Dear Teen

Our relationship is changing, as it has every day from the moment you were born.  But it is so very different now.  I need to let go more than ever before and trust I’ve taught you right.  But I’m still legally, morally, and financially responsible for you, so things are so much more complicated than you realize.

I’ve lost my side kick and gained a mortal enemy, one that I still need to love and help grow and flourish.  That is akin to watching Superman try to say, as he lies on the floor, weak from the Kryptonite Lex Luthor is holding over him, “Please grab something nutritious from the fridge before you go out, and, oh, is your homework done?  I love you, have a great day!!!!!” 

Yes, I know, you don’t need me anymore.  Except when you want money, a ride, that new gadget, movie, cd or a new pair of boots, etc.  I know how it is.  Then I’m the most important person in the world.  A “Yes” response makes me the best Mommy in the world and a “No” response makes me worse than Charles Manson.   I know my place.  I am to sit quietly in the kitchen awaiting the opportunity to wait on you hand and foot.  There is no reason for me to even have that radio in the corner, because there is the station it is currently set on is so offensive you turn it off the second you walk in the room, if I happen to need to use the restroom.  I’m fairly certain you get this attitude toward me from your father; after all he left me this morning with “I’m not sure who is doing laundry around here, but can I get some whites done?”

I know its hard to believe, but I used to be a beautiful, vibrant, young lady.  I used to have the world lying at my feet, ready for me to conquer it, just like you.  I haven’t always been a nasty piece of road-kill.  Please remember that when you dismiss me, treat me like an idiot, and try to explain to me how I am wrong.  All parents want more for their kids than what they had.  Me?  I just want you to embrace life, not settle for mediocrity, and be the absolute best you that you can be.  Don’t waste your life.  Don’t be your mother.

As always, I will work for money, but I am not for sale.  Meaning, I'll review anything, and I do love a challenge, so send me ideas and suggestions, but my opinions can't be bought.  I do take Paypal donations anytime at eaglemingoroost@gmail.com.

Ask Not What Your Country Can Do For You.....

Ben & Rob at a Push Ball Game

This weekend, the entire state of New York is working together on something that not many people are even are aware of.  This weekend is “RecruitNY”!  This is a state wide campaign trying to increase the number of people staffing your local fire house.  Over the years, there has been a steady decline in the amount of volunteer fire fighters, and it is becoming very troublesome.  So, I’d like you to think about a few things. 

In New York State, volunteer fire fighters receive a $200 tax credit if you volunteer for the entire year.  So, if you sign up this weekend, you’ll have to wait until you file your 2016 taxes, but it’s still $200. If you are married, filing jointly, and your spouse is also a firefighter, BAM! $400 tax credit!!!  Mileage to meetings, drills, calls, etc. are also deductable expenses.  In 2014 volunteer mileage was deductible at 14 cents a mile.  Well, it doesn’t sound like much, and it may or may not add up to much, but as with everything in life, you get what you put into it.

Rob's 1st Push Ball Game!

Oh, you knew about those perks?  How about the fact that most Community Volunteer Fire Departments have some form of “Pension” programs? Now, they are not called pension programs, and each are different.  Also, not EVERY place has them, but most have something, and it’s worth looking into.  These are not going to set you up to retire to the Bahamas, or even Onondaga Lake, but they might be good enough to buy you at least one Friday Fish Fry every Lent and that is worth something, isn’t it?  Hey, how is that regular career going for you?  Well, did you know you can get another (or your first) college degree paid for by your local fire department?  That’s right!!  So, you are too old to join the National Guard, so join your local fire department!!!  Granted,FASNY says they “FASNY has recently applied for a new SAFER award and expect to receive a decision in the next few months.” 

Pitman's New Truck Sticker!

But then there are the unwritten and unenforceable courtesies.  For instance, your fellow firefighters will know where you live!  Imagine that you are just sitting down to a homemade meal of all your favorite foods that you’ve smelled cooking all day.  The pager goes off, and the address comes across the scanner, and it’s your buddy’s house.  You know, the one who was there when you needed help doing that nasty thing that one time, and they didn’t hesitate to drop everything and help?  Yeah, you are going to drop that hot potato like a, well, hot potato to get to him/her in their time of need.  Then there is that day that you get pulled over by Officer Grumpy Pants, who saunters up to your window and asks for your license, registration, and proof of insurance, and then realizes that you were the one at that fire that one night who had did that thing that made him laugh, and he let you go with a warning.  Oh, I’m not saying that you’ll have this happen, but when we were down state, we got our swimming pool filled for free because of the fire department!!  And you can also meet new friends and network with people who can do things you can’t, and that enriches your personal life.

Southwood's new Ladder Truck!

So, just like with all volunteering, by helping others, you will also be helping yourself.  So do everyone a favor and check out your local fire department this weekend.  There is always a job for you.  You don’t have to run into burning buildings, there are other things, things that are much, much more sane.  For instance, if you come to Southwood, you’ll find me in the kitchen with my debut with the Support Team!!!  I’ll be there, so come join us on Sunday, April 26^th from 3- 7 PM!  The Cub Scout Pack 156 will host a spaghetti dinner while Southwood Fire Dept hosts their RecruitNY Membership Drive!!  I truly hope to see you there!!! 

As always, I will work for money, but I am not for sale.  Meaning, I'll review anything, and I do love a challenge, so send me ideas and suggestions, but my opinions can't be bought.  I do take Paypal donations anytime at eaglemingoroost@gmail.com.

I am Napoleon at Yet Another Waterloo.

I find myself in a quandary. I have a teen, exhibiting teen behavior, who is also autistic. What people not living in an Autism world may not know is that even when they are being age appropriate, we STILL need to remember that behavior correction that works with NT kids will normally not work with our Auties. So, when Cassie "couldn't" make it to class on time because of hanging out with friends, I'm having a few days of hell here. Meltdowns, shut downs, you name it. 

I could rock this hat!!

 

I believe I made a mistake on Monday afternoon, and I think Paul, being as sick as he was, probably didn't catch it. "If you choose not to be on time to class for the rest of the week, you are choosing not to have a sleep over this weekend". LISA!! YOU IDIOT!!!!! Too large of a span of time between Monday afternoon and the weekend, #1, this is the first time you are having the discussion, #2, and you are setting her up for failure. So, why are you surprised when she didn't make it on time Tuesday morning?!?!?!  Well, I bought Cassie her favorite pretzels. Then told her she couldn't have them. Not until tomorrow, Wednesday, IF she could make it to English on time. Yeah, I know... Autism Moms reading this are thinking I’m certifiable.  But she's pretty stable, and hasn't been a puddle of goo on the floor in quite some time; I felt I could handle it. 

Well, sometimes they ARE misbehaving!!!

I won’t lie, it wasn't easy.  It made for a long night.  We’d go from meltdown to shutdown… I think we even had a temper tantrum or two, but who can tell anymore.  But this morning, she was all better.  On the way to school, she assured me she would make it today.   And I did threaten her that If she didn't make it to class on time, I was irritated enough to sit there in front of her and eat every single one of them and not let her have even one. We were both laughing, but I think she knew I was serious. I told her if THAT didn't work, I'd walk up to her and all her friends and announce I was there to help them make it to class on time. In my grey sweat pants and grey flannel shirt, I matched, but I wasn't pretty. She said she could see me doing that. I told her I'd bring healthy Tofu & black bean muffin's to soften the blow. BUT I just got a text stating "I GET PRETZELS AFTER SCHOOL!!!!!!!" <hehehehehe> I know,  it’s just one day, one battle. But we all have to take what we can get, right?

Current Bribe, I mean, Reward of Choice

But then I get the email from the teacher stating, “She was late again today! Grrr.....”  BUT Cassie DID kick butt on her Argumentative Essay about Autism and Service Dogs.. And she honestly BELIEVED she was on time for class….  And I didn’t get the email until AFTER she ate the pretzels….  <sigh>  I have won nothing!  I’ve been defeated by peers and school bells!!!  Furthermore, all I DO have is 3 tardies no pretzels, and an 85% on an essay.  What does Cassie have?  Apparently a delightful social life.  Oh, and a boyfriend that calls her “Babe”, much to her father’s chagrin.  I’m thinking I need to get myself a Napoleon Hat and Coat (he has the cutest outfit), some maps, and start getting serious.  I need to get busy and plan a proper campaign.  I will win this war!!  Watch out, Little Miss, and remember, you got your competitiveness gene from your Mother; even your Father can’t beat me when I take up a cause!

Disney Channel's Next Best Dad!

ADDEDDUM:  I admit, I wrote this last night.  Sometime in the evening Rob & I discussed my dismay at OUR daughters actions.  I also voice d my dismay at is lack of assistance in the matter due to his inability enter into a confrontation. Yes, I can drag him into a confrontation, usually kicking and screaming, but he will never, ever enter willingly, or start one on his own.  So this morning, as Pitman was leaving for work, he kisses me goodbye, tells me he loves me, and to have a good day.  He kisses Cassie on the forehead, tells her he loves her and to have a good day.  I ask “Is there anything else you want to say to her?”  He looks completely confused and kind of scared of what he has forgotten.  You see him going through his mental calendar, coming up blank.”  “MAN UP, PITMAN!!!!”, I holler at him, and he still looks confused.  “How about “Be on time?!?!?!”  And the look of relieved recollection crossed his face, and in the most stereotypical, foolish Disney TV Dad way you can imagine, he looks at Cassie and says:

“YEAH!”

I’m doomed.

As always, I will work for money, but I am not for sale.  Meaning, I'll review anything, and I do love a challenge, so send me ideas and suggestions, but my opinions can't be bought.  I do take Paypal donations anytime at eaglemingoroost@gmail.com.

Fun Filled Earth Day Edition

Portrait of Gaylord Nelson

Today is Earth Day.  The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970.  Today, Earth Day is 45 years old.   Earth Day was basically the brainchild of Gaylord Nelson, the State Senator and Governor from Wisconsin.  I felt I could find some interesting anecdotes to point out and perhaps make fun of, and use that to educate everyone on this, the largest secular holiday in the world, AND one that Hallmark hasn’t gotten a hold on yet!  But, I’ve got nothing. 

   

I LOVE these signs!!!!  This is about Col.Roberts

I know that we cannot be the only family that forces the mother to play the “Wow you are older than __________!!!!” game.  You know, that is where the loving family points out the things that we, the person they forget prepares most of their meals, happen to be older than.  Since my eldest child is 26 years old, I’ve been playing this game a long time.  That little cherub, Steve, was the child who, the day I turned 31, proceeded to tell everyone “Oh, my mom is pushing 40!!”  I am NOT older than the Earth; however, I am older than Earth Day.  So, I bring you, the "What Else am I Older Than, Earth Day Edition!!!!"

Harper's Beauty

The leaf blower was invented by Dom Quinto in the late 1950s. It was originally introduced to the United States as part of an agricultural chemical sprayer.  I am NOT older than the leaf blower.  However, I AM older than the mulching lawn mower, which was patented by Frank E McLane on 7/23/1990.  I am also older than the Environmental Protection Agency, founded in 1970.  I am NOT older than Fracking, though.  Today’s hydraulic fracturing technologies can trace their roots to April 25, 1865, when Civil War veteran Col. Edward A. L. Roberts received the first of his many patents for an “exploding torpedo.”  (But that doesn’t make it right!!!)  For those of you in Onondaga County, we have an AWESOME recycling plant you need to check out.  It is called OCRRA and pronounced “okra” for all you southern veggie lovin’ people.  I am older than OCRRA, as they have been providing a comprehensive solid waste management and resource recovery system to Onondaga County since 1990. 

Not a Goliath Bird Eating Spider.  You are Welcome

What would our earth be without our awesomely strange animals?  I am older than the Louisiana Pancake Batfish and the Goliath Bird Eating Spider.  I am also older than the Harperocallis flava, known by the common name Harper's beauty, is a species endemic to Florida in the United States, where it is known mainly from the Apalachicola National Forest in the Panhandle. This wildflower was first described in 1968.  What is really funny, as in funny strange, and certainly NOT funny “ha ha”, is that by 1979 there were only three known populations totaling fewer than 100 individuals and it is now on the US Seriously Endangered Species List.

The good news is that Arbor Day is in 2 days on April 24^th.  I promise NOT to do another fun, fact filled tree hugging post on tree’s I may or may not be older than.  I think I’ll shoot for something more entertaining.  I’ll paint a picture of a tree and we’ll see how long it takes the paint to dry.

My Portrait of Trees, painted Winter 2014-15

As always, I will work for money, but I am not for sale.  Meaning, I'll review anything, and I do love a challenge, so send me ideas and suggestions, but my opinions can't be bought.  I do take Paypal donations anytime at eaglemingoroost@gmail.com.