...just sayin'...

I don't think I have ever, EVER been so infuriated about something on the internet.

I try to take what I read on the internet, especially Facebook, with a grain of salt. 

Tonight, a casual Facebook friend...someone from the Disney community posted a photo of a child {not their own} with a caption reading something about 'how to have a good time on a WDW vacation, throw yourself on the ground and scream at the top of your lungs while your parents watch'.  This person followed that statement with 'is there a test to be a parent yet?'

Really.

And that wasn't want infuriated me.

I usually let things like that roll off my back, but I couldn't.

Little Man was the kid that you saw screaming in Target.  No, not because he couldn't have a toy...but because one of the lights in the building was loose, or needed to be changed.

The buzzing from that one light, somewhere in the store drove him mad.

Little Man was the kid that you saw pitching a fit in a restaurant.  No, not because he didn't like his chicken fingers or his broccoli.

There was a string from the waistband of his shorts.  One string.  Rubbing him the wrong way.

I posted something to the effect of 'not that I am condoning the parents standing there and watching, but my son has thrown fits like this.  He has ASD and it is typical of children with Autism'

There were a few agreeing comments, and even ones saying that is typical of ALL children {to which I agreed}.  Even one saying that Disney is overstimulating for everyone, even adults and sometimes they {as adults} wanted to throw themselves on the ground and scream.

Then there was one, posted by someone that got under my skin.  Saying that her 'friend has two autistic sons, one severe and one mild...they would have gotten a hand to the hiney and they wouldn't have pulled that, just sayin' '

Just sayin'

Really?

I am not sure what infuriated me more...the fact that this woman, who is not the parent of an Autistic child was judging me {try walking a mile in my shoes, lady!} or the fact that she was downplaying the fact that you really DON'T know the story behind the child's meltdown and you shouldn't judge.

Just sayin'

I replied {probably bitchily} that you ought to give the parents a break.  You have NO idea why the child is throwing the fit, and you don't know how the parents are/will handle it.

Then I said, 'just sayin' '

The amount of judging that others do...to children both on the spectrum and not, amazes me.

I won't lie...before I had Little Man, I was probably a "judger". 

Amazing what having a child on the Spectrum will do to your mindset.

Yes.  Years of therapies have helped Little Man.  He no longer throws massive fits in Target.  He no longer vomits in the Costco toy aisle.  He uses his words and lets me know if something {like a string in his shorts} is bothering him.

I see the kiddos, in Target, Costco, Longhorn, Disney World...I see them throwing fits.  Spoiled brats, sensory processing disorder, Autism...I have no idea.  I just know what it is like to be the parent.  The parent on the other end of those stares.  The other end of those whispers.  The other end of those photos.  I give the kid, and the parents a break.  I give them a knowing smile and I walk on.

By the way, if I EVER find out that someone photographed Little Man while he was having a meltdown...watch out.  You don't mess with Mama Bear's cubs.

All I am saying is you don't know what a parent or child is going through.  Give them a little break, and a little credit.

{love to all}

...love is in the air...

New and exciting things are happening with Origami Owl Custom Jewelry.  I am amazed each and every day about what is happening with this company.

I am so glad I took the leap of faith a year and a half ago and joined.

source: Google Images

For the holidays, we introduced three *Limited Edition* Holiday Charms.  A Snow Globe, Gingerbread Man and Wrapped Presents.

I wish I had ordered more.

I knew they were going to be popular...but I had no idea just HOW popular they would be.  They sold out within days.  My personal favorite is the Snow Globe...it is actually *rounded*.  Really.  The charms O2 keep introducing are amazing.  Simply amazing.

source: chrissypagnotti.origamiowl.com

{have I mentioned that the high heel charms actually STAND?!?!?  Like a tiny little Barbie doll shoe!!!}

I adore it.  Adore!

When I signed on in May of 2012, I thought to myself...'lockets and charms, what more can they come out with?'

Really?  Like I should have worried.

Origami Owl is always coming out with something new and exciting.  Fall of 2012 launched the Tagged collection.  I like it more than I thought I would {again, doubt???  what was I thinking???}  When I attended the first O2 Experience in Phoenix, AZ in July, we Designers waited with baited breath as to what would be announced.  So many new and exciting products were unveiled...but none with more fanfare than the BRACELETS!!!  I love mine, both the dangle bracelet and Link Locket bracelets.

What could be next on the horizon?

How about a HEART SHAPED LOCKET?!?!?

Yep.  A *Limited Edition* Heart Shaped plate, to boot!

Take a close look at that chain...anything interesting or different about it???

Oh, maybe that it is a HEART LINK chain!!!

What little gems of charms will you put inside your new Valentines Day themed locket???

Perhaps one {or three} of the *Limited Edition* Conversation Heart charms.

Or maybe one of the *Limited Edition* Chocolate Covered Strawberry charms, or Box of Chocolate Charms.

New charms, new plates, new dangles, new lockets, new chains.  What will Origami Owl think of next???  I am so excited to be a part of this amazing company.  If you are interested in these items, or any of the amazing items that Origami Owl has to offer, please zip me a message or shoot me a text!  I appreciate everything that Origami Owl has helped provide for me and my family over the last year and a half {that is for another blog post}  I love that I have been able to tell MY story through meaningful pieces of jewelry.  What story will YOU tell???

{love to all}

...things have a funny way of falling into place...

source: Google Images

I don't normally make New Years Resolutions.

I break them too quickly.

I do like the thought of setting goals, though.

Something easy, that I can keep up with.

For example, fast food.

Little Man and I eat waaayyy too much fast food.  Like daily.  I don't plan well enough, so we cruise through the drive through at 8:30 at night after wrestling practice.  Or Cub Scouts.  Or PTO.  Or small church group.  Or swim practice.

You get the picture.

Good news...we haven't had fast food since 12.19.13.  I had McDonalds while Little Man's para took him to wrestling practice, then out for pizza.  I was able to finish up some Christmas stuff.  A much needed night "off" for this momma.

I digress.

Little Man was super-sick 12.20.13...like got the call from school-sick.  Had to pick him up early-sick.  Had to call out of work-sick.  My first day of winter break started a day early.  I am not complaining {unless it messes with my holiday pay, then I'll be hacked}.  Between Little Man being sick {seven whole days, no thanks to our pediatrician!}, the holidays, me getting sick and just general staying-at-home-because-we-can-because-we-are-on-winter-break-for-the-first-real-time-EVER, we haven't hit a drive-thru.

I have been cooking.  Maybe not gourmet meals, but I have been cooking  Using pots and pans.  Using my slow cooker.  Cooking.

My goal, right now is to avoid the 8:30 drive-thru rush.  My goal is to plan, use the slow cooker to my advantage and eat better.  Better.  Not perfect.  I am sure what I am cooking isn't the healthiest, but it is better than McDonalds.  It has to be.

Darn.  I forgot that Chick-fil-A is fast-food.

Maybe every now and then.  Heck, we have gone almost two weeks without it...so maybe once a month won't hurt us.  Moderation.

source: Google Images

I have other goals that I would like to work on.  Saving money {that is a whole other post...I am SUPER excited!}.  Take more photos.  Stress less.  Enjoy more.  WRITE.  Of course, there is always weight loss, but I am not going to concentrate on a program, per se.  More of a watching what I am eating {the no fast-food should help here} and getting a workout in here and there.  Maybe tracking what I am eating...but I am getting WAY ahead of myself right now.

  

source: Google Images

Baby steps will get me there.  Things might just fall into place.  2013 wasn't a horrible year.  It wasn't a stellar year.  It was what it was.  The nice thing about a new year {or new month, week or DAY for that matter} is that it is a fresh start. A new beginning.  

I have goals for my Origami Owl business {Executive Team Leader, perhaps?!?!?} and my travel business.

Things have a funny way of falling into place.  I am excited.  Progress will be noted.

{Love to All}