WE'RE ALL MAD HERE

So I've always harbored this little crush on teapots, but never really acted on it.  When I was little, I had a small wicker table and chairs set, with a glass top, that always had a mini porcelain tea service set up.  I loved that shit.

I prefer tea to any other non-alcoholic drink.  Out here when you say "tea" everyone hears "iced tea" or "sweet tea," and that's partly what I mean.  But I love some good old fashioned tea tea.

The kind that comes from this stuff:

Wait, what?  No.  That's nasty.  Who can drink from someone's nose?!  That ain't tea, that's snot.

THIS stuff:

And y'all know "I'm A Little Teapot" was written about me, right?

But all I've got to work with is a cheapy kettle from Wal-Mart and an awesomely aesthetic plum teapot from Amazon.  That's all fine and good, I guess, but I like things to match and coordinate.

Also, I have yet to have "real" tea.  But that's not really an issue.  I'm perfectly content with Starbucks inexpensive Tazo line.  Throw some honey in that shiznit and it is yummy.

But really I love the pots (heh).  Some I'd love to have:

WHAT THE UTTER FUCK?!

No, I wouldn't be able to use her, but C'MON, it's MRS. FREAKIN POTTS!

WHY I LOVE JACK BLACK

He's humble.

He's good with kids.

He totally "gets" autism.

He's patriotic.

He's romantic.

He makes sense.

He looks out for the little people.

He's very wise.

He's a freakin panda.

Really, who doesn't love pandas?

I could go on, but it's three in the mo'nin and I'm startin to feel a bit lay-downish, so here's one last reason:

HE'S STINKIN HILARIOUS.

BRAAAAAAAAINS

Of which I have little.

Having run low on options to combat the Princess' steady tantrums and general attitude problem, I carted her off to the neurologist again today.  On our first couple of visits over a year ago, as well as hearing the Doc speak at an autism conference last spring, I was a bit uncomfortable with her.  She seemed to be too sure of herself, and a bit condescending, and quick to say (after 5 minutes of seeing my child), "She doesn't have autism."

Something has changed, though.  When we spoke today, she seemed to listen more, and asked more questions, and was pretty eager to try something new.  She went through what we could do, and laid out a timeline of treatments and such.  She also drew me diagrams and charts on the exam table paper and didn't tease or anything when I tore the paper off to keep.

And this may not sit well with most parents, and it may not make sense to a lot of you, but I loved that she spoke to me, and not to the Princess. It's like she already knew that that line of questioning would be pointless. Oh, she didn't ignore her by any means---the Doc was very side-eyed observant, if that makes sense.  But for the most part, the Princess was allowed to explore the room and sit and tic all she wanted.

Previously, we've tried Fluoxetine to try to calm her tics, and Strattera to help her focus.  Neither did shit.  Now we're onto a Ritalin-like stimulant, since she showcases so many ADHD symptoms (and, apparently, so do I, as the Doc subtly suggested I get myself tested and treated as well).  She also referred us to a psychologist for a more in-depth evaluation.  That's awesome.  I love evaluations.  Big ole packets of paper with lists and scores and assessments and stuff?  I live for that shit.

I'm always eager to find what professionals think of my kids.  I don't know why.  Maybe it's confirmation?  All 3 are just so interesting to me, with their huge personalities and funny quirks.  Teachers must dread IEP meetings with me---I've been known to attend hours-long meetings over the Princess.  There's always something to be said.

I know, I'm weird.  No need to say it, everyone's told me before.  But this weirdo makes awesome kids.

DIY SALT SCRUB

1 cup salt (or sugar for a less abrasive scrub, for you softies)  Dead Sea salt is supposed to be the miracle, all-healing salt, but I haven't been to Israel in a minute so I had to settle
1/2 cup coconut oil
scented oil of your choice (I used a fragrance oil Moonlight Path-type, because that's the best smell on freakin earth)

Melt the oil in the microwave for about 20 seconds and give it a good stirrin. Mix it up with the salt or sugar in a bowl, then add your oil.  I don't know how much, I just poured it real quick, but I'd say about a teaspoon or so.  Less, of course, if you don't like big smells.  Once I was out of oil and used a few squeezes of lotion.  I imagine you could use shower gel, too.

It's hard to judge the smell at this point.  The first time I made this, I was all, "Crap, this just smells like hot coconut."  Even in the shower, that's all I could smell.  But when I dried off. . . it was alllll Moonlight Path and it was awesome.

Have at it.  Let me know if there's a certain scent you prefer.