I’ve accomplished a whole lot of nothing today. I know that I probably should care or at least feel a little guilty but I don’t. I mean, I spent some time with my kids and did actually mulch the leaves again. I suppose that’s my claim to fame for the moment and I’m cool with that.

This week should be quite interesting because I’m scheduled to record my final interview for season 3 of the pod and I’ll wrap things up with 40 episodes. That’s actually quite an accomplishment and the pod continues to grow every week. Anyway, I have a few episodes left in post but nothing new scheduled after this week. I’m kinda excited about that.

The timing is perfect because Emmett’s new school schedule starts this week and his hours have doubled.

This is going to be an adjustment for him and considering he likes change as much as most cats like a bath, I’m expecting some resistance. I like the schedule change personally. It gives us a 3 day weekend every week and that’s a welcomed addition to our lives.

On a more personal note, I’ve made some new friends recently and it’s so great to just have grown-up conversations with people who get it. I love talking to most people and as a result of my platform, I get to connect with so many parents, from all over the planet. I can’t fix things but most of the time, people just need someone to listen, not judge them, and relate.

I really try to make time for everyone who needs to talk. Sometimes that’s a lot of people. I know what it’s like to feel alone and if I can help someone feel a little better, I’m honored to play that role.

Outside of my family and a very small group of friends, I’ve not had many people in my life, who I can reach out and talk or text with, even if it’s just to see how their day is going. It’s not work related and it just feels good. It inject a bit of normalcy and that’s not a bad thing. Being an autism parent can be quite lonely and friends are so important.

Oh, I’ve been working out on a relatively regular basis and I’m quite proud of myself. I’m making do with what I got and it’s not perfect or easy but it works.

One of my goals as a single Dad was to rebuild myself. It’s tough to do sometimes but at the moment and for the foreseeable future, I have nothing but time. I want to use that time to better myself, not only for kids but me as well.

Let’s see… Oh, my car should be back this week. I spoke with the body shop on Friday and I should be reunited sometime on Monday. The total bill was $6,200.00. All of it was from my idiot neighbors illegal and insanely dangerous fireworks display this summer. Thank God for insurance and a $100 deductible.

It’s been forever since I’ve been able to drive anywhere, even if it’s just for the drive itself. The kids are itching to get out and go hiking but I’m not sure if we’re going to do that with Ohio approaching 6,000 new COVID cases per day and a 10% positivity rate. Maybe we’ll go for a drive at least. I miss my car and can’t wait to look out the window and see it there.

I’m not allowed to wax if for a few months and that sucks because I enjoyed doing that. I believe at least 90% of the car has been repainted and clear coated. I guess I can’t apply anything wax or polish for a couple of months. By the time I can, it’ll be too cold out. I’m sure I’ll survive.

I think that’s it for the moment. My brain is exhausted and I think I might actually be able to sleep. I was just texting with my neighbor because she was checking on us. There was a shooting that took place while I was writing this and it was pretty close. There’s been a lot of sirens for awhile but it’s quiet again and I’m gonna seize the opportunity for sleep.

The boys are all in bed and for whatever reason, didn’t hear the first round of gunfire or what sounded like an exchange of gunfire with police. I worry that they are so used to it, they no longer react and if that’s the case, I feel like a fucking horrible parent. Gotta move us out of here.

While I hate the neighborhood, we’re lucky to have some really amazing neighbors and we all look out for each other.

Anyway, it’s time for bed…