Wednesday, July 23, 2008

I have to say it...

Michael Savage is a pig. I know that the nature of radio talk shows is to create controversy. Controversy gets people talking. Controversy gets ratings.

But, attack my kid and you are TOAST! If you want to attack me, FINE.

My kid has done nothing to him. Mr. Savage (appropriate name) says that families want this diagnosis in order to get funding. WHAT FUNDING??? Apparently, I am missing out on a major financial angle for my family. We have done without many things in order to pay for therapies and medical care related to autism that is not even covered by insurance. We have paid thousands of dollars out of pocket to receive even basic help for our Aspie. There is nothing easy or glamorous about this diagnosis. I have spent hours worrying about his future and what it will be like.

I would have never asked for this, but I will never turn my son away. How dare Mr. Savage attack the weakest among our population. My son is disciplined (and yes, I spank when needed). I am one of the strictest parents I know.

Yes, he has the right to say anything he wants to. His speech is protected by our Constitution. However, I have the right to respond. My speech is also protected and I will shout from the rooftops about how wrong he is! There are consequences to our speech, even if it is protected. Let's see if Mr. Savage has the, ahem, cahoneys to handle that!

Today, Mr. Savage expressed that his one comment should not cause folks to want to see him fired. Why not? He attacked the weakest among our population, without cause and without even the slightest idea of what he was talking about. Why should I support that?

I don't.

Good news

My baby brother who moved to Orlando, Florida to attend school has gotten a job!!! Hallelujah!
It's taken him a little over a week, but he has gotten one of the highest paying jobs that his school's placement office sends people for. What a relief.

Not to mention that he will be happier when he is busier and not just sitting around. I am so proud of him.

Bad News

Okay, I have been out of touch lately. It's because it sucks to be me right now. Someone has stolen my debit card number and has been using it with abandon. I have called them and insisted that they take the charges off of my account as they were not authorized. Then, I called the bank and found out that I have to wait 10 days to see if they take the charges off on their own. That's what I love, the ol' "let's let the crooks have the benefit of the doubt plan" that the bank has. Ugh.

So, our bank account is wiped out. I have blown 2, yes 2 tires on my car. It sucks to be me today.

That's what I have been dealing with lately and I have been seriously depressed. But, I have been doing the weight loss blog still and doing well with that.

Friday, July 4, 2008

Happy 4th of July!

It's been a gorgeous day in Georgia, clear most of the day with one brief mid-day shower. There was a storm South of us during the fireworks tonight, but it didn't affect us.

It was cool and breezy and comfortable for the show (as opposed to the sticky, hot, buggy weather we have endured in previous years). It's always fun to listen to people's reactions (especially the kids) to the fireworks as the display progresses. I love the oooh's and aaah's and laughter. It's fun.

My parents and brother came over for a wonderful dinner (thanks to hubby's grill prowess) and then we met up for fireworks. It's one of the last times for the entire family to get together for awhile since my brother is moving to Orlando to go to school. It's tough on my parents, even though they have already gone through the empty nest thing when I moved out years ago. I think they worry more about him. I never moved so far away. I got married and stayed much closer.

So, in some respects, he is approaching his Independence Day as well. I know that he will do well and that it will be a larger adjustment for him than he realizes. It's grow up time.

And speaking of Independence Day, thank God we live in a free country where we can live and worship as we see fit.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Lifestyle changes

I am working really hard lately to make some serious changes to my lifestyle before school starts back in a few short weeks. Summer has been great and it has been flying by, but I don't want to lose this chance to live more healthfully.

Today begins my 3rd week back on Sparkpeople.com, eating well, drinking water, and exercising. It's not easy for a big girl like me, but I don't want to remain a big girl any longer than I have to!

The best part is that with prices rising on everything from gasoline to milk, that this program on Sparkpeople.com is absolutely free. You don't have to eat certain prescribed lists of foods, you can make your own choices from what you have on hand or what you catch on sale or in season. It certainly works well for me. I appreciate the support also.

On a lighter note, I took the boys to see the movie WALL E today and it was really cute, a love story. We all enjoyed it. Of course it was a matinee and we smuggled in our own cheap treats.

Friday, June 20, 2008

21 years and counting...

I forgot to mention that during our whirlwind vacation, hubby and I celebrated 21 years of wedded bliss. My friend and her hubby watched all of the kids (poor folks) and we went out to dinner and a movie. It was heavenly.

Of course I get a kick out of students who ask me how long I have been married and then ask me if it was all to the same person. It is!

I'm Back!

It's been a whirlwind few weeks.

We went on vacation to Jekyll Island, Georgia, one of my favorite places! We meet my best friend and her family and as she puts it, "for a week, it's all about the kids!" And is it ever. We were so tired when we were leaving that we could hardly walk. Too much fun!

We played on the beach; we waded in the ocean; we colored our flashlights red with Sharpies; we walked late at night and searched for sea turtles; we walked earlier in the day just to walk on the beach; we looked for birds; we looked for reptiles; we looked for mammals; we found them all! We went to the water park; we went shopping; we drove through the historic district to ogle the beautiful mansions; the guys fished; we ate fresh, local, wild-caught, Georgia SHRIMP by the guilt-free pound-full; we collected sea shells; we dug up live whelks, etc. and observed them and threw them back; we laughed and talked and told stories; we played frisbee; we watched movies. It was a BLAST! Most of all, we talked about all of the other things that we wanted to do but didn't have time for (mini golf, the playground, St. Simon's Island, the lighthouse, Christ Church, the Wesley cross; Fort Frederica and so much more).

Anyway, we are home and recovering!

By the way, I am back on SparkPeople.com, the best frugal dieting idea ever! I will blog about my weight loss and health journeys there. You can check it out at www.sparkpeople.com/hatchettjob