Cookie Monster and I went out – browsing all the charity shops in town.
That may not seem like a big deal to most people but since our first date almost two years ago, I can count on my fingers the number of times we have had a ‘date’.
And we have been lucky enough to have carers, babysitters, and now a live in au pair.
The thing is…#HomeEd is a HUGE commitment for any family. A commitment of money and time.
Now spice that recipe with #HappilyAutistic, #ProudlyPDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance), and #RadiCoolUnschooling…and the commitment of time gets even bigger.
PanKwake is currently on her sleep all day and up all night schedule. (Well going to bed at noon now so not completely.) So we took a leap forward and got the au pair to watch her alone for a change.
Even then, a good deal of our conversation was about proposed changes to #HomeEd guidelines in Wales, activities we could do, and PanKwake herself.
But it was nice to get out of this #HomeCrazzyHome. Together for a change. I know that I came back refreshed. I always do when I spend time with my beloved Cookie.
When I was a single mom in London, friends convinced me to go to the council for a personal budget so I could afford more time for her carer’s. Some for me. In the beginning, I had the most wonderful, understanding, and empathetic social worker. I remember telling him,
“No matter how much money you give me, it won’t be what we really need. Someone to just hold me at night while I cry after a hard day. To tell me that I am doing a good job. And that it will be alright.”
I was right…now that I have all that and more. Cookie is a priceless gift. Speaking of which, let me show you one of our charity shop finds…
This is for PanKwake and her friends…well, it is a penguin game. How could we not?
And this is my Valentine’s Day present from Cookie…I picked it out myself. Because it is so true…
We once had a conversation that went something like this…
Cookie: I wanted a girlfriend. And I got a girlfriend, a daughter, and a cat.
Me: And one of every pink thing that Poundland sells.
PanKwake: And Argos too.
(And a bunch from Amazon…including this new chair for the gaming room.)
These days I would add…And the #HomeEd community in Swansea too.
But he takes it all in stride. He loves us “not in spite of our Crazzy but because of it.” And that such a difference not just to me…but to Pankwake…and #HomeEd too.
I am reminded of this song that I grew up with…Just change the words a bit to the Happiest Girl in Wales….
#RadiCoolUnschooling truly is a lifestyle and family affair at #HomeCrazzyHome. It consumes a huge portion of our time…even when PanKwake is asleep. Even the cat gets involved.
Self-Directed Learning & Neurodiversity 