Highlights
Making it past the halfway point of my degree. I'm on the finishing side and that makes it real for me. This is actually going to happen. I deserve it. Gaining my IT degree has been a dream for a long time. Another 18 months and I'll have it.
The improvement in David, particularly in the last three months, has been astounding. I took him off dairy products after reading that some Autistic children find cassein products like opium, placing them in a drowsy state and therefore unable to focus. Since removing these products from his diet his behaviour has improved dramatically and I seldom complain about anything he does.
Finally getting ADSL Internet! Apart from the obvious speed advantage it also symbolised that my finances were in an acceptable position to be able to afford it.
Getting the Logan database contract. They waited until I was available, they accepted my price without question and to date they are thrilled with my work. It makes me feel as though I've found my career niche. I'm being paid to do something I love and I can see a secure financial future for myself and David.
New people in my life.
Lowlights
Dealing with all the "firsts" since Wayne's death. His birthday, Fathers Day, the day we met, wedding anniversary and of course all the dates relating to his death.
David getting suspended for three weeks and placed in Behaviour Management.
New people in my life.
Well I guess when the goods outweigh the bads you're doing okay.
Goals for 2005
Counsel David through Grade 6, keep him focused and happy. Maintain his routine and try to extend his comfort zone a little wider to include new social situations.
Have healthier relationships with people in my life. Listen to the alarm bells of bad situations before it escalates to a point of no return. Protect myself from negativity. Try harder to have empathy for others rather than shut down emotionally.
Appreciate my Mother more. Realise that she may not be around for as long as I would like. Try to let her know more often that I love her. Try to accept and forgive her for all her oddities.
Continue the walking with ms-do. Not for weight-loss purposes - I don't care about that - but just because I feel great when I'm walking every morning. It pumps my blood and shoots adrenalin into my system.
Continue to be financially debt free.
Without needing a self-imposed celibacy, remind myself that I am not my sexuality. I do not need to sleep with someone just to get their attention. Have positive, healthy friendships with men that don't revolve around sex. Let sex become one of many activities I do with one person, rather than the one activity I do with many people.
Thanks readers for your company in 2004.
t.