Life in the Slow Lane

Where to begin. It was a love that knew no limits. A love that grew over the years, and has never truly faded away. When I needed him, he was there. When I needed to vent, he was there. When I needed a hug, he was there. We went everywhere together, and he even vacationed with my family.  I'm not even exactly sure when he first came to me, but he's been around for as long as I can remember. I remember when I left home to go to college, I wanted him to come with me, but just knew it was time to spread my wings and fly solo.  But he's still with me today. I see him and smile, fondly thinking about all the fun we've had over the years. I'll love him forever. He's Potbelly Bear.

Well, it's a pretty straightforward name: Life in the Slow Lane. I've always felt like living in New York, my life moved so quickly. High school was over in the blink of an eye, then college went waaay too fast. What I wouldn't give to be back up at Oneonta having fun. Then before I knew it, it was grad school, full time job, and marriage. Where were the years going? But thankfully, the move to PA ten years ago brought life to a lovely slowed-down pace. Not just because everyone around me does things slower, drives slower, etc., but I just feel more at peace here. More relaxed. Calmer(I didn't say calm, I said calmER). I'm pretty sure(almost definitely sure) I'd never be able to go back to a hurried NY life. Yes, having two wild boys at times has me wishing days go by quickly, but my dad has always taught me not to wish it away. So here I am. PoconosMama, enjoying My Life in the Slow Lane.

Ok peeps, it's time once again for a 30 day blog challenge! This one is actually more about blogging than the 30 Day Photo Challenge . It's the same idea, one topic per day (or as close to it as possible, I know a few of the photo days I would have to double up on!). For me it's a way to stay consistent with my blogging, get some ideas of topics, since my brain is like a piece of swiss cheese these days, and keep busy while I never sleep! So here is the list below. If you'd like to join in, copy, paste, and get writing! I am going to cheat a tad though, for Day 1, it's reaaaallly similar to Day 1 of the Photo Challenge, so click HERE if you really need to reread what Mama is all about. I'm considering my typing right now Day 1 :) Day 1 : Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts Day 2 : Meaning behind your blog name Day 3 : Your first love Day 4 : Your parents or siblings Day 5 : A song to match your mood today Day 6 : A picture of you

I have been asked more times than I can count over the years, " but how did you know your son has autism? " It's a loaded question, and has a long list of answers. Some are the expected answers from the time of his diagnosis: he doesn't talk, doesn't look anyone in the eye, flaps his hands. But over time you continue to notice other characteristics. One for me was the way he lines up objects. The first time I thought it was a typical behavior, and cute. Then after a few I realized it was more than that. As different as it may be, I always found it to be one of the more interesting behaviors he has and never understood it. But I immediately decided that I would take pictures whenever I could, and always thought about creating a visual diary. Either way, I thought I'd share some of my more favorite pictures. Neat, huh?

I don't know why it popped into my head the other day, but I realized that my favorite color recently changed. I'm sure there's some people that have the same favorite color throughout their life. But mine has changed a few times since I was little. Such a silly thing to even give any thought to, but I guess when you have young kids that color and ask you what your favorite crayon is, it reminds you. I took a minute to actually search around to see what the colors of my life have meant. It's funny, the descriptions of " What your favorite color says about you" kinda sorta fit me throughout the years. Here's a little breakdown: 1. When I was little, my favorite color was PINK. HOT PINK .  This color embodies the gentler qualities of Red, symbolizing love and affection without passion. Pink desires protection, special treatment and a sheltered life. Pink people require affection and like to feel loved and secure. 2. As I got closer to high school, an

Over the last year and a half I have learned more than I ever imagined I could. Just when I feel stuck and cannot do something, I realize that some things are not an option and just must be done. The only difference now being divorced, is that I have to(or at least should) do them myself. Here’s a few ideas that come to mind of what I’ve come to learn, love, and appreciate during this period of time. Having flip flops on all the time makes killing bugs a cinch. Mowing the lawn might seem like a big chore, but really it’s quiet time when you can’t hear the kids fighting. Extra sleep is essential. How to cook a portion for one. Having a messy house once in a while is ok, raising boys is messy sometimes. I am a good mother. How to really PLAY with my boys. Doing all chores myself is way easier than having to ask someone for help multiple times. My boys come first. All day. Every day. A pretty pink toolbox can solve a lot of household problems. How to laugh until my stomach hur

My boys are now 6 and 8 years old. With these ages comes a healthy dose of attitude, back talk, and lack of respect. I think being a single mom makes that an even trickier situation for me. Not only do they not act kindly towards me, but towards each other. Even as I'm typing this, they are upstairs fighting about one playing music and the other one not wanting to hear it. Pick and choose your battles boys! Over the last few weeks I've been contemplating putting them in one bedroom. My older one has a bedroom that is bigger than mine, and even has 2 closets. I could make the younger's room a playroom, so that would mean no crowding in the big room as well. So win/win as far as any space issues go. But of course it's not all about aesthetics(even though yay I'd get to decorate a play room!). I'm hoping to force encourage a sense of respect between the brothers.  Maybe, just maybe they can learn to cooperate? Play nicely? Agree to disagree?  I'm almost ce

Geez, even I miss me being here, so you just must miss me! After a MONTH of having no internet, it looks like my troubles are finally cleared up! Hopefully I will have a nice, consistent connection for the rest of my days. It's very difficult to live without internet that long. Every time I say, 'o, I'll check' it usually means I'm going to hop on Google. Not cool. And of course living in the sticks means I can't even pull 3G in at my house!!! But hopefully, I'm here to stay! I have a ton to say and write about(and read on your blogs!!!), but right now I just wanted to say hi! I'm just getting ready to head out the door to NY for the weekend. Nothing better than seeing my Mama :) Catch you all in a few days!!