The Caffeinated Advocate

In the driver's seat means that one is in a position to take control. Oh, son, how you have placed yourself in the driver's seat in more ways than one. What a year this is turning out to be for me and for Christian. Those who follow my work and my social media platforms closely see that I have quite a lot of excitement going on. More about that at the end, because this post is not meant to be focused on me. It's about Chris and his massive success. As you can see here, as part of finding his way in this world, Chris is focused on becoming a licensed driver. He has come a long way in the past five months from the first Sunday afternoon when we drove around the school parking lot together. I legitimately thought I was going to go through the windshield when he applied the brakes at his first stop sign. Poor Snowflake (for those who don't know, that is my Jeep daughter's name. My Jeeps are girls. Don't judge me). Well, goodness knows during my fi

Soooooo, I thought this is as good an excuse as any to put up another post ... because, WHY NOT?!  Short, sweet, and to the point. Everyone's favorite (I think?!) Caffeinated Advocate (ummmmm, MEEEE!) is going to be “Keeping it Moving” by chatting with Maryland autism supermom and podcaster  April Green  and her hubby Vondell tomorrow night on "Keeping It Moving with April and Vondell!"  Their podcast was created to help people navigate life's struggles with faith, joy and purpose, especially those impacted by autism and  # mentalhealth  conditions. They feature guests as well as some fun segments during the show. I'll be sharing personal experiences, perspectives, and advice. Anyone who want s to listen in can call 1-515-604-9292 or via livestream at the link below at 8PM EST tomorrow night, 1/31/19: http://bit.ly/2FWQgEh # caffeinatedadvocate   # ausome   # aumazing   # autism   # itstime   # paintopurpose # imprisonednomore   # bethechange   # ach

This totally isn't a way I would describe myself on the day to day, even though it's how others often view me. I do refer to myself as a "gladiator" (thanks, chief) for surviving more than the average 40YO has had to endure in their lifetime to date. But I don't at all look in the mirror and say "that girl in there, she is always strong." Maybe I should.  Maybe ... I ... should? In my last blog, you could see that I needed a break from the hustle. Though 2018 was filled with more changes and much self-discovery with my family, my relationships, and my career calling, I couldn't keep going at the rate that I was. Conversations filled by both laughter and tears with trusted friends reminded me that I don't need to prove anything to anyone but myself, that I am running my own race, and that is ok to take the time I need to recover. After a rocky end to 2018 and realizing I wasn't going to meet all the goals I set for myself, I decided on t

Why has Cathy been quiet? I'm struggling. I'm done pretending I'm not. The Caffeinated Advocate is waving a white flag stained with salted caramel coffee spots (try it - Aldi's K-Cups are actually pretty bomb-diggity). I haven't blogged in months, despite my spiffy new logo (thanks again a billion times over to Eric Buczynski of Digi-Detox Computer Services and my dear friend). I haven't written a chapter in weeks ... a month, maybe? I don't know, it's probably been longer than that. I thought that my latest reads and follows (David Allen's "Getting Things Done", Jen Sincero's "You Are A Badass," and Rachel Hollis's "Girl, Wash Your Face" to name a few recent faves) would have perked me up more and propelled me forward. Well, sure they helped me push towards my goal of reading 5 books over the next year, set for myself because all I have done the past two years is skim social media or flip through Mama's

Maybe I need to speak up for those in back of the room or those who, with all due respect to my fellow badasses, truly believe autism awareness is a fruitless effort. Someone hand me a megaphone. Please.  A really big, obnoxious one that magnifies my voice for miles upon miles, from mountain top to mountain top, from sea to shining sea. We are not ... I repeat, for the 103,572,968th time since 2001, we are NOT. AWARE. ENOUGH. We are most certainly not aware enough and not demonstrating enough respect, empathy, or compassion to youth in transition and to adults. And we aren't exercising a shred of common sense (and in some cases, common decency). Why yes, I am bitter af today. Here's the deal: you mess with my son, you're messing with me, you're messing with my global autism tribe of activists, advocates and their loved ones and I almost feel sorry for you.  Actually, I don't.  It's nearly the end of 2018, and in the past year and half, my family - sp

Dear 40, Hey, how YOU doin'?! You know, I wasn't sure I was quite ready to meet you. Most days I still feel like I'm still the young single mama flailing in my 20's trying to figure out this whole life thing out. Then again, there's other days that I feel and look like I'm approaching 50 (you know, like this morning ... no pics needed, this not so fresh face wouldn't be pretty). Eh, whatev. Here I am, and here you are, and here we are, and, here we go. Being 40 in 2018 isn't easy. I shared a picture on Facebook yesterday that ignited this post that has been brewing in my head for weeks now upon entering this new decade and entering into "Self-Care September." Brene Brown, a favorite author and speaker of mine posted a picture that said, "it takes courage to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol." It sure does. Because in 2018, you're not supposed to actually to rest and act upon self-care, ri