- Went to the Ballet - Not normally my thing- but it was something on the bucket list I could reasonably do so I stepped outside of my normal art entertainment. I don't think I'll go again. Part of what Autism looks like in me, is needing the verbal context clues to understand what's going on, as a result I found myself enjoying the costumes and set design more than the show itself and given how expensive it is to attend the Ballet, I think I'll stick to things that don't drain my battery.
- Went to Orchestra Hall for the last of my Pop season tickets: "She's Got Soul". I’ve loved having season tickets but I Probably wont have season tickets next year. Have to think about where to save and where to spend, and there are vacations I'd like to take that I could use the season ticket money for. Ex and I did 2 shows together this year, did 1 with my dad and 1 with a friend. I would have to do it by myself next year and I just can't bring myself to do that.
- Prom! I have attended 5 of 7 years of proms since I started this job, the only 2 years I missed were due to covid. I love a good excuse to get dressed up and as my own senior prom left a lot to be desired it's fun to get a re-do every year. Ours was at The Museum of Pop Culture which provides so many fun things to do in addition to typical "prom" activities like dancing and photo booths. Normally the entire special ed team chaperones, but this year I was the only one. Felt a little sad about that, but it did not stop me from enjoying the evening- I especially enjoyed the way my neon glasses looked under the lights.
- Graduation and Grad Night- In trying to hide from my feelings this time of year, I volunteered to chaperone grad night - a Lock in from 9pm until 6am the next day.
- I've always done graduation- I have a "not so secret" way to help students who struggle with over-stimulation, noise, etc to be able to participate in their high school graduation that I've done every year we've had traditional graduation and I cannot imagine not doing it. I get a shorter sweeter version of the event- I stay in the tunnels and avoid a lot of the noise myself.
- Grad Night is new...And I'm not sure if I'd do it again. I did 25,000 steps in 24 hours. The photos are from the start and end of the night. Due to Work and graduation I was AWAKE for 24 hours and I thought I could go to work the next day--I could not. Every muscle in my body hurts and I have no voice at all, not even a whisper. When I tried to talk I couldn't breath. So yeah- Interesting, Fun, but too much to take on in one day. Also not sensory friendly at all. Bright flashing lights and loud music everywhere, no space for me or my students to get chill time, leaving us all in near panic attacks by the end due to sensory overload.
- Continued dental work - Finished the crown - this process went way more smoothly then I expected. I also replaced a few really old fillings at the front of my smile- which I know will help with my confidence.
- Did another paint night-was suppose to go with a friend. Glad I went even though she couldn't. Turns out my instructor and I have people in common so it was a fund even and I wasn't really by myself. I'm pretty proud of my art too and look forward to taking another class with her again.
- Finished another school year. Year 11 in the books. This year was rough, but I am so thankful for the people who helped me through and frankly I'm proud of myself for not giving up. Lots of changes for next year; most of which I'm very excited about. Packed my classroom to move spaces- looking forward to being in a single room all day next year. (Same school no worries)
- I survived my first wedding anniversary alone. I use the term survived loosely, as in I am still here, and I only spent a few hours crying, but that's a place to start.
- I tried a dinner with Time Left as a means of trying to meet potential friends. The app itself had several glitches day of which was annoying. Dinner was interesting- 1 person left within 10 minutes leaving 4 women and 1 guy. 2 of the women were very loud I found myself very overwhelmed. But there was one woman who works and lives close to me that I exchanged information with. I'd try it again as the restaurant was good and I do need to meet more people. We had dinner at Single Shot I had the asparagus with crab.
- Last Musical of the Season- Girl From The North Country. Bob Dylan music about a part of the world near and dear to my heart--Duluth, MN. Unfortunately while the cast was very talented, the notes of suicide, caregiver abuse of a disabled child, racism and poking fun at mental health - all of which were common place during the 1930's in Duluth, doesn't mean I find it entertaining. Additionally the storyline was weak and it felt like the music was added to sell tickets rather than with intention from the start. So while yes the music was fantastic and I understand why it won a Tony for orchestration, it just didn't hit with me as an entire package.
I have now done 48 of the 100 date ideas in my year of dating myself.
