Feeling a little better a few days later after some talks to our pediatrician and some more research on the subject of autism. Things could be much worse. But- there has been a development! Nay- a revelation!

We have determined that my 28 year old brother is also autistic! For real! In doing our research and the affects of autism on adults, it dawned on my mother that the person this is describing is Zach! Obviously, he is what they call "high-functioning", but it explains every one of his nutty anti-social and obsessive problems from childhood through today. Looking back it makes so much sense and my mom feels terrible for not recognizing it when he was a kid, but c'mon- nobody knew anything about autism back then. Zach is still getting his head wrapped around this discovery, but he says he feels very liberated in this knowledge, because now his problems don't seem like some unexplained vagueness that has always haunted him- it has a name! Strangely, we're all very excited by this.

And to add to the weeks' oddness, my friend John (who I mentioned I was looking for in this post & haven't heard from in six years) e-mailed me out of the blue. That's good stuff, but weird! He's fine, in case you were wondering. And still single, so ladies, if you're in Rhode Island for any reason, pick up a twelve pack of cheap beer and you just may win his heart.

Next up for Casey, we've made an appointment to see a pediatric neurologist, but there's a bit of a wait and we can't get him in for another month or so. I'm looking forward to this appointment just so we can get a better idea of what to expect. Thanks for all the concern and well-wishings, and thanks also to those of you who would have commented but didn't know what to say (I do that all the time). I know the last post was a curve ball, usually you come here to read something I think is funny, or see some stupid thing I drew, or whatever and then you get POW! AUTISM!!! That's whack, jack.

Tags: Kids Autism Pals The Home Front

I don't know why exactly I waited so long to admit this out loud, because deep down I've been sure about it for months. I guess by not saying it, it wasn't real, and that was easier. Today it's real.

Casey is autistic.

The top of my google search for "early signs of autism" was this article. Casey is five for five. We're going to start calling doctors tomorrow.

It's not the end of the world, but I'm a little hollow inside right now.

Tags: Autism Kids The Home Front

You may or may not be aware that there was a pretty bitchin' snowstorm around these parts early this week. It was quite an ass-kicker, but we survived. There was a victim though- the phone & internet has been down at the day job since the snow hit and probably won't be back until next week. It's sort of like working in a well lit closet. No communication of any kind with the outside world. My boss has been freaking out because of all the phone & internet orders we're missing, but my paycheck doesn't change, so I couldn't care less. I'm enjoying the quiet & getting some shit done for once. Not being able to surf the net, listen to NPR out of Boston or even send an e-mail has been a drag, but that's a small price to pay for not having to talk to all the grinks and groinks who usually hassle me.

The hot sauce guys pay really fast! I billed out three illustrations on Monday and got a check yesterday, and that was with the post office being closed a day while we all dug out. Love those guys. I already showed you the girl-on-donky action in a previous post; here's the other two drawings I did for them (just to show these guys aren't only about girl-on-donkey action):

Therefore, today I bought $700 worth of tires for the Element. VERILY! On a related note- the tires only cost like $550, the rest was in taxes and fees the state of Ohio adds in. Holy Crap. Ahh well, I guess I'll be using the tires to drive on Ohio, so it makes some sense.

I've determined I'm going to take an unofficial vacation from freelance art for a while and free up some evenings for a some sorely needed living. You know- watch a little teevee, drink a little beer, post some crap on the internet, maybe grope the wife a little. Not simultaneously, I'm a great multitasker but there are limits to my powers.

And ooh! I could take some of this time to gear up for a job hunt. That's right, I am going to look for a new job in the spring. I think. I'm a lot of big talk, so we'll see how it goes. Anybody hiring? I'm only half the degenerate that I pretend to be- honest!

Tags: I Am Professional Pictures What? Car

The following link is a spoiler for the current half season of LOST, but not for last night's episode, the week before's. There's this sequence that's all super messed up and scary, and some genius posted a video of it in reverse and fancy new details are revealed! Even if you don't watch LOST, but like scary messed up things, you should watch it anyway.

SCARY AND INFORMATIVE!!!

Tags: T.V. Internet

I WANT THIS SO BAD.

We're ready to believe you!

Tags: What? Internet