Monday, October 26, 2009

H1N1 No More At Our House

Today was Mike's first day back at school after contracting the H1N1 influenza virus.
It was a long and bumpy road lasting a total of 12 ill days. We kept him home an extra two days from school as it was almost the end of the week and continued at home for the remainder of the weekend for safe measures.

As I have said in a past post - this is a bugger of a virus -. I have spoken to Dr.'s and nurse's, school personal & school medical staff. The one thing that I continued to hear from them is " keep your child at home even after the symptoms begin to improve for a MINIMAL of 7-10 days".

This was reiterated to me constantly along with the instructions, that if parents would keep their children home and follow the guidelines this would not be spreading as it is.

Please keep in mind that if you have other children that are exposed to H1N1 in your home and even if they are not symptomatic at this time, you need to keep them home with your ill child and follow the guidelines. I was told that by doing this we could significantly cut the risks to other students.

I know, I know....I say this with a understanding that as a freelance writer I do not report to an office everyday. I have the ability to remain at home and not have it effect my job. With that said- find a way.

I missed several board meetings, a newspaper interview, some book promos, and a concert that I was to attend with my oldest son. I purchased the tickets over 6 months ago. Let alone social engagements, and pampering appointments. Boy, do I need a manicure :)

Yes, I work from home- most often. Not always and furthermore, let me tell you that while Mike was home, I was getting zero work done. My attention was on him and his needs and trying to keep my home as germ free as possible. I have scrubbed and washed everything I could during his illness. That along with little sleep for a total of 16 days I was not getting my "writing work" done.

I realize that it is a sacrifice, but it is what you need to do. I was here in the house for twelve days before I felt that it was OK for me to go out into public to do a bit of shopping. I wore my gloves ( it is cold here in MN ), used the cleaner at the store to clean the cart handle, talked with no one and did my best to have no contact with others. My kind and generous Mother came several times to my home and dropped off supplies during the first twelve days. I soon ran low on Tylenol, bottled H2o ( all that Mike could keep down ) basic groceries, more cleaning supplies. With our her I would have been in a real snag. Granted, more friends stepped up and offered anything to help. Thankfully, we did not need to call on them because of my Mother. We did use good sense and she brought supplies to the door and left them. It may be a bit much to some but hey, who wants to catch this let alone be the one to give it to someone? One person sick can start the trail for hundreds or thousands. It has to begin somewhere.

I am glad to report that neither Jim nor I got ill. I received the original "swine flu" vaccination in the late 70's. I was told by my Dr. that the current H1N1 virus is not the same to the "T" but has many of the same components and may offer just enough of a resistance to cover me from getting the H1N1 virus and getting ill. Thus far it has done just that for me. We still do not know if Jim got the immunization in the 70's that I did. What I do know is I got it in school, when I was in the 2nd grade. The entire school got it. I remember this only as it was the first time I got a shot at school and they used a gun type of shot. It is the first and only time I ever had that or saw one. To be gross I also remember several kids
who wore short sleeve shirts that day with blood running down their arm before a cotton ball and band aid was applied. It is strange the things that one remembers from their youth. I recall bringing a small slip of paper to the library for the shot with my name and my mom's signature on it. My parent's also got the shot. They went to the public library in our town and got it too. My mother has remained well also so far.

I should run here, Mike will be home in about ten minutes from his first day back. I am anxious to read how it went and how the day was. I have LOVED the day alone for a few hours. I was in much need for some quiet today and the opportunity to read and write a few things, this being one of them.

Stay healthy !!

J.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

H1N1

Mike has the flu and it is believed to be H1N1.

We had a wonderful Sunday afternoon last week. The Viking's were winning on the TV and we had guest over for dinner. After a great meal and chat time with friends, I started to gear up for the week. At about 6:30 P.M. I got Mike dressed in his P.J.'s and noticed that all of a sudden he looked pale and felt warm. It was a fever. A bit of Tylenol hidden in some juice and he went off to sleep. About 11 P.M. I heard him up and went in to check on him. I asked him if he needed to go to the bathroom, he did- and then he vomited. A temp of 102.7 and again more Tylenol. The problem was, with in a few minutes of juice with Tylenol, he was vomiting again. This went on all night.

By morning he looked even worse. Asking Mike about his symptoms gives no results. They say the H1N1 often starts with a sore throat. Asking that question gives no answer. Asking Mike about his stomach is the same. I could only go by what I could personally see. He had a fever and was vomiting.

Monday and Tuesday were rough. His fever was hard to control and getting meds in him impossible. I called the ER at 11 P.M. Tuesday night as his fever had come down and now again spiked to 103 and we could get no meds in him to stay down. He looked just awful. The ER and the clinic did not want to see him unless he had a fever of 105 ( I know I was shocked too ) and/or he was turning blue when he tried to breath. They told me to give him a cool bath and try rubbing alcohol to bring the fever down. The cool bath helped but he was miserable. His breathing was fine this entire time, however he had bouts with hard coughing.

It is now Sunday and he ate for the first time besides a few bites of jello. He only wants water to drink and is scared to eat anything.

Mike was exposed to the H1N1 virus at school. His symptoms were those of the virus. It was a hard virus to deal with and parents should be cautioned. Not panic, just be cautious.

It is Sunday again - 1 week from the onset. I am exhausted. No one else in the house has symptoms of the virus. I have slept so little and could just sleep for days I think given the chance. I plan to keep Mike home again from school tomorrow. He is still coughing a bit and rests in the afternoon this past week. This has taken all of the vinegar out of him. He just wants to lay in bed and watch movies and rest. He did fire up his PC and did a bit of drawing today he has left his bed open and crawls in often to just rest. He is willing to drink water but food is slow going. When I think he is well rested, able to make a full day of it and is back to eating well I will send him. We are only on week 6 of school and he has missed over 2 full weeks so far this year.

My mom was a lifesaver and brought us fresh supplies this week as we have stayed home to keep from passing this on to others.

A bit of FYI- the H1N1 shot comes in 2 forms. The shot DOES have mercury in it. The nasal one DOES NOT. We will still have Mike immunized with the nasal when it is available.

If you have concerns talk with your Dr.

I should go and check on him and offer him more ice water.

Stay healthy!!

Monday, October 5, 2009

Back to School For Mike


Mike is a 3rd grader! We are excited to embrace the school year and hope for the very best. We believe the key to Mike's potential is in his education. We have had many bumps in our road with Mike's education. We continue to be positive and hope for the best. It is our goal that given a bit of time Mike and his teacher's will find their groove.

Here is a photo of Mike the 1st day of school 2009-

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

President Obama's Speech to US Students

The ideology of members of the Republican Party and furthermore the Right side news media to encourage parents to keep their children home from school today is preposterous, again another shock to the absurd thinking they continue to entertain me with. The President of the United States delivered a speech to US students this morning.

A brief reflection of history here-

President Reagan also delivered a speech to US students in the 80's. He focused his speech to school age students on governments need to cut taxes.
The 1st President Bush also delivered a speech to US students in 1991. He asked for the countries students to help him achieve his goals as President.
As we know both of these Presidents were Republican. The news media nor the opposing party made issue with the President of the county addressing students.

Now in the year 2009 the President of the US delivers a thoughtful speech to students: discussing respect for their teachers, encouraging students to take their academics seriously, to stay in school, graduate, to study and consider their public education as a opportunity for their future.

This is what the Right side finds worthy of attack? This is what all of the frenzied was about? The fear antics that socialism will be spread to our children if they listen to the President of the US?
Give me a break-


I recall President Reagan's speech as I was still in school. I was not a student at the time of President Bush's speech but did view it today on the internet.
I have listened to President Obama's to students today.

Student's today are facing a barrage of obstacles today that I never did as a student. Our county is at war, we are in a economic crisis as a nation. Many of these students are witness and living the with the true understanding of what war does to a family as their parents are far away fighting that war. Many students are living in situations where the family is facing the real impact of the finical crisis or have lost their home or parents are unemployed. Drug use by students is at an all time high. The high school drop out rate is also at a all time high. Many students are living in single parent homes. Do we really need to scare them anymore?


Today's address to US students by a President is not a first nor I hope not the last that a President will give.

Do we need people to put fear in these students that holds no merit? I think not.

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Six Days and Counting

We are on the count down for school to begin! I never know just how Mike will embrace the start of the school session. He has had the world by the tail here for three months. We have spent our summer break very relaxed with most everything revolving around Mike: just as he likes it to be ( wouldn't all of us! ).

We will shop for our school supplies and some new cloths later this week. I was not ready to shop until now as I was unsure if Mike would be excited for this or dreading this. Mike does not have the understanding for me to shop and tell him that this is for school in a few weeks. For Mike if something is purchased now - then you use it now. Later is not something Mike does real well at.

Mike has enjoyed his summer playing in his play yard, jumping on the trampoline, 4-wheeling, watching movies, drawing, and honing his laptop skills and running the printer. He loves a routine that is just his own with little to no interruption's. We have a shopping day one day each week. He loves to shop but assumes that shopping is just for him and what he wants to have and then we should be done and get back to home.

I have tried to get Mike back into a early bed time routine before school starts. That has not gone very well. The only person who appears to be ready for bed at an earlier time is me. Jim has been gone much of this summer working so Mike and I have been running solo here. He misses his dad and I sure miss someone to tag team with even if for just a brief bit of time in the evening.

In 6 days that bus will be in our driveway and Mike will have a big surprise. I will ease him into it again and will mention school starting this weekend. I have brought it up a few weeks ago and he was unhappy. He yelled a bit and ran to his room. He loves it here at home with his mom. He loves every ounce of my attention to be only for him. Hey, who wouldn't like that? It is however not a reality. I have enjoyed my one on one time with Mike around the clock for the past 3 months. I am however exhausted! I look forward to both Mike and I finding our "public" legs again. He needs to get back in the routine of learning and relating with other people besides his mother. I need to get back to "playing" with grown ups for the day. Both of us find our groove when we are summer bound at home. It is always a concern when it is time to shift once again.

I will enter Mike's new school year with the highest expectations for all involved-Mike included. Mike has a voice and has found some words. I believe with proper attention and time with his fantastic speech teacher he may find more of his voice and a clear understanding of the power of his speech to be the key that unlocks many doors in his life for him.
Mike and I believe his teachers last year saw a marked improvement in Mike and their ability to reason with Mike when a few words came. I continue to hope ( and pray real hard ) that they find the time and staff to invest more in his speech work as without good communication between them they are often at odds. The time to investment in him is now. Meeting Mike's educational needs in my focus for his school year.

I know many families are in the same situation as we are with school starting. There is a bit sweet and sour that comes with this time of year. Just know that you are not alone. I will be awake the night before school begins and will pace the floor when he leaves and wonder how it going? I will like many have days when Mike is upset at leaving to go to school. I wish I could stop time and keep Mike young and innocent and be there for him always. I know that is not realistic so we must find the tools to move forward and do the best we can for our autistic kids and prepare for a time when we are no longer here.

With that said- here is to another school year!!

Peace`
JJJS

Friday, August 28, 2009

Health Care Reform Telephone Call

While minding my own business this week ( actually it was the day my PC crashed this week ) I received a phone call of a solicitation/pole taking nature. I will tell you right from the get-go here I hate to talk on the phone. I have joined the many that live by email, text messaging, and voice mail. I have even gone as far as several years ago disconnecting the home answering machine as I really despised the force that is placed when someone leaves a message, as to not appear rude you have to call them back even if you wished to not take the time to talk to them. I still have voice on my mobile phone. When my friends, colleagues, or family give me grief I always remind them, the people that need to reach can always reach me as they know how to find me if I do not answer my phones.

I absolutely lack the patience to contend with solicitation/pole phone calls as I added our number many years ago to a " Do Not Call List " for some reason that is disregarded by those that can't seem to find better use of their time in my eyes.

Back to point here... I was already having a horrible day ( as mentioned my PC had died unexpectedly that morning and I was not taking it well at all ). The phone rang and most irritating was that my caller I.D. came up as an unknown number. I only get phone calls from a few people that are registered as "unknown" to my I.D. service, they are all Law Enforcement Officials that have their number blocked to the public. I did not hesitate to answer the phone.

When I answered the phone a soft spoken women was the other end of the phone. She did not give her name nor address me with mine. She stated that she was with "The Republican Party Against the Obama Heath Care Reform Bill". In most cases a person calling my home under solicitation venues will if I am in a pleasant mood be told " please do not call here again" if I am not in a friendly mood they get....dial tone. I lack the time or a realistic understanding of what they are attempting to accomplish. A one sided/viewed conversation with a total stranger is not my idea of a productive conversation. Frankly, even if one takes the time to listen/converse, what is the actual outcome? Nothing has changed in the " real world" you just took your time to chat with someone on a topic they want you to listen to.

My mother had mentioned a couple of weeks ago that she herself has received a call from, I am unsure at this time, if it was the "pro for" or "con against side". She mentioned that she said only a couple of sentences to them that went something like this- "I am going to listen to both sides and then
make a decision". That seemed to be the end of that and all moved on. I did however after listening to my mom mention this to me was to soften a bit and re-think how I would handle this call should it arrive at our home? As I mentioned I am unsure what side called her. I looked at it this way, I have a 25% chance of taking a call from the Republican side of this issue. Jim answers the phone in our home also so only a 50% chance I would take the call. Toss in the rest for both sides you have 25% of a chance.

Maybe I have been to harsh on people who call for a solicitation purpose, I thought? I should be willing to listen to the opinion of another and politely state to the person wishing to sell me new windows or a roof to my home " no thank you, have a nice day". It made me think I might be just a bit of a crab when calls came that I did not wish to have.

I made a decision a couple of weeks ago that if I got "the health care" call I would listen and be objective no matter what side it came from. To be bold, I have questions for both the "pro" and "con" side of this issue as I believe most do.

Back to the "soft spoken" Republican. I listened for the first couple of seconds and instantly was mad. I was having a crisis at this time with my PC crash and was in a dire panic about so many things, I did not have time for this "junk" ( trust me I used a kind word instead of the one I really wanted to use). As quick as the thought ran across my mind I firmly reminded myself that I have made a commitment to no matter what side called ( if they did ) that I would be objective and listen to what they had to say. I gritted my teeth and went to my desk to talk and take some notes.

I was an excellent listener for the first 2-3 minutes. She had what I have to assume is a scripted speech that each caller receives. I could tell she was reading something and only when out of breath, took another deep one to continue on. I continued to listen and was fine just being a "listener" to their cause. She ended her "speech" with quoting a dollar amount that "Obama" was going to spend of my
"American Hard Earned Money"? The way she presented the closing of her speech, most anyone is left with the only option to say "no". She presented it as if "Obama" himself was coming to my front door and would be demanding a personal check from me written out directly to him to fund the bill. She then said "you do not support the heath care bill and you are unwilling to be the one to fund it"? Again, one if left with only the answer of "no" unless you plan to be at your front door...check in hand for "Obama" when he rang my doorbell to "pick it up" and take it to Washington, D.C. for deposit.

I took a deep breath and began to ask a few questions. I was as soft spoken as she was to me. My first questions was "will I loose the options to keep my current health care, that I am pleased with"? Her answer was "Oh, absolutely Yes, you will loose what you have, happy or not with it" "they are going to take that from you and force you to receive what type of care "Obama" thinks you should have and if you are entitled to receive that care". Her answer lead right to my next question like a bee to honey. "Can you explain to me what these "death panel" statements truly mean to the public? Her answer was "sure, I can explain that to you". She skipped the explanation and jumped right to a question for me. "Do you have a loved one over the age of 70 years old"? My answer was "yes" I do. Her response was "Obama is going to decide after a person reaches the age of 70 years old, if certain conditions and illness are realistic to the nature of the person's age to obtain medical treatment. Many people after the age of 70 will be denied health care and will die at a time when they need the health care more then anyone. How do you feel about that? You do not want to see your loved one suffer and die do you"? I then brought her back to my question that she said she would answer. I again asked, will there be so called
" death panels"? Her answer to me was " if Obama gets this bill passed Americans are going to start to die because of him".

I again brought her back to the "death panel" statement. I really wanted her to say the words, not just dance to the implication's of it- rather take the bull by the horn and say it the way Republicans are stating it to the public. She did not. In her defense, say the words "death panel" once in our conversation.

My next soft spoken question was "what about the Americans who can not afford the high cost of health care coverage or are denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions? What about all of the American children who do not have health coverage"?

All of a sudden my soft spoken Republican had a change of heart. She hung up on me.

I can not say I am surprised. I was not angry either. I have hung up on enough pole takers in my life, I was due this as payback.

I took a bit of time to reflect on my conversation with my soft spoken Republican. What I have to say is this.

When referring to "My" President of this United States of America you will address him as President Obama, not "Obama" as was done countless times in this conversation. He is the Commander in Chief of our country. Show some respect.

Secondly, get your facts strait. It just amazes me how ignorant the Republican Party has become. If you cry wolf as you have been, a time will come when you have as a party some actual truth to tell, no one is going to believe you. Democrat or Republican. Have some respect for yourself, and the party you support. It appears that respect is more then lacking across the board with the Republican Party.

In closing, for all of the Republicans in US Government whom voted "Yes" for the end of life counseling and now have named it a "death panel". You supported it - yes that means you- to the now former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin". You have two options to the intelligent American here Republican or Democrat.
Did you not have a clear understanding of what you voted "yes" for when it was "end of life counseling"? Have you re-written in your mind what the definition now is? As I understand it nothing has changed, only a Democrat in office not a Republican.

I understand more and more each day why former Governor Palin quit. She cried wolf to many times and no longer holds any creditability to her state, party or the American people. She knew when to put those running shoes on once again. Aside from her social network "Facebook" where little posts by her are made, she has all but disappeared from the public eye.

I have discovered by writing this I do have something connected to the Republican Party to be thankful for....thanks Sarah for the disappearing act.

I have to assume that I shall receive more calls from both sides of the health care issue. I will be fare to both sides and ask the same questions. It really is not about what party you support it is about quality of life for all Americans. If a time comes that I or a loved one is face with an illness, life and death could be at stake not what party I support. I support America and the people who are citizens of America. I want people to have a good quality of life and our health is at the top of that list. As my father said to me after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of 54. "I look around at all I have worked for and have - it means nothing to me without my health" " I would give it all up for time and it is something I do not have".
My father died shortly after this conversation and had great health coverage and the best of care. It is now 10 years he had been gone. It was the hardest thing outside of Mike's autism I have had to face in my 40 years. As awful and heart wrenching as it was, I can not comprehend what it would have been like to watch him suffer because his country did not find him, my father, an American, worthy of dignified, quality medical care and would rather have watched him, an American Citizen die a painful death because he was not worthy of health coverage he could afford let alone compassion. I am so thankful for his health care but think more and more about the daughter who watched her her father die without it. I pray for those families and our Government as a whole to find a better way.

In my 40 years I have never not had health insurance. I have never been denied anything where health care is concerned. I have had the best care when I needed it that was available. As all of have learned these past few years more so now then ever. What you have today, you may not have tomorrow. It will come without warning, it will just be gone. I am wise enough to prepare for what may happen to myself or our family. One illness and I or my family could be dropped and without coverage. Then it will all change and I the insured will become one of them, the un-insured. I am a consummate planner, always have been. I am wise enough to plan for what my life and my families future could bring.

As Americans we deserve better. We need to demand it.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

It's Just Another Monday in Paradise

Today started out with a bit of a bang- the bang of the death of my laptop computer. This is not the first death of a PC that I have had and I am sure not the last, still it is a death. I am a stress er' given the chance and I jumped in neck deep today first thing. Like all of us I have a routine. Mine is simple. When I awake the first thing I do is turn my laptop on. I walk away and do my morning routine, grab some coffee and head for my desk. I start by scanning several newspapers and websites. I read the highlights of several newspapers, taking notes on the way so I can surf a bit more to return and read articles later that morning. Again...not today!

We had a lightning storm last night and I think that was the issue. I had chest pains when my last PC died and what I can only describe is my first (and only ever) panic attack when my last one died. This was not as bad as I learned from the last one that my anxiety and stress did nothing to fix the situation. I paced around the house for a bit with anger. I continued to monkey with it- by chance that it would revive and come back to life. Little luck there. I found myself taking out loud to only dogs in the room who followed me when I walked as my talking they took as chatting to them.

I went as far as firing up an older laptop of about three years. It crashed (some what) a while ago. I could not bare to toss it as I had done some great work on it and it was like a dear friend. I turned it on and to my surprise after at least two years, it came to life. It still sat on my desk since it crashed neatly closed and I dusted it every so often. What I discovered was a true blessing.

I spent several hours reading old emails and looking at an array of photos from at least three years ago. It was a trip down memory lane and I loved it. I also took some time to go into files that I had not looked at in a very long time.

At about 3 P.M. I could take it no more. I jumped in the car and headed for Best Buy. I was an easy sale for them and got what I wanted and even treated myself to a bit of flare to go with my new laptop. I have enjoyed the extra speaker system that I purchased already. My laptop is now stereo central- we've got tunes baby and serious sound going on here. Most laptops have horrible sound quality to them, not anymore.

I discovered many things in the old laptop that I had forgotten. Little did I know that I still had a sizable amount of cash in my old itunes account ( I also have on the one that died today ) . I also have a ton of tunes on itunes that I never put on my ipod ( also the same for the dead one today I am sure ). It helped to find a few positives today's instead of the all the negatives of today. I lost some work and most of my email addresses. My favorites list - gone and several movies that I purchased ( I found some of those on the old PC too ). It let me know that it is so easy to have unfinished issues that still need resolution that are just hanging above our heads much of the time. I am determined to somehow get the old itunes, movies and the cash account that I have on both other laptops onto this new laptop.

I went to the safe today and reassured myself that I did backup the seventeen chapters of my novel that were on the computer that died. I lost a bit but have the base still intact. I have no one to blame but myself that I lost things.

As to the new laptop. It looks beautiful and has all the bells and whistles on it. Still it is not what I had and I hate change and fight it every step of the way. This I know will be no different. I also know this. In a bit of time this to will become a new friend and I will mourn the day that it to dies. I also know that I will replace this at some point and feel the same way.

I try so hard to find a positive within a negative, learn from it and apply it to my daily life. Today was no different. I lost a friend and met a new one. My past work was done on 2 former laptops and my future work is on this one.

I need to close this and move to the night groove for Mike. He had a great day also. He loves to shop at Best Buy. He got a few things also. He was pleased and I took him out to dinner.

Jim has been working out of town. I was the best wife ever when he called this evening to check in. He asked how our day was and I said it was great. I spared him the drama of my day let alone the amount of my purchase on my new friend. I believe that a few things left between friends is more then acceptable.

Enjoy the evening-

Julie

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Where has summer gone?

I can not believe that it is the middle of August and summer is almost gone already. My only guess is that I have been so busy that I lost a season here.

The new book is out and is doing FAB- I have been busy doing PR for the new book "Autism is a Four Letter Word: LOVE". Between book signings,interviews, conferences and scheduling for this fall --radio & TV talk shows life has been busy. Keep in mind that Mike is home for the summer and we have no help. Jim and I work opposite schedules so one of us is home with him at all times. Summers are stressful for all of us in our home...Mike included.

I had a fantastic time at the Project Lifesaver International Conference in Indianapolis, IN in July. They laid out the red carpet for several of we speakers. What I can say is this- what a top notch group of dedicated people. The Project Lifesaver International group leaves a lasting impression on all who are fortunate to meet them and learn from them. To the many members of Law Enforcement that I had the distinct pleasure to socialize with-- my hats off to all of you!! Many doors of opportunity are opened while chatting in a small group. I meet some very "grand" women and men who save lives everyday. To the helicopter pilots to the instructors to the men who organize the equipment to those that develop special relationships with those that are vulnerable, those that put on that uniform every day and search for our loved ones- thank you for your time, talents, dedication and patience. I find that thank you seems so small with the large scope of what they do everyday. I also am reminded over and over again from them is this.......they ask for nothing in return...a heartfelt thank you means just that- it touches their heart that we are grateful and love them for what they do. With that said-
** THANK YOU**

To the kind man who followed me outside and shared a special story and gave me 2 law enforcement pins from his county- 1 for Mike and 1 for me. Thank you- I enjoyed your story and Mike loves the pin.

To Bob from Florida, you have your hands full, and in the brief time we spent talking, you are the man for the job. I would love to come to Florida and see your team in action. Let's set that up.

To the many, many people who stopped to talk, have a book signed or a photo taken. It was my honor, not yours. My web man will be adding some of the photos. My assistant only took a few for me and I know many were taken with people. Feel free to email them, I would love to add them to the website.

My website is having another overhaul this fall. I am contacted so often by parents of special needs children about the tracking devices. What states and counties have them, who to talk to... I plan to have a page on my website with as much information that I have and can obtain for them. We will be breaking it down state by state and then the counties. We will add connecting websites, contact names and info. I have so much and got even more in Indianapolis from law enforcement agencies that wish to be added when complete. Please feel free to send me yours also to add. It will take some time to get it all together but we plan to devote much time this fall linking everything up..contact me or my assistant Susan via my website if needed.

I wish to say a quick "shout out" to Davey Hamilton from Indianapolis, IN. Davey is a INDY 500 racer that I had the chance to meet and chat with. Please get that book to your people from HP (his sponsor). I think about our chat everyday and am waiting for the phone to ring and open a door to new and exciting things for the autistic community.

Mike has had a great summer but is ready for school to begin again. He misses his friends and special teachers after this long break. Ryan our 20 year old has moved to Duluth, MN and will start college in a week and a half. He is living with several other young men in a big house off campus. We look forward to making many trips to see him this year.

Time continues to fly by and with that said, I must close this. It is a rare Sunday that we are not running or hosting guests. We live on the water and during the summer most weekends include house guest. We love to have them but it was a perfect time for a weekend alone. Dinner guest shall arrive in a few hours and I have much to do.

I thank you all who keep us close to your heart and continue to share your stories with me.

All my best to you until we chat again. Sooner then later, I am getting this blog thing down now and Mike shall go back to school and I will have a bit more time to give it the attention that it deserves.

Julie

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Let's Talk Books!!

In a bit of a rush today but I feel the need to pass on some information.

PLEASE READ BELOW INFORMAION-

The majority of books are purchased online these days. I am an avid reader and consumer when it comes to books. My favorite thing to do is go online to major book vendors and look and buy books.

I have no problem sharing with you the best way to obtain a copy of your favorite book or new book yet read.

First, if you know who the publisher was- check there first. Many sell books directly and at huge savings to you the consumer. No middle man and no addition shipping via vendors.

Second, if you can not get a book from the publisher then go to a direct vendor. When I say that I mean such as - Barnes & Noble, Borders Books and my favorite Amazon.com. You will pay what I refer to is a fair price. Ordering online is cheaper then in a store.

Third, look and see what incentives the above are offering. As a club member you can get huge savings if you buy a lot of books either at that same time or with in let's say a years time.

I bring this subject up because once again I was notified that my books are being sold at ludicrous amounts of money via the Internet. This is a common practice with many book suppliers. This happens to most all books that are new to the market.

Let me tell you this, your are putting no extra money in my pocket or my publisher by buying my book at a highly inflated price. Unfortunately, the consumer is the the one who pays the price.

I also offer this advise, I know that some of my first book The Color Red are on eBay and apparently signed by me for bid. I can not tell you if they are authentic or not. I have signed so many books- who knows.....? I try if time allows to sign a book with some flair and with a person's name added to it. If you want a book signed, come to a signing- I am happy to do so or at an event I am at.

If you want my book do yourself a favor and go to my website- go to my publisher and order a book(s). If not there then Amazon or Barnes & Noble online or in stores.

I was sent a note from a friend who found my book(s) for over $70.00 for one of them and it was a paperback, not even a hard cover copy. That is insane and I hate the thought of a parent, teacher or family member with an autistic or special needs child not ordering that book that they may very need the information contained in it because the cost is so high.

I also know that several Universities courses in the field of teaching, education, and special education or Masters programs now require my book to read as part of the curriculum. I hate the thought of a college student who already is pumping out outrageous amounts of money for books for their classes possibly without knowing better spending these outrageous amounts of dollars for my book or for that matter other books. Yes, that was officially a run on sentence. I am irritated by this and in a rush.

Buy from reputable book stores and online is great. I have never had a problem with my book ordering online at B&N and Amazon. I have always been pleased.

I feel fine with the set price for my books at both my publisher and reputable book stores. At best you will save money buying online with my top picks for store what ever the book it is you are ordering.

Consider this post a consumer post. Don't pay $70.00 for one of my books or $121.00 for a hardcover copy- I am good but not that good honey!

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Some pictures from the photo shot for book

http://www.slide.com/r/6G8wY83GtD_3DsJB7Y-6_LyVucj9T7tO

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Book party info to come soon- next week. Join me on Twitter or Facebook. Was sent a great link on Facebook from a high school classmate that is geared for Autistics- check it out- It is GREAT!
http://sketchup.google.com/spectrum.html

It is a Saturday here and Mike is a busy guy- have to run.
Check back soon for updates.

Julie

Friday, April 17, 2009

New Book " Autism is a Four Letter Word-Love" is out

I am so excited that my new book is out and available. It is always exciting to see your work develop to a finished piece.



I am receiving many emails with questions on my book PR and when & where I will be.



My answer is I am unsure at this time.



I had to make a few changes to the planned PR schedule for the moment. Michael does not do well when I am not at home. He does OK with dad when I am away for a short time. Jim however has had his own set of circumstances recently. As we are in Minnesota with the work that Jim does he has been called away at a moments notice to head to North Dakota to help build the levees for the ever flooding ND. Just when I have something on the schedule he gets the call and within less then a half an hour he is gone. At times for a week or longer or a few days. When he leaves we have no answers when he is coming home.



With that said, I am taking a step back and giving the flooding situation time to settle and then I will let my PR people get things back on schedule. I know the timing is terrible but what can one do?



Yes, I will be doing radio talk shows, press and TV. I will have a launch party I believe in late May and then start doing book signings. Life should settle a bit by then so it can be enjoyed.



My website has had a facelift so feel free to snop around a bit and catch up on things. The book is available via my publisher online and at most major book stores online and in stores. It take a bit of time for them to get then and out on shelves. Furthermore, most books are now ordered via the net.



You can catch the links on my website to order- www.jjshimek.com

Have to run, Mike soon home from school-

All my best- Julie