This morning I was leaving work.  DJ was like wait, wait, wait.  He told me I forgot to give him another hug and kiss. As I turn to leave, he says, “Mommy, thank you for putting your arm around me in the middle of the night.” 

On the count of 3: 

1

2

3

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

Pops bought DJ Harry Potter & the Prisoner of Azkaban awhile back.  I finally sat down to play a bit of it tonight.  It's a pretty cool game except I want to go explore and Ron keeps telling me “C'mon Harry, we're going to be late.” 

 “Shut the hell up, Ron” 

Then I flipendo his ass.  I wish I could smack him silly.   

Me:  DJ, where is the other big pillow at?

DJ:  It's in your room, on the floor.  It's wet.

Me:  Why is it wet?

DJ:  I put my sock on it. 

Me:  Is your sock wet?

DJ:  Yes.

Me:  How did your sock get wet?

DJ:  My sock was in the toilet.

There's not much more to be said after that.

Ok, I'm probably crazy, but I'm on a mission.  I have signed up to do a walk for autism.  Of course this means I'm collecting money.  The money donated will directly effect the children with autistic disabilities.  The money raised will go towards research, evaluations, and education.  This will all bring us one step closer to a cure.  If you're in Philly, sign up for my team!  Cure Autism Now hosts this walk every year.

I finally got in touch with Peirce yesterday.  The woman I spoke to said I most likely will not have to retake the entrance exam.  I will still have to purchase the Algebra book because I will need to take Algebra once I start, but I won't need it to pass an exam.  Phew! 

It's also not too late to apply for financial aid.  That's good because I really didn't want to take out a student loan right away.  I filled out the online application today for financial aid and it should take about 2-3 weeks to get my answer.  I can't wait to find out my status.

In other news, my boss called me in today to praise me for all my recent work efforts over the past year.  I almost fell over.  My boss is SO HARD to please.  I admit I have been working my ass to try to make everything absolutely perfect.  Does this mean I get a raise?  I did let it “slip” that I'm working towards my Associates Degree in IT and then towards my Bachelors as well.  Hint, hint.  Get the coffers ready!  He says he's impressed with my initiatives, work ethics, my report designs and content with basically no supervision.  He also let me know other people higher up has noticed as well.  It's good to have them on my side.

Can I tell them to praise me with money or would that be too rude? 

There are some sick people out in this world.  I hope they get everything they deserve coming to them.  Not only the people who did this, but also the people who enabled them to do this.  What's wrong with people today?

I really don't understand what a child could do that is SO bad to deserve any kind of treatment like this girl was given.  I just can't comprehend it.  It makes me sick to my stomach.

I also think the Grahams really need to get their stories straight.  Are you married?  Are you sisters?  Are you mother and daughter?  And to all the people investigating this case, pull birth certificates, driver's licenses, you're the expert, figure the family dynamics out.

Two posts in one night?  No, I'm not feeling feverish.  Nor am I an insomniac.  I'm actually a little tired.  I've been up reading a new blog that was recommended to me.  I've actually been reading it for the past few days since I was given the link.  I'm just like that.  I need the back end before I go to the front end.  I had two years of catching up to do and boy, can she blog:)

So, now here I am, adding a few more thoughts before it's time to hit the bed.  I actually want to vent about The Cat, but I can't fully vent.  The Cat noses everywhere he doesn't belong.  I'm sure other people have that same problem.  Next week is PIC's bday and I've been a-shopping.  Unfortunately I can't reveal anything because stupid me gave her the addy to this site months ago.  No clue how much she reads here because she doesn't tell me.  Anyway, PIC, if anything is crushed when a certain something is opened, The Cat did it.  More to be revealed at a late date.  And I really hope you like your stuff because are one of the hardest people to shop for.

PIC is the kind of person who buys herself things all the time.  Even before birthdays and Christmas.  How many times did I have to return things I bought for her after I received a phone call from her?  “Guess what I just picked up today...”  She does this ALL the time!  I banned her from doing any shopping last December. 

Last week I gave DJ a computer.  You'd think SpongeBob just walked in our living room.  It was my old desktop.  I have a laptop.  I've actually had one for over a year or so now.  Thank you, job!  My desktop has been collecting dust over my mother's house for the past year or so, literally.  Since when do you put a computer in a damp basement?

Now, if you turn the computer off, it doesn't turn back on unless you unplug it for a few hours.  Somethings wrong, evidently.  That's not normal behavior.  off topic - why do I suddenly think I'm French?  I keep spelling words that have an “ior” with “iour”.  e.g. behaviour, then I have to go delete.  This has been happening for the past two weeks. - on topic  Now the computer is on constantly.  I'm going to bring it into work to see if someone in my dept. can fix it or else I'm going to have a very unhappy little boy.  pleasepleaseplease.  Motherboards aren't my thing.  Since I suddenly have a new crack on my windshield of my three month old new car, a new computer is out of the question.  Yep, that also happened today.  It's been great all around:)

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:)

Cast (last updated 11/28/2006) - will update whenever I feel like it :)

Me:  Wendy, 28 31 year old single mother of one.  Born and bred in Philly.  I like spending quantity and quality time with my son, car trips, the color purple, books, movies, you name it.  I'm quite a boring person actually. 
Update 11/28/06 - Moved to Midland, MI August 2006

DJ:  My adorable child.  Currently he's 6 years old, starting 1st grade and trying any money making scheme he can think of to purchase a game, toy, or video (not specifically in that order.)  His favorites are computers, video games, reading, watching movies, and anything Nickelodeon related.  He was diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder in January 2004.  He's unique, I love that. 
Update 11/28/06 - He is now 8 years old and is the 3rd grade at an awesome school!

Pops:  DJ's number one financial backer aka as his grandfather, my father and thing in the back room :)  He moved in with us in early 2004.  He had been hospitalized frequently due to long problems.  I was tired of the jet set life (back and forth to his house, mine and the hospital.)  So, here he is.

The Woman Who Gave Birth To Me Mommy Dearest:  My mother.  She's an interesting lady.  She lives the kind of life one with child could only dream of.  She goes out every weekend and doesn't really have time for grandson.  I think she has more friends now then I have relatives.  Do I sound bitter?  There's alot of water under this bridge.  I think in the past year she's been at my house 10x.  She lives 15 minutes from me.  update:  no longer a part of my life or DJ's because she's scandalous 
Update 11/28/06 - I've allowed her back into DJ's life.  It's much better now that she lives 700 miles away:)

PIC:  My partner-in-crime, my best friend.  We really wish we could be bi or one of us a man because we each think each other are the perfect partner.  We plan to spend the rest of our lives together in separate residences wondering if we can ever find someone as good as each other.  We went to high school together and she's also DJ's godmother.

Mr. Big:  I draw a big blank when I come to him because I really don't know how to describe him.  I suppose one woulld call him my boyfriend.  He's more like my pita.  I'll be living in a nursing home still not understanding men.  Mr Big is older than me by a good many years.  I didn't know how old he was when I started dating him and then I was hooked.  So now we're going on three years and still don't know what the hell we are doing!  update:  no longer together

FMM:  Former maintenance man who I used to "talk" to.  He was evicted when he found another job outside of the apartment complex.  We're still really good friends.

Update 11/28/06 -

The Girl Next Door:  Believe it or not, I met her YEARS ago networking in an autism group.  We grew really close and I came to visit her every year in MI.  Now I live next door to her.

The Man Next Door:  Married to The Girl Next Door and is just as cool!

BFF:  He is brother to The Man Next Door and he is an awesome friend.  ALMOST makes up for not having PIC here, but in no way replacing her in my affections.  We hang out all the time. 

The Man Who Is Getting Away aka The Man:  Hell, I think I'm in love...unrequited love no less.  I hang out with him almost as much as I hang with BFF, but I'm just "one of the guys". 

The Boy 1 Next Door:  The oldest son of The Girl Next Door and stepson of The Man Next Door.  He is 10 going on 60.  He's such an old man.  He was just diagnosed with some kind of mood disorder, but we really think it's all because of his biological father.

The Boy 2 Next Door:  The son of The Girl Next Door and stepson of The Man Next Door.  He is 9 years old.  He is also diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome and totally fixates on insects, animals, etc.  He is a complete wealth of information!

The Girl 1 Next Door:  The daughter of The Girl Next Door and The Man Next Door.  She's 4 and she KNOWS she's a princess.  But she's absolutely adorable.

The Girl 2 Next Door:  The youngest daughter of The Girl Next Door and The Man Next Door.  They are trying for a baseball team.  She is about 18 months old and she is SO rough and tumble. 

1. I spend most of my free time with my son.
2. The only vegetables I like are corn on the cob and broccoli with lemon.
3. I love spending time with my child.
4. I love to read books – all books, any books.
5. I also love to watch movies.
6. My favorite movie is The Ring.
7. I was obsessed with The Ring for a time.  I own all 3 Japanese versions and 1 Korean version.
8. I’ve never done drugs in my life, including marijuana.
9. I have bagged drugs before, though.
10. I went to a catholic school.
11. I don’t go to church.
12. I believe in God or a Higher Power, but I don’t believe in organized religion.
13. I love watching my son on Christmas day opening his gifts.
14. I love how my son gets excited over the littlest thing.
15. My son’s father didn’t want to be a part of his life.  I’m ok with that.
16. He’s never seen him.
17. I only have a few really close friends.
18. I hate drama in my life.
19. I’m not good at maintaining relationships with my family. (see above)
20. My perfect vacation would be to rent a house on a lake in Rhode Island.
21. I read too many books.
22. I love all bodies of water:  oceans, lakes, rivers.
23. I’m a Virgo.
24. I really don’t believe in horoscopes but I read them sometimes.
25. I love scary/horror movies.
26. The only movie that’s ever scared me was The Ring.
27. I’m a sucker for romance.
28. I doubt I’ll ever get married.
29. I don’t have commitment issues.
30. My father moved in with me.
31. He drives me crazy!
32. I used to play softball while I was growing up.
33. I have numerous trophies for team championships.
34. I’m only 4’11.
35. I only date guys over 5’10.
36. My child (age 6) is almost as tall as me.  (4’5)
37. I’ve only been driving for 6 years.
38. My grandmother was my most favorite person until she passed away 10 years ago.
39. I’m not very close with my mom.
40. I don’t like her apathetic attitude towards my child.
41. My favorite time of year is autumn.
42. I love tomatoes.
43. I once caught pneumonia three times in one year.
44. It turns out I have very bad allergies.
45. I feel much better now and hardly ever get colds.
46. When I went to NYC for a week, I lost my voice for about a week from all the pollution mixed with my allergies.
47. I majored in accounting.
48. I have no clue why.
49. I quit college after one semester because I was pregnant.
50. I plan to go back at some time.
51. I have glasses but I hardly ever wear them.
52. My eyesight isn’t too bad, with glasses everything’s a little more sharp.
53. I would never wear contact lenses.
54. I only drink alcohol if my son has a sleepover over someone else’s house.
55. I’ve never had a hangover.
56. The last time I did a shot of tequila I couldn’t walk straight and I cried all night.
57. My boyfriend was so confused by my behavior.
58. Unfortunately I remember everything I do when I drink.
59. I don’t drink tequila anymore.
60. I love Ginger Ale and Arctic Splash Iced Tea.
61. I don’t like Poland Spring water.
62. I prefer to drink water out of a bottle.
63. I don’t drink coffee or hot tea either.
64. Neither one taste good to me.
65. I love to learn new things.
66. I’m good at putting furniture together.
67. I was a member of the National Honor Society.
68. I was the president of the Future Business Leaders of America.
69. I am not a business leader.
70. I work in non-profit.
71. I donate to Autism charities and SIDS charities.
72. My first son passed away from SIDS when he was a month old.
73. It was the worst time of my life.
74. I don’t talk about it.
75. I’ve never had a nervous breakdown.
76. I don’t let things stress me out.
77. I have a cat.
78. My cat thinks he’s a dog.
79. My son is my greatest accomplishment.
80. For years, I thought I was a major screw-up.
81. Then I grew up.
82. My mistakes helped me grow into the person I am now.
83. I feel like I’m in limbo right now.
84. I’m very shy in person.
85. I’m also quiet.
86. Then when you get to know me I don’t shut up.
87. I’m not good at keeping secrets because I tell my best friend everything.
88. I love the people I work with at my job.
89. I’m scared I’ll never get married.
90. I’m scared I’ll never grow old with someone.
91. I weigh more than I want to.
92. My favorite color is purple.
93. None of my clothes are purple.
94. I listen to all kinds of music.
95. I prefer hip/hop, r n b, and pop.
96. I gained a lot of weight in the past year or two.
97. I eat a lot of salad now and drink a lot of water.
98. I take a walk every night.
99. I have five peircings...my tongue, my ears, my bellybutton
100. Geez, you need to know more?