Dania Jekel's mother is featured in an article called "A Truly Freudian Scion Knows her Roots, Grows" in the Chicago Tribune today about her recent book. Dania is the Executive Director of the Asperger Association of New England (AANE), an organization that raises awareness of Asperger's Syndrome and gives support to individuals with Asperger's Syndrome.
What's Simund Freud's connection to Dania Jekel? He's her great-grandfather.
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Monday, May 29, 2006
Happy Memorial Day!
Happy Memorial Day!
Yesterday, I went to my friend Susan's house in Newton for an outdoor picnic in her backyard. I was still feeling tired from going to Saturday's Earthfest concert in Boston where I saw James Blunt perform so I spent most of the afternoon sitting in one of the lounge chairs just to rest my tired feet. Of course, I ate food and drank punch (non-alcoholic) and soda. That required my getting up a lot.
The weather was great. I did consider wearing shorts, but I couldn't remember where they were in my bedroom. I am so disorganized. I wore my black jeans and a black long sleeve shirt. They were very comfortable.
While I was out there sitting in the lounge chair wearing my jeans, I briefly recalled a picnic I went to on Memorial Day 1980. I was 15 years old when we went to my brother-in-law's mother's house for a picnic in her backyard in southern Maryland. Just before my parents, my brother Alfred, and I left the house that day for the picnic, my mother was yelling at me for putting on shorts. I had shaved my legs earlier that morning so they looked good, but my mother screamed at me for looking bad and forced me to wear pants and a long sleeve shirt. I felt very hot in them. Keep in mind that it's a lot hotter in Maryland on Memorial Day than in Massachusetts.
As soon as we arrived, I sat down in a lounge chair because I was upset and angry that I wasn't allowed to wear what I wanted to. My mother insisted that the other girls around my age would be wearing pants, but they weren't. I was the only one in pants that day as the weather went over 90 degrees on that day.
Still, my mother got on my case again. She demanded that I was supposed to help out in the kitchen, although Charlette, my brother-in-law's mother, never said anything to me about it. Only one or two of the other girls my age were helping out, while others were sitting around talking. Some were playing games.
I just merely groaned in frustration, and my mother threatened me. It was something she did during my childhood years. Sometimes, she would hit me. This time she didn't. I think I got up and hid in the bathroom or some other place in the house for awhile. I can't remember a lot about that day. Distant memory I guess.
This happened a couple of weeks before Alfred, my older brother, was in that car accident that cost him his life.
Alfred is usually the one I remember on Memorial Day.
I should mention that was the last time (I think) I went to a barbecue at Charlette's house. Several years later, one of the foster children that Charlette looked after stabbed her to death two days before Thanksgiving in 1987. He did it because he wanted money. Very sad. The last time I saw Charlette was around Christmastime 1986 when I was visiting my parents. I had decided to move to Boston in 1986 after graduating from Emerson College that same year.
Yesterday, I went to my friend Susan's house in Newton for an outdoor picnic in her backyard. I was still feeling tired from going to Saturday's Earthfest concert in Boston where I saw James Blunt perform so I spent most of the afternoon sitting in one of the lounge chairs just to rest my tired feet. Of course, I ate food and drank punch (non-alcoholic) and soda. That required my getting up a lot.
The weather was great. I did consider wearing shorts, but I couldn't remember where they were in my bedroom. I am so disorganized. I wore my black jeans and a black long sleeve shirt. They were very comfortable.
While I was out there sitting in the lounge chair wearing my jeans, I briefly recalled a picnic I went to on Memorial Day 1980. I was 15 years old when we went to my brother-in-law's mother's house for a picnic in her backyard in southern Maryland. Just before my parents, my brother Alfred, and I left the house that day for the picnic, my mother was yelling at me for putting on shorts. I had shaved my legs earlier that morning so they looked good, but my mother screamed at me for looking bad and forced me to wear pants and a long sleeve shirt. I felt very hot in them. Keep in mind that it's a lot hotter in Maryland on Memorial Day than in Massachusetts.
As soon as we arrived, I sat down in a lounge chair because I was upset and angry that I wasn't allowed to wear what I wanted to. My mother insisted that the other girls around my age would be wearing pants, but they weren't. I was the only one in pants that day as the weather went over 90 degrees on that day.
Still, my mother got on my case again. She demanded that I was supposed to help out in the kitchen, although Charlette, my brother-in-law's mother, never said anything to me about it. Only one or two of the other girls my age were helping out, while others were sitting around talking. Some were playing games.
I just merely groaned in frustration, and my mother threatened me. It was something she did during my childhood years. Sometimes, she would hit me. This time she didn't. I think I got up and hid in the bathroom or some other place in the house for awhile. I can't remember a lot about that day. Distant memory I guess.
This happened a couple of weeks before Alfred, my older brother, was in that car accident that cost him his life.
Alfred is usually the one I remember on Memorial Day.
I should mention that was the last time (I think) I went to a barbecue at Charlette's house. Several years later, one of the foster children that Charlette looked after stabbed her to death two days before Thanksgiving in 1987. He did it because he wanted money. Very sad. The last time I saw Charlette was around Christmastime 1986 when I was visiting my parents. I had decided to move to Boston in 1986 after graduating from Emerson College that same year.
Friday, May 26, 2006
I Invite you to Gather with Me
I am a member of Gather.com, and I want to invite others over to check out my articles and my friends and colleagues over there. Here's my link to it:
http://yechristian.gather.com/memberInvite.jsp
http://yechristian.gather.com/memberInvite.jsp
In Tuscon, AZ, Sadie Explains AS
I came across a good informative article in a Tuscon, Arizona, newspaper column called ASK SADIE. Check it out. It's a great read, and very descriptive of the symptoms of Asperger's.
What the Otolaryngist Said
Yesterday afternoon, I visited the Mass Eye & Ear Infirmary on Charles Street in Boston. The otolaryngist looked into both nostrils to see why I am having those very bad sinus headaches. She even checked my throat and ears.
She agreed with me about having a CAT scan done. Then, she gave me a sinus kit to help keep my nostrils moisturized. More stuff to put into my nose. Not fun at all, but I need something to fix this problem. These headaches have been a nuisance too many times to count over the years.
I'll have to wait until next Tuesday to find out when I'll have my CAT scan.
She agreed with me about having a CAT scan done. Then, she gave me a sinus kit to help keep my nostrils moisturized. More stuff to put into my nose. Not fun at all, but I need something to fix this problem. These headaches have been a nuisance too many times to count over the years.
I'll have to wait until next Tuesday to find out when I'll have my CAT scan.
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Not Enough Time On My Hands
I don't have enough time during the week to search things up online for this blog. I seem to be reserving that time on the weekends. Meanwhile, I have been writing offline because I am writing articles for one of the writers forums I belong to called Gather.com. It's new and has tons of members already. Gather was launched last fall.
So far, I have a few short articles on there, but I want to put in more. The more I put in, the more recognition I need. Then I will grow and develop into being a great writer.
That's my major ambition. In fact, I was always interested in writing long before I learned that I had three disorders. Now, that's passion.
It's getting late. So I'll have to end this entry.
So far, I have a few short articles on there, but I want to put in more. The more I put in, the more recognition I need. Then I will grow and develop into being a great writer.
That's my major ambition. In fact, I was always interested in writing long before I learned that I had three disorders. Now, that's passion.
It's getting late. So I'll have to end this entry.
Sunday, May 21, 2006
An End To Sleep Apnea? Introducing the Pillar Procedure.
A new 30-minute procedure where a doctor inserts three implants to stiffen the soft palate can help people with Sleep Apnea sleep easier. It sounds better than hooking oneself up to a CPAP machine every night. The surgery is called the Pillar Procedure.
18 million people suffer with Sleep Apnea in America.
18 million people suffer with Sleep Apnea in America.
Congrats to Tom!
A special congratulations to Tom Bregnard, a high school senior with Asperger's Syndrome, who is graduating 5th in his class and is going to the University of Rhode Island on an almost full academic scholarship.
All the details are in the article called "MHS Senior Overcomes Obstacles to Tops in Class."
All the details are in the article called "MHS Senior Overcomes Obstacles to Tops in Class."
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Please, Comment about My Entries!
I should be in bed by now, but I'm still thinking about Paul McCartney. I just read an e-mail for Gordon who frequently visits this blog. He wondered about the lack of comments here. I want people to comment on the blog all the time. I know of one person who looks at my blog often and wants to type a comment, but somehow he can't put in a comment whenever he visits it.
To anyone who visits here, feel free to post a comment here. If there's a technical problem, let me know about it so I'll direct it to AOL. I need comments to let first time viewers of this blog know that others are reading it.
Besides, I'm not certain anybody notices that hit counter on the lower left side of the blog. I'm already past the 2,500 hits mark.
To anyone who visits here, feel free to post a comment here. If there's a technical problem, let me know about it so I'll direct it to AOL. I need comments to let first time viewers of this blog know that others are reading it.
Besides, I'm not certain anybody notices that hit counter on the lower left side of the blog. I'm already past the 2,500 hits mark.
Paul McCartney Is Getting Divorced! I'm Overjoyed!
I heard the news today. Oh, Boy!
Paul and Heather have split up!
I'm doing cartwheels already!
I always wanted Paul for myself! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!
Paul and Heather have split up!
I'm doing cartwheels already!
I always wanted Paul for myself! Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!
Monday, May 15, 2006
Keep an Eye on CBS
The CBS Evening News is doing a series called Living with Autism this week (5/15 -5/19). This is something to watch this week besides all the series finales airing.
Rain Everywhere!
My condo lost power last night for about an hour or so because of the non-stop we've been having up here in New England. The TV news reports of last night and tonight show how bad the flooding's been in parts of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Some schools have to be closed today because of the floods.
Some long time residents, including one person who lived here for 70 years, have never seen it so bad.
They said on the news that more rain is coming tonight.
Some long time residents, including one person who lived here for 70 years, have never seen it so bad.
They said on the news that more rain is coming tonight.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Daydream Believer
Here's another article about autistic people daydreaming differently from non-autistic people. It has some interesting questions about the daydream study.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Time Magazine Covers Autism
Time Magazine has put the word "Autism" on their cover this week to inform the public about new information about the condition. One major article is about the technique for help autistics who have speech difficulty called Facilitated Communication. It consists of a keyboard and a human facilitator for emotional support.
Good News! We're not the Bad Guys!
A recent study by a Wales researcher revealed that there is no link between Asperger's Syndrome and criminal behavior. This is the best study about Asperger's ever.
20 Years Later
It was 20 years ago Thursday (May 11) when I graduated from Emerson College. I know it sounds like a cliche, but that day feels like a lifetime ago. Back then, I had no idea that I had three neurological disorders (Asperger's Syndrome, Nonverbal Learning Disorder, and Sleep Apnea). I also wasn't aware that I was suffering from low self-esteem.
Memories of that day are still vivid. In fact, it has haunted me for years. The ceremony was great, but it was afterwards when the battle royal begain. My parents and two of my older siblings were constantly reminding me that I wouldn't have received that Bachelor of Science degree without my parents paying for my college education. They all said this after I told them that I was grateful that my parents paid my tuition. For some reason, they attempted to make me feel guilty that I wasn't able to afford my own college tuition. When I refused to feel that way, they got angrier at me.
That's one of the reasons I never bothered to move back to my hometown, Washington, DC. Thus was born the Uncommon Bostonian.
Memories of that day are still vivid. In fact, it has haunted me for years. The ceremony was great, but it was afterwards when the battle royal begain. My parents and two of my older siblings were constantly reminding me that I wouldn't have received that Bachelor of Science degree without my parents paying for my college education. They all said this after I told them that I was grateful that my parents paid my tuition. For some reason, they attempted to make me feel guilty that I wasn't able to afford my own college tuition. When I refused to feel that way, they got angrier at me.
That's one of the reasons I never bothered to move back to my hometown, Washington, DC. Thus was born the Uncommon Bostonian.
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Time Magazine is Covering Autism
Time magazine has a cover story about autism this week. Please head out to the nearest drug store. grocery store, book store, etc. and pick up this issue. The more awareness, the better that the public is informed.
Thanks for the exposure, Time!
Thanks for the exposure, Time!
What A Day For A Daydream!
A recent article called "Daydream Brain Activity: Autism Clue?" says that people with autism and Asperger's daydream differently than people who don't have autism or Asperger's. It cites that people with autism and Asperger's lack the brain activity to do daydreaming and that may be some of the cause of antisocial behavior and emotional problems.
I've always been able to daydream with no problems. While I was growing up, teachers would complain to my parents about my daydreaming in class. It sometimes did ease the stress of being in school.
I've always been able to daydream with no problems. While I was growing up, teachers would complain to my parents about my daydreaming in class. It sometimes did ease the stress of being in school.
Luck of the Irish!
Because I am of Irish descent, I'm mentioning this. A new book about Irish geniuses with a mild form of Asperger's Syndrome is available now. Unstoppable Brilliance by Michael Fitzgerald and Antoinette Walker profiles politicians, artists and scientists of Ireland. Samuel Beckett and James Joyce are mentioned in this book as well as scientist Robert Boyle.
Saturday, May 6, 2006
My Aching Back!
My parents decided to send my late aunt's bedroom and living room furniture to my condo today. They notified me last week, but I didn't have enough time to organize my condo to accommodate the new furniture. Besides, I still like the furniture I still have, but I did throwout my old coffee table and a couple of floor lamps to make room for the new stuff.
Being organized has always been a challenge for me. When I was diagnosed a few years ago with Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorder, I finally knew why I was having so much trouble all those years. Growing up in DC, my bedroom was hard to keep neat, but my mother always forced me to clean it up. In the present time, it's tough to keep the condo neat and organized because sometimes I feel burnt out at the end of the day and sometimes spend weekends relaxing in bed in order to regain my energy. Other times, I have those sinus headaches which make me lie down in bed for many hours at a time.
Moving stuff around in the last two days hurt my back a lot! It still feels agony right now. I'm still recovering from a car accident I had more than a year ago. My place looks different now. Storm and Cap, my two cats, don't seem bothered by the new furniture. That's good because they loved the old coffee table a lot. The new one is bigger and better. I now have a recliner chair that is more comfortable than the sofa. Best of all, I have a new bed.
With the extra furniture, I can put more clothes and other essential stuff away than my small bedroom closet.
Now, I need more Tylenol to relieve that back pain.
Being organized has always been a challenge for me. When I was diagnosed a few years ago with Asperger's Syndrome and Nonverbal Learning Disorder, I finally knew why I was having so much trouble all those years. Growing up in DC, my bedroom was hard to keep neat, but my mother always forced me to clean it up. In the present time, it's tough to keep the condo neat and organized because sometimes I feel burnt out at the end of the day and sometimes spend weekends relaxing in bed in order to regain my energy. Other times, I have those sinus headaches which make me lie down in bed for many hours at a time.
Moving stuff around in the last two days hurt my back a lot! It still feels agony right now. I'm still recovering from a car accident I had more than a year ago. My place looks different now. Storm and Cap, my two cats, don't seem bothered by the new furniture. That's good because they loved the old coffee table a lot. The new one is bigger and better. I now have a recliner chair that is more comfortable than the sofa. Best of all, I have a new bed.
With the extra furniture, I can put more clothes and other essential stuff away than my small bedroom closet.
Now, I need more Tylenol to relieve that back pain.
Wednesday, May 3, 2006
A Rolling Stone Shouldn't Climb A Coconut Tree
Keith Richards climbed a coconut tree last week and fell about 16 feet to the ground. Some reports say that he was waterskiing and injured himself. Some say both occured, forcing him to go to the hospital.
Now, there are stories going around saying that he may need brain surgery to drain blood out of his head. Yesterday, I heard on the radio that Keith was going to be okay and was out of the hospital.
Get well soon, Keith!
Now, there are stories going around saying that he may need brain surgery to drain blood out of his head. Yesterday, I heard on the radio that Keith was going to be okay and was out of the hospital.
Get well soon, Keith!
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