I am pretty excited about dipping my hair in the ocean though. I haven’t been spraying it down with saltwater, so it’ll be nice to have my dreads tighten up a bit more.

I think we’re heading berry picking tomorrow morning. I joined a new meetup group, mainly because Punky Moms has no local group. What’s funny is, meetup.com has Punkymoms as a freaking interest and nothing we have done has made them remove it. The name is a registered trademark. It’s irritating to say the least. Tangent aside, it looks like a cool group. I wish we didn’t live in suburbanite hell. No one lives around here. They’re all south of here. I’m not bitching. Much.

I think we might try and get into the shop tonight. But we’re going to a water park in a couple of weeks, so I’m undecided right now. Two weeks is long enough to scab over and peel…. tough choices.

I am uploading some new stuff for Punky Moms. I am pouring over the “special needs” Disney guide book we picked up the other night. I bought our tickets last week, and we’re headed up next month. This year I am going to pre-plan our trips. Why? There is so very much we have never seen, or at the least, my husband and kids have not seen. There is so much we miss just because we didn’t plan well, or at all. So this year, I will have an itinerary. I was joking I might get a yellow flag on a pole to go with it. The kids know what rides they must go on, the guide book has a comprehensive list of autism-friendly things (like listing quiet, out of the way areas to relax in the middle of the parks) and I am going to plan for major meltdowns and hope for none at all. I’ve requested a letter from our doctor explaining that Mal can’t cope with extra long line waits, extra stimulation, large crowds, etc.. so we can get the GAC. You would think we’d steer clear of Disney! He does really well though, and I am hoping to not need the GAC. I just want to have it just in case. Preparation. I want a happy, healthy mini-vacay. I think planning the fuck out of it will accomplish that.

The kids keep watching YouTube vid’s of the rides. Too cute.

Just spreading a little fantabulous news, Malachai had his therapy evals last week, and he is done with PT! This is amazing, because not six months ago he would fall over standing still. No joke. Now he can balance on one leg so long he can’t count that high (ok, maybe he can, but it’s a long time!)  He is still in speech and occupational therapies, but those are improving too. They will re-evaluate him in another six months. Maybe in the next six months he will learn how to sit in, and stay in, a chair

Not only is therapy going well, but he only missed one word on his spelling test today (out of ten words) and he has been helping me read Coraline at night. His speech therapist suggested I talk to the school and see what kind of literature we can tie into his daily work to keep him interested. He reads like crazy for her, not so much for me. Apparently, I just hadn’t picked the right books. We’re reading The Tale of Despereaux next (Dorian’s choice). I think I will be moving a bunch of books down the shelf for Eshiva, and finding some more appropriate books for Mal & Dor.

Speaking of Dorian, he is doing basketball after school once a week and he loves it. I think we’ll continue to do it once it’s up. It runs in five week sessions and he started last week. I looked into the local rec center for something for both the boys to do, as our PT suggested Mal do some type of sport. I don’t know what, but we’ll find something. I think they are looking into karate (ok, I am pushing karate) but I am not going to push it if he’s really not into it. We were also thinking bowling, but the PT specificaly said sports that work the entire body. We need to increase (and maintain) his muscle tone, as it’s significantly “below age level.” Eshiva is going to be taking a dance class once a week in the mornings, and she is uber-excited about that. She wont stop talking about it, in fact.

Shivie is a little chatterbox, and thinks she’s a princess. She recently discovered dinosaurs (and I wish we lived closer to DC, because there are no decent dino exhibits around here that I can find) and barbie. She turns four on Feb 10th and woe be unto you if you try and tell her she’s three.

Everyone else is well. Dad and Michael and still employed (yay!) and I am still getting enough work to buy fun stuff by freelancing (also yay!). Michael and Sara are looking into the SAT and making plans and doing all that fun 17 year old stuff.

Ah… I think that wraps us up! I’m sure there is more, but it’s daily stuff. I was just so excited about Malachai! He is still having troubles, but there is a light.

and I posted this to PM’s yesterday:

Michael was given written notification today that the therapy place we go is closing on Friday.

Fucking economy.

They are going to try to farm everyone out to other locations, and we may be able to keep our OT if the other place she works can fit him in (and if they take our ins and if it’s in a reasonable drive). Our ST was an intern.

What really stinks is I really, really like our ST, and WTF giving us one weeks notice?

I know we can find someplace else (hell, maybe the place a few blocks down the street takes our ins and offers what we need) but this still stinks.

and I posted this today as a follow-up:

Yay!!! Our rockin speech gal called me up this morning and told me that she interviewed this morning at a place that is even closer and they are working their hardest to absorb all of the speech therapists AND their clients AND keep the same schedule!

She gave me the number of the new place, and I left a message around 10AM. She phoned me back around 5:30, apologized for it taking so long to get back to me, and told me what was going on. They do take our insurance, and are working to have the approvals transferred to them from our current place. She is hoping to start Monday!

We see Courtney tomorrow and Thursday and I am just thrilled it sounds like we won’t have a lapse, at least here.

I still need to find out where the place our OT works is located (she was split between the two places I guess), if they take our ins, and if we can fit in over there. I really like our OT as well – not like I like our ST, but she is awesome with Malachai. I’d hang out with our ST, not so much with our OT.

But wait, there’s more! We’re adopting a new puppy!

So, we’ve been thinking about getting a companion for Malachai for a while now. Therapy dogs are quite expensive, and the “free” ones take a lot of paperwork and legwork. No doubt they don’t deserve it, but it was more than we needed. It’s not like we were looking for a seeing eye dog or anything, you know? So, we found this little guy! We’re picking him up either Thursday or Sunday.

He’s been there for a year! I can’t imagine why someone didn’t want to take him home, but I am glad they didn’t! We drove down to Ft. Lauderdale on Monday and went back to meet him. He is so friendly, and energetic and playful. He jumped up on Eshiva, but did not knock her down. The gal who showed him to us said he gets along with all the other dogs/cats in the rescue, have never bitten anyone, and is healthy. Apparently he was purchased from a pet store, and then got sick. He had demodectic mange (yes, just like our Yorkie) but his fur is full and thick and I didn’t feel any scabs or anything on his body. They said nothing about meds or anything else, and he is neutered. This is good, because Sasha is so sick, putting her through surgery to spay her would be too taxing on her immune system (so says the vet).

He is a year and a half old, and is the perfect size. Yay!

From the rescue site:
More About Patches/Atos: Patches was purchased from a puppy store. He is a sweet fellow who is good with other animals including cats. He is waiting for a forever home with lots of playmates or toys. Walks in the park or just around the block. Nice yard to play in but not totally necessary. Patches loves his toys!

Oh, he’s a beagle/basset mix. Cuteness!

Anything else? Probably not. I am sticking with good news right now.

If you like the look of stuff from Anthropologie but not their crazy-ass prices, check out eShakti. Even better, every product that they offer is available in standard sizes from XS to 3X, OR you can have it made in a custom size based on your measurements. And if you like an item but wish the sleeves were different, or the length were shorter/longer, you can also have the item customized to your style preferences.

Most items are $30–40 (dresses, skirts, blouses tunics) with 100% silk items and embroidered wool coats running up to about $80.

And they give you $25 off of your first order… I just got a work blouse for about $10 after that discount!

I’m doing our secret swap again this year, so here is my all about me post for this year. It’s pretty much the same one from last year, and the year before.

What I am… I am a mom, a daughter, a sister, a wife, and all the things those roles define. I act as an accountant, a chef (gourmet and diner varieties), a maid, a washing woman, seamstress, personal shopper, and any other menial household task you can think of. I am also a taxi service on occasion as well as a nurse.

Now that I have (somewhat) defined my role, here is who I am (on this day)… I haven’t knitted in ages, so please, no yarn. I like reading, but I am picky. I am a web and graphic designer by trade, and I do that in my spare time. I co-own and operate Punky Moms, the rockin’est (is that a word? It is now!) parenting forum out there. I spend way more time there than is probably healthy, but I seriously love it and couldn’t think of a better way to spend my spare time. And all my other time. And time that doesn’t exist yet. I like to think I can sew and do all sorts of other crafty things, but in reality, there isn’t any time left over for it. I am kinda-sorta learning to tattoo, but I seem to be out of time and a cheering section.

I have lots of tattoos and big ears. My lobes are stretched to 3/4 of an inch, my double conches are an 8g, my tragii are a 10g and my helixes are at a 2G. I’ve had my navel pierced since I was 14 and yes it’s still there. Everything else I’ve removed.

I have a general wishlist posted here: http://quirkymom.com/wishful/

I am a stay at home mom.

I live in South Florida, where it’s hot all the time, but I can’t think of anyplace better to live. I grew up in MD but I don’t want to move back.

Hm… I can’t think of anything else right now. If my secret pal wants to know anything in particular, just drop me an email!

Posted using ShareThis

Original story in Norwegian.

Blog post where it was translated to English.

Mary lacked money to fly home to Norway – he saved her love

ÅSGÅRDSTRAND (VG): Mary was a newlywed and ready to move to Norway, but was stopped at the airport because she didn’t have enough money for the trip. Then a stranger turned up and paid for her.

Mary Menth Andersen was 31 years old at the time and had just married Norwegian Dag Andersen. She was looking forward to starting a new life in Åsgårdstrand in Vestfold with him. But first she had to get all of her belongings across to Norway. The date was November 2nd, 1988.
At the airport in Miami things were hectic as usual, with long lines at the check-in counters. When it was finally Mary’s turn and she had placed her luggage on the baggage line, she got the message that would crush her bubbling feeling of happiness.
-You’ll have to pay a 103 dollar surcharge if you want to bring both those suitcases to Norway, the man behind the counter said.
Mary had no money. Her new husband had travelled ahead of her to Norway, and she had no one else to call.
-I was completely desperate and tried to think which of my things I could manage without. But I had already made such a careful selection of my most prized possessions, says Mary.

Although she explained the situation to the man behind the counter, he showed no signs of mercy.
-I started to cry, tears were pouring down my face and I had no idea what to do. Then I heard a gentle and friendly voice behind me saying, That’s OK, I’ll pay for her.
Mary turned around to see a tall man whom she had never seen before.
-He had a gentle and kind voice that was still firm and decisive. The first thing I thought was, Who is this man?
Although this happened 20 years ago, Mary still remembers the authority that radiated from the man.
-He was nicely dressed, fashionably dressed with brown leather shoes, a cotton shirt open at the throat and khaki pants, says Mary.
She was thrilled to be able to bring both her suitcases to Norway and assured the stranger that he would get his money back. The man wrote his name and address on a piece of paper that he gave to Mary. She thanked him repeatedly. When she finally walked off towards the security checkpoint, he waved goodbye to her.

The piece of paper said ‘Barack Obama’ and his address in Kansas, which is the state where his mother comes from. Mary carried the slip of paper around in her wallet for years, before it was thrown out.
-He was my knight in shining armor, says Mary, smiling.
She paid the 103 dollars back to Obama the day after she arrived in Norway. At that time he had just finished his job as a poorly paid community worker* in Chicago, and had started his law studies at prestigious Harvard university.
In the spring of 2006 Mary’s parents had heard that Obama was considering a run for president, but that he had still not decided. They chose to write a letter in which they told him that he would receive their votes. At the same time, they thanked Obama for helping their daughter 18 years earlier.
In a letter to Mary’s parents dated May 4th, 2006 and stamped ‘United States Senate, Washington DC’, Barack Obama writes**:
‘I want to thank you for the lovely things you wrote about me and for reminding me of what happened at Miami airport. I’m happy I could help back then, and I’m delighted to hear that your daughter is happy in Norway. Please send her my best wishes. Sincerely, Barack Obama, United States senator’.
The parents sent the letter on to Mary.

This week VG met her and her husband in the café that she runs with her friend Lisbeth Tollefsrud in Åsgårdstrand.
-It’s amazing to think that the man who helped me 20 years ago may now become the next US president, says Mary delightedly.
She has already voted for Obama. She recently donated 100 dollars to his campaign.
She often tells the story from Miami airport, both when race issues are raised and when the conversation turns to the presidential elections.
-I sincerely hope the Americans will see reason and understand that Obama means change, says Mary.

*Not at all sure about this part of the translation. The Norwegian word used is ‘miljøarbeider’, I don’t know what the exact English word for that is or even if there is one, and I don’t know enough about Obama to say what job of his they’re talking about.
**This is my translation of the reporter’s translation of the letter. From English to Norwegian and back to English. So obviously it is not correct word for word.

Photo is Mary and her husband with the letter from Senator Obama.

One of the moms from Punky Moms posted this and I wante dto share the love. This is the kind of person (male or female) I want in office. Someone who cares enough to do this sort of thing is going to care enough to do all sorts of other small, but important, things.

Yesterday I had a tiny quirk come up with how some of our settings were, well, set. Up until now you had to pay for your transaction when you made it (so you were paying site fees at the time of listing, etc..). This morning we’re switched over to “account mode” which operates more like eBay where you run a tab for the month and pay at the end.

Right now we have a 20$USD limit for your tab, but we are willing to raise it if the low limit causes problems. The minimum invoice value is 5$USD, so you don’t have to pay your tab until it is at least 5$. Good deal!

If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask. If I can’t answer right away, I’ll ask someone who can.

Thanks for supporting Punky Moms and The Alt Bazaar! Don’t forget to advertise your shop or your auctions, and don’t forget to list away! We can’t grow without you.

We are currently offering a 1$USD site credit for new signups! That’s half a small shop!

Jenn
http://AltBazaar.com
http://PunkyMoms.com

Punky Moms: Kicking Motherhood in the Ass <– Clicky-Clicky!

We’ve got new goodies, old goodies, better goodies and tons of fun! Check out our new look today!

Don’t forget to enter the Cherry Canary contest in our newsletter! Click Here and scroll most of the way down the page. It’s pretty easy, just fill out the form! I’ve got three prizes to send out, a flower hair clip and two pairs of clips too! Winner is chosen on September 30, so enter today! You do not need to be a Punky Moms member to enter, but why wouldn’t you want to be?

Punky Moms Holiday Ad Book!
What is the Holiday Ad Book you ask? It’s a one stop directory of places to shop! It’s more than a holiday gift “guide,” it’s a resource people will hang on to and reference all year long. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve directed someone to this place or that looking for the perfect holiday gift, baby gift, mama gift… you name it! Whether you sell Avon, Body Shop at Home, Candles, Clothing, jewelry, you have a place in our book!

What a great way to reach over 1000 people (and growing daily!) all at once! We’re planning for our holiday shopping guide and we want your ads!

For the ridiculously inexpensive rate of 20$ per 1/8 page ad (the size of a business card) you can have a spot in our holiday digital book. The book will be available for free download to everyone as well as being distributed around the web.

Want a larger size? All of our rates are ridiculously inexpensive!

We have 16 1/8 page ads available @ 20$ each
We have 8 1/4 page ads available @ 35$ each
We have 4 1/2 page ads available @ 60$ each
We have 2 full page ads @ 100$ each

We want to have this created and ready for download and distro at the beginning of November for those who like to do their holiday shopping early! As long as the ads are in it will go out on time!

http://punkymomsforum.com/2008/09/18/links/

Free Links! This tells you where to post your free links!
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