Category Archives: Daniel

{five favourites}: Miscellanea (LXVIII)

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#5Faves

One

Walks. I’m dealing some messes in my personal life and have been walking either a loop around the neighborhood or down to Haggen and back. It’s helping a lot with regard to the endorphin boost regulating my moods better.

Two

Quiet. I love the quiet time after everyone goes to sleep when I am the only one up. I’m a pretty quiet person and I really do like stillness.

Three

The climate. It’s 10-15 degrees cooler here most of the time and I’m loving not having 90F heat! It means that I can go for walks during the day and I am not having to wait until the temperature drops significantly before I go outside.

Four

The green space around me. The developers have left quite a bit of forest land around as has the local golf course where there is an actual beaver pond. I love walking around the area for that reason — it’s incredibly pretty. 🙂 I also love looking out my bedroom window and seeing mountains and forests in the distance.

Five

Daniel being in a good mood. He was a pill for much of last week and was kicking off with tantrums and screeching. And seriously, HOW IS IT THAT A NON-VERBAL KIDDO CAN WHINE?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? He seems to have worked through whatever it is and he’s a pretty chill for the most part.

Go love up Bonnie, babystylista, and the others.

7 Quick Takes: So Glad The Week Is Almost Over

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

A soundtrack for today. A perfect storm of sleep deprivation, Daniel being a pill, stress in my life, and PMS has left me seriously panicky and drained today. I still have to be a functional adult (!!!!!) but this would be my soundtrack to get me through the day and remind me that God is present.

Pray for me. It’s been a really hard couple of days with Daniel and I still have to get through his peds appointment tomorrow before things might let up. Prayers that we can get through it without him hitting, kicking, breaking my fingers, or having a spectacular screaming meltdown in terror would be appreciated because he has gotten to be terrified of doctors in the last few months. (Then again, he keeps having to be poked with needles so I don’t blame him.)

— 2 —

This is so true. My friend Jamie shared this image today which perfectly summed up all the stupidity I see in the blogging world and on Facebook.

All the stupidity on the Internet refuted in one image.

— 3 —

Just a heads up. One of my friends shared this on Facebook. Before the gun nuts who troll this blog dismiss it, I should probably mention that said friend is an expert marksman, knows more about guns and weaponry than probably 90% of the NRA, and teaches gun safety. 🙂 (Yes, I do have friends who disagree with me on 2nd Amendment issues. I don’t live in a bubble with only those people who agree with me — that would be stupid.)

Why you don't take your gun out in an active shooter situation.

— 4 —

Offering this in light of the events of the last 48 hours. I’m reminded of the lyric from “Sound of Silence” by Simon & Garfunkel:

“Fools,” said I, “you do not know
Silence like a cancer grows
Hear my words that I might teach you
Take my arms that I might reach you.”
But my words like silent raindrops fell
And echoed in the wells of silence

Black lives matter.

**UPDATE** I just flipped to the local news and saw the story about the 11 officers shot in Dallas. I’m profoundly saddened, y’all. As much as I am angry about the police shootings of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, I am so utterly pissed at those who chose to pick off these police officers. Every life is precious and nobody deserves to have their life taken away –THAT’S THE EFFING POINT OF THE “BLACK LIVES MATTER” CAMPAIGN!!!!!

— 5 —

This needs to be said. I think this needs to be reiterated.

Not Islam.

— 6 —

ESY Daniel started his extended school year (ESY) this week. He’s got a class of three kids and some aides. According to his teacher, he’s been a cooperative boy and is liking it thus far. I’m happy for some normalcy in his life.

— 7 —

Why it doesn’t pay to be sanctimonious. I know this is satire but it’s pretty accurate as well. I’ve encountered a lot of people who act similarly sanctimonious and wonder why people shy away from them or who can’t understand why their kids do what they do. It may not have to with raising their kids on only wooden toys or a vegan diet — I’ve seen similar people with respect to things like homeschooling, vaccinating their kids, paleo diets, or essential oils.

For more Quick Takes, visit Kelly at This Ain’t The Lyceum.

{five favourites}: Miscellanea (LXVII)

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#5Faves

One

Grey kitties. My parents’ grey kitty Homer really wants to be Daniel’s friend. Daniel is afraid of him. If Homer is on the bed passed out on my chest, Daniel will stay off my bed. Guess how I’m enforcing the expectation of Daniel sleeping in his own room? You guessed it — lots of Homer snuggles at night. Homer seems to be a fan. 😉

Two

The MLB All-Star Game roster. While I’d prefer to have the infield all be from the Giants, I’m happy that Buster Posey is the starting catcher. The best part about the ASG starting roster? NO DODGERS ARE STARTING PLAYERS!!!! #BeatLA #GoNationalLeague

You can also vote for the final player from each league to be added. My recommendation: Brandon Belt from the Giants for the NL spot. He’s a fabulous hitter and a good first baseman.

Three

Schuh Farms. They’re a local farm that Mom and I discovered while making a run to the county recycling facility with a load of paper and cardboard. They were advertising homemade pie and ice cream. We went back to find it a few weeks later and have patronized them a couple times a week since. I normally hate pie (I loathe pie crusts) but their cherry pies are amazingly good. We also got some cheese curds there from another local farm and they were good enough that they barely made it into the house!

Four

This Stephen Colbert video. I recommend watching the original video.

Five

“Rockelbel’s Canon” by The Piano Guys This never fails to make me laugh. The embed script isn’t working so here’s the link.

Go love up Bonnie, babystylista, and the others.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: July 3, 2016

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For Today… July 3, 2016

Simple Woman's Daybook

Looking out my window… dusk. It was sunny and around 74F this afternoon.

I am thinking… about what I have on my plate this week.

I am thankful… that Daniel is falling asleep, especially as we’re out of one of his evening ADHD meds and we can’t get another supply until Tuesday because the script I have for it is written by an out-of-state doctor. Due to all the [insert expletive] who get scripts from out-of-state doctors to abuse meds or who steal prescription pads to get meds to abuse, they have to call and verify that Daniel’s psych actually wrote the prescriptions and is authorized to prescribe them. I seriously bite my thumb at these [insert expletive].

One of my favorite things… re-runs of Leverage.

I am wearing… jammies. Church clothes were a wrap dress with a camisole and a cardigan with black flats. The rest of the day, it was my “We will not be silent” shirt and jeans.

I am creating… furniture and boxes of stuff for Goodwill.

I am reading… Fear Babe still. I have a decent drive to the house where we are having dinner tomorrow so I’m hoping to get a chunk read during that time.

I am hoping… that I can do reasonably well in all the Workweek Hustle challenges for Fitbit that I am part of this week.

I am learning… how handy I actually am these days. I managed to assemble furniture largely on my own (some of the holes were badly drilled so I had to borrow my dad’s drilling skillz) and I can do some repairs on my own.

In my kitchen… dinners with family for the next couple days. Tonight was fish, potatoes, salad, and pie.

In the school room… Daniel starts ESY up here this week!

Post Script… I’m finding that this post hits every note I was trying to hit while writing a post with my reaction to things in the news.

Shared Quote…

Opinions and coffee.

A moment from my day… What can I say? I’m not even remotely a morning person.

Why you really shouldn't mess with me before my morning coffee...

Closing Notes: If you’re considering a vote for Trump this fall, read this. You need to know what your candidate and his minions support.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: June 26, 2016

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For Today… June 26, 2016

Simple Woman's Daybook

Looking out my window… dark. It was a beautiful and sunny day with temps in the 70’s.

I am thinking… about the re-assembly of some pieces of her bedroom furniture which will be taking place tomorrow with the help of her dad and a drill. *bites thumb at IKEA* Mom might want to hide the flame thrower for another few days…

I am thankful… for the soft grey beast at my feet. He’s not the brightest cat in the world but he is a love.

One of my favorite things… Tillamook ice cream. *drools*

I am wearing… jammies. Church clothes this morning were a black patterned top, my black slacks, and my very awesome Naturalizer flats. (These are seriously the best dress shoes I have ever owned.) After church, I went with my charcoal shirt from Old Navy and my black capris from Kohl’s. (Yes, I was wearing this last week. I have a tiny wardrobe, OK?)

I am creating… this blog entry. 🙂

I am watching… Mythbusters. I heart science, engineering, and big explosions.

I am hoping… we can get my dresser and nightstand fixed tomorrow. Failing that, I’m hoping IKEA is willing to ship some new parts.

I am learning… that it’s a bit painful to pound a wire nail into one’s finger. (Don’t ask. Just don’t ask.)

In my kitchen… frozen dinners tonight. We’re still not in the groove in terms of cooking here.

In the school room… Daniel starts ESY next week. Yay!

Post Script… Here are some interesting conspiracy theories in which people believe. *goes off to make some tinfoil hats for people she knows that do actually believe that stuff*

A moment from my day… Daniel helping my mom with the yard.

Daniel helping with the yard.

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

The Simple Woman’s Daybook: Father’s Day 2016

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For Today…

Simple Woman's Daybook

Looking out my window… a nice sunny day with temperatures in the low 60’s. I’m loving the climate here in Washington.

I am thinking… about my to-do list this week and what needs to go in my brain planner.

I am thankful… for this quiet morning.

One of my favorite things… a decent vanilla latté. I got mine from Whidbey Coffee Company this morning.

I am wearing… a charcoal shirt from Old Navy and capris from Kohl’s.

I am creating… this blog entry. 🙂

I am listening to… the Intermezzo channel on Dish Network. It’s peaceful chamber music.

I am hoping… we’ll have Internet this Tuesday!

I am learning… my way around Skagit County.

In my kitchen… dinner for 16 at my grandmother’s house tonight!

In the school room… met with the school district this week about Daniel. I expected 4-5 people. There were 12 (!!!!) comprising every type of support possible for him. I’m pretty excited for next year. 🙂

Post Script… I thought this was kind of interesting. 😉

Shared Quote… “Do not meddle in the affairs of dragons for you are crunchy and go well with ketchup.”

A moment from my day… Today’s Psalm from church (Psalm 43).

Closing Notes: I’m going to be writing a post about various events in the media at some point in the next week. Stay tuned!

Hosted by The Simple Woman.

7 Quick Takes: Getting Settled in Washington

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7 Quick Takes

— 1 —

*facepalm* Apparently, the phone line here got buried under the driveway when it was redone so Comcast wouldn’t be able to have Internet hooked up here for a MONTH. Dish Network can get it in next week so we’re now Dish Network customers. I’m OK with this — we had Dish Network in Montana and I’m a fan of theirs.

— 2 —

Unpacking. Daniel and I got up here on Friday, the movers came with furniture on Saturday, and we finally moved into the house yesterday when the beds were finally put together and able to be made. I’m currently sleeping in the guest room as we don’t have a bed (or really any furniture) for my room yet. I ordered what I needed on the IKEA website and it will be here next Tuesday… which is the same day as we get Internet installed here. (We’re making do with a mobile hotspot at the moment.) In the meantime, we’re unpacking every possible box and probably have more than my weight in cardboard and packing paper!

— 3 —

Daniel and school. I had the luck of finding all the necessary paperwork online for the school district here and filled it all out while I was still in San Jose. The good news: I’m apparently so detail-oriented that I filled out every possible piece of paperwork that was necessary with the exception of a records release that I had to pick up from Daniel’s home elementary school up here. (There were also 5 BIG emails of papers sent to Special Education for his IEP, evaluations, etc.) I have him signed up and set-up for ESY (extended school year — basically summer school) up here and that takes place in July. I had a meeting with Daniel’s team (12 people!!!!!) this morning and based on how thorough they were about getting every possible person to this meeting, I’m feeling pretty good about the next school year.

— 4 —

Guest cats. While we were trying to get unpacked and beds were being set up, we were staying at my grandmother’s house and my parents put their two cats in my grandmother’s room downstairs as it was the biggest room. (My grandmother is in an assisted living place here so she wasn’t displaced for this.) My grandmother’s cat Mandy would sit in front of the sliding glass door outside her room and watch my parents’ cats puff up and throw themselves at the window. It was like she was sitting there and watching the floor show while eating popcorn! When I’d let her into the house, I would pick her up and stroke her and tell her that she was evil. (She looks like a clone of my former cat Freya except with a bushier tail — same football shape and coloring. It’s fitting because Freya was (and still is) evil.)

— 5 —

Fitbit. I’m seriously loving my Fitbit Surge. It’s good to see some of the biological data that I keep getting asked to record but can’t for whatever reason. (How am I supposed to know how much sleep I’m getting if I don’t know exactly when I’m falling asleep!?!?!?) It’s kind of humbling to know that I’m getting so little sleep (though it explains a lot) and I’m kind of bummed that it isn’t picking up all my steps, especially when I’m in a challenge against other people based on step count.

On the other hand, it tracks how many flights of stairs I’ve climbed and that has been a lot in the last few days. Yesterday, it gave me the Redwood Badge for 25 flights of stairs! This is a new thing for me as I haven’t lived in a place with stairs in 6 years.

— 6 —

Thunderation! We had a pretty nice storm system blow through yesterday and I was dealing with thunder and lightning while trying to unload all my stuff at the new house. Another time, I was dealing with a pretty intense squall while driving. I haven’t had weather like that since some mountain thunderstorms hit last year in Claremont a couple of the times while I was driving home! The last time I had regular weather like that was Minnesota 11 years ago.

— 7 —

A Daniel story. I’ve been teaching him how to say “I am cute” and he finally said it a couple nights ago at dinner. Ironically, it was when he was *NOT* being cute but it definitely provided some levity.

For more Quick Takes, visit Kelly at This Ain’t The Lyceum.