Peanut Butter and Mustard

GoodSearch...for your cause

2009-01-23T22:47:00.002-05:00

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Here's the web site — http://www.goodsearch.com. You can also read about GoodSearch in the NY Times, Oprah Magazine, CNN, ABC News and the Wall Street Journal.

We Found a Wounded Owl...we're told not to feed him anything (not even Tootsie Pops)

2009-01-17T23:12:00.006-05:00

When we were driving to Lori's parent's house tonight, we saw in the middle of the road what looked like a big cat. It was dark and hard to tell, so we turned around, because it didn't seem like it was moving. When we got back to where it was, it had hobbled onto the edge of the road. Come to find out, it was an Owl!

Someone had probably hit it, because both wings look to be broken and one of it's talons is also caught in the shoulder part of a wing. We had a horse blanket in the back of the car, so we carefully wrapped it up, and put it in the back of the warm car. We called the state police who said they'd call the game warden.

We didn't hear back after about 20 minutes, so we called the troopers again and the desk sergeant said he left messages for folks, but took my cell number and said they'd call me. We carefully drove with the owl in the car, and called a vet clinic for advice. They told us about keeping it in a box with towels, keeping the bird warm and the room dark and quiet. They also said we should contact our nearby natural science institute, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS), so we left a message.

The bird is sleeping right now; it's night and they're nocturnal, but I think he's sore and whipped. So we'll wait for the call from VINS in the morning. For now we'll let him sleep and hope he'll be fine.

~ JON

I've Been Busy...Same Child, Different Day

2009-01-11T09:04:00.005-05:00

I haven't posted in a while for several reasons, but mostly because I've been working on a blog to promote my booklet. Please click here to check it out when you get a chance.

Thanks,

Jon

We're Planning Our Supper Table...who would you invite?

2008-11-21T23:37:00.005-05:00

Okay, I've been thinking about this for a little while; maybe this can be interesting. If you could invite anyone to supper, have anybody you want sit at your diningroom table, who would it be? And of course, why? Would they be somone who is pretty to look at? Controversial? An image-maker? Somone you just want to unload on or is worthy of your praise and adoration?

I have probably 10 or 15 people I would invite for one reason or another. Some are famous, others not so much. Here's my short list of three I would invite. These are not all of my picks, or even the ones who take the top three positions necessarily. They are just three I can think of right now. Oh, and I would be careful who sits next to whom:

1) Michael J. Fox ~ To be honset, I don't know why I have always wanted to break bread with MJF. He just seems like a real, likeable soul and would be someone interesting to share stories with.

2) Marie Osmond ~ She wouldn't have to even talk to be a compliment to my table and a welcome vision. Every 50-plus-year-old woman should be so fortunate to have Marie's genes (and personal trainer).

3) Mahmoud Ahmadinejad ~ He wouldn't exactly be someone to invite to a dinner party, but for a one-on-one supper I think I'd like to hear what he has to say about us. I'm curious to know why he really hates Americans (personally, I think he lost a substantial Super Bowl bet). I think I could offer him a few suggestions, too, 'cause I'd be more than happy to take a shot at that Nobel Peace Prize thing.

I have more I can add...I'm curious though who you would invite to your table. Do you have three that stand out, good or bad? Be serious, give examples and have some fun. We'd all like to know, so comment below.

~Jon

Sorry I Don't Call More

2008-11-21T22:28:00.005-05:00

I don't call my family enough. Mom, Guy, Phil; sorry I don't call more. I was thinking about it today and realized, if I could call more, I so definitely would. I feel bad when I can't call you guys, but sometimes the kiddos don't even calm down until 9:00.

I know you aren't complaining --- you naver have. I just wanted you to know that we're always thinking about you, even when we can't make a call.

~Jon

Sorry...I goofed

2008-11-17T00:15:00.003-05:00

Okay, I messed up...if you were subscribed to this blog before, would you please do it again? I thought the subscription site had discombobulated all your email addresses. But come to find out, when I changed the title, I was the one who mucked everything up! D'Oh!

~Jon

Kids...my absolute favorite toys

2008-11-10T22:26:00.009-05:00

I would never pick on my kids...I mean, that would just be wrong. They are younger, tend to be defenseless, and are way to easy to get a rise out of. Wait, did I say never? Okay --- I admit, there was this one time...

Kaleigh was in the shower, which I though was a fine place for an unexpected prank. But she was apparently getting too old, wise and (frankly) less fun about the whole "dumping cold water on the head" thing. She'd scolded and warned me more than once that I had better not do it again. I guess I had subconsciously given in to her wishes, as I hadn't dowsed her with the gift of chill in what I would say was a couple years. But it had also been that long since she had been the object of a prank (OK, maybe I had picked on her a couple of times before).

Anyhow, here's what happened from her perspective: She got out of the shower, had dried off and put on her long night gown, but didn't have everything she had gone into the bathroom with. When she called out to us asking where the rest of her belongings were, I was nice enough to tell her she had probably left them in her room.

Wet and chilly, she bolted from the bathroom, through the kitchen and living room, then down the hall to her bedroom. As she made the right turn into her boudoir, she was abruptly stopped by some inhumane, unexpected and downright clever force-field that bounced her back into our room across the hall. Honestly, from somewhere that was NOT her point of view, it was downright hilarious.

However, the young girl (who stopped acknowledging that I was her Dad for the better part of a week) didn't find the plastic wrap-barrier nearly as comical as I did. I have to say that it really was quite funny, though I pretty much find comedy at someone else's expense to be more entertaining than if I were the brunt.

Anyhow, she asked that I not share this story with anyone else. So please, be kind and respect her wishes. Kaleigh doesn't want the whole world to know, and would appreciate your understanding.

I love you, kiddo!

~Jon

Same Child, Different Day...on Autism Speaks

2008-11-03T22:58:00.005-05:00

Well, how do you like that? The booklet has actually "gone" somewhere! There's now a mention on the Autism Speaks website about Same Child, Different Day in their resources section! I hope this means good things! I guess we'll see.

Thanks to everyone!

~Jon

Cry Myself a River; then Build a Bridge...and get over it

2008-10-27T15:42:00.006-04:00

Thin skinned? Maybe a little. I mean, usually I can take a joke. I pretty much have to, as much as I dish them out all the time. So why then would a puny, minor, INSIGNIFICANT one have gotten past me? Heck if I know. All I do know is that by taking the joke seriously, I embarrassed myself worse than the accusation itself had warranted.

I try to visit Kaleigh for lunch once a week. My office is about three blocks from her school, so I can walk there in pretty short order, get a cheap lunch, watch my favorite 11-year-old show off a little bit, and take a leisurely stroll back to work --- all within an hour. What I never expected was to run into a 26-year-veteran of the school system with a sense of humor.

I was enjoying my school-grade cheese burger (I love school burgers, by the way --- honestly!), sitting with KM (Kaleigh) and her friends; listening to who’s going out with whom, why Wayne (Punky) is mad at my daughter, Tanya complaining that she didn’t want Charlie sitting with us and the fact that Megan is the meanest bully in school because she pushed Natasha into a door 6 years ago. Tanya --- who by Vermont rules is actually a direct relation, because she and KM both have 60-year-old third cousins who are married to each other --- decided it would be cute to tell one of the teachers (the 26-year-veteran) that I’d hit her.

Now, I never saw her smirk, and I didn’t know this lady’s sense of humor. So, when she said she had written up a teacher a while ago, that I’d be forgiven this one time and that it might be my last time to visit my daughter for lunch (all with a strangely serious look about her), I was somewhat concerned. This is 2008 after all, and there are undercover mandatory reporters lurking everywhere. No longer able to discipline our own kids because they’re encouraged to tattle on parents for the slightest infractions, and that a kid had now accused me of hitting, I was prepared to be sitting outside the principal’s office, as if posing for some twisted Norman Rockwell “30 Years Later” painting. I really was now worried that our gossip-filled lunches were on the endangered species list.

It bugged me so much that I waited for the teacher on the playground. No, not with doubled fists or my gang surrounding me. I just wanted to talk to her. Jeez.

To my comfort but more so to my extreme embarrassment, she told me I was seriously overreacting. She assured that she’s known for her teasing and that she did in fact write up a teacher. But it would seem that it was because he was picking on her about the spookiness of Halloween and she accused him of harassment (oh, how we laughed). It was only done in high-spirited, though somewhat strange fun. Ah, the Holidays.

So anyhow, this one of the few times I let my skin become more transparent than the joke I was the brunt of. It happens.

~Jon

It's Always the Same Question..asked so many times over and over again

2008-10-22T12:12:00.006-04:00

Anyone who has kids, or who has ever been one, knows that the same questions can be asked over and over and over again. And parents, tired of repeating the same, monotonous answer (and not usually armed with the tape recorder they are always threatening to use), may in turn conjure up creative (née obnoxious) responses.

Scenario #1
Kid (anticipating arrival at the amusement park): "Are we there yet?"
Dad: "Does it look like we're there yet?"
Kid (not many minutes later): "Are we there yet?"
Dad (not amused): "I'll tell you when we're there."
Kid (determined to get a straight answer): "Are we there yet?"
Dad: "I never knew you were so excited about getting your school shots!"
Kid: "That's not funny."

Scenario #B
Kid (watching mom brushing her teeth): "Are you brushing your teeth, Mom?"
Mom (with a mouth full of toothbrush): "Dush it loox lyge I bruffn my teef?"
Kid: "Why are you brushing your teeth?"
Mom: "Why?"
Kid: "Why?"
Mom: "Z."

So, every morning that Lori heads out the door to exercise or I head for work or go ANYWHERE without the kids, Madison never fails to ask, "Where are you going?"

Our response has become, "Crazy. Do you want to drive?"

Well, twice, she's used that against us. One night Lori and I were having a Big People Night, and Madison asked the sitter, "Where did Mommy and Daddy go?"

Jenn replied, "They're went out for a little while."

Madison asked her, "Did they go crazy?" That got quite a laugh.

Then just this morning as Lori was heading out the door to Curves, Madison asked her, "Are you going crazy, Mommy?"

Lori just laughed. Especially when Mad followed it up with, "Can I go crazy, too?"

Aw, honey. That's sweet. You're already driving!

~Jon

Taken Out of Context...and slapped on a shirt

2008-10-19T22:22:00.012-04:00

I've recently been on a kick and can't seem to shake it. Not drugs, alcohol, smoking or Soaps --- I either don't believe in, can't afford or don't like the effects of any one or another of those anyhow. No, this is simpler, less expensive and more legal (though somewhat more obnoxious) than any cliche addiction, anyhow.

When someone utters a comment that's a little bit "off color", people have been known to follow it up with something like "that's what she said". And with fortune cookies, you may be familiar with the somewhat naughty little follow-up phrase that can be added to any of the observations you read from the ribbon inside.

Well lately I've been obsessed with thinking how some out-of-context phrases would look on t-shirts. I admit, it sounds slightly "commitable" (not a real word), but if you'll let me explain, I think it's actually pretty funny (though that's subjective, because I can often find humor in misery as well ---as long as it's someone else's, of course).

For instance, today someone asked the question,

"Did you see what I did to the monkey?"

I thought that random phrase printed on a t-shirt would be hilarious. Imagine the looks you'd get --- or the weirdos who'd have to know what it is the wearer did to the unfortunate simian.

What about:

"Get your tongue off the air conditioner"?

That one's from a list I'm creating: The 101 Weirdest Things I've Said/Heard Said to Kids. And on a t-shirt, that would make for some interestingly contorted faces on the part of the readers.

But there's one I overheard that I can't even qualify. To try to explain it would actually make the statement worse. Pulling it out of context is more fun than explaining the circumstances surrounding the comment. Simply said, I think this tag line on a t-shirt would be priceless (though you'd be hard-pressed to sell it on the open market):

"Good news; I just found out I'm not infected."

Have you (honest and truly) ever heard anything that, if taken out of context, would make for a funny, naughty or unusual t-shirt? As truth is stranger than fiction, please only comment if the observation was actually spoken in a regular conversation ("making up" funny isn't as funny as truly funny). Post your ideas here for others to read.

~Jon

Careless and Negligent Parenting...revisited

2008-10-13T00:34:00.026-04:00

Anyone who knows us knows that our children are our lives. We do everything for and with them and would never harm nor let harm come to them. But you would also know that we have to make modifications daily in our lives where our kids are concerned, as well.

For instance, when Nolan is napping in the car, we let him nap --- it doesn't matter if we have to drive around for an hour; otherwise we just might face a melt down that would make Krakatoa proud. And it isn't always practical to run all the errands for the entire day during the four short hours they are at school. Sometimes the kids come along.

When they are with Lori, or even with us as a team, dragging them along through the entire chore is a Mission: Not the best idea. Take for instance doing laundry: Right now we're at the mercy of laundromats, so a once-a-week shot is the most practical. But dragging four baskets of laundry along with our two high-maintenance waifs, then keeping an eye on them while we load washers can turn that piece from a five minute visit into a sweat-breaking event.

We use a laundromat which fortunately has a close parking lot that hugs the building, and also has lots of large, sunny windows pointing at the cars. And we're also fortunate to own a van equipped with a factory-installed DVD player, which has proven itself useful dozens of times. So for the brief stint the parent has to be filling the washers, our kids can sit in locked, seat belted, air-conditioned, SpongeBob comfort while never being out of our sight for a minute.

And on a day like today, when the kids add the extra layer of falling asleep while we were on our way to the washing machines, Lori and I decided to tackle the task as a team. It was only a 62-degree day and you don't wake Nolan up from a two-minute nap. You just don't.

Well who knows how it happened? But before we could say Tide with Bleach Alternative, we were briefly introduced to the life of Ellen "Treffly" Coyne (EarthTimes: March, 2008). A marked, white and blue Crown Victoria was pulling in along side our van, and from the look on his face, it was clear the officer wasn't there to Woolite his unmentionables. I was at the policeman's door before he could finish standing, and he greeted me with a "They yours?".

Apparently some concerned, well-meaning (and I'm sure, better) parent called the local police to report that we were neglecting our sleeping toddlers. Contrary to the encounter suffered by Mrs. Coyne though, I was lucky to have met with an understanding, forgiving officer who reminded me that sleeping kids still can drive off in locked, keyless minivans. I swore we'd be more careful.

Believe me, I'm not stupid about the things that can happen to kids in cars: succumbing to oppressive heat; bad people who steal kids and sell them on eBay; being taken on joyrides by thieving teenagers who just can't be trusted. Seriously, I know there are bad people out there. We warn our 11-year-old about them all the time. I guess having special needs kids, I see things differently.

Maybe, because our senses are on such high alert, we think we're always being diligent. But at the same time, things don't happen for all families the same way; and an outsider looking in might think they see something that isn't really there. They just don't have the full story.

I don't know. While I can see why someone would report unattended kids sleeping in a car to the police, I can assure you that these are not neglected children. Just the opposite: they were in the car because we love them.

Think what you will.

~Jon

Have Some Consideration...'cause you aren't that important

2008-10-12T00:57:00.012-04:00

I was seriously contemplating whether or not to even write this post. The subject seemed so petty in the light of such pertinent current events: a hemorrhaging economy; an election battle the likes of which we may never see again in our lifetime; Angelina’s controversial magazine cover (pleeeze!). With such spine-shaking news as that, it’s a wonder I could consider something as trivial as this post. But then I realized: It’s my blog; I can do what I want!

Besides, this has been bugging me for --- one could easily say --- much longer than it really should. And it’s your fault I’m writing this anyhow. Sorry, not you per se. I mean, I like you. I’m talking about the other “you” out there who’s not you --- I’m talking about the “other guy” (or “girl” --- there’s not gender specificity, here.) Okay, okay; you’re getting me off track. Keeping me from getting to the nitty-gritty, the heart of the matter, from making my point.

Here it is: Park between the lines, people! (What? What did he say?)

That’s right; this post is all about spacing your sheet metal ego evenly between the painted parking lot markers. It’s as simple as that. For some reason though, you (and now you know who you are) can’t seem to absorb the theory or grasp the rationale behind “one-space-per-car”. That or you just can’t freaking drive; and in that case, your one-ton missile should be parked in a secure-clearance area to which you have zero access.

But honestly, this is about so much more than spatial perception. Few of us are forced to negotiate vehicles larger than the standard 9 x 16 foot stalls found in most parking lots. Unless the label on your selected mode of transportation heralds a manufacturer like Peterbuilt, General Dynamics Corporation, or Boeing, chances are you can get that bugger pretty much square between the white marks.

My guess is that the only thing keeping you from doing it is any combination of your over-inflated sense of self-worth, your over-inflated impression of your car’s true value, your over-all laziness and/or your over-all lack of concern for everyone else who has to park there, too. Wait a minute. It all comes back around to that, doesn’t it? You care too much about yourself to worry about whether or not someone else might need some place to park. “Let ‘em find somewhere else; screw ‘em if they can’t take a joke,” right? You are such a special little princess.

The only ones worse than you are the people who park in handicap spaces, with no license plates or tags giving them said permission. Honestly Sparky, when were you besowed the privilege over the person who really needs that spot? Oh, you’re just running in for a minute. We’ll then, take your time. No, no; really. I’ll just wait right here behind your car for the space my kid needs but you don’t. I don’t have anywhere else to be.

Oh, wait, I almost forgot. Here’s a news flash too, genius: That hash-marked area next to the handicap space? [Leans close and whispers] That’s part of the handicap space. You know; for vans that have ramps for --- wait for it --- wheelchairs!

But this goes waaay beyond the parking spaces. Really, it does. Think about it. If you would be that inconsiderate about typical parking and handicap spaces, how are you when it comes to someone accidentally stepping off the curb in front of you? Do you just cuss them out, or do you think, Hey, it’s all right, guy. Accidents happen? Do you clean up your dogs poopie after she deposits it on someone else's lawn, or do you consider you're providing them free fertilizer? You more than likely are the mental midget who throws a lit cigarette out the window of a moving car, too. Out of sight, out of mind (Whoa, a forest fire? I was just driving down that stretch of road today. That's where I flicked my...OH! Never mind).

What about when that Crackberry or ear-hangy-cell-phone-receiver-thingy rings while you’re in a restaurant? Do you take it outside, or do I have to listen to your conversation about your boss’ bad breath, too?

And while were on the topic of inconsiderate [wipes feet on soapbox], let’s talk about that deep bass music. Oh that thumping bass! Now listen, I’m not opposed to you enjoying your music; I’ve been known to crank a song or two, much to the unhappiness of my kids, who think a pumping rendition of Aerosmith/Run DMC’s Walk This Way is less enjoyable than I Wanna be a Puppy Dog. As if. But at the same time, when from five cars back your pounding über-subwoofer is rattling my van’s mirrors and making my CD skip, what’s the point? Really, I’ll subscribe to your car’s sound system directly if I want to hear your music.

I’ll call you when I'm ready. You can talk to me from your Civic that’s double-parked in the handicapped spaces. If you can hear the phone ring.

Really. Just park between the spaces, ‘k?

~Jon

Careless and Negligent Parenting of a Child

2008-09-20T23:57:00.012-04:00

I was thinking about a news report I heard recently, and realized what bad parents we must really be. A mom named Treffly was busted a little while ago for leaving her young, sleeping child alone in a locked, alarmed car while she dropped about nine bucks of change into a Salvation Army pail less than thirty feet away. She was in view of the car the entire time, but was gone long enough for the cops to arrest her for putting her youngster in such treacherous danger. Just think of all the ways a sleeping, seat belted toddler can get into mischief in less than 2 minutes.

Then it dawned on me that over the summer we repeatedly, deliberately and neglectfully placed our own children in harms way, and left them to roam out of our immediate control. I'd suggest that someone call the authorities on us before we spiral out of control. How careless we have been to not see the danger sooner; our poor kids are lucky to be alive. You see, at least twice a week this past summer, we sat in a shady park on a bench that was placed almost 50 feet away from the playground equipment our wide-awake, unsecured children were climbing for hours!

Based on the accusation of the police in the linked article above, we were even more neglectful than the Chicago mother. At least she was only gone for two minutes, the mother was twenty feet closer and the kid was seat belted and locked in an alarmed car. There were times we even took our eyes off our active children for a minute or two while we read pages in a book. Alas, the things that could have happened to those poor kids while we were recklessly attending to our own selfish pursuits.

And, it might be a good idea to set up surveillance, a sting operation or just bring out the paddy wagon on any given sunny Saturday; because the parks and playgrounds are rife with law breakers just like us. It will be a wonder if any of these children live into their teens, what with parents who just don't care.

Oh, and there have even been those times that I have gotten out of my running car and left my sleeping children inside and parked next to the door, while I ran into the video store to return a DVD or two. From now on I will wake my sleeping, 50-pound, autistic three-year-old and his wiry, hyperactive sister, slide open the doors on either side of our mini-van, unbuckle and pull each of them out of their seats so that we can march to just-inside the swinging door for the less-than-ten-second deposit of our movies, then reverse the order and hope they drift off again.

Granted the dislodging of the kids will take several-times as long as the errand itself. But at least they won't be able to jump into the driver seat and race off to California in the meantime. And for the playground: If you don't turn us in, I promise we'll never let the kids play so carelessly ever again.

~Jon

What's in a Name?...I guess I'm never happy

2008-09-20T23:38:00.006-04:00

So, I wasn't happy with the previous name of this blog; it's as simple as that. I like this new one much better and it really describes better what's going on here. The contradiction of the two is delicious.

If you're interested in the reference, I'd be happy to share. Otherwise, please let me be the first to introduce to you: Peanut Butter and Mustard: The Blog.

~Jon

Walk Now for Autism...until next year

2008-09-15T23:37:00.008-04:00

Well, the Walk Now for Autism in Westfield, MA was a great time. We met a lot of new people and I got to hand out a few booklets. All told I think we collectively earned around $65,000, and our team (For the Love of Nolan) gathered about $400. That was about $600 shy of our $1000 goal, but still what you can call respectable.

The parking was a little far, but after dropping Lori and the kids off, there was a shuttle back; so it wasn't too bad. Lori and I got t-shirts for our fund-raising efforts, though the t's my brother and sister-in-law made are better and we wore them instead. Finding the walk start wasn't real clear, but we just followed the crowd and found where we needed to be.

I have to say that Stanley Park in Westfield is a beautiful place to hold any event, let alone a fundraising walk. The gardens and bell tower are absolutely gorgeous and there are fountains, flowers, pavilions, playgrounds and cook pits galore. Every city should be so lucky.

We were led by Geoffrey the Giraffe to the starting line, and we stood for less than five minutes; fortunately we had met some very nice folks and made conversation while we waited. Then there were were a few introductions and speeches by some local celebrities and members of Autism Speaks, and it wasn't long before we were on our way.

The walk itself was smooth and easy-paced. Along with our own team members, we had people to talk to along the way and when we got to the sidewalk along the main road, cars honked their support. All-in-all the walk portion of the gathering didn't last much more than a half hour; but we didn't realize the number of participants until we were almost back to the starting area. It was then that we saw the end of the procession just rounding one of the corners as the front of our parade was heading to the start/finish line. A mile of walkers was impressive!

Back at the staging area, lunch was provided by Subway. I felt guilty when we took four grinders for the five of us. The organizers let us know that there would be more than enough food for everyone. We were told to fill our plates and pockets with all the beef jerky, Slim Jims, Bachman Puzzle Pretzels (in honor of Autism Speaks), Corn Nuts, apples, bananas, Now and Laters, Combos, and various other candies and snacks we could handle. We were even asked to please take a box of grinders, snacks and fruits home, but with a three-hour drive ahead of us, we only took some bananas and apples.

Anyhow, after lunch, we bought a few autism awareness trinkets and socialized a little more. But the function started to take a toll on all the kids, so after four hours (a pretty good stretch for our gang), we were back on the road, headed for Vermont.

To be honest, while we had a great time, met some good people and raised some money, I think we could have done better. Next year, we'll have a pre-fundraiser fundraiser. Who knows? Maybe we'll be able to devote more time, if things keep going well. No matter, until next year!

~Jon

About that Project...Same Child, Different Day

2008-08-30T08:17:00.008-04:00

Wow, that was something! My project is done and now I'll be able to get back to this for a while, that is until the next endeavor rolls up on me.

I've just completed and printed my first official, serious, revenue-generating writing project. Its a 50-some-odd page booklet entitled Same Child, Different Day: One family's experiences during the first year after a child's autism diagnosis. It shares some useful facts as well as some of our first-hand accounts with regards to our son and his condition. I hope it will be helpful to the community-at-large, and look forward to the opportunity to offer our experiences and hope to other families like ours. Here is a short excerpt from the handbook:

"Now that your youngster has been diagnosed and a "label" has been given to the lack of speech, eye contact and social interaction you’ve seen over the last several months, it’s time to prepare yourself for the year ahead. The first thing you need to realize is, there’s one thing that’s the same today as it was last week: this is still the exact same child you’ve held when they were sick, snuggled with when they were tired and adored since they were born.

~~~~~

This is one constant that will never change; not over the next year or into the next decade. Nothing about your child has been altered just because they were diagnosed with this condition. You will however, have to prepare yourself for some diversity in your lifestyle. To help you along, let’s first introduce you to a short list of words, phrases and professionals that you might come in contact with over the next few months."

If you are interested in reading more or know someone who might benefit from this guide, please send an e-mail to: jongilbert@rocketmail.com. Thanks and be good.

~Jon

Sorry...but I really HAVE been working

2008-08-24T08:24:00.001-04:00

I know I've been away. But this project has turned out to be much more time-consuming than I thought it would be. But that isn't a complaint. I think the end result will be fabulous. I will be back soon. E-mail me if you want to know what's going on.

~Jon

Over a week without a post...I must be up to something

2008-07-24T12:59:00.004-04:00

I haven't written or updated for 10 days. I've been working on a project. Thanks for the patience and I'll be back shortly.

Fire Safety...please check this link

2008-07-14T15:12:00.004-04:00

Hey, a friend recently wrote a fantastic post about fire safety. I think it's informative and important enough to post a link here. Please check it out.

A Typical Day...guess I shouldn't complain too much

2008-07-09T13:40:00.006-04:00

Today was an example of how things seem to go for us on a daily basis (not that I'm complaining --- I mean, I am breathing, after all).

We left the house on time...ahead of schedule actually. We wanted to run by the credit union before taking Nolan to school. There was time to get gas before hand, too; well, there should have been. But I live in my world, so I should have known better.

We pulled out of the credit union and figured the convenience store closest to Nolan's school would be the best. Besides, they're usually pretty cheap, all things considered, and today was no different. At $3.99, they were the second-cheapest place in town right after what we call "The Indian Place" - as in the nation, not the true discoverers of North America - (www.gasbuddy.com calls the gas station: "Independent, West Street"). The right side of the pumps were free, too, so I thought: yea for me.

I let Kaleigh help, but found this to be one of the "Pay First" places. Cash in hand, we went inside to prepay, but not before we were cut off by a family buying road snacks. I just wanted to hand the cashier my $40, but she insisted that she couldn't take it, saying that she'd already started the other party's order. No big deal. I know my place. That is, until I heard one of the Road Snack Family kids yell, "MOM, where the heck are you? We're paying!". Sure enough, Mom was at the back of the store still selecting her juice or milk or malt beverage --- whatever it was she needed at 8:55 in the morning.

Well, since Nolan had to be to school by 9, we beat feet and headed to class. Sadly, I am afflicted with Temporary Road Rage --- temporary because it only happens when I get mad in the car. I wasn't real happy, and my tires let the pavement know it. yeah, i could probably use a prescription.

It was fairly uneventful at school, except that Nolan had kicked off his shoes and yanked his socks off. Who doesn't? Once the boy was re-shoed and in class, we were off to get the sought-after "inexpensive" liquid gold (actually, I think gold is trading for less today --- time to change the monetary standard to gasoline........or MILK!).

We headed toward "Independent, West Street", having all but forgotten Road Snack Family. That wasn't to say my TRR was in remission, which soon recurred when we came up to the two detour signs at the next intersection. We wanted to go south west to get to the Indian Place, and wouldn't you know it: the roads going both South and West were closed. Oh, Happy Day!

Well, right it was and we were quickly moving along toward the next intersection --- away from our destination. I don't recall what it was I was saying under my breath, but I can remember my wife's expression out of the corner of my eye. She was gritting her teeth, I'm sure holding back telling me to just get over it. Impossible, woman! Don't you realize the plight we're in???

We somehow made it to the main (read: Four Lane) street, coming out at a point where I wanted to go left, but the damn traffic was insisting I go right some more. No one would let us in to go left, and I didn't want to fight with them. Okay, I did, but I wanted to also be allowed back in the house. I decided: Sure I'll play your game --- "right" it is.

Eventually the cheap gas station was in sight. We had made it. The Holy Grail was within reach. My wife told me later that she was hoping there were no lines or problems at the station; I realize now she jinxed me. You see, sure enough, there was a line on the right side of the pumps, and the lane on the left (of course), was closed; a big orange traffic cone blocking both ends. I'm sure they were in cahoots with the highway people who detoured us earlier.

I didn't say a word; somehow I was able to bite my tongue. I simply turned around and headed toward another station in town. We ended up getting gas after all. And my terrible, awful, unfortunate day was quickly brought into perspective.

There on the counter was a flyer with the face teen girl, a girl I know a little bit and had seen grow up since she was nine. She's been missing since July 5th and her family is worried sick about her --- including her own little thee-year-old girl.

I guess my day's been okay so far.

"Twofer" Monday...now about that walk

2008-06-30T14:49:00.005-04:00

I love it when I can get two posts in one day (it's actually three)!

As I mentioned here, we'll be striking out on a Walk for Autism in September. I had one blog friend already post the announcement on her blog. Since she was good enough to do that, if you would pay her a visit and tell her 'thanks', I'd appreciate it.

Please click here to donate or sign up to walk with us, or email us at kmmvnm3@yahoo.com for more info.

Thanks again.

Tagged...I was tagged by Lauralee

2008-06-30T14:24:00.004-04:00

Okay here are the rules: You link back to the person who tagged you, Post the rules on your blog, Share six unimportant things about yourself & tag six random people at the end of your entry. Enjoy the result!

1. I love to write (I stole this one from Lauralee)

2. I could eat Shepard's Pie almost every day

3. Much to my wife's dismay, I'm a car freak (and can name 90% of them by their headlights/grilles)

4. Jon = Fishing

5. There's a BB gun in my sock drawer

6. I like to "indoor mow" (yes, I know it's called vacuuming)

I tag StacyRenee, Kim, Alicia, Agata, John, Toni

Walk for Autism...or donate

2008-06-23T15:43:00.004-04:00

As I mentioned to everyone in an email May 15th, we have two and a half months until Nolan's Walk for Autism September 13, 2008 in Westfield, MA. We've had two online donations and two cash submissions so far and as of this post we're only $925 from our goal of $1000. Not too bad. At this rate it should only take us (if I've calculated correctly) 62 more weeks to reach our quest, or October of 2009. We'll only have missed our mark by a year and a month! Exciting stuff; pretty exciting stuff.

Seriously friends, we know gas prices are high, and the cost of cigarettes for you smokers are through the roof. But if you could find a way to squeeze out even five more dollars for our walk, we'd be most appreciative. We know the donation page has a minimum of $20, so if you're only able to send a buck or two, we welcome cash and checks as well (the off-line donation form can be found here).

And if you're feeling adventurous, like to walk, don't mind a two hour road-trip and would like to join the team, click here.

We don't see a nickel of this money; it all goes to the folks at http://www.autismspeaks.org/. I won't bore you with the fact that 1 in 150 kids in the US is born with autism, that there's no proven cause or cure, or that autism therapy can have out-of-pocket expenses of more that $50,000/year.

I'll just tell you that we'll take what we can get. Nolan would tell you thanks, if he could.

Happy Father's Day...to me

2008-06-15T23:26:00.003-04:00

Today was one of the better Father's Days I can remember. And we didn't do anything. That's not to say we didn't do anything, just nothing newsworthy. I got up about 7:30 while the rest of the house was snoring peacefully. I started up a game of Rollercoaster Tycoon (my favorite PC game) and played for a half-hour until Madison got up. She sat on my lap and giggled at the wild coasters, wanting to see them all make their loops and twists.

After breakfast, we sat on the floor and built marble towers: tubes, ramps, windmills, and funnels of plastic that you build as high and crazy as possible, then send marbles careening down. The kids stayed entertained for almost two hours as we built and rebuit the creations.

Then, when the kids passed out, I thought what a wonderful idea. So naptime it was, and Lori and I slept for what must have been at least three hours!

We then got up and all slipped out of the house for creemies (soft-serve ice cream cones, if you're not from around here) at the Village Snack Bar. Then it was back to the house for burgers, a movie (Ice Age: The Meltdown) and not much else.

It was a nice, quiet, uneventful day. I hope yours was the same.