Heroic Girl

I just realized how long it's been since I posted my last blog entry. As much as I love writing, it's easy to get distracted by other things. My goal is to stick with it and schedule time most days to post on my blog. It will be a personal victory.

Things have been busy at work, but they are going pretty well. I gave my students midterms, and we conducted interviews with candidates for several faculty positions. It's really easy to get caught up in all of the cares of life and form a cynical perspective of the world (one positive aspect of autism is that we may be better than most at shutting out negativity). In fact, I try to avoid the news and negative shows most of the time because they can be pretty upsetting (I also have to admit that being Mormon makes it easier to resist negative stimuli).

Despite all of the negativity we see in the news, tonight I just came across this story about an amazing girl who literally risked her life to prevent her younger sister from being hit by a truck. It really melted my heart. You really need to watch it. It will remind you how much good is still in the world today.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_thelookout/20110323/ts_yblog_thelookout/nine-year-old-loses-leg-while-saving-little-sisters-life

Great Break

Last week was not a relaxing week, but it was truly amazing. After Mark and I got some new furniture on Tuesday, I left for Nauvoo, IL on Wednesday and participated in my first LDS temple baptism. It was an incredible experience. I stayed at the Willard Richards Inn, and I couldn't have picked a better place to stay. Everything was so authentic and beautiful. Karen, the innkeeper there, even showed me around Nauvoo and Carthage (which is where Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum had been martyred). I had such a memorable time, and I can't wait to go back. People were surprised I went there by myself as it was time my first time there, but I was spiritually guided to do this, and it couldn't have turned out any better. If you like historical places, Nauvoo is an incredible town. Then, on Friday, a social worker conducted a home visit, as Mark and I are starting the adoption process. That home visit went so much better than I thought it would. It really gave me hope that Mark and I can be parents to a precious child.

It was such an amazing week, and I feel incredibly blessed. Today was pretty rough because I had slept over two hours past my alarm. It was amazing I was only 4 minutes late for class (many other interesting things happened today). But I survived, thanks to my Heavenly Father. When things got rough today, I called on Him, and He really took care of me. If more people trust Him, I think we'll all be much better off. Have a great night and a wonderful day tomorrow!

Busy Break!

Sorry...I forgot to write yesterday. But it's been crazy busy. Mark and I had to take a bunch of things to storage. We also got new furniture yesterday, which we really needed. Right now, I'm making study guides for the exams I'm giving my students next week. Tomorrow, I'm driving up to Nauvoo Temple. I'm so excited! Friday, the social worker is conducting a home visit with us. I hope we'll be ready. I'll be driving around a lot tomorrow, so I don't know if I'll get to write. One thing that will be a little tricky tomorrow is the drive to Nauvoo. Usually, when I drive someplace in Illinois, there's a fairly direct route. Well, that won't be the case when I drive from Robinson to Nauvoo tomorrow. Talk to you soon!

Saturday Blog

I survived last night's brief thunderstorm. Today was a relaxing first day of spring break. I'm almost embarrassed to admit how late I slept, but I really needed to catch up on some sleep. We're on a family movie kick, so we watched Old Yeller (Mark and I didn't know Old Yeller also has a sequel). I honestly thought I wouldn't tear up watching this as an adult, but I was wrong. I have a new appreciation for movies with heart.

I didn't leave the house all day, but it takes a lot for me to have cabin fever. I attended to more spiritual matters, and it was very uplifting. I don't think it's difficult for someone with an autism spectrum disorder to be spiritual because we have a knack on tuning out the outside world. Well, I need to finish up a lesson for Primary (which is the Sunday School class for children in our Church). Tomorrow is the Sabbath, so I will post again on Monday.

We Exist: Girls and women living with autism, A professor's most important lecture | WTHITV.com Terre Haute, Indiana

We Exist: Girls and women living with autism, A professor's most important lecture | WTHITV.com Terre Haute, Indiana

Thunderstorm!

I wanted to write while I was having an "autistic" experience, but this is going to be brief. A thunderstorm just came into town. First, I saw a quick flash of light, and I hoped it was just the headlights of a car coming out of the DQ parking lot. Unfortunately, the familiar rumble that followed confirmed it was no car. More to follow...I gotta go.

Another Friday Entry

It is now officially spring break, and I am thrilled! I celebrated by shopping a little bit after work. It's also "eat out" night, but Mark and I had Dairy Queen at home (we live right across the street from DQ, and that could be dangerous for the waistline). We also watched Alvin and the Chipmunks (it was my idea, not Mark's). It's a rainy night, and neither one of us felt like going any place. Besides, I think it's good for people to act like kids once in a while. If more people could appreciate the simple joys of life, I don't think we would have the problems we have in the world. Call me naive, but a little simplicity never hurt anyone :)

Spring Break!

I am so grateful it's Friday. But it's not just any Friday...it's the Friday before spring break. I can see why the students look forward to it so much. I am really looking forward to this one. Mark has off the same week, and we rarely have the same vacation days. Also, last night I had an interview with the President of the Branch of my Church, and I was granted a limited temple recommend. So on Wednesday, I am going to my first temple in Nauvoo, Illinois. That is a very special location for our Church. I'll be there on Wednesday and staying overnight to see the sites.

Then, on Friday, a social worker is coming to our house to conduct a home visit. The reason she's coming is because Mark and I are trying to adopt an infant. I always appreciate our spring breaks, but this is especially nice. Of course, last spring break was also special because I spent it with my mother who passed away in October 2010. But I'm sure I will see her again.

March 2, 2011: Inspired to Blog

Hi! I finally decided to take the plunge and start a blog. I enjoy writing, so I'm excited to be writing. The real challenge will be staying on top of it, as I tend to get distracted from time to time. I won't be able to write much today because I'm giving a webinar about autism tomorrow, and I need to finish my presentation. The topic is of personal relevance to me because I have mild autism.

What can I say about autism that hasn't already been said? You see autism everywhere in the media, and sometimes it makes me cringe. There's a billboard with a statistic about how many kids are diagnosed with autism and there's a picture of a boy with his eyes downcast as if his life were ruined. All too often, people focus on limitations and not enough on talents. Don't pity people with autism...pity people who don't even try to understand those of us who live with it. It's really not that bad sometimes.