Musings and What-not

With heavy heart I write this post. Last night the fam and I headed over to Romano's Macaroni Grill for some good eats. As we sat in our booth, minding our business, we saw something that saddened us... You know the economy's gone down the crapper when even Santa has to get a second job! {teehee  Hope I made you smile.  This gentleman actually bleaches his beard every year for the holidays.  He also volunteers by donating & delivering gifts, dressed as Saint Nicholas, to children living in at risk communities in Tulsa!  We tipped him a fiver for letting us take his picture, and he told us he would put it towards his Christmas fund for the kiddos.  WOW!  The world truly does need more people like him in it.}

I am thankful for a little piece of spam email that I received back in 2005.  It was from Santa Mail.org ! I am thankful for the wonderful memory this company gave me. That year, I got to see the most wonderful expression cross my son's face when I told him he had a letter from Santa.  It was priceless!  He was beyond excited! Here's a screenshot from this company's website. The letters are personalized and are postmarked from the North Pole.  You can choose from a Traditional or a Christian letter. There are even letters for Baby's First Christmas ! And for $9.95, it's worth it! Since 2005, I've been addding the Good List Certificate to my order because lil' man is the best kid ever ! One of the items I would LOVE to order, but will have to wait until we move to a climate where it frequently snows, is their exclusive "Santa Was Here" kit. Very original these folks are, and they're definitely worth checking out! I don't know about you,...

The commenters on Lisa Jo's blog seem to be inspiring my posts this weekend.  ;) Today, Lisa Jo wrote about Autism and the Happy Medium (basically, finding balance in our lives).  One of her commenters happens to be one of my favorite Twitters , and he's an all-around good dad to a child on the spectrum. It was his statement that made this post possible. It is amazing how much time there is in a day when you lose your job and many of the social functions are off limits due to the behavior and actions of your child with autism. Why is this the case exactly? How many parents actually feel the same? Are they more concerned about how they will look in these social settings? Have these parents allowed their egos to get in the way of their children enjoying more of life? Or is there more to it? Nothing is off-limits for us because I don’t think folks have enough chutzpah to give us funny looks if my son does something “unusual”. Holistic lifestyle or not, I still have my military a...

You have the warriors. And then there's the rest of us. The warriors will, literally, stop at nothing to "fix" their children. While the rest of us don't view our children as being broken and in need of repair. The warriors are very angry and are certain of the "cause" and "cure" for autism. While the rest of us believe, and know, that there's more to learn and discover about the "causes" and that there's definitely not a "cure" for something still considered a mystery. Like the nation, our community is extremely divided, and I do not know how we can come together. The warriors don't  understand those of us who don't subject our children to rather intensive and extensive therapies just so we can have the "perfect" child. No.  I don't think they like us very much at all. The warriors also don't appreciate it if you don't agree with them by claiming that vaccines are the "primary" ca...

Black Friday is also known as Over-Consumption Friday. We have become a world where the Christmas lists are endless, and no one is ever satisfied. What happened? Where did we go wrong? How can we stop this vicious cycle before it's too late? Wall-E is an excellent example of what will happen to us if we keep over-consuming the way we are. Here's an excerpt from the Rolling Stones review: First image: the Earth as a garbage dump, a future reduced to ruins. For the past 700 years, what's left of humanity has been cruising the skies in a spaceship. Only a tiny robot, WALL-E (for Waste Allocation Load Lifter: Earth class), scoots around on urban terra firma compacting trash into piles that grow into skyscrapers. BNL which stands for BUY n LARGE reminded me of Wal-Mart aka Wallie World 'cause it's reminiscent of an amusement park where practically everything you want is at your disposal. BNL is a conglomerate that sells everything at low prices...

Dinner? An organic Celebration Field Roast (wheat flour & barley loaf stuffed with mushrooms) with organic Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, organic Green Beans & Carrots, and organic Wild Rice, Pearl Onion and Cranberry Pilaf.  Price? $49.99 Dessert? Organic Pumpkin Pie (organic wheat flour, pumpkin, soy milk, tofu, and organic spices) Price? $9.99 Letting Whole Foods prepare it, so all I had to do was come home & heat it up? Priceless !

Thanksgiving is that time of year when folks, miraculously, take time out of their busy schedules to gather 'round and be thankful. Blaring car horns... Phones ringing off the hook... Folks rushing by to get nowhere fast... All seem to slow down if only for one day. This day. For some, parenting a child with autism can seem daunting, even down right frustrating. For others, parenting a child with autism brings wonder to each day because you never know what's going to happen. I, for one, am thankful for autism. I am a more patient, tolerant, and compassionate person... all thanks to autism. I am a more caring, kind, and empathetic person... all thanks to autism. This year, I am not faced with the hustle and bustle of making a grand meal for all to enjoy.  (Last year's headache of not having an oven remains a bitter moment for me.) This year, I am not faced with having to dash to one family home to another. My holiday season will seem relatively calm compared to most, and thi...

Please share your thoughts on this topic.

{ UPDATE: This post is meant to be humorous and not to be taken seriously when it comes to the jokes... which I've heard throughout the years.  Please do not comment if you can't see the humor.  Thanks for visiting!  :D} Being Blackinese or Blasian, I've heard all the jokes. "Excuse me.  Do you have the time?"  Response: "Sorry.  My clock is Wong!"  hardy har "Hey Adonya.  Is Sum Ting Wong?"  snicker snicker "That's not right.  It's Wong!"  bustin' at the seams The list is endless and timeless. So, it was only a matter of time before I did something so very ... Wong. {Please.  Stop.  I'm dying' from laughter over here.} I saw an acupuncturist this morning. The only thing that killed the oriental flavor was the practitioner was white... not Wong. {gasping... for... air.  Laughter. Uncontrollable. Now.} For anyone who's never tried acupuncture, I have to say that it was a bit weird at first. I mean, I've ...

On the 10th, I received an email from one my favorite companies, Spiritual Cinema Circle™ . Who is SCC? Stephen Simon is the co-founder.  He is also the producer of Somewhere in Time and What Dreams May Come (both personal faves of mine).  He is also the director/producer of Conversations with God (awesome film) and Indigo (haven't seen this one but will very soon). Here's an insider movie industry secret you may not be aware of: Many of the most visionary, inspiring movies made each year are never even released, so you never get a chance to see them. Why? Because most mainstream Hollywood distributors simply don't believe there's an audience for these kinds of movies. Sure, occasionally a film like Whale Rider or What The Bleep breaks through, but for every one of these there are dozens of others that would touch you just as deeply... if only you could find a way to see them. Now you can. As an exclusive member of Spiritual Cinema Circle, you'll receive ente...

In a previous post , you learned of a Wisconsin troop "ousting" a little girl on the spectrum.  You also got to read my feelings about this event. I was peeved and have since calmed down.  The picture that had been painted for me by The Journal-Sentinel wasn't a pretty one.  I saw autism and rejection in the same sentence, and I think I may have blacked out from all the red I was seein'. I had a few commenters that shed some light on the situation.  One was mean and was quickly dealt with while another, D. Kirk, in particular, blew the doors wide open for me. Ask and you shall receive. I wanted to learn more about this situation, and he kindly informed me (by way of another comment) that more had come through the grapevine. " The Other Side " to this unfortunate event has been aired by WTMJ Newsman, Jeff Walker. Through Jeff, we hear from a parent who was there.  This parent originally sent her letter to the Journal-Sentinel, but it was rejected for length...

Tate Publishing and Enterprises The Lord gave the Word; great was the company of those that published it.” -Psalm 68:11 “In My Mind: The World through the Eyes of Autism ” Book Signing Event December 13, 2008 from 2 PM – 4 PM The Collective Café and Coffeehouse 3148 E. 11 th Street Tulsa Help us support autism awareness & research by joining Adonya for this special event (invite a friend)! If you already have a copy of In My Mind , buy one for a friend! (This book makes a great holiday gift!) Be sure to enter our drawing for a FREE autographed copy of In My Mind . (A drawing will also be held at the signing for (1) lucky winner!) We hope to see you there! For more information, please email the author at adonya@throughtheeyesofautism.com . Can’t make the event? Click here to visit our online bookstore to purchase a copy! **Thank you for supporting autism awareness & research!**

Enter TODAY for your chance to win ONE of FOUR signed copies of "In My Mind: The World through the Eyes of Autism". In my mind, I see many colors, bright like a rainbow, shooting about like comets in a night sky. Take a closer look… What do you see? In My Mind , by Adonya Wong, explores the inner world of an autistic child— the world that no one else can see. From exciting adventures to silly games and conversations with friends, look closely and see how a child with autism sees the world…and how the world sees him. Enter today for your chance to win an autographed copy of In My Mind: The World through the Eyes of Autism . Tell a friend , and you'll be eligible to win an additional autographed copy! So, hurry and enter today ! * Click here to enter. Only (1) entry per email address. Referral emails must contain referrer's name and email address ( unlimited entries for referrals!). Winners will be notified by email. Mailing address is required with entry. Con...

What matters most to me is the blessing of a new day. What matters most to me is to see the smile on my son's face. What matters most to me is the deep friendships I have gained. What matters most to me is the abundance in my life. What matters most to me is my awareness of all things. What matters most to me is the laughter. What matters most to me is the joy I receive in doing something for someone else. What matters most to me are the many blessings I've received... because of autism. I put this video collage together a few years ago.  Today's theme made it the fitting choice to share with you. Enjoy!

I wasn't a subscriber to this fellow blogger 's site when the following comment was made by (38) Joan: I prayed before I ever had kids that god would give me children that have no mental or social problems. I believe that god ruined him. What if the best my child can do is work as a greeter at Wal-mart, how does one accept your child is doomed, ruined, a waste of human life? I just am begging someone to help me understand this. My initial feelings were those of pity for the child, not the mother.  However, as the words sank in, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her too.

Magi Klages' parents only want what most of us want for our children.  Inclusion.  Fair treatment.  Acceptance.  RESPECT. Unfortunately, the Girls Scouts of the USA know nothing about any of these.  After all, they claim to care so much about girls with special needs, but didn't hesitate to reject an autistic child from the party. Columnist, Lauren Walker of the Milwaukee - Wisconsin Journal Sentinel writes, Michele and Kevin Klages think the Girl Scouts ought to practice what they preach. The Girl Scouts' Web site says the organization has "a long history of adapting activities to girls who have disabilities, special needs and chronic illnesses." Tell that to Magi, their 8-year-old daughter, who has autism. When her parents brought her to a Girl Scout Brownie troop for girls with special needs in Oconomowoc last week - thinking it would be a good fit - the leaders told them not to bring her back after the first visit. They were stunned, disappointed, frustrated...

If you pick up a can of soup and find that the sodium levels are lower than you expected, or that a food item advertises it has “less sugar” or “no MSG” ... then there may be cause for alarm. A relatively young company, Senomyx, may be responsible for the sodium and sugar levels falling in various grocery store items. They may be putting chemicals into your food right now, without telling you and without you even realizing. Under the law, they don’t have to. Senomyx has contracted with Kraft, Nestle, Coca Cola, and Campbell Soup to put a chemical in foods that masks bitter flavors by turning off bitter flavor receptors on your tongue. The companies can then reduce sugar and sodium levels by approximately half without affecting the flavor. All of the companies declined to identify which foods and beverages the chemical additives have been or will be added to. These chemical compounds are not required to be listed separately on food labels; they are grouped into the general category of ...

Fellow blogger, Kari , wrote a post at Silicon Valley Moms Blog about the hit ABC show, Grey's Anatomy and their extremely insulting portrayal of Aspergers Syndrome. Kari very eloquently expressed her feelings about this new, and, thankfully, temporary character. Something I am unable to do at this moment in time.  The reason I am unable to eloquently express my feelings is because I am so incredibly ticked off right now, I can't even think straight. Here's an excerpt from her post. I had high hopes for Mary McDonnell's three-episode-arc character Dr. Virginia Dixon on Grey's Anatomy . I thought, "It will be great to see someone a little quirky take on the already strange social scene at Seattle Grace." Unfortunately, when the episode aired, I was disappointed . Instead of a brilliant cardiac surgeon who happens to have Aspergers , Dr. Dixon is a very impaired Rainman -like stereotype of autism. While the words I write about autism are read by a couple ...

Sometime last week, I received a referrer notice on my stats page from this site, and I figured it was one of the gazilllion sites I had visited and posted my blog link. Turns out, AlphaInventions.com is, what I believe to be, the next generation in site traffic. Here's how it works (in the creator's own words): If you update or publish your blog at the same time my visitors are browsing blogs in my site then my visitors will get a chance to see your blog in real-time. BAM! (the entire blog is in their face instantly) It’s not even annoying to watch.  Is it alpha addicts?? I also provide a link to your blog in case they want it to open your blog in a new window, or bookmark your blog . The links provides your title, and description to help my visitors get a better understanding on what your blog is about, and get more interested. Alphainventions.com is useful for wordpress.com , typepad.com, spaces.live.com, and blogger.com I love it, and want to grow it like a tree. Yahh! To...

By Erma Bombeck Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social pressures and a couple by habit. This year, nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen? Somehow, I visualize God hovering over earth selecting His instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs His angels to make notes in a giant ledger. "Armstrong, Beth, son. Patron saint, Matthew. "Forrest, Marjorie, daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia. "Rudledge, Carrie, twins. Patron saint...give her Gerard, He's used to profanity." Finally, He passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child." The angel is curious. "Why this one, God? She's so happy." "Exactly," smiles God. "Could I give a handicapped child a mother who does not know laughter? That would be cruel." "But has she patience?" ...

My daily dose of The Daily Show featured Denis Leary as the special guest tonight. Hub wanted to turn the channel, but I wanted to hear what he had to say . Leary's book released today, and he's still looking for any available outlet to deny what he said against autism in it. Unfortunately, The Daily Show gave him some air time. After listening to a bunch of nonsense/absurdity/irrationality/crap about why he's using the professional title of Dr., Jon got down to why Leary was there to begin with. Jon opened by saying Leary got into a lot of trouble over the chapter, Autism Shmautism , and Leary jokingly feigned ignorance.  He eventually agreed that his book caused a lot of controversy. Y'think? Of course, he's still blaming The New York Post for taking the following paragraph of his book "out of context". There is a huge boom in autism right now because inattentive mothers and competitive dads want an explanation for why their dumbass kids can't comp...

I married a man who's never had children. Interesting way to start a post, but I figured it was just the appetizer I needed to have you wanting to know where that statement was going. After I joined the Navy, I learned that the letters actually stood for N ever A gain V olunteer Y ourself.  Yet, volunteering is something I do as often as possible . My son is almost 8, and I had literally written off having any more children.  I figured 37.5 hours of back labor was enough for me. The thought of being pregnant again was mind-numbing, to say the least.  Actually, I would have preferred a frontal lobotomy while conscious over another pregnancy. Now, I find myself looking at him, thinking, "One more won't kill me." In 51 days, I'll celebrate my 41st year on this wonderful planet... and it'll more than likely be the year I give birth to my 2nd child. What will be different the second time around ? A lot, actually. I'm married and won't be taking the "...

According to Dictionary.com, the definitions for schizophrenia and autism are as follows.  There are other sites that offer more in-depth definitions, but I don't want to lose you which is why I chose shorter ones.: Schizophrenia Psychiatry . Also called dementia praecox. a severe mental disorder characterized by some, but not necessarily all, of the following features: emotional blunting, intellectual deterioration, social isolation, disorganized speech and behavior, delusions, and hallucinations. Autism Psychiatry . a pervasive developmental disorder of children, characterized by impaired communication, excessive rigidity, and emotional detachment. Allow me to examine some of the words provided in each definition. Schizophrenia: Blunting: Slow to understand or perceive; dull. Deterioration: a gradual decline, as in quality, serviceability, or vigor. Isolation: to set or place apart; detach or separate so as to be alone. Disorganized: functioning without adequate order, systemi...

In an announcement released earlier today, the University of Illinois at Chicago will be joining the international research effort to study autism. Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago are taking part in an international effort to gather DNA samples from 2,000 autism patients and their families over the next three years. The initiative, called the Simons Simplex Collection, is the first coordinated effort to create a database of information about families with only one autistic child. Families eligible to participate in the study include those with only one child with an autism spectrum disorder, age four or older; one or more siblings without an autism spectrum disorder, age four or older; and unaffected biological parents who are willing to participate. Eligible children with an autism spectrum disorder will receive a behavioral assessment and all family members will donate blood, a source of DNA. A small number of families with no siblings or siblings under the age ...

Good Morning America is doing a great job raising awareness for autism.  I've already mentioned their OnCall+Autism series. Today, the released a report about how the government is now examining the link between vaccines and autism.  It also appears that this examination may be looking at mitochondrial disorders as the "culprit". Government health agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health, met in Indianapolis Sunday to discuss whether cellular diseases known as mitochondrial disorders should be considered in research on autism. At the heart of the issue for many specialists and concerned parents is whether vaccines -- suspected by some people as being a cause of autism -- might trigger mitochondrial disorders, which lead to autism. One of the people at the meeting in Indianapolis was Jon Poling, father of 9-year old Hannah Poling, who was diagnosed with autism after receivin...