#MiniCooper – Manual Transmission: Shifting Gears as an Adult with Autism

Revved Up

If you read my last post, you remember that I was in a season of breaking. That hard season continued – as my employment was terminated soon after I had blogged that last post. Stunned for a moment, I went home and told my wife that although they liked me, they could not keep me.Continue reading “Revved Up”

The Pile of Stress

It has been over a month since the Mini was rearended in traffic, and I still have no car. I am close. I think I found a car I can live with, that will service me well, and that I can afford. The day of the test drive was more of a stressor than IContinue reading “The Pile of Stress”

Back on Track?

It’s “been a minute” since I last blogged. Actually, a few months. Hard to explain everything I have been experiencing, but I was in a rough state of mind. Distracted by life, family, work, stress – I could not focus on composing anything to say to the world. Here’s a list of events that haveContinue reading “Back on Track?”

Play to Win

There was a sports coach who once said, very forcefully and with staggered speech for emphasis, “You play…to win…the game!” I’m glad professional athletes think that way. I’m glad that my Hoos think that way, especially as we approach March Madness. But I’m thinking another way these days. I want to play to have fun! Continue reading “Play to Win”

Constant Knocking

A couple of weeks ago, I went to the Senate. Not at the Federal level – the state level. In Virginia, the House of Delegates and the state Senate share an office building across the street from the State Capitol in Richmond. I shook hands with one delegate, and met the staff of several otherContinue reading “Constant Knocking”

Higher Octane – A Father’s Love

Every year, my wife and a bunch of friends get away to sort through old photos – physical and virtual – reminiscing of days long gone with friends and family. They call it “scrapbooking,” although I’m not seeing many scrapbooks as a result anymore. She made some for me from pictures I brought into ourContinue reading “Higher Octane – A Father’s Love”

Spamalot, Scamalot

Since the new year, one of my older email accounts has been the target of about 20 phishing emails a day. I see on user forums that it’s happening to a lot of people, too. Phishing, for those of you who think I’ve misspelled something, is the type of spam that wants people to divulgeContinue reading “Spamalot, Scamalot”

Sleeper’s Block?

It has been too long since I have blogged, and as I look back, it is difficult to pinpoint one main cause. It was a busy fall with work and family, but I was distracted by myself more than anything else. “Why am I so worried about everything?” is the question that was driving meContinue reading “Sleeper’s Block?”

Cool Cars Are Therapeutic

Admitting needs is tough for many of us – even those of us on the autism spectrum. Part of the reason I blog is to be more transparent about my weaknesses. If I can share anything helpful, whether it is from a moment of victory, or of a moment of struggle, I want to doContinue reading “Cool Cars Are Therapeutic”

Earth Day Birthday

This year, I worked on my birthday. Happens all the time – adults often work on their birthdays. I was spoiled in years past; my previous employer offered a day off with pay for birthdays! But this year, I not only went to work, but I did a tiny bit more manual labor than usual.Continue reading “Earth Day Birthday”