Rachel came home from school the other day, with a story about a fight in her school cafeteria. As much as you hate to hear of school violence, you do look forward to hearing an Aspie summary version of what happened...
The first thought that came to my naive mind, was maybe a food fight.? Right? Nope! She told me about 2 boys in her class, who shall remain nameless, here. "*** hit **** right in his eye. He punched him for no reason." I asked if she saw it and she told me she did. I then asked if *** got a black eye? To which Rachel informed me: "NO. But his eye did turn purple!"
When will I learn to be literal?
Showing posts with label Rachelism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rachelism. Show all posts
Monday, April 30, 2012
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Accomplishment... or a Circus????
So, it's been a while since I've posted anything... not for lack of Rachelisms, experiences, tests, trials, joys, accomplishments... Life happens! Much to get caught up on...
I recently had surgery, and my wonderful mother came down to Florid,a to tend to Rachel, Rosebug, me & everything else. There were the Aspie-normal challenges, when faced with change. When I was able to come home, apparently I was still under the "influence" of anesthesia and NOT thinking Aspie. This became very obvious one day, while we were gathered together and talking.
I was sharing some great news about my precious grandson being such a big boy... all potty trained. He got to go to ChuckECheese to celebrate. I was relaying this information to Mom & Rachel, explaining to Rachel why they were celebrating Jakson's "big feat".
After a small amount of time passed, Rachel said "Mom, it's too bad you don't have any clown feet." WHAT??? It took my Mom to explain the Aspie, clearly obvious, thought. I said, "What are you talking about Clown feet?". Rachel, "You know, Jakson has Big FEET!" I was happy my mom was here to get me through that "Feet"!
I recently had surgery, and my wonderful mother came down to Florid,a to tend to Rachel, Rosebug, me & everything else. There were the Aspie-normal challenges, when faced with change. When I was able to come home, apparently I was still under the "influence" of anesthesia and NOT thinking Aspie. This became very obvious one day, while we were gathered together and talking.
I was sharing some great news about my precious grandson being such a big boy... all potty trained. He got to go to ChuckECheese to celebrate. I was relaying this information to Mom & Rachel, explaining to Rachel why they were celebrating Jakson's "big feat".
After a small amount of time passed, Rachel said "Mom, it's too bad you don't have any clown feet." WHAT??? It took my Mom to explain the Aspie, clearly obvious, thought. I said, "What are you talking about Clown feet?". Rachel, "You know, Jakson has Big FEET!" I was happy my mom was here to get me through that "Feet"!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Feline Wear Confusion....
OUCH!
This morning, I was awakened from my sleep by a confused Aspie. She said "I'm mixed-up and need to know something, right NOW!" (3:27 a.m.) I'm usually the one that is baffled, so I figure this must be important. ;0)
"WHY, does the Cat in the Hat wear gloves?"
If she had been any other child, I would have thought it was a riddle... BUT, she's not! And why on earth did that question require me to be rushed to consciousness? Just one of the normal exceptions to "the rules", by a uniquely wired Aspie.
Once I am alert enough to know, that this is not going to go away shortly, I begin trying to ask the obvious...to me.
I say "I don't know; why does the Cat in the Hat wear a hat?" Well, that was really dumb of me not to know!... "He is the Cat in the HAT...he has to wear it. He's NOT the Cat in the Gloves!"....o.k.
"Well, why does he always wear a red bow tie?"
Eye roll... "It's just a fancy collar!"...oh... (I was too sleepy to think to ask why/how the Cat speaks, AND speaks in "human English"? instead of Rachel's preferred "catlish") Now...my migraine is making itself known! Ouch... an unwelcomed distraction from the question regarding a cat wearing gloves.
Do you remember the newspaper column "Dear Abby"? Oh, how I wish there was a source to turn to, to answer these "earthshaking" questions... Maybe we need a "Dear Aspie" column, during these modern times & challenges...
Here are some of my guesses and suggestions regarding the Cat in the Hat wearing gloves...
1) He is being considerate and doesn't want to scratch anyone.
2) He just got a manicure.
3) His nails are embarrassingly short.
4) His nails are embarrassingly long.
5) He is allergic to something.
6) He doesn't want to scare anyone.
7) He likes to play dress-up.
8) He is hiding something in his gloves.
9) He has sensory issues.. (something she can understand, but not a good reason for a cat)
10)He is a cartoon.. and cartoons are not nature & never make sense!
...
(At the time, I didn't think to ask her why he only wears them on his front paws?)
All of which were disregarded as a big "NO"! So, the question is still unanswered to Aspie satisfaction... WHY does the Cat in the Hat wear gloves? Feel free to offer any guesses... PLEASE!
This morning, I was awakened from my sleep by a confused Aspie. She said "I'm mixed-up and need to know something, right NOW!" (3:27 a.m.) I'm usually the one that is baffled, so I figure this must be important. ;0)
"WHY, does the Cat in the Hat wear gloves?"
If she had been any other child, I would have thought it was a riddle... BUT, she's not! And why on earth did that question require me to be rushed to consciousness? Just one of the normal exceptions to "the rules", by a uniquely wired Aspie.
Once I am alert enough to know, that this is not going to go away shortly, I begin trying to ask the obvious...to me.
I say "I don't know; why does the Cat in the Hat wear a hat?" Well, that was really dumb of me not to know!... "He is the Cat in the HAT...he has to wear it. He's NOT the Cat in the Gloves!"....o.k.
"Well, why does he always wear a red bow tie?"
Eye roll... "It's just a fancy collar!"...oh... (I was too sleepy to think to ask why/how the Cat speaks, AND speaks in "human English"? instead of Rachel's preferred "catlish") Now...my migraine is making itself known! Ouch... an unwelcomed distraction from the question regarding a cat wearing gloves.
Do you remember the newspaper column "Dear Abby"? Oh, how I wish there was a source to turn to, to answer these "earthshaking" questions... Maybe we need a "Dear Aspie" column, during these modern times & challenges...
Here are some of my guesses and suggestions regarding the Cat in the Hat wearing gloves...
1) He is being considerate and doesn't want to scratch anyone.
2) He just got a manicure.
3) His nails are embarrassingly short.
4) His nails are embarrassingly long.
5) He is allergic to something.
6) He doesn't want to scare anyone.
7) He likes to play dress-up.
8) He is hiding something in his gloves.
9) He has sensory issues.. (something she can understand, but not a good reason for a cat)
10)He is a cartoon.. and cartoons are not nature & never make sense!
...
(At the time, I didn't think to ask her why he only wears them on his front paws?)
All of which were disregarded as a big "NO"! So, the question is still unanswered to Aspie satisfaction... WHY does the Cat in the Hat wear gloves? Feel free to offer any guesses... PLEASE!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Wanted/Needed Aspie Interpreter
This morning began as most mornings do around here. Medicine time, first. Rachel did a great job taking hers,this morning. No complaints, no dragging it out, stalling... Smooth starts always make my day better!
She even promptly began washing the syringes... from her meds. She then said "Can you tell, I'm taking a role call?" Huh? I didn't know what she was talking about, (per norm), so I just smiled. She then asked again. I guessed maybe "A role call of your meds?". "NO!" Frustration sets in on both sides!
She finished cleaning up...only to proclaim again: "I did the role call fast." ....Silence...I chose to ignore what I couldn't decipher.
As I'm cleaning up the rest of the kitchen, she is getting more and more frustrated. When she finally says "I'm roll on." Hmmm.... Huh? I ask where are you rolling? She says "No, no, no. Can't you see, how fast I took my medicine and cleaned up? I'm roll on!"
Alas, another Rachelism. I then ask, (after the light bulb flashed above my head), "Oh, so you are on a roll?"...." NO! "I'm roll on, you know, getting things done faster than usual!"
Ah... Asperger's and the nuances of the English language. Does anyone know of an Aspie Interpreter? I need one!
She even promptly began washing the syringes... from her meds. She then said "Can you tell, I'm taking a role call?" Huh? I didn't know what she was talking about, (per norm), so I just smiled. She then asked again. I guessed maybe "A role call of your meds?". "NO!" Frustration sets in on both sides!
She finished cleaning up...only to proclaim again: "I did the role call fast." ....Silence...I chose to ignore what I couldn't decipher.
As I'm cleaning up the rest of the kitchen, she is getting more and more frustrated. When she finally says "I'm roll on." Hmmm.... Huh? I ask where are you rolling? She says "No, no, no. Can't you see, how fast I took my medicine and cleaned up? I'm roll on!"
Alas, another Rachelism. I then ask, (after the light bulb flashed above my head), "Oh, so you are on a roll?"...." NO! "I'm roll on, you know, getting things done faster than usual!"
Ah... Asperger's and the nuances of the English language. Does anyone know of an Aspie Interpreter? I need one!
Monday, May 30, 2011
A Time to Plant...
(Photo from 2005)
Celebrating Memorial Day, today. I must admit, the occassion is meaning something different this year to me. My childhood friend, Jenny Newsom's son, Kevin Balduf, was killed in Afghanistan this month for our country. May God give comfort and strength to all those families who have given all for us! Kevin left behind a young wife, 2 young daughters, his twin, Kyle, his Mom, Jenny, Aunt Joyce, Uncle Howard and so many more family & friends.
When Rachel said she wanted to make a card for Kevin's mom, she handed me a crayon picture of a mitten. Interesting... She then said "there are actually 2 mittens, you just can't see one of them. They are touching together to pray."
On a completely different topic... Today is Rachel's first real day of summer vacation. And of course, that means to expect the unexpected... she is of course, an Aspie! She was watching a cartoon early this morning & came into my room to ask me "Can we plant eggs?"..... My brain was trying to recover from a migraine, so I wasn't sure what she asked. "What?" To which she asked again "Can we plant eggs?"... immediate confusion! Followed by the "No; why did you ask that?"
"Well, how do you get an EGGPLANT?"... completely sincere.
Of course... I am so slow! Got to love another Rachelism! And why is the English language so inaccurate, anyway?
Enjoy your holiday & remember the sacrifices that so many have made for our freedoms! God bless the USA & may we bless GOD!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Facts of Life...
(Rosie & Rachel in years gone by)
If you, personally know Rachel, you know Rosebug, our dog, is her "life" (her words). Last summer, we began discussing and reading about changes. Changes that occur as a girl becomes a young woman... Interesting to say the least! And that's pretty much all I will share about that. BUT....
Yesterday, we were talking about Rosie. "Is she ever going to have puppies?..." So, trying to be creative, but give her a picture she could understand.... I explained that Rosie's "nest" had been removed when she was young, so she would never have puppies. Quiet....Thinking...Quiet... "So, Rosie's eggs are gone?".... Yes....(Sigh of relief; she understands.) Not!
More silence & look of concern on Rachel's face... She began loving on Rosie, looking kind of concerned again.... Then she asked "Are there some very special birds watching over & caring for Rosie's eggs?" It was another innocent Aspie conversation, that I will probably remember forever. Smiles....
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Aspie-Perfect Description
On a lighter note, this Saturday morning....
Our yard and all of our area yards have been in desperate need of rain. So, when some clouds rolled in yesterday afternoon, excitement & hope were the "words" around here! (Daytona area) We even heard the promising roll of thunder...we got the winds, cloud, thunder... rain? not so much, if any, at our house.
So, this morning, I asked Rachel if she thought we got any rain last night. To which she replied: "I think so. The yard looks a little MOISTURIZED"! Perfect beginning of a day with an Aspie!
Our yard and all of our area yards have been in desperate need of rain. So, when some clouds rolled in yesterday afternoon, excitement & hope were the "words" around here! (Daytona area) We even heard the promising roll of thunder...we got the winds, cloud, thunder... rain? not so much, if any, at our house.
So, this morning, I asked Rachel if she thought we got any rain last night. To which she replied: "I think so. The yard looks a little MOISTURIZED"! Perfect beginning of a day with an Aspie!
Friday, May 6, 2011
I Stand Corrected...Again!
If you ever think you are rarely wrong...you are not living with an Aspie. I learn everyday, something I assumed was one way, is not!
Last Saturday, I phoned in 9 scripts to be refilled at CVS. They have been our pharmacy of choice, since we moved in our house, 2 years ago. One thing I do know, is you have to allow plenty of time, in case they need to reorder, get a prior approval, etc. You know the drill.
I was feeling pretty pleased with myself for remembering 3 days ahead of time. On Monday afternoon, a very nice lady called to let me know they were all ready for pick-up. Things are flowing so smoothly...I think!
Rosie accompanied me on our normal routine of picking up Rachel from school. Our pharmacy is between the house & school, so it was convenient to pick up the meds on the way home. Since Rosie was in the car, I decided to make use of the "convenient" drive-thru, so Rose wouldn't get overheated...after all they were "all ready for pick-up".
Twenty-five minutes later, I was finally signing for the meds & getting them, when Rachel straight-faced said: "I thought this was a drive-thru, not a WAIT-thru"! Could not agree more, after I stopped laughing and thought about it! She said CVS needed to change the sign to "Wait-thru"!
I sometimes think an Aspie could straighten out this world, with a little guidance. Enjoy your weekend!
Last Saturday, I phoned in 9 scripts to be refilled at CVS. They have been our pharmacy of choice, since we moved in our house, 2 years ago. One thing I do know, is you have to allow plenty of time, in case they need to reorder, get a prior approval, etc. You know the drill.
I was feeling pretty pleased with myself for remembering 3 days ahead of time. On Monday afternoon, a very nice lady called to let me know they were all ready for pick-up. Things are flowing so smoothly...I think!
Rosie accompanied me on our normal routine of picking up Rachel from school. Our pharmacy is between the house & school, so it was convenient to pick up the meds on the way home. Since Rosie was in the car, I decided to make use of the "convenient" drive-thru, so Rose wouldn't get overheated...after all they were "all ready for pick-up".
Twenty-five minutes later, I was finally signing for the meds & getting them, when Rachel straight-faced said: "I thought this was a drive-thru, not a WAIT-thru"! Could not agree more, after I stopped laughing and thought about it! She said CVS needed to change the sign to "Wait-thru"!
I sometimes think an Aspie could straighten out this world, with a little guidance. Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Use your NOODLE!
I'm thinking by now, if you are a blog follower of Parenting Asperger's, you could write this for me...
This morning, Rachel was asking for help with something, to which I replied: "Use your noodle"! As there was silence for a couple of minutes, I wrongfully assumed she had figured out what she needed. Only to be reminded, when she asked :"Do I need one that I can eat OR one for the swimming pool?"
Have a great Thursday!
This morning, Rachel was asking for help with something, to which I replied: "Use your noodle"! As there was silence for a couple of minutes, I wrongfully assumed she had figured out what she needed. Only to be reminded, when she asked :"Do I need one that I can eat OR one for the swimming pool?"
Have a great Thursday!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Bad prophets? & Raining Babies!
A news story just came on TV about World War II veterans being taken to see their war memorial in Washington D.C. These people were very humble heros. As Rachel and I were talking about heros....the commentator gave credit for these special vets getting to go to D.C. to a "non-profit" group, honoring them.
We continued discussing heros and their unselfish sacrifices... Then, suddenly, Rachel says "Are prophets bad?" So we discuss Biblical prophets for a little bit ('til I gave up for now). Then she says..."Well, if prophets are good, then non-prophets are bad?"...."so why did they take those heros to Washington D.C., if they are bad?"
I'm soooo confused.... ;0) Fun morning already with an Aspie! Trying to explain why a "non-profit" is a good thing.... You get the pix; we've been in circles...
Coming up next....did you know babies come from rain? We are off to a "Baby Shower" at 10:00 this morning...I told Rachel I will run if it starts raining babies! Yes, she briefly thought a baby would be "rained down" at the baby shower. I'm thinking the Mom-to-be would like that!
Happy Easter Weekend!
We continued discussing heros and their unselfish sacrifices... Then, suddenly, Rachel says "Are prophets bad?" So we discuss Biblical prophets for a little bit ('til I gave up for now). Then she says..."Well, if prophets are good, then non-prophets are bad?"...."so why did they take those heros to Washington D.C., if they are bad?"
I'm soooo confused.... ;0) Fun morning already with an Aspie! Trying to explain why a "non-profit" is a good thing.... You get the pix; we've been in circles...
Coming up next....did you know babies come from rain? We are off to a "Baby Shower" at 10:00 this morning...I told Rachel I will run if it starts raining babies! Yes, she briefly thought a baby would be "rained down" at the baby shower. I'm thinking the Mom-to-be would like that!
Happy Easter Weekend!
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Looking for a good challenge?
Just a quick vent on my part. If you ever want to be totally frustrated....just try explaining tennis to an Aspie! After all, the scoring goes Love, 15, 30, 40, deuce, add in, add out, game, set, match.... No real consistant pattern. Needless to say, I have had to redirect the conversation, because it does NOT make sense to an Aspie! I am not up to this challenge, today!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
False Advertising
Just need to get something off my mind... False advertising is IMPOSSIBLE to explain to Asperger's! We have been around & around this morning regarding "false advertising".
Rachel informed me that next year, if she is a Honeybear, again at her school (dance team), we need to get her shoes from Payless. O.K. I remind her that's where we got them this year, as solid black sneakers with no logos, etc. are hard to find. Apparently, she was not concerned about that, but told me we would save money by getting her shoes there. Once again, I reminded her we got them there this year. "Well, yes. We will save even more next year because it's Payless." She thinks everytime we go, we get a bigger discount, apparently. I long for simplicity, selfishly, just to avoid these unwinnable discussions with an Aspie!
Imagine our dilemma with stores such as Save-a-Lot, Save-More... You get it! Why can't things be crystal clear....OR....she might be a goldmine for some lawyer looking to file false advertising lawsuits! ;0)
Friday, February 18, 2011
I'm an Astronaut! Really?!?
Almost an extended weekend... time to smile! This morning, I got a dose of education....via Rachel.
My daughter, informed me this morning that she is an astronaut! hmm...hmm...should I inquire further? I know it will be something I have not thought of, BUT, I bite. "How are you an astronaut?". She continued to inform me that I am an astronaut, too. Wow, my life must be more exciting and adventurous than I knew.
Now, I'm trying to think ahead...nothing..."I don't understand what you mean, Rachel". To which she "explains", "well astronauts go & live in space, right?". To which I say "that's what I thought". She then tells me that the earth is in space, our house is on the earth, and houses are "living spaces", so we are all astronauts!
So, next time I have a form to fill out, & there is a question of my career, I might consider "Astronaut"! Have a great weekend! To infinity and beyond...
My daughter, informed me this morning that she is an astronaut! hmm...hmm...should I inquire further? I know it will be something I have not thought of, BUT, I bite. "How are you an astronaut?". She continued to inform me that I am an astronaut, too. Wow, my life must be more exciting and adventurous than I knew.
Now, I'm trying to think ahead...nothing..."I don't understand what you mean, Rachel". To which she "explains", "well astronauts go & live in space, right?". To which I say "that's what I thought". She then tells me that the earth is in space, our house is on the earth, and houses are "living spaces", so we are all astronauts!
So, next time I have a form to fill out, & there is a question of my career, I might consider "Astronaut"! Have a great weekend! To infinity and beyond...
Thursday, February 3, 2011
What makes for a more balanced woman?
I always enjoy a smile. And this morning began with just that! We were listening to the radio, as always, on the way to school. Our radio station has a "DQ" every morning (darned question), where listeners call up guessing answers to win various prizes. So...
Today's question was "according to Cosmo...what helps a woman feel more balanced?". The expected answers were being called in: enough sleep, eating right, exercising... But Rachel "knew" they were all off!
Her, near, immediate answer was..."You have to wear matching shoes to be balanced!" True enough! ;0) There's an Aspie moment!
As the guessing was continuing on the way to school a caller guessed something to which the DJ's gave a hint...yes, "it has something to do with appearance". That set Rachel's thinking off again. Then she suddenly said: "Well, I guess it has to be having a baby." ....hmmm....hmmm, I cave, "Why is that?"...To which she answers, "Well, you have to have a baby to be 'a parent'."
Enjoy your day. Look for the good!
p.s. The radio "correct" answer was to wear lipstick. Rachel insisted that made No Sense at all!
Today's question was "according to Cosmo...what helps a woman feel more balanced?". The expected answers were being called in: enough sleep, eating right, exercising... But Rachel "knew" they were all off!
Her, near, immediate answer was..."You have to wear matching shoes to be balanced!" True enough! ;0) There's an Aspie moment!
As the guessing was continuing on the way to school a caller guessed something to which the DJ's gave a hint...yes, "it has something to do with appearance". That set Rachel's thinking off again. Then she suddenly said: "Well, I guess it has to be having a baby." ....hmmm....hmmm, I cave, "Why is that?"...To which she answers, "Well, you have to have a baby to be 'a parent'."
Enjoy your day. Look for the good!
p.s. The radio "correct" answer was to wear lipstick. Rachel insisted that made No Sense at all!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Allison is a Disney Character! Really?
So, this afternoon, we made a routine stop at the pharmacy for meds. Rachel has come home the last 2 days early from school, with headaches/seizures.... Just one of those weeks, I guess...
But, as usual, there is always something to make me smile when Rachel is around. We were in our usual position...I was standing, waiting "patiently" for her medications & she was sprawled out in the massage chair at the pharmacy. She finally got her coordination together enough to awkwardly walk to the counter with me, without help.
There was one of those photo card displays by the register. And there was an attractive young blond girl in a blue dress on one of them. Rachel said "I think I know her"....Of course I responded with "Who is she?". She said the girl looked like "Allison". So my mind is racing to all the Allisons I could think of. I asked if it was Allison S. from church...."no". How 'bout my cousin Allison, that is "hanging" on our fridge? "NO!" I have to back out of this guessing game & ask directly who Allison is.
And, silly, silly me was not expecting her "obvious" answer..."She's Allison Wonderland!".
But, as usual, there is always something to make me smile when Rachel is around. We were in our usual position...I was standing, waiting "patiently" for her medications & she was sprawled out in the massage chair at the pharmacy. She finally got her coordination together enough to awkwardly walk to the counter with me, without help.
There was one of those photo card displays by the register. And there was an attractive young blond girl in a blue dress on one of them. Rachel said "I think I know her"....Of course I responded with "Who is she?". She said the girl looked like "Allison". So my mind is racing to all the Allisons I could think of. I asked if it was Allison S. from church...."no". How 'bout my cousin Allison, that is "hanging" on our fridge? "NO!" I have to back out of this guessing game & ask directly who Allison is.
And, silly, silly me was not expecting her "obvious" answer..."She's Allison Wonderland!".
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Obvious (but what is NOT for an Aspie?)
This morning started off in typical form. Getting showers, medications, readying for school...Routines are so important. Even changing the order of Rachel's medication can throw the entire day off! She was excited about turning her 4th grade Social Studies' Project in today.
We got in our car and started to school. We listen to the same morning radio program each day on the way. Our station has a daily "DQ"- "Darned Question".
Rachel always has the obvious answer & today was no exception. Here's the question: "You change your undies everyday, your oil every 3 months, your smoke detector batteries, 2 times a year...What should you change once a year?". Hmmm. There were several guesses, such as your password on your computer... Rachel couldn't believe no one could figure out the clearly obvious answer. Without even a blink, she said: "you change the number of candles on your birthday cake"...then, her eyes got really big as she said: "that is a trick question, because you also should change your calender once a year".
I tried calling in with her answer(s), but fortunately for me, the line was busy. But I did send an e-mail to the morning DJ, Leslye on Magic 107.7, regarding her funny, but true answer. They actually read it on the air & enjoyed her simplistic observation. I wish she had still been in the car to hear it. FYI- the eventual "correct" answer was to change your ATM pin number once a year. (Kind of glad she wasn't in the car to hear that answer, as that would have led to an endless conversation, that would never have been understood.)
Thought, you, too might enjoy a smile with this Rachelism! Have a great weekend!
We got in our car and started to school. We listen to the same morning radio program each day on the way. Our station has a daily "DQ"- "Darned Question".
Rachel always has the obvious answer & today was no exception. Here's the question: "You change your undies everyday, your oil every 3 months, your smoke detector batteries, 2 times a year...What should you change once a year?". Hmmm. There were several guesses, such as your password on your computer... Rachel couldn't believe no one could figure out the clearly obvious answer. Without even a blink, she said: "you change the number of candles on your birthday cake"...then, her eyes got really big as she said: "that is a trick question, because you also should change your calender once a year".
I tried calling in with her answer(s), but fortunately for me, the line was busy. But I did send an e-mail to the morning DJ, Leslye on Magic 107.7, regarding her funny, but true answer. They actually read it on the air & enjoyed her simplistic observation. I wish she had still been in the car to hear it. FYI- the eventual "correct" answer was to change your ATM pin number once a year. (Kind of glad she wasn't in the car to hear that answer, as that would have led to an endless conversation, that would never have been understood.)
Thought, you, too might enjoy a smile with this Rachelism! Have a great weekend!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Confusion at Church
Oh literalism, you have again caused Rachel confusion & me a difficult time, trying to help Rachel understand symbolism.
Rachel's lifelong buddy, Mollie, was recently baptized. It was so very exciting to learn of Mollie's decision & her desire to serve Christ. I was out of town when it occurred, but Mom was here with Rachel & happily went with Rachel to Beville Road Church of Christ to witness & rejoice with Mollie & her family!
Mom had already told me about it, and when I got home, Rachel began sharing a little about it. She kind of dropped the subject (which never happens with Asperger's, as they go on & on..... for hours, days, even weeks & months about things, completely obsessing).
I was somewhat relieved that she had shared, but did NOT obsess. Silly me...while I was thinking she had moved on to other current events, I was suddenly made aware that she was still pondering Mollie's decision. Rachel, finally, one day said: "I think it would be good to be a Christian, but I don't want to eat a person."!
How do you explain that the Lord's Supper is "symbolic" to someone who does not understand or think in symbolic terms? All this time, at church, & she thought we were cannibals. After a long talk, I still am not sure she understands the symbolic/substitute factor. All of this I'm sharing to let you understand how many of the things we take for granted, can be so baffling to an Aspie!
While I'm on the subject of church...I am reminided of how many terms, adjectives, etc. I need to use when describing things to Rachel. After several people that were greatly loved passed, the subject of heaven came up, time after time. Rachel knew that it is going to be beautiful, perfect, great, happy...But one day, she caught me by surprise, when she asked me if "heaven was a good place?". After I reassured her & we talked a while, she informed me, that no one had ever said "heaven is good". She was needing to hear it worded like that. I'm just thankful that she asked me, instead of continuing to think it was not good, simply because she had not heard anyone state it with the word "good". Words are important to everyone & I have been reminded, there is no way to overclarify with an Aspie!
Rachel's lifelong buddy, Mollie, was recently baptized. It was so very exciting to learn of Mollie's decision & her desire to serve Christ. I was out of town when it occurred, but Mom was here with Rachel & happily went with Rachel to Beville Road Church of Christ to witness & rejoice with Mollie & her family!
Mom had already told me about it, and when I got home, Rachel began sharing a little about it. She kind of dropped the subject (which never happens with Asperger's, as they go on & on..... for hours, days, even weeks & months about things, completely obsessing).
I was somewhat relieved that she had shared, but did NOT obsess. Silly me...while I was thinking she had moved on to other current events, I was suddenly made aware that she was still pondering Mollie's decision. Rachel, finally, one day said: "I think it would be good to be a Christian, but I don't want to eat a person."!
How do you explain that the Lord's Supper is "symbolic" to someone who does not understand or think in symbolic terms? All this time, at church, & she thought we were cannibals. After a long talk, I still am not sure she understands the symbolic/substitute factor. All of this I'm sharing to let you understand how many of the things we take for granted, can be so baffling to an Aspie!
While I'm on the subject of church...I am reminided of how many terms, adjectives, etc. I need to use when describing things to Rachel. After several people that were greatly loved passed, the subject of heaven came up, time after time. Rachel knew that it is going to be beautiful, perfect, great, happy...But one day, she caught me by surprise, when she asked me if "heaven was a good place?". After I reassured her & we talked a while, she informed me, that no one had ever said "heaven is good". She was needing to hear it worded like that. I'm just thankful that she asked me, instead of continuing to think it was not good, simply because she had not heard anyone state it with the word "good". Words are important to everyone & I have been reminded, there is no way to overclarify with an Aspie!
Sunday, January 2, 2011
"Gross"...Harry Potter?
Oprah was on last Friday, at our house. She was doing an interview with the one & only J.K. Rowling. She is the tremendously successful author of the Harry Potter series (fyi- for the possible 1 person on the planet unaware...). Rachel happened to be walking through the room, when she said "Yes, Harry Potter IS gross.".
O.K. Under normal circumstances, I would choose to ignore that comment, but when you try to interpret what an Aspie says, it actually made sense. Rachel heard Oprah quoting how much Ms. Rowling had "grossed" from her Harry Potter series. How else could she possibly interpret that? I just laughed quietly; briefly tried to explain the meant meaning & finally, just decided to let that one go. Some things are more trouble to explain, than what the actual difference is, anyway!
(No, she has never read them or seen the movies, but just the movie trailers led her to believe Harry Potter is "gross".)
O.K. Under normal circumstances, I would choose to ignore that comment, but when you try to interpret what an Aspie says, it actually made sense. Rachel heard Oprah quoting how much Ms. Rowling had "grossed" from her Harry Potter series. How else could she possibly interpret that? I just laughed quietly; briefly tried to explain the meant meaning & finally, just decided to let that one go. Some things are more trouble to explain, than what the actual difference is, anyway!
(No, she has never read them or seen the movies, but just the movie trailers led her to believe Harry Potter is "gross".)
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Jesus snored. Really?!?
Well, the Christmas music is playing non-stop at our house! We love the cozy feelings of family, friendships and the holidays (minus the stress)! I've certainly loved Christmas all my life and heard many versions of the holiday songs and carols.
BUT, I was reminded of a Rachel "observation", from last year. We were listening to the "Do you hear what I hear?" song. I was just singing away... After the song was over, Rachel said "Jesus must have snored loudly"....Thinking, thinking....thinking some more...Then I asked why she said that? She reminded me, in the song "Do you hear what I hear? A child, a child, sleeping in the night..."! That's right, the only way we could hear Jesus sleep, was if He was snoring...loudly!
Asperger's....they do have a point! Thought you might enjoy her observation!
BUT, I was reminded of a Rachel "observation", from last year. We were listening to the "Do you hear what I hear?" song. I was just singing away... After the song was over, Rachel said "Jesus must have snored loudly"....Thinking, thinking....thinking some more...Then I asked why she said that? She reminded me, in the song "Do you hear what I hear? A child, a child, sleeping in the night..."! That's right, the only way we could hear Jesus sleep, was if He was snoring...loudly!
Asperger's....they do have a point! Thought you might enjoy her observation!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
You've gotta laugh!
Many times, tooth brushing time is a struggle at our house! I think I have alluded to that before. But to refresh those "charming" memories, with sensory integration problems, it can be a nightmare. The gag reflex, the smell, the touch... you get the picture.. not fun. She sometimes gags just walking into the bathroom, before even touching her toothbrush. I must say, she does not actually throw up much, now! Woo Hoo, that has been such an improvement to the start of our days!
OK, back to the topic...(it's just nice to appreciate the successes at our house)! So, this morning, Rachel was getting ready to brush & Rosebug (our dog) did something silly causing Rachel to laugh. I then started laughing, which caused Rachel to do her "fake" laugh. Of course that only made me laugh harder, because I was remembering back when... Rachel is 10, now, but about a year ago, she suddenly started laughing when she attempted to brush her teeth. I thought it a little odd, but have learned nothing is really odd, living with an Asperger's child!!! This continued for a while & I figured it was better than tears, so didn't think much more about it.
It finally got to be time to head to the dentist again (now THAT, is a real nightmare!). On the way, she let me know what a good job she had been doing with her teeth.....She said she had "laughed" almost everytime she brushed...waiting...waiting....(you do a lot of that, trying to figure where their thoughts & words are going), waiting....FINALLY, she announced, "well, the dentist told me it was important to tickle my gums, everytime I brush!". OH! you guessed it, she "had" to laugh to follow the dentists orders to "tickle" her gums! You've gotta laugh! ;0)
OK, back to the topic...(it's just nice to appreciate the successes at our house)! So, this morning, Rachel was getting ready to brush & Rosebug (our dog) did something silly causing Rachel to laugh. I then started laughing, which caused Rachel to do her "fake" laugh. Of course that only made me laugh harder, because I was remembering back when... Rachel is 10, now, but about a year ago, she suddenly started laughing when she attempted to brush her teeth. I thought it a little odd, but have learned nothing is really odd, living with an Asperger's child!!! This continued for a while & I figured it was better than tears, so didn't think much more about it.
It finally got to be time to head to the dentist again (now THAT, is a real nightmare!). On the way, she let me know what a good job she had been doing with her teeth.....She said she had "laughed" almost everytime she brushed...waiting...waiting....(you do a lot of that, trying to figure where their thoughts & words are going), waiting....FINALLY, she announced, "well, the dentist told me it was important to tickle my gums, everytime I brush!". OH! you guessed it, she "had" to laugh to follow the dentists orders to "tickle" her gums! You've gotta laugh! ;0)
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