Small Business Saturday: 3 Small Business Women I Am Inspired By

Today is Small Business Saturday, so I thought I'd share 3 small businesses that I adore and support. These three women inspire me so much. They are fueled by passion and purpose. So if you're thinking of getting someone special a unique holiday gift, you may want to check out these ladies.  

Nell of NellEsc Designs is a local Bronx Latina, blogger, designer and mother of two special needs boys. One of my favorite pieces is the Young Lords fabric cuff. Whenever I wear it, I get so many compliments on it. Check out Nell's Esty store --> HERE

I had the pleasure of meeting Aurora Anaya-Cerda of La Casa Azul Bookstore at the LATISM Conference back in September. La Casa Azul is a much needed gem in our city. And the story of how it came to be is inspiring. In most major bookstores, you can barely find of a shelf of Latino authors- Aurora has filled an entire store of wonderful books all written by Latinos. If you're looking for something special, you will surely find it at La Casa Azul.  

Jennifer Bunt is blogger and autism mom. She also created her own line of Autism Awareness Jewelry. "The creation of the Autism Awareness Collection was inspired 
by my personal connection with Autism Spectrum Disorders,
 as well as my belief in giving back to the community," Jennifer says. I shared Jennifer's story earlier this year, you can read the post in full, HERE. 

What small businesses do you support? Please share in the comments :)  

How Autism Impacts Minorities

Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Everyday Health explores how Minorities are disproportionally impacted by the rising autism rates. With less access, it could drive up healthcare costs for all in the long run.

Oh...and I'm also in the video.

You can read the article - Autism Strikes Some Families Harder Than Others - on Everyday Health.

Just to clarify some things in the video:

* Norrin was still getting home base (and center base) services from a SEIT (Special Education Itinerant Teacher) between 3 and 5 years old through CPSE (Center of Preschool Special Education). Unlike like our Early Intervention experience where we got really lucky with an amazing therapist, we went through 6 SEITS in 2 years before hitting the jackpot with a really great person. One SEIT quit after 3 days because of parking (she was used to visiting homes, where she could park in a driveway) and another SEIT told me, "my husband has concerns about me coming to this neighborhood." One agency dropped me after I expressed concerns/complaints about a SEIT.       

* Norrin was placed inappropriately during his kindergarten year. That was the year I had to sue the Department of Education because the school failed to provide an Occupational Therapist. After 8 weeks of paying out of pocket (totaling $1250.00), I was given a waiver letter to continue outside OT services and no longer required to pay out of pocket. The OT was able to bill the Department of Education. I sued the DOE for full reimbursement for the money I spent on OT and later that year, I had to sue again to have Norrin removed from the school. 

* For the last 2 years we've been paying out of pocket for ABA therapy at home (after school) from an agency called Center for Autism and Related Disorders. We use our medical insurance to pay for this therapy. I am very lucky to have a job with really good health insurance coverage (we have an autism advocate that helps file medical paperwork) and thanks to the Affordable Care Act, I live in a state with autism coverage.    

* Over the last five years, I've read many books that were helpful and inspiring. However, they are predominantly written by white, upper middle class women who were able to either move, hire an attorney and/or quit their careers to stay home with their children. These were not options for me. And reading these books in the beginning, I felt as if Norrin would never be able to "get better" since I could do any of the things I was reading about. I now know better.   

How NYC Schools Are Failing Our Children

image via istock.com

I’m not even going to mince words here. I don’t think the New York City Public School System is equipped to handle kids with autism.

Two weeks ago, 14-year-old Avonte Oquendo, ran out of his Queens school and has been missing since. Avonte is autistic and non-verbal. His school is a District 75 school and shares a space with a “typical” school. On the day that Avonte walked out of his school, a security guard asked Avonte where he was going. When he didn’t answer (because he’s non-verbal), the guard let Avonte go, assuming he was “one of the regular kids.”

Autism is an invisible disability and it’s easy for many autistic kids to pass for “regular.” But when there is a population of kids with autism in the same building as “typical” kids, there needs to be training and awareness. Everyone in the building needs to understand what autism is and what it ‘looks’ like. If the Department of Education is not prepared to do that, then maybe they should start creating public schools exclusively for kids with autism and/or special needs.

The school was also aware that Avonte was a runner and in need of “constant supervision.” There is surveillance video of Avonte walking through the school alone and running out of the building. It was also reported that the school waited an hour before notifying Avonte’s mother, Vanessa Fontaine, that her son was missing. When Dennis Walcott (Education Chancellor) was asked about how this could happen, his answer was evasive and Police Commissioner, Raymond Kelly, doesn’t believe the security guard did anything wrong. This should have never happened. Avonte should’ve never been left unattended and he shouldn’t have been able to run out of the school. The public school system failed Avonte and they need to be held accountable.

Read the rest of the article on Babble.com

The New York Birthday Show {Hope to See You There!}

Disclaimer: The Mamas Network has been provided me with press pass tickets to attend The New York Birthday Show with my family. All opinions are my own. 

The New York Birthday Show comes to the New York Hall of Science in Queens on October 20, 2013 with the biggest birthday party ever to provide families with tons of birthday experiences under one roof. Open to parents and children of all ages, attendees will have a blast at the ultimate birthday party and receive unprecedented insider access to some of the best entertainment, hands on activities, dessert samples, and DIY products currently available in area.

I have never been to The Birthday Party Show before and I'm so excited to be going next week! The Boy will be 8 years old in January and it's been years since we've thrown him a real birthday party. Every year it's the same thing - should we or shouldn't we? But this year, I really want to do something special. I'm hoping The New York Birthday Show will give me some ideas. 

It's also going to be held at The New York Hall of Science - one of the many places we go. 

(The New York Hall of Science presents 450 exhibits, demonstrations and design spaces that explain science, technology, engineering and math. A visit to NYSCI is a hands-on, energetic educational experience where you can indulge your curiosity and nurture your creativity.) The Boy is familiar with the Hall of Science so it should be a fun family day for us. Other things we'll get to see and enjoy will be: 

• Showcases of the Best Party Venues
• Performances from NYC’s Best Entertainers for Kids
• Cupcake and Cake Decorating Stations
• Sampling of sweet treats
• Cool Decorations and Supplies

Wait...there's MORE!  

• Amazing giveaways from the show’s over 65 exhibitors including fabulous prizes like a $500 spa birthday party from Glitzy Chicks Spa Parties, 2 hour face painting package worth $150 from ShellBell Face Painting, a 1 hour clowning package worth $300 from Bubbles the Clown and more!
• All Day Access to the New York Hall of Science and the Science Playground. If you've never taken your kid to the Hall of Science, this is the perfect time to go. 

All kids who come in costume receive a FREE trick or treat bag to collect goodies from our exhibitors.

When: Sunday October 20th, 2013 10 am – 4 pm
Where: New York Hall of Science - 47-01 111th Street, Corona, NY 11368
Cost: Free with NYSCI Admission - www.nysci.org/visit-main/tickets/

Advanced Ticket Savings: Buy your NYSCI admission tickets in advance before October 19, 2013 at http://www.nysci.org/event/new-york-birthday-show-2013 to save up to 20% off. Cost: $15 Adult (18+) $13 Child (2-17), Student (w/ID), Senior (62+)/ Under 2 Free

***

Disclaimer: The Mamas Network has provided me with press pass tickets to attend The New York Birthday Show with my family. All opinions are my own. 

Too Close To Home | #FindAvonte

It's officially a week since 14-year-old Avonte Oquendo has been missing. Last step as I stepped off the 6 train in The Bronx, I paused on the platform to listen to the announcement - it was a message about Avonte. I pulled Norrin's (I usually refer to him as 'The Boy') hoody over his head, the wind was picking up.

Every night this week, I've wondered if Avonte's cold, hungry, tired and missing his mother. Every night this week, I've held Norrin's hand a little bit tighter. This story hits too close to home for me. And my emotions are all over the place.  

Avonte could easily be Norrin in a few years and it's scary to see how easily a kid could fall through the cracks of a broken system. 

Like Norrin, Avonte was in a 6:1:1 classroom in a Queens public school (District 75). Avonte walked out of his room, down two flights of stairs and passed a security guard. The guard asked Avonte where he was going, when he didn't answer (because Avonte is non-verbal), the guard assumed he was "one of the regular kids." The school took an hour before notifying Avonte's mother, Vanessa Fontaine. 

The school was absolutely negligent and it's a disgrace. How are special needs parents supposed to have faith in the public school system? For me, it's just another glaring example of how the public school system is ill equipped to work with individuals with special needs. Something NEEDS to be done.   

I think of Norrin's kindergarten year and how hard I fought to get him out of that public school and away from District 75. And while I love Norrin's current school, still I wonder. Avonte reminds me of how vulnerable we really are. There are so many people I have to rely on - teachers, bus drivers, matrons, baby sitters. Will they be able to keep Norrin safe? 

Yesterday morning, I saw Avonte's mother on television and I cried. I could see the pain in her eyes and feel her heart ache. When you have a child with special needs, wandering is your worst nightmare - especially in a city like New York. 

"[Avonte] is supposed to have one-to-one supervision at all times," Fontaine [Avonte's mother] said through tears. "He has the mental capacity of a 7- or 8-year-old." (CNN)

I don't know Avonte or any member of his family. But I grew up in Queens, I have a special needs sister who went to school in Long Island City. I have a son with autism. This is too close to home for me and I am praying for Avonte's safe return to his family.  

And I want to do everything within my power to help. 

Whenever a white child with autism goes missing, my social media feeds are saturated with posts and tweets. Blog posts are written and shared, hashtags used. There is this sense of urgency. I haven't seen that with Avonte Oquedo. When a brown kid with autism goes missing, the sense of urgency doesn't seem as great.

Autism is a spectrum and it comes in every color. All of our kids matter. Avonte could be any of our kids. And I wish that more were being done in the media.  

New Yorkers often get a bad rap for being rude and apathetic but in these moments - we all really come together as a community. That's what I've seen this week. And that makes me so proud of my city. It gives me HOPE. Hope is all we have right now. 

Tonight (Friday, 10/11) at 5pm there will be a vigil in Queens for Avonte Oquendo at the tent next to Center Boulevard School in Long Island City.   

#Missing Child with #Autism in #NYC: Avonte Oquendo

UPDATE: The family's Go Fund Me page has been deactivated as of 10/10/13 9pm est. 


Early Monday morning I received an email from a young man named Wes, asking for help. 

My best friend's little brother (I consider him my brother as well) - AVONTE OQUENDO - has gone missing Friday (10/4) early afternoon from his school in Queens, NY. Avonte is 14 years old and is autistic, he cannot speak or write. I have attached his picture and a picture of the NYPD missing persons flyer for him. If there is anything you could do to distribute this information to aid in finding Avonte, I would be eternally grateful. 

Avonte is a 14-year-old, black male. He was last seen at 12:38 p.m. on Friday, October 4, leaving his school on 51 Ave in Long Island City. Avonte was wearing a grey striped shirt, black jeans, and black sneakers. He is 5’3″, weighs 125 lbs. He has autism and is non-verbal. 

I shared the information on my Facebook pages and tweeted but it just wasn't enough. Whenever a child with autism goes missing, I feel it because it could so easily be my own child. 

When you have a child with special needs, parents have to rely on bus drivers, matrons, teachers, paras and therapists to keep them safe. Avonte walked out of his Long Island City school in the middle of the afternoon. How could Avonte walk out of the building completely unnoticed? It was mentioned that Avonte had a para because he as to be supervised at all times.   

But before I get angry and demand answers. I want Avonte found safe and I want him found soon. We can ask the DOE questions later.

Click on the link (or photo) for more up to date information regarding Avonte and the search effort: http://www.gofundme.com/4o939c [acct has been deactiviated as of 10/10 9pm est]

Masquerade Cocktail Party Fundraiser Oct 16 | @plaitheatre #NYC

UPDATE: PLAI Theatre has CANCELLED this event due to lack of funds, ticket sales and donations. 

This past year, I have become involved with PLAI THEATRE (pronounced PLAY). This group is a theatre company that works with people with special needs of all ages.  Last year, PLAI THEATRE gave people of all ages the opportunity to find the theater artist within them. PLAI THEATRE has worked with community centers, social aids and Resource Centers to bring theatrical sessions to people with special needs. PLAI THEATRE has brought all of this programming free to the children, teens and adults that seldom have the chance to explore their creative potential.

Today, I am asking you to help support PLAI THEATRE's upcoming programming which includes their fall theatre production with their Adult Ensemble, The Royal Players.  The Royal Players have been creating and rehearsing their original performance piece since April and are ready to share their hard work, thoughts and creativity with their friends, families and community members. They are also beginning a Teen Ensemble in Brooklyn with a full production in January.  PLAI THEATRE is also finalizing plans for an additional group for Adults in the Bronx as well as continuing our collaboration with Gigi’s Playhouse, providing free theatre sessions for children with Down Syndrome. 

Today, I am asking you to make a donation towards their upcoming programming.

The Adults are so excited about their production that they have created their own promotional video. Please enjoy their film on our website at www.plai-theatre.org.

As many of you know The Boy was diagnosed with autism 5 years ago. One of the hardest things was learning that he had no imaginative play skills. We’ve had to teach him how to pretend and it’s a skill we continue to work on.  

When you have a child with special needs finding appropriate, engaging and affordable activities can be a challenge. That’s why PLAI THEATRE is so special. The people who run the program truly get it. And what I love most about PLAI is that it focuses on building imagination through performance. Whenever The Boy participates in PLAI he has such a great time (he loves the puppets) and I am grateful such a program exists.

Please help PLAI THEATRE raise $9,000 by October 31 through online donations or attending their Masquerade Cocktail Party on October 16th.  PLAI THEATRE hopes to enable their performers with ABLE imaginations reach their goals and perform.  Every dollar helps brighten the spotlight on each performer.

The Royal Masquerade!

Hors d'oeuvres will be served as well as wine, beer and soft drinks. Tickets are $30 online and $40 at the door.

When: Wednesday, October 16

6:30pm - 8:30pm |  performance by the Royal Players will be performed at 7:30pm.

Location: The Nuyorican Poets Cafe

236 East 3rd Street
New York NY 10009

A Parent's Guide to Special Education in New York City

If you live you in New York City and have a child with special needs A Parents Guide to Special Education in New York City and the Metropolitan Area by Laurie Dubos and Jana Fromer will be your bible. Especially if you are going through the Turning 5 process. I purchased this book more than three years ago and it's one I still go back to again and again. And it's one that I always recommend to parents.

So what's so great about this book? Well...it's broken up into 4 parts. Pay attention, these parts are important.

Part I provides an overview of special education in New York City. Talks about the children entering kindergarten and how they may be identified. It goes through the evaluation and referral process and the types of evaluations that are needed when applying to private schools. It also explains the difference between a Psychoeducational and a Neuropsychological. It breaks down the IEP and explains parents rights. 

Part II talks all about private school placement and the application process.

Part III is all about the schools. It provides all the key factors of the school - whether it's graded or ungraded, if it's 10 or 12 months, what kind of classifications they accept, what related services they offer and other critical information. If you don't know how to find a school - this is a great place to begin.

Part IV provides local resources: evaluation centers, therapists, medical professionals, websites and more.

A Parent's Guide to Special Education in New York City is a must have for parents and even for special education administrators and teachers.   

For more on the Turning 5 Process check out my new weekly series Turning 5 Tuesdays #T5Tue click HERE.

Jodi Benson aka The Little Mermaid (OMG - I MET HER!) #FindYourVoice

Disclaimer: I was invited to a Disney Q&A Event with Jodi Benson and provided with a complimentary Blu-Ray DVD of The Little Mermaid. All opinions (and gushing over Jodi Benson) are my own and have not been influenced in any way. 

Earlier this week I attended a Q&A with the Jodi Benson - the voice of Ariel from The Little Mermaid. It was an afterwork event and usually I have to pass on these events but this was an opportunity to meet Jodi Benson. And I have to go. 

I showed up more than an hour late and out of breath. (I literally ran out of my office to the Empire Hotel.) But Jodi greeted me and asked my name. She was talking about her childhood dream of being on Broadway, even though she grew in Illinois and had never seen a Broadway show. Jodi confessed that she never wanted to be rich or famous, she simply wanted to be a working actress. 

I remember going to see The Little Mermaid, I wasn't a little girl - I was 13 and it was the first movie I took my little sister to. I remember sitting in the theatre and just being mesmerized by Ariel's voice and the story. As a 13 year old girl, the story was totally relatable...I mean, except for the fact that I was a human, not a mermaid but you know what I mean. And one of my favorite Disney songs is "Part of your world." 

The Boy hasn't seen The Little Mermaid yet and I haven't seen it in years. I asked Jodi how/if it could appeal to boys. She said the action scenes were fun for boys, as well Ursula, the Sea Witch and the underwater world.

After the Q&A, Jodi autographed copies of The Little Mermaid Golden Book. I was torn whether I should have the book signed to me or The Boy. In the end, I had her dedicate the book to The Boy.

Then Jodi asked me about The Boy and we started talking about autism and parenting. She asked questions and was genuinely interested. I was moved by her sincerity and concern. I had always loved the voice of Ariel but after meeting Jodi Benson, I admire her as a person.

I can't wait to sit down and watch The Little Mermaid with The Boy. The movie means so much more to me now and I want him to love it as much as I do.

Are you a fan of The Little Mermaid? What's your favorite scene? 

With its unforgettable characters and thrilling adventures, The Little Mermaid has been spectacularly transformed for the first time on Blu-ray with digitally restored picture and brilliant high-definition sound! The Little Mermaid will be in stores on October 1st, 2013.        

Disclaimer: I was invited to a Disney Q&A Event with Jodi Benson and provided with a complimentary Blu-Ray + DVD combo of The Little Mermaid. All opinions (and gushing over Jodi Benson) are my own and have not been influenced in any way. 

Finding The Appropriate School When Your Kid Has Autism #T5Tue

It's TURNING 5 Tuesday - did you miss the first post? Catch up HERE. 

My search for the "appropriate" school placement began in the fall of 2010 - the same time I started this blog. The Boy was going to start kindergarten in September 2011 and I wanted to weigh all the options. I wanted time. 

If you have  child with special needs who will enter kindergarten in the fall of 2014 - NOW is the time to start the process. 

That's right - a whole year. Because it's a long process. So where do you start? I would suggest starting with schools. In New York City - there's a lot of school. Well, not a lot, but enough to keep you busy.

Because you'll need to tour. Gather paperwork (and possibly evidence). Apply. Wait. Cross your fingers, light a candle, say a prayer. And if your kid gets in...be prepared to prove to the Department of Education that it's the most appropriate.

Let me back up...because I can hear all the questions you're yelling at the computer. 

What schools should I tour?  

ALL of them. Seriously. If not all, then as many as you can. Public, private and even the ones you can't afford. Do your research. Ask questions. Browse school websites.

Where do I find special needs schools?

Believe it or not, there are a few ways to find schools that provide special needs services. I started with A Parent's Guide to Special Education in New York City - it really helped. I read through the book, took notes and did further research. 

Then, I attended a special needs school fair at the JCC in Manhattan. This year, it's being held on Thursday, October 24, 2013. You can register for the event - HERE. At the fair, I was able to schedule an appointment to tour, speak to school representatives and get applications. And it was a good way to weed out the schools I knew wouldn't work for The Boy. 

But the best way to find out about schools is to talk to other parents who've been there, done that. If you've never been to a support group - now would be the time to go. For Bronx parents - check out the Bronx Parents Autism Network. There's a meeting on October 8th. Don't be shy about asking parents where their children go to school. 

What about the local public school?

Visit your zone school, even if you know it's not appropriate for your child - just go to say that you did. Visit the DOE website. Make an appointment to tour local District 75 schools. And check out other special education programs like the ASD Nest Program or ASD Horizon program. Visit the NYC Resources page for more information - HERE.

What paperwork do I need? What do I include in the application? 

Most school applications require a recent evaluation (more on that next week) as well as past evaluations. Some applications will ask current teachers to fill out some sections. Applications can be 3 - 15 pages long (yes, I'm serious) and most have a fee (save your money) and a deadline of when to apply. Many schools will like the application before the Christmas break. 

I can feel your head spinning so I'll stop here. Remember the Turning 5 process is a lengthy process and I want to help. There will be more information regarding schools and the application process. So check back every Tuesday. 

And don't forget - there's a FREE Turning 5 Talk on 9/25 and 10/16 - click HERE for more details.    

Is Your Special Needs Child Turning Five? #T5Tue

When I started this blog three years ago, I was going through the Turning 5 process. And - not to scare you - it was probably the most stressful two years of my life. The first year, searching for an appropriate placement and the kindergarten year realizing it was a mistake and trying to get The Boy out.

I wanted to write about our experience but Turning 5 isn't something that can be covered in a blog post or two. So I thought I'd start a new series on the blog - Turning 5 Tuesday [#T5Tue]. I'll share tips, resources, information seminars and our personal experience. If you have a specific question, leave it in the comments section and I'll try to answer it. 

If you have  child with special needs who will enter kindergarten in the fall of 2014 - NOW is the time to start the process.

And where should you start? Well if you're in New York City - you should start with talking to a Special Education advisor and Special Needs Advocate. You probably have a lot of questions.     

What kind of elementary program will be right for my child? What are our rights and options?

Educate yourself! Come hear a free presentation with Sarah Birnbaum (Parent Advocate and Special Education Advisor, New York Special Needs Support) on how to:

• Learn about educational options, public and private
• Obtain the best evaluations and guidance
• Find an appropriate kindergarten program
• Understand your legal rights
• Get through the Turning 5 process and create an IEP

Date: Wednesday, September 25 

6:00-8:00pm


Location: Bankstreet College of Education


610 West 112th Street, main floor auditorium


RSVP: nuberto@bankstreet.edu

Date: Wednesday, October 16 

6:00-8:00pm


Location: The SMILE Center


171 Madison Avenue, 5th floor


RSVP: info@smileny.org

Remembering The World Trade Center

It's been twelve years since the day that changed New York City, our country, our world forever.

It's been twelve years and yet I remember that day so clearly, like it was yesterday.

Today, in addition to honoring all the lives that were lost, I'd like to remember the beauty of the World Trade Center.

4 Miles of Hope in Central Park: I Ran My 1st #NYRR Race

Today we ran our first race as a family. We've been members of the New York Road Runners club for years but really only The Husband runs. The Boy ran his first kids race earlier this year but me? I've never run a race. 

This wasn't just any race. This was the 1st New York Road Runners Autism Speaks Race. The Husband said I had to do it. Those were his exact words: You have to do this. 

Now I'm not the kind of woman to feel obligated to "have to do" anything, especially if my husband tells me. But this I knew I had to do.

I'm not a runner. I've never run four miles before. But it motivated me to go to the gym and really hit the treadmill. I got up to two miles. The most I've ever done.

Today I ran four. Okay, okay...I walked most of it. But I did it.

PROOF!

By mile 2, I was done. The Husband and his cousin had finished their race. They were waiting for me at the finish line. But my friend (and skilled runner) Rosa talked me through the whole 4 miles, encouraging me the whole time to keep going. I am so grateful. Had she not been with me, I really would have quit.

Rosa: Come on Lisa! You're almost there. We gotta hurry up or else we'll miss Norrin's race.

Me: I've seen him run before. (Towards the end, not even my kid could motivate me.)    

I didn't think anyone could be so chipper while running up and down the hills of Central Park. But Rosa, she was pretty chipper. Even while I was complaining and cursing The Husband for making me sign up to run 4 miles.   

Rosa aka "Coach Cookies" got me through it! Thank YOU! 

It was such a beautiful day in Central Park, the perfect day to spend with family and good friends. I feel extremely lucky that our friends came out to run in support of autism. They not only cheered me on but they cheered The Boy on.  

The Family That Runs Together Stays Together.
With "Uncle Julio," Rosa,  The Husband and The Boy

And then it was The Boy's turn. He did such an awesome waiting his turn and following the directions. He had his moments but all in all - he did great. I'm proud. This race was longer than the last. And I ran along beside him (that was the stretch that did me in). 

The Boy was so happy with his ribbon.

I didn't think I could do it. But The Husband believed I could. Belief is what keeps our little family going. Because we believe, we can never lose hope. 

And maybe, just maybe, I'll run again.

10 Things We Haven't Done This Summer (And The One Thing We Did)

The last few weeks of summer are dwindling down. Every season is the same. It flies by too fast and we wonder where the time went. And yesterday The Husband and I couldn't help but think of all the things we have not done this summer.

We haven't been to a BBQ. The Husband is very upset about this. He's missed out on hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw and potato and macaroni salads drenched in mayonnaise. 

We haven't been away for a long weekend. This year we haven't taken a vacation. When The Husband had off in May, The Boy was in school and I couldn't get time off. The Husband won't have vacation again until October. I'm really bummed about this. I thought we'd be able to squeeze in a weekend getaway but just didn't happen.  

We haven't been to the beach. I repeat. We have not been to the beach. Have I mentioned we live less than fifteen minutes away from the beach? 

We haven't walked along a boardwalk. There's something so romantic about walking along the boardwalk, breathing in the ocean air on a early summer evening.

We haven't been to Great Adventure. We really wanted to do that this year. We've never been to Great Adventure's together. 

We haven't been to City Island. For those who live in the NYC area you know that City Island is great summer destination for good seafood and fruity drinks. We live 15 minutes away from City Island and we haven't had fried shrimp or calamari or a Mojito or Pina Colada all summer.

We haven't seen fireworks. Because...well...this. 

We haven't gone fishing. Um, I could care less about this but The Husband seems to be really upset by it. And I'm not sure why considering he hasn't been fishing in the entire time we've been married. (We've been married ten years.)    

We haven't been to Coney Island. As a kid we always went to Coney Island. We've only been once with The Boy. 

We haven't gone to the aquarium. Not sure why we haven't, we have the membership and a parking pass.

My list could go but I'll stop at 10 because all in all - it hasn't been a bad summer. And there are still a few more weeks left to cross some of these off the list. Except for the fishing. That ain't happening.    

And the one thing we did do is...

Register for the NY Road Runners 4 Miles of Hope race. We are all running on September 7th. 

Tell me about your summer so far. What have you done? What have you not done? 

A Mother and Son Date in NYC

This week is The Boy's first official week of summer vacation and I took a few days off to spend some time with him. (And because summer is challenging to find childcare.) Thursday was a beautiful day so I decided that we would take the train into the City and go to the Children's Museum of Manhattan.

Talk about sensory overload! I can't remember seeing The Boy so excited. He was running and laughing. Just really really happy. It was tough for me to keep up with him. And next time I go, I'll want to go with The Husband. 

We had lunch. And then walked to the crosstown bus. The Boy spotted a playground and wanted to go in. We went in for a bit but it was a big (BIG) playground with too many blind spots. The kind of playground where I need a second set of eyes. So we left. And I had to bribe The Boy with ice cream because how else would I have gotten him out. 

And after his ice cream...he was happy again. 

Then we walked and walked and walked. All the way to 103rd street and Lexington Avenue. (From 85th and 5th) There was this bookstore I wanted to go to...La Casa Azul. 

  

After I purchased a few books, we took the 6 train back home. And then I took him back to the playground. 

We had a good day. But don't let these few pictures fool you. We had our share of challenges. I wish that I could say that we had this perfect Mother and Son day. That The Boy didn't have a meltdown (or two). That I didn't come home and cry. But that is for another post.