I'm Just That Way and That's Just Me

Hearts and Berries

2012-02-14T10:18:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day to you ALL

Here's a "taste" of what I made my valentine

Gluten Free/Casein Free chocolate covered strawberries. I'm pretty sure I'll end up eating more of them than she will!!

Valentines Day is always marked by images of hearts and messages of love. So, today and every day, I wish your hearts be filled with love (and compassion). Oh, and when you're done with your heart, please consider sharing your love and compassion by becoming an organ donor, because someday, somewhere, someone just might need all the love and life in your heart.

http://donatelife.net/

Oh, Toto!

2012-02-13T11:58:00.004-05:00

Big ups to Jen for sharing this on facebook. Made me giggle.

And thank you Melissa for sharing this on the facebook, too!

Speaking of Santorum, it seems he's still got that pesky google issue to deal with.

This Moment

2012-02-10T08:38:00.003-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Ten years ago...

2012-02-09T08:23:00.000-05:00

Ten years ago, on this day, I was in the south of France. It was my first and only trip to Europe.

I'd been married for just a few months. My husband traveled every year to Germany for business, and always wanted me to tag along with him. I never wanted to. Call me crazy, but I am still harboring some resentment toward the Germans for some things they did to my peeps. So, I wasn't ready to go there and spend money. I compromised by meeting him in London for a few days and then heading to France. Sounds rough, huh? Actually, it was a little bit scary.

This was less than six months after September 11th. I was uncomfortable about flying in an airplane for ~~years~~ ~~months~~ a while. I was even more uncomfortable about doing it alone, and across the ocean, too! I brought a bottle of xanax and got on the plane. It was a great trip filled with all the touristy things like the tours of London "Look kids it's Big Ben!". Then we traveled on to France where we met with a friend of ours and had a really great time. Until we flew home and G vomited the whole plane ride home from London.

Ten years ago today:

I never thought I'd live in Michigan

I knew nothing about Autism

I never, ever thought I'd be divorced

I had no freaking clue how strong I really am

This week's prompt:

Start a post with "Ten years ago today..."

SGK vs PP

2012-02-03T15:17:00.001-05:00

I'm sure you've followed the Susan G Komen/Planned Parenthood story in the news and on the interwebz (all ALL over the facebook) this week, just like I have. I have been a supporter of both organizations for a long, long time. I have always had some issues with things that the Susan G Komen organization has done and continues to do, but nothing like this. This actually makes it tough to feel supportive of them at all. Still, on May 26th, I'll walk in the Race for the Cure to support my friend Tami because that's something she would've wanted and because I'll always continue to raise awareness so that no one has to lose a friend like I lost her.

My support for Planned Parenthood is unwavering. No matter what. This story upset me so much because I feel very adamant that politics has NO place in health care. By now you may have heard that SGK has reversed its decision to pull funding to PP. While I think that's the right choice, I wonder if they can come back from this PR nightmare.

There are two things I want to share here today. One is this blog post that my friend Ellyn wrote. Ellyn is a very proud supporter of Susan G Komen Foundation and a huge fundraiser through their very successful 3-Day Walk. Ellyn is a breast cancer survivor and knows well what that means.

This is Linda. Linda is also a survivor and she, too, knows well what that means. In this video, she shares her thoughts on what is and is not breast cancer.

What does the easter bunny have to do with special needs?

2012-02-02T13:14:00.000-05:00

A super mom I know is up for a super award which will grant her super daughter's school a super e-library. Of course, I think you should ALL vote for her, but I also want you to get to know her a bit.

Lisa is mommy to V, a very sweet four year old little girl who happens to have some super powers (sounds so much better than special needs). Victoria has congenital nystagmus and low vision. Lisa says, "my super powered kid literally sees the world differently and has taught me how to see in ways I never thought possible. Often she doesn't see people's expressions and responds to tones rather than looks. To her, everyone wants to be her friend. How great would it be if everyone didn't 'misjudge looks'? Also, she is not afraid to fall. She falls, bumps, and bruise all day long. Instead of crying, she says, 'I'm okay. Spills happen!" How great would it be if we could all have that attitude? I believe in creating a world without boundaries for her. Yes, I want to protect her, but I also believe she must explore and discover. Often I realize I am the one who must change my point of view. She is a kid with amazing super powers!!"

Lisa has written a childrens book and entered it into a contest to win (among other things) an e-library for V's school!! She's a finalist! Lisa loves e-libraries because she can make everything bigger so little V can see better.

Please take a moment to vote for Lisa Rose's Oh No! The Easter Bunny is Allergic to Eggs!

Click on this link!!

High School Daze

2012-02-02T08:13:00.000-05:00

"Danielle seems to have some problems with authority."

"We think it's best that Danielle explore different options for schooling next year."

"We find it inappropriate for Danielle to be swearing at her teachers."

"Danielle did not show up to school today. Or yesterday."

"No, we do not think Danielle should finish out the school year here, she should leave now."

I never felt like it at the time, but I was pretty cute, huh?

Can you believe those words were spoken about sweet, innocent, little ol' me??

I know, right?

I was a bit of a trouble maker. I kind of came out that way. People always ask me if I moved around a lot when they find out that I'd switched schools every two years from the age of 7. Nope, never because of a move. Just because of my mouth. Although, I'd like to formally blame my mother for the first expulsion. The rule was no skirts above the knee. She got all womens lib-y and got pissed that anyone might suggest that it be inappropriate for a 7 year old girl's knees to be showing- as though they'd be deemed too sexy. She never changed how I was dressed (that'll show 'em) and I never returned to that school.

So, needless to say, the sass started early. I never belonged to any one group. I hung with them all. I was kind of a floater. I actually never really felt like I fit in with any one crowd. I think I was friends with everybody. I had some really great friends and about a million acquaintances.

Actually, I think it's the same today.

Being expelled from all those schools and having to be the new kid every couple of years has given me some really great adapting skills. I can go into any room, anywhere and feel comfortable. I can talk to just about anyone about just about anything. I can (and did) move across the country not knowing anyone and make a life for myself. I'm completely fine and comfortable being the new kid in town.

not a scarf

No one ever really sees themselves accurately in high school, do they? I mean, even still, it's tough to say what I really thought I was like back then. I think I was fun, but kinda intense at times, too. I had a lot of good times, but it was a tough period for me, too. Honestly, it's amazing that any of us make it out of our teenage years alive.

Bringing sassy back

Did you know me in high school? If so, please leave me a comment telling me what you think I was like then. If it's not nice, I can just delete it anyway. Admin rights, FTW!

Kidding. Kind of. You can post anonymously if you want to, but that's not much fun, is it?

This week's prompt: what were you like in high school?

New Deal update 3

2012-02-01T16:58:00.001-05:00

I gave my seven year old an enema last night. What'd you do? Oh, you watched the Michael Jackson episode of Glee? That's cool. My night was just as shitty. Get it?

SO, yeah. The girl's been constipated again. There's something going on in her gut. Instead of being surprised about that, I'm actually surprised that we went this long without her gut dysbiosis rearing its ugly head. It's been 6 months since her last round of vancomycin (antibiotic) and nystatin (antifungal). In 2010, I was giving her flagyl every other month and seeing amazing results. Once we started working with Dr. Bock in Rhinebeck, NY and did the month long course of vancomycin and nystatin, we haven't had to do anything nearly as drastic. In fact, I think that did such an amazing job of cleaning up her gut that we were able to go about 6 months before repeating this course of treatment. However, that time (last august) we only did a 2 week course.

We're ready again. It's time. All the usual symptoms are there: constipation, extra stimming (flapping, spinning), scripting. The tell tale signs that there's something going on in her gut, so away we go.....

Ok, go learn your colors with OK Go

2012-01-31T18:37:00.000-05:00

Lessons learned in the emergency room in the middle of the night....

2012-01-30T08:11:00.000-05:00

Over the winter break, Little Bird caught a pretty ugly stomach flu. One minute she was totally fine, the next minute there was projectile vomit covering the walls, couches, floor and ceiling (~~slight~~ over-exaggeration). In a period of 2 hours, she was throwing up every ten minutes. When her eyes started rolling back into her head, I made the executive decision to take her to the ER.

Did you know that ERs in Metropolitan Detroit have metal detectors upon entry? Did you know that having your kid throw up all over the hallway does not get you a bed any quicker? Lesson learned. I started out explaining to every nurse, doctor (twice to the hot ones), orderly, and maintenance worker that Little Bird has Autism and doesn't understand that you're trying to help her. Most of them slowed their speech and raised their voices as though she has a hard time hearing (wtf?) and asked her if her tummy hurts. Ummm, she's freaking exorcist-style vomiting all over your triage, so yes, her tummy probably hurts.

For the most part, everyone was great when I explained the Autism. In fact, it's like it wasn't that unusual to them (hellooooo 1 in 100 and rising). Everyone commented on the fact that she's almost seven and not quite 40 pounds. Yes, I know. That's why we're here- no reserves. When they ~~finally~~ got the IV zofran (aka manna from heaven) and fluids into her, it was like seeing a whole new child. "She's baaaaaaack!" She perked up quickly and soon noticed that there was a TV in the room and it wasn't on. There's not much children's programming on at 2am, so I found a cartoon and stuck with it just as a new doctor walked in. "LB has autism and might not understand that you're trying to help her." By this point I was like a broken record. Just as the doctor asked, "Is she verbal?", the bird recognized the cartoon and shouted with excitement, "Family Guy!! Peter! Lois! Stewie!" I gave the doctor a look like, "I have NO clue how she'd know a show so inappropriate for children" and just said, "yes, she's verbal." Apparently my kid has excellent taste in animation thanks to searching YouTube. Lesson learned.

It didn't take long before the girl was back to her cute, sweet, sassy self.

New Birdhouse

2012-01-29T08:56:00.002-05:00

"Momma once told me

you're already home where you feel love

I get lost in my mind

I am lost in my mind

There are stars up above

We can start moving forward"

-The Head and the Heart

We moved. Me and my bird. We moved. Sold the house, packed everything up, and moved into an apartment about a 1/2 mile away from home. So, we're still on our turf. I wanted to stay in the same area so that Little Bird could still go to her bookstore, her Target, her favorite restaurants, etc. Plus, we're within walking distance from her school and summer camp. Strangely, we've moved into a new public school district; one that's much better for my kind of kid. That was obviously another big consideration for us in the move.

I left my dream home behind. Seriously, I loved that house. It was beautiful and comfortable and perfect. A little too big, but that's okay. I walked out of that house for the last time a few days ago. I cried my eyes out for hours. One of my favorite neighbors emailed me, asking if I could drive by every so often so she'd see my car and it'd seem like I'd never left. But, no. I don't think I can. In fact, I think it would be impossible to drive past that house ever again. I'm sure that with time it will be easier, but it's even hard for me to drive past the entrance to the subdivision.

I had great memories in that home. Little Bird took her first steps there; the ones that at least one doctor said might never come. Cassidy died in my arms in that home. I had some really great times there. Of course, there were also a lot of very difficult days there where I was filled with anxiety, sadness, and strife. I know that I can bloom wherever I'm planted and that I'll make many, many more beautiful memories in my new place.

We're settling in, making it ours. Slowly. It's a process.

First thing I did was fix up the bird's room. I decorated it with much of the same stuff from her old room so she'd find comfort in the familiar. There are lots of birds and owls and trees and mushrooms (what?) decorating the walls, her bed, pillows, etc. She likes it. A lot. That's all that matters.

We are making it our own.

Cat Facts

2012-01-28T12:26:00.000-05:00

Apparently, some kid put his phone number on the facebook and his cousin started messing around with him. Hilarity ensued.

** I know making this photo this big screws up my margins, but I happen to believe it's worth it.

Rainbow vomit

2012-01-27T11:39:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I'm changing things up a bit. You know little things like, I was married and now I'm not. I lived in a big fancy house and now I live in a nice cozy apartment. I had pink stripes in my hair and now I don't. Things like that. Also, I'm trying to appreciate the little things- like my waist line. Kidding. Kind of. Just trying to enjoy the things that make me smile and giggle each day. I guess I'll start sharing some of them with you, too.

So, here's a little something for you. Don't say I never gave you nothin'.

That's All.

This Moment

2012-01-27T08:33:00.002-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

SEVEN!

2012-01-24T06:32:00.001-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Little Bird!!
She turns seven years old today.

This Moment

2012-01-20T07:42:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

pic-a-day done

2012-01-17T16:24:00.000-05:00

Day whatever:

Awwwww, fuggit.

I just moved, haven't gotten my internet hooked up yet, and I got too much stuff to do to post more pics. Whatevs.

pic-a-day 13

2012-01-13T16:30:00.000-05:00

Day 13:

What's in your bag?

This Moment

2012-01-13T06:39:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Cake balls!

2012-01-12T19:00:00.001-05:00

Little Bird's birthday is coming up in a couple weeks,

so this weekend, I'm throwing her a little birthday party

I hate hate hate the idea of giving kids cheap plastic toys ~~made by young children in sweat shops for the kids to choke on~~ as party favors. So, I usually make something for giveaways. One year, I melted chocolates into little lollipop molds. For last year's party, I made these m&ms.

This year, thanks to my friend Evie's ~~obsession with~~ interest in Pinterest, I've discovered how to make cake pops. I'm going to share this wisdom with y'all.

First I baked a cake and allowed it to cool completely.

Then I crumbled it all up in a bowl, set that aside:

Meanwhile, I took white frosting and spiced it up with a little food coloring:

And then I smushed the frosting into the cake crumbles. This was messy and squishy. Then I rolled this "dough" into little balls*

*hahahaha I said little balls!

I put them on wax paper on a cookie sheet and stuck 'em in the fridge to firm up. Once my balls were hard enough (oh, come on, like I was gonna dodge that one), I took my lollipop sticks and dipped them in melted chocolate and stuck 'em in the balls; basically I used the chocolate as an adhesive.

Back in the fridge with you!

Once I had the chocolate melted (microwave), I started the dipping process.

Voila! Cake balls!!

This week's prompt:

Create an "instructional" post where you show readers how to do something cool or useful or yummy

pic-a-day 12

2012-01-12T08:12:00.000-05:00

Day 12:

Close up

pic-a-day 11

2012-01-11T22:00:00.000-05:00

Day 11:

Where you sleep

Yep, pretty nice. This has been my room for the last 10 months and will only be mine for 3 more nights.

pic-a-day 10

2012-01-10T08:00:00.000-05:00

Day 10:

Childhood

please pay no attention to the fact that I went from day 4 to day 10.

I've been ~~moving~~ ~~under a lot of stress~~ ~~freaking out~~ busy.

pic-a-day 4

2012-01-04T23:45:00.002-05:00

Day Four:

Your Letterbox

In the ol' letter box today, I got the best piece of mail I've gotten ~~all day~~ ~~all week~~ all of 2012 so far:

Gorgeous pictures of my niece and nephew!!

Pic-a-day 3

2012-01-03T18:54:00.002-05:00

Day Three:

Something you adore

(I also love when you "like" me)

pic-a-day 2

2012-01-02T14:41:00.004-05:00

There's been a lot of talk around the blogosphere about the project 365. Basically, you snap and post a pic every day for a year. First of all, 2012 is a leap year, so technically it should be project 366. I could get down with 365, but 366 is just a little too much for me. Actually, I think I could do a month, not a year. Remember last year when I did the 30 Day Project?? Yeah, that was pretty cool. Last night, I saw Jessica post something on FB about a 31 days project with topics, so you have an idea of what to snap and post.

Day One is meant to be a picture of YOU.

Technically, I did that yesterday, so I'm going with that being day one.

Day two: breakfast

Twenty Twelve

2012-01-01T09:00:00.002-05:00

This Moment

2011-12-30T12:24:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

2011: Year in Music Review

2011-12-24T11:39:00.001-05:00

It's time, people. I will list for you my top 10 albums of the year like I did last year. But this year, I'm turning it up to 11. That's right, I'm listing 11 albums. These are not necessarily albums that came out in the year 2011. These are albums that I obsessed over- listened to over and over and over this year. Still, some actually were released in the year 2011. Ready? Here we go:

Adele 21

Do you breathe? Yes? Well then there was no way to escape this album this year. It's a great album with some great tracks. Perfect album to become the soundtrack of a breakup. The only problem was that the tracks released to radio got so much AirPlay that it almost seemed weird if you turned on the radio and didn't hear Adele. Still, great album and my pick for album of the year at the Grammys. Did she get a song of the year nomination (songwriters award) for Someone Like You? She should and she deserves to take that Grammy home.

Alexi Murdoch Time Without Consequence

Yeah, you've probably never heard of this guy, but I'd be willing to bet that you've heard his tunes on your favorite tv shows (the ones with awesome music supervision). If you need to chill out at night, throw this one on.

Blind Pilot We are the Tide

Last year I got really into their "Three Rounds and a Sound" record. Little Bird knows most of the words! This years album was their sophomore release and they did not disappoint. Received this album as a birthday gift along with tickets to see them live. Great album, great show.

Cat Power The Greatest

Remember how I was all "put on Alexi Murdoch to chill late at night"?? Well, toss this puppy on the record player (or playa, if you will) on a Sunday morning while you read the paper or play your turns in Words With Friends. Just make sure you've got a hot, fresh, delicious cup of coffee in your hands. So good!!

The Head and the Heart The Head and the Heart

Gotta tell you, I was first introduced to this band by my good friend Jillsmo. She knows I dig good tunes and sent me an email with a link to a couple of their songs. I enjoy listening to this while I'm cooking or just doing things around the house. It's a good solid listen all the way through. I'm gonna check them out when they make their way through Detroit in March.

Halfway stretch. Need to get up to pee or pour yourself a tall one? Have you noticed I'm going in alphabetic order? I am. Did you just look back to confirm this? Okay, back to the list.

Iron & Wine Our Endless Numbered Days

Here's an example of an album that didn't come out this year, but I totally fell in love with over the summer. Actually, I listened to it a lot when I was in Colorado. Great album. Sad, but great. I've been enjoying it a lot more than this years release by I&W.

Joe Purdy Paris in the Morning

Can't help it. I love Joe Purdy. Saw him live in Los Angeles in April. Great show, though he didn't play any tracks off this record. I feel like so many of these songs are almost continuing the story he told on one of last year's favorites You Can Tell Georgia.

Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan (sometimes known as The Milk Carton Kids") Retrospect

These guys opened up for Joe Purdy and I dug them right away. I'd heard some of Joey Ryan's solo stuff before but when he teams up with KP, it's really awesome. They've got a song called "California" that's the most beautiful tribute to my home state ever.

Ryan Adams Ashes & Fire

It's hard to imagine Ryan Adams making a record that could even coming close to the awesomeness of his "Heartbreaker" album. But this album is pretty freakin' great. Wasn't really into his last album. Maybe Mandy Moore is good for him?

Tallest Man on Earth Sometimes the Blues is Just a Passing Bird

Another record that isn't new, but was new to me this year. Also, another Sunday morning album. Great tunes all around. This guy is good.

And here we are, at my #1 album of the year. As far as I'm concerned, there's no contest. The best album of 2011 is

Bon Iver Bon Iver

The production is amazing. Try not to analyze what he's talking about because you'll make yourself nuts. Instead, listen to the layers of instrumentation, the harmonies, and the ethereal sounds that can take you away from the carpool line, office space, or wherever else you're listening.

If you've never heard of any of these, please check them out. Let me know what you think.

What was your favorite music to listen to this year?

This Moment

2011-12-23T06:25:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

But that's not all...

For the first time ever, I have a video to accompany my moment.

Enjoy.

This Moment

2011-12-16T18:10:00.002-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

If I had to marry a celebrity...

2011-12-15T07:13:00.003-05:00

I don't have to, but if I had to marry a celebrity (or five), my list would look something like this

(in order):

1) Tom Brokaw

Yes, he is my #1 celebrity crush. I've had a thing for him for a long, long time. I've read his autobiography and I've TiVo'd his interview with Piers Morgan from last night- don't tell me how it ends!

2) William Jefferson Clinton

Love love love me some Bill Clinton. Had the hots for him since I was a teenager and he was running for office. Did you know he's a vegan now, too?? Healthy is hot!!

3) Ryan Reynolds

He just looks like a really nice guy, doesn't he? (side note: this post would've been finished earlier, but I got a little caught up looking at for pictures of this guy on the interwebz)

4) Barack Obama

He's the freaking leader of the free world, people. Come on!

5) Charles Osgood (from CBS' Sunday Morning)

He's just so cute in those little bow ties

One of these things is not like the others, huh? Weird. Wait. You weren't expecting this list to be all George Clooney and Brad Pitt-ish, were you?

This week's prompt:

If you HAD to marry a celebrity...who would make your top five list and why?

At my mom's suggestion

2011-12-10T07:01:00.001-05:00

So, I have this blog. Yes, this one. And I used to write in it a lot. In fact, according to the little numbers over there (yeah, over there <---------), in 2009 I wrote 189 posts, and in 2010 I wrote 284. But, in 2011 so far I've only written 150; this is post number 151- which got me thinking....

mmmmmmm

My mom, Little Bird's grandma, came to visit us this week. She heard me talk about my super awesome friend Laura S, whom I got to see during a recent road trip I took to Ohio. I got to tell her the story of how Laura's friend (I think her name is Jennifer, so hi Jennifer!!) told her she's just gotta check out this blog by some ~~crazy~~ awesome lady (me) who ~~curses~~ talks just like they do and have so much of the same experiences. She did, then she contacted me and once I discovered she ~~wasn't a stalker~~ was super cool, we became fast friends. She's come to visit me, and I've traveled down to see her, too! Here we are with our girls:

(Laura would probably want me to tell you that this photo was shot at a weird angle and I'm very short.
She is not a giant)

Then my mom got to meet my gorgeous friend Alisa, whom I also met through this little blog. About a year and a half ago I got an email from her saying, "hi you don't know me, but...." and we became friends immediately!

So, it wasn't long before my mom said, "you know, Danielle..." (many conversations start off this way) "You really should start writing your blog again." Aw, man! Don't my Friday *This Moment* posts count? Apparently, they do not. "It connects you to so many people and you've made some really nice friendships with people going through similar experiences; it brings you so much support while offering so much to others." I'm sure she said other stuff, but we were driving and I think we passed the Dairy Queen by then and I got distracted. My point is... I guess I'll start writing again. Sound good? Are you ready? Can you handle it? At this point, I imagine you are standing up and applauding, so please sit down, you're embarrassing me.

This Moment

2011-12-09T09:49:00.000-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Little Bird's backpack. Represent!

It gets better. Right?

2011-12-04T22:04:00.000-05:00

Dear anyone out there who has gone through a divorce,

It gets better, right? (say yes. say yes. say yes.)

This process sucks.

Will it ever end?

Let me know.

Kthanxbai

-Dani G

This Moment

2011-12-02T06:22:00.001-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

This Moment

2011-11-25T06:14:00.001-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

This Moment

2011-11-18T06:18:00.001-05:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Skool Pikture Blog Hop

2011-11-17T15:45:00.000-05:00

So I had this great idea... let's link up some of our kids' best and/or worst school pictures. Of course the first person I thought of was ~~the overzealous take my kid to sears photo center for every holiday including but not limited to Columbus Day and St. Patrick's Day~~ my bloggy BFF Lynn, the Autism Army Mom. She thought it was a great idea, too. Then she put the idea out among our blogging buddies via twitter and sure enough, Lynn and I were the only ones who thought it was a good idea. Would we let a little detail like that deter us? Oh, hell no! So, here it is, kids... our little (very little) school pic blog hop.

So, this was the first school pic I got. So freaking cute, right?! I just figured that every single photo after this would be as gorgeous, but obviously I was spoiled because here's what I got the next year....

"You talkin' to me?"

Then I got this...

Yep, that's me

And now, ladies and gentlemen, I bring you Little Dani G

This is me, too, with a few stars coming out of my head

"do you think anyone's gonna join our little blog hop?"- Dani
"no."- Lynn

Oh, come on. Link up with us!!!

22 things I've never done

2011-11-14T16:29:00.000-05:00

I am 34 years old and I have never:

1. Completed a year of school without at least a warning of expulsion (sorry mom)
2. Piloted an aircraft
3. Voted for a republican
4. Crossed a picket line
5. Shaved my head
6. Touched raw chicken
7. Been to Paris
8. Danced on stage at Radio City Music Hall with the Rockettes
9. Grown taller than 5'1"
10. Run a marathon
11. Learned to play the banjo
12. Lasted longer than 5 months on a refined sugar free diet
13. Learned to surf, despite growing up in California
14. Taken LSD (I swear, mom)
15. Eaten Indian or Ethiopian Food
16. Lived alone
17. Had a Bat Mitzvah
18. Really figured out "who" vs. "whom"
19. Ridden a mechanical bull
20. Jumped out of an airplane
21. Not cringed when someone mistakenly calls soda "pop"
22. Lived in a treehouse

I'll probably follow up with a list of 22 things I have done, unless it turns out to be too NSFW.

This Moment

2011-11-04T07:43:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Just two things....

2011-11-02T10:06:00.001-04:00

There are a couple of things blowing my mind today.

1) That it's acceptable for a person like Kim Kardashian ~~to be celebrated at all~~ to waste millions of dollars ~~that could have gone to a good cause like, oh, anything else~~ be married for two months (was it even that long), making such a public mockery of marriage, but two consenting, responsible, tax paying adults cannot just because the happen to have the same parts??

So, that, and 2) that there are still 21 states here in the good ol' U. S. of A. that continue to discriminate against individuals (mostly children) with Autism, denying them insurance coverage. Yesterday, New York became the 29th state to stand up and end that discrimination.

What's it like where YOU live?

Boo! in the blogosphere

2011-10-29T14:20:00.000-04:00

I'm linking up today with the girls from Four Plus an Angel and Sellabitmum to post pics of my baby bird all dressed up for Halloween.
So, here we go....

For her first Halloween, I couldn't decide what to dress Little Bird as, so I had a fashion show!

This Moment

2011-10-28T07:05:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Her weekend away

2011-10-24T08:11:00.001-04:00

I packed her bag: clothes, socks, underwear, a sweater just in case; supplements (anything not liquid and not refrigerated); books, toothbrush, GF/CF snacks for the plane, etc. We drove to the airport with time to spare. And then I did something I'd never done before. I kissed my baby goodbye. Even though I'd told her she was going on a trip to Noni's house with Daddy and that Mommy would be here when she came home, she looked a little confused when she really realized I wasn't going with her. She'd never been on an airplane without me. She'd never been anywhere without me. It'd been almost six months since I'd spent a night away from her. I'd never spent a night in my house without her there. We're both tough girls and I knew we'd make it.

And we did.

Little Bird had a great visit to "tawifornia" (California) with her Dad. She got to spend some nice quality time with her Noni, Papa, Auntie Em, and her cousins. I mean, look at this:

Oh, me? Yep, I made it, too. I missed her. A lot. How'd I celebrate my "freedom" that so many people said I'd love? I napped!! I was sick, so I actually camped out on the couch. Knitting, drinking hot cider, and napping. I was unfamiliar with this napping phenomenon that I'd heard so much about. And I liked it. A lot.

Now she's back home with me and life returns to normal. Well, our normal, anyway. A great lesson for us both in understanding that she's just fine without me for a weekend; and I guess I was just fine, too.

This Moment

2011-10-21T08:58:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Best Scoop of the Week (it's me!)

2011-10-21T08:44:00.000-04:00

So, there's this blog The Scoop on Poop. Much to my chagrin, it's not all about poop. I know, right? But, it's pretty great just the same. Today, Drama Mama has me listed as the "Best Scoop of the Week". Pretty sure that "scoop" isn't about ice cream. Still, it's pretty cool.

The only requirement she gave me was that I had to tell her which fictional character I'd like to be and why. So, are you gonna go check it out? Yes, you are!!!

My Profile Pic

2011-10-20T07:55:00.001-04:00

What a great weekend.
I took a trip to Chicago with some friends to watch some other friends get married. We took the train, drank, ate, made a speech, drank, wore fancy clothes, danced the hora, and celebrated all weekend.
The morning after the wedding, I met a friend for one more visit to Intelligentsia coffee shop. On the way to the train station, we stopped at the Corner Bakery (which really isn't a bakery) for a bite to eat. We sat outside. It was a beautiful morning. I sipped my Intelligentsia. My phone rang. I answered it and spoke with a girlfriend for a minute. He snapped this picture of me. I didn't even notice it happening. I think that's why I like this photo so much.

It's just.... me.

This week's prompt:

tell the story behind your facebook profile picture.

Twist and Pull

2011-10-14T14:07:00.000-04:00

You might have seen last week's moment and you might have guessed we spent the day at the apple orchard, but you'd never have guessed just how beautiful the day truly was. We go on this field trip every year with Little Bird's school and it's usually cold and a little drizzly, but this was a gorgeous, sunny and 65 kind of day.

We had a great time, picked (and ate) a ton of apples, drank some fresh cider, ate a glutenous donut (or two). My favorite part of the day was definitely getting to see Little Bird with her two best friends at school. These girls love and accept my girl as is, treating her no differently than any other kid, but still understanding that she is a little different.

Apple cider donuts!! (please do not tell the Gluten Free police!)

The obligatory "twist and pull" photo

The Loot

I found a few bites taken from this one and then neatly placed back in the fruit bowl

I baked two apple crisps and this amazing apple coffee cake, which might be the best thing I've ever made. A big thank you and a shout out to everyone who gave me ideas and recipes for the 50 apples I brought home, and a big F you to Emeril Legasse who's delicious Apple Coffee Cake Recipe was listed as "easy" (it was hard work, yo!).

mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

This Moment

2011-10-14T07:05:00.001-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Feeling Good

2011-10-08T22:27:00.000-04:00

This Moment

2011-10-07T07:44:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Steve Jobs

2011-10-06T18:45:00.002-04:00

Those of us with kids with special needs are especially grateful for many of the innovations Steve Jobs oversaw at the helm of Apple; iPods and iPads give many nonverbal kids voices, calm sensory overload, and are awesome teaching tools.

*sometimes they provide a bit of respite, too!

This Moment

2011-09-30T06:38:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Happy SITS Day to Me!!!

2011-09-27T07:03:00.002-04:00

Wow! What a day! It's not only my birthday, but it's also my SITS day!!!

That's right, I'm the Featured Blogger of the day on SITS! If that's how you got here, well then welcome! Take off your coat, stay a while. Can I get you anything? Don't answer that, I can't get you anything anyway. But, please make yourself comfy and have a look around. Then let me know what you think. But, go easy on me. Remember, it's my birthday!!!

Twitter: @TheRealDaniG

This Moment

2011-09-23T23:35:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Where I'm From

2011-09-22T07:58:00.000-04:00

I am from Toll House chocolate chip cookies, from Fox's U-Bet syrup and Thanksgiving stuffing made from rye bread with caraway seeds. I am from Bloomingdale's Little Bloomies underwear.

I am from the valley, the hills, the waves, the salty air, and the smoggy skies.

I am from the bougainvillea creeping along the freeways, traffic, and overcrowded schools; from 72 and sunny. Everyday.

I am from Ellis Island, stickball in the streets and stubbornness, from Kipperman and Hawes and the Gs.

I am from grudge-holders and old photograph hoarders. I am from The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Frank Sinatra. I am from LPs and cassette tapes.

I am from summers spent milking cows and throwing crabbing nets off the side of the fishing boats.

I am from Chinese food and movies on Christmas.

From girls can do anything boys can do and if the holocaust happened once, it can happen again. From if we're not there for them, who will be for us?

I am from the star of David. Two triangles intersecting. From the Jewish family leaving cookies for Santa Claus.

I am from the pioneers seeking gold in California and Oregon.

I’m from Los Angeles and Russia and Ireland and Brooklyn, avocados, Nathan's hotdogs, and matzoh ball soup.

From Grandma Weez who created the original Brady Bunch when she married the cute single dad down the street. She had 3, he had 4, and together they had two more. That's nine if you're counting. From Granny who dropped out of middle school to run the household of her alcoholic father and brothers after her mother ran off. From the stewardess who married the passenger who'd missed his earlier flight and was forced to sit in her section.

I am from hippies in Laurel Canyon, retired Jews in Florida, the wonder bread truck driver, and the seltzer king of New York.

And now? I'm from the cider mills, the great lakes, and the snowy winters. I think I'll stay.

this week's prompt:

Where I'm From

Multi-vitamin Fail

2011-09-20T14:55:00.000-04:00

I've tried about two thousand (+/- 500) different kinds of multi-vitamins for Little Bird. The ones that are crunchy, the ones that are shaped like gummy bears, the ones that taste like berries (kind of), the ones that are fizzy on your tongue, the ones that "can be mixed into any liquid". She doesn't seem to like them. At all. As I was ~~ripping apart~~ glancing through the medicine cabinet on a hunt for ~~cyanide~~ ~~morphine~~ ~~dilaudid~~ a decongestant (I'm sick), I found a few bottles of expired multi-vitamins:

pick a vitamin, any vitamin

Do your kids like any vitamins?

Just so you know

2011-09-16T20:50:00.000-04:00

"This is fact not fiction for the first time in years"

-DCFC

Ok, not really in years, but I've been holding on to something for a long time that I haven't shared publicly in this here weblog. Since many talkers have been talking (yes, I'm talking to you cute little midwestern community in which I live), many of you already know that I am currently going through a divorce.

Gentle readers (miss manners always addresses her readers that way and I've always wanted to try it), this is obviously not a decision I've come to lightly and very clearly something I've struggled with for a really long time. In fact, the process of separation and divorce has been going on for far longer than most of you'd imagine (even you gossipy gossipers).

What you will not see, hear, or read about is me bashing the great guy and freaking awesome father that I was married to for ten years, whom I'd lived with for fourteen years (almost half of my life, people). Instead, I'll keep sharing with you my experience and I'll try to keep on looking good while doing it.

Please bear with me as I try to figure out and adjust to this new phase of my life. This is a very difficult transition and I'm working hard to find my balance. I do have faith that I'll get there. Someday. In the meantime, I'll gladly accept support, well wishes, compliments on my brains and beauty, etc.

So there you have it, folks. That's what's been going on. That's the reason for the lack of posts, the mysterious allusions, and the "difference" in me. Some people who know me in real life have recognized that I've been a little bit down, like the wonderful director of Little Bird's school put it, "not your bubbly self." (side note: see mom, there are some principals who like me!!) Of course all this is a work in progress. I'm working through it. Thanks for being patient with me.

I have a lot of friends who do know all about this and have thus far offered so much support, shoulders to cry on, and a lot of encouragement. I am so so so grateful. Really. I also have a bunch of friends who are kinda jealous, but that's a whole other story....

This Moment

2011-09-16T06:59:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

This Moment

2011-09-09T17:17:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Walk 4 Friendship 2011

2011-09-04T20:27:00.002-04:00

What a day! We had a great time at Walk 4 Friendship 2011 to benefit Friendship Circle where we raised a lot of money to support kids with special needs and their families. About five thousand people came out to walk and show support. Of those five thousand, about 60 were signed up on Team One Step At A Time (that's my team!!).

We walked a mile and then over-indulged in hot dogs, cotton candy, and sno-cones!!

I would like to thank each and every donor who helped us raise so much money for this unbelievable cause, as well as everyone who came out and walked with us. I'd also like to thank the people who didn't do either of those things but continue to support and encourage me and my bird.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

See you all next year!

** PS: I wrote this on the bathroom floor while the bird was in the bath and kept saying, "I'm having a bubble bath," even though she wasn't. I just realized that she dumped the entire bottle of shampoo into the water. So, she was right. It was a bubble bath.

This Moment

2011-09-02T07:36:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

"everyday in LA"

2011-08-27T09:55:00.000-04:00

This video is amazing. It was created by one of my favorite people on earth, Todd Brown.

Dear lady I met in the parking lot yesterday,

2011-08-26T13:03:00.000-04:00

Dear lady I met in the parking lot of the children's therapy center yesterday,

I was waiting for you and your son to walk past my car so I could pull out and take Little Bird to the bookstore. She was really good at her second session of OT of the day, after a long day at school. A visit to the bookstore is usually her reward (she's a little ~~obsessed with~~ interested in books). You and I made eye contact. You came up to my window. I rolled it down. You said your son just wanted to see who was inside because he saw my Friendship Circle magnet on my car. We don't know each other, but we were in the same place at the same time- a place neither of us ever wanted to be and pray that one day we will be able to leave behind- and we were instantly bonded.

In about a minute and a half, we covered the basics: how old is yours? what school? what trouble have you run into with the public schools? Are you okay? I gave you my card, told you I write a little bit about the experience of being Little Bird's mom. You told me that you will definitely visit my blog, and that you cry a lot.

I know. Me, too. We are in it together.

By the way, I'm Dani. It was really nice to meet you. I'm sorry you've been tapped to walk this path, but you don't have to walk it alone. I'm here. There are a lot of us here. We're actually pretty cool, and we seem to still be able to have a good time now and then.

Hope I see you again next week at the ol' therapy center that's become a home away from home for us for the past four years. I'll be there. Same time, same place, same Little Bird.

Cheers,
Dani G

This Moment

2011-08-26T09:55:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Baked it myself!

2011-08-24T06:49:00.000-04:00

Mandelbrodt, Mandelbroit, Mandelbread: the jewish version of biscotti.

It's good stuff. Every Jewish grandmother has her own special recipe and mine was no exception. Since I was visiting my parents, I thought it would be fun to break out my Grandma Gwennie's recipe book (aka look up the scanned documents on the computer in this digital age) and turn on the oven.

Every recipe is a little bit different. Some use almonds, walnuts, raisins, chocolate chips, even jelly.

As the delicious loaves baked, my dad said, "it smells just like my mother's house in here." Can you imagine? She's been gone 21 years and still the smells can bring someone back.

my dad said they were perfect!

Definitely would've made her very proud

ColoRADo!

2011-08-21T17:46:00.000-04:00

Traveling with the bird. Just mommy and Little Bird.

We are in Colorado, high up (8500 ft) in the beautiful Rocky Mountains.

2 backpacks, 1 purse, 1 stroller, 1 hyper Little Bird
(at least I'm a little lighter after losing my sweatshirt somewhere in the Dallas airport)

Her cute little cords, her cute little iPod listening to cute little Jay-Z.
Why? What do your kids listen to?

We took a little hike to a playground

most beautiful mountains in the world

walking with grandma

We are surviving. Kind of. LB is beyond hyper. Super duper stimmy. Think it's the altitude? Or do you think it's the cookies that grandma keeps letting her have? Probably both.

This Moment

2011-08-19T08:57:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

This Moment

2011-08-12T06:45:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Jorge!

2011-08-10T17:27:00.003-04:00

Last year, my bloggy friend Sherri (even though she's WAY cooler than I am) started up Wednesday Windows where she encouraged some of us to take a photo of what's going on outside our windows. Well, she began to marvel and tease that there seemed to be a lot of wildlife outside my windows. Deer, groundhogs, pretty birds, etc.

Well, this week, I opened up my garage door and found this guy on my driveway. His name is Jorge.

(Just in case you can't see this video, it's a huge effing snake, okay?)

I asked my mom if it's a boa constrictor or an anaconda. She said something like "Oh Danielle, that's just a little garter snake"- doubt it. Then she said that if I found it around a towel, I should check to see if there's a little snake family living there. So, basically, I'm never leaving the house again.

Right Place, Right Time

2011-08-09T11:46:00.000-04:00

Little Bird and I recently took a trip to the local bookstore, which is now the only bookstore within a 10 mile radius (thanks, e-readers). When your kid with Autism's obsesh is with books, you tend to frequent the book stores and libraries in town. We're down to just this one store now and that's not good. Not just because of the lack of variety, but also because the people who work there are starting to recognize us and sneer as we enter. Does this have something to do with the fact that the bird grabs books from one section and carelessly replaces them in another? Yes. Yes, it does.

She loves the bookstore. She ran ahead of me into the children's section and I heard a sweet little voice ask the bird, "hi, what's your name?" All I could think was, "please be patient, please have a kind and tolerant parent here with you." As I got a little closer, I saw that Little C, this little girl belonged to a mom I know. A mom to a kid with some "stuff". In fact, I know them from sitting in the same waiting rooms and therapy sessions. Score! A patient parent who will encourage her kid to keep trying with the bird. A few more steps in and I notice that one of Little Bird's speech therapists is there, too! Double score!

Little Bird and her new friend ran around the bookstore together, making a huge mess... together. The bird would kinda do her own thing and Little C would follow her around, not giving up. If Little C ran off, LB would look back to see where she went, even following her at one point. When it was time to go, the bird shouted, "Goodbye {Little C}!!" So cute.

Sometimes it's nice to be in the right place at the right time.

This Moment

2011-08-05T08:35:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Want a date?

2011-08-04T17:07:00.000-04:00

So, I have this thing about dates. I remember them. Not just birthdays, but also dates on which something significant happened (hey mommy, remember when I had the stomach flu on December 23, 1989?!). Scratch that, truth is, I remember some shit that has no significance at all. Big Daddy, does this remind you of anyone?

When it comes to Little Bird, I'm basically a walking database of her journey. Recently, someone saw the ~~giant effing~~ sweet little scar on her upper thigh and asked me what that was from. "Oh, that? August 29th 2008 muscle biopsy testing for Muscular Dystrophy and Mitochondrial Disease." Creepy, right?

Well, this is all coming up for me because yesterday was August 3rd. Six years ago on that day was our very first visit to our very first specialist, a neurologist. He was ~~supposed to be~~ the hospital's head of pediatric neurology. Oh, also, he was the hospital's only pediatric neurologist.

I was so sure that Little Bird's pediatrician was totally overreacting to the fact that she couldn't roll over or hold her head up at 6 months. The look on the neurologist's face told a different story. I mean, I guess it did. I couldn't tell because I just kept staring at his terrible hair plugs. Oooohhh, also on the way to that appointment, someone hit my car. That was an awesome day (ed note: that was not an awesome day).

That day was the beginning of our special needs journey. The first time anyone ever confirmed that something wasn't as perfect as I thought with my little baby bird.

Cut to August 3rd 2011: the only significant thing that happened on this date was I got rainbow sprinkles on my frozen yogurt. And that's the way I like it.

Cousin love

2011-08-01T09:01:00.000-04:00

I just had to share this. I've watched it at least 7 million times and I'm not done yet. This is my sweet niece Little Bear. She loves looking at pictures of her big cousin Little Bird. There are 2000 miles between us. She's asking her mommy to show her more pictures. She's saying "I want {Birdie}". Enjoy.

This Moment

2011-07-29T07:06:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

This Moment

2011-07-22T07:25:00.001-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Just Because

2011-07-20T07:34:00.000-04:00

The bird conquers the world!

2011-07-17T23:14:00.000-04:00

I get green. Not like the hip environmentally conscious kind. Nope, I'm talking the ugly jealous kind. Nothing new. It started when the other babies born around the same time as Little Bird started to do things. You know, anything: roll over, coo, sit, scoot, crawl, point to things, call me mama. Pretty much whatever is written in that fraudulent manuscript What to Expect... Ever.

I wanted what they had. I wanted what I'd signed up for. Instead, I got the bird. Most days, I know I'm the winner here. Still, it just seems like everything is so much easier for them. But, without struggle, it's much tougher to appreciate the true rewards.

Yesterday I sat at the community center pool (dear readers from back home in los angeles: we don't all have our own pools here. I know, right?!), and I watched so many moms yell at their kids, weary with impatience. I leaned over to Greg and said, "wow. I never see moms of kids with special needs talk to their kids like that. It's like we have so much more patience because we know how much harder our babies work for even the most simple accomplishments."

poor bird couldn't lift her head during tummy time at 8 months!

I rarely ever get pissed at Little Bird for running ahead of me or for having to chase after her. After hearing, "well, we're not really sure she'll ever walk or be able to run," I just giggle and praise her. There was a time a few years ago when she was on the big slide at the park and half way down she changed her mind, shouting, "oh shit!" (mom, I swear, I have no clue where she heard that!) I marched straight into the speech therapist's office the next day and rejoiced, "two words! together!" Yes, there are days when I want her to stop ~~scripting her mouth off~~ talking, but for the most part, I know how hard every bit of the speech process is for her. Same as jumping from the coffee table to the couch- I know how much motor planning goes into that; how badly she seeks that sensory input.

She works so hard. Every therapist who ever sees her is blown away that she can do half as much as she can with the severe low tone she's working with. That's my girl. Fighting on, kicking ass and conquering the world.

appreciating the little things; stopping to smell the (fake) flowers

Small Things Saturday: CB & TL

2011-07-16T10:10:00.000-04:00

Well, if Jessica at Four Plus an Angel says Small Things Saturday is back, then it's back, baby!

Greg's mom came into town yesterday and grabbed me a delicious Cafe Vanilla from the small Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf stand at DTW's baggage claim area. Sadly, this is the only place in the Metro Detroit area that CB & TL exists. When I go home to L.A. to visit, it's my first stop- after In N Out Burger!

This Moment

2011-07-15T07:00:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Enriching lives and erasing barriers

2011-07-12T07:09:00.001-04:00

Those of us with kids with special needs know that those kids will one day become adults with special needs. As much as we don't want to think about that, sometimes it's all we think about. JARC is a wonderful organization that works hard to erase barriers for all individuals with developmental disabilities. They seem to be best known for their independent living programs and group homes, but they also provide a myriad of services to people of all ages with disabilities. I am proud to sit on the board of directors of this fabulous group and share this information with you!

With just a few clicks, you can help them raise a little money...

For the next 2 days, JARC is the highlighted Gate Charity for the Arts, Beats & Eats
facebook and twitter challenge!

For every new person to LIKE the Arts, Beats & Eats facebook page http://www.facebook.com/artsbeatseats, $1 dollar will be donated to JARC.

For every new FOLLOWER on Arts, Beats & Eats Twitter page http://twitter.com/#!/ArtsBeatsEats, $1 dollar will be donated to JARC.

More information on JARC:

JARC is a Farmington Hills, Michigan-based nonprofit, nonsectarian agency dedicated to enabling people with disabilities to live full, dignified lives in the community, and to providing support and advocacy for their families. JARC operates 20 group homes and a variety of independent living programs for adults, and serves more than 450 families who have a child or adult with a disability who is living at home.

JARC’s mission is to:
•to enable people with developmental disabilities to live rich, meaningful lives as respected members of the community in the setting of their choice;
•to provide access to a Jewish way of life for those who choose it;
•to provide support services to families who have minor children with any disability living at home;
•to educate and sensitize the public regarding people with disabilities and their value to the community.

building my cocoon

2011-07-09T09:23:00.001-04:00

This morning I saw this quote on MJ's blog (which completely intrigues me):

"'How does one become a butterfly?' she asked pensively. 'You must want to fly so badly that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar.'"

-Trina Paulus

I want to fly.

I am ready to become a butterfly; ready to give up being a caterpillar. Change is so uncomfortable. It's just so much easier to slip our feet into those ratty old slippers we've been wearing for years: the ones that have become so much a part of us. Our toes have made patterned indents, and our arches are perfectly hugged. But, there are holes in those slippers and the soles are worn down. They're no longer serving us nor are they serving their original purpose anymore. It's time for a new pair; a pair that will again become a safe place to warm our toes, to support and comfort us.

I'm ready.

My life is changing. I'm building my cocoon.

This Moment

2011-07-08T06:40:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Home

2011-07-07T21:50:00.000-04:00

"Homesick.

'cause I no longer know

where home is"

-Kings of Convenience

This lyric has stuck with me since December when I went home to California. Home is such a funny word. Really, what's "home" to you? I mean, it might be a kind of an arbitrary, ephemeral, or unwavering thing; it certainly has been something that has changed and continues to change for me. When I'm in Michigan, I refer to California as home, and when I'm out there I call Michigan home. I might be lost.

The old saying is "you can never go home again." I get it. Not only have my parents moved out of the home I grew up in, it's just about impossible to go see that house, stand outside and take pictures, or show my bird where mommy grew up. Greg's parents have lived in their home for ever and I must say that I got to do a lot of growing up there as well. So, I do get to share some of that with her. But I do understand the saying. After I'd moved away for a little bit, I went back for a visit. Everything looked and felt different; smelled and tasted different, too.

There's a beautiful line in a beautiful song called Brokedown Palace that goes, "mama, mama, many worlds I've come since I first left home." My life has changed so dramatically since I first left my home in Los Angeles and made the very big, bold move to Michigan 9+ years ago. Things have happened that I never, ever, ever saw coming. Isn't that just life? So, here I go... showing up because life is in session.

Yeah, I'm kinda cryptic. What about it? I'm dark and mysterious. I'm making you wonder. Talkers are talking.... More will be revealed.

This Moment

2011-07-01T10:01:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Charity Bites!

2011-06-27T13:32:00.000-04:00

I recently had a chance to interview one of my favorite Autism Activists and twitter pals, Zack Gonzalez, after reading his fabulous new book Charity Bites! Zack works so hard, every day, in so many ways to fight for those who can't fight for themselves, like his own little brother. You may remember Zack from the time he posted a contest for a tshirt slogan (yep, the one I won). Love this guy!!

You seem to have done so much work for Autism Awareness in your young life. Just how old are you?

- As of June 15th, I am 18 years young. I really don't like saying "years young," but it's what all the "cool kids" are saying.

And you made the very big move to leave school to focus on your work, finishing up your education online. How did you arrive at that decision and how did it go over with your mom?!

- It was an option that was proposed via the Internet in my Sophomore year, that I knew my mother would never allow. I went to an expensive private school in LA, and my gradfather, uncle, and cousins graduated from there. It would be a huge disappointment for me to not graduate from there. When the end of Junior year came, the option was proposed once again, this time via somewhere I can't remember; that's what sleep deprivation will do to you. I figured that this would be a great option for me to focus on work, while still getting my studies done; my mother hesistated at first, but accepted and supported my decision. Which I now see was a benefit to me.

What happened to make you commit so strongly to this level of Autism Awareness and charity work?

- My brother, Ethan (Deets), was diagnosed in 2005. When I realized I could play a role in advocating for him, I jumped at quicker than Rosie O'Donnell would at a chocolate cake. For so long I thought I had lost my voice and ability to make an impact in the world. After Ethan's diagnosis came along, I was suddenly able to see that I did have a voice, and I could use it to save him and all the others affected by autism.

Tell me a little bit about your younger brother Ethan and tell me how he got the name "Deets"?

- That's a story better told in my book Saving Deets!, but here's a briefy: My brother EJ tried pronoucing Ethan and came out with "Deetens." We pulled a Lindsay and "borrowed" the name and it eventually was shortened to Deets. Deets... is a handful. From his potty mouth to setting the house on fire, he can be a nice bundle of lemons. And what do you do when life hands you lemons? You make lemonade... and add whole lot of alcohol! (And of course "alcohol" is a metaphoric term for solving your problems.)

You've been accused of being anti-vaccine. You and I both believe that people need to be better informed before making vaccine-related choices. What's the best way for people to get educated?

- Most people will answer that with "read" or "do your research." Reading and researching doesn't mean shit unless you understand what you're reading and researching. The best way to do that is by preaching. Read, research, and then preach what you just read to someone else, and by trying to teach others, you'll in turn, teach yourself. That's what I learned.

What have you learned most from your work with various organizations over the years?

- I've learned a lot. I've also met many wonderful people. I've learned that by supporting other organizations, those wonderful people will delete/block you on Facebook. The world of charity has gotten a little dirty. And I don't mean Anthony Weiner dirty; I mean politically corrupt. People start off in this world with great intentions, and leave with vanity, exposure, and money, which in turn, can consume you if you forget why you're in that world to begin with. I'll admit, I've been sidetracked a few times, but luckily I have enough Zack-haters to punch me back on track.

Have any of the people you've ummmm, talked about in the book contacted you? You use aliases, but come on, right?

- I'm waiting for the day Klark (my arch-enemy in Charity Bites!) comes knocking on my door with a fist ready for beating, but luckily he doesn't have my address. I have not been approached by anyone yet. But there still is the constant excitement. I mean, how good will the sequel be when I have stories of ass-whooping to include!

What's been your favorite part of all your Autism Awareness / charity work?

- MAKING MONEY! -- JUST KIDDING!! I would have to say it is the ability to make a difference. There's nothing more gratifying than receiving emails from parents and caregivers from around the world thanking me for the work I do. I've received emails all the way from Europe and Asia; that's just amazing that I'm able to make a global touch. But in the end, I'm not doing this for acknolwedgement. I'm doing it because I care, and I have a front row seat to autism. And healing my brother for the better of his life, is something that means a lot to me.

The title of your book says it all: Charity Bites. So, what keeps you going??

- My "happy pills!" They rock! (And the fact that my speaking out helps others.)

And finally, in the movie version of your story, who will play you?

- That's a good question. Well, it'll have to be someone that looks like a lesbian, because I was often told that I look like one. I'm not sure who'd I would have play me, though. But whoever it is, he has to be very good-looking because then maybe, just maybe, it'll make me look good-looking.

CHARITY BITES! can be purchased June 14th at retailers like Amazon and Barnes and Noble. If readers would like a signed copy, they can buy it off www.zackgonzalez.com at no additional charge (for the month of June!)

Zack Gonzalez

Comedian - Autism Activist - Writer

Host of "it's on with Zack"

Award-Winning Author of the bestselling book, Saving Deets! and new Charity Bites!

Play Now for Autism Executive Chair/Creator

Zack's site: www.ZackGonzalez.com

Twitter: twitter.com/ZackGonzalez

Facebook: facebook.com/officialzackgonzalez

Autisable: zackgonzalez.autisable.com

This Moment

2011-06-24T06:56:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Kindergarten graduation- take one

2011-06-20T06:34:00.000-04:00

Your baby only graduates kindergarten once, right? Meh, maybe twice. We're going with twice. Last week, my Little Bird graduated from her first year of kindergarten. She looked very cute in her little cap which was well decorated with star stickers. She stood on the stage, followed along with the other kiddos singing their songs (kinda) and doing the little dances along with them (kinda). This was a great year for her. Another year of full inclusion with a one-on-one shadow. These kids just love her. They often fought over who got to sit with her, hold her hand as they made their way out to the playground, etc. Here's to hoping that next year's kindergarten class is as accepting and loving...

The bird and her very gentle and loving shadow, Miss Jan

Daddys. Or is it Daddies? Whatever, Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T07:56:00.010-04:00

Wishing a very happy Father's Day to all the dads out there who have extra special kids and haven't taken off, like this one:

Also a special shout out to the single moms who are doing both jobs. There are WAY too many of 'em out there. Raising my coffee mug to you ladies!!

I get to spend Father's Day with my very favorite father- my own! My Daddy is coming into town today. Can't wait to see him, and for the bird to get to see her grandpa.

Happy Father's Day!

This Moment

2011-06-17T06:32:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

This Moment

2011-06-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Not so happy anniversary

2011-06-06T11:55:00.000-04:00

30 years.... On June 5, 1981, the first official cases of HIV/AIDS were reported in the United States among gay men in Los Angeles. The disease was around long before that. It’s just that no one knew what it was or what to call it. We don't hear as much about it as we once did, but it has not gone away.

Spend a few minutes reading this TIMELINE OF AIDS from AIDS.gov.

Then visit my friend Bob's website: HIVictorious.org

Blushing bridesmaid

2011-06-04T10:29:00.000-04:00

I was a bridesmaid last weekend in my friends Devon's and Jason's wedding in Chicago. Jason and Greg went to college together in Madison, Wisconsin. Devon and I were the only girlfriends for a long, long time and that bonded us. Oh you wanna see pictures? Okay, here you go!

the beautiful bride

the happy couple 102 floors up (Sears Tower)

some of my favorite boys

at ease, boys

This Moment

2011-06-03T06:43:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

(this one's for Lauren!!)

5:00 somewhere

2011-06-01T17:17:00.000-04:00

Hi. Yeah, I know, it's been a while.

I'm working my way back to you, though....

Until then, here's what's happening here:

It's been that kind of day

MWILF for sale!!

2011-05-24T06:19:00.000-04:00

Well, I won. That makes me #winning, right? Has that jumped the shark yet? (yes. yes, it has)

I recently submitted an entry for Zack Gonzalez's design-the-next-mommy-warrior-tshirt contest, and apparently y'all thought it was prettttttty clever. Or no one else entered. Not sure which.

Anyway, you can purchase the shirt I designed for the super low price of ~~$20.00~~ $16.00!! Do it!!

Really, go to Zack's website and check it out. OMG, how totally cute would Big Daddy Autism look in this tshirt??!!

Cancer takes the best ones

2011-05-18T20:37:00.000-04:00

Dear Cancer,

Really? I mean, really? Why do you take the good ones? How about the douchebags? Can't you just go after them?

You suck,
Dani G

I met Tami when the bird was just 5 months old. She walked with me through everything from, "I wonder why she's not rolling over yet" to "I think we'll try taking gluten out of her diet". She and I shared a very special bond that is unique to the nature of our relationship. I remember when she said, "I think I have a lump." We were at the library, meeting in a quiet place to talk. I felt it and said, yeah, that needs to be looked at. That was 3 years ago. She fought a good fight. One tough cookie, that's for sure.

Best attitude ever.

Tami was one of those pink, sparkly, paint-the-walls-of-her-house-purple kind of girls. Always with a smile and maybe a feather boa. Loved and ridiculously adored by her husband Gary, admired and respected by her awesome kids, Danielle and David, and inspirational to anyone who ever met her.

I will never, ever, ever forget Tami, nor will I ever be the same after sharing such a special bond with such a special woman.

Here are a few other times that Tami has made a cameo on the blog:
Relay for Life
Pink Ribbons
Tami's Team

Tami's cancer was associated with the BRCA gene. Same as two other beautiful women I've lost over the last 9 months. Please spend a few moments reading about this genetic mutation linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancers.

Tami kept her own blog about her journey. If you have any interest in seeing how someone could walk through something so huge with such grace and dignity, spend a little time here:
Tami's Caring Bridge

This Moment

2011-05-13T16:39:00.000-04:00

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. -SouleMama

Waiting on something good

2011-05-11T07:57:00.000-04:00

"I'm waiting on something good to go down

Just waiting on something good."

-Joe Purdy

Yep, I've been pretty absent from this cute little blog. It's not you. It's me. I'm not breaking up with you, I've just needed a little space to deal with some other stuff going on. No biggie. We'll be okay. We'll get through it together, sugar.

Here's what you've missed:

I went to California, saw some friends, saw some family, welcomed my sweet nephew into the world, ate at my favorite spots, visited Disneyland (special needs access pass ftw!), came home to Michigan. Some other stuff happened in between, but you don't really care about all that, do you? Oh, you do? Okay, I'll tell you about it later.

FYI special needs fast pass did not get us to the front of Minnie's line.

For now, I'll tell you that the last 3 weeks have been a bit tough for the bird and you know that a struggling bird makes for a struggling mama bird. Not sure if it's just this time of year (last year at this time, she went through our worst "dip" yet), but the girl is just off. We had a great run of about 4 months without a dip like this, so I'll keep that in perspective.

So, for now, I'm just riding the ride. Kinda like being on a swing: up and down and up and down. Just waiting on something good.