Tuesday 30 October 2018

Pushing Myself Forward

I think you have to push yourself forward a lot of the time ,especially when it comes to the ice grips of Winter and you want nothing better than just stick the fire on and never leave the house again till Spring.But alas the only way to get out there is to well get out and actually meet people  , it is an irksome job practically if you have Autism as you might not wish to tell people and I am. Mostly I am getting good responses and some people are a little perplexed as they might not understand the condition.

In telling people you have Autism I truly believe it spreads awareness and I am all about awareness , I am just branching back into singing and I am going to try for 2 choir that require audition ~ yikes . I shall only go to one of them but I am going to give it my best shot as that is what you need to do in life.Now I am fully aware that despite me being able to sing that I might not get into either of these and yes I will feel crushed but no more so than constantly getting picked last for rounders.


You can not make people like you or bend to your will that is impossible , I am me and that is all I can be as I settle into my unique character that is me. I haven't gown an extra eye since I had been diagnosed but I can see with a certain nuance of clarity that how different I was , a joyful misfit that was just one step out of phase with the popularity of the moment.

But oh so happy to be !

Thursday 25 October 2018

Why Self Resilience Is Important

Why self resilience is important because not only is it empowering but it’s a life skill as life isn’t always a smooth ride.

Emotional resilience refers to one's ability to adapt to stressful situations or crises. More resilient people are able to "roll with the punches" and adapt to adversity without lasting difficulties; less resilient people have a harder time with stress and life changes, both major and minor.

And being autistic this isn’t easy I feel I’m saying that rather a lot lately but it’s true.Especially  as I come up against different situations in life especially after going back to work after 6 months off.

‪Yesterday I had my headphones on ( I could still hear outside world ) I crossed looking round me before I did to enter the narrow lane done which I work and then started walking up the lane to which a car beeped me aggressively. There was no where else to go except walk down the middle of the narrow lane as the cars tend to park on the narrow stretch of pavement. The driver then proceed to gesture about my headphones etc shaking head etc then finally when I got done the lane he was relating to his visitor about my headphones again gesturing this . He approached me saying about the headphones saying I should have been on the path , ( where you couldn’t fit due to the cars parking on the path due to the narrowness of the lane. 

I said this etc but some people are so narrow and blinkered in the views they just like to hear the sound of their own voice.

Now I know people can be in a world of their own with headphones but I have mine at such a level I hear the outside world.

I wear mine because of my autism it’s an unseen disability ~ and I didn’t even say this to him ( I didn’t even get the chance )

You might think it’s just one of those things but for me it nearly sent me home as it riles me emotionally.

Now my come back at people is just to call them a very silly person in such incidents.

Afterwards I was floored and emotionally upset but luckily I had work colleagues to pick me up.

And I mentioned it on line as well where I was offered sage advice and I’m grateful of that.

Being autistic I cannot necessarily articulate myself when I’m faced by irksome folk but I’m learning and it’s part of my self resilience.


Monday 22 October 2018

Why Your Cat Needs An Instagram Account

A cat the 4 legged friend though it one letter from being a friend and more likely to be a fiend on many occasion than a fiend but a friend they always truly are. From apologising to getting the wrong sort of  cat foot to accepting that your cat is more popular on instagram than you are then cat ownership is here to stay.Fear not I am not jealous of my cat being more popular on instagram it is the modern world , I have to instagram on behalf of my cat , it's a blog think it is a blog identity , it is perfectly cat bonkers and harmless.

You won't see me referring to my cat as my furbaby it is not a term I like and it should be consigned to the same place as hollibobs and haul ( insert silent scream )


I know I know my cat can't actually instagram but you know it is part of my identity and now Jack has to be the Ninjakillercat as Rollie is no longer with us and Rollie so totally would have owned instagram!

Jack has very much adjusted to being on his own and wrapping everyone round his err paws ? and he has more toys than he knows what to do with and will chase stuff then tiredly flop down in a heap and paw them with muted enthusiasm.






And Jack is getting a few strange messages on Instagram including ones about fitness but the think he is he’s been catfished.People are using cat profiles then changing them sneaky ! so catfishing is not just a human problem! Pop over here to see his new instagram account 




Wednesday 17 October 2018

Kitchen Clear Out King Prawn Broccoli Mushroom Beansprout Medley

It’s one of those days where you look at your fridge and cupboards and random supermarket purchases.As it’s Wednesday it screams randomness anyway and Wednesday today is 2 years long !

Ingredients 

Ham

King Prawns 

Button Mushrooms 

Broccoli 

Bean sprouts 

Oil for pan 

Soy sauce 

Sweet chilli sauce 

Method 

This is very much whack in a pan and there you have it type of meal.

Heat up some oil in a wok 

Throw in the chopped Broccoli, mushrooms and Beansprouts and King Prawns, ham
 dash of soy sauce and sweet chilli sauce .

Literally keep it moving for 5 minutes en-suite piping hot and then serve .

Quick and easy 






Tuesday 16 October 2018

A Handbag As An Investment

#Ad


Though I myself am not much of a handbag person I do appreciate a good quality handbag as they are an investment and I have friends who obviously have lots of investments so borrowing a handbag is not much of an issue for me.Gone are the days in the 80's and 90s 0f matching your shoes, tights and handbag and thank goodness for that!A handbag that has plenty of room is an essential for me and one that zips up or closes up fully for security and I prefer one that I can sling over my shoulder though I don't mind ones that you carry in your hand but still allow room to sling over your shoulder.




A handbag can really finish off an outfit but a handbag aren’t just for a special occasions. There are many places to find out about handbag trends you can start by looking at Vogue designer handbags. A handbag is very much a personal choice and it is wonderful to have one that fits with your personality.




I feel also a handbag also makes you want to go places not just that you want to be seen but a handbag is just part of a landscape.People often wonder what to say to get daughter for the special occasion of their 18th or 21st  birthday well I think a handbag is an excellent investment.Any special occasion is a good excuse for a handbag purchase and I have my 21st wedding anniversary coming up and if you say that number very quickly it is no time at all a blink of the eye in fact.Perhaps I could have a handbag that fits in with my love of countryside and walk and my practicality of life.




Collaboration post 

Friday 12 October 2018

Autumn Celebration

It’s an Autumn celebration and I’m feeling like my year has just begun as myself and my family have been through the ringer as they say since March.But now oh now hopefully joyfully we are all catching a break life is like Tetris and we battle and work to fit it in.

We have dealt with a diabetes diagnosis, my mother had a bipolar crisis , I had an depression- anxiety crisis and I was diagnosed as autistic, and I returned to work after 6 months off .A lot you’ll agree and the ends are being tied up and we do what we do to get through.

So the year begins now it curves round to the expected and unexpected and it’s ok you can clap this no need for jazz hands.So bring on the tea and more tea I say and we will deal with the world one cup at a time.




Wednesday 10 October 2018

Help For A Newly Diagnosed Autistic Adult

It's not as if you get your letter from Hogwarts when you're told you're autistic , in fact I am still waiting on my letter to confirming my autistic diagnosis even though I got my diagnosis on the day .I know am lucky to get my diagnosis in confirming why at times I feel fractured it  it very much like feeling you're Humpty Dumpty and it is a myth that us Autistics can not be empathetic. And I really don't mind me autistic in fact I like being me I am still me but it like being dropped in the middle of the ocean.

If you're under 30 and in derby then you can approach Umbrella for help and support after your diagnosis but if like me you're on the right side of 40 there is nothing but relief from a diagnosis.There are local groups out there and this is where looking on line helps from example the Autism society . There is a local group to me which I have yet to join I am doing stuff at my own pace as each and every day brings its trials tribulations or joy.


Auditory overload is my biggest nemesis especially combined with a roomy auditory space so at the moment I am going between earplugs and headphones and I have just ordered some headphones that will cut out so much noise.Do I want to be different yes and no do I wish I had been diagnosed sooner and my disability had been understood at school yes but life isn't how we always want it to be. It is about striving once you know and doing your best to be you and I can be empathetic I am not a robot without emotions . My brain wiring is different and that is the thing Autism is a spectrum situation condition and how I act and fail will be different to the next autistic person.


Monday 8 October 2018

Love Of #HiddenCalke National Trust

You not only make use of your National Trust membership in summer but you can do so all year round , it is an excellent way not only to get out and about but also witness the changing of the seasons.And there is nothing finer than the Autumnal bounty of leaves and colour.





















Enchanted is what National Trust gardens are a pure glimpse into a time gone by.See a leaf fall into existence, see a water can left as if the head gardener has only just gone away. I don’t live far from Calke Abbey and #HiddenCalke is very much in abundance.

It’s a favourite place of my to potter and wander round because every corner of the gardens beckons you forth.There is still flowers heralding their blooms at Calke.












Saturday 6 October 2018

Ten Things I Love About Tea

I’m pretty sure that there are more than ten things I love about tea , tea is life .

Tea is the beginning the middle and the end there is no debate and tea won’t leave you , tea is your companion.

Now I’m Claire and I’m autistic and I really do like tea and whilst I’m not huge in conversations and noise as a result of said Autism.Tea is a huge passion of mine I was asked in my assessment “ what would happen if someone drank out of your favourite mug ?”

Gosh 

Replying “ I said if that situation was to occur and that would be rare as I make the tea myself.It would irk me a bit if they had a favourite mug but I have so many it wouldn’t matter a great deal .



1 Tea is a conversation starter and also brings silence I love tea for this very reason. Tea is my mellow place and tea is all encompassing I so very much love my tea and really couldn't be without out my favourite drink.

2. Without tea I just wouldn’t be me Tea is just part of my personality.

3.You just can’t start the day without tea it’s an ancient law 

4.Tea is a niche I love belonging to and it grounds me as I especially get to grips with the diagnosis part of Autism for myself.

5.If you know a tea lover then a Christmas gift or a gift anytime is never a problem take this for example (it’s a bit pink and I don’t really do pink but there’s a cat ) 


It’s £3 from Sainsbury’s which is a complete steal ( obviously do pay for it with shiny coins !)




6. Tea no matter if you’re happy sad or distraught Tea is the thread that bines us.

7.I really do give a lot of thought to tea and I would lost without it.

8. A bad cup of tea is a traversity upon the world and a waste of an opportunity.

9. Tea won’t lead you astray like that floosie coffee and it won’t leave anxious and remonstrating against the world.

10 My iron Will is as strong as the colour of my tea which must be a strong golden colour.They say religion starts wars but you get people started on the colour of the perfect cup of tea then it’s like nuclear war.Serve tea like Gnats urine and you’ll be locked up in the Tower of London.

Wednesday 3 October 2018

Halloumi Carrot Chickpea Salad Wrap

Halloumi Carrot Chickpea Salad Wrap 

Just because it is Autumn doesn't mean you can't have a salad as I am trying to be be frugal with the household budget ( I mean I haven't even brought a new bobble hat for Autumn yet though I have my eye or one or 2 ! )

Ingredients

Carrots

Halloumi (  Grilled if you want ) you could cube it

Coarsely grated carrot ( works much better I think than finely grated it s less soggy in my opinion )

Chick peas drained and rinsed

Minced garlic clove

lemon juice squirt add in zest if you have a real lemon to hand

3 Tablespoons of extra virgin oil

Salt and pepper seasoning

chopped greens of your choice



Method

1.Whisk  the lemon juice (zest ) together along with the oil and salt and pepper.

2. Add the chickpeas and carrots and Halloumi

3.At the last minute add in the greens/salad

This is perfect in a wrap !

Autism And Being My Own Hero

Well here we are 2 weeks into an autism diagnosis and I can confirm it is rather like a super hero trying with their identity , I am no different to how I was before if anything I am a little more assertive in my outlook to a certain extent.Noise I have to say is a big factor and too much noise put will lead to my ears buzzing like an rather instant alarm clock.I do however like to listen to Classic FM it panders to my intellectual side and whilst I don't like the unexpected ( like the Spanish inquisition ) I can savour and relish the tunes of a rather silky concerto .


Tone is voice with autism is separate I do suffer from and to illustrate the point myself and a find could have the same news and whilst inwardly I would be excited it is how you convey the news outwardly.And the person maybe without the autism will have more reaction to what they are saying , I am autistic and I can understand emotion to a degree I know who I like and if I like them. Eye contact is a mixed bag and I am more likely to give this if I like you , but I am finding people do unconsciously  talk over me. But talking over people is annoying habit people do anyway and now I am perfect valid in my kamikaze lack of spelling and grammar but that is not to say I am not trying .. very trying as my husband would like to point out.

Autism is spectrum disorder and I can be social in short bursts and longer bursts if I really know and trust the person but know my limits is a learning curve as my brain is accepting my diagnosis.I have know for a a long time I am autistic but being over 40 and a woman I am somewhat of a lost generation.But I hope my diagnosis will help those who are younger than myself and older than myself and the same same age.


Autism is part of me and I wouldn't want it any other way