.....are kids still taught to write in Script at school? We called it Cursive and I think it is so elegant and distinguished but did you know that there are different types of Cursive handwriting?
HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!. I am dying of laughter at the number of hits I received for this contest compared to the number of people who answered... Was it that hard? Come on guys!!!!
Anyhow, now to the answer and the results...
After viewing Oprah's Friday episode with Chris Rock, he mentioned something that stunned me... I have always thought of this guy as a genius at his craft.. Despite his potty mouth, he is quick, witty and extremely intelligent with his content.. He makes you think of things outside the box and of course it helps that he makes the funniest faces... This made me want to know how many more famous, brilliant people accomplished the same thing, so I did some research and was surprised... What was it?
They all received their GED!!!!!
....although I mentioned that the contest would be voided if less than 50 people participated? I thought that I would give the prize to the ONE AND ONLY person who was brave enough to answer... hahahahaha
....I think of them as pressing the pause button while listening to song you love because of the beat, to research the lyrics, then pressing play, now reading the lyrics along with the song.... It is then that you truly discover whether the song has more substance than just the beat. The next time you listen to that song the emotion you once had may either change or perhaps remain the same...
Sometimes we think most intellects have gone through the traditional path to arrive where we think are their pinnacles of success... but as much as there has been a debate between the mind and the brain, I personally believe that the mind is like the family member who isn't invited to brain's Thanksgiving dinner in Beverly Hills but instead, is sent a bowl of the left overs to him in the slums of California, unbeknownced to the rest of the family. The family secret is the "mind" was able to purchase the house for the "brain" in Beverly Hills while sacrificing itself and remaining in the slums..
Ever so often we do not press the pause button to give our minds the opportunity to help us achieve the goals that we so desperately want to attain. We do not have confidence in ourselves because our "brain" isn't working at the same speed as everyone else or our "hiccups" seem beyond the unexplained..... AND the reason many people insult our intelligence.....(pause, one eye brow raised)... is because they have a perception of us only through what they view on the outside.. The question is are we on the path towards taking steps to simply shock the hell out of them but most importantly, are we working on our self confidence where we are willing to shock OURSELVES.....
Here are a couple successful celebrities who truly allowed their minds to take power over their brains.....
Do you know what they have in common?
It's GAME TIMEEEEE!!!!!!!
*Peter Jennings
*Bill Cosby
*John Travolta
* Chris Rock
*Frank Sinatra
*Vidal Sassoon
Once again it's GAME TIME on Brandylis and The Bear...
Question: What do the above geniuses in their own right and mind have in common?
Rules: Post your answer as a comment (not on my Facebook page)... and as before, I will disable the the comments to be viewed until after the contest. If there are multiple responces with the correct answer, I will put the names in a hat and allow Logi Bear to pick one.. hehehehe.. Yep.. the old fashioned way.. There is a catch... if there are less that 25 reponces, the contest will be voided. So you better get your friends and family on board to comment. If they don't know how to comment, teach them.. Deadline is tomorrow, April 4th, at 10:00.pm. Eastern time..
So what are you WINNING?
This beautiful makeup set by LORAC valued at $150 !!
The Newest Fragrance "Into The Wild" from Bath and Body Works
Men, you can also participate for a chance to win for the women in your life.(sister, girlfriend, wife, mother etc)
...and remember..... A Mind is terrible thing to waste.... Explore your talents and abilities before they are taken away..
What a week!!!... It's Thursday Night and my last post was on Monday... I am so disappointed with myself and I am so sorry but it was truly beyond my control.. My computer crashed and I had to purchase a new one.. I was so dejected since I have been having a good "Savings" record, but as my mom always says, God provides the money when it is needed. Secondly, our wireless Internet connection apparently developed a glitch after our last power outage and would continuously shut off in the middle of trying to create a post and doing my work.. so frustrating... However, I think I was more frustrated when the upsides of this week occurred and I couldn't share on the spot.. It was like getting a diarrhea alert while travelling on a bus .. lol..
Anyhow, if you haven't already started playing the video above, do click now as I want it to be the interlude for this post.
I attended my first ever Autism Support Group dinner this week and boy was it surreal. For 8 years plus I have been on this journey and have never once attended or participated in any support group meetings or intervention except one time after Dylan was diagnosed and soon after Brandon was newly diagnosed, I began cutting myself because that pain was so unbearable. The lady who was assigned to my case through the early steps program demanded that I speak to someone or else my kids could possible be taken away.. KIDS TAKEN AWAY FROM ME ? WHAT???? Look I have never ran to a shrink's office so quickly. Truth be told, I ended up having the therapist spill the beans about her life to me.. I remember entering the office and immediately after introducing myself, I told her "Look..I am going to save you time here and make this very easy for you.. I am a mom with two beautiful children who were diagnosed with autism within just a little over one year apart. I feel very alone.. I don't know what the hell this thing is.. Whether I am the cause of it or whether there is a cure for it. I just know that I am tired and I don't even think I want to be married anymore. They play in their poop and spread it everywhere.. My husband is never home and when he is, he is in another world of his own, I have no family here... no friends.. I have lost many friends... I can't go anywhere.. I am not sleeping because the kids don't sleep... I am in a pain that I have never ever experienced in my life and it's not a tangible pain... It's an internal pain in your heart and it circulates throughout my body but you can't take a pill to diminish the intensity, instead I feel that it's either push a spear into my heart for the pain to stop or I cut myself to feel... to truly FEEL something tangible and see the blood will put a label on this pain and give it its own voice... I think I have to go to my homeland for a while away from what feels like a house of horror and I will hopefully return renewed..."
The poor woman couldn't get a word in and this was just the introduction. By the end she was in tears, I was able to make her look at her life differently by putting things into perspective and I went along my jolly way...
Last year I met one the most amazing women name Patricia Sengul who also has three boys, two of whom are on the autism spectrum just like myself, so for that alone, we have plenty in common. She had encouraged me for several months to attend those monthly autism support groups but I was just not really prepared to go and rehash all those horrible memories that I had worked so hard to put behind me, so I never really made arrangements with my husband to perhaps clear his calendar in advance to watch the kids, but this year, as my journey began with this promise to put myself on my TO-DO list, it has allowed me to physically release that burden and pain into the universe... God has captured it, recycled it and I believe he has sent the recycled product back to me that I can use it as an instrument in other people's lives and also my life in a positive light... Since releasing it, I have now been able to re start my life's journey and incredibly and perhaps frighteningly, so much other stuff is surfacing... MANY good.. with the occasional hiccups.
So I attended my first ever Autism Support Dinner.. First of all, any excuse for me to wear heels and makeup, I am there.. I arrived at the restaurant and didn't quite know what to expect.. Would it be a small group? Do we have a private room where they lock us up so we could cry our eye balls out and say F*&K as loudly as we possible can without getting arrested? Would everyone be cordial? Am I overdressed? Am I going to be the craziest one of the group? Would they have to tell me to shut up? Well about 4 of us were seated in the middle of the restaurant (btw..we were are PF Chang's), I was in my element, (most of the time I am) and was very excited to see what the night had in store for us.. as the minutes went by more beautiful women continued to enter and be seated at our table.. I kept thinking OMG they all look like me!!! Confident, Charming, Beautiful women.... They didn't come in walking with slouchy postures, crazy hair, smeared makeup, dirty clothes... THEY ALL LOOKED LIKE ME...Now!!!! (there is a reason I used those terms in the aforementioned and will explain later in another post so stay tuned)
About 1 hour later, our group for the night was formed but hastey me wanted to know the protocol so I kinda tried to silence the pockets of conversation to get everyone's name and ask what we we were supposed to do. In a nutshell, someone said "Vent".. hehehe.. We all kinda gravitated to the women nearest to us and I listened to the different stories in amazement... They were my stories... Many of the women had met at previous meetings so I was one of the few newbies.. It was eerie, like walking into a new school during the middle of the school year but what touched me was that all those women were in different stages in their grief, anger, frustration, fear, acceptance, solace, joy, celebrations.. Some of them recently received the devastating news, and it was so incredible to hear the strength in their warrior mom voice. We were hungry to hear about each other's stories.. share what we are doing and have been doing... speak candidly in our own language which we alone understand and know that it will be embraced and we will not be made to feel diminutive...
I... WAS... HOME....
After my boys were diagnosed I have always felt like I live on another planet within planet earth.. I reside in this lovely community with lovely homes and well manicured lawns, but my house sits on a land owned by extra terrestrial and the minute you step foot into my house, I am on the planet " Coo Coo Nest".. Then when I articulated that, another mom said OMG..OMG.. That's me too.. she even started a blog "Embracing Holland" because she feels she is living in Holland while everyone else may be in neighboring countries.. It was truly a night to remember and I am still on a high from the brife experience.. I thank God on this Holy Week , that he allowed me the opportunity to meet such incredible women... It may just be what I have been searching for...
*I would also like to thank the M.A.S.D.A's group for organizing those monthly dinners.. It is such a beautiful change from a typical group therapy setting where everyone sits on metal folding chairs in a circle.
*I would like to thank Patricia Sengul for always being so persistent inviting me and not giving up..
*..and to all those lovely, beautiful moms I met on Monday night, I am honored and blessed to be a part of this group of strong mothers who love their children as much as I love mine.. It was such a pleasure to listen to your stories of strength and hope and I respect and love you all. I hope we can continue to encourage each other...
Thank Goodness.. I was not the craziest in the bunch...hehehehe.. love her!!
TRISH!!!!! Hahahaha
Miss Sheryn in the middle, I think she is a distant relative.. hehehehe
Oh... We all put autism bows in our hair made by one of the moms
Waiter!!!!.. Someone doesn't need another drink..hahahaha
Aren't we a beautiful bunch?.. God Bless us all..
Please click on those links Embracing Holland and Autism and Salvation and follow those amazing blogs or two mom's journies through the world of autism.. We all need the encouragement.. oh and please comment under the posts.. We love comments and feed back and for more information about our support group dinners visit M.A.S.D.A on Facebook. We're a crazy bunch but it's all in the name of love..
It's the time of the year where I am already looking for the boys' school attire for Fall semester.. Well actually I have already purchased their shirts and they were delivered on Saturday.. Yippie... So left are pants, socks, shoes and undies. This has to be taken care of before school ends for Summer as it is impossible to do anything but care for the boys. Thankfully, I was so happy to learn that there is a Summer Camp for kids with disabilities where I am considering sending Dylan. Brandon isn't quite emotionally ready yet so he will be home with me and Logan.. As of now, the chains in my head are still moving and hopefully God will help me decide what will be the best decision.. BUTTTTTTTT
When I think of Summer, I also think of birthdays and with birthdays come birthday parties.... so I am now on the quest to figure out what I will do this year. I have two birthdays that will fall during the Summer, one is right behind and another two that are one day apart... Ouchhh... I have been surfing and researching and that is when I came across the most delectable little treats EVER and perhaps one of the best talents. I wonder whether she made those treats from my post Too Cute to Eat ? Nevertheless, hope your sweet tooth is flossed and your cutesy machine is powered up... Even Grumpies will smile..
Wasn't it a marvelous day today? If you are not in Florida, I hope you had and equally beautiful day...It was 80 Plus degrees outside.. There was a beautiful breeze... Not one tantrum with any of the kids and Logi Bear dunked his first basketball..
So I asked my husband to do a photo shoot of me in my Spring (Dun Dun ) Dress... I told him that I would be twirling so he could capture some LOVELY ORGANIC PHOTOS... You know how celebrities have the lighting, fan, water, and music playing in the background... Well... I was on a 25 cent budget so I had to sing " The Hills are Alive" in my head to get me in the mood... Now those of you who know me know that The Sound of Music is one of my favortie movies of all time..... So....Mother Mercy... Here is how it came out..... Hope you have a laugh at my expense. Uhhh Uhhhmmm
What will this day be like? I wonder.
What will my future be? I wonder.
It could be so exciting to be out in the world, to be freeeeeeee
My heart should be wildly rejoicing
Oh, what's the matter with me?
I've always longed for adventure
To do the things I've never dared
And here I'm facing adventure
Then why am I so scared
A captain with seven children ( I have 3)
What's so fearsome about that?
Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries
If I don't I just know I'll turn back
I must dream of the things I am seeking
I am seeking the courage I lack
The courage to serve them with reliance
Face my mistakes without defiance
Show them I'm worthy
And while I show them
I'll show me
So, let them bring on all their problems
I'll do better than my best
I have confidence they'll put me to the test
But I'll make them see I have confidence in me
Somehow I will impress them
I will be firm but kind
And all those children (Heaven bless them!)
They will look up to me
And mind me with each step I am more certainEverything will turn out fine
I have confidence the world can all be mine
They'll have to agree I have confidence in me
I have confidence in sunshine
I have confidence in rain
I have confidence that spring will come again
Besides which you see I have confidence in me
Strength doesn't lie in numbers
Strength doesn't lie in wealth
Strength lies in nights of peaceful slumbers
When you wake up -- Wake Up!
It tells me all I trust I lead my heart to
All I trust becomes my own
I have confidence in confidence alone
(Oh help!)
I have confidence in confidence alone
Besides which you see I have confidence in
MMMMMe!!!!!
Soooooo....... what do you think?...... Will Vogue give me a call?........ Uhhhh.... Maybe I could get coffee for Anna Wontour?.... Right?....... (Crickets.... Crickets... Flies.....)
Ohhhh... Kayyyyy... Hey I felt pretty... shucks... hehehehe
I just took a peek inside what's new at Zulily and if you don't register today with those prices and gorgeous products, you need a thump on your head.. Why didn't I know about those websites when I was with child?
It's easy and it's free ro register!! Click the photo below, register, start browsing and save. High end quality goodies and ridiculous prices... Come on Grandmas and Grandpas.. Aunties and Uncles... Mommies and Daddies....
When I came up with the idea of having a Baby Week here on my blog I had envisioned beautiful, organized fun posts everyday but it has now turned into an emotional journey for me which is not as fun anymore. The mistake I made was to incorporate my personal journey which has been very treacherous into my posts and viewing all those photos of yesteryear brings a flood of mixed emotions..
As many of you know, this blog started off because I wanted to get out of my sometimes stagnant role of being JUST a mom and finally taking care of myself, indulging in things that I like, but strangely enough, it always come back to being a mom... What can I say? It truly is a significant part of my life.. I have learned to live my life as authentic as I possibly can and that sometimes means taking a halt when I feel like things may be a little off balance, regrouping then returning...
I am also going through the "self healing' process of freeing from self blame of autism and because I am feeling so much better about our situation with our boys, I have also found myself trying to push too hard and too fast as if I was told a secret that the world was coming to an end by the end of this year. However, what I fail to understand is that 8 years of sadness can not be over come in one year.. I have to slow down, be less of a "Mary Katherine Gallagher" and more of a "Maya Angelou"...(hope you caught that analogy) ...hehehe.. So occasionally I may take little breaks from the baby depot and speak of other cool stuff then return to the baby talk.....Please be patient with me....Hey.. it should quite frankly take nine months to finish "Baby Week" ..right..hahaha.. Ok.. now that I have gotten this off my chest, I could proceed....
OK
GASP!!!! I can't believe I forgot to mention this.... one of the first things that you should do after you have confirmed you are pregnant and given a possible due date by your doctor, the minute you get home and the shock begins to wear out, you should create an account on one or if you have OCD all of those websites like I did.. :-)
Would you like to receive some great free samples, offers, and coupons for your new bundle of joy?
If you are a new Parent, Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle or friend, register with Planning Family for some great stuff for the baby!
My Logi Bear (Logan) is outgrowing his 2nd pair of Crocs..
Brandy (Brandon) is now wearing Dylan's outgrown pair..
and
Dy-Dy ( Dylan) needs a new pair..
It should be illegal for adults to wear bright colored Crocs (Sorry Chef Batali)
.... but they are the cutest on kids... Best Shoe invention for kids EVER. ( I am a Reef girl though). They rarely, if ever wear out, don't pop, are quick to slip on, great in water, cleans easily...
I went to purchase for the boys and found the most adorable new styles..
