1. Light It Up Blue For Autism April 1 & 2
I’ve dedicated myself to the Autism community ever since my son was diagnosed with spectrum disorder 15 years ago. Despite being globally affected, he has had an unbelievable chain of successes that I owe to comprehensive early intervention and his own personal courage. I am a volunteer for Autism Speaks, Autism Votes, and sit on the Board of Trustees at a local school for Autistic children. I am forever indebted to the Autism community for giving us hope.
2. The 5 Minutes for Mom Ultimate Blog Party 2011
I quickly realized that without visitors, my blog might fall a bit short. While still therapeutic for me, some feedback and connections would be welcomed! I was heartbroken when I was unable to join the gals at this year’s Social Media Moms Celebration in Walt Disney World, but my ASD son’s basketball tournament had to come first (and with wonderful results- please see my post “A Tale of March Madness- How Basketball Rescued My Autistic Son”). The Blog Party has been my personal reward!! What I have learned about blogging in the past 4 days would have taken me months without the contacts that I have now made. Clearly, it takes a village to raise a blog, too.
3. My ASD son’s photo was in a local newspaper last week.
Who else could I brag to without seeming obnoxious?!
4. I joined the WDW Running Team today.
What can I say; the T-shirt order was being placed! After running my first-ever race during Walt Disney World’s Marathon Weekend this past January (just the 5K, mind you), I realized that I need MORE. After 30 plus years of treating and training runners as a physical therapist, I found a reason to run myself. A family member was fighting a serious, life-threatening illness, and our training time and eventual race was therapeutic for him (and me). I didn’t realize that I would be hooked along the way. By joining the WDW Running Team, I will have the added incentive of supporting Make-a-Wish Foundation. 2011 Wine and Dine Half Marathon, here I come!
What can I say; the T-shirt order was being placed! After running my first-ever race during Walt Disney World’s Marathon Weekend this past January (just the 5K, mind you), I realized that I need MORE. After 30 plus years of treating and training runners as a physical therapist, I found a reason to run myself. A family member was fighting a serious, life-threatening illness, and our training time and eventual race was therapeutic for him (and me). I didn’t realize that I would be hooked along the way. By joining the WDW Running Team, I will have the added incentive of supporting Make-a-Wish Foundation. 2011 Wine and Dine Half Marathon, here I come!
5. Ut-oh, my birthday is coming.
As I get older (see my post, “Blogging to Go the Distance”), I find myself becoming more and more retrospective. Hey, I have a lot more years to look back on! My blog is a way to pull the elements of my life that I love most- my career, my family, the family restaurant business, my now-favorite hobby, and DISNEY- together in one place for all to see.
6. My mom’s new-found photo stash!
What else would I do with the priceless pix of the 1964 World’s Fair, our first family trip to Disney World in August of 1972, and the 40 or so subsequent vacations spent there?? Wordless Wednesday, here I come…
7. I need to keep writing!
For the past 4 years, I have been busy writing grants for 3 non profits, but am taking a brief hiatus this spring. It is rewarding work, and I like to think I’m on a roll!!
8. Disneyland Paris, here we come!
My family booked our first-ever trip to this park yesterday. WHERE ELSE WOULD I SHARE THAT AMAZING NEWS?? (And who else would appreciate it more than other Disney fans?)
9. My very first restaurant review.
An acquintance recently asked me to do an impromptu review of our family’s restaurants. I enjoyed writing it so much that I think I’ll keep going. Perhaps with subsequent reviews I will be a bit more objective, tee-hee.
10. Life is suddenly very challenging.
I believe that meeting new friends with fresh perspectives will help to keep me sane. (I can only hope that it’s not too late!) 😀
My cousin-in-law also ran in the Disney race this past year. And Disneyland Paris?! Ah! So amazing 🙂 Have a great time!
Wonderful reasons! I hope you enjoy Disneyland Paris!! 🙂
About your comment… Zaden IS young 🙂 He's going to be 19 months this week. My oldest wasn't diagnosed until he was turning 3 and I'm definitely hoping that the interventions this early with Zaden will help us get through some of the harder times we had with my oldest. The therapies haven't started yet but I've been there, done that once already so I'm working with him on my own until they begin 🙂
My hubby is dying to take our Isabella to Disney. OH, boy.
Yay! I'm super excited that you found me and I came to follow you back. I love your blog so far and I hope your second week is as good as your first! BTW ~ Disney running is THE BEST!
Hi stopping in from UBP11 and returning your visit as well,thanks:)I was at The World Fair too!!Love that you're a Disney fan!! I'm a follower so I'll be back!
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