tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210162172012-01-30T20:16:44.258-05:00"Confessions straight from the fox hole"; our wild and wacky journey (mine and my two boys, 11 year old Salamander with Celiac's disease, metabolic dysfunction, Asperger's Syndrome and several LDs; and 6 year old Potatey with Celiac's disease and metabolic dysfunction) to "I don't know where". Perhaps the journey is a destination in itself? WARNING - my stories are definitely NOT of the schmalzy 'life with two kiddos with challenges is a Trip to Holland instead of Italy' variety..Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.comBlogger8271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-55125282371452549072010-01-21T10:00:00.002-05:002010-01-21T10:35:55.487-05:00

Yes, emerging from a long silence. Explanation for all of that will have to wait.If you are easily offended, or if you think that my frustration and anger, in light of the terrible events in Haiti, is misplaced, then I strongly advise you to get off this blog now and not read this post. For those of you that do continue to read, I hope you can see my frustration for what it is - a mask to hide a

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-44560824110339386012009-12-09T17:35:00.000-05:002009-12-09T17:38:19.306-05:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.. (but please, don't do an early school release or cancel after school programs just yet....)###Dang.. work project did NOT get completed last nite.. I gotta go back in.. Oh well....$$ in the bank..###Today everything is just f$#king HARD!!!!!! Swimming against friggin grade 10 (if there is a grade 10) rapids.. I need sleep, seriously....###Rapidly

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-40800675755422708192009-12-08T20:33:00.000-05:002009-12-09T17:36:29.889-05:00

Woohee!! Worked until midnite last nite. Started again at 3 am, worked until 5 am. Now working on supplements, breakfasts, lunches etc for the boys. Once P is on the bus around 8.15 am, I'll be back on the work stuff. Yeah, I'll be *punchy* by about 9 pm tonite. 11.5 h away from deadline....###ROFL.. P can spell alright.. "Mom, if you take the word Buckaroo, and you replace the B with an F you

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-11953326135438731722009-12-07T23:45:00.000-05:002009-12-09T17:33:09.584-05:00

Boys & I are doing good. LOOOOONG day ahead for me (so much paying work to get caught up on... well, $$ in the bank, eh?)Wondering if anybody ever attempted plasmapheresis to switch out blood plasma with a straight caffeine solution. Am sure gonna need it to keep going today (caffeine & adrenaline & sheer pig headed stubborness is what is keeping me going at this piont.. ain't nothing else left..

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-59435246981964726402009-12-05T20:20:00.000-05:002009-12-05T20:22:39.379-05:00

Am gonna need your positive thoughts etc today. Today is gonna be hard (it already is). Yesterday was just me and the XTB. In a one-on-one, XTB turns weepy, whiny. Today the boys are here (they will be leaving with a dear friend around 11 am for a few hour), AND XTB has recruited my neighbors to help him move sh#t.So... now XTB feels 10 feet tall and the manipulating is in full force..I need to

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-75753827645215007542009-12-04T15:00:00.000-05:002009-12-04T15:06:25.646-05:00

First things first, many happy birthday wishes from me and my boys to my mom. Sorry that a proper celebration will have to wait a bit....So today is the start of moving out (and moving on) - a random collection of observations...There's a student at Salamander's school who's gonna be EXTREMELY sorry that he ever decided to stick his grubby paws in Salamander's lunch box... [I am BULLSH#T,

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-13525268587300847152009-11-29T15:45:00.003-05:002009-11-29T21:57:36.963-05:00

Will be telling my friend C.R. in person later today how HAPPY and THANKFUL I am that she's in my life. She took 4 phone calls from me yesterday as I was working thru yesterday's 'now I have no choice but to tell my boys what is going to happen' situation.Without EVER making me feel that I was bugging her. She listened to me, gave really great advise and didn't hesitate to kick my ass when I

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-6357376343522865092009-11-28T23:45:00.001-05:002009-11-29T15:49:04.528-05:00

Had to force a family meeting about an hour ago to tell the boys officially what is going on. They are taking it HARD, especially Salamander. But after XTB decided to make the boys active participants/co-conspirators in his *grand scheme of double life fibbery", I had to decide that *enough is enough*. XTB's move out is starting next week.Things happen when they are supposed to happen.. there is

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-44041515420697063292009-11-27T16:15:00.001-05:002009-11-29T15:41:39.954-05:00

Collection of thoughts from the day:Post excess glutamate, protein, sulphur, oxalate hangover here. Salamander is a mess, Potatey is doing OK (just very zippy and slurred/hyper drive speed), I'm OK too (as I didn't eat that much). Anybody who has a hard time *believing* that autism could be a manifestation of a brain/body chemistry/metabolic disorder, feel fee to stop by today and observe for

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-42482882787717387622009-11-26T23:59:00.001-05:002009-11-27T16:12:17.406-05:00

I do apologize for not posting much here on the blog as of late.. At the moment, I am finding it easier to post quick blurbs on Facebook...Here are a collection of thoughts I posted throughout the day:NOT a good start to today. Major headache, nausea. Let's hope it passes soon....Something's up.. Potatey is having the exact same symptoms.. especially the headache is highly unusual for him....

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-9372133787581029442009-11-06T08:30:00.000-05:002009-11-06T08:43:50.619-05:00

I haven't exactly been shy about expressing my opinions regarding the Swine Flu mass hysteria.This about sums it up. Enjoy!!!!

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-72366201647274699692009-11-01T16:30:00.004-05:002009-11-01T21:20:23.554-05:00

Man, the web searches that people use to land on my blog are getting increasingly creepy. And then there are a few folks that seem to be checking my blog for updates about, what, every hour ? That sounds a bit stalker-ish to me.So be warned, creepsters and stalkers, I am going to find and install software that allows me to track (and BLOCK) IP addresses.Now that we're on the creepy topic,

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-23217243044282271552009-10-22T20:30:00.001-04:002009-10-22T20:36:46.971-04:00

Call from Potatey's 1st grade teacher about an *incident* involving Potatey (yes, Potatey!!). Incident was substantial, we're working thru things. But boy, the combination of 1st grade and incident was enough to throw this momma right back into some really *difficult* (terrible, awful, no good, etc) 1st grade memories involving Salamander.The joys of a pre-teen with virtually no filter on what

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-42226199114122106882009-10-16T12:50:00.000-04:002009-10-16T13:02:32.868-04:00

The Winding (and Sometimes Twisted) Journey has turned into *Spinning wheels and ever so slowly sinking deeper and deeper into the muck*.Meh..Must.Find.Planks.To.Lay.Over.Mud.Hole....[am working on a 'this is where I'm at' post. Post won't be brave, won't be 'I'm hanging in', won't be 'I'll survive.", won't be "Things will get better.", won't be "the Silver Lining.". It will be on what is. Warts

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-4234869586459281172009-10-09T16:00:00.000-04:002009-10-09T16:14:58.232-04:00

Sorry for not having posted much.. I have plenty to write about, plenty to say, but just not enough time to put cohesive posts together.Boys are doing OK.. settled into school... Salamander is doing really really well, Potatey is having a bit more trouble getting adjusted...which surprises me, and is something I need to keep an eye on.Me? Hanging in. The boys keep me going, they are my reasons

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-47278291793873302092009-09-24T10:15:00.002-04:002009-09-24T10:36:34.695-04:00

Originally posted on September 18, 2009Haven't blogged in FAR TOO long. Sorry. Just too much going on, too much 'trying to survive', too much dealing with the latest thing blowing up in my face.That being said, the boys are doing well. They are settling back into the school routine. Sure, we have our hiccups here and there. But hey, who doesn't. It's all been very manageable.In my personal life?

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-53010335146538787022009-08-29T16:15:00.001-04:002009-08-29T16:17:55.045-04:00

We're BACK!!Boys and I had an awesome time. They did so very very well (above and beyond my expectations) - we had so many fun experiences together and made some really precious memories (I'll write about all we did and experienced when I am a bit more organized and not so tired..)Today's homecoming ROYALLY SUCKED tho.. for many, many reasons..

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-68342247777751812852009-08-22T06:35:00.000-04:002009-08-22T06:35:45.588-04:00

Boys and I are leaving town today, for a week stay in a beach house on the Cape (yes, we'll get to see the ocean swells generated by Hurricane Bill.. that will be soooo COOL. And no, we won't be going into the water when the waves are like that.. that just would not be safe).We'll be back next Saturday. It'll be good to be away from all the B... S.. for a bit (no, boys' dad is NOT coming along.

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-43917117186216742082009-08-15T16:15:00.003-04:002009-08-22T06:31:41.244-04:00

Am I gonna say it?Hell yes, I AM gonna say it...I am tired, tired of having to be the grown-up ALL THE TIME,tired of having to be the ROCK ALL THE TIME (and then being presented by another person as "cold, unfeeling, no compassion, controlling, un-trusting, etc"),tired of always having to keep on the *happy, positive, things will come together* face/mood/spirit in front of the boys [and of course

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-10175776461932591352009-08-10T14:00:00.002-04:002009-08-10T14:13:37.605-04:00

So I had my 4 month "post discovery of lumpy bumpies" check up this morning.Mixed bag.Blood pressure up (from my typical "low-normal" range to "high normal"). Well, no sh#t on that one eh? I guess you could say that I am experiencing an eensy teensy weensy bit of stress and that I wouldn't be human if that didn't have some type of effect (and I sure as heck ain't no Zen Buddist..)..One of the "

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-39528371384224773832009-08-08T17:00:00.000-04:002009-08-08T17:04:36.592-04:00

Happy.... Happy.... Happy.... Happy.... Happy.... Happy.... Happy.... Happy.... Happy.....Thank you all so very very much. A friend told me yesterday "Ask and you shall receive". Another friend told me today "The Universe gives back what you put into it". A third friend said "What goes around, comes around". I have said these words, I have used these expressions, but never truly believed, as in "

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-29948395586008584622009-08-08T07:45:00.003-04:002009-08-08T13:00:57.326-04:00

Well, I didn't think it was ever going to come to this.. but it did.. I need your help.Not for me, but for my boys.It feels incredibly weird to do this (you all know how well I do with asking for help), but for the sake of my boys, I will swallow my pride and reach out.I need to make some decisions regarding what parts of the boys' current treatment protocols I may be able to taper down on a bit

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-82076405570667456982009-07-28T12:00:00.001-04:002009-08-22T08:42:48.666-04:00

I've commented a few times in the past that things possible couldn't get crazier (worse, deeper in the pit, whatever phrase I may have used), that the only way to go from here would be up.Well, I was WRONG.Boys' dad lost his job this morning. Good news is that he did get a bit of a buffer while he's looking for a new job. Bad news is that of end of next month, my boys will be without health

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-84581462618949242432009-07-17T15:25:00.001-04:002009-07-17T16:05:34.938-04:00

I was going to write my own story/commentary to this particular piece by Julie over on Age of Autism. But I don't have it in me right now.. It's been kind of a rough day.. I had a real estate appraiser coming through my house, and the realization hit me HARD that some time soon I am going to have to uproot my kids out of the only home they've ever known (let's hope I can convince a certain player

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-50543936969125002542009-07-16T15:30:00.001-04:002009-07-16T15:35:41.575-04:00

I do not know WHEN I'll be back.. just THAT I'll be back..In the mean time, friends and family, you know where to reach me....

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-6722361086938308792009-07-15T21:30:00.001-04:002009-07-16T14:25:40.112-04:00

Well, BLOG momma that is...I can't believe it's been almost a month since my last entry. It's not that I don't have anything to write about.. Boy, do I have stuff to write about. Juicy, wacked-out, 'this only happens in the movies' kinda stuff. I have frequently said before that I seem to be stuck in living a soap opera.. well, be careful what you wish for, as right now I so am.But all musings

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-81929457598164461812009-06-22T14:10:00.000-04:002009-06-22T14:17:18.105-04:00

I have been asked several times today if I'm OK..Yes, I actually am.Am I overwhelmed by what's ahead? Yes. It's gonna take time to untangle the strands of 19 year long journeys that, while far from truly shared, did run parallel.But as a friend just reminded me. I don't have to *get it all done* in a day, or a week, or even a month. The most important step has been made.. the elephant has been

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-83680431313524200902009-06-21T23:40:00.003-04:002009-06-21T23:41:47.909-04:00

Tonight a "deadly ill elephant" was finally put out of its misery..Now moving on to cleaning up the rotting carcass...

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-16967387575669384942009-06-21T01:45:00.002-04:002009-06-21T01:53:38.372-04:00

So I had every intention of doing at least one, if not more, catch up on the going's on post.And then the rug was pulled out from under me once again. In a big way. No, the boys are OK. We are wrapping up on the school year, both boys are transitioning to new schools in September, so things are hectic and crazy there. Both Salamander and Potatey are rolling with the flow, getting a kick out of

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-51083794024256697142009-06-08T12:30:00.001-04:002009-06-08T12:37:04.084-04:00

Going to have to go MIA for a bit (again..).A "bug" of some sort (paternal grandfather was sneezing, coughing and wheezing during his visit) seems to have taken up house here and has triggered a flare of my pertussis???/bronchitis+mono??? of earlier this winter. I am exhausted again, coughing, muscle weak, achy, brain fog, easily overwhelmed, hitting emotional overload over the slightest little

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-19671540430520751252009-06-03T11:25:00.004-04:002009-06-03T15:47:18.222-04:00

Still here, still *alive* (sort of).The visit was, well, what can I say that hasn't been said in response to prior visits?The same, the usual, some folks just can't seem to find very many nice things to say, some folks will just never *get it*.And I'm done trying to explain, to teach, to justify, to try to get them to understand (heck, after 5 years of that, if they were going to get it, they

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-54724624765316641482009-05-29T23:45:00.001-04:002009-05-29T23:51:50.789-04:00

It's been a little over 2 hours since "The Arrival" and my teeth are already on edge...Their flight was delayed, so they got the house after the boys' bed time, Potatey was already sound asleep, Salamander was drifting off.. but as their arrival at the house was accompanied with a TREMENDOUS amount of noise, Salamander got startled and became agitated and anxious..so I stayed with him until he

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-65124156417017295352009-05-29T08:50:00.002-04:002009-05-29T09:24:12.269-04:00

happening here..So Salamander got sick on Wednesday morning, and he was pretty much out of it for the remainder of Wednesday and part of Thursday night. I am pretty sure it was some type of detox triggered by supplement tweaks I have been making since Sunday evening (but don't have the test data yet to back that up.. UTM on its way to the lab).I let him miss school and sleep in yesterday and ever

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-8885696134720849332009-05-27T18:00:00.004-04:002009-05-27T21:36:34.617-04:00

"For when the Universe speaks, its voice can come from the most unexpected places."That, and ..."Take a deep breath before (re)acting... and don't get stuck in your own preconceived notions"A wise woman told me on Sunday afternoon that being reactive is like cutting your own bangs and realizing that one side is higher than the other. So you start cutting to even things out, and you cut some more,

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-5735945607185297452009-05-26T15:15:00.006-04:002009-05-27T09:18:28.595-04:00

Sorting through my emotions..Trying to find the words to describe what being amongst 'my own tribe' these past several days in Chicago has meant to me..And I can't.. at least not yet...So incredibly "I-can't-find-the-right-word" for an awesome group of incredible *sisters in Yasko* (and a few select *brothers in Yasko*) who have been and continue to be there for me.. no questions asked.. no

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-46300950051045608532009-05-25T10:30:00.000-04:002009-05-25T10:45:36.480-04:00

I got back yesterday.. boys were/are good.. house was/is trashed (hey, I'll take it that way instead of the other way around).My heart and soul are very full.. met so many amazing people.. had so many amazing conversations... immersed myself in the energy of people who believe in what I do, who believe in me, who think I'm "all that and a bag of chips". I needed that so very very much...I do

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-48049901573601146692009-05-18T17:00:00.001-04:002009-05-18T17:04:02.821-04:00

Crazy busy with prep for my Wednesday eve departure.If you want to get together at AutismOne, email me or send me a tweet through twitter. Alternately, you can leave a message for me at the AutismOne conference hotel too.Somehow, we will all find each other. That' kinda how it works at these conferences. Ill be *wearing* my boys pics on my conference badge.

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-46957595193358954892009-05-14T11:00:00.004-04:002009-05-14T11:35:09.896-04:00

but I have officially hit *overload*.I had a (mini?) mental breakdown on Tuesday afternoon.. compounded by the fact that I grandiosely fell off the gluten free wagon on Monday, which all resulted in oneBig Mucking Emotionally Fessy Howl-Out from which I am only slowly finding my way back (ask dear Tori from Lend4Health what I did last night..).Something is going to have to give for a bit.. and so

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-83712918614298193052009-05-11T11:15:00.008-04:002009-05-12T10:38:46.087-04:00

[Make THAT 57...]Hi there.Yes, I was directing that at you.We are looking for 74 remarkable people.What do these people need to do, you ask?Very simple. We are looking for 74 amazing people to each contribute $10 towards a loan.What is this loan for, you ask?This loan is to help a beautiful boy named Michael achieve better health.Yes, we are asking you to consider contributing what you pay for a

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-45594819182407369432009-05-11T09:20:00.000-04:002009-05-11T09:33:51.330-04:00

Salamander may have experienced more seizure activity this am. Just before we left the house for school, he was sitting in a chair as I was helping him tie his shoes. I felt his body go all slack on me, and when I looked up, his eyes were rolled back in his head.As soon as I called his name, his eyes rolled right back, but he looked at me kinda confused and unfocused. Then his eyes rolled back

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-38676930095132177352009-05-10T12:05:00.001-04:002009-05-10T12:47:32.836-04:00

Sorry.. not much in the mood for writing...Friday was a good day (especially as I made great progress on a really FUN paying work project I just started). Yesterday was a rough one.. on many, many fronts (both boys were very, very off), and today so far has started out rough too.I'm tired, I'm frustrated and yes, I am angry that I am always, always, always left *holding the bag* on the tough

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-23011301141872754882009-05-06T14:20:00.001-04:002009-05-06T14:33:54.219-04:00

Curt Schilling apparently has a son who was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome about 2 years ago, and Curt and his wife are now becoming quite vocal about the challenges, trials and tribulations. I've also been told that he has thrown himself in fundraising to create new or expand existing summer camps for kids with Asperger's (sorely needed).I also bagged a new paying gig this morning.. will

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-34262835747288785792009-05-06T10:20:00.000-04:002009-05-06T10:22:14.370-04:00

Sorry, things turned *loco* after I posted Monday's 12.45 pm update. Salamander developed a fever, got really lethargic and spacey, lots of other funky things too. He ended up being out of school yesterday as well.He is much, MUCH better today and back in school. Having had a few moments to reflect on what happened over the course of Monday and Tuesday, I'm thinking "metabolic shut down & purge*

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-14186904036020844122009-05-04T08:15:00.001-04:002009-05-04T12:57:14.013-04:00

Here we go again...Salamander woke up early this morning with tummy troubles. This morning he woke up congested, with a cough and a drippy nose.Do I think he's got the *oh so terrifying and deadly* swine flu?Hell, noWill I need to keep him home from school and schlep him off to the doctor's to get tested for the swine flu?Hell, yes(school has already declared that anybody with *symptoms* needs to

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-16885253546287511512009-05-03T22:00:00.000-04:002009-05-04T08:42:55.838-04:00

Stumbled across this beautiful bakery last night. Gluten Free, Casein Free, Soy Free... even Corn Free.I got all excited.. and then I checked ingredients for the various products..Cottonseed oil, natural flavor emulsion.Why, oh why, oh why... I know it's possible to make tasty stuff without these ingredients.....

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-52969263386722308692009-05-03T10:45:00.004-04:002009-05-03T19:24:12.544-04:00

OK, so the next person who whines to me about how scary this swine flu thing is GETS IT!!!!!1 in 5 U.S. kids that have *something* going on (autism, asthma, allergies, ADHD, learning disabilities, mood/behavioral disorders, diabetes, childhood cancer, and so on and so forth) - THAT is scary.600+ people WW have been diagnosed so far with swine flu [7.15 pm - so fine, rumor has it that there are

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-69870345968689611512009-05-03T06:00:00.000-04:002009-05-03T06:00:00.519-04:00

Somewhere.. on my skin.. The Threefold Mother Goddess: Maiden/Mother/Crone Yes, I'm talking Tatoo. I don't know yet how, I don't know yet where. But I WANT. No, I am not having a midlife crisis. Quite the contrary - I am slowly becoming who I am meant to be. This symbol has been appearing in my dreams for at least the past three months. I've stumbled across it in three different settings in the

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-737269673887184482009-05-02T16:00:00.003-04:002009-05-02T16:36:57.447-04:00

A day that started pouring rain turned gorgeous.Boys are having a good day (now of course the moment I write that, they'll start killing each other.. LOL)Got myself a steam mop yesterday and am luvin' it.Want to see "Wolverine" again (Hugh Jackman was tweeting quite a bit last nite thanking fans for all the nice messages he got. Yes, he's on twitter. And yes, I follow his tweets. And yes, his

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-29190919831180912912009-05-01T16:00:00.003-04:002009-05-01T23:34:51.799-04:00

I've been wrestling for a few days now with a sticky (paying) work challenge. I will eventually see my way out and come up with a solution that works for all parties involved, but this morning I ended up hopelessly stuck. The pieces of information I have don't make sense.. something is missing.. but I can't seem to get to that missing bit.What is not helping matters is that one of the key players

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-89284369385986661722009-05-01T08:40:00.007-04:002009-05-01T23:31:27.361-04:00

So yesterday was "Poem in your Pocket" day. Together we had picked out a wonderfully silly poem from the book "My Hippo has the Hiccups" (I have found poems and rhymes to be a GREAT tool for showing and practicing the inherent *music* in language.. )But of course, in *typical* (?) ADHD/executive functioning deficits fashion, somewhere between getting on the school bus and arriving at school, the

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-41984442199262444532009-04-29T12:45:00.001-04:002009-04-29T12:48:28.467-04:00

Some of the google searches that direct folks to my blog are just too much..Recent winners?"Phil DeMio is crazy""Lindamood Bell programs don't work""Bits on rubber seal of washing machine"Okay???[and no, I'm NOT posting the nasty/naughty searches..]

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-25961135944911212022009-04-28T15:00:00.001-04:002009-05-01T19:10:33.569-04:00

On twitter... Swineflu = AporkalypseBWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!(not that the swine flu isn't a serious matter.. but sjeesh, the news coverage is starting to smell slightly of mass hysteria..)Another one, also on twitter.. Swineflu = Montefluma's Revenge

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-53424040809128871462009-04-28T06:00:00.005-04:002009-04-28T12:48:43.056-04:00

So I turned 40.And I have a lot of mixed feelings about this.There is something *disturbing* about leaving my third decade of life behind and entering my fourth. For one, the realization that there is a good chance I won't be adding another four decades to my life, that from here on out every day lived is one day closer to the end. On the other end, there is liberation in that. The waiting for *

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-73239788005946291692009-04-26T19:00:00.000-04:002009-04-26T19:12:27.657-04:00

Just have to share this story Salamander wrote, as it gives a wonderful window into a very vivid and colorful imagination [I am literally copying what Salamander wrote, spelling and grammar errors and all - he did write this several months ago, well before the spelling module of his Lindamood Bell tutoring program started..]While taking a walk one wintry evening I becided to go into the woods.As

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-66431407785946496332009-04-26T13:00:00.002-04:002009-04-28T10:57:11.270-04:00

I am turning 40 today.My parents arranged for delivery of a beautiful flower arrangement.. all the way from the Netherlands (Thanks so much!! Boys thought that the flowers hopped a plane in the morning to get here in the afternoon...)My boys get me some beautiful handcrafted artisan jewelry (I'm a sucker for that stuff). They also got me lots of new annuals, perennials & veggies for the

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-44054926924273691772009-04-21T13:45:00.002-04:002009-04-21T15:39:29.725-04:00

Blogger is finally allowing me to upload pics, so I'm taking advantage of that. I'll edit the various posts to add text later..Animals courtesy of Curious Creatures (and the kids were supervised by an extremely knowledgeable gentleman at ALL TIMES. No animals nor children were harmed for these pictures.. LOL).

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-14682748516063943332009-04-21T09:20:00.000-04:002009-04-21T09:24:09.829-04:00

Sorry.. will be MIA a while longer..Lots of stuff happening.. almost all good, very interesting, and potentially life altering. I really am at a crossroads.. have lots to sort, lots of decisions to make. I haven't felt this excited about new possibilities in a long long time..Yes, yes, I am being cryptic. That's what I need to be for now.. I just need to 'go with where ever all of this is leading

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-2805092895360766212009-04-20T18:00:00.000-04:002009-04-21T13:24:56.312-04:00

[will explain another time..]

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-728759011464011832009-04-18T08:45:00.000-04:002009-04-18T08:48:41.505-04:00

About to leave the house for sports commitments - one kid to archery, the other to soccer...Such a wonderfully, All American thing to write down..I can already hear all the other parents I'm gonna cross paths with today bitch and moan about having to bring kids to games, stay at games, etc etc.. Me? I'm lovin every minute of it..BBL (Be Back Later)

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-85864021752016529762009-04-17T15:05:00.000-04:002009-04-17T15:05:24.568-04:00

Yeah, yeah.. postings have been sporadic or few and far between. .. Sorry 'bout that...we're doing OK overall...I was gonna do a 'let's catch up on things' post this afternoon, but 1) I have a monster headache and can't think straight, 2) time got away from me and the boyos will be bouncing off the bus soon (but it's a gorgeous day, so hopefully I can get them to go play in the backyard while I

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-23255563694046862972009-04-13T19:20:00.004-04:002009-04-21T13:27:33.830-04:00

I have been bitten by the cooking/baking bug again (more on the how, why & when of that another time), and I quickly wanted to share a very recent discovery. Breads from Anna(R) mixes.I tried this particular one this afternoon, and OMG, the bread is AMAZING (Salamander is in hog heaven.. he hasn't had a decent bread in almost 5 years, and this one is turning out to be a real treat. Potatey didn't

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-72171999542756481382009-04-11T19:45:00.001-04:002009-04-11T19:48:11.202-04:00

Sorry for not posting much. Lots going on...Some really really good, with lots of wonderfully exciting potential.Some really really sucky, rather depressing even.And then lots, as usual, somewhere in the middle.I just need time to sort it all.I hope to have my head fully back in the game next week, and will then provide an update on all the *goings-on*.[one thing that is making me just a tad

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-8005251502306431792009-04-08T15:25:00.001-04:002009-04-08T15:26:21.239-04:00

Inscribed on a silver bracelet that I frivolously bought for myself earlier this week (hey, I DO have a birthday coming up..)Live Fully. Be Brave. Be Bold. Be Wise. Be HappyWhat I'd like to add isBe Kind. No Regrets

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-63776535563322555902009-04-08T14:50:00.001-04:002009-04-08T15:23:22.150-04:00

BUMPING THIS UP! Age of Autism has been publishing group shots of warrior moms from all over the country. I still very much want to do this. Any MA, RI, NH, CT gals (somewhat local.. but we can always pick a meeting point) who are game? And lookie see (check the comments) on who offered to do the photography....is the kind of glamour shot I'd love to do(after I loose at least another 15 lbs, that

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-54051985420504412052009-04-06T17:00:00.002-04:002009-04-06T17:22:46.768-04:00

Yes, it's a bloggin frenzy today.I was awarded a pretty cool badge for my recipe blog...

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-4957529609996758792009-04-06T15:00:00.000-04:002009-04-06T15:06:13.077-04:00

Driving back home from my errands.Enormous, giant, window blinding, windshield wipers at full blast downpour.Driving by local hospital.Shift switch. Nurses dashing out of the hospital trying to get to their cars in the parking lots across the street.I brake and stop. Screaming breaks behind me. Almost get rear ended by big-ass SUV who was obviously driving way too fast.Blares horn at me, SUV

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-64768494007974866412009-04-06T14:55:00.000-04:002009-04-06T14:57:44.002-04:00

One of my errands this afternoon involved a trip to the book store (Salamander is *outgrowing* his library, and we are in desperate need of more age & reading level appropriate materials).Met a mom and an adorable 3 year old girl there.Mom & girl quite upset that they had 'missed The Easter Bunny' (apparently the darn critter had the nerve to go on lunch break).And I couldn't help but laugh. It

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-7869447581186020002009-04-06T11:40:00.002-04:002009-04-06T11:46:46.328-04:00

Real quick.. we continue to ride the roller coaster here.. Salamander still struggling health wise. His sinus congestion is just MASSIVE. I need to get him a Netti Pot. Coughing fits better (so at least the ABs + massive naturals program had some effect), but I am afraid that unless I get the sinus congestion under control, the coughing fits will come back.Salamander's lead detox is way up. WAY

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-85430790037584077772009-04-02T09:40:00.003-04:002009-04-02T12:06:01.495-04:00

I had planned to blog about World Autism Awareness Day and how I agree with AoA suggestion that we should rename this day "World Autism Epidemic Action Day", as really you'd think that everybody is *aware* by now? Also, while awareness is all good and well, what we really need is Action and Answers..But sh1t has hit the wall here once again, so I'm gonna keep things short and *sweet*.Tori (yes,

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-60164144520292322842009-03-31T09:50:00.001-04:002009-03-31T09:53:55.821-04:00

[^%@@ blogger again won't let me upload pictures..]Salamander is turning 11 years old today.Yes. I. Am. Mom. To. An. Eleven. Year. Old (now how the hell did THAT happen? I certainly don't feel *old* enough to have an almost teenager..LOL) And what a wild roller coaster ride these past 11 years have been.I am so incredibly privileged, BLESSED, to have been given the opportunity to parent this

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-26585520286593955022009-03-29T23:55:00.000-04:002009-03-30T00:06:03.816-04:00

This is going to be a difficult post for me to write, as part of me still feels that by taking less of a 'jump right in there and fix it' role in resolving the situations I am *abandoning* Salamander, so be patient with me.First off, I fully understand that the way Salamander and I have (collectively) decided to go about dealing with this situation is going to make some people crinch, other

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-30278088951112663582009-03-28T19:00:00.000-04:002009-03-28T19:13:08.824-04:00

It is starting to look like Salamander is being bullied by another boy.. who also has an autism spectrum disorder (the struggles in their interactions have been going for a while now.. I've written about it before HERE and HERE). If the boy was neurotypical, I would know exactly how to handle things with school. But as the other boy is also on the spectrum, it complicates matters. I keep

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-52879101958597516522009-03-28T09:45:00.004-04:002009-03-28T19:07:34.334-04:00

A fellow warrior parent is/was the driving force (yes Mark H., that would be you) behind organizing an Autism Rally in London (UK). I so wished I could have been there.But alas, a variety of circumstances made it impossible for me to pull that off (Mark? Do keep me posted on the next one. I may just bring the boyos).There is however something I CAN do right now, this minute, that ties in directly

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-30904481573858609672009-03-25T08:45:00.001-04:002009-03-25T09:43:13.298-04:00

95% sure that I have pertussis. It's difficult to definitely diagnose in adults, as most adults don't get the characteristic 'whoop'. But I definitely have all the other symptoms (including hacking up a lung about every 10 seconds).From what I've read online and in all of my natural healing books, antibiotics are pretty much useless for pertussis. Sure, they may help prevent spread of the disease

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-91457322439687840562009-03-23T09:00:00.001-04:002009-03-23T09:46:33.823-04:00

Am hanging in. Just working through some stuff...That gosh dang cough came back, which is not helping. I am trying something different this time - I started a full-out antiviral/antibacterial assault - I am currently taking caprylic acid (2 x day), OLE (2x day), Moducare (1 x day), Super Immune Boost (cocktail of arabinogalactan, OLE, beta glucan, colostrum), and GSE (1 drop 3 x day) to hopefully

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-78177724785805693082009-03-20T09:10:00.003-04:002009-03-20T09:21:09.058-04:00

I seem to have utterly misplaced my "can do, the glass is half full and somebody will come and top it off" attitude. It went missing sometime Wednesday nite, and I haven't been able to find it back. Petra has gone MIA, and Debbie Downer & Suzy Whiner have teamed up and taken her place.I started a long, rambling, very whiny post, but I am NOT going to put it up. Bleegh.What the f#ck is wrong with

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-61332008441425173992009-03-18T09:00:00.003-04:002009-03-18T13:50:39.238-04:00

[I'm having trouble getting blogger to upload pictures, so I'll try again later]Potatey is turning six years old today.I can remember the day he was born like it was yesterday. And let just say that, looking back, his arrival certainly set 'the tone' - this child never does anything half-assed. He arrived almost 6 weeks *early* (and at a whopping 6 lb 12 oz - he would have been a 10 pounder if he

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-1824086913351359652009-03-17T08:28:00.001-04:002009-03-17T08:29:37.327-04:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!!!(and tomorrow Potatey will turn 6!!!)

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-70497767713378913642009-03-16T13:35:00.000-04:002009-03-16T13:39:53.776-04:00

My new washing machine was just delivered and installed. Now excuse me (for a day or two.. LOL.. JUST KIDDING), while I "go (disgustingly) domestic". I have things, oh so many things, to wash...

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-4524701792477572382009-03-16T09:10:00.002-04:002009-03-16T09:43:23.498-04:00

Salamander doing much better. Fever free, (almost) goop free (Long Live Xlear Xylitol Nasal Wash!!), in a great mood and ready to go off to school.Potatey had a good nite sleep (but was a major league cranky pants getting up. Funny thing, in the weekend he's up before the darn birds have even considered waking up. During the week? Can't get him out of bed..). H had no night mares, no being afraid

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-67549787739477670232009-03-15T12:25:00.001-04:002009-03-15T20:02:06.542-04:00

Loosing what precious little is left of my sanity....Salamander has a sinus infection. Not sure if it's a flare up of the previous one (aka Zithro didn't catch it all), or a new one.Regardless, I have a tough decision to make. Do I refill the Zithro script and blast the critters one more time, or do I step up on my homeopathics/naturals program and give it a few days?I just want for Salamander to

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-25994834075579293092009-03-14T14:55:00.005-04:002009-03-14T21:12:55.816-04:00

Sh#t, sh#t, sh#t.. Salamander is running a 103.7 F fever.. I KNEW something wasn't right as soon as he got up this morning...Just gave him Motrin, will be checking his temp again in about 20 minutes. If it hasn't come down, off to the tub we go. And if that doesn't bring the temp down... well, let's cross THAT bridge when we get there...Strap on your seat belts, heeeere we go again on the roller

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-48279787080264923642009-03-13T17:15:00.002-04:002009-03-13T17:24:27.109-04:00

is a GOOD thing...DANG - forgot to mention a very important thing. We started a "$13 on the 13th" fundraiser for Lend4Health on twitter earlier today. Please join in by hopping over to Lend4Health if you can.To put the Cherry in the Martini (or in my case the whipped cream on my Starbucks Espresso Truffle):A work project that had given me quite some grief got through Agency review without any

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-26026136747052970952009-03-13T12:20:00.001-04:002009-03-13T12:27:48.864-04:00

Real quick.. as so far today has been one of those crazy, riding the roller coaster, up/down, twist around, multi task, pre-empt crises, can't catch my breath, and the real fun is just starting, kinda days..I got Salamander's retest scores today from Lindamood Bell, these retest scores reflect an objective assessment of how he's doing now in various reading and math related 'processing' areas.

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-86418587177971100132009-03-11T21:25:00.001-04:002009-03-11T21:28:46.468-04:00

Results of my check-up are currently very much a mixed bag. I have a bunch of follow-up appointments to schedule and get the necessary results to either rule things in, or out (thyroid,;a full work up on 'the girls' because of 'lumpy bumpies'; and a follow up on a 'bump' in my lower abdomen for starters).Salamander came home severely hypoglycemic (somebody forgot to make sure he had his afternoon

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-63744448403541093112009-03-11T09:00:00.002-04:002009-03-11T13:31:25.813-04:00

Gaaah.. gaslighted again.."And the wheels on the effin' bus go round and round.."[yeah, this is linking to a 'access restricted' blog. There are things I need to be able to rave and rant about, but can't toss out 'in the larger web domain' just yet]Oh, and later this afternoon I will have my first 'real doctor' check-up since.. oh, I think my 8 week post partum check after Potatey was born? (and

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-50316309518638735202009-03-10T10:30:00.001-04:002009-03-10T11:14:18.722-04:00

As you know, I have shut down the ability to leave comments anonymously, as my philosophy is "If you've got something to say, you should feel comfortable attaching a name to it."And while I do realize that not all of my readers have a google/wordpress or other blog platform account, I haven't heard from anybody telling that they were major league inconvenienced by me shutting down the anon

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-67515755309906784262009-03-10T08:45:00.000-04:002009-03-10T08:47:45.243-04:00

Sorry for not posting much these past several days.. Lots going on, but little time to write about it.Boys are doing 'OK' health wise. Salamander's cough has come back (which worries me..) and his energy levels continue to fluctuate (he is loving the HB12 shots, is asking for them, but it's a catch 22. More HB12 initially means more energy, more 'aware and on', but then detox starts and I can see

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-23612396846436181742009-03-09T13:30:00.000-04:002009-03-09T13:54:13.040-04:00

Monday, March 9, 2009 UpdateMy friend's son will be starting his in-patient stay at a local hospital today. My friend is devastated. We don't know how long her boy will be staying, just that it'll be a while. The average in-patient stay at this hospital is 30 days.Please pray that his stay gives them both the break they so desperately need and that this helps my friend determine her next steps...

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-78004443947601397822009-03-07T09:00:00.000-05:002009-03-07T09:04:46.997-05:00

UPDATE.. UPDATE.. UPDATE.... Saturday March 7, 2009 9 amSo far, approximately $830 in loan contributions have come in. This is just mindboggling AWESOME. And we'll keep on keeping on.####UPDATE.. UPDATE.. UPDATE... Friday March 6, approx noon timeAydan's loan is FUNDED!!! Heehaw!!! Close to $700 in loan contributions received so far..UPDATE.. UPDATE.. UPDATE...Friday March 6, 2009 9 amLooks like

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-4044098819727094422009-03-06T17:30:00.000-05:002009-03-06T17:33:38.822-05:00

Gaslighting accomplished....[picture me banging head against wall, pulling out ever more grey hair]

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-38338250538302149752009-03-05T11:50:00.001-05:002009-03-05T11:52:51.381-05:00

Not one, but two blog posts from Jess about sibling challenges, when one child has an ASD and the other child does not.I want to comment on both these posts, I NEED to comment.But not yet, not yet... Right now, I just need to BE with the emotions and memories that these posts stir up..

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-17780287693352493932009-03-04T10:45:00.001-05:002009-03-04T10:54:06.206-05:00

Yes, I know.. I've complained about my washing machine before.. I do think however that it is now truly on its last legs (well, it's over 12? 13? years old).So I need to go shopping for another one, as I cannot be without a washing machine (4 loads a day here.. on a good day....) What I want, what I really really want is one of these....Yeah. Right. Dream on, baby...What I will most likely get (

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-70775377238229842812009-03-04T08:25:00.000-05:002009-03-04T08:27:39.060-05:00

So I hit kind of a wall yesterday late afternoon.. I had not slept (or even less than I typically do) in almost 5 days, I started developing an allergic reaction to the antibiotics I am on (yeah.. runs in the family) and the codeine laced cough syrup is doing SQUAT in actually stopping the coughing fits - I should have known...).I had to ask for help.. and had to get that help from a person I

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-21681088768401502672009-03-02T10:00:00.002-05:002009-03-02T11:04:20.713-05:00

Want to, no NEED TO, share Teresa and Megan's story....Happy Sweet 16, Megan.And then there is this Tale of Two Brothers that I have to share...

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-50849591763337202742009-03-02T08:00:00.001-05:002009-03-02T13:50:03.800-05:00

1:45 pm - it stopped snowing around 11 am, and by then we had about 7 inches of white stuff. Boys went sledding for a bit, then a friend from the street came over and they played and played and played inside the house (and trashed the place utterly and completely in the process - I couldn't care less).Right now, they are wolving down their lunches (spaghetti and meatballs.. comfort food.. Yum) -

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-48306135020057743602009-03-01T09:53:00.004-05:002009-03-01T20:37:48.537-05:00

8:30 pm - school for tomorrow has been cancelled. Both good (as that means I won't have to get up at 5 am), and bad (as I have several business meetings as well as a parent teacher conference that I'll now have to either do by phone, or reschedule).Ah well, we'll make it work...####5:45 pm - had no choice but to resume my 'zoo keeping' duties. Boys turned out to be NOT content just hanging in

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-21318636947228807212009-02-28T16:55:00.001-05:002009-02-28T17:00:43.558-05:00

up on Lend4Health...Please check them out, and contribute to one (or two or more.. and we're talking micro loans here folks) when you can.Thanks!!

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-75947863699106450432009-02-28T13:45:00.001-05:002009-02-28T13:53:59.931-05:00

Sorry, but these are the only words sufficient...Over the winter time, Salamander outgrew a bicycle helmet he has been wearing for the past 3 years. And he outgrew his bicycle.The bike helmet thing is especially significant. Salamander has always been on the microcephalus side of things (microcephalus can be one of the soft signs of mitochondrial dysfunction). Fact that he now blew out of the

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21016217.post-71151789497118040692009-02-27T16:40:00.002-05:002009-02-27T16:45:05.511-05:00

Salamander is definitely responding to the Zithromax. He went to school today (although he was lobbying this morning for staying home 'just one more day, mommy.'..LOL). His nose and sinus cavities are clearing out, and he is not coughing as much anymore. The rash never returned, so I think what happened after that first dose was a combo of the things I mentioned before.Potatey continues to do

Petrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12725871498573838663noreply@blogger.com1