Inside. Rain is bad for my arthritis. Creates more pain. If it rains on a work day or if I have a meeting to attend then I just grin and bare the pain and pass out when I get home. Joint pain is no fun so rain is not my friend.

List at least five favorite treats. (They do not have to be sugary).

Plantain chips

Blueberry muffins

Egg and American cheese on a cinnamon raisin bagel

Italian ices

Yogurt

Where’s your favorite place to take out-of-town guests?

I never have out of town guests but I remember when I was a young girl and my family from Ohio came to New York either my Dad or myself would take them to the famous New York sites. Empire State building and all those touristy places I don’t like. I suppose if someone were to visit me and I had the vacation time to spend with them we’d be going to all the New York Museums which I can get in for Free since I am employed by a NY Museum.

You are trapped in an elevator, who would you want to be trapped with?

That’s something I don’t even want to entertain since it has happened on my job. Not to me but to my co-workers. I have a fear of enclosed places with no escape which is bad because one of my duties when there is a special exhibition opening is to operate the elevator. I know my bosses can see me pacing back and forth inside the elevator. Scary. Ugh. This scenario is a Trigger for my nerves. Reminds me of when I was trapped underground in the subway for over an hour last Jan when the train hit a guy on the tracks. Suicide victim. Horrible.

Given that I have high blood pressure, anxiety and panic attacks I’d pick Jesus because only Jesus could get the elevators to work or take me to Heaven in case I have a heart attack or stroke.

Optional Bonus question:  What are you grateful for from last week, and what are you looking forward to in the week coming up?

I got to see Stephen. I had planned for a relaxing three 3 day weekend but that did not happen.  The only good part was attending Stephen’s meeting and seeing him. The news about all the layoffs and cutbacks due to lack of funding was depressing. Less and less services and programs for Stephen and the other residents.

The art program has been completely cut.  Stephen enjoys art and making drawings, ceramics, etc….  He is no longer going out to as many work-sites because New York State has not provided funding to pay staff to take him to his job sites.  Stephen used to attend a special camp for Adults with Autism but that got cut also. So you see my 3 days off was not relaxing in the least bit.

Developmentally Disabled citizens are being kicked to the curb because our American government no longer cares. Many professionals and family members are worried that this is a return to the warehousing of developmentally disabled people that was the norm in the 50s, 60s & 70s.  Those of you old enough will remember Willowbrook and the scandal that reporter Geraldo Rivero exposed at that house of horrors.

I wish I was rich and wealthy so I could donate money to hire more staff and return the arts, camps, work-site/work readiness programs that make the lives those with developmental disabilities fulfilling.