Ladies Retreat Splurge

So those who know me, know me know that I never rarely splurge and pamper myself  (I have a gift card to Massage Envy that's 18 months old- still unused ).  Anyway, last week I got a text from my girlfriend saying that she got a Ladies Retreat gift from her husband from a night stay at the Columbia Club downtown full of pampering etc... and I HAD to go with her. Ha! Are you kidding me? I can't tell you the last time I left my boys overnight with dad... possibly never!!  Besides I was not going to spend $150 to go get pampered with a bunch of other ladies I didn't know (with the exception of Janine, of course).  So as I usually do, I mentioned it to hubby and he didn't say anything one way or the other so I texted my girlfriend and said "Sorry, but don't think I deserve it this year"

So I pouted to myself and then when that didn't make me feel better, I told my mom the story.  Little did I know that she would be angry disgusted with me for saying no.  Actually her response was more like

"BULL****, you deserve this! H*** yes, you're going and 

I'm paying so tell her to get you on the list!"

Fast forward to Friday night... Girlfriend picks me up at 4:30 and we're off to the Columbia Club for some pampering.  Step off the elevator at the 6th floor and there's a table filled with cheeses and wine just waiting for us, adorable personalized signs decorate each of the rooms, and a gift bag filled with goodies next to our pillow! Alright, this might work out after all :)

            

Agenda for the evening includes a cocktail party, formal dinner and then pajama party in the Columbian Suite.  Tomorrow would be breakfast, massages, mani/pedis, makeup makeovers, crafts and cooking lesson with the chef before a nice big lunch.

Needless, to say this was 24 hours of pampering that I truly needed!

 My mom knew best... as she always does!

Autism Awareness

 In case you didn't know it... I'm a talker!
     
             ...I use my outside voice when I'm inside,

               ...I talk when I should be listening  (although I try really hard not to!)

                   ...I use my hands, I giggle, I even snort from time to time

There are times when I know I need to be quiet and I try very hard to bite my tongue.  I try not to interject my opinion and instead but the perfect listener that is needed at that moment.  I try to be the person that everyone knows they can come to when they need an ear... not a mouth, but sometimes I just can't help myself...

This is one of those times, so listen up...

                                  

Autism affects 1 in 88 children; 1 in 54 boys. World Autism Awareness Day is not until April 2nd but  this is a cause that I want to be sure to share with everyone I can reach.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a general term that deals with disorders of the brain development.  There are a variety of stages, but difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication issues, and repetitive behaviors are the most common signs for ASD in general.  Some people with ASD have extreme talents in visual skills, music, math and art.

What causes autism?

Just as there is no one type of autism, there is no one cause.  Much research and studying has been done and in the last few years, scientists have identified a number of rare gene changes aand mutations that are associated with autism.  it seems that most cases of autism, appear to be caused by a combination of autism risk genes and environmental factors influencing early brain development.   The clearest evidence of these risk factors involve events before and during pregnancy; advanced parental age at time of conception, maternal illness during pregnancy, and certain difficulties during pregnancy (oxygen deprivation to the baby's brain).  These risks alone do not cause autism, but in combination these increase the risk.

What does it mean to be "On the Spectrum"?

Everyone is different.  Each of us in unique whether we are on the spectrum or not.  About 40% of these individuals on the spectrum, are considered to have average or above average intellectual abilities.  Others with significant disabillities are often unable to live independently.  Roughly 25% of those individuals with autism are nonverbal, but have other means of communicating.

What can I do?

Learn about ASD! Understand that these are individuals just like you and me... they want to be loved just like we do!  You can get involved with an organization like Autism Speaks or the Autism Society of Indiana (or your local area).  These organizations provide support to families of ASD, create special events for ASD people to participate in, as well as take monetary donations to get additional resources for those dealing with ASD.  You can join in the journey by participating in one of the Autism Speaks Walks that occur all over the world... walk in support of those dealing with ASD.

                                         

Autism Awareness is a passion that I have.  I work with students everyday that are trying to learn how they fit into a world that doesn't understand ASD.  One of my goals is to make this world a better place for those struggling with ASD.  

Sunshine and Flip Flops

Those who know me well, know that I try to be positive....

           when it comes to this snow and cold, I'm totally and completely OVER IT!!

This has been a difficult winter for us here in Indiana. Lots Too much snow and bitter cold temperatures day after day after day after day.... you get the drift right?!  It's Thursday and this is the first week in 2 months that we've gone to school an entire week without any disturbances.  We've had either a snow day or 2 hour delay every week since the first week in January (when we actually missed the entire first week back from Winter Break due to snow!)  I'm beginning to worry that I won't have a summer break if this winter doesn't end soon.

I need FLIP FLOPS...
     
     I need SUNSHINE....

            I need WARMTH....

I try not to ask too much God, and I try to remind myself that you never intend to harm us.  Everything we experience in this world (including the snow) happens for a reason and even though I don't always know the reason it's part of your plan.   I usually try to be more thankful than I am anything else... and I am thankful that you've given me another day to be blessed and bless others.  I'm thankful that my eyes opened this morning and that my heat was working in my house and that I have food to eat and warm clothes to wear.  I'm thankful that my car runs and that my kids are healthy and that my paycheck goes in on Friday

     BUT

          If it's in your plan, would you mind sending us a little more sunshine?  Would you mind bringing the temperatures up to or above freezing?  That's it, God! Sounds simple enough to me, what do you think?