Ok for a while there I was going crazy with home life and trying to figure out how to balance fun in DJ's summer with the goals we are aiming for.  Pops isn't much help and it just seems like every day he throws a wrench in my careful plans.  But it's an adjustment and DJ and I are trying to work through it.  It's a shame.  I feel so bad for him.  My dad lets him watch tv the whole time I'm at work.  Which is definitely not good for him.  So that means no TV for the rest of the night for him.  So he's not a happy little camper right now. 

I realized I accommodated my dad way too much when he came here.  I understand he wants to do "grandfather" things but he just CAN'T.  When he moved in, he started letting DJ watch TV before school and after school.  DJ was never allowed to watch TV on school days - neither before or after.  I mean, I'm trying to work on attention span and get him into other things.

DJ is not allowed to drink soda.  Why?  Because he NEVER drinks water.  My dad doesn't understand the meaning of the words "once in a while".  DJ's best friend came over to spend the night on Saturday and I bought a bottle of orange soda for them.  That one bottle made my dad think it was now a free for all and bought a few bottles of Pepsi.  It just pisses me off.  Then when I say something it's like, "Well you gave him orange soda...."  It's like that with EVERYTHING.  I've just about had it.  But I'll get over it.  So that's where I"ve been at the past few days.  Just plain old going crazy. 

I know there have been times I've bitched about my job.  In all honesty, how could I ever leave my job?  My boss has to be one of the most flexible bosses ever.  I was going to write cool in place of flexible but if you knew my boss, you'd never put the two together.  Anyway my boss knows I'm a single parent and he knows I don't receive child support or really any other type of support. 

When DJ started kindergarten in the SCHOOL FROM HELL, I couldn't afford after school care.  BTW, nothing has changed since then, I STILL can't afford after school care.  My boss let me work from 9:30-2:00 and work the rest of the time from home.  After his diagnosis, he was transferred to the SCHOOL STRAIGHT OUTTA HEAVEN.  His bus picks him up around 7 and drops him off after 4.  This means I'm at work longer!  I now work 8:00 to 3:30 with a 1/2 hour lunch. 

But my boss is very cool with half days and days off.  For example, today is DJ's last day of school.  He has half day today and had one yesterday.  My dad cannot walk down to the end of the complex (about a block) to pick him up in the heat.  Yesterday I took a long lunch, drove 15 miles, picked up DJ from the corner and brought him back.  Then drove back 15 miles to work. 

Today, he split it with me.  I'm leaving to pick him up from school and working the rest of the day from home.  I can't get it any better than this.  He lets me do this kind of stuff all the time.  He also lets me bring DJ into work with me and they set up a computer for him complete with a dvd player.  He's in his glory. 

I was rearranging my room yesterday when I heard my dad shouting, "I don't fucking believe this."  I go running in the living room to see what was wrong.  I sat there stunned.  Completely and totally stunned.  Not guilty on ALL counts.  How many children does this freak have to molest before something is done? 

Those jurors are clueless.  TWELVE jurors acquit him.  I would have felt much better if it was at least a hung jury.  These must be the same people who voted for Bush. 

The person I used to call my mother will now be known as the woman who gave birth to me.  I'm done with her.  Finished.  Ended.  Terminated.  You get the picture.  My dad and the woman who gave birth to me had to sign the papers on the house they sold this Friday while I was in DC.  Instead of splitting the house down the middle (which is way MORE than what she deserves considering my father purchased the house and paid for it for 25 years) the woman who gave birth to me decided that she's going to add that to the divorce and try to take the whole sale of the house and keep it herself.

This is AFTER I called her up to tell her that I would really, really like if she would split the house down the middle so I would be able to put DJ in some kind of summer camp this summer.  My dad told me he was going to give me his half of the house for DJ.  I shared this with the woman who gave birth to me and explained that I was going to use the money to put him in a nice summer camp for a few hours a day so he's not spending his whole summer in front of the tv.

I also wanted to put him in a social skills group that met once a week.  The social skills group costs around $3,000.  Yep, this autism thing isn't cheap.

The woman who gave birth to me not only does not pitch in a DIME towards DJ's care, she just takes it away.  Screw her.  I'm so fucking fed up with her and all of her shit.  She is no longer a part of my life (which I've said before), but now, she is no longer allowed to see DJ either. 

It's bad enough that at points in time I need to fight with educators, doctors, etc. to ensure they do not screw my son over.  Now I need to make sure I watch his back from his so called grandmother.  She can seriously kiss my ass.

I just had to share the irony once I read Dawn's diary entry for today.  I paused while reading when she wrote about how "EVERYONE knows I've quit". 

The other day, while sunning ourselves at our pool, I was just about to light up.  PIC says to me, "I thought you were going to quit."  I proceeded to explain to her that I heard of this book that is supposed to help you quit for good and I was buying it when I came back from DC.  I told her how someone had used this book, quit, and blogged about it.  PIC, who hardly ever reads my blog, nor did I think reads anyone else's, says to me, "Did you read this on Dawn's blog?"

Have you ever known someone you thought you would never be attracted to in a million years? Met someone you were only interested in a friend, if that? This is the position I’m in now. You all know how I had a huge crush on FMM. Then there was the other maintenance man (now known as MM). I was completely NOT attracted to MM. He was friendly and used to talk to me all the time and usually whenever something needed to be fixed in my apartment, MM showed up to fix it.

Of course we got to be chummy and I saw him every day. And little by little he started to grow on me. It’s now to the point where I definitely like him and I find him attractive and I think he feels the same about me but I’m not sure.

I know it seems like I’m just going to start to work my way down the maintenance man list but it’s not like that. When I think back, I was attracted to FMM, but I didn’t know him. When I got to know him, he wasn’t so attractive. We are still friends, very good platonic friends. But I could never deal with him on a boyfriend level.

In MM’s case, I’m attracted to HIM. It’s ironic, it turns out he used to be a cashier at a drugstore I used to go in daily. Yes, I remember him and he remembers me. Philly is huge. I could honestly go a long time without seeing someone I know.

Here’s the scoop from today. My central air isn’t working. BLAH! I called the office and reported and maintenance showed up (not MM). He told me my unit is frozen over. I don’t know how that happened since I haven’t run it. I guess that was my problem! Tomorrow they will send the cooling guy over first thing to fix it. Until then, we sweat.

About 10 minutes after he left, MM showed up. He asked what was wrong with the air. So I told him what the other guy told me. My dad asked him to sit down and he was chilling with us awhile watching MASH. MM told me he was working on an apartment that night and if it got too warm to come on over. He told me this about 4 times before he left.

I had no intentions on going over there, because I’d feel stupid. But then I saw MM on my way to get water ice. Naturally, I asked him if he wanted one. Of course he did. I came back with it and we wound up sitting in the apartment talking for about TWO hours! This isn’t the first time, but it’s the first time off hours. We talk a lot during the day as I see him.

I really wonder where this is leading…

I purchased my digital camera a few months ago.  With it, I purchased rechargable batteries with a charger.  And yes, I have become picture happy.  I use that camera every weekend without fail.  It's the best purchase I ever made.  While in Michigan, I used my camera...of course.  When I went to charge my batteries, my charger didn't work.  Huh????  What's up with this?  Then it wound up charging the next day.  Since I've come home, my charger has not worked. 

It's not THAT big of a deal.  I can always buy a new one.  But how come it only worked for about 5 months?  Does this happen to anyone else? 

No, I will not switch to regular batteries.  I purchased some batteries while in Michigan and my camera sucked all the juice out of them within 2 hours. 

Also while we were vacationing in Michigan, our pool was opened.  DJ has been anticipating the opening of the pool since about NOVEMBER.  I kept him home on Tuesday because we came in so late Monday night.  I figured we'd hit the pool.  It wasn't happening.  The pool is only open on the weekends until June 18th. 

All week DJ has it in his head that the pool will be opened on Saturday.  You know what happens once an Aspie gets something into his head...  Saturday was gray and overcast and not really that warm.  Of course, couldn't talk DJ out of going to the pool.  We trudged over, there along with PIC.  Neither one of us was going to swim but DJ jumped right into the water.  He has no shame.  Ok, he didn't jump because he's afraid to get water on his face.  I know.  I know.  He's in a POOL.  I'm working on that this year.  It's some sensory thing he has going on.  It took him 7 years for him to allow water on his face in the shower. 

Don't you know my shoulders and my collarbone area are burnt?  Doesn't hurt at all.  Just a deep pink.  Today I will be wearing a shirt since I do not really want to be crispy while in DC next week.

I was going to check out ebay tonight and take a look at their kids bedding sets.  Instead of typing it with y I typed it with a t and spelled out ebat.  This is where I wound up.
After dropping DJ off at school today, I called PIC on her cell phone.  I wound up waking her up out of bed which wouldn't be a bad thing except she was supposed to be parking her car at about that time.  She completely overslept. 

I check my cell phone tonight and I missed SEVEN calls.  What the hell was I doing?  One I noticed looked like it was from PIC's work.  She had told me she was just going to call out but I figured they needed her to come in and do something - my job does that to me as well from time to time. 

I called her back and she told me she never did go to work today.  I read her off the number and we were both stumped because it was from HER JOB.  She is evidently sniffing on something because when she called out she left a cell number for them to reach her if needed.  Yea, MY cell number. 

1. Copy this whole list into your journal.
2. Bold the things that are true about you.
3. Add something that is true about you.

01. I miss somebody right now.
02. I don’t watch much TV these days.
03. I love olives
04. I own lots of books.
06. I wear glasses or contact lenses.
07. I love to play video games.
08. I’ve tried marijuana.
09. I’ve watched porn movies.
10. I have been in a threesome.
11. I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.
12. I believe honesty is usually the best policy.
13. I love ice cream.
14. I like and respect Al Sharpton.
15. I curse sometimes.
16. I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.
17. I have a hobby.
18. I’ve been told I have a nice smile.
19. I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.
20. I’m partially TOTALLY smart.
21. I’ve never broken someone’s bones.
22. I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal.
23. I hate the rain.
24. I’m paranoid at times.
25. I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
26. I need money right now.
27. I love sushi.
28. I talk really, really fast.
29. I have fresh breath in the morning.
30. I have long hair.
31. I have lost money in Las Vegas.
32. I have at least one brother and/or one sister.
33. I was born in a country outside of the U.S.
34. I shave my legs (females) or face (males) on a regular basis.
35. I have a twin (or a triplet, or somesuch).
36. I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.
37. I couldn’t survive without Caller I.D.
38. I like the way that I look sometimes.
39. I have lied to a good friend in the last 6 months.
40. I know how to cornrow.
41. I am usually pessimistic.
42. I have a lot of mood swings.
43. I think prostitution should be legalized.
44. I think Britney Spears is pretty.
45. Slept with a Suitemate.
46. I have a hidden talent.
47. I’m always hyper no matter how much sugar I have.
48. I have a lot of friends.
49. I am currently single.
50. I have pecked someone of the same sex.
51. I enjoy talking on the phone.
52. I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
53. I love to shop.
54. I would rather shop than eat.
55. I would classify myself as ghetto.
56. I’m bourgie and have worn a sweater tied around my shoulders.
57. I’m obsessed with my Xanga or Livejournal.
58. I don’t hate anyone. I dislike them. (Sorry, but I’m a hater)
59. I’m a pretty good dancer.
60. I don’t think Mike Tyson raped Desiree Washington.
61. I’m completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
62. I have a cell phone.
63. I believe in God.
64. I watch MTV on a daily basis.
65. I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.
66. I love drama.
67. I have never been in a real relationship before.
68. I’ve rejected someone before.
69. I currently have a crush/like someone.
70. I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
71. I want to have children in the future.
72. I have changed a diaper before.
73. I’ve called the cops on a friend before.
74. I bite my nails.
75. I am a member of the Tom Green fan club.
76. I’m not allergic to anything.
77. I have a lot to learn.
78. I have been with someone at least 10 years older or younger.
79. I plan on seeing Ice Cube’s newest “Friday” movie. (how old is this list?)
80. I am shy around the opposite sex.
81. I’m online 24/7, even as an away message.
82. I have at least 5 away messages saved.
83. I have tried alcohol or drugs before.
84. I have made a move on a friend’s significant other or crush in the past.
85. I own the “South Park” movie.
86. I have avoided assignments at work school to be on Xanga or Livejournal.
87. When I was a kid I played “the birds and the bees” with a neighbor or chum.
88. I enjoy some country music.
89. I would die for my best friends.
90. I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
91. I watch soap operas whenever I can
92. I’m obsessive, anal retentive, and often a perfectionist.
93. I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
94. I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all. (EWWWWWW)
95. I know all the words to Slick Rick’s “Children’s Story".
96. Halloween is awesome because you get free candy.
97. I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.
98. I have dated a close friend’s ex.
99. I like surveys.
100. I am happy at this moment.
101. I’m obsessed with guys.
102. I am bisexual.
103. Democrat.
104. Conservative Republican.
105. I am punk rockish.
106. I am preppy. (believe it or not, I can be quite preppish when the mood strikes)
107. I go for older guys/girls, not younger
108. I study for tests most of the time.
109. I tie my shoelaces differently to anyone I’ve ever met.
110. I can work on a car.
111. I love my job.
112. I am comfortable with who I am right now.
113. I have more than just my ears pierced.
114. I walk barefoot wherever I can.
115. I have jumped off a bridge.
116. I love sea turtles.
117. I spend ridiculous amounts of money on makeup.
118. I believe in prophetic dreams.
119. I plan on achieving a major goal/dream.
120. I am proficient on a musical instrument.
121. I worked at McDonald’s restaurant.
122. I hate office jobs.
123. I love sci-fi movies.
124. I’ve never been in love.
125. I think water rules.
126. I am going to college out of state.
127. I am adopted.
128. I like sausage.
129. I am a pyro.
130. I love the Red Sox.
131. I have thrown up from crying too much.
132. I have been intentionally hurt by people that I loved.
133. I love kisses.
134. I fall for the worst people and have been hurt every time.
135. I adore bright colors.
136. I love Dear Abby.
137. I can’t live without black eyeliner.
138. I think school is awesome.
139. I think pigtails serve a purpose.
140. I don’t know why the hell I just did this stupid thing.
141. I usually like covers better than originals.
142. I don’t like multi-textured ice cream (ex. Chocolate chips, nuts, marshmallows)
143. I think John Cusack is adorable.
144. I f**king hate chain theme restaurants like Applebees and TGIFridays.
145. I watch Food Network way too much.
146. I love coaching youth sports.
147. I can pick up things with my toes
148. I can’t whistle.
149. I love tomotos

Fun times were had by all!  DJ and I bonded for our 11 hour journey up and our whopping 14 hour journey back.  I don't want any more kids:)  He was really good and didn't complain too much.  On the way to Michigan, I heard, "Mom, do you have to pee AGAIN?!  I'm tired of you peeing all the time!"  Do you feel the love?

On the way back, I-80 was a complete mess.  Construction everywhere throughout Pennsylvania.  I got off the highway in bumfuck anywhere (not to be confused with Dawn's bumfuck nowhere) to get gas.  It was creepy at night.  I'm such a city girl.

DJ had a blast with all the kids.  Not one single meltdown.  No fighting when it was bedtime.  Matter of fact, there were two nights he crashed all by himself.  No fighting to take a shower either. 

DJ had a tooth just about to fall out for about 2 weeks now.  On Sunday I noticed the one side was hanging even lower.  I tried to get him to pull it out but he wouldn't.  Damn dentists for messing with his head.  I gave him a juice box.  One suck.  Then a huge scream.  I came running back in.  He swallowed his tooth.  Poor kid.  He didn't even meltdown about it.  He was just really worried that the tooth fairy wouldn't hook him up since there was no tooth.  His solution was to poop in his pants so I could dig out his tooth.  Uhhhhhhh, no thanks.  We'll leave the fairy a note, honey.  So he was cool with that and lo and behold the next day he woke up and the tooth fairy left a little surprise for him under his pillow even without the tooth.  He was a happy camper.  And I was very happy not to go digging in poop. 

Some pictures from the journey are in the photo album.