Remember to Eat

I often get so involved in my work that I don't think about eating lunch until I'm starving, which is usually well after the two nearby base eateries close at 2pm-ish. I actually set myself up a daily 1pm reminder that says "You'll feel better later if you eat now. Just sayin'." It would be even better (tastier, more affordable, and more convenient) if I would just get in the habit of packing a lunch. You'd think after 20+ years supporting NAVSEA that I'd have this figured out better. :/

My Version of an Apocalypse: The End of the World as We Know It Would Suit Me Just Fine

The older I get, the more ideas I am exposed to, the more information that has become so readily available on the internet, the more I think that some sort of 'the end of the world as we know it' would be good for us. I mean really, we're all hosed up! And we always have been. I'd like to see an end to the world that feels like a real miracle. We all - every single human being on Earth - we wake up one morning having all had a deep spiritual awakening. We all know how to make smart choices, we save our planet, we stop abusing ourselves, and one another, we lay down our arms, we feed the world, we explore the universe, we get smarter and smarter, we cure disease, we live in harmony. {More later, I'm getting off so Christopher can play Minecraft.}

You Are Here

Weekday Evening Fun

I didn't sleep well Sunday night, so was tired kinda all day yesterday. But then I had THE BEST evening w/the kids, and slept like a log last night! So after discovering Christopher's bedroom wall "mural" :), he asked me to go outside and play tennis with him, Phoebe and some neighborhood friends were already outside playing. Some of Phoebe's friends just adore Christopher, and are good at including him in their play (which warms my heart). We all ran around outside for over two hours, playing tag, racing, playing limbo, sword fighting (foam sword versus swim noodle), making human pyramid configurations, riding bikes and scooters, playing with the tennis rackets and ball, and throwing those leaf/seed helicopter things... all with no electronic devices, no whining, no bickering, and no injury. We didn't go inside until it was almost pitch dark, we were dirty, hungry, and exhausted. It was awesome. :)

Women Could Rock the World!

Women Lead the Way

On Sharing My Thoughts

I Know You Look Both Ways

Food is Healthcare

$War > $Poverty

My Little Inspiration...

{Original Post: Tue 2/02/2013@22:17} Ok the post title is a nod to my blog title. And this post is going to be about those things in my blog header, and how each of them made the list. I am going to edit and update this post occasionally, rather than try to get it all out at once. So here's a cut 'n paste of the header as it stands today, stay tuned for some elaboration...

Inspired Mostly by My Children ♥ and by Accountability Adventure Awareness Balance Challenge Charity Childhood Commitment Community Compassion Courage Devotion Dreams Empathy Equity Faith Family Generosity Grace Honor Hope Humility Humor Improvement Innocence Intactivism Intelligence Integrity Joy Justice Kindness Laughter Life Love Loyalty Motherhood Nature Opportunity Optimism Possibility Purpose Reality Spirituality Sportsmanship Strength Transparency Truth Whimsy "Um... Oh! and World Peace."

{Mod 01 Fri 2/08/2013 @ 22:15} First and foremost, obviously, are My Children ♥. Being a Mom has given me unimaginable joy, a strong sense of purpose, and the most amazing sense of perspective. Having them has brought me growth, strength, and passion on one hand, and heartache and fear on the other hand. I feel so blessed and proud and pleased with what I am able to do with and for my children, and my heart aches so for the children who aren't as loved and doted upon as they all deserve to be, for the children who suffer instead of thrive, and my heart aches most for the beloved children who were torn from the love of their families and thrust into the evil that pervades us.

Back to Blogging

My gosh... it's been so long. I keep meaning to get back to it, there's a bunch of posts brewing in my head, but I always get overcome by events. I have such a busy life. But here I am today, so welcome back, stay tuned for more.

Don't Let Your Mind Bully Your Body

The Solution to Oversleeping

Am I My Own Weakest Link?

I've been thinking a lot lately about life, the big decisions, the big picture, and it occurs to me that I appear to be basing my overall wellbeing on my poor choices. We're all familiar with the saying "you're only as strong as your weakest link" well I'm feeling only as productive as my least-productive days, only as smart as my poorest decisions. While I can see the logic in the weakest-link analogy, I need a more positive perspective. I need to be strong despite my weakest link, strong enough to fix my weak links. (Seems I can't blog properly from behind this Navy firewall, I'll edit later to add the image I wanted to put here.)

Long Time No See

Yeah it's been a while. Geez life sure is busy. You'll be glad to know I finally got all my Maine photos uploaded! :) Plus Apr-Jul but you know how to get there from here.

Spring Break 2012 Day 2 Sunday

All my good intentions about staying up super late Saturday or getting up extra early on Sunday to finish my homework were ill-conceived in the first place, and therefore went unexecuted. So I awoke with the desire to spend more family time, slighly dampered by the nagging requirement to do homework. All of which became OBE when JR said he thought Phoebe might need stitches, so I played with Christopher while JR & Phoebe went to urgent care. After more than a two hour wait, however, the urgent care place sent them to the ER in case she needed stitches, because apparently they are unable to stitch faces.

So he brought her home for a quick bite to eat, and I took her to the ER, where she was seen after an incredulous five minute wait (we had been quoted 1½hrs), and her chin was butterfly-stitched (which could have been done at the urgent care place, probably much cheaper).

So we got a late start to NB's, enjoyed a "cooked in the yard" dinner, then enjoyed some family Jenga! AJ lasted but one round, then needed to be put to bed due to unsportsman-like conduct. Grandma & Grandpa & Uncle Dre & Phoebe enjoyed several more fun-filled rounds before NB sent us home so I could finish my homework.

I was completely unsatisfied with my paper, but I submitted it at midnight when it was due.
Note to self: do not schedule anything during the last week of school.

Spring Break 2012 Day 1 Saturday

Grandma & Grandpa arrived Friday, so we met after work at NB's for a spaghetti dinner and a brief chit-chat/catch-up, then disbursed so our out-of-state travelers could rest. Phoebe & Christopher both fell asleep in the car (standard), and both managed to stay mostly asleep through the transition from car to bed (a first!).

By early Saturday Phoebe was ready to head STRAIGHT to Grandma & Grandpa's hotel for some pool time! I let her pack her swim stuff, but insisted we go to NB's so the plan of the day could come together with the inputs of all involved. :) AJ had a rough day and wasn't up to pool play, so we chatted the day away, enjoyed a Pizza Hut dinner, and then snuck off to the pool without AJ. When I asked Christopher if he wanted to swim he said no, so I stayed dressed, but took him and his swim trunks with us to the pool to watch Phoebe & Grandma play. I think I heard Phoebe say "Grandma, watch me!" about a million times. :) Then Christopher got interested, so I got him changed and deposited him into the water with Grandma. I'm glad I didn't get in too, because Christopher clung to his Grandma with hugs and smiles and play like never before. They both seemed to really enjoy it.

Then as the pool closed and I attempted to wrangle up the wet munchkins, Phoebe banged her chin on the edge of the pool. :( It didn't bleed much, and she didn't cry at all, but I know chin injuries hurt. Grandpa put a band-aid on it and we headed home. Christopher again stayed asleep through the transition, but Phoebe got her chin re-bandaged by Daddy and stayed up to watch the Kid's Choice Awards (KCAs). She has already suggested that we might have to move to California when the time comes so she can attend "Hollywood Arts" (the high school where fictitious Victoria Justice and her friends to go school).

Math Discussion 1.1

In the overview of this module, we saw how a linear equation can be applicable to the grocery store expenditure. Think about 3 different examples where you can formulate 3 different linear equations. Then, share those examples and linear equations. Include the x-intercept and y-intercept of each of your linear equations. Comment on the validity of the other students’ linear equations. None of your linear equations must have expenditure as the variable. (Think beyond the grocery store example.) Example from module description: Suppose that you go to a grocery store to buy some cola bottles. Your expenditure depends on how much you spend on gas and how many bottles you buy at the grocery store. The amount you spend on gas does not depend on how many bottles you buy, but the amount you spend in the grocery store does. Hence, your gas expenditure can be considered fixed cost, and your cola bottles’ expenditure can be considered variable cost. Now, suppose also that your gas expenditure for each trip to the grocery store is $3, and the selling price of each cola bottle is $2. If your total expenditure is expressed as y, and the number of cola bottles is expressed as x, then one can say that y = 3 + 2x.

Example 1. Suppose it is girl scout cookie season. :) You have committed to buy ten boxes of cookies from your own daughter, and also to buy three boxes from every other girl scout that comes to your door selling cookies. The total amount of cookies you buy does not depend on how many boxes you buy from each girl, but on the number of girls that come to your door. Therefore, the cookies you buy from your own daughter can be considered fixed, and the cookies from other girl scouts can be considered variable. If your total cookie purchase (in boxes) is expressed as y, and the number of girl scouts you buy cookies from is expressed as x, then y = 10 + 3x.

• Solving the x-intercept for y = 10 + 3x (y = 0)
  0 = 10 + 3x
  -10 = 3x
  -(10/3) = x
  -3.33 = x
  x-intercept is (-3.33, 0)
• Solving the y-intercept for y = 10 + 3x (x = 0)
  y = 10 + 3*0
  y = 10 + 0
  y = 10
  y-intercept is (0, 10)

Example 2. Suppose that you are considering carpooling to reduce your 20 mile per day commute to two miles per day to a carpool meetup spot, plus the once or twice weekly full commute when it's your turn to drive (based on a five day work week). The total number of miles you drive per week does not depend on how many miles in your commute, but on the frequency you have to make that drive. Therefore, the mileage to your carpool meetup is fixed, and the mileage for the rest of the week is variable. If your total weekly mileage is expressed as y, and the frequency you drive the carpool all the way is expressed as x, then y = 2*5 + 20x.

• Solving the x-intercept for y = 2*5 + 20x (y = 0)
  0 = 2*5 + 20x
  0 = 10 + 20x
  -10 = 20x
  -(10/20) = x
  -0.5 = x
  x-intercept is (-0.5, 0)
• Solving the y-intercept for y = 2*5 + 20x (x = 0)
  y = 2*5 + 20*0
  y = 10 + 0
  y = 10
  y-intercept is (0, 10)

Example 3. Suppose that you are enrolled in an eleven-week graduate class, and are scheduled to complete ten homework assignments, twenty online discussions, and one final exam (31 total assignments). Suppose also that you alot two hours for easy assignments and four hours for difficult assignments. The total number of hours you need to plan for your schoolwork does not depend on the number of assignments, but on how many of them are easy and how many are difficult. If the total number of hours you need to expend on your assignments is expressed as y, and the number of assignments that are difficult is expressed as x, then y = 2(31-x) + 4x.

• Solving the x-intercept for y = 2(31-x) + 4x (y = 0)
  0 = 2(31-x) + 4x
  0 = 2*31 - 2x + 4x
  0 = 62 + 2x
  -62 = 2x
  -(62/2) = x
  -31 = x
  x-intercept is (-31, 0)
• Solving the y-intercept for y = 2(31-x) + 4x (x = 0)
  y = 2(31-0) + 4*0
  y = 2*31 + 0
  y = 62
  y-intercept is (0, 62)

OMFG @ Remedial Graduate Math :{

Week One: Algebra Review & Linear Equations. Shit.

Algebra Review:
~Natural Numbers. Ok, got it.
~Whole Numbers. Ok, got it.
~Rational Numbers. Ok.
~Irrational Numbers. Wtf.

Properties of Real Numbers:
~Commutative, Associative, Identity, Inverse, Distributive. Had to refresh my memory, but ok.

Polynomials. Ok.
Addition & Subtraction. Now that's what I'm talkin' about! :)
Rules of Parenthesis. I remember those.
Multiplication & the FOIL Method: First, Outside, Inside, Last. Had to re-learn that. Shit.
Order of Operations. Thanks to building Excel formulas, I know that.

Properties of Exponents:
~Product, Quotient, Power of a Power, Product of a Power, Quotient to a Power, Zero Exponent, Negative Exponent, Inverse. WTF!! Shit!

Radicals. Huh?
Factoring. Simplifying - I can get w/that.
Greatest Common Factor. There's a formula for that? I always did that in my head, formula makes no sense. What's a "prime" factor?
Factoring Patterns. "When factoring polynomials there are common patterns easily recognizable..." Easily recognizable MY ASS.

Properties of Rational Expressions:
~Cancellation, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction. Ok.

Rectangular Coordinates and Linear Equations. Thanks to Excel, this is not totally foreign.
Point-Slope Form. I f'ing hate Algebra.
Slope-Intercept Form. Who needs math anyway.

Business Applications of Linear Equations. Finally, maybe this can be made useful somehow.
~Forecasting. Supply & Demand makes sense - but these formulas?!? Shit!
~Break-even Analysis. "Suppose that you are selling popcorn." Yeah, suppose that. I don't need math to sell popcorn.

THIS SEMESTER IS GONNA SUCK. :{

The Incredible Shrinking Stephanie

Once upon a time, while JR was at boot camp, I succeeded in losing a rather significant amount of weight. I remember a colleage referring to me as "the incredible shrinking Stephanie" and I think I'm due another round of that! Just look at this recent picture:

I'm short, and fat! I am hoping this photo, combined with the uncomfortable fit of most of the clothes in my closet, will help motivate and propel me into some sort of fitness/weight-loss regimine. There's this nice 2½-mile lake trail - right in my neighborhood! I really need to get out there. Me and Sydney. 5am. I remember how good it feels to start my day with exercise.

Post per Week Blog Challenge 4/52 Balance

Post per Week Blog Challenge 3/52 Awareness

Post per Week Blog Challenge 2/52 Adventure

Come Alive

Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. ~Howard Thurman

Post per Week Blog Challenge 1/52 Accountability

I've been meaning to blog more, so in an effort to do so, I am challenging myself to do one post per week. I considered just doing a weekly wrap, but decided instead to elaborate on the words from my blog header. These words represent values that inspire me when I see them in others, and that I strive for myself.

Custom

Custom will reconcile people to any atrocity. ~George Bernard Shaw

Grades So Far

I began my MBA journey a few weeks ago, unsure how I was going to manage cramming coursework into my already overwhelmingly busy life. As it turns out, being smart is making school much more manageable than I'd feared. I started with a Marketing class, and as I delved into my text book, much of it seemed common sense, with some new jargon and just a few new concepts to digest. I worried that I wasn't putting enough graduate-level analysis into my work, but I continue to interact with my classmates online, I am seeing that my years (and years and years) of experience is serving me well. I'm at 100% so far! Yay!

Caretake This Moment

Caretake this moment. Immerse yourself in its particulars. Respond to this person, this challenge, this deed. Quit the evasions. Stop giving yourself needless trouble. It is time to really live; to fully inhabit the situation you happen to be in now. ~Epictetus

Dear Family, Our 2012 Post-Holiday New Year Letter :)

Dear Family, Mostly Aunt Banana & Grandma & Grandpa! :)

Your thoughtfulness and generosity know no limits. I regret that in our holiday haste, we have lost track mostly of who gave what, but I do know a certain favorite few. Ok, so Daddy scored each of their favorites - Phoebe's DSIXL, and Christopher's Angry Birds board game and t-shirts, those are far and away their favorites. They both love Christopher's Bilibo chair. Phoebe absolutely adores her Spectra doll from NB, as well as the Liv Doll hairstyle head thing from Janet & Brooke. Christopher's second favorite is the train table - thank you NB! He enjoyed it as a table for a simple oval track for a few days, but I did get the city center installed by Thursday, and he does love it.

T'was the Night Before Christmas - Submarine Style by Sean Keck

T'was the night before Christmas, and what no-one could see,
The men with the dolphins were under the sea.
Most of the crew was flat on their backs,
Snoring and dreaming all snug in their racks.

Those men on watch were making their rounds,
Some manning the planes or listening for sounds.
Back in maneuvering or down in the room,
They all hoped the oncoming watch would come soon.

I'd finished some PMs whose time was now due,
And hoped for some sleep, even an hour or two.
Against better judgment I took a short stroll,
And found myself wandering into control.

The Nav had the Conn, the COW was in place,
The COB had the Dive and a scowl on his face.
The helm and the planes were relaxed but aware,
The QM and ET were discussing a dare.

To comply with the orders the Nav told the Dive,
To bring the boat up with minimum rise.
The orders were given and soon they were there,
At periscope depth with a scope in the air.

The QM confirmed our position with care,
The broadcast was copied, we brought in some air.
The Nav on the scope let out a small cry,
He shook his head twice and rubbed at his eyes.

He looked once again to find what it was,
That interrupted his sweep and caused him to pause.
Try as he might there was nothing to see,
So down went the scope and us to the deep.

I asked what it was that caused his dismay,
He sheepishly said, "I'm embarrassed to say."
It could have been Northern Lights or a cloud,
Or a meteorite he wondered aloud.

But to tell you the truth I guess I must say,
Whatever it was it looked like a sleigh.
And though it passed quickly and never was clear,
I almost believe it was pulled by reindeer.

We laughed and teased him and I got up to go,
When our moment was broken by "Conn, Radio."
They told us a message was just coming in,
We looked at the depth gauge and started to grin.

"Radio, Conn, I feel safe to say,
Your attempt at a joke is too long delayed.
If it had been sooner it might have been neat,
But I doubt we're receiving at four-hundred feet."

"Conn, Radio, you can come down and see,
We're not playing games to any degree."
I headed aft with nothing better to do,
Surprised by the fact it was still coming through.

It stopped and was sent to control to be read,
The Nav read it slowly and scratched at his head.
Then again he began but this time aloud,
To those that now waited, a curious crowd.

"To you Denizens of the Deep and men of the sea,
Who risk your life daily so others stay free.
I rarely have seen you on this, my big night,
For far too often you are hidden from sight.

But purely by luck I saw you tonight,
As your scope coaxed the plankton to glow in the night.
And lucky for me I've finally won,
The chance to say thanks for all you have done.

I know that you miss your families at home,
And sometimes you feel as if you're alone.
But trust what I say and I'll do what's right,
I'll take something special to your families tonight.

Along with the gifts I'll take to your kin,
I'll visit their dreams and leave word within.
They'll hear of your love, and how you miss them,
I'll tell them that soon you'll be home again.

It might not be much I know that is true,
To thank you for all the things that you do.
But I'll do what I can, while you do what's right,
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight."

It Is No Measure of Health

It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society. ~Jiddu Krishnamurti

School Fall Portraits

The "packages" they offer for school portraits are absurdly expensive, and they want us to order them in advance, which we are reluctant to do - what if the kids don't cooperate and the photos come out hinky? So we sent them both to school on picture day with no pre-paid package order, knowing we'd be able to buy them online after-the-fact.

Christopher's photo came out adorable!

And Phoebe's photo is the absolute epitome of Phoebe! Phoebe and I have a deal - she pics out her Fall outfit, but I get to pick her Spring portraits outfit. So she chose her clothes and accessories, and I didn't even require she brush her hair if she didn't want to (which she usually doesn't). I love it! And look at that skin - she's so beautiful!

Talk Talk Talk & Draw Draw Draw

Christopher has taken a turn for the talkative! and artsy! We're past parroting and echoing now, he's using real phrases, expressing his own thoughts, trying to have real conversation - it's so wonderful!! :) And at the same time he's developed this new-found interest - and skill - at drawing! Where before he couldn't (or wouldn't) make straight lines or attempt circles, he's now drawing people, with faces and eyes and "toes" (that look like really really long legs) and ears and hair, and trees, apple trees specifically. It's like the flood gates are open! And of course we're SO loving it! Oh, I wonder what's next!?

Thanksgiving

I am most thankful this year that my son is talking! But I'm not to keen on having to pick and choose between which Thanksgivings to attend - my neighbor Janet's noon Thanksgiving is a huge big fun deal, then my sister's Thanksgiving is the first in her own home - don't want to miss that, and JR's sister is having a huge Thanksgiving at his Mom's too - and I know how much it means for his Mom to see the kids. I guess I'm thankful that I don't have to put together a big deal meal at my house! :) Most likely the best thing will be for us to share in the early one at Janet's, then JR & Phoebe head to Richmond, and Christopher & I head to Dianne's. Being apart isn't ideal, but neither of us really mind, which is in itself rather unfortunate.

Angry

Anyone can become angry - that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose and in the right way - that is not easy. ~Aristotle

Biggie in My Blog, on My Mind, and in My Heart

I realized recently that I've been avoiding blogging, because I don't want the RIP Biggie post to get pushed down. :( He was such a cool kitty, and I really miss him. This is one of my favorite photos, look how close in size Phoebe & Biggie are. :)

My intention is for this post to break posting aversion. No matter where he is on my blog, Mr. Bigs is at the front of my mine, and in the depths of my heart.

RIP Biggie ♥

We are a heartbroken home today. Our beloved Biggie has been put to eternal rest. We are so sad to lose him, but are at ease knowing he's no longer sick with the cancer we didn't even know he had. :(

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Better, but not yet Well

Omg so whenever we thought JR's fever was gone, it came back with a vengeance! Poor guy had a 101+ fever from Friday 9/30 through Saturday 10/08! But finally, finally! he's feeling better. Better Sunday. More better Monday. Still not 100%, but I am able to work, and he is able to handle the kids. Now if we can just escape the kids getting it I will be so relieved. Me too, I don't want it either.

Substitute his iPad for the teddy bear, but this was JR for nine days. MISERABLE.

Viral Crud

Phew - what a long weekend! JR came down with a fever Friday, walk-in clinic doc prescribed TamiFlu despite negative flu swab, which only exaccerbated all his symptoms and made him miserable! Regular doc said it was just common viral crud, took him off the Rx, and he got to feeling better very quickly. The fever did last through Tuesday, and he's certainly not 100% but no longer stuck in bed in the fetal position huddled under the covers. I so hope the kids and I don't get it!

Time to Walk the Talk

Ok, I'm stepping up to my sister's challenge, let the MBA begin! :)

He Loves Phoebe Too :)

Phoebe had been discouraged because Christopher didn't return her silly/gruff "I Love You" as readily as he had returned mine, but I told her that it took me three days (a slight exaggeration), and that seemed to bolster her determination. Finally last night Christopher did tell Phoebe "I Yuv U 2" and it put a big smile on her face. I long for genuine Phoebe/Christopher sibling interaction almost as much as I longed to hear Christopher's sweet little voice, it warms my heart to see the early signs of that developing relationship. :)

He Said "I Love You"! :) ♥

Well, actually, it was "I Yuv U!" :) I noticed recently that I get his attention quickly and easily when I use my super-silly scrunched-faced gruff voice, and that it encourages him to repeat what I've said, so on Friday I started with that silly/snuggly/gruff talk, and in short order he replied back w/his equally-silly scrunched-faced gruff "I Yuv U!" I am one happy Momma!

Considering a Master's Degree

My dear sister has finished her first degree and is going straight into her master's program. It's inspiring. She's actually got me considering an advanced degree for myself too. Going to school might actually be easier than keeping up w/my student loan! Plus, I never intended to go this long without continuing my education. Hm...

Walking for LMC | Walk for Autism Virginia

I've signed up for my first Autism-related activity, a 5k run/walk on Sat 10/22. I'd be honored if people walked with me. I'd be happy if people donated in support of my efforts.

http://walkforautismva.org/fundraiser/page/69bb325ef4

Oops!

Christopher is adding new words to his vocabulary so fast I can barely keep up! :) Many of his words are difficult to understand, but some of them are clear as day despite his mispronunciations. His most adorable recent addition is "Oops!" which he started after very deliberate "accidental" falls - he'll run run run, then sit down quickly and say Oops! Or he'll walk up to you with a big grin, turn around and back into you and say Oops. Or very deliberately knock something over and say Oops. He leaves out the 'p' tho, so he's saying Ooo's, which sounds like Ooots. He's the cutest thing ever. ♥

Scholastic Book Club

I typically discard the Scholastic Book Club flyers that Phoebe brings home, but I thought maybe I'd share Phoebe's reading interests in case anyone would prefer to buy books instead of toys for future gift-giving occassions. Sign up at www.scholastic.com/bookclubs and click "Register" in the "First Time Here?" section. Register for your own user name and password. When prompted, enter the one-time class activation code "DVVD6" to ensure orders are sent to Phoebe's teacher. Every online order (except eBooks) earns a free book for the classroom.

She brought home both "Lucky" (Grades 2 & 3) and "Arrow" (Grades 4, 5, & 6) flyers, in which she circled the "Dork Diaries" series, "Scratch It! Jewels", an "Owls Stationery Box", the "Rainbow Magic Night Fairies Boxed Set" and a matching "Paint Your Own Night Fairies Kit". I told her I preferred that she circle actual books, but that others might be willing to buy the crafty/toy-type items, but I would not. September's orders are due by the 23rd.

Happy 8th Birthday My Little Phoebe!

The party Saturday was a raging success! We had eleven little guests, we started with an impromptu Wii Fit Plus Obstacle Course Challenge, we played Pin the Bow on the Skull (it was a "Monster High" party), we were going to bob for apples (but it was too chilly, the kids snacked up a third of the apples, Christopher bit into each of another third, and we didn't have a suitable bobbing tub), we had a spaghetti dinner, the kids played outside for a few minutes, we opened gifts, we sang happy birthday and had a grocery store sheet cake upon which I had iced a Monster High skull, and then the grande finale - the kids THOROUGHLY enjoyed strawberries and Dianne's chocolate fountain!

Then six of the eleven spent the night, we had a second round of spaghetti dinner, played with all the birthday presents, played Wii Just Dance 2, probably did hundreds of cartwheels, rough-housed a bit (wait til you see the blurred action shots!), negotiated the sleeping arrangements, setup the sleeping area, and put on the Disney Channel. The younger girls were asleep by 0045, and the older ones probably feel asleep after I set the TV timer to go off at 0130. The younger girls were awake by 0730, played by themselves until they woke me at 0830, the remaining girls woke at 0930, we had a chocolate chip pancake and sausage breakfast, and played more Wii Just Dance until parents picked everybody up at noon. Except Rachel whom we took with us to Aunt Banana's for another cake and another Orbeez present (Yay!), we had to make the girls stop watching TV to play with AJ, had a yummy cheeseburger and tater-tot dinner, and headed home at 1900.  Phoebe showered, Christopher bathed, then we slept. It was an awesome all-Phoebe weekend. :)

Neurological Evaluation

We also had a neurological evaluation this morning at CNMC. Their assessment, basically, is that his hand thing is most likely not neurological, but more likely typical autistic self-stimulation. If he were entering some altered state of consciousness during the tremor, or if it was exclusively one side, or if it was whole-body, then perhaps they would be more inclined to suspect seizure activity. But because it's so focused, and because his schedule has changed a lot lately with the new school year, they are inclined to think it is just self-soothing. The tremors also seem to be subsiding as suddenly as they onset, which also contributes to the theory that it's not neurological. They started Saturday, maxed Wednesday, and we haven't seen any yet today. We will continue to watch him closely ourselves, and are scheduled for a two-month neuro follow-up, at which time we might schedule an EEG if he continues to have any worrisome symptoms. Phew.

Nutritional Biochemist

We saw nutritional biochemist Dr. Laura Power yesterday. She was amazing. I was impressed with both her knowledge of and passion for the science of nutritional biochemistry. It was mostly an observational evaluation, because Christopher has never had any blood work done which she could review. She did order extensive blood work, a complex urinalysis, and a mineral hair analysis - all of which will take a few weeks after we have his blood drawn and collect the urine and hair samples and send those all off to the labs. She seemed confidently optimistic that we would see improvements in Christopher once we identified any deficiencies and started a supplement program.

Christopher's Hands

Here is a short video in which Christopher's hand is just spasming away.

New Neurological? Symptom

I noticed Saturday that Christopher's hand was flinching. His right hand was open, but fingers curled, it was kind of an open-fisted spasm. I noticed it several times Saturday and Sunday. When I mentioned it to JR Sunday he said that he had seen it, but thought it was a sign of frustration, we didn't speak specifically about when we had each first observed it. I did email his Pediatric Developmental Specialist, Dr. Pratt, to report the onset of a new symptom and to request a neurological evaluation. When I got home yesterday I observed that it was already obviously more often and more intense - a triple-flinch vice a single-flinch - and I saw it in both hands. I spoke with JR to get clarification on how long ago he had noticed it, and he too had only seen it this past weekend, and we are both alarmed with its apparent quick onset. I emailed Dr. Pratt again this morning to relay my sense of urgency, and she said to tell the neurology department that she said it was an urgent matter so that we could be seen sooner than later. Well the neurology department said their first availability wasn't until Dec 21st! So I am waiting now to hear back from Dr. Pratt to see if she can't get us in sooner than that - more like immediately. If she can't, we will seek a neuro consult elsewhere.

I often speak to Christopher as if he perfectly well understands me. He might. Probably not, but maybe. I told him yesterday that we can deal with whatever he decides to throw our way, but he's not allowed to get worse -  only better. Hopefully he's onboard with that plan.

Plantar Fascitis, Lumbar Spondylothesis, & Arthritis w/a Bone Spur

I must be getting old.

Once upon a time I was strictly a heels 'n hose girl, I wouldn't even wear shoes that made that awful flip flap sound, much less a pair of actual flip flops. Then I went to the shipyard and gave up on hose, but still avoided shoes that went flip flap - except one favorite pair of heels that was dressy enough to overlook that most unprofessional sound. Then I returned to DC and somehow lost my last shred of femenine professionalism, and spent this ENTIRE SUMMER - work included - in a pair of black gemmed flip flop thongs. Which has resulted in an uncomfortable case of plantar fascitis (self-diagnosed).

The Spondylothesis was medically diagnosed, over a year ago, with some arthritis and a bone spur to go with it, but I don't do the exercises I'm supposed to do to strengthen my core, so it's not improving.

Nothing like back pain to make a girl feel old! And the plantar fascitis makes me hobble around in the morning, feeling weak and unstable. My caffeine and nicotine breakfast habit doesn't help much either. I really need to invest in myself - the time, energy, and smart decision-making to make me FEEL better.

9/11 Ten Years Later

I didn't spend much time today thinking about 9/11/2001. I let myself stay busy with the kids instead, and even took a nap with Christopher. But that beautiful Tuesday morning will never fade from my memory. I was on a shuttle bus from the Pentagon to Rosslyn when we heard about the 2nd plane hitting the Towers. An Air Force guy on the bus expressed his hope that it was a flying accident. I remember thinking how optimistically naive that was, and wondering if he really believed that. I was supporting the Dual Use Science & Technology (DUS&T) Program, an OSD program under the Director, Defense Research & Engineering (DDR&E), whose offices were temporarily located in Rosslyn due to ongoing Pentagon renovations. I don't remember the details of my day, but I do remember my friend and colleague, Jan Wilson, who was pregnant with her first child, asking "What kind of world am I bringing this child into?!" Then the plane hit the Pentagon. That was much closer to home than the Twin Towers. We were scared. Were we safe? How many other attacks would there be? Would it last all day? all week? What was happening to our lives? Many people headed straight home. Those of us without our cars stayed at work. We all huddled into the little lobby-level cafe, silently glued to the small television, with slack or quivering jaws and tear-filled eyes. We watched the towers come down, first one, then the other. We could only imagine how many people might still be inside. We couldn't fathom the losses. We had no words. I don't remember how I got home (to very nearby Lloyd Apartments, on Tennessee Ave). I remember talking to JR, he was at AIT and had had difficulty reaching me. I don't remember talking to Dianne, but I think I did. I spent the rest of the day crying and watching the news. I VHS recorded many hours of it, I think I still have that tape somewhere. Planes were grounded, the busy skies grew immediately and eerily silent. Washington National is a VERY busy, one plane per minute airport, the noise of which I had never considered until it fell silent. The only noise from our skies was the occassional military aircraft, deploying to God knows where for God knows what mission. No news choppers. No commercial flights. No cargo flights. Then, when flights did resume, several days later I think, I remember looking up every time I heard a plane, wondering if I would ever see/hear planes the same again (I do, now). I don't remember the rest of that week, surely we didn't return to work, did we? But then eventually we did. We hung our flags. We mourned our dead. We resumed our flights. We went back to work. But it was different. We donated blood. We spoke kindly to strangers. We looked one another in the eye. We embraced our freedoms, thankful to be Americans. Some of us grew angry. Some of us gave up hope. Some children turned into men that week and joined the Armed Services. I wasn't a mother yet then, but I can only imagine the collective motherhood cringed with grief and fear of what was happening to our children. How do our babies, whom I believe are born innocent and pure, turn into the monsters we have among us today.

Well Done :)

Christopher recently started adding something that sounds like "Wull Dun" to the end of many of his many ABCs or 123s, I was delighted to learn from JR that he is telling himself "Well Done!" :) It's the cutest darn thing. And lately he's added "Good Job" so it's "Wull Dun Good Job!"

Counting by Two & a Lips Kiss!

I napped with Christopher both Friday and Saturday - a rare and delightful luxury. When we woke up Friday afternoon, he said "two" which I figured meant we were going to count to ten for the forty-millionth time. With Christopher, in order to proceed from one letter to the next, or from one number to the next, it requires we repeat everything he says. So I said my "two" and was expecting three, but to my utter delight and astonishment, he instead counted by two's all the way to 26! without hesitation! He rattled it off as if he'd been doing it for weeks. I wonder how much else is in there, all ready, just waiting to come out.

And then, even better, in my excitement about that, I asked for a kiss, which has previously always meant he presents his little cheek for ME to kiss, and instead he gave me an actual kiss on the lips! I was so delighted! ♥

Christopher's Language

Christopher has been talking up a storm this past week! He's getting better at some of his more difficult alphabet characters, namely W, and he seems to be showing off his knowledge of all the words he knows associated with each letter. We used to step through the alphabet with a standard set of words: A, Apple, B, Ball, C, Cat, D, Dog, etc., he's now prone to using other words where he knows them, E might be Egg or Elephant, K might be Key or Kangaroo, J might be Juice or Jacket - he's definitely making language progress. :)

Hurricane Irene

Was reported to look "terrifying" from space. We never even lost power.

Earthquake!!

Blog Pages

Been payin' some attention to my blog. I like it. I wish I could password protect some of the content tho, so I'm not done tinkering.

Phoebe to Selena Gomez at Hershey Park

My baby girl has been invited to a concert! :) Rachel's Mom Susan is taking the girls to Hershey Park this weekend. She is so excited! My first concert was not until my 21st birthday, James Taylor at King's Dominion. I'm so glad that Phoebe is getting this opportunity early in life. This will be her first out-of-town trip without Mom or Dad, but it's only over one night, and she'll be with her little bff and "Mom#2" so I know she's going to be fine.

ABA versus Son-Rise

There appears to be some very fundamental differences between two leading programs for the treatment of Autism. This account of the differences is from the Son-Rise side.

http://www.autismtreatmentcenter.org/contents/other_sections/aba-son-rise-program.php

ABA vs The Son-Rise Program

Understanding of Autism
ABA	The Son-Rise Program
Sees Autism as a behavioral disorder, with behaviors to be either extinguished or reinforced	Sees Autism as a social interactivity disorder, where the central deficit is relating to other people
The child needs structure and must learn to sit appropriately, follow a schedule, and comply with requests	Helping the child to be flexible and spontaneous enables him/her to handle change and enjoy human interaction

Area of Focus
ABA	The Son-Rise Program
Changing the behavior of the child	Creating a relationship with the child
Seeks to “extinguish” the child’s repetitive “stimming” behavior	Uses “joining” technique to participate in the child’s repetitivebehavior

Method of Teaching New Skills
ABA	The Son-Rise Program
Repetition – Uses discrete trials or similar method to prompt the child to perform a behavior (followed by a reward) over and over again until the child has demonstrated mastery	Motivation – Builds the child’s own interests into every game or activity so that the child is excited, “comes back for more,” generalizes skills, and relates naturally rather than robotically

Areas of Learning
ABA	The Son-Rise Program
Often focuses on academic skills	Always teaches socialization first
Sees academic areas such as math as an excellent way to help the childcompensate for lack of social skills	Seeks not to help the childcompensate for social skills deficits but rather to overcome them

The Role of the Parents
ABA	The Son-Rise Program
Professionals are the major players, with parents having a more observational role	Parents are given the most central role because their love, dedication, and experience with their child is unmatched

The Role of the Facilitator’s Attitude
ABA	The Son-Rise Program
Sees attitude as largely irrelevant, with effective application of behavior shaping techniques being what matters	Sees attitude as vitally important, since having a non-judgmental and welcoming attitude determines whether the child feels safe and relaxed enough to interact and learn