Happily Eccentric

World Autism Awareness Day

Posted on April 2, 2013 by christyfix

I feel like I’m obligated to say something today. The thing is, this day is pushed by Autism Speaks, and I abhor that group. Since I have a sick kid (the Dudeling is puking up his guts today), I’m going to limit it to this to three links and a status update.

Here’s a link to a good flyer from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network: http://autisticadvocacy.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Autism_Speaks_Flyer.pdf

And here are two links to Autistic Hoya:
http://www.autistichoya.com/2012/11/protesting-autism-speaks.html
http://www.autistichoya.com/2012/03/responding-to-autism-speaks.html

And here’s the status I posted on my Facebook profile:

It might seem like I’m unappreciative of the support being shown to autism today. That’s not it. I’m all about autism awareness. The thing is, too many people do not realize that Autism Speaks doesn’t let people with autism speak. They speak of the *poor, poor* parents of defective children, kids who need to be fixed. Or that autism needs to be eradicated. Their focus is on *ending* all forms of autism.

Do I want more forms of therapy and support for those with autism? Yes! But AS’s focus is on research to *end* it. Autism is challenging, but it is not *all* bad. Without the unique perspectives, the world would be a poorer place. Think about all the contributions from people like Albert Einstein. Many scientists, engineers, and other deep thinkers are on the spectrum.

Why don’t I like Autism Speaks? They speak for scared parents, not for autistic people. They don’t allow autistic people to speak for themselves. In fact, they demonize autism by spreading fear, enforcing stigmas, and by not having anyone on their board who is on the spectrum. I know of one Aspie involved in their organization, but he is not on the Board of Directors.

Well, I gotta get off the soapbox. My son is puking again. ::sigh::

Off-putting ending, but that’s the reality of being a mom.

All that said, think carefully and do your research before you donate to any charity.

April Fools Are We All ~ The “I’m Pregnant” Joke

Posted on April 1, 2013 by christyfix

I was going to post a joke on Facebook today. I was going to post: “BIG NEWS: I’m pregnant!”

The thing is, I really am pregnant, and it really is a decent time to share the news. I’m ten weeks, and I was going to announce it this weekend when I hit eleven weeks, but I thought it would be hilarious to post it and let people wonder if it was a joke or not. Then I was going to tell the truth tomorrow.

My husband said, “Don’t do that. It’s mean.”

I thought he was being a killjoy. Then I saw this meme:
(Post continues below.)

Oh. Ooohhh. Oh wow.

Continue reading →

Great article about Asperger’s Traits, and how it plays into MY life.

Posted on March 27, 2013 by christyfix

There’s a post on Everyday Asperger’s I saw tonight: Aspergers Traits (Women, Females, Girls).

It’s about ten traits you’ll find in females with Asperger’s. As one such female, it hit home. Here is what I said on Facebook:

* * * * *

A LOT of this is ME. This isn’t written by me or anyone I know, but I experience a LOT of this. Asperger’s is a huge part of who I am, and it was a major relief to learn that yes, I do have it.

Women and girls on the spectrum DO present differently than males. It’s way past time that this is recognized.

Before I present my list, I want to make clear that even though there are a lot of challenges, it doesn’t make what I say or think any less relevant, credible, or important than anyone else. If anything, I feel like I have a unique perspective, and it lets me see things in a way others don’t. Trying to share that sometimes works, but it sometimes fails. So it goes. But the big take-away is this: I am valid too. I am not a broken person. I am not a damaged person. I am just a different person. And that’s how it is.

Particularly important points:
#1 – I’m a deep thinker and writer.
#2 – I had to learn the hard way, many times, not to be so naive.
#3 – I’ve always escaped by reading, watching TV, or stimming by drawing, crocheting, or playing stupid repetitive games (Bejeweled Blitz is VERY good for stimming if I am strung out).
#4 – Yes, I have health issues (Sjogren’s, fibromyalgia, herniated discs) and some light OCD and ADHD. I wish the OCD would gear a little better toward house cleaning, though.
#5 – Yep, but I usually say “Screw faking it to fit in.” Unless I need to act like a professional. That is VERY VERY VERY difficult. I blow at interviews.
#6 – Home is a good safe place. Nature is another (love the forest preserves, even though I have to be aware of if other people are around = potential threats).
#7 – Hell yes, I’m sensitive. Emotions (even though I have a thicker skin than I used to), and sensory wise. Sounds and smells (therefore taste) are huge for me. Not volume, but type of sound. ::shudder::
#8 – Related to #5. I’m myself mostly. I try not to get into situations where I can’t be.
#9 – People react in ways I just can’t predict. And I try to be aware of how other people feel, and yet I bugger it up. It’s utterly confusing, and it has absolutely destroyed my relationship with my family. (That and refusing to *not* be myself.)
#10 – Executive function is very, very, very difficult at times. Even when I have a superb grasp on individual elements of things, when it’s all put together, or I have a huge list of things to do, I, well, I panic. I shut down in a way. I can’t 100% shut down because I am here for my kids, and they come first, but I go into shelter mode. And it sucks.

For the record, here are points in the article which don’t totally apply to me:

–> I *can* recognize emotion in others, but not always. I have had to work VERY HARD to get better at it.
–> I am good at driving.
–> I don’t bother trying to fit in anymore. At least, not *too* much to where I exhaust myself making the attempt. It’s pointless and doesn’t work. People either accept me or they don’t. But I *do* feel hurt when they don’t.

OBSERVATION: Everyone Feels Attacked and/or Judged

Posted on March 16, 2013 by christyfix

OBSERVATION: I think everyone is feeling attacked/judged for their views, in one way or another. Further, I think this is leading people to be quick to attack/judge others and be more vocal, and less compassionate, about it.

Conservatives feel their beliefs and morals are being attacked by secularists and liberals.
Secularists and liberals feel their freedom and/or rights are being attacked by the religious right.

Which leads everyone to a whole lot of non-discussion. People come to the table with their backs up, ready to fight, rather than ready to have healthy, fair discussions. Inevitably, offense is seen where it is not intended, and then neither side is willing to back down.

We need to find ways to foster better communication both online and in person. This is occurring in virtual and real world interactions. Look at online forums, and look at real life debates and the government.

It seems to me that people’s definition of “coming to the table” involves “what the other side is going to concede to me,” and little to none of the reverse.

In essence, all sides of all issues are guilty, and little can be accomplished as long as we are asses to each other. Because that’s what it boils down to. People aren’t treating each other as they wish to be treated, and they wonder why they aren’t treated that way.

So…what can be done to fix this? Or are humans beyond saving? This, I don’t know.

Prejudice, Bigotry, Intolerant, Slanderer – Me?

Posted on March 14, 2013 by christyfix

Prejudice: An adverse judgment or opinion formed beforehand or without knowledge or examination of the facts.
Bigotry: Obtuse or narrow-minded intolerance, especially of other races or religions.
Intolerant: Lacking respect for practices and beliefs other than one’s own.
Slanderer: Someone who makes a false and malicious statement or report about someone.

Lately, I have been accused of all three on my “real me” Facebook account. I am very vocal about hot issues, and people have gotten upset. Since yesterday, I’ve been called “anti-Catholic”, prejudiced, and a slanderer.

Before I get into what started the latest round, I’m going to tell you how I (try) to operate on Facebook, on this blog, and elsewhere. Continue reading →

All Religions are Valid in the United States

Posted on March 9, 2013 by christyfix

“Woman Kneeling in Prayer” Creative Commons License courtesy of The Walters Art Museum

It’s great and wonderful if you have a strong faith in your religion. I applaud and support that. I also wish to remind you that, in this nation, there are many religions, faiths, and beliefs that are different. Someone who does not embrace your religious point of view is not sad or to be pitied. Chances are they have a faith that fulfills them just as much as yours fills you. In fact, many non Judeo-Christian people—including atheists—live far more loving and moral lives than many Christians.

Remember this when you post things saying that it’s sad someone don’t know the love of your lord, Jesus Christ. Or that your god is taken out of the schools. Our gods are not in the schools, and we do not wish to shove them/Him/Her upon your children. Or, in some cases, those who do not embrace any gods do not wish to shove that upon your children either. Schools are supposed to be neutral territory, as is the government.

Maintaining the separation of church and state is the healthiest thing that could happen. This does not mean a lack of moral compass, nor does it mean anarchy. It means a nation in which we are ALL free to exercise our right to religious freedom, not just you. You do not need to have a deity involved to understand good morals (like not killing each other, not stealing, not hurting others, caring for the poor, compassion).

This is why “one nation under God” is a big deal. Not every citizen believes in a god, or even in one god. This was a construct added in the 1950s to the Pledge of Allegiance, which was written by a Baptist Socialist minister in 1892.

If you are Christian, remember what your lord and savior taught you: Love they neighbor, remove the plank from your eye, cast the first stone…and oh yeah, accept people for who they are. Christianity is not the only valid religion in the world, or in the United States. A true patriot would understand that.

Share your beliefs, if you wish, but do it in a respectful manner, and be willing to listen to other points of view. You never know what you might learn.

To Right-Wing Christians

Posted on March 1, 2013 by christyfix

I created this today because it’s been bothering me to see so-called Christians–usually the right-wing variety–hating on groups they don’t like. Today, I was upset to see how angry and hateful many such people are toward Unitarian Universalist minister (Reverend Audette Fulbright) in Wyoming. Why? Because she is a UU minister, not Christian, and because she expressed concern to an elected official regarding concealed carry legislation. The massive amount of hatred and vitriol spewed in the comment section of that article was…terrifying. These are “Christians” and very un-Christlike.

This is hardly an outlier situation. I’ll blog more on issues like this later. For now, I’m sharing the message above in this image. I am posting it in text form below.

That’s all for now, but trust me, that’s not all.

To Right-Wing Christians:

You forgot a few things Jesus taught you.

Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. (Mark 22:39)

If you love yourself, then you will love your neighbor. If you hate your neighbor, either you hate yourself, or you are violating the second greatest commandment. Jesus said to “Love thy neighbor” not “Love thy neighbor who is just like you”!
Judge not, that ye not be judged. (Mark 7:1)

He who is without sin among you, let him
cast the first stone. (John 8:7)

And yet, many of you are judging – harshly – people who are not like you. People who may NOT share your beliefs. If a person is not Christian, the Christian Bible does NOT apply. And yet you judge, which Jesus told you NOT to do.

If you want to use YOUR Bible to justify your prejudices, fine. But be consistent. Show love, not hate, because that’s what YOUR savior taught.

Hot damn, the bastard is dead!

Posted on May 2, 2011 by christyfix

KUDOS, THANKS, ROCK ON to our military! They are such heroes, especially those Navy Seals who got the job done, and without American casualties!

My heart raced when I heard the news, and my eyes keep tearing up. I have never in my life been so thrilled to hear that another “human being” has been killed. I used quotes there because animals like Osama Bin Laden do not deserve the title of Human Being.

Now, they have announced that the bastard will be buried at sea after his body has been prepared according to Islamic tradition. I understand that the US government is trying to be sensitive in this matter, but I also think that Bin Laden forfeited his right to such treatment a long time ago. His body should undergo whatever is needed for the government, then burn it and dump the ashes in the garbage. Even better, let them dump the ashes in the very garbage dump that so much of the 9/11 debris had to be carted to and sorted. Let the spirits of the victims have him. They’ll know what to do!

Vertigo and Sensory Disorder

Posted on April 26, 2011 by christyfix

I’m writing this post from my iPad. I can’t use the desktop for long because I get car sick. Car sick?! Well, it feels like motion sickness, even when I’m doing no more than looking at the computer monitors. Because of the work I do, I have two monitors, but I suspect that this would be difficult just one one. The iPad, however, seems to be okay.

Why would the iPad and my Droid phone be okay even though I can’t use the computer? My guess is that because the screens are small, my eyes don’t have to move around so much. Even then, I can’t play certain games with a lot of movement (Bejeweled Blitz, for one). At least I can watch Blackhawks hockey tonight!

So, what does this have to do with spectrum issues? Vertigo can be debilitating for anyone. My, you’re full of questions today! Well, the answer is that I am experiencing this, it’s my

blog, and I feel like it.

It comes down to tolerance of an unusual situation. I cannot imagine how The Munchie would deal with this. She’d probably scream, cry, and throw up. A lot. For me, I’m only dealing this “well” because I have support in the form of the part time nanny who is dealing with the kids, and the same with Xife (the husband).

It’s extremely frustrating to be sidelined. I can’t even drive right now. I drove yesterday to pick up some Antivert from Walgreens. It’s not that far, but I already felt ill by the time I got there.

Well, I’m going to read to the Munchie. She has a cold and stayed home from school today. Hopefully that will not be a problem!

Video… AUTISM: It’s not what you think.

Posted on April 13, 2011 by christyfix

There are many stereotypes about autism. There’s some truth behind them, but that hardly tells the story. My daughter is right in the middle of the autism spectrum, and I appear to be on the spectrum as well. There are many aspects to the spectrum that are not understood by the general public. Please note that the website listed, Happily Eccentric, is very early in its inception. You can also look at it at http://happilyeccentric.wordpress.com

I created this video for a class I took in the Web & Interactive Media Associate’s Degree Program through the Art Institute of Pittsburgh Online.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNLiDMefY4A