OT: What do you look forward to?

[StoneCold]

Curious if there'll be responses beyond kids, grandkids etc.

What I'm driving at is do you look forward to the future and why or why not?

If that's too heavy, a sideline would be what makes life bearable for you week to week? And no this is not a booze thread although I know it'll pop up.

I'll start with Journey.

Although I've said I'd go see'em if they toured near me, the excitement isn't really there anymore.

I used to look forward to seeing them with SP and SA. I did see them once with JSS but even by that time, the rotating singer syndrome tarnished the anticipation.

As for life in general, I'm bored a lot. Music is the best relief. A couple good movies here and there and going out to dinner.

What I miss most from being younger is a drive to accomplish things. Doesn't really matter what, just having the passion for something.

[dcvader]

With regards to concerts/music - I look forward to the 2 upcoming FRONTIERS shows in Baltimore and Roanoke (Jan. 5th and 11th).

Can't wait to hear the music presented in a a positive manner once again.

[ScarabGator]

I'm looking forward to beginning the next phase of my career in January. After 8 years as a Network Administrator with the Telecom company I work for I finally was promoted to Telecom Engineer!!! I have waited years for this and I found out late last week. Nice little raise included...

[Just Sara]

I'm looking forward to beginning the next phase of my career in January. After 8 years as a Network Administrator with the Telecom company I work for I finally was promoted to Telecom Engineer!!! I have waited years for this and I found out late last week. Nice little raise included...

Congratulations!!!!!

[Rick]

I'm looking forward to beginning the next phase of my career in January. After 8 years as a Network Administrator with the Telecom company I work for I finally was promoted to Telecom Engineer!!! I have waited years for this and I found out late last week. Nice little raise included...

Good for you SG. Congrats.

[ScarabGator]

Thank you folks!!!

[StoneCold]

I'm looking forward to beginning the next phase of my career in January. After 8 years as a Network Administrator with the Telecom company I work for I finally was promoted to Telecom Engineer!!! I have waited years for this and I found out late last week. Nice little raise included...

That's great. Congrats! There's a few other Network Admins that post here.

Was it frustrating waiting so long for the promotion?

[ScarabGator]

I'm looking forward to beginning the next phase of my career in January. After 8 years as a Network Administrator with the Telecom company I work for I finally was promoted to Telecom Engineer!!! I have waited years for this and I found out late last week. Nice little raise included...

That's great. Congrats! There's a few other Network Admins that post here.

Was it frustrating waiting so long for the promotion?

Absolutely! I became very frustrated with the place. I felt like I was being screwed each time a position came up and I didnt get it. Overseeing people sucks and I had 22 people in 4 towns that report to me.

[StoneCold]

With regards to concerts/music - I look forward to the 2 upcoming FRONTIERS shows in Baltimore and Roanoke (Jan. 5th and 11th).

Can't wait to hear the music presented in a a positive manner once again.

I'm too far to catch them but good for you .

[tammy]

What I want for the future? It's a tall order...I want our non verbal Autistic daughter to stop screaming. For the last year we have been losing our minds with her constant loud, high pitched screeching & other extremely loud noises (think of the fire truck with that harsh honking noise)...the behavioral therapists can't even get rid of it, in fact, she is even worse during her sessions! We finally made the decision to try medication (an anti-psychotic that may or may not help) because now she is biting her arm and screeching...we don't know if it will be the thing or make her worse, but we have to do something because another year of this?? I can't imagine. I long for peace. It's already challenging enough with her other problems, the screeching makes it even worse. And, the thing is she screeches no matter if she is happy, angry, excited, whatever...it is uncontrollable, she won't stop...she even comes up to us screeches loudly in our face & laughs crazy. Do I sound like I am at my wits end? She must constantly be watched - she grabs everything & anything - that's been going on for years - it's like having a wild toddler, only she is 6 1/2 yrs old now.

[The Sushi Hunter]

What I want for the future? It's a tall order...I want our non verbal Autistic daughter to stop screaming. For the last year we have been losing our minds with her constant loud, high pitched screeching & other extremely loud noises (think of the fire truck with that harsh honking noise)...the behavioral therapists can't even get rid of it, in fact, she is even worse during her sessions! We finally made the decision to try medication (an anti-psychotic that may or may not help) because now she is biting her arm and screeching...we don't know if it will be the thing or make her worse, but we have to do something because another year of this?? I can't imagine. I long for peace. It's already challenging enough with her other problems, the screeching makes it even worse. And, the thing is she screeches no matter if she is happy, angry, excited, whatever...it is uncontrollable, she won't stop...she even comes up to us screeches loudly in our face & laughs crazy. Do I sound like I am at my wits end? She must constantly be watched - she grabs everything & anything - that's been going on for years - it's like having a wild toddler, only she is 6 1/2 yrs old now.

Sorry to hear that. After reading this, nothing in my life has been that bad, so I consider myself very lucky. I've never heard of an autistic child doing some of the things you mentioned. I was always under the impression that an autistic child is very quiet and prefers to be left alone.

[JH'sTXfan]

What I want for the future? It's a tall order...I want our non verbal Autistic daughter to stop screaming. For the last year we have been losing our minds with her constant loud, high pitched screeching & other extremely loud noises (think of the fire truck with that harsh honking noise)...the behavioral therapists can't even get rid of it, in fact, she is even worse during her sessions! We finally made the decision to try medication (an anti-psychotic that may or may not help) because now she is biting her arm and screeching...we don't know if it will be the thing or make her worse, but we have to do something because another year of this?? I can't imagine. I long for peace. It's already challenging enough with her other problems, the screeching makes it even worse. And, the thing is she screeches no matter if she is happy, angry, excited, whatever...it is uncontrollable, she won't stop...she even comes up to us screeches loudly in our face & laughs crazy. Do I sound like I am at my wits end? She must constantly be watched - she grabs everything & anything - that's been going on for years - it's like having a wild toddler, only she is 6 1/2 yrs old now.

Oh, that's so hard. I really hope the meds will help. I understand in a way, I have a mildly autistic brother-in-law who talks really loud and monotonous like a foghorn. We love him so much but it's so hard when he comes to visit for a weekend. He lived with us for a year and we were going out of our minds. We tell him to lower his voice constantly, he speaks at a normal level for about 2 minutes, then he starts bellowing again. He talks nonstop. The noise level is unbelievable. I'll pray something works for your daughter. Hang in there.

Edit: Oh, and what I look forward to is my daughter graduating from college, which will make my wallet a lot happier.

[ohsosoto]

at the end of the day, the fact that we have the courage to still be standing is reason enough to celebrate!!!

[larryfromnextdoor]

What I want for the future? It's a tall order...I want our non verbal Autistic daughter to stop screaming. .

hang in there tammy, posts like yours really put daily life into perspective for folks like myself..

[Voyager]

Edited

[Perrydise]

I'm looking forward to beginning the next phase of my career in January. After 8 years as a Network Administrator with the Telecom company I work for I finally was promoted to Telecom Engineer!!! I have waited years for this and I found out late last week. Nice little raise included...

Congratulations SG. It is always great to be appreciated with a raise and a promotion.


Myself, I am looking forward to going back to school on a part time basis to complete my Masters. It has been a long time in coming and the time is finally here. I am planning some travellng and good times with friends and family. I find things starting to open up for me after a few bleak years, being positive got me through that phase of my life.

Tammy, my heart goes out to you, it truly truly does. You have so much courage and patience and I hope you find the help you need for your daughter.

[Rockindeano]

Yeah, I was going to make a joke about Tammy having her daughter parlay that scream into a chick heavy metal band, but no...not cool

Tammy, who I have met twice I believe, is very sweet and nice. No joking on Tammy. Good luck Tammy.

[Ms_M]

All the best to you, Tammy.

First, and foremost, I am looking forward to the time I will spend with my sweetie. That helps everything else go pretty well. However, I am also looking forward to using my new state certification and finding a new teaching position. I am a little nervous about it, but am definitely ready for some change.

I am also hopeful that all of us here have a fabulous 2008!!!

[StoneCold]

I'm looking forward to beginning the next phase of my career in January. After 8 years as a Network Administrator with the Telecom company I work for I finally was promoted to Telecom Engineer!!! I have waited years for this and I found out late last week. Nice little raise included...

That's great. Congrats! There's a few other Network Admins that post here.

Was it frustrating waiting so long for the promotion?

Absolutely! I became very frustrated with the place. I felt like I was being screwed each time a position came up and I didnt get it. Overseeing people sucks and I had 22 people in 4 towns that report to me.

Hey SG, sorry for the delay. I logged off shortly after asking the question.

You're response makes me feel normal. It would've been tough waitin' a promotion out that long.

As for the overseeing people bit, I feel 'ya. Had a couple stints doing that. Aren't humans interesting?

Sometimes its like being in a kindergarten. Sound familiar? MR's sometimes like that.

[StoneCold]

What I want for the future? It's a tall order...I want our non verbal Autistic daughter to stop screaming.

For the last year we have been losing our minds with her constant loud, high pitched screeching & other extremely loud noises (think of the fire truck with that harsh honking noise)...the behavioral therapists can't even get rid of it, in fact, she is even worse during her sessions!

We finally made the decision to try medication (an anti-psychotic that may or may not help) because now she is biting her arm and screeching...we don't know if it will be the thing or make her worse, but we have to do something because another year of this??

I can't imagine. I long for peace. It's already challenging enough with her other problems, the screeching makes it even worse. And, the thing is she screeches no matter if she is happy, angry, excited, whatever...

it is uncontrollable, she won't stop...she even comes up to us screeches loudly in our face & laughs crazy. Do I sound like I am at my wits end? She must constantly be watched - she grabs everything & anything - that's been going on for years - it's like having a wild toddler, only she is 6 1/2 yrs old now.

Wow. I'm speechless. That's hard to share but thanks for doing it. You brought me and other folks back to reality. I can't imagine how I'd deal with such a challenge.

I don't know enough about autism to comment but I'll pray for you to have more peace in your life and help for your daughter.

[tammy]

Thanks all. I guess I just get even more down around this time of year - wishing things were normal & less stressed...we try to take her out to restaurants (kid friendly) like yesterday, but the constant high pitched yelling & us constantly trying to keep her quieter is just so stressful. She is always dropping food... a french fry on the floor & she slides under to get it & eats it - we tell her "no, it is dirty" and she screams. At the park she will grab other peoples food or reaches into their strollers & purses & takes things...always have to be right on top of her. If we have visitors she is grabbing stuff out of their purse & it is hard to have a conversation with her loud yelling. In her mind everything belongs to her - there are no boundries.
Autism is very unusual...it ranges from severe to mild. She is low-functioning (can't dress herself, still in diapers), is just learning how to point sometimes, barely, but can make eye contact great. Some are high functioning & could be even unaware that they themselves have it, but have socialization problems. They may have poor eye contact, not understand body language, have limited interests.
Anyway, it is rough...she is hyper, rarely walks but rather runs...she may have other problems that we aren't aware of since she was adopted at 11 mos. I suppose our saving grace is that she is basically happy, smiley most of the time, can cuddle a little when she wants, but she still has her screeching & other stuff going on.
I'm just hoping...as I'm not getting any younger & dang, it is exhausting....I've been losing lots of my hair for months & the Dr. said it is probably caused by stress. If it continues I'm looking into Rogaine!