Setting: Outside the men's bathroom at the Century 16 in Fort Union.

Peeps involved: Me, The 20 year old with Autism that I work with, and an old man.

Before the movie ends K tell s me that he needs to use the bathroom. I ask him if he can wait until it's over. He can. He is pretty high functioning that using the bathroom is really no problemo. The problem, however, is he may end up singing loudly, making odd noises, and standing in one spot for a while. I am standing outside the bathroom waiting for him to finish. I occasionally call out his name and tell him to hurry. I then hear an man saying, "Are you ok in there?" I know that he is talking to K. I feel somewhat helpless. The old man comes out of the bathroom.


Man: He sure is making a lot of noise in there.

Me: That is who I am waiting for.

Man: What is wrong with him?

Me: He has Autism. (Maybe I shouldn't have shared that, but I sometimes feel like it helps)

Man: (this is the best part of the conversation) Here try some of these, they are the best you will ever taste. (He has just pulled a ziploc baggie out of his pocket.) Take a handful.

Me: What are these?

Man: Chocolate covered almonds.

Me: They are really good.

This cute old man waits around with me, goes back into the bathroom to check on K, comes back out and says, "He is just drying his hands."

K finally comes out and we leave. I thank this cute old man profusely for helping me out.

I am so glad that there are really nice people in the world, who are helpful, non-judgemental to things that they aren't used to, and have snacks to share. Plus, it doesn't hurt that is man was probably 80 and seriously charm bracelet worthy.

Why driving and the snow do not mix.....

BOO.

Best ever....

I am not ashamed to admit that I watch "The Bachelor." Yep, it is totally silly and pretty mindless, but sometimes mindless tv is good. Right?

I heard the best quote the other night:

"On a scale from one to ten, I feel like I am going to barf!"
(one of the ladies trying to win Ben's heart)

Ah, what the??

12 years

12 years ago, my mom passed away. I miss her.

So, I thought that I would share a funny story about her. (please forgive the swears...it totally adds to the story)

In my house, growing up, we had a rule: If you see a cat barf, you are the one to clean it up.
Well, I did and then I didn't. My step-dad had this old Siamese cat. She was mean and really only liked my mom. On Christmas Eve many many years ago, I saw this particular cat barf all over the basement floor. I am not going to lie, cleaning that stuff up is Nasty, so I wanted no part of it. I climbed the stairs to our kitchen, shut the door, and proceeded to forget about it. My siblings and I were frosting sugar cookies. My mom had a mason jar that she decided to put down in our fruit room. She heads down the stairs and a few moments later we hear, "Son of a Bitch I am sliding in shit!" Giggles were suppressed as we heard this sweet cry for help. We just continued on with the frosting. To this day, this story is a family favorite for a few reasons. A. it's funny when your mom yells out swear words. B. She wasn't sliding in poo, but barf....not sure which is worse. C. None of us did anything to help (as I recall). Hey, sugar cookies needed to be frosted! D. I don't think I have ever fessed up to her that I did see the barf culprit and walked on as if I hadn't. Poor Kaye, pretty sure when we all get to the other side she is going to be a tad bit upset for retelling this funny stories about her. But then, isn't that what kids are supposed to do? Parents embarrass their kids and when the parents get older, the kids return the favor by retelling funny stories. It all seems fair to me.

I LOVE YOU, MOM!! xoxoxo

Goals for 2012

I work with this 20 year old kid that has Autism. I adore him. On Tuesday, I had him write down some of his goals for 2012. I wish mine were this easy. I would probably have them accomplished by now.

* Go to the D.I

*Only use nice words

*Not hit people on the head with movies

*Not rip other's shirts.

(the last two are directed at me..he will not hit me and not rip my shirt, which he has done.)

Done and Done!