Wow, lots of things going on in my life.  I swear I seem to make these split second decisions, then I'm on a mission.  Of course, most times I get sidetracked. 

To catch you all up, I've decided to go back to school.  I started school 7 years ago, right before I got pregnant with DJ.  Then I dropped out.  Since then, I really don't have the time to devote to school because I have a child to take care of.  And he comes first, always!  I've always liked Peirce College which is located in Philly.  PIC took online courses to get her Bachelor's in Information Sciences.  But many of her computer classes had to be held at the school.

Now it looks like everything is set up online.  Which means I do not have to go to class.  Which means I don't have to take any time from DJ nor do I need to find a sitter.  I figure during the school months, he goes to bed between 8 and 8:30.  I don't.  Perfect time to go to class and do homework and what not.  If I still need more time, I can always use my lunch hour.  Perfect, right?

One problem solved.  The next problem is financial aid/loans.  I'm hoping I can get financial aid at this late date, if not I'll need to take out a loan which I really don't want to do.  That means I need to pay it back.  That's the last thing I want is to put myself and my child in debt because I want an education.  PIC looked online and it looks like the Financial Aid application was due, hmmm, in JUNE!!  Ok, so I'm a little late.  She said not to worry.  Peirce might be able to help me out.  Which would be great if they ever called me back :)

The only other problem is the entrance exam that I'll most likely have to take.  I'm worried about Algebra.  I don't remember much about it.  Now I need to purchase a book to find out if I can re-learn it.  Not only do I need to learn it for my entrance exam, I will have to take College Algebra I at some point. 

Once I talk to someone at Peirce, I'll be able to find out if I can start in the Fall or the Winter.  I really hope it's the Fall because I want to get started.  Most likely, I'll take breaks in the summer since DJ is up at night more.

Next on the agenda.  I've been going to alot of Autism websites.  A few of them have a Networking Directory which they will basically send to you for the low low price of, let's say $19.99.  Where does this money go?  A Network Directory will hopefully put me in touch with parents' in my area, maybe start a support group, possibly just someone to talk to.  Or if you want to move to a different area, you can contact someone in that area to find out what services are available, yada, yada, yada.  It's a great idea.  But, why charge?  I understand there are costs involved.  Really though, why send paper?  Send via email.  Email is FREE. 

So I decide I'm going to start a website.  I'm starting out with the Networking Directory, which is FREE!  Basically you fill out the information.  Then Ok a disclaimer (this way my ass don't get SUED), then I upload the info to my database.  It's just basically my time.  I'm not going to charge poeple for my time.  If they want it mailed, I'll mail.  If that gets to be too much, they can start sending me postage or something.  Who knows?  We can barter.  The most important thing, these parents don't need any more money going out places.  Some pay for the education, we pay dues to other organizations and now you want my money?  I'm not going to take peoples' money for a directory that will directly benefit them and their child.

Of course I have empathy.  I remember what the first fews days were AD (After Diagnosis).  Oh, yea...HELL!  I saw the words autism.  I pictured Rain Man and The Boy Who Could Fly.  I know, stereotypes, but my stomach dropped.  Then came all the questions.  Which no one could answer because no one knew!  Then I started googling.  Then went $200 for books at amazon.  I read everything I could.  I had major support from my family, my friends, my coworkers.  Some people don't have that.  I read that on message boards every day.  If I didn't have support, I would have went ballistic.  I found out my son can live a so-called “normal“ life.  Things got better.  Things are better.  It's nice to talk to people who have the same situation I have.  But some people NEED this.  Hence the website. 

I have webspace which is a start.  But I don't know html, java, or anything else (which is why I post here instead of my free webspace.)  But I do know databases.  Did I mention I'm a DB administrator?  But my girl, PIC, she knows how do that shit.  She's in charge of all that.  I need to get a design to her this weekend. 

I plan to have more than just the Network Directory, but that's first and foremost.  Then some links, recommended books, possibly a newsletter.  Depends on how much time I have.  Wish me luck on my course and hope I don't get deterred by all those damned naysayers:)