Quarantine Diaries Part 16: DC Being DC

Just a lot of DC, being DC.

DC’s weekend movie selections.

I don’t know why there are two sitting separately from the rest of the pile... they must be the highlighted selections.

 

He's done a bit of writing and coloring:

Found these hanging on the cabinet (oops... ‘Cub-Board’ ) door this morning.

 

Because I made a big deal (deservedly so) over his pictures this morning, he is now plastering the cabinet - um, ‘cub-boards’ with his ‘princess papers and other movie titles’.
First - I am in awe of his printing.
Second - My favorite: Summer Magic Nineteen Sixteen Three (1963)

 Another Couple of  Birthdays to Celebrate in Quarantine:

Doug's Birthday

Tomorrow is Doug’s birthday (I guess at this point it is today). I don’t have to tell you that this is all I have heard about over the last few days. We don’t have a specific plan yet (which just makes matters worse for DC), due to the weather we may be getting and the fact that we only do outdoor dining. I told him more than once, that I would tell him what we are doing as soon as Doug and I discuss it. But not to worry, we would be doing something.
Me: Please stop asking. I promise to let you know as soon as we have a plan.
Because I told him to stop, he moved on to screeching “Happy Birthday Doug!” over and over again - just so he could continue to bring up the subject without “asking”.
I asked him to stop screeching, so he moved on to singing the birthday song at the top of his lungs at random intervals through-out the day.
Me: DC, I promise I will tell you as soon as I know what we’re doing. Please stop.
Since he wasn’t getting a suitable answer from me, he decided to call Doug and screech Happy Birthday at him and then gave the phone to me.
Doug was at work so we both told DC that we would talk about it tomorrow and let him know.
Right now (it’s 1am)... He’s resorted to sign language.
At least it’s quiet.

 "Grandmother's" (because we have to be formal) Birthday:

“Day After Birthday” porch visit with Grandma, ummm "Grandmother"

 

.

Band-aides and Tree Branches - always:

DC: (He went light on the band-aids, but he’s not finished yet) Poison Ivy - itchy.
Me: Where did you get poison ivy? (He doesn’t have poison ivy; he barely goes outside)
DC: on my hand
Me: but where did you catch it?
DC: on my hand!
Me: but what gave you poison ivy?
DC: (say it with me) Tree Branch

 (Speaking of tree branches... (for those who may be new here) - Those Pesky Tree Branches)

 

File under "He's playing me":

1. Mr Charming

DC has a way of winning over the wait staff immediately.
One minute before she came over, he was mad at me for breathing wrong (or whatever) - 2 seconds later he’s charming the waitress.
Me: DC why are you so charming to everyone else but me?
This was his reply...

2. He CAN hear with the headphones on.

The other day, Doug and I were discussing rainbow goldfish. I told him the green fish tasted like spinach and that I haven't looked at the package to see if that was in fact the case or if it was just my imagination (because.... green). DC was in the back seat with his headphones on which normally means I have to yell a good 3, 4, 5, 6 times before he hears me.
Today, instead of the two goldfish he usually runs over to give me before running away yelling "Thank you for sharing" - he has upgraded me to ALL of the green goldfish; stating "I don't like spinach" before thanking himself for sharing....
So... he CAN hear with the headphones on.
I wonder if this will work with other snacks?

 

 2.5 He CAN hear with the headphones on:

Doug wanted to take DC and his friend BB out for DBD Day (DC, BB and Doug Day formerly known as "Boys Day Out"). 

Doug and I discussed this in the car with DC in the back seat with his headphones on (the rainbow gold fish incident above came later, so it did not occur to me that he could hear with them on, because ... the yelling 3, 4, 5, 6 times mentioned above).

I texted BB's mom as she said that it was fine with her, but she wanted to check with BB when he got home to be sure he did not have anything else scheduled.

When we got home, DC immediately began saying "Have to talk to Donna" - "Have to 'test' (text) Donna". 

I told him that I did text Donna but BB was not home so she would get back to me later.

For the rest of the evening, he sat right down next to me every time I touched my phone and repeated "Have to talk to Donna" - "Have to 'test' (text) Donna"

I texted her again (just to save my sanity, because she knows and is in the same boat, and so he could see me do it):

He's sitting right next to me - staring at my phone - just so you know.

I can yell and scream to get his attention when he has his headphones on and ... nothing. This - he heard when Doug was asking about it; headphones and all (I would not have told him voluntarily)

Her Reply:

Yes, he is available.

Sounds so familiar.

Phew!

DBD Day:

Doug was grateful that I made a modified version of the bag I bring whenever we go anywhere.

They wore masks in the car, with windows open for ventilation. 

Outdoor dinner (masks off only to eat and some distance between them when not eating)

Outdoor activity while wearing masks.

To say that DC was excited when he got home is an understatement.

DC's rundown of their night out:

DC: DDB Day (DBD) with Doug and DC and BB. We had cheeseburger and french fries.

We played "Croquet". (Alice in Wonderland)

Me: Croquet?

DC: No, we played the golf. We had ice cream. 

I got hole in one. I swing club and didn't hurt anyone.

Me: ???? 

Me: (laughing because I don't know where that came from, but okay) I'm glad you swung without hurting anyone.

DC: I had a fun time! Yay! (jumping)

What we have learned:

1. He can hear with the headphones on.
2. Tree branches are responsible for a lot more than we originally thought.
3. I'll get more goldfish if I continue to buy the rainbow variety.
4. He can swing a club without hurting anyone.
5. We will have to find a croquet set.

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Quarantine Diaries - All In One Place

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In case you are new here: “I tell stories, most of the time; single individual stories about this or that. Some may be written with humor and some may come across as “Oh, look at the cute thing DC did or said” (he does crack me up at times) but my object is always to make people understand how his mind works, never to "make fun of him"

It is difficult to explain “his” autism to anyone without resorting to 1000 examples and 1000 stories. So I tell 1000 stories to make clear that there are other sides to autism than the characters seen in TV or movies."

This blog is used for shorter posts, off topic posts and also for longer Face book statuses. Please visit my official blog site at: Taking it a Step at a Time 

Quarantine Diaries - Part 13: The Couch, YouTube and Deep Space 9

As you may or may not know; we watch a lot of Star Trek around here but lately in-between the Star Trek re-watches, I have been watching a lot of those reunion panels, like Stars in the House, Reunited Apart and The 7th Rule's Virtual Trek Con (links at the end of this post) on You Tube.

All are not Star Trek Related (The 7th Rule is of course), but I have seen reunions of some of my favorite shows, such as the China Beach reunion.

They are fun and I am sort of in awe of the people on these panels who come and do these things daily for free to raise money for virus-related charities and just to give us all something new to watch during this pandemic.

DC is normally on his Ipad in his "spot" in the kitchen while I am watching these.

Last night, he decided to pack it in early and went to get his pillows, blankets and books to bring to the couch (yes, we are still sleeping on the couch. This may be the longest stretch to date. See: The Couch: Another Round from 2019)

I was watching Reunited Apart - The Lord of the Rings Reunion. I could see that DC was getting anxious. I asked him more than once what was bothering him.

"Nothing wrong!"

But he made a big production of announcing when it was over.

I moved on to Stars in the House - RENT with Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp and he became more anxious.

Me: Please tell me what is bothering you.

DC: Nothing bothering you.

Me: (re-wording my question) Please tell Mom what is bothering DC.

DC: Watch "Space Nine"

Me: You want to watch Deep Space Nine?

DC: Yes!

So I put on Deep Space 9 and DC happily took his glasses off, rolled over and went to sleep!?!?

After thinking about it for a little while (because you know that's what I do); I could see that there were one of two possibilities for his anxiety here.

1. You Tube is his domain. He may not have ever realized that I was watching HIS You Tube on the TV and you know how protective he is about what's his.

or

2. Deep Space 9 comforts him when he is going to sleep.

I hadn't thought about that.

I may just be watching Deep Space 9 often when he is ready for bed. Because it is my favorite of the franchise, I watch it and pay attention. 

I use TOS and TNG  as a distraction from my "mind race" so I can fall asleep. I need something to distract me, but not distract me enough to keep me awake and since these are far from my favorites, it doesn't matter if I fall asleep and miss the four episodes that play until Nextfix shuts down. He is not awake for that. He falls asleep to the one I am awake and paying attention to.

I don't know which possibility was the cause of his anxiety, but I am thinking it was a little of both.

Links:

Josh Gad - Reunited Apart

Stars in the House 

The 7th Rule - Virtual Con

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In case you are new here: “I tell stories, most of the time; single individual stories about this or that. Some may be written with humor and some may come across as “Oh, look at the cute thing DC did or said” (he does crack me up at times) but my object is always to make people understand how his mind works, never to "make fun of him"

It is difficult to explain “his” autism to anyone without resorting to 1000 examples and 1000 stories. So I tell 1000 stories to make clear that there are other sides to autism than the characters seen in TV or movies."

This blog is used for shorter posts, off topic posts and also for longer Face book statuses. Please visit my official blog site at: Taking it a Step at a Time 

 

"Zack and Cody's Mom!"

Apparently DC's psychic abilities extend further than just knowing where the food is hidden or when I have been to the store.........

Just a few days ago I purchased tickets for the Supernatural NJ Convention. DC knows the show and met a few of the cast at the Rhode Island ComicCon a while back,  so it will not be totally boring for him and we will be able to spend one of the weekend days in New York City; his favorite place. A Win, Win situation for us (except Doug, aka *"Except This Guy" who just hates these things.  But, now that I think about it,  "Except This Guy" will find quite a lot of joy in walking around mumbling under his breath and making fun of me, so I guess it IS a Win, Win for all involved)

I did not mention this to DC, because it is not until September and as you may or may not know - I will not hear about anything else until we go. I did not even write it on the calendar for the same reason.

This morning out of the clear blue sky he yelled:

"Zack and Cody's Mother"

Now, it is not really odd for him to spout random things at me out of the clear blue sky, but usually it is about a princess or a movie line.

First I thought he was talking about meeting my friend "Jenni-FAR" and her boys, one of whom is named Zack. He does call them Zack and Cody each time he mentions them before he remembers that Zack's brother is not named Cody.

Me: What about Zack and Cody?
DC: The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. Go to New York City to do DC stuff.

Hmmmmm......
Going to New York to do DC stuff...... hmmmmm

Last year we went to New York for StarTrek Missions and although he had a good time, he was disappointed at being in New York (did I mention.. his favorite place) and not walking around the city to visit his favorite places.
Because of that, we promised to take him back to New York another time to do "DC stuff" - that was exactly what I called it.

We did take him back there a few weeks later to do his "DC stuff", with a quick detour at the Star Fleet Experience at the Intrepid.

I know. It was supposed to be DC's day but it was there, people! If you know me, you know that I am not passing it up.

Anyway, given all of the above information I realized that somehow, some way he knew we were going. How? I do not know know!

Before thinking it through, I told him that we were going to the "Don't You Cry No More" Comic-Con in September and that Zack and Cody's mother is scheduled to be there. If we can find her, maybe he will get to meet her.

Excited? YES!

At this point, I should really know better. I am now the one who will be stressed out until then hoping she does not cancel or that we won't be able to find her there.

Twice before I told him about people that he was going to meet ahead of time and after stressing about why I decided to tell him ahead of time, he was able to meet both with no problems.

So here's hoping that it works out this time as well...

I am going to have to go through the list of attendees to find someone I can relate to something Disney-esk for him as a back up plan.

Fingers Crossed!

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*Except This Guy - At the Grease Sing-a-long

*Except This Guy - Star Trek Missions

*Except This Guy - Shore Leave - Baltimore

Header Photo Credit: By Jennife Creative Commons ShareAlike1r (The Suite Life Taping) 

Update: DC did get to meet "Zack and Cody's Mom" and it was better than I could have hoped for - See: Let's Talk About Kim Rhodes

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This blog is used for short posts and also for longer Facebook statuses. Please visit my official blog site at: Taking it a Step at a Time

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Lorne, Spike and Angel - Facebook Memories

7 years ago today - DC as Lorne.

First: No glasses!

The only time he'll remove his glasses other than for sleeping and showering is to have his picture taken on Halloween.

It is always amazing to me just how many other things, clothes, tags, textures, etc. bother him but he will sit though all of this! When he wants to be a character, he wants to go all the way. Loving Halloween as much as I do, I'm perfectly willing to oblige.


No, I did not notice that I put one horn on upside down until I looked at the pictures later.... #MyBad


Lorne was a continuation of our "Angel" theme.

Other notable characters include:

2009 - Spike, but specifically Spike from the "Smile Time Episode" where Angel is turned into a puppet,

This was the very first year that DC was able to participate in the Halloween Parade at his High School. He was so excited to march that he jumped the gun and was marching half a field ahead of the rest of the students proudly waving his Angel puppet.
This photo was taken as we where trying to get his attention to tell him he had to wait for his class.

"You're a bloody puppet! You're a wee little puppet man!"

and in 2010, of course...... Angel himself for a Best Buddies party....

"We help the helpless"

From Face Book Page Statuses at Take Another Step

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This blog is used to copy my posts (as back-up) from my official site and also for longer Facebook statuses. Please visit my official blog site at: Taking it a Step at a Time

40 degrees and cold cuts

DC had an activity scheduled today with his ARC friends. A picnic at the beach. He went with Doug so I could stay home and put his room back together to make room for all of the things I had to buy for him (that I would have bought eventually , just not all at the same time - see latest blog post if you missed that saga).
The only problem I have with these activities is when there is food involved, they don't tell you what is being served ahead of time.
Looking at him, you would probably not guess that he is an extremely picky eater, but he is.
The first message and picture I received was <Insert sarcasm font> "DC is having a great time at the beach - 40 degrees and windy" - but he was steeping up and not complaining too much.

The next was about the food - sandwiches, cold cuts and the dreaded pickle... which he was refusing to eat.
The next pic was of DC holding the sandwich and looking at it - so there was hope!

The next message was that HE ATE IT! ALL OF IT! Ham and cheese! Yay!


He did not eat the dreaded pickle, however but that is no problem at all...

From FaceBook Page Statuses at Take Another Step

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This blog is used to copy my posts (as back-up) from my official site and also for longer Facebook statuses. Please visit my official blog site at: Taking it a Step at a Time

Just when I think he's "got it".......

DC attended his camp's Halloween party yesterday. 

The first activity every year is a pumpkin hunt. The campers pick a number out of a bin and then go out to find the pumpkin with the matching number on it (later they paint the pumpkins) - For some reason, DC was never able to fully understand this. He knew what number he had but never seemed to understand that he had to look at the bottoms of the pumpkins to find the same number. 

He'd either look at a few and grab one and announce "I found it", even though it wasn't his number, leaving some other camper to search for a pumpkin that was no longer out there or he'd be the last one out there searching because he'd already found his pumpkin with the matching number but completely did not get that it matched his number and left it where it was. 

So, I make sure I hunt with him now. 

This was the first year he seemed to actually get it. He had #21. 

Well, one of his friends had 12 and the pumpkin she found was clearly 21 but upside down was 12. I tried to explain that to her, but not wanting to upset her, I let her have it and told DC that we would look for the #12 instead.

"NO!" (He had #21 and that was all there was to it)
"NO!" (And the noises began)

The first time he really understood this pumpkin hunt thing and I had to change the number on him.... sigh....

We found #12 and since the pumpkin was much bigger than #21, his friend was very willing to trade with him so he could have his correct number... 

"PHEW!"

Hopefully this little mix up won't confuse him all over again next year!!

From Facebook Page Statuses at Take Another Step

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This blog is used to copy my posts (as back-up) from my official site and also for longer Facebook statuses. Please visit my official blog site at: Taking it a Step at a Time

More short stories

Posted by TakingItAStepAtATime

or…. “Short Stories; the Sequel”

Below are some “short stories” (statuses) that have been posted on my own and my public Facebook pages – too short to qualify for a blog post, although many have turned out to be the inspiration for an official blog post. You may have seen a few of these before, probably not all though.

I am in desperate need of a haircut so I have resorted to wearing a headband for the last couple of days – yes, it is THAT bad. The headband, like anything different with my hair was not going over well with DC.
“Take head—band off!” – “Mom, your hair is a ‘de-aster” (he loves to use that one). There were many times that he just tried to grab it right off my head. Today, as I was on the phone not wearing a headband he apparently decided that I needed it and started trying to shove one on my head over the telephone. #ICantWin
……..
I told him it was very late and he needed to get to bed – it is after midnight. Realizing it was now Nov. 1st – he could not go to sleep until all of the calendars were changed.



…..

I told DC that he had to get dressed up for the party tonight……. “No!!! No Dresses!”




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T-shirt day at camp… “It’s a major award”


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DC went for his EEG today. I was having a hard time explaining it to him beforehand so my friend sent a pic of her daughter (DC’s good friend) smiling during her EEG. I think it made him feel better. He did a great job today. I was very proud of him and he was very proud of himself!


…..
DC is now resorting to leaving his shopping list in my purse – found this when I got to work this morning. (I really don’t think I need a list, he asks for the same things every time)







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Second order of business – “computer” because this is all I have been been hearing about all  day on the train. #AndWhatDidYOUDoInLondon‪



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And….. I got my first dandelion bouquet of the season!




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New Band-Aid supply – I wonder who gets to clean this up?







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In anticipation of the Easter Bunny, I suppose… DC went to bed at 9:00! Seriously, 9:00! Happy Easter!




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The ‪#‎Drwho ice cubes were just eh. But we can also use the trays for candy, so we’ll try that next time




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It turns out that the new ‪#‎DrWho pajamas are a bit too tight. Next size up is on the way, but since he won’t take them off, these can’t be returned. Happy almost birthday to me as I will be the proud owner of this set….eventually




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Yesterday was DC’s last day of camp. The last day is also always “Awards Day”. When DC came home I asked him if he got an award. He said he did. He didn’t have anything with him so I asked him where it was – “At the camp”. (I don’t know if he actually won an award). I asked him what award he won…..
“Best Camp Ever!”
…..



Enchanted is on the Family Channel this morning. He won’t sit down and watch it because it is the weekend and weekends are for his computer. So here he is searching through his DVD’s that are filed in a filing system that is understood by no one but him, for Enchanted – so he can watch it on the computer. Happy Saturday!






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Band-Aide art







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We might be a little bit obsessed…



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HE DID IT! 40 minutes!!! You do not know what a big deal this is! I thought we were done for when I heard 40 minutes (and an IV which nobody told me about) – it was shaky but he did it! – first stop – Wings!
He is sooooo proud of himself!


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Extremely annoyed at DC’s IP (no “E” – he is out of school)
“Dude, What! Are you kidding me?”
Dude???? I called his caseworker “Dude” …Dude…..
I don’t even know where that came from but I am sure it is still 100% better than the “colorful metaphors” I had rolling around in my head at the time….
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DC, always obsessed with Ella’s letter to Prince Char -he recites it often word for word –  decided he needed to write it all down. He only needed help spelling “solution”.





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DC went to an ARC activity tonight – dinner at a Chinese Restaurant. Yes, he won’t eat Chinese food, but usually he can find some chicken or wings or something….
Unfortunately he found none of those so dinner there consisted of jelly beans, fruit and ice cream. Yep, this is him “making” himself a bowl of jelly beans.





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One of the highlights of our “looking around day” (day trip – to the rest of the world) on Sunday was the giant whoopee pie WITH confectionery sugar!




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He announced that he was going to shave “all by myself” ( translation: “stop following me, Mom“) – taking a picture to cover up the fact that I’m following, is not really following, right?



Happy Wednesday!