our trip, it was one of the best restaurants we ate at. My husband had the bbq Sampler that had meat for days, the food was delish to say the least, the service was impeccable and relaxed, and the views were great. <br />
<br />
After a 20 mile ride back to our hotel<br />
WITHOUT A HELMET - there are no helmet laws in Utah, so I tried it out with no helmet. While liberating, it was loud, so I'll stick to my helmet. <br />
<br />
Can't wait to tell you all about Day 2.<br />
<br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-90043487300927484302018-05-10T21:07:00.001-07:002018-05-10T21:07:40.100-07:00Happy Warrior DayMothers Day, it's here, and I waited my whole life to be a mom for the perks of a holiday in my honor... but after a decade of motherhood, and autism, and special needs, there are moms though that I want to thank and honor, and as I sit here and write this I am choked up because there are women that I have battled this labyrinth of special needs and made and build the path that has helped me be the mom I am today. There are not enough ways to express my gratitude. <br />
<br />
The moms I am specifically referring to are my fellow Autism and Special Needs Moms. My TACA Tribe. You're so much more than just moms, you are fierce warriors who wear many hats. I mean being a mom is hard enough, and rewarding (sometimes), and infuriating (sometimes), and for the most part we all as moms do a great job.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKZ1nEKyWqc/WvUW-EDyRrI/AAAAAAABGFA/kxZA8Cs-EswhYIaksDq2MoR6hCMwlQ1DACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-05-10%2B21.06.51.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="590" height="198" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XKZ1nEKyWqc/WvUW-EDyRrI/AAAAAAABGFA/kxZA8Cs-EswhYIaksDq2MoR6hCMwlQ1DACLcBGAs/s200/Screenshot%2B2018-05-10%2B21.06.51.png" width="200" /></a>But the warrior moms, especially you pioneers that have walked, and trudged in front of me. <br />
Just thank you.<br />
<br />
Thank you for showing me it is possible to get through the worst day of your life, diagnosis day. Thank you for showing me how to put my big girl pants on and "handle it".<br />
Thank you for being there when I need to cry.<br />
Thank you for making me not feel like I am a lunatic.<br />
Thank you for showing me how to communicate with my kids.<br />
Thank you for showing me how to advocate for my kids.<br />
Thank you for giving me hope.<br />
Thank you for giving me a way to walk.<br />
Thank you for showing me you're not perfect.<br />
Thank you for losing your shit sometimes.<br />
Thank you for making autism manageable.<br />
Thank you for showing me that I don't have to let "them" put my kid in the "limited" box.<br />
Thank you for showing me that there are endless possibilities.<br />
Thank you for showing me the importance of consistency.<br />
Thank you for reminding me setbacks aren't permanent<br />
Thank you for accepting the flawed human I am, and helping me anyway<br />
Thank you for putting me back together when I fall apart.<br />
Thank you for calling me out when I was whining too much.<br />
Thank you for being my instruction manual on this journey.<br />
<br />
Despite all the challenges you women go through everyday, you are my rock, my teachers, my friends, my therapists, and every single day I'm grateful that I was put on your path.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Iyy85W4YGM/WvUUyrml2lI/AAAAAAABGEw/FIGYOgaKkN4p4OKkF-JkqD7VBB9fGrpUQCLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-05-10%2B20.56.32.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="274" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Iyy85W4YGM/WvUUyrml2lI/AAAAAAABGEw/FIGYOgaKkN4p4OKkF-JkqD7VBB9fGrpUQCLcBGAs/s320/Screenshot%2B2018-05-10%2B20.56.32.png" width="320" /></a>I have learned that I had to become a teacher, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, maid, lawyer, driver, nurse, cook, and trailblazer for helping my kids learn and thrive.<br />
<br />
You have taught me to believe that HOPE is always possible, setback don't define my kids, my kids are human and deserve to be treated as such - and it's my job to make sure that the "professionals" do. You have taught me coffee is life, and sleep is a luxury I will enjoy someday.<br />
<br />
When I started this journey, I thought the "professionals" were on our side to help our kids. I soon found out there is one box that they want to put all of autism in and either ignore it, or blame parents or autism for ANYTHING that may happen to them injury, sickness or behavior wise. What I soon realized was the only side, or tribe I had were families like ours on a journey with no real map or directions but you were building roads, bridges and byways for the families to come behind you. There isn't a way to measure this much gratitude.<br />
<br />
I can't express enough that you women, moms, chicks like me, wanting the best for our children when most of our families, friends, and loved ones had written our kids off. You people you moms, made me a mom, a warrior, a lawyer, doctor, teacher, therapist, advocate, insurance adjuster, and made our autism not a scary place, but a place of hope, when we were hopeless. The lesson and phrase of "families helping families" that is on every shirt I own from "TALK ABOUT CURING AUTISM" @tacanow is the thing in my special needs parenting that is constant. I can call on anyone of the moms I know from TACA and know I'm going to get off that phone with solution, or at least a direction to solution. When I call most doctors or professionals I usually get off those calls in a heap of tears.<br />
<br />
So to the warriors, thank you, for making me a warrior, thank you for helping me become this mom with all the moving parts that autism requires. Happy Mothers Day, no not Mothers Day. HAPPY WARRIOR DAY, you are warriors and I'm proud to be in your tribe. I honor you and I love you all.RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-35143214314845849642018-05-09T09:42:00.002-07:002018-05-09T09:42:23.816-07:00Cachi CoffeeI have a 40 mile one way commute to take one of my kids to school, and sometimes because of the heinous Southern California traffic I stick around his school area for awhile, so as to save myself from having a stroke in traffic.<br />
<br />
There is a lovely little coffee shop I have found and hang out in La Palma <a href="http://www.cachicafe.com/" target="_blank">Cachi Coffee</a> it makes great coffee, has reasonably priced breakfast and lunch menu, and the food is great and healthy. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJo6t6Yg5TA/WvMkzkyCyhI/AAAAAAABF4E/dBr9qkGApXALOwWR95qrN1j81eEP8lj2ACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-05-09%2B09.35.12.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="767" data-original-width="947" height="161" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zJo6t6Yg5TA/WvMkzkyCyhI/AAAAAAABF4E/dBr9qkGApXALOwWR95qrN1j81eEP8lj2ACLcBGAs/s200/Screenshot%2B2018-05-09%2B09.35.12.png" width="200" /></a>I had chorizo and eggs this morning with a cup of coffee and a side of egg to stay "Keto", and it was $7.00. Totally doable. There Wifi is free and fast, the music is awesome, the staff is friendly and helpful. Lunch Specials are $5.95, and it gets busy at lunch it's a pretty industrial area. <br />
<br />
Every meal or drink I have had here has not disappointed, and it is a place I frequent regularly. <br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3fvRCtbw_U/WvMkzUxLfkI/AAAAAAABF38/wFj0JEtxAnY0QXieAvzpbOsVuyO14ztzACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-05-09%2B09.35.02.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="644" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X3fvRCtbw_U/WvMkzUxLfkI/AAAAAAABF38/wFj0JEtxAnY0QXieAvzpbOsVuyO14ztzACLcBGAs/s200/Screenshot%2B2018-05-09%2B09.35.02.png" width="156" /></a><br />
The location is at 10 Centerpointe Dr., La Palma. <br />
<br />If you're looking for a place in North County to hang your hat for awhile, meet a girlfriend, just do some self care. This is the place that gives the stale old chain coffee establishments a kick in the teeth. This is what a coffee shop should and will always be to me. Great coffee, good food, and amazing music, with a comfortable atmosphere. Thanks Cachi! <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIJR-8R5oDc/WvMkzpZFXaI/AAAAAAABF4A/wnsr37FwZQUe9qrwyBfoiTxLsL8ltcZcACLcBGAs/s1600/Screenshot%2B2018-05-09%2B09.35.21.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="650" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nIJR-8R5oDc/WvMkzpZFXaI/AAAAAAABF4A/wnsr37FwZQUe9qrwyBfoiTxLsL8ltcZcACLcBGAs/s200/Screenshot%2B2018-05-09%2B09.35.21.png" width="162" /></a></div>
RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-27995980406367298722018-03-12T12:17:00.002-07:002018-03-12T12:17:28.886-07:00The Self-Care has to be RealOkay, so I did it. I got on the scale. The scale for my whole life has been my nemesis. And it is a jackass. Just sayin'. But so am I. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am kicking my own ass for a little bit here. Because this is just stupid. I'm a special needs mom, and I don't have the luxury of being and choosing unhealthy for myself. I just don't. I am WIDE AWAKE and AWARE that there is no one in our life, NO ONE, that will take my kids on if I am no longer here to care for them. So the fact that I choose to have ice cream at night, and not exercise for the last month, and FEEL SORRY FOR MYSELF, and SAD for my kids. Is no longer acceptable. I have to make the new NORMAL, healthy, happy, strong, CONSISTENT, and get off the pitty potty of tiny aches and pains, and I'm tired, and I'm annoyed, and I deserve that 4500 calorie meal..... NO I DON'T. I deserve a life of health (I survived cancer for crying out loud), I am 50 years old now, and I'm not getting any younger.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ0DURJQsR8/TxGlTCcuSyI/AAAAAAAAATU/f_q_AZPiekk-TlplHVnz0Vejs5FSjJ5ZACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/384357_297864040253370_194374333935675_911144_449486893_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jQ0DURJQsR8/TxGlTCcuSyI/AAAAAAAAATU/f_q_AZPiekk-TlplHVnz0Vejs5FSjJ5ZACPcBGAYYCw/s200/384357_297864040253370_194374333935675_911144_449486893_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-hTxEqsljk/TiSXEcR1JOI/AAAAAAAAAJI/clyGTkLEqRo6Y-piDxGStEwD8UNZK13-ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/270275_2232805666349_1434138980_32560823_7428148_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="130" data-original-width="97" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M-hTxEqsljk/TiSXEcR1JOI/AAAAAAAAAJI/clyGTkLEqRo6Y-piDxGStEwD8UNZK13-ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/270275_2232805666349_1434138980_32560823_7428148_s.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnaEYxQ_S5E/T-O6o7f_v1I/AAAAAAAAAac/ODBsiB_lI6IAn15C4aTAz8qWSrun36mNgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/good-habits-bad-habits_Full1-295x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="295" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AnaEYxQ_S5E/T-O6o7f_v1I/AAAAAAAAAac/ODBsiB_lI6IAn15C4aTAz8qWSrun36mNgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/good-habits-bad-habits_Full1-295x300.jpg" width="196" /></a>So today, I'm making myself accountable. This health and happiness thing is attainable. This strong boy is under neath all this chubby, and this pitty potty is getting remodeled and we are going to have a super standard of attainable room. It's not about how I look, or that stupid number on the scale (it kinda is) But this is DOABLE. I can, you can.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm a fat girl, I know what to do, I know what to eat, I know how to eat, and when to eat, and I don't need to (or have the money to pay for stuff that I already know). I mean for real, don't all fat people know EXACTLY what to do. Now I just have to change my mind and my choices.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have lost 70lbs before, I have RUN 10 Half Marathons, I have beat cancer, and I take on the beast of Autism every single day. Exercising for 30 minutes and eating right ARE THE EASY part. Staying on the track in this labyrinth of special need momming is the hard part. I plan on slipping and falling, and I plan on having a hard time, and I plan on probably bitching a lot, but I PLAN ON SUCCEEDING. I mean really - if I put it this way. What more important that bowl of ice cream, or me making sure I'm here when Franklin is an adult? What is more important lying on the couch and watching some SERIOUSLY stupid TV, or walking around the block and making sure my heart is healthy for the adult autism life?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2 days ago I walked up 2 flights of stairs and was so winded I almost cried. That is effing ridiculous. Like I said I have run 10 half marathons. What in the hell? I let a huge setback in my sons life take over my life, I consumed crap to cover up the hurt feelings, and fear. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While my story isn't as fun or exciting as the mommy bloggers that got free tummy tucks, and lost 40lbs in a day. My story will be full of laughs, tears and probably curse words. But it will be full of health, change, and success - because my kids are counting on my</div>
<div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuggPqOhg7Y/ThzUaCaS52I/AAAAAAAAAIg/7UIQNUs1tW8O_9kEnkzdiK7Axfkm-7LLwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="238" data-original-width="212" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UuggPqOhg7Y/ThzUaCaS52I/AAAAAAAAAIg/7UIQNUs1tW8O_9kEnkzdiK7Axfkm-7LLwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/images.jpeg" width="178" /></a></div>
<div>
So I can be a special needs mom that gives into the stress and can't guarantee that I'm around for my kids later, or I can be a special needs mom that makes our life happy, healthy and strong. Because when I am happy, healthy and strong, so is my family.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you're a special needs mom. Self care is important, really effing important. Self care is also family care. I took SUPER BITCH to a whole new level this week after not exercising for 3 weeks, it's my release, it take the steam and frustration and sadness out of me. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I know there are a lot of special needs moms that find excuses (because it's easy too, I GET THAT), but man I can't look at not taking care of myself anymore, when I realized there really is no one to care for my kids when I die. My health, strength and happiness is THEIR health, strength and happiness.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So the journey start - Follow along on Instagram @realmomofoc.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Healthy Trails to you!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-74513277186400546492018-01-03T08:16:00.003-08:002018-01-04T00:02:41.348-08:00The New Year - Same Me - but 50.<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiyXynUKVwc/Wk0BGRPZt9I/AAAAAAAAgxc/VHIPNBbxsXcXTF37L68TbHNpb_tbtbnUACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2810.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EiyXynUKVwc/Wk0BGRPZt9I/AAAAAAAAgxc/VHIPNBbxsXcXTF37L68TbHNpb_tbtbnUACKgBGAs/s200/IMG_2810.HEIC" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">HAPPY NEW YEAR</span>!</div>
<br />
<br />
Lots of lessons learned in 2017, lots of tears shed, tons of laughter, many memories made. Just like every single year of my last 50.<br />
<br />
So this year this mom turns 50. It's going to be at times AMAZEBALLS, it's going to be at times sad, it's going to be at times fun, it's going to be at times filled with questions, it's going to be at times filled with badassery, it's going to be at times filled with amazement. I always want it to be filled with love, laughs and experiences that are unforgettable.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmiFd-b_Iv0/Wk0BGRnNJrI/AAAAAAAAgxc/ldWz1Gjz_IsAwp3fuiBgZlDh1zDhXIx1wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="1205" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HmiFd-b_Iv0/Wk0BGRnNJrI/AAAAAAAAgxc/ldWz1Gjz_IsAwp3fuiBgZlDh1zDhXIx1wCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_2971.JPG" width="200" /></a>There are so many things about my life, family and mind that make me so different from the typical mommy blogger, and I finally understand that all of that is okay. You can go read the same 15 blogs that say all the same stuff from all the same places. All of those blogs are great, and are great advertisements for the local area. I am able to do a lot of their recommendations, but they aren't really autism friendly places for the most part, so I have to consider what my kids can and can't do and what places truly welcome them, and all of that is okay.<br />
<br />
I will have a post at least 2 times a month of autism friendly places that are safe and welcoming to our kiddos.<br />
<br />
I will have a posts this year for what us caretaker moms need to CARE FOR OURSELVES. We matter too. It is important to care for the caretaker. That's been a big lesson I've learned the last two years. Of course my husband and kids are the most important and I give them almost all I have all the time, but there are times, days, minutes I need to take a step back, take a deep breath, and answer the screams of my body and mind. Because there is no one that will care for the caretakers. I had a surgery last week and seriously it was a shit show. While most moms can at least get their children to bring them an apple out of the bowl or a bottle of water - with autism - that is a hit or miss. I had no one here during the day. There were 2 days of incredible pain, but it ended up being okay. My house just looked like I lost a serious game of Jumanji.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDuTo7pM7vM/Wk0BGfVA_QI/AAAAAAAAgxc/XvJZ1SEYuoIY-nroBRBRgC40zJzYIT1NQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1239" data-original-width="1239" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDuTo7pM7vM/Wk0BGfVA_QI/AAAAAAAAgxc/XvJZ1SEYuoIY-nroBRBRgC40zJzYIT1NQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_2990.JPG" width="199" /></a>I will have posts of keeping my body fit and healthy. This will be my 8th year cancer free, and I'm ready to kick things up a notch. Don't go crazy, I'm not going to go vegan or anything but I'm going to go less toxins, less processed, less junk, more whole, more outside, more care, more steps, and more healthy. If I can't care for this body, I won't be able to care for the kids later. I have really taken a loving to essential oils, I will share me experience strength and hope for what benefits they are bringing my boys and family.<br />
<br />
We were fortunate enough to take some amazing trips on our Harley's this year, and I want to share that for moms. It empowered me, it focused me, it helped my mind and my soul heal some deep wounds. I read a sign somewhere "4 Wheels move the body, 2 wheels move the soul". And I swear nothing couldn't be more true. I think it was the only thing that kept me from punching people in the head this last year.<br />
<br />
So while it will be a new different blog this year, it will be an experience, and I hope you're on board for the ride we're gonna take with it.<br />
<br />
<br />
REBECCA<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-28915529490799350372017-12-06T14:02:00.001-08:002017-12-06T14:02:35.374-08:00A Tale of Two AutismsThe new CDC autism diagnosis number that came out is 1:36 kids is diagnosed with Autism. I have Two with Autism. Two boys, two autism diagnosis, many many needs, very different needs and very significant. It's enough to make a person go crazy, cry, laugh, and go through a myriad of emotions that could get you diagnosed as koo koo for coco puffs. No lie.<br />
<br />
First thing. I can't stand the high functioning, low functioning term. "Oh is he high functioning like Ben Affleck on The Accountant"? - No, he's no a psycho killer - no - that is not the autism we have. Seriously!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PplzyoaFj50/Wihol3MBiLI/AAAAAAAAf4c/k-NSu3_2ovkfWUdhstAyZbt4db0BF2OqwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_2877.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1242" height="307" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PplzyoaFj50/Wihol3MBiLI/AAAAAAAAf4c/k-NSu3_2ovkfWUdhstAyZbt4db0BF2OqwCKgBGAs/s320/IMG_2877.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
My younger son was diagnosed with Autism at 2. He had delayed speech, and Atypical autistic behaviors which met a criteria consistent autism. He was put into early intervention therapy ABA, speech and OT and it helped move him a long, not long he started using words, then sentences, and playing appropriately with toys. Not with kids, but he could be hell on the Hot Wheels Track, he enjoyed that a lot.<br />
<br />
It was pretty easy to find things that motivated J to work for in ABA, to find things that he was interested in, to shape behaviors, language, and social interactions. While I don't think ABA works for everyone, it did and continues to do it's job moving J along where is is able to function in the community and have significant and meaningful peer and family interactions. Over years, and many many hours of therapies, success, failures, blood, sweat, tears, calls from school to pick up, horrid behavior, obsessive behaviors and all around autism. We have made strides, big, strong, and forward.<br />
<br />
We have made mistakes, we have sacrificed, tried, stopped, retried, and had setbacks, and overall we always make some kind of progress, not perfection, but progress nonetheless. We are at that point here, where I am making the big leap of faith and putting him in activities with neuro typical peers. Something I should have done years ago but he really wasn't ready. He has his social issues, but we basically threw him in the deep end of the pool, and I released the reigns a little, and it's amazing. The elation that comes to parents of children with autism when our kids are able to do things that their typical peers take for granted. I'm living that euphoria of proud parent, amazed at that kid and how hard he has worked to get this far. <br />
<br />
I am also living in the part of how hard it is for me to watch him struggle, see the deficits he has when around his peers. But there is so much hope and I see a place in the world for him, and that makes me happy. I just need the world to see his place in it and that is my fear, the world isn't the most comfortable place for a kid like him. I know that there are bullies, I know that there are teachers that will not understand what he needs to learn, I know that a lot of people won't understand the stereotypical behavior he exhibits when trying to get used to a new place. But as the number has just grown from 1:36 children now have autism, I pray our world gets it's shit together and understands this. This is an epidemic, I wish it was considered as such.<br />
<br />
My older son F, has the kind of autism, that no one talks about, that no one wants to see, that most pretend isn't there. He was diagnosed at 20 months. He is almost 11, non verbal, and his circle of people that love and respect him and understand his is small but awesome. We had a lot of misguided horrible teaching professionals that were allowed to marginalize him as a human, decide he wasn't worthy of working on academics, put him in a room instead of giving him services he was entitled to like speech and occupational therapy, because one woman determined he was "unteachable", and they couldn't work with a child like that. Rather than figure out a way that would work for him to learn, they determined after 2-3 sessions he wasn't worthy of their time. <br />
<br />
After as severe injury occurred at school he was deemed "collateral damage" in an unfortunate incident. His injury has been marginalized, "he was severe before the accident, he's still severe, mom needs to move on" Not even referring to him as a human, because he doesn't have a voice. It's a hard place to be as a parent knowing that these are opinions<br />
<br />
Fighting to have him treated human has been the turning point in my life. Medical professionals, school administrators, and many people in the community don't understand severe autism and don't want to. Many Medical professionals won't look past the autism to see what is medically wrong, when their clearly is something wrong. Constant crying, tantrums and the wailing of pain, isn't just autism, and that is in many cases what we are expected to accept as diagnosis. The doctors that will look at the severely autistic as a whole patient are rarely covered by insurance and it prohibits many families from seeking that help, and there are no guarantees that their treatments will work. So it's a tough place to be in as a family.<br />
<br />
There are a lot of family events, parties, graduations, weddings, that are very uncomfortable for him to attend, sometimes we can go, sometimes we can't. Most of our family now doesn't even notice if he shows or not. But it's clear that when he's there it is stressful for others that he is around, so we are now forced to separate and divide as a family, or leave him home with a sitter. It's sad. He knows he's being left, he would like to be with us but those events are too much for him in many cases. We have had some success with him, but you never know until he gets there.<br />
<br />
So as a parent of two with autism, there are such highs and lows that come with this parenting, some in the same 5 minutes. One kid is striving and moving forward in his therapies as he should, the other can't remember where the bathroom is in the house. We are forced to divide and conquer, we love our kids equally, and both have needs that while very different are very significant, no matter what their abilities are or aren't. As the latest CDC numbers reflect the numbers of kids diagnosed with Autism as 1:36, it's frightening, its taxing, it's going to crush the systems. So while my 2 autism's are something. 1:36, is an epidemic, and everyone needs to care and demand that answers happen for this generation. <br />
<br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-76649591320248115592017-09-28T15:48:00.000-07:002017-09-28T15:48:12.413-07:00Sunday Vibes at the Gospel Brunch<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ilwUTmJdjFY/Wc14XOcTVOI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/d63c4WeR6Nk4lby04xZ2RzjVowBqdq3ogCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0999.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ilwUTmJdjFY/Wc14XOcTVOI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/d63c4WeR6Nk4lby04xZ2RzjVowBqdq3ogCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_0999.JPG" width="200" /></a>I believe I have already raved about what an amazing venue for live music and restaurant the the <a href="http://www.houseofblues.com/anaheim" target="_blank">House of Blues in Anaheim</a> are. We are always looking for new things to try to shake up "date night". So instead of a night, we tried the World Famous Gospel Brunch on Sunday Morning. It has been a thing I've wanted to do since I was a single girl in my 20's, and I can not wait to go again, now that I have experienced it.<br />
<br />
The World Famous Gospel Brunch is a great family friendly event to share with all ages. Sunday is not a day of rest at House of Blues. We enjoyed the music that moved our soul, and the delicious food that fed our hunger. The music got the audience out of it's chairs and dancing and singing and feeling fantastic.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s7mj6TnXk7E/Wc14XD4A4JI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/Q6uirHMRrSwNcE0A3lxMGIlGjCnQSYakACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0982.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s7mj6TnXk7E/Wc14XD4A4JI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/Q6uirHMRrSwNcE0A3lxMGIlGjCnQSYakACKgBGAs/s320/IMG_0982.mp4" width="320" /></a>The venue is great so you're not crowded but you are cozy with your neighbors and enjoying the company while enjoying your buffet brunch and waiting for the performance to begin. The World Famous Gospel Brunch is the perfect place and event to take out of town guests, a girls "night" or morning out, celebrating a birthday or special occasion, or just a regular old date like my husband and I had. There were lots of children in the audience having a great time. It really is a family thing that all ages will enjoy. I couldn't recommend it more, and DO NOT MISS THE BOURBON BREAD PUDDING. - TO DIE FOR. So was the brisket, the biscuits and gravy, the waffles, the collard greens, everything was savory, hearty, delicious.<br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rqeEElQ3uj8/Wc14XN-dbCI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/L-o5Wl8tuFMu21o7JhFekyidFZt2QzsKACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rqeEElQ3uj8/Wc14XN-dbCI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/L-o5Wl8tuFMu21o7JhFekyidFZt2QzsKACKgBGAs/s200/IMG_0986.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
The House of Blues is located at the Garden Walk in Anaheim tickets are available <a href="http://www.houseofblues.com/anaheim" target="_blank">online</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-buIZqrZdmr0/Wc14XFp1T4I/AAAAAAAAV9Q/YUanZ0BvxZA3BlJMsoI-2uRxxAAoUg3VwCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-buIZqrZdmr0/Wc14XFp1T4I/AAAAAAAAV9Q/YUanZ0BvxZA3BlJMsoI-2uRxxAAoUg3VwCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_0973.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBecALo2cPA/Wc14XEFwwBI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/iPJLQiXKpoIaa41n5uFv-9CH5wtv4AugQCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sBecALo2cPA/Wc14XEFwwBI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/iPJLQiXKpoIaa41n5uFv-9CH5wtv4AugQCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_0974.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jv_Ent3Zyw/Wc14XJTlEXI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/8dpSe_IcO-ApA0RB83isRS8XSjNpf4t9ACKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0983.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Jv_Ent3Zyw/Wc14XJTlEXI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/8dpSe_IcO-ApA0RB83isRS8XSjNpf4t9ACKgBGAs/s200/IMG_0983.mp4" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYoGBeQolFU/Wc14XMb4AHI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/a8NO10BiaWAPK8Ti0ySO7dnRKLmsLfYdgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eYoGBeQolFU/Wc14XMb4AHI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/a8NO10BiaWAPK8Ti0ySO7dnRKLmsLfYdgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_0968.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOev66fHXJ8/Wc14XAXzVBI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/BUiqdz8nrLo1U02hAxSIvU_dziYdGOb4wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XOev66fHXJ8/Wc14XAXzVBI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/BUiqdz8nrLo1U02hAxSIvU_dziYdGOb4wCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_0972.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7kxLgXxKBk/Wc14XMOQJfI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/BQ7H6bIQ0zsBi0863ldl9bR6KdH0iz4-wCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I7kxLgXxKBk/Wc14XMOQJfI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/BQ7H6bIQ0zsBi0863ldl9bR6KdH0iz4-wCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_0965.JPG" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tLaIPNQI0E/Wc14XJsshSI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/tPXhRl1VcRgo87JW-aJWo3ARGqPYPMLpgCKgBGAs/s1600/IMG_0970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7tLaIPNQI0E/Wc14XJsshSI/AAAAAAAAV9Q/tPXhRl1VcRgo87JW-aJWo3ARGqPYPMLpgCKgBGAs/s200/IMG_0970.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-48578735607553628522017-07-11T09:14:00.001-07:002017-07-11T09:14:51.315-07:00Shallow Stick Figures with No Souls - AKA Real Housewives of Orange CountySo last week when I was home with a little one, I turned on Bravo to see if I could lose some brain cells. There was a few days of Real Housewives of Orange County Marathon. If you ever need to feel morally, spiritually, and ethically superior - this show does wonders for my self esteem. Hopefully Season 12 won't be a snoozer, but we have a good mix of bi-polar, alcoholic, narcissism, self absorption, crass and tacky with a side of false eyelashes and too much makeup to make for a good watch.<br />
<br />
I wish they would change the name of the show to Drunken Chicks without Psych Meds. There isn't anything real about them, they're not housewives, and there is nothing ladylike or anything that speaks for us REAL moms and wives in Orange County. So I'm going to keep it about the comic relief because it's a train wreck that for a decade I haven't been able to not watch. I love it, it's my thing and yes slightly pathetic. But seriously my life is hard and I need some mindless banter sometimes and they provide the perfect recipe for mindless........<br />
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLipsP5PKwk/WWT4zvx5MyI/AAAAAAAAOTA/_eqHmfhsNJscvcHjxL11OqgGU_jl8zr1wCLcBGAs/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_5a00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="1086" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qLipsP5PKwk/WWT4zvx5MyI/AAAAAAAAOTA/_eqHmfhsNJscvcHjxL11OqgGU_jl8zr1wCLcBGAs/s320/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_5a00.jpg" width="320" /></a>Vicki for the love of God. You have not in 12 seasons been nice to anyone that has walked on "your show". So for you to demand that people be nice to you, I couldn't stop laughing. You and the angry drunk Kelly Dodd sat in your office mocking an empty parking lot, yeah that's nice, and productive "go to work", as you say. You are the neediest most narcissistic broad ever and it just gets worse every year. I have watched you make your daughters surgery and illness about you, I have watched you blame everyone for your affairs, I have watched you blame everyone and try to play the victim in every way possible. Also, you're not Jesus being nailed to the cross, I have laughed at that one for 2 years. I have mocked you for begging people for compliments, and trying to convince your adult children that you were Low-Maintenance - even they see through your shallow self. But I have to keep watching so that I can spot the signs of narcissism and pray that I or anyone near me is never as self absorbed as you. You met with Lydia, and had to rip her personality apart before you complimented her? What's with that? You're the kind of women that women want to smack in the head. And one question, since you all left Ryan in Oklahoma that place you hate and the people in it, did you bury him there after he went bat shit crazy because someone put her feet up on the couch? <br />
<br />
Oh Tamra, it's good that you found the Lord and your faith. It does take life changing hurts to usually bring people to God for life changing experience. So why if you have gone to all this work with your faith do you surround yourself with these evil nut jobs???? Oh that's right because you're the shit stirrer and look for shit to throw in the pot to keep the focus off of the life you're trying to avoid. You <br />
have become a much more rounded softer person over the years, but for crying out loud, you're just a fine line of Vicki narcissism away from demise. It's clear you chose the fame of Bravo over your kids. Own that, and admit it, everyone knows that you made that choice but you. <br />
<br />
Shannon, oh Shannon. You're a shit show of mental illness. Can you just pretend to be grateful for the amazing life you have? Let Vicki go. Vicki didn't make you gain weight she hardly shoved the bread and Grey Goose down your throat. So lose the weight, we've all been there, and quit whining about it. Your sadness and hurt, and anger will do nothing good for anyone. There is no feng shui that will remove your hurt. Forgive and move on.<br />
<br />
Lydia, you're sweet. I just like you as a mom, a person, you're fun. These ladies are mean, and OMG arms distance.<br />
<br />
Meghan - Congratulations on that baby. Can't wait to see how you jump into drama that has nothing to do with you. You're young, you're not a middle aged desperate for attention OC wife yet. Don't do what those crack pots do.<br />
<br />
Kelly - Whoa, still nuts, still annoying, still angry, still useless. Tamra is the shit stirrer, you're the ingredient in the pot that brings the stink. Man I can't figure you out except maybe bi-polar alcoholic. Holy crap you are the train wreck that keeps on giving. So I can't wait to see what you bring.<br />
<br />
Diamond Sports Car Lady - OY Vey, we will see what you bring, but I saw you filming in Laguna not long ago, and you're high maintenance and a little bit full of yourself - seriously.<br />
<br />
<br />RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-66872188862099754322017-06-09T15:29:00.001-07:002017-06-09T15:29:59.230-07:00All - New Fight Night for DATE NIGHT Series - Rumble on The Water Debut<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">I am always looking for something new and fun to do for our date nights, or date days. I mean I love Orange County and everything about it, but sometimes going out of the comfort zone and doing something new and exciting could be the best part of date night.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">My husband is a huge fan of Mixed Martial Arts and I thought trying it out live would be fun. So as a new venue is rolled out, we are going to do the series of Fight Nights this summer. So hopefully we will see you tomorrow night!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"></span></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cRHa5jS4PnQ/WTshILkMX3I/AAAAAAAALoo/gUWQBoNCS_U2WtWAUB5ULYNHXwQhupU9gCLcB/s1600/Rumble%2BFighter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="958" height="189" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cRHa5jS4PnQ/WTshILkMX3I/AAAAAAAALoo/gUWQBoNCS_U2WtWAUB5ULYNHXwQhupU9gCLcB/s320/Rumble%2BFighter.png" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The Queen Mary introduces a knock-out win with the first-ever </span><b style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Rumble on the Water</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">, a local, one-of-a-kind Mixed Martial Arts event hosted at the Queen Mary. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Rumble on the Water brings stellar fights and talented up-and-coming fighters to Long Beach for a completely new, exciting, and action packed event. Attendees will have the opportunity to watch the fights up close and enjoy great food, tantalizing drinks, a VIP lounge and cigar lounge. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The fight night series is located just steps away from the water, offering spectacular panoramic views of the legendary Queen Mary. In conjunction with Roy Englebrecht Promotions, Rumble on the Water will take place with Southern California’s top MMA athletes competing on </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_984721781" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">June 10</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">, </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_984721783" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">July 22</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">, and </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_984721784" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">September 16 at 7 p.m.</span></span><br />
<span class="aBn" data-term="goog_984721784" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">The Venue is breathtaking, l</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">ocated in the Port of Long Beach, the Queen Mary features a rich maritime history, authentic Art Deco décor, and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and Long Beach city skyline. At the time of her maiden voyage in May of 1936, she was considered the grandest ocean liner ever built. The Queen Mary’s signature restaurants include Chelsea Chowder House, Observatory Bar, as well as, a weekly Champagne</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> </span><span class="aBn" data-term="goog_984721790" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">Brunch served in the ship’s Grand Salon. History buffs enjoy the ship’s museum with various daily tours, and currently the ship is featuring the renowned Diana: Legacy of a Princess exhibit. The Queen Mary features 80,000 square feet of event space in 17 remarkable Art Deco salons as well as a tri-level, 45,000-square- foot Exhibit Hall. The Queen Mary boasts 346 staterooms including nine full suites. For more information or for reservations, see</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=http://www.queenmary.com&source=gmail&ust=1497133092514000&usg=AFQjCNFXeFxTRC_Hkz-eR-9g7nuJWkk61Q" href="http://www.queenmary.com/" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" target="_blank">www.queenmary.com</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">or call</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"> </span><a href="tel:(800)%20437-2934" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;" target="_blank" value="+18004372934">(800) 437-2934</a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway in Long Beach.</span><br />
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">
<span style="font-family: tahoma, sans-serif;"></span></div>
RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018529089719763133.post-35214567862772059952017-05-29T22:57:00.001-07:002017-05-29T22:57:10.106-07:00House of Blues Anaheim - Music and Food to feed my Soul<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have always thought of music venues as great places to go and have "bar food", maybe, if you're lucky. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The new <a href="http://www.houseofblues.com/anaheim" target="_blank">House of Blues Anaheim</a> has changed all of that. Their dining room and restaurant have raised the bar very high for any restaurant. Not only is the music venue top notch and an absolute thrill to go to with the high caliber of performers on the calendar. The menu is a match for high caliber food and absolutely wonderful eclectic southern menu.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A Bar-B-Que menu has just been released and I was hosted and invited to try the new menu items. If you are a fan of Bar-B-Que, the twist that HOB and Chef Kelvin Crisostomo has come up is extraordinary a southern flair and some fantastic twist to traditional bbq, you will be thrilled. For example my favorite twist was the Kimchi cole slaw that was served with the pulled pork sandwich.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div>
<div class="m_4446341535901276661gmail_signature">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: start; text-indent: 0px;">
<ul style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Korean BBQ Riblets</b>: Marinated pork riblets, slow cooked, kimchi (currently available on the Foundation Room Menu)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Pulled Pork Sandwich</b>: Slow-smoked pulled pork, BBQ sauce, coleslaw (currently available on the HOB Anaheim Restaurant Menu)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Smokehouse St. Louis Ribs</b>: Dry-rubbed, smoked and covered with BBQ Sauce and served with BBQ baked beans and coleslaw *gluten free (currently available on the HOB Anaheim Restaurant Menu)</span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Bourbon Bread Pudding</b> (currently available on the HOB Anaheim Restaurant Menu</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Everything was superb, and don't get me started on the dessert (Bourbon Bread Pudding with Caramel sauce). I may or may not have tried 2 Bourbon Bread Puddings<span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;">.</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNnBtaWKfgE/WS0FJ9gGC7I/AAAAAAAAKWU/Sl17lMvOS1UA8_s0ph-lqDRwb8H8TjKxwCLcB/s1600/HOBA%2BPulled%2BPork%2BSandwich.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iNnBtaWKfgE/WS0FJ9gGC7I/AAAAAAAAKWU/Sl17lMvOS1UA8_s0ph-lqDRwb8H8TjKxwCLcB/s320/HOBA%2BPulled%2BPork%2BSandwich.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAx70E_C62s/WS0FJ8aIEPI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/eJww3j7d63kmyByNDWguXT70dNJuoX3WgCLcB/s1600/HOBA%2BSmokehouse%2BSt.%2BLouis%2BRibs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 12.800000190734863px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you're going to a performance at HOB Anaheim, you don't have to go anywhere else, the food, libations, desserts and talent are all just amazing and House of Blues is now an official destination. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAx70E_C62s/WS0FJ8aIEPI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/eJww3j7d63kmyByNDWguXT70dNJuoX3WgCLcB/s1600/HOBA%2BSmokehouse%2BSt.%2BLouis%2BRibs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DAx70E_C62s/WS0FJ8aIEPI/AAAAAAAAKWQ/eJww3j7d63kmyByNDWguXT70dNJuoX3WgCLcB/s320/HOBA%2BSmokehouse%2BSt.%2BLouis%2BRibs.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The House of Blues is now located in the <a href="http://anaheimgardenwalk.com/" target="_blank">Gardenwalk </a>of Anaheim on Katella. Their website has all information and calendar of events for you to peruse. This is the night out that is perfect, it has everything you could look for. Great food, a very magical atmosphere, and wonderful talent and performances.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> I can say I am a fan of all of their food, my next venture there will be the Gospel Brunch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can't wait to try the food and listen to some amazing Gospel music, feed my soul in every way!</span>RealMomofOChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07163366288145565535noreply@blogger.com0