Your result for The Broad Autism Phenotype Test ...

Autistic/BAP

You scored 116 aloof, 106 rigid and 86 pragmatic

You scored above the cutoff on all three scales. Clearly, you are either autistic or on the broader autistic phenotype. You probably are not very social, and when you do interact with others, you come off as strange or rude without meaning to. You probably also like things to be familiar and predictable and don't like changes, especially unexpected ones.

Dinner

swimming with ashley crab dinner

Another Snow Day

Whew. So here we are again, drifting through another snow day. T seems to be feeling well which is a quite a relief after the series of colds/bugs he has had since school started again. E is downstairs quibbling with T over the next activity to play. I suspect that I need to print out a mid-morning schedule.  Thank heavens for Boardmaker!

I must say, never underestimate the power of a simple toy for a child. I picked up a tally counter for the little guy. I gave it to him as a "snow day treat" and he has been counting everything in sight. My original plan was to use the counter as a motivator to eat, but it's become much bigger than that. This morning he counted up the number of "book cubes" we have as well as items of furniture and socks on the floor.

Papa needs to blow snow out of the drive way, after about five inches our pissy snow thrower chokes.

This is a fun game Tyoma and I discovered today!

Second Playdate

We went for Tyoma's second playdate with Betty today. Loni called a week ago and I immediately went out and stocked up on two dozen stickers and number post-its for the occasion. Betty's brother Bobby was present this time as well. I was looking forward to seeing Loni and having some adult conversation, but Tyoma kept interrupting. Bobby, while enthusiastic and genuinely interested in T, was in his space a bit much and the added stimulation made him clingy. Plus, Loni chatted on the phone for a while adding to his disorganization. Hmm. Forty five minutes into the playdate, Tyoma announced that it was time to go home. I tried reading and playing along to keep him for the whole hour and we managed to make it. I think that It was a good idea to have Bobby along, it will help Tyoma to learn how to socialize better plus, he really needs to have some playtime with boys. Boys are noisier and more active than girls and Loni's place is a safe place to learn.

Today Papa grabbed the camera to document day two of the Great Short Bus Adventure. T gave his goofiest grin for posterity and we cheered as he drove off. I was so worried that he would have problems, but he truly enjoys the ride and he comes home calmer than when I drive him. I think that the boat-like swaying of the bus soothes him. I am so happy this is working out. I feel guilty that the bulk of his day is school. That's eight hours. Eight hours. Eight hours!

When I first realized this, I sunk into a funk. I quit my job to be a mom. I visualized the quality time I would spend with my child and how that would help prepare him for a wonderful and balanced life. After brooding for most of the day, I got over it. He cycles through nine teachers and twelve peers each day. He needs playmates, plural, playmates and structure. I work phenomenally hard to provide structure and routine, but there is no way I can replace the twelve kids that he needs to socialize with everyday.

First Day on the Bus

Today Tyoma rode the bus for the first time! It all went so well, I wondered why I kept him off of it for so long!

After yet another snow day, I was so very pleased to see him on his way. Nevertheless, I was shocked by how early the bus left, since it puts him on board for about an hour. I figured that it would be okay since the coming and going of friends and the routine of the process would entertain and soothe him. Besides, we would frequently leave for school very early to drive and talk.

A very nice thing happened in the morning. At 8:00 my friend Ashleigh called to tell me that she saw Tyoma and that he was doing well. I was deeply touched by her concern and thoughtfulness. I look forward to seeing her this weekend at one of her fun parties.

Anyway, Tyoma came home tired but jazzed over his experience. He told me that I am never driving him to school in my "sad car" again. Yay!

Just when I thought I could get my little guy back to school, we have a snow day! This is some serious s***! The folks on the weather channel have lost their grip with reality. They are wild-eyed annd caffinated. The snow here fell in thick fat flakes and the wind rattled the windows. Tennisfiend didn't even bother going to work, instead he shoveled snow every four hours since our pissy snow thrower couldn't handle more than a few inches at a time.

Check out this awesome time-lapse taken from our nearby resort town of North Hampton:




Wow! And thanks to cameratown for posting!

Glamorous!

For the first time since i've lived in New Mexico, I've had highlights done! And I am soooo pleased! I've been waiting for the right time to have it done for too long. I was tired of my yucky "from a box" color that turns my hair to straw. I was also tired of my very precise, but stubborn hair dresser, Rob, who gives me the same chunky cut regardless of my preferences. He was surly with me last time I visited and I didn't like the cut or attitude.

So... I went with Shakira at Shaggin Cuts and she gave me a wonderful new look. I should have a pic to post, but I'm too lazy. Anyway, I'm very pleased!

A Day to Ourselves

Whew!

What a relief it was to finally get Tyoma back to school! He was a sweetheart getting ready this morning, as if he too was relieved the long break was over.  Unfortunately, the complaints about  his classmate, Maureen continue and getting him to eat a respectable dinner was a chore.

Tennisfiend took most of the morning by himself--playing guitar and whooshing the vacuum cleaner about. I surfed and organized my zentangle notebook. I am such a collector! Finding new zentangle patterns is such a special treat. I am so grateful to all those who share although I have nothing to return.