Christmas is a week from today! I'm excited, but I'm also stressed. Why is that? Part of having OCD means that my brain responds to excitement and stress the same way- by feeling nervous and sometimes even panicky.
You've probably seen some sort of "How to Keep Kids with Autism from being Overwhelmed at Christmas" article, but what about Asperger's? (I cannot speak for the entire Aspie community. I'm not an expert, so this is about my own experience.) I don't get as overwhelmed by sounds and other sensory input as someone with more severe autism might. However, parties with large groups of people are hard for me because I don't always know everyone and I am not good at "small talk". Quite honestly, I don't see the point of small talk- why repeat socially scripted responses when you could have an original conversation? But that's just me.
I'd like to think that Asperger's does not inhibit my ability to buy thoughtful presents for my friends and family. Besides the fact that I have to shop for parents without either one knowing what I'm getting them, I never have much trouble getting gifts for them. I show gratitude for gifts in a different way than most people (not as excitedly, but still sincerely), but my parents know this and know that I am very grateful even if I express it differently.
I hope you all have happy holidays whatever you are celebrating, and as little stress as possible!
Thursday, December 18, 2014
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Passion, Brant Hansen, and the Holidays
Everyone is passionate about something. Most people are passionate about more than one thing. I'm not talking about life goals or mission statements, I'm talking about fun. That thing you just love that maybe you don't see another purpose to except for fun. That's what fandoms are to fangirls (and fanboys). We're not weird, we're just passionate about something different.
Aspies can be even more passionate than Neuro-typicals (the official term for people who do not have Asperger's or autism). Whereas NT's are interested in lots of things at once, Aspies can devote their full attention to obsessing over one or two topics. We are less widely obsessed, but more deeply.
Brant Hansen is a Christian who has a radio show/podcast and a blog. He is awesome and funny, and he has Asperger's too! Here is a link to his website so you can check it out:
http://branthansen.com/
Thanksgiving was just two days ago, which means that it is officially the holiday season. I've already had my first Sausage Cheeseballs of the year and watched Muppet Christmas Carol! What are your favorite holiday traditions?
Aspies can be even more passionate than Neuro-typicals (the official term for people who do not have Asperger's or autism). Whereas NT's are interested in lots of things at once, Aspies can devote their full attention to obsessing over one or two topics. We are less widely obsessed, but more deeply.
Brant Hansen is a Christian who has a radio show/podcast and a blog. He is awesome and funny, and he has Asperger's too! Here is a link to his website so you can check it out:
http://branthansen.com/
Thanksgiving was just two days ago, which means that it is officially the holiday season. I've already had my first Sausage Cheeseballs of the year and watched Muppet Christmas Carol! What are your favorite holiday traditions?
Until next time,
Semper Fidelis
Monday, October 20, 2014
Painting
This is a poem I initially wrote for a scholarship contest, but I thought I'd post it here because it matches the message of my blog. Let me know what you think!
Painting
It’s so much
easier to be a part than a whole,
A piece of a
puzzle that’s already solved.
But one
piece can’t be a picture
Can’t be
understood
Without the
others.
What if you
were a painting-
Priceless,
unique-
Would you
paint over yourself
To match
another’s idea of you?
Absurd.
I wouldn’t.
But we do.
The world tells us
To be
special, individual
But not
weird.
Weird is
bad.
So we hide.
What is the
point of a museum
Where every
painting is the same?
If the
paintings would uncover themselves
We could be
beautiful.
Together.
Weird is
good.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
A Quick Update
Hi everyone,
I just want to say that I'm so sorry I haven't posted in a while. I was going to try to start posting once a week so you could check regularly for posts, but my computer broke and I have only now figured out a reliable way to blog from my phone or iPad.
I've started school! It's my first time going to public school, and it's going great so far.
I recently watched the episode of Doctor Who called "Blink". Without spoiling anything, I'm just going to say it was amazing! (By the way, please don't spoil any Doctor Who things in the comments, even if it's from an older season. I'm still catching up, and I know some other people are too.)
What would you like to see from my blog? Now that I can actually start to write more regularly, I would appreciate any ideas you have to make my blog a more interesting place for you!
I just want to say that I'm so sorry I haven't posted in a while. I was going to try to start posting once a week so you could check regularly for posts, but my computer broke and I have only now figured out a reliable way to blog from my phone or iPad.
I've started school! It's my first time going to public school, and it's going great so far.
I recently watched the episode of Doctor Who called "Blink". Without spoiling anything, I'm just going to say it was amazing! (By the way, please don't spoil any Doctor Who things in the comments, even if it's from an older season. I'm still catching up, and I know some other people are too.)
What would you like to see from my blog? Now that I can actually start to write more regularly, I would appreciate any ideas you have to make my blog a more interesting place for you!
Until next time,
Semper Fidelis
Friday, July 25, 2014
Conquering the Cane
It's one thing to be blind. It's another to look blind.
Let me explain. We all have things we're embarrassed about or ashamed of, but imagine if that was what you had to use to introduce yourself. The first thing anyone noticed about you. Having a cane feels like wearing a T-Shirt that says "I'm blind and I can't get places on my own. Please help me because I'm not an independent person!"
I want to be independent. I want to look independent. Having a cane makes me have to face the reality that yes, I do need help sometimes. It's hard for me to ask for help because, quite honestly, I'm embarrassed.
With the cane, I actually need less help than I would without it. I don't trip as much because the cane is "looking" down for me, so I can use the vision I have to scan my upper surroundings and avoid bumping into people. Also, the cane alerts others that I probably can't see them, which is both embarrassing and helpful. If I do bump into someone, they are much more forgiving if they have proof that I actually couldn't see them.
I'm about to start the school year at a new school, so I'll be in a new and unfamiliar environment almost every day. I will have to use my cane much more often than I'm used to, so I need to get comfortable with it now. My new school has a lot more services for the visually impaired than my previous school did, so I will be able to learn a lot of ways to be independent as I'm losing my vision.
Has anyone else in the low vision community dealt with this feeling about the cane? No matter what you're going through, you're never the only one!
Let me explain. We all have things we're embarrassed about or ashamed of, but imagine if that was what you had to use to introduce yourself. The first thing anyone noticed about you. Having a cane feels like wearing a T-Shirt that says "I'm blind and I can't get places on my own. Please help me because I'm not an independent person!"
I want to be independent. I want to look independent. Having a cane makes me have to face the reality that yes, I do need help sometimes. It's hard for me to ask for help because, quite honestly, I'm embarrassed.
With the cane, I actually need less help than I would without it. I don't trip as much because the cane is "looking" down for me, so I can use the vision I have to scan my upper surroundings and avoid bumping into people. Also, the cane alerts others that I probably can't see them, which is both embarrassing and helpful. If I do bump into someone, they are much more forgiving if they have proof that I actually couldn't see them.
I'm about to start the school year at a new school, so I'll be in a new and unfamiliar environment almost every day. I will have to use my cane much more often than I'm used to, so I need to get comfortable with it now. My new school has a lot more services for the visually impaired than my previous school did, so I will be able to learn a lot of ways to be independent as I'm losing my vision.
Has anyone else in the low vision community dealt with this feeling about the cane? No matter what you're going through, you're never the only one!
Until next time,
Semper Fidelis
Sunday, July 13, 2014
Obsessions and a One-Year Anniversary
It has been exactly one year since I started this blog. In honor of that, I think it's time to introduce you to two of my latest obsessions: Sherlock and Doctor Who.
But before I do that, I need to tell you something important. I'm a Christian. No, I don't hate you if you aren't. No, I'm not going to throw Bible verses at you and tell you how you're living your life wrong. But being a Christian is a huge reason why this blog is important to me. I will probably use Scripture from time to time to explain what I believe and why. Nonetheless, this is still just a blog about what it is to be a Chronically Unique Teen. However, if you have any questions about Christianity, I am happy to answer them.
I'm sure you've heard of Sherlock Holmes: legendary fictional detective introduced to this world by the books of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. There have been many movies, TV shows, and remakes over the ages, but the particular Sherlock I'm obsessing over is a newer show by BBC. Why the obsession? Because it's perfectly cast, masterfully written, and beautifully quirky. If you don't know who Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are, look them up now. If you start watching the show (which I highly recommend you do), start at the beginning. Let me know when you're hooked! :-)
I've been hearing about Doctor Who for a while, but I only recently started watching it. I keep asking myself why I didn't start watching it sooner because it is amazing! If you enjoy Sherlock, science fiction, and quirky humor, what are you waiting for? I still haven't figured out what the best starting point is. After skipping around a lot, I'm currently on Season 1 of the newer version of the show (there's also one from the 60's, but I haven't even found that yet). Long-time Doctor Who fans, where did you start?
Fandom people (and others who are interested in my blog), I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, and feel free to share!
But before I do that, I need to tell you something important. I'm a Christian. No, I don't hate you if you aren't. No, I'm not going to throw Bible verses at you and tell you how you're living your life wrong. But being a Christian is a huge reason why this blog is important to me. I will probably use Scripture from time to time to explain what I believe and why. Nonetheless, this is still just a blog about what it is to be a Chronically Unique Teen. However, if you have any questions about Christianity, I am happy to answer them.
I'm sure you've heard of Sherlock Holmes: legendary fictional detective introduced to this world by the books of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. There have been many movies, TV shows, and remakes over the ages, but the particular Sherlock I'm obsessing over is a newer show by BBC. Why the obsession? Because it's perfectly cast, masterfully written, and beautifully quirky. If you don't know who Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are, look them up now. If you start watching the show (which I highly recommend you do), start at the beginning. Let me know when you're hooked! :-)
I've been hearing about Doctor Who for a while, but I only recently started watching it. I keep asking myself why I didn't start watching it sooner because it is amazing! If you enjoy Sherlock, science fiction, and quirky humor, what are you waiting for? I still haven't figured out what the best starting point is. After skipping around a lot, I'm currently on Season 1 of the newer version of the show (there's also one from the 60's, but I haven't even found that yet). Long-time Doctor Who fans, where did you start?
Fandom people (and others who are interested in my blog), I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment, and feel free to share!
Monday, March 17, 2014
Justina Pelletier's Case
Hi everyone,
I'm sure you've heard about the case of Justina Pellentier- a 15-year-old girl who has been held in a hospital for over a year because the doctors believe that Mito does not exist. I'm not going to say anything new- it's obvious from reading the stories and hearing the testimonials of the family that the hospital made the wrong decision. At this point I think the Boston hospital is stuck- not wanting to lose this lawsuit and admit that they were wrong.
Dr. Phil even talked about it today! This is a HUGE deal, guys! If we can spread awareness about this case and tell doctors everywhere that Mito IS real, then Justina will be allowed to go home and all Mito kids and families can live without fear of a situation like this.
Here is Dr. Phil with the full story:
There are so many reasons why what this hospital has done is wrong, I'm not even going to go into it. Justina is only getting more sick. PLEASE share this story- spread the word so Justina and other Mito kids can live without fear!
I'm sure you've heard about the case of Justina Pellentier- a 15-year-old girl who has been held in a hospital for over a year because the doctors believe that Mito does not exist. I'm not going to say anything new- it's obvious from reading the stories and hearing the testimonials of the family that the hospital made the wrong decision. At this point I think the Boston hospital is stuck- not wanting to lose this lawsuit and admit that they were wrong.
Dr. Phil even talked about it today! This is a HUGE deal, guys! If we can spread awareness about this case and tell doctors everywhere that Mito IS real, then Justina will be allowed to go home and all Mito kids and families can live without fear of a situation like this.
Here is Dr. Phil with the full story:
There are so many reasons why what this hospital has done is wrong, I'm not even going to go into it. Justina is only getting more sick. PLEASE share this story- spread the word so Justina and other Mito kids can live without fear!
Until next time,
Semper Fidelis
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Make-a-Wish Trip Details!!!
Hi everyone! I promised details about my AWESOME Make-a-Wish trip to New York City, but before I knew it, school started... and here we are almost a month later! My mom, my brother, my best friend and I had an AMAZING time! My favorite part was getting a tour of one of the branches of the NYC Public Library. Our tour started an hour before the museum opened- they were so excited to have us because they'd never had a Make-a-Wish kid who wanted to see the library. I love books, so I was thrilled to see all the relics like Charles Dickens' pen, inkwell, and desk (and his creepy letter opener made from his dead cat's paw).
The first full day we were in New York was my birthday. Make-a-Wish planned a great day: my best friend and I did makeovers at a spa called Red Door. We both got haircuts, and I also got a mani-pedi. We both looked like models- except we weren't Photoshopped! :-) For dinner that night, we went to Ellen's Stardust Diner- a fun restaurant where all the waiters and waitresses are aspiring Broadway stars, so they sing while you eat! The food was great, and it was an all-around fun experience.
Speaking of Broadway, one night we went to an actual Broadway Show- Cinderella! It was very fun. The music was amazing, the acting was exceptional, and thanks to Make-a-Wish the production manager (the man in charge of props) gave us a tour backstage to see the props and learn how some of the effects work!
I love Italian food, and New York City is known for its Italian restaurants. So of course, Italian food had to be a part of the trip. One evening we had dinner at Carmine's. They serve "family style" meals, which means that one entree can feed four people! We had an amazing chicken parmesan, and for dessert we had an equally huge "Titanic"- basically a gigantic banana split. We didn't even finish the Titanic because we were so full from the chicken parmesan. Our last dinner in New York was at a pizza place called Lombardi's. They had great, classic New York pizza!
Make-a-Wish is an amazing organization that gives trips like this to terminally or chronically ill kids and teenagers. You should support them any way you can so they can continue to make kids/ dreams come true!
The first full day we were in New York was my birthday. Make-a-Wish planned a great day: my best friend and I did makeovers at a spa called Red Door. We both got haircuts, and I also got a mani-pedi. We both looked like models- except we weren't Photoshopped! :-) For dinner that night, we went to Ellen's Stardust Diner- a fun restaurant where all the waiters and waitresses are aspiring Broadway stars, so they sing while you eat! The food was great, and it was an all-around fun experience.
Speaking of Broadway, one night we went to an actual Broadway Show- Cinderella! It was very fun. The music was amazing, the acting was exceptional, and thanks to Make-a-Wish the production manager (the man in charge of props) gave us a tour backstage to see the props and learn how some of the effects work!
I love Italian food, and New York City is known for its Italian restaurants. So of course, Italian food had to be a part of the trip. One evening we had dinner at Carmine's. They serve "family style" meals, which means that one entree can feed four people! We had an amazing chicken parmesan, and for dessert we had an equally huge "Titanic"- basically a gigantic banana split. We didn't even finish the Titanic because we were so full from the chicken parmesan. Our last dinner in New York was at a pizza place called Lombardi's. They had great, classic New York pizza!
Make-a-Wish is an amazing organization that gives trips like this to terminally or chronically ill kids and teenagers. You should support them any way you can so they can continue to make kids/ dreams come true!
Until next time,
Semper Fidelis
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)