Moving Right Along, Saying Thank You, and It Was Time

 Beth bought a couple boxes of gourmet cookies to give to the DART drivers, the dispatchers and others who work to get her where she needs to go. I'm not always sure how companies are handling the latest strain of covid so I didn't want to make something at home. So she included a small tray they could set all the cookies on when he got back to the base, along with a card thanking all of them for helping her. 

 

 One week after Thanksgiving our staff at work got together and... decorated for Christmas! Each department decorates a different area and it usually takes us about three hours, then we order pizza and all have lunch together.

 

The Front Office - During and After 

 

Our main entrance

 

 

 

This is the area where I worked, helping to put up and decorate this tree, then my boss and I hung white stars from the ceiling. The same stars as on top of the trees.

 I love the way our church looks at Christmas. I wish we could leave it up all year!

It was time for some shoe shopping this week. Beth couldn't find the same shoes she's worn lately so she tried on some Sauconys. They're the shoes I bought for our Israel trip in May and they're fantastic. I wore them exclusively in Israel and almost constantly since we got home, and they just now need to be replaced. 

She did her usual strut walk around the aisles (her stride is not that big when she's walking!) and decided to buy a pair. I bought another pair too.

 

 

What is it about shopping? Walking out of a store with an arm load of bags just makes you feel so good, doesn't it?! I hope you've had a good weekend!

Various Updates

 I realize I haven't kept you updated on things going on around here.

First of all, Chuck's MRI came out clean. He's still cancer free!

 

Thank you for the ideas on the card game. Pokeno was the only one I recognized but after googling the games, I didn't remember the rules of any of them! The way Ally and I play it is a lot like Pokeno though. 

 

The email subscriptions: I've started adding everyone to my blog list but it might take a while to get all of you on it. Please forgive me if I haven't commented on your posts in a while.

 

I've been enjoying these quiet summer months. Work is about to get super busy so I'm taking Fridays off while I can and I'm loving having two days off in a row! It makes a huge difference!

 

Beth overslept on Monday and missed her bus to All Aboard. I think she set her alarm for PM instead of AM. She texted me at work about the time her bus was supposed to arrive. She's usually really good about being upstairs and ready so I expect the driver waited the required 5 minutes then left. That's not the first time that's ever happened to a driver! 

 

Sharaya and Ally will be moving soon. They found a place about 10-15 minutes from here, a two story, two bedroom condo. Ally was showing me some pictures and it's really cute. It has a fireplace, a small backyard, it looks perfect for them. 

 

We all went over to Diana and Peter's for lunch a couple weeks ago. They took us out to their garden. They share it with their neighbors, one side for them and the other for the neighbors. They have zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes cucumbers, pumpkins, various spices... and we've loved reaping the benefits of their hard work!

 

 

 Just some of their harvest

 

 The bunnies sure have been multiplying lately. There are so many in the backyard now, I'm wondering if we should be doing something to control them. I saw these three out last night: it's hard to see but there's a tiny one just in front of mom's nose.

 

 

Then this other little guy hopped closer to me

 

Mom was checking on the rabbit hole.

I don't know if there's more in there!

 

I know there were some living under a bush in a different part of the yard, I don't know if it's the same bunnies or a whole new family. I'm starting to get a little concerned. Do they eventually move on? Are they here for the long term? Have you encountered bunnies in your yard?
 

Trying New Things

All Aboard hosted a private showing of Frozen 2 tonight. Beth needed to transfer buses to get to the theater so last night we drove her to the transit station and explained exactly what would happen. Then I sent her a text with a picture of the buses, "DART will pick you up at home, Para Transit will drop you off at the theater..."

She did great! She sent me a text when she got to the theater and even sent us this picture:

Then she texted when she got home and said she loved the movie! This was the first time she's had to transfer buses and thankfully she waits on one bus until the other bus arrives so she was never left alone but this morning she did say she was nervous. But she did fine!

We drove around last night and looked at Christmas lights. There were so many cute little characters from tv shows and movies... 'Christmas lights' sure have changed a lot from when I was a kid!

I mentioned a few posts ago that we were going to make some changes with my desk at work. I've found trying to run my department while helping to run the front office isn't working. I just don't have time to do both. My boss wants me to remain centrally located (as opposed to putting me down on the first floor) So yesterday we put a wall up by my desk. We'll try this and see how it goes. 

My desk is in the back. This is what it looked like before:

And after we put up a taller wall:

I used to see the receptionists desk and out to the office area where the guests would come in. Plus through the window and down the hall...

But now I'm hidden behind the wall. I won't be answering the phones as much and even though it'll take some getting used to I'm hoping it gives me more time to be out and about helping my crew and getting things done throughout the building. 

And speaking of getting things done, we were setting up for a Senior Adults Christmas Party yesterday and Beth was helping to set out all the chairs when I looked up and saw her sitting with some of the ladies folding napkins. She's normally very shy but she just sat right down and began folding! She loves doing this kind of thing, being creative and working with her hands.

What about you? Are you creative? Do you make things or paint or draw...?

Come, Have a Seat. Would You Like Some Tea?

I'm home alone right now and it sure is quiet in this house. Would you like some tea? I take cream and sugar. You? I prefer tea over coffee. The only time I drink coffee is when I go to the coffee stand at work which isn't very often. Chuck and Diana love Starbucks so sometimes I'll order a double white chocolate mocha. Single shot of coffee, but double the while chocolate! I don't like coffee, but I'll tolerate a little with my chocolate. :)

It's been so quiet around here without Sugar. Before, you would hear her shake when her tail would smack against the couch in a fast rhythm. Then she'd dig at her blankets until they were just right, before settling back down for another nap. Each day without her has gotten a little easier.

I'm getting ready to do my nails. I haven't painted them in months but they're starting to grow again so I thought I'd put on a little polish.

Chuck is still looking for a job. He left Centurylink almost 4 months ago and still, no positive news. He has completed some medical stuff for King County Metro (sleep study, etc.) so he may be starting some training with them next week. He's a little nervous though because the training starts on Superbowl Sunday! Aahhhh! He might miss his beloved Seahawks! Did you see the game against Green Bay? Wow.

Beth may be changing jobs soon. Well, not jobs really, but locations. The store she's at now is about 45 minutes from home. Plus it's in a notorious traffic jam. Everyone around here dreads the commute from Edmonds / Lynnwood up to Marysville. Especially on Friday nights, which is when Beth works up there. A couple weeks ago DART somehow forgot to pick her up. (Did I already tell you this?) They called me in a panic at 9:15 (she gets off work at 8:00) "We're so sorry! We're sending a driver up there now!" She didn't get home that night until almost 10:30. So her job coach is looking into finding her a job closer to home. Same pizza place, just a different location. We're praying!

Well, not too much else to tell you about right now. Have a great weekend!   

Through Her Tears

Beth called me at work yesterday. She was sobbing. Through her tears and her gasps for air she told me her bus had left. She was outside on the porch, sobbing.

As we talked she was able to calm herself down a little and the story emerged. She was in the bathroom brushing her teeth and when she came out, it was gone.

I wasn't surprised.

This is the note I put on the counter every Monday night:

Good morning Beth!
You get to go bowling today!
Set your alarm for 7:30 AM.
Wakey Wakey at 7:30 AM. 
Your bus comes at 8:45 AM.
Be upstairs and ready at 8:45 AM.
Have fun today!
Love you!
Mom

(Wakey Wakey is what Hannah Montana's dad used to tell her every morning.) I put a note like this on the counter every night, if Beth has someplace to be the next day. When to set her alarm and when to be ready to walk out the door. 

When the DART bus arrives at your house, you have 5 minutes to be outside. If you don't respond after 5 minutes, they have to leave to pick up the next client. They will ring the doorbell, call you, they really go out of their way to give these riders an opportunity to respond.

Unfortunately, Beth has developed a habit where, when her bus pulls in, she goes in to brush her teeth, wash her face, etc. When they ring the doorbell, no matter how much I coax, she won't answer it. I end up telling them 'just one more minute.'

Yesterday I was at work so when they rang the doorbell, Beth ignored them. When they called the house (I heard the voice mail when I got home) she didn't answer the phone, so... they left.

It hurts so much to watch your kids learn a lesson the hard way. Especially when they're adults. You can't spank them or ground them or insist they do things your way. When they become adults, all you can do is give advice. Offer suggestions. And hope. And pray.

When they look the other way or choose not to take the advice, sometimes it works out fine and they're able to figure it out on their own, but when it doesn't, it is the hardest thing for a parent! You wanna rush in and fix it, make it better. But you can't.

Sitting at work yesterday all I could tell Beth was, "I'm sorry." "I'm so sorry Beth".

Last night we asked her what she could do differently in order to make it to her bus on time and she repeated all the things we've been trying to tell her. This morning, she was up, dressed, teeth brushed, breakfast eaten and coat on before DART even arrived!

That big blue and white bus pulled into our driveway and Beth was on the front porch as the driver was coming off the bus! She missed bowling yesterday. She sure wasn't going to miss art and karoake today!

31 For 21 - Busses

Beth began riding the school bus when she was about 2 1/2. She rode it every weekday until she was 21. Except for the two years we home schooled. And the one year she attended the elementary school in our neighborhood. So for about 15 years, Beth rode a school bus.

 

 

 After she graduated from high school she entered VOICE, a great program run by the schools, to help kids and their families transition from the school district to the state run programs. One of the things we had to do was sign her up for DART. Our Community Transit system called Dial A Ride Transportation. It's for people who are unable to ride the regular transit buses and they go door to door. It's perfect for Beth because it allows her independence, but insures her safety. They pull into our driveway and drop her off at the door to the bowling alley. Or the mall or wherever she wants to go. Then they drop her back off at our front door. 

We call at least two days ahead of time (it's no good for last minute excursions) and let them know where she's going, when she needs to arrive and what time she wants to come home. They do all the rest! And the drivers are basic community transit employees who volunteer to drive the DART buses. No easy job, let me tell ya.

 

Every few years we have to fill out a new application for DART. We have to explain why Beth needs to ride DART; why she isn't able to ride the regular CT bus. It sort of shocks you, reminds you once again that your daughter has special needs. You know how, after a while you just kind of forget? You know, she's just.... Beth. Well, every time I fill out this application, it's like I have to accept the Down Syndrome all over again. Every question reminds me that she is different. 

Please clarify how your health condition or disability prevents you from getting to or using the regular fixed-route system.Then your choices:

1. I have difficulty knowing where to get on and off the bus because...

2. I am unable to figure out how to get from here to there in the desired time because...

3. I cannot transfer between buses because...

4. I cannot understand instructions from the bus driver because...

And on it goes.

Developmental, mental and behavioral conditions:

Autism - Mild, Moderate or Severe

Bipolar Disorder - Mild, Moderate or Severe

Down Syndrome - Mild, Moderate or Severe

You circle the condition and what level your child is. There are 13 to choose from.

Do you need the DART driver to assist you from your door to the bus?

At your destination, do you know where you are and can you enter by yourself?

Please explain in detail, any other considerations about your disability that will help us determine you eligibility.

It's 11 pages long.

Don't get me wrong, I'm so absolutely grateful for DART! It's been such a blessing for Beth. I can't imagine what her life would be like without DART. I pray for the drivers, it's a job I couldn't do, that's for sure! 

It's just hard to read through this application. It's hard to write down the answers. It puts in black and white, all of Beth's shortcomings and disabilities. It screams at me, 'Your child has special needs! Your child is different!'

31 For 21 - Makes Me Nervous

I guess I'm afraid to fail.

October is such a busy month for us and already I've missed two days. I guess I should at least try though. Even though we have two kids at home, they are grown. I only work 31 hours a week. Maybe I could do this. :)

On a very positive note, Beth talked to her DART driver this morning! This is a HUGE thing! When the driver asks how she's doing, Beth usually just answers with a grunt, "Fine."

Today, before she even stepped off the porch, I heard her said, "We're back from vacation."

I was shocked! I watched as they walked across the driveway to the bus. I couldn't hear but I saw Beth say something else to her, and the driver responded. Right before Beth stepped onto the bus she looked at the driver...

I'm sorry, did you get that?? She looked at the driver and said something else!

Oh my gosh! I ran into Diana's room, "Guess what just happened!!" This is very cool. :)

Embarrassed For Her

Every Wednesday Beth goes to an art class and a karaoke class. They are at the All Aboard building, about 30 minutes from our house.

Beth takes the DART bus - Dial A Ride Transportation. It's part of our Community Transit system and they pick up people who, for whatever reason, are unable to take the city transit bus. DART picks you up at your door and drops you off at the door of your destination. No busses to catch, no schedules to try to figure out, no having to remember exactly which stop you want.

(Right after high school, Beth was in a transition program that taught them how to ride the bus. Too many times Beth fell asleep and if it wasn't for the teachers and aides, she would have missed her stop.)

We are right on the county line; everything with All Aboard happens North of us. Beth is the first one picked up in the morning and the last one dropped off at night. On Wednesdays her ride home has taken as long as 3 hours.

This week the bus picked her up at 10:00 AM and she called me at 11:30. In tears. She was still on the bus and had... an accident. She was wet and embarrassed and asked me to bring her some clean clothes. It took me about 45 minutes to get up there and she was glad to see me!

While we were in the bathroom, she told me she also started her period. That poor girl. 

Hopping Isn't the Right Word

Beth is still getting up on time, getting herself ready and hopping on her bus! Well, hop might not be the best word to use, maybe more like slowly... climbs... onto.

Wednesday mornings the DART bus comes between 9:30 and 10:00. Beth was still asleep but I controlled the overwhelming desire to go downstairs and wake her up! I don't know why that's so hard. At 10:00 her bus arrived and I went downstairs to see if she was awake. I was a little surprised to see her standing in the middle of her livingroom, she was still kinda groggy, but she was dressed! We got her lunch and cleaned her glasses and out the door she went!

I don't know why I'm surprised when she gets out on time but I am.

DART stands for Dial A Ride Transportation. We had to fill out a 12 page application in order to get her on DART. Then they sent us the approval, letting us know she was approved to ride. And now they pick her up at our house and drop her off at the door of wherever she's going. The bowling alley, work, wherever. She's on a set schedule; she goes to the same places each week but if we want to add a ride or cancel one, we just call 'em and they take care of it.

We love DART. It allows Beth some independance and she likes having her own life as far as she isn't always counting on us to get her places. I have the van, Dad takes Community Transit and she takes DART. They have been a Godsend for us.