Piece #12 - "Temper, Temper."

Anger is a learned behavior. When we come into this world, we comprehend how to react to things by watching others. One of my many...many weaknesses has always been my anger. As you can tell I enjoy writing and whenever I've written in my characters for a story, at least one would have an anger issue. The story I'm currently writing now called Horizon, the main character Miko has problems with her rage. It's something she'll have to deal with throughout the entire story. I guess in many ways it's a reflection on how I've had to handle it. Early in our marriage, I had warned my wife that I would need her help in making sure I wouldn’t let the anger get ahold of me, for the main reason...the kids. I love my girls way too much for them to pick up the same bad habit. Yes, I obviously understand that we all get angry from time to time. (Even Jesus got angry when merchants were selling their items in the temple.) I'm talking about an extreme anger when in many cases, it wasn't called for. The problem is this is an emotion that comes on very quickly for me and in an instant, I make a judgment about something, or someone and in turn; I hurt them. Since I have Asperger's, once I make the fatal mistake, I beat myself up about the inappropriate action I had taken.

The best example I can give was when I was still in college (undergrad), of course I don't remember why I was angry at my oldest daughter Megan, but we were leaving to go somewhere and I was so upset that I spanked her outside as we were heading to the car. All I remember was in that instances, I made a serious error. I knew that the punishment did not fit the crime. And when Megan turned around with her beautiful brown eyes full of tears; I realized right then and there...I had to change. Some autistic people would agree that our short term memory sucks, but the long term holds true and the image of my baby girl with that face bores into my head like a drill, as a permanent reminder of how I needed to check myself and my temper.

To be honest, I've had better luck at dealing with my anger since I knew I had Asperger's. Is it completely cured? No, it never will be. I can only hope I'm a little quicker to dissolve the anger before it gets going. (Geez! This almost sounds like the Hulk. I used to love the TV show...Yes, there was a TV show before the movies.) Getting older actually helps as well. I know that sounds odd considering most people think the older, the grouchier! I believe I’ve gained wisdom from my experiences and so I'm able the handle the rage a little better.

“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” James 1:19-20

Song of Inspiration [Check it out on iTunes!]:

Song: “Dear X, You Don’t Own Me”

Artist: Disciple

Album: Horseshoes & Hand Grenades

Here's a music video of this song...with lyrics.

This is Megan and Alicia playing in the sandbox. Megan is the one offering me a shove. Now who could get angry with a face like that! I love you, Bacon!

Piece #75 - My Directing Method

Being a director like I have for several years, there are things that I've had to deal with in this business. This isn't the professional method of directing, but this is my perspective on how to be a director in any medium. I will probably address the proper method of how to treat actors, but that is not the sole focus on what I'm going to share. As a director you will have to deal with people who think they know it all and you can't say anything that will benefit me. The problem that most amateur actors forget is that acting is an art form, but it's also an occupation. I think people tend to forget that acting is work...hard work. One of the things that I try to let the kids know is that it's a very difficult business to get into. I feel like they need to hear the truth about the world of entertainment. I tell them that they have to 'want' it very badly and do almost anything to get in. An internship is a great way to get your foot in the door, bu

Piece #103 - I.Q.

I have, in some form or fashion, addressed this topic on intelligence, but I thought I'd hit this head on. One of the big things that people with Asperger's gets tied with is having a high intelligence. I have to admit that I've had a hard time finding solid evidence on all people with Asperger's having a high intelligence. I guess this a bit of a piggy back to my earlier posting #78 No Talent Required. The difference between these two is I'm going to address the intelligence in general versus the talents from Asperger's (or Savants). When it comes to the topic of intelligence, I get a similar feeling like in high school when the class decides on 'the most successful' label. I say this because I've always questioned what is successful? In turn I would also ask in the same breath what is intelligent? Testing the intelligence of someone used to seem like either a brainiac, just an average person or an idiot...depending on the score which is reall

Piece #72 - Brant Hansen, the radio voice for Asperger's

This might seem a little unusual for my blog to be talking about a certain person, especially one that I've never met in person, but he still has a special place for me because of how much we have in common...mostly because we both have Asperger's. Brant Hansen is or as of Monday July 7 th , 2014 was a DJ for a national syndicated Christian radio station called Air 1. He and I have exchanged messages through Facebook from time to time in pleasant conversations, but we have come to a point that is a little more serious. Brant has never shied away from his disability and if anything he has been a positive voice to anyone who would listen about his Asperger's. As I mentioned though, Air 1 is ready to shut him down. Here is what Brant had to say about his departure from the radio station: "If you've been a listener to our radio show, please know this: I’m heartbroken over the end of the show. I've counted every day as an honor to be able to have a platfo

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