1 in 88

Do you know what that represents?  Could it be 1 in 88 chances of winning the big lottery?  Could it be 1 in 88 chances of getting pregnant in a hot tub?  Could it be 1 in 88 chances of your child being diagnosed with a form of Autism?

If that's what you guessed, you would be right.  The CDC released the results of a new study of 14 communities throughout the United States that shows the diagnosis of Autism has increased by 78% since 2000.  78%!!!!    Does this mean that more of our children really and truly have this disorder?  or does this mean that Drs are getting better a diagnosing this disorder?

Personally, I think it means a little of both.  With the expansive criteria for Autism and its offshoots, such as Asperger's Syndrome, more children can be lumped onto the Autism Spectrum.

The Study shows that 1 in 54 boys are diagnosed with some form of Autism vs 1 in 252 girls.  What a good reason to be a girl, among thousands of other reasons.

This study is scary!  I mean, it shows that more services and supports are needed throughout the country for the kids, their families and in the schools.  It shows that this disorder is much more prevalent than we initially thought.

Then there are the people who think that the criteria is not strict enough.  They are working on the new DSM diagnostic criteria which will put all the Autism Spectrum disorders under one label.  This has parents of higher functioning Autistic and Aspergers kids worried that we'll loose the diagnosis for our children, thus loosing the services necessary for them to succeed in school and in life in general.

What can you do?  If you suspect your child has developmental delays, check with your pediatrician.  The earlier a diagnosis is made, the better the results can be for your child.  You can support you local Autism Awareness groups.  Google them and your local area to find if there is one nearby.  I am very fortunate to have an Autism Center in my county where I can get support, services, and education for myself and Jakes.

The Pox - WW



AZ has this.
I have worms and fish in my fridge.



Fragmented Thoughts

I have to say I'm liking having someone to share life with.  Last night, I went running with Neicy and on my way home AZ called to see what we were doing for dinner.  He wanted Chinese.  So we met at the Chinese place in town, ordered a slew of stuff to take home.  No cooking for me!  Not to mention the help around the house, with laundry and dishes.  Its all good!  Except for the fish/bait in my fridge.  ewwwwwww

I have to say, I'm a little jealous of all the attention Jaxon is giving AZ.  He LOVES AZ.  Of course, AZ plays with him and is home more than me for right now.  AZ is still looking for a job.  Fingers crossed that something comes through soon.

Dad and Renie went on their first camping trip in The Thing and had a wonderful time.  They didn't go to Harpers Ferry this time, but will go on April.  They were able to hook everything up sucessfully!  There were several other campers there on their first trips with new campers too.  My Uncle and Aunt drove over to the park to visit with them on Sunday.  They came home on Monday, ready to go again!

I had to take some time off training for my 5k.  I had tendonitis in my knee.  Dr put me on steriods and rest for a week.  I hate steriods.  Hot flashes, sleeplessness and flushed skin.  Never again.  Last night was our first night back to running and we backed up the training plan a week.  It felt lovely!  I definitely missed running.  I won't be ready to run the 5k on April 7th.  I will be there to get my T-shirt and to see how quickly I can run/walk it.  And I'll keep working on it!

I am going to totally BS this application that I'm working on.  Its an important one but I think I can work my way through it.  I'll let you know in a couple of months.

Did you see my pretty piggies?  I went to a virtual Pedicure Party over at Betsy's My Five Men.  All you had to do was get a pedicure (professional or at home) blog about it, and link up at Betsy's.  Way fun!  I don't think I've ever gotten so many comments!  And Betsy is giving away a wonderful gift to one lucky winner!  So cool!  Just for getting your toes ready for the warmer weather!

Ok.  Time to start the BS-ing.  Later ya'll!

Pretty Piggies

Summer's comin'.  That means sandles, flip flops or just plain BARE!  After hybernating all winter long, its time to pamper those piggies and get pretty colors on those toes!

Betsy at My Five Men wants to see the pretty piggies! She's having a give away too!  All you have to do is post your pretty piggies to your blog and link up on her site.  Easy peasy and you get pampering done too!

Here's mine:

I did a quick pampering session here at home.  I gathered my supplies

Soaked, clipped and massaged

I painted my toes a pretty coral color and finished everything off with another massage with some Scentsy Hand Lotion in the Luna Scent.  Heavenly!

I showed mine, now show me yours........

Don't forget to link up at My Five Men for your chance to win!

Life Outside the Monitor

Wow!  Where does the time go?  I can't believe its over a week since I posted anything here.  Guess that's what happens when you are living life outside of the monitor!

Since I usually put these posts together at work and we haven't had Internet at work since this past Tuesday, I haven't thought about posting. I've had a couple of meetings in Trenton for work this week so being out of the office makes it difficult to post as well.

Then factor in that I've been enjoying things at home, I just haven't thought about posting.  Well, that's not true.  I have thought about posting but just haven't been around a computer or haven't wanted to get off my lazy bum to type something up.

AZ is pretty much all settled in.  He's still cold and still looking for a job.  We've spent time around bon fires with his friends as well as hanging out at the local fishing pier.  He's been helping with chores around the house, cooking and dishes.  Today he fixed the pantry door!  I could get used to this!

BUT, I DO have to get used to this.  I am so used to doing everything on my own that I am still trying to do everything before he does it.  I also have to work on accepting his help when its offered.  Definitely an adjustment for us both.

I'm having a Scentsy Party at the house this weekend and have lots of stuff to do to get ready for it.  He wanted to go fishing with a friend and have dinner with him AND he wanted me to go.  I would have loved to but there's just so much here to be done.  I'll go the next time.  I sent AZ on his way alone.  I hope enjoys himself.  AZ is also looking to get out of the house while the party is going on!  I don't blame him.  Can I go with?

Work is going swimmingly good.  My bosses are very pleased with my performance.  A couple weeks ago, a funder called to say my proposal scored second but they wanted to partially fund it anyway.  Of course, we'll take whatever money you want to give!  Today we got the contract and its for the FULL AMOUNT I asked for! Woo Hooooooo!

Plus at several meetings this week, they have been pleased with my knowledge base and motivation to get things done.  Hanging out with them today at the meeting and after was fun!  We even shared iPad app ideas!

Jakes is being a Teen.  He's doing well but doesn't want Mom texting him.  BUT when I get him, he acts like he misses me, wants to hug and lean on me.  He seemed to be ok with AZ being here the last weekend visit.  We'll see how it goes this weekend.  I'm sure it will be just fine!

The G-parents are going away this weekend.  They've had to postpone their Harpers Ferry trip for a month or so.  They are going to a park outside of Baltimore, which I think is better for their first trip.  If they run into serious trouble, I can run down there in a couple of hours to help.

Of course with the G-parents gone, there is no one but me to take Kathy to lunch and dinner and she doesn't usually cook at home. So, Me and Dolores (neighbor) will work together to make sure Kathy doesn't starve.  Plus, I've made Cinnabons to share with the G-parents and us.  YUM!

This Sunday, I will be getting my piggies pretty for Betsy's Pedicure Party!  Check it out and get your piggies ready for summer!  You too Brian!

Well, that catches you up.  I hope to make the rounds of your posts soon!  In the meantime, Keep On Living Beyong the Monitor!

The Mask -WW

Ever seen the movie, The Mask with Jim Carey?

Sweet and Innocent, right?

The Mask

Let's Talk........... feet

Have you ever stopped to think about all the hard work your feet do each and every day?  They carry you from one place to the other.  They support us, each and every day, every minute of every hour.  They let you run and jump and skip and play.  You can dance and climb mountains on your feet.  In the winter, they get hidden inside socks and shoes.  In summer, they get displayed in flip-flops, sandals or just plain ole bare.

With the change in weather, your little piggy's should be making their appearance once again.  Betsy from My Five Men wants to make the emergence of our little piggy's a fun time.  She is sponsoring a Pedicure Party on March 26th!  She will be hosting a link-up for you to share your pretty piggy pictures!  AND there will be a give-a-way!

Whether you go for a professional pedicure or just opt for a little extra pampering at home for the piggys, join up with Betsy and show us your pretty piggys!  You have 13 days to get your piggys pretty and ready for the warm weather!

Mark your calendars NOW for the Pretty Piggy Party at Betsy's! 

Sunday Check In

What a lovely weekend!  Started out with Jakes annoying me via text because I wasn't there to get him 40 minutes before the scheduled pick up time.  What fun!  Finally got him, dinner and headed home.  Jakes went bowling withe G-parents while AZ aka Popsicle watched a movie.

Saturday was lazy day after riding lessons. Laundry and house work, TV and snuggling.  Playing on the beach and fire watching....

Meadow fire

This was on the other side of the meadow, with a road between me and the fire.  But I didn't know that when it was flaming.  A little close for comfort.

My boys were having such fun playing together!



I don't know who was chasing who but they were having fun
Yes, Jaxon runs so fast his feet are a blur for the camera





Jaxon spotted the geese




He thought he'd go swimming with the geese

Sunday dawned beautiful, minus one hour.  We started with playing on the beach, then cleaning the flower bed and washing the car. The afternoon moved on with Jakes helping G-pop with chores around the place.  Then it was time for him to go home. 

And we're NOT going to talk about the "I fall down an' go BOOM!" happenings around the compound.  Ok.  We'll just say, yes, it was me and yes, I'm okay.  and I'm VERY disappointed that I need a new chain for my hammock chair.   :(   And I saved the eReader!

Hope your weekend was a lovely as mine!

He's A Popsicle! and other fragmented thoughts....

AZ has been back for about a week now.  He's all settled in the house.  We're both getting used to sharing space with another person.  Poor thing has been cold for a week!  He was complaining this morning about how cold it is.  I think it was in the high 40's which for this time of year is not cold.  I've been teasing him about being a Popsicle.  Before I left for work this morning, I made sure I tucked an extra blanket around him.

Work is picking up a little bit.  I have several applications to write and lots of boring reading to do.  Actually, what some may consider boring.  I've been fascinated by the stats I'm reading.  The scary stats!  It always amazes me the number of people who are involved in drugs and alcohol abuse.  And I work in the field so you would think I wouldn't be shocked, but I am!

The Parents are planning a trip in the camper.  They are going to head to Harper's Ferry for a long weekend.  I hope they have lots of fun and don't get into too much trouble.  They are going to travel and camp with  friends who are experienced RV-ers so I won't worry too much. 

My Scentsy business is starting to pick up.  I've had some good sales at work and have gotten a couple of parties booked.  I'm also planning lots of open house parties at my house to introduce the new products!  I'm excited to make this work!

My plans for the weekend are to get Jakes, clean the bathroom and relax.  I might wash my car now that AZ is safely here and I don't have to worry about creating storms that could endanger him!  Oh and get my flower beds ready for flowers!

Rush Hour - WW

Rush Hour on the River

Its Okay Tuesday

I'm going to play along with Amber from Airing My Dirty Laundry, One Sock at a Time for Its Okay Tuesday.  If you have things to be okay about, link up and share your joys!



Its Okay to:


Be happy that AZ made it here with no major mishaps on the road from AZ.  Now to get him settled and both of us adjust to having/being a roomie.



To think that people are making too big a deal over Angelina's daughter wearing lipstick.  What little girl didn't play dress up with her mom's make-up?



To have LOVED Ambers' story about a PIP.  You have to read her story for more info.  As a mom, you will totally understand!



To be frustrated by the site administrator at work. It never fails that he NEEDS something from me before I even have time to get in the door.  DUDE, can I put my coffee down first?



To be exhausted from lack of sleep.  There are adjustments to be made.......



To be SO happy with Jakes progress report from school. His grades just keep going up and up!  Awesome kid!



Don't forget to link up with Amber and play along!

HERE!

AZ is HERE!  After many long days on the road, he made it to my house in the middle of the night.  Going to take the next couple of days to get him settled.

Thanks for the prayers and good thoughts on his journey.  Most of all thanks for not washing anything! 

See you in a couple.......

River Culture

Living on the River brings with it a different culture than what may be found with land-locked residents.  Normally the River looks like this:



Peaceful with cruise ships passing

We do a lot of cleaning of the windows on the River.  When the River looks like this:

You can guess where the water and spray goes.  If we want good weather, we don't wash the windows.  Kathy washed her front windows on Tuesday.  Wednesday into Thursday, it rained.

Another belief we have is that if we wash our vehicles in the winter, it will bring snow.  Dolores washed her truck inside and out a couple of weeks ago and we got a little covering of snow.  Had she scrubbed and detailed her truck we would have gotten this:




With these beliefs in place I have a favor to ask of ya'll.  AZ pulled out of his home in AZ last night to head back to the East Coast, premanently.  There will be no more washing of windows or vehicles until he gets here safe and sound.  Got that everyone?  Good!