Adults On The Autism Spectrum

So true, @mamacita. Trying to change anyone but yourself always leads to frustration and disappointment. Enjoy your pajamas and your Memphis shirt you need and deserve these little perks so that you can enjoy a new normal

@mamacita I hope this finds you feeling better every day. I know that it is difficult to forgive a primary care doctor to miss something as serious as shingles. We just don't want to doubt them do we? I have been away from the internet for a few days, was able to read partial posts but could not respond to anybody. I hope that today is a better day than yesterday for you. Each day can be a challenge or a struggle or a joy. It seems that we have power to make it one or the other; sometimes it's just one little change to make a difference. Please be gentle on yourself and know that we are here around the Cyber table holding your spot for you!
Ginger

@teresa, Volunteer Mentor, I have my ups,and downs but it is all getting back to where I need to be. Self-care, reading, cooking, listening to music.....All of these things help me get back to my New normal.

I easily forgive my PCP for not catching the Shingles evident on my head. Most people don't experience them there. And He probably underestimated my pain level. Folliculitis would not have been that painful, I believe.

I started reading this morning about the needs of the family affected by addiction. Yesterday I was open with my daughter and told her exactly why I didn't call her or want to come by to see her. It was rough, but I think I did the right thing.

I am so glad April is almost over. I am of the "Autism Acceptance " Month persuasion, rather than the "Autism Awareness" Month folks. I prefer to "Light It Up Red" rather than to "Light It Up Blue."

The main difference between the two schools of thought from my perspective is this: All of us need to be made aware that Autism is not a disease, a disorder, and it cannot be " cured" by such cruel tactics as bleach enemas, aversion therapy, or electroshock therapy. It is strictly a different wiring system of the brain, present at birth. We are more alike than different, and we have a right to be here.

We will talk more later. Going to rest my eyes for a minute. And I do love you better than my luggage.

Mamacita

@mamacita Do cool compresses bring any relief to your eyes? Or, perhaps, chilled eye drops?
Year's ago, when with an ex, I was involved in the family group part of an addiction recovery center. It was what I needed, and helped me understand a lot. But just as in domestic violence situations, there are people involved with addicts who cannot see or understand how to live your own life. I continue to see that in some parts of my life, people that I come in contact with and it's difficult.
Rest easy. Together we are mighty.
Ginger

Dearest@gingerw, yes, I do use cool compresses on my eyes, as well as my head. At its worst, I sheepishly wore a frozen bag of green beans to cool off the fires of shingles! It worked!

Rain again today. So much for planting May flowers. At least the flower beds will be ready for planting tomorrow, if time permits. Still working on Marie Kondo style uncluttering.. More reading and studying to do.

Still trying to wrap my head around the whole subject of addiction and recovery in the context of family dynamics. The book I am reading is helpful. I still don't know how to relate to someone who is in denial even when the facts are right there.

On a less serious note, watching Star Trek - the Next Generation is a wonderful way to avoid reality . If only for a little while. Hubster is a science fiction buff.

Good night, sleep tight. Tomorrow is a better day!

Mamacita

@mamacita First we take care of ourselves, like when an oxygen mask drops from the overhead in an airplane. Then we reach out to the next person, be they family member or not. My ex was in denial, his career on the line, our marriage on the skids. But unless there is willingness from the addict to help themselves, it doesn't work. We have to learn to "let go with love", which is never easy, but the thing that keeps us from going down also.

Ah, flower beds ready for your ministrations with fresh plants, seeds, and digging in the dirt. A better salve for the soul can rarely be found!

Easy on yourself. We care, and as you say, together we are mighty!
Ginger

Hang in there, @mamacita. Shingles are no picnic - I may have mentioned that I had them personally, maybe 4 years ago. The doctor actually discovered mine when looking at a cyst on my back. So, I got to experience some of the ugliness of the shingles, but probably tempered due to being treated on the early side. I am empathizing with your discomfort and the fires of shingles.

@lioness, I drove around the neighborhood, searching for that yellow tape police put around a crime scene. None to be found.

I do know that there is a couple who live on one of the streets behind us who fight and have the police come out all the time. Our newspaper here never tells all the information on any given subject. So I didn't even bother to pick one up.

It has made me nervous just thinking about guns being fired so close to where we live. Trying to calm down and not make any more of it than what it is. But I'll tell you one thing. My doors will be locked at all times.

Just going to do the best I can to stay safe and aware. Love you lots!

Mamacita

@Lisa Lucier, Connect Moderator, good evening! Thank you for commenting on my post! I believe I do see the light at the end of the tunnel.

As soon as I can safely do so, I will take the Shingles vaccine. Perhaps this will be my first and last experience with Shingles.

It is certainly a very humbling disease. Open sores, itchy spots, and flaky skin....reminds me of lepers in the Bible. "Unclean, unclean!"

Hopefully I have learned a bit more compassion for those who have to deal with this horrid condition.

If I have, it's been worth it. Have a great weekend, my friend. See you again soon.
Mamacita

Hello, good Sunday morning, all my Spectrummy peeps. Posts will be short but sweet today. Question. If you are on the Spectrum, have your meltdowns/burnouts gotten better or worse as you have gotten older? Why or why not, do you think?

Enjoy this beautiful day.

Mamacita