~* Mz. Cathy *~ profile picture

~* Mz. Cathy *~

I am here for Friends and Networking

About Me


Myspace GraphicsI'm Mz. Cathy, from White Oak, PA. I'm divorced (best thing that ever happened to me!) and a proud single mother (which, quite frankly, is also one of the best things that ever happened to me, believe it or not!). I have the most wonderful little boy, Christian, who just turned 10 in January 2008. Christian WAS (dear God, thank you from the bottom of my heart), that's right, WAS, diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. He has come a long way, baby. I couldn't be prouder. Subscribe to, or read my blog for updates! I have an incredibly rewarding career at Family Behavioral Resources as the Family Support Coordinator, supporting families affected by this devastating disorder. I'm in my fourth year as the Entertainment Chair for the Walk Now for Autism, benefiting Autism Speaks. In 2009, I'll take on perhaps my biggest challenge yet as a Walk Chair. I'm affiliated with ABOARD as the facilitator for the McKeesport SD's Autism Family Support Group, now called Tigers on the Spectrum (for my school district). Clearly, this cause is dear to me, and has completely changed my life. And yes, as can be seen in previous blogs, I intend to write and publish a book telling our story. In the next three years, you will see "Imprisoned No More: A Mother and Son's Story of Courage and Recovery from Autism" in Barnes and Noble. That I promise you! I have so many goals I wish to accomplish, but, alas, there are only 24 hours in the day!What else to say? Well, I'm funny, intelligent, and friendly. I pride myself on being extremely "real." I definitely don't consider myself to be dramatic. My life does indeed get hectic, but I come out on top most days with a smile on my face. What other choice do you have in this crazy world?I absolutely love my friends and family. They have been there for me at my lowest points, and always will be (and of course, vice versa). Goodness knows my family and I have suffered enough setbacks in this world to last a lifetime. However, others have it a million times worse than I do. Therefore, I thank God for the people I do have in my life. The ones who have left, were here for a "season" and left for good reason.I have a wonderful child, caring parents, a great neighborhood, a job I love (with co-workers who are like family to me), and damn good friends... in that sense, I'm a lucky girl! I am remarkably blessed.My next line used to read, "Now, if only I could hit the lottery." September 25, 2007, I did. Christian's diagnosis of PDDNOS was removed. YES, YOU READ THAT CORRECTLY. This is my gift... this, is MY lottery... and I could not possibly be more grateful.Read on, and message me anytime if you like! I'll try not to disappoint. :-)

My Interests

Anything related to the Autism Spectrum is at the top of my list for obvious reasons! I enjoy all kinds of music listen to almost anything), dancing, walking, karaoke, comedy, entertaining my kitty, reading, researching new home improvement ideas, surfing around the net, spending time with friends and family, shopping, watching (some) reality TV, and so much more.

I'd like to meet:


Myspace GraphicsI'm pretty social, so I'm willing to strike up a conversation with most anyone. I enjoy connecting with old friends/acquaintances from MAHS or PSM and see what everyone is up to! I also love meeting new parents who have children on the Autism Spectrum. You can link to a number of their pages through my friends list (some are on my top friends) - add them today and make a new friend! There are so many people in the Autism Community that I wish to meet. I love meeting new people every day.Maybe I want to meet YOU!

Music:

I will listen to almost anything. In my car, you'll find me tuned to B94 (IT'S BACK!), KISS FM, BobFM, Q 92.9, 105.9 (alternative rock), and Y108 (country). I have an obsession with disco, too.I love the local cable "Music Choice" channels. I'm usually exercising or cleaning to the "Party Favorites" channel!
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Movies:

I'm not really a movie buff, but I primarily seek comedies or the occasional chick flick. Obviously I watch animated films, too. I *am* a mom, you know! Though it's not a "movie" per se, I love the Blue Collar Comedies. Gotta love those "good ol' redneck boys!"

Television:

I'm not really home much to watch TV, but when I do it's usually some kind of reality show, GSN, a little bit of VH1, love TLC and Style Network, HGTV, and the Food Network. I'm enjoy American Idol, Hell's Kitchen, and Big Brother.

Books:

The only books I have picked up in the past few years are... (drum roll please)... Autism related! My favorite is by Karyn Seroussi - "Unraveling the Mystery of Autism and PDD." Her book changed my life, and helped my son tremendously! Last year, I read "A Real Boy" by Christina Adams. I was SO impressed with her story. Most recently, I read "Louder Than Words" by Jenny McCarthy. If you have a newly diagnosed child, this is one of the first books you should grab. She was very "real," which made her story an easy read in my eyes. In the next few years, my hope is that someone will post that *my* book is their favorite. Of course, that means I must finish it!

Heroes:

Ah, I used to say "none" - and now, I have so many!I have to include my family - my parents, and my grandparents whom I miss so terribly.Other heroes are the hundreds of thousands of families living with loved ones on the Autism Spectrum. Sometimes, we don't know how we make it through the day. To all of you - many good thoughts and well wishes are sent your way! I know how tough it can be on the day to day, and my heart and prayers are always with you.Other persons whom I have much respect for are healthcare workers and emergency personnel. I've dealt with so many persons lately, giving my family situation. It's so relieving to know that you aren't alone in a time of need and that people out there actually care.Other heroes - the friends who give the shirt of their back and never leave your side. Teachers, who want to make a difference in the life of a child. The soldiers who have to leave their families to try and make our world a better place to live - even if it means risking their lives and never returning to their families.Obviously, I respect and care for a lot of people. That's not such a bad thing, though.However, my biggest hero is my son, Christian Tyler. You have made me proud every single day of your life.
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My Blog

They say horoscopes are for amusement only...

...but, I digress. I actually find some of this inspiring!My Tarot Card for TodayThe EmpressMay the Goddess be with you!Deck: African TarotTraditionally entitled "Empress," this major arcana or "trump...
Posted by ~* Mz. Cathy *~ on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:18:00 PST

... and up to 15,000 were listening

Wow.Wow.Wow.I'm sunburned. I'm tired. I'm a tad bit achy. I busted my @$$ yesterday for 10 hours, and was up again at 4AM. So were several other dear friends and volunteers in the Autism community. We...
Posted by ~* Mz. Cathy *~ on Sat, 07 Jun 2008 03:10:00 PST

40 Tips for a Better Life

(My mom's best friend sent this on... WOW!))40 Tips for Better Life 1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.2. Sit in silence for at least ...
Posted by ~* Mz. Cathy *~ on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 05:54:00 PST

Musings and reports from Cloud 23

Hello dear friends!Rather than send out massive emails updating everyone on our "goings on" if you will, I thought I would do what I do best - BLOG!(*Cathy starts singing to the sound of Cookie Monste...
Posted by ~* Mz. Cathy *~ on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 05:16:00 PST

Dare I answer this? Eh, why not?!

The cheap way to blog... do a survey! Well, I haven't done one in a while, and I'm looking for a mindless task. Thanks Michelle... I'm taking you up on this one. I will get through it! :)~*~THE UNCOMF...
Posted by ~* Mz. Cathy *~ on Wed, 28 May 2008 08:21:00 PST

Friends and miracles...

Lots of blogging these past few days, as I am under enormous stress. Writing is so therapeutic for me, as you can see. I was speaking to a confidante yesterday, and I began our conversation by saying ...
Posted by ~* Mz. Cathy *~ on Fri, 09 May 2008 07:27:00 PST

This one’s for you, my friend...

Why are there so manySongs about rainbowsAnd what's on the other sideRainbow's are visionsThey're only illusionsAnd rainbows have nothing to hideSo we've been told and some chose toBelieve itBut I kno...
Posted by ~* Mz. Cathy *~ on Thu, 08 May 2008 08:31:00 PST

Have you ever felt so numb...

... that you could barely find the ability to cry? That you were rendered almost speechless, because no words could really describe what you are feeling? I'm shocked, yet not shocked. I'm crushed, and...
Posted by ~* Mz. Cathy *~ on Thu, 08 May 2008 06:56:00 PST

Little wonders and big moments...

My heart is filled with joy tonight. I received news about two children from two wonderful moms with whom I am friends. The stories are brief, but heartwarming nevertheless.The first is about K.J. 15Y...
Posted by ~* Mz. Cathy *~ on Mon, 05 May 2008 07:58:00 PST

A somber request - I’m begging for support!

(Reposted from bulletin for those not on my friends list, or that miss the bulletin and are subscribed to me...) Hi everyone,I'm at such a loss for words this Friday morning. Two tragedies... yes... T...
Posted by ~* Mz. Cathy *~ on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:48:00 PST