Author Archives: jcnash686

The Book Drive That Broke The Library

Book drives are good, in the way that fresh-baked cookies and Norman Rockwell paintings are good. There’s a sense of community spirit that book drives seem to stir in people, and as the freshly elected leader of a new volunteer group in my small desert town, I was looking for an easy project for usContinue reading “The Book Drive That Broke The Library”

We Don’t Need Tips For Reducing Stress

Since it’s a new year, it’s time for another round of resolutions, goals, and tips for better living. NPR joined the trend the other day with a Morning Edition segment that featured Dr. Aditi Nerurkar to talk about her new book about stress, The 5 Resets. Throughout the interview, the doctor shared steps that listenersContinue reading “We Don’t Need Tips For Reducing Stress”

Pathological Demand Avoidance: Christmas Edition

I mostly enjoy being autistic. I appreciate the quirks in how I perceive the world, even though I often feel out of step with the people around me, and moreso during the Christmas season. There is one aspect of my autistic experience that I could do without and that’s Pathological Demand Avoidance. Also known asContinue reading “Pathological Demand Avoidance: Christmas Edition”

Camp Meetings and Community

One of the first things I did when we arrived in North Carolina was attend a Friday night camp meeting. I remember some of this state’s idiosyncrasies from when I lived here during my teenage years, like Cheerwine and liver mush, but I had never heard of camp meetings. A bit of googling led meContinue reading “Camp Meetings and Community”

Millennial and House Hunting , Part 1: Accepting Reality

I never really expected that I’d buy a house. As a millennial in my mid-thirties, the economy has been in a series of sharp upswings and downswings since I was a teenager. The attacks on 9/11 changed everything seemingly overnight; in high school, I watched as friends’ parents were laid off from their manufacturing jobs;Continue reading “Millennial and House Hunting , Part 1: Accepting Reality”

Out West & Back Again: A Moving Tale

Just over a week ago, I was waking up in Mojave, California. Today, I woke up in Catawba, North Carolina. As far as reality-shaking life events go, a road trip to move across the country ranks pretty high on the list.  My husband, Ryan, and I had been mentally and emotionally preparing to leave CaliforniaContinue reading “Out West & Back Again: A Moving Tale”

Accepting My Autism

I was 35 years old and really getting to know myself. Now, I’m 35 years old and autistic, thanks to a recent diagnosis. It feels like something new, but I’ve really been autistic all along.  All the different things I obsessed about collecting as a kid – rocks, books, clocks, pogs, small figurines? Might haveContinue reading “Accepting My Autism”