Happy 1st Anniversary, AsperJosh

It's unbelievable seeing how a year has passed after having creating something crazy and brave, that more than 7500+ people have taken the time around the world to take a look at what one guy with so much in his head to share. Their were doubts about this at first and now I've been blown away by the responses, Facebook likes and views that have followed on within a year already.

Helping Rosie With Her Uni Dissertation On Autism

Yesterday has been really special, I made a new friend Rosie and I managed to help her out with her work where she needed to interview and record me expressing my inner thoughts, history and beliefs with Aspergers Syndrome. It went very well and despite going off topic, she actually enjoyed it and needed it because it's honest and truthful and shows what I'm really like plus she said it's more footage and work for her.
Here I'm telling what it was like being recorded while helping out a new friend and telling so much about myself and beliefs which was all necessary for her work, it was like I had written up the whole lifetime so far of AsperJosh.

Back on I think it was the 5th November 2014, I received a Twitter and then Facebook message from Rosie (whom I had heard about back in my college years through some mates) and she asked for my assistance with her Brighton Uni work. She asked me if she could interview me and ask questions about "Is Autistic Spectrum Disorder awareness helped or hindered by representations on Fictional Television Programming?" she did say it's okay if I don't want to, but I happily agreed and was flattered to have been asked to participate in such an event. She had discovered me through my Blog which I'm guessing Aimy (one of my childhood friends) or somebody mentioned to her but she did like my posts and talks on Fictional Characters and asked me to be interviewed, I felt really honoured that my work and thoughts were gonna be put to excellent use.
In the back of my head, I thought it was a joke because it almost seemed too good to be true but she did prove how valuable it is and my doubts washed away and I felt very excited and was looking forward to the day it would take place.
So with patience and after the Christmas Holidays, she got back to me and confirmed when to do the interview. We organised it round her house which was surprisingly up the road (literally 2 minutes away).

The night before I went with Kurt to the cinema because I had bought us tickets to see Ex_Machina. Yeah everything was going swimmingly until the ticket guy told me that the tickets were for the film on the 21st January when the film comes out... Wa-Wa-Waaah (least we've got tickets already prepared for then). I hope I made that guys evening with my stupidity but luckily Taken 3 was available in 10 minutes so we used our Premium Cinecards to go see that instead, phew. My sister's friend Enya and her bf Pete were there too in the cinema and I came over and saw them a few times since they're really fun and nice people, the reason I came and saw them during the film is due to the awkward and annoying moment that everyone had to suffer 5 times last night... a Power Cut x5. 

During around 3/4 through, the screen went black and the lights flickered and we got told that a power cut had hit Crawley. It came back on 8 minutes later but the film was turned back 10 minutes (this happened every 10-15 minutes then on and happened in the exact same order), it really took away the atmosphere and awesomness from the film. There were also 5 pricks behind us at the back who wouldn't shut up and kept on disrupting the film with annoying comments (it was so frustrating), luckily after the 4th power cut they all got up and left and this black guy next to me who was annoyed with them too secretly threw a bit of popcorn at them subtly because they had thrown some popcorn at me and him. I fistpump him and said "Well Done!" and he ended up taking off too with his gf and I said "Have a good one you two".
So by the end (11pm until 1am), me, Kurt, Enya and Pete and their friends headed to the lobby to complain but we were rewarded a free ticket each to see a 2D film of our choice, it's not a refund but it was still acceptable. So Enya and Pete and the others took off and I headed home after dropping Kurt off first.

Anyway back to the interview, so yesterday at 1pm I was called to head on over to Rosie's house. I was breathing deeply because it had been almost years that I had gone to another girl's house (besides my regular group of friend's houses but this felt different due to it being a first time thing).
As I entered her house and was greeted by her, she took me into the front room and I showed her a paper that Mum and I had prepared with some bullet point answers in response to some of the questions she had prepared. I even made a little joke before the camera started rolling like this isn't gonna be like an interrogation with Good Cop and Bad Cop like in The Lego Movie, right?! ha ha. (I won't go into too much detail because with her permission and in time, I can use the copy of the interview and show you all!) All of my answers are from what I remember vaguely or explained very similarly and some I'm even adding in now but I'll try and acquire the video someday and post on here.
Question - Could you explain to me what being an Aspie means to you, and what it means to other people?
- Aspie? Is that a word you came up with? ha ha. As a man with Aspergers or "Aspie", I know I am biologically different and act, speak and think differently. Over time I have gradually begun to understand and cope with my behaviour instead of wishing I could change myself for other people's benefits. I think depending on who it is I am talking to, some may be judgemental and some might be more understanding. That's what over the last few years and during college, I learnt who my friends are and when it's best to be myself (though I do doubt about being myself since it did cause many to leave me). As long as I am in the right company then I am more relieved and pleased. I do have positive such as a gifted memory where I can recall many events throughout my life very accurately and I like to feel organised and make routines and plans for plans because not everything always goes according to plan. I do have a few negative traits such as the lack of social skills and not being able to relax sometimes in certain atmospheres like clubs though I am beginning to warm up to it through slow experience and it's making me a more social person and I want others to see me that way instead of assuming I can't be around or enjoy myself sometimes.

Question - Do you feel that the public know about people who fall under the term Aspie or do you think they know about Autism?
- Autism in general is a huge spectrum full of many different levels of sub-categories such as Aspergers Syndrome, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Attention Deficit Disorder etc and many people can show different traits instead of just one sometimes and the higher level is unpredictable. It's like a barchart ruler to me, every few centimeters is a sub-category and it can be unknowing as to how high the level is, for example people could have traits of this, this and that and have different levels. I think if the public are willing to understand instead of just judging people like me then that's a sign that maybe a bond can be made between 2 different kinds of people who don't want to be labelled as things like "Retard" or something (it's like Chesmisty).

Question - If yes, how do you think this is presented to the public. And through what forms of media?
- Books, Films, Newspapers, Sitcomes and even Music.

A book example is The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time which is about a young teenager with Aspergers and can't be touched and how he goes on a mysterious case to find out who murdered a dog that he knew very well and this journey begins to change and affect him deeply. I read that book when I was in Secondary school. I found out a while ago that there is now a play about it in London and I intend to see it someday.






Films like Forrest Gump, Rain Man and Adam all show special stories on how men go through emotional journeys of their own and show positive and negative traits that they all have, I think through films it's easier for people to maybe understand a little before encountering the real deal because these people are actors and just act based off of their own understanding. But I do like the acting they all displayed and do agree on them being good examples as to how different they are. People sometimes make jokes and say I am like Rain Man, I smile at how silly they are and understand why they see that in me, though Lewis says it thanks to Raymond's unique memory to which I happily accept the compliment.

Newspaper wise, did you read up about that Man "Gary McKinnon who hacked into the Pentagon?" Links here and here. It was shocking and amazing how an autistic man gifted with computers was able to bypass and breach into the most secure systems on the planet. I don't see him as a threat, only a man who had high curiosity and didn't think about where it would lead him to.

One of my favourite sitcoms, The Big Bang Theory has a character called Sheldon Cooper who has severe traits of Autism and is seen as a selfish, routine based nerd who doesn't understand human emotion, does not like human contact and doesn't understand some humorous things like sarcasm. The public are shown a character so different and awkward that this isn't an act and it may be laughable but it's even better if people understand and learn to accept people like him because he can't change the way he is and neither can I for myself. I tried changing myself and not be myself towards people in the past but I felt upset and lost, so now I have learnt to be myself and don't care about what others think negatively about me because Sheldon acts normally in his own way and enjoys his life and doesn't feel restricted, he actually feels well prepared. We must also remember that he isn't the prime example, he is just one of many people on this planet who have different levels of this condition and each may come to terms, learn to accept or even live with this condition and all for the better rather than thinking it's a curse (like I used to think).

As for Music, my prime example is Owl City (the main man - Adam Young), you know the guy who sang Fireflies and Vanilla Twilight along with the popular Good Time. I have no doubt that this talented and special dude has very unique lyrics which range from subjects like the sky, the environment, life, romance, objects and how blending them all together can create such poetry that I admire and take pride in singing a-long to every time a track of his comes on in my phone (even his side projects like Sky Sailing, Port Blue or Swimming With Dolphins). I even had the pleasure of seeing him live 2 years ago (though my recordings were poor quality unfortunately) but I really felt connected and I admired how he really comes through and gives off a powerful performance and shows me that he is enjoying himself for what he believes in and acts so passionate during his songs. I like to see him as an idol and show me that I too can chase and catch my future career and enjoy what you like doing as a hobby and someday get a job out of it.
I can't think of many other examples at the moment but I think the media does a good job through many varieties and it all matters on how others choose to react and understand to these people's actions.

Question - What would you say if someone were to refer to characters such as BBC Sherlock Holmes or Sheldon (The Big Bang Theory) as characters who present traits of Aspergers Syndrome?

- I can't really say for Sherlock Holmes since I haven't yet got round to watching the Benedict Cumberbatch version but I did watch the films with Robert Downey Jr. and really enjoyed and was amazed with how well this man can analyse and see crime scenes at a whole new angle and come down with powerful explanations that amaze us all. I like paying attention to detail and I do tend to over analyse things but I don't think I'd be good in this sorta area ha ha.
Sheldon Cooper is a good example because of his severe traits of autism and is seen as a selfish, routine based nerd who doesn't understand human emotion, does not like human contact and doesn't understand some humorous things like sarcasm. I do sometimes wonder if people either laugh with or at his actions/ traits because that shows who other people are. I in a way relate to some, though I don't have a spot in the house and I do like human contact and I too have begun learning sarcasm and human emotion over the last 5 years. I admire who the actor "Jim Parsons" performs so well and really pulls it off despite not even being autistic and a lot of people I know all like Sheldon despite his awkwardness and I do sympathise and understand at the same time, though sometimes it's not nice when others sympathise and think people who are like him are unfortunate, sad and unhappy when they aren't really looking close enough on how he is living his life and see's life in a different way (like me).

Question - Would you say that the characters are ambassadors for the positive promotion of AS awareness or do you think that they patronise the representation of Autism?
- A bit of both really, it all matters on who is portraying what kind of Autism and if it's to be taken seriously or as a joke. I think all the examples I have stated before are showing the positive promotion while Sheldon is a bit of both but that's down to whoever is watching it and chooses to like him or hate him for his traits that can't be helped. If we put people in a room and some are Autistic and some aren't, it all comes down to the chemistry as to if social contact can be made and if it'll be positive, neutral or negative. We can't make everyone like everyone but it'll help if they try to make an effort to understand at all and take that understanding with them in case they ever meet another person with an Autism trait but theirs no guarantee as to how severe anyone can be.

Question - Do you think that characters within popular culture or television have helped you understand and relate to your Aspergers?
- Oh yes, I do! Like in my Fictional Characters post on AsperJosh, I always see myself in hundreds of characters and it can range from a whole lot of genres and subjects such as war, romance, sci-fi, fantasy etc. Depending on the moment, the weather and how I actually feel, sometimes I can act out in my head as if I'm re-enacting moments in films and I may even alter the plots or if I was that character then I'd do something different because it's a way I would have seen it and I even imagine it being real because reality is sometimes boring and I long for excitement or see something bizarre and so I use my head or watching things to comfort that longing. Sometimes I think I'm a 50-50 person with light and darkness, for example while watching violent or war films, I would only see myself causing chaos, fighting for what I believe in or defending others and even using my own justice on others theoretically speaking because I want to cause pain because I have so much of it in my heart and memories but I know I can't go and do the unspeakable like murder because I know 100% it's wrong, but I think using films/ games/ anime and my imagination to act out things I haven't experienced (I don't even know if I ever will) but probably will only imagine since I don't see myself going out to war or even fighting things in my own head.

On a more interesting side, like the phrase "my head is in the clouds" well I always imagine being in the clouds and seeing the world from a better view can help me escape from my troubles and get a breather. Like I mentioned about Andrew in my Character post, I would use telekinesis to fly and just enjoy life but try not use that power to harm others as that leads to corruption... a path way to the dark side of the force! And another character such as Angel in X-Men: The Last Stand having wings will make me feel super special (nothing related to Angels in religion) but have similar traits to the sky being beautiful when I look up and see the airplane grid lines, catching a glorious sunrise and seeing a day end beautifully with a stunning sunset. And if I saw things from an amazing angle like when I am on a plane and look out over that blue cloudy horizon it makes me feel so high and serene.

This picture that I sometimes use as my Facebook
Cover photo sums up what life is like for me!

I can't think of much else so hopefully the loooong video will sum it all up sometime!

A couple times in the interview, the camera clicked and it meant the battery needed changing, one time I got round to talking randomly about some things and even using my voice impersonations of characters because a scene had popped up in my head, she even complemented on my Deadpool T-Shirt I got from Qwertee.com. I was surprised and glad to know she knew of this mad character and before I knew it, I began saying quotes that he says while trying to put on the voice, I even double-checked with her "Is the camera still rolling?" She said "Yes, and don't worry this is all unique work and it doesn't matter if you go off topic, just be yourself!". So that's why these answers and the soon to be video will be very entertaining and drag out for a while, hope you got the time, better grab a seat this could take a while.
After the interview to which I'm guessing must have been an hour or so, she turned off the camera and we took the time to chat about a few more things such as families, interests, you know taking the opportunity to socialise and know each other better since this was the first time we had met each other. I felt so calm and happy that I had participated in this and I was being honest with her and she was actually pleased and okay with the fact that I had gone off topic most of the time including in the interview (she said it helps her work and makes it look very realistic and not revised). To me, it showed me how understanding she is and what a lovely person she is too.

16.03.15
Catching up with Aimy since
the end of Secondary School

I told her about how I knew her bf Ant and one of her best friends Aimy who I knew them both since Chesworth Primary School and how many times I had met them since then. I also wanted to admit how like all my mates who I had told this about during the week, were all making jokes about this being something more, but I wanted to confirm to myself and to her that this was just something friendly and that I didn't want Ant or her if she ever suspected of me trying to pull something. I was just so eager to help and had a lot of pleasure chatting with a polite lady who had now become a new friend.
We got round to talking about some personal things and beliefs that I don't think I could have added to the footage such as my awkward view on girls/ relationships and what my first relationship might be like along with also mentioning my Crohn's Disease and work life.
Later on it was time for me to take off. I was glad to know as well as ask the ridiculous questions such as "May I take a picture with you for a memory?", "Can I use your finished footage once it's done for AsperJosh" and "I hope to see you again someime". She happily complied with everything and said Of course we can ahng out sometime with Aimy and Ant over a drink sometime. I was relieved to know for laughs that this wasn't just a service thing and then go ha ha.

So yesterday has been eventful and productive, it's really nice isn't it when you help out others and sometimes you go through such a experience that you come out almost a changed person or feel more relieved and at peace with things. I look forward to when the video can be uploaded and to when I can next hang out with Rosie and Aimy again sometime! I hope she get's the top mark/ score for her work!
Stay tuned for Wednesday's AsperJosh Anniversary!!!

Why Sleeping Is A Very Important Necessity

The title is obvious and the subject makes you respond with "duh" but in this little post, I want to admit some feelings that I've begun noticing and rectify how I intend to fix myself (I say fix myself when I actually mean help myself) and to help lift off a little bit of pressure on my head through honesty after all, that's what AsperJosh is for.

How many of you actually have and follow a reasonable sleeping pattern? Do you go to bed at maybe 10pm or at least get 8 hours of sleep or do you stay up and mess about? As for me, I think all the way back to my college years that I started being a rebel and go to sleep near 11 or just before midnight because I either knuckled down on IT coursework or I was out with my buddies sometimes. But nowadays I'm caught in a bad routine of staying up for the sake of it because I want to have more fun after work or come home from the gym by 10.30 or even have trouble sleeping. Most of the time, I even get distracted badly if a film that I've seen hundreds of time's comes on this late at night and yet I still want to watch it right then because it's a sudden surprise and I find it hard to say "no" and know for the better that sleep is the right course of action. I have begun to construct a hierarchy diagram in my head that leads back to one after the other as to how I either consciously or sub-consciously tangled myself up in this routine.

As part of my New Years Resolutions besides all my special life changing decisions, I want to help make myself become a better person as well as come across that way. I was beginning to notice that sometimes I have melancholy emotions because when I go to sleep around 11 and every day I get up at 6.40 to shower and get ready by 7.30 for work, that luckily I do my best to be a morning person but I think it's the sudden mood swings that I sometimes feel when shocks, arguments or things don't go my way sometimes at work happen or elsewhere in life. I could be having a good conversation while working with my excellent colleagues and one guy comes over and tells us to "shut up" or "keep the talking to a minimum" and then this positive vibe I have disappears and I'm left with a raincloud full of thunder over my head or have a burning vengeance in my head for a while until I calm down and stop preparing rude and hurtful sayings to those who hurt me in the first place. I'm not bipolar (I can assure you) but do you know or understand that feeling like in the Silver Linings Playbook, I have the utmost belief that by sleeping more and actually motivating myself to try and sleep around 10.30 (if it can be helped after either gym or my turn to feed the kittens) then this could be the start to taking things with ease and erasing these purple lines under my eyes and relieve myself of pressure or stress that I create for myself if things don't go so well.

We all know that Sleeping is one of the (maybe even the only) necessities that every human needs to help rest, recharge our energy and take our minds into a reality that we can enjoy. So why do we choose to avoid it and not be sensible and follow a sleeping pattern? Its like being back when we were kids and wanted to stay up as long as our parents! Now that some of us (depending on how old you are) are old enough and are able to make decisions and judgement for ourselves, can we really maintain the balance for some life activities. What I'm saying is very serious and some may even be philosophical but I do tend to dig deep into some topics as you can tell no matter how ridiculous or curious. I believe I find better peace by daydreaming cause most times I have nightmares (luckily I sleep right through them a lot of the time unless it's spiders cause then I can't go back to sleep or even begin to sleep) but is it fair to find fun only in my head in the day when I'm supposed to be facing reality when normally dreaming at night is our time to be creative and use our imaginations? I don't think so...

The hierachy formation is complicated but I think the reason that's most responsible is feeling alone or upset and wanting to fill that with more time to research, watch videos or play games longer because lately my attention to following some routines is slipping and is not being followed through completly. If I end up missing the gym or feel lazy and not motivated to have some fun, I end up loafing around and just watching television and forget to get round to whatever actions/ activities I wanted to do in the first place. That being said, I think the lack of sleep depletes my confidence to take control of my free time properly and I think if I can fix that then I can be much more positive and feel more awake and alive to get round to following through activities. I'm trying not to come across so negative but in a way this is all actually helping me feel a lot better.

I think this clip from my personal favorite american sitcom called The Big Bang Theory (I'm not going to go into detail about the synopsis or plot of this funny show, you can do that yourself if you'd like although everyone is bound to know about this show anyway) really sums up how Sheldon (the funny obnoxious autistic man) is being different due to lack of sleep and how the smart advice from his friend Bernadette helps explain the situation as well as sum up how I sorta feel sometimes and how sleep can help me.

Bernadette: Sheldon, when was the last time you got any sleep?
Sheldon: I don’t know, two, three days ago. Not important. I don’t need sleep, I need answers. I need to determine where in this swamp of unbalanced formulas squatteth the toad of truth.
Penny: Toad of truth? Is that a physics thing?
Leonard: No, that’s a crazy thing.
Bernadette: Okay, Sheldon. What happens to our neuroreceptors when we don’t get enough REM sleep?
Sheldon: They lose their sensitivity to serotonin and norepinephrine.
Bernadette: Which leads to…?
Sheldon: Impaired cognitive function.
Bernadette: Right, so march in there, brush your teeth and go to bed.
Sheldon: But I don’t want to go to bed.
Bernadette: I’m going to count to three. One…
Sheldon: Oh, all right.
This clip is from Season 3, Episode 14 - The Einstein Approximation.

What I'm saying is clear as day but I just wanted to sum up some inner feelings and make a stand to resolve them by comitting myself to begin sleeping more (I'll try and keep ya'll posted). Of all the things to write about, I chose this haha.
But I will end this little post on a positive note! On Facebook, there is a private group for the people who attend MCM EXPO Comic-Con and people put up pictures of cosplay progression, ask questions and sadly most of the time argue and offend others. But today, I made 2 new lady friends after joining in on a conversation asking who is single or in a relationship. I found out that one girl is from my town and is single, we even went to the same college and have been chatting to each other while I've been writing up the post. She even added me as a friend before I finished this at 11.40pm (some start to the resolution, right? ha ha). Another girl has received a lot of attention tonight but she was pointing out some people, even me, and added me as a friend and she seems nice. It's really good when that little moment of bravery and impulse turns out to be the right call and your rewarded with something nice.

Plus this weekend, I get to do something really bold, special and fascinating. You see back at the end of November, a girl I always heard about and sometimes saw around college private messaged me on Twitter and Facebook about checking out my blog especially the posts on Fictional Characters and Comic-Con and asked me if I wouldn't mind helping her with her Uni Dissertation on "Is the Autistic Spectrum Disorder Awareness helped or hindered by representations on fictional television programming?" she asked if she could interview and record me sometime in December/ January. Of course, I said YES! This feels really special and heart-pounding, first of all I'm on camera (that'll be something and I hope I can be cool with it) and also a pretty lady is asking to hear me out on my thoughts and it'll benefit her with her uni grade. So this weekend, I'm meeting Rosie at her place to perform the interview. I know her bf since we went to the same Primary School together and I know for myself that I can't think of this as something else and I intend not to since I'm not that kind of person. Ant is a really cool guy and he's now in a metal band, that's awesome! So after this weekend, I will have made a new friend and helped someone out too. I wonder if I can show the interview or even explain it well after it's done.
Remember January 21st is AsperJosh's 1st Anniversary, so that day will be super and I'll have lots of spoilers and line-ups prepared to share with you all who help make this blog so perfect.

6 Months Passed And The Kittens Are Growing Up Fast

Ever since the day when 2 new additions joined our household, life for me has been more pleasant. I get to come home every day after work and get greeted and welcomed by my 2 little ones who are always begging for a stroke, tickle and cuddle. Since they're birth on June 30th, Dash and Stache have been one of the best things to have happened last year and now as they are growing up rapidly, it's time to look back on what joy, trouble and peace they have brought to my family.

I mentioned in my previous post half a year ago about when these 2 joined the family.
And now as I've been watching them grow up over half a year has made me feel like a mother (in some way) because these 2 rely on me and everyone else to nurture, feed, clear up and love them. They certainly have made themselves at home cause they love to sleep in different parts of all the areas of the house, one day one's on the arm of a chair and one's on top of the microwave but during the Winter they have curled up by the fire or sat on our laps and fall

asleep within a couple minutes *sigh* it's heaven. Now these lads are growing up and it's time for them to start venturing out into the real world (not leave the nest for good, that's birds). And over the 6 months, I've shared many photos of them or with me building up a little scrapbook on my phone and capturing the perfect moment with these little ones.

They have beaten me at being the smelliest one responsible for farting or doing a crap (I can't help it due to my Crohns) but they sure do look like they are smirking once they let one rip or leave a nasty surprise in the litter tray, you little sh*ts.

Don't stick your tongue
out at me!
That's just rude!

Sleeping while sticking out their tongues is starting to become a frequent trait with them which is adorable and funny to see them doing, besides always sleeping or looking at me with such a straight face, could you imagine if cat's had muscles in their faces to actually produce a smile or frown?!
They still haven't grown up enough for them to come and sleep with me peacefully, as they run around like mad things. They could if they didn't wake me up in panic at night after either making a mess or just not settling down like a normal human sleeping at night. I hope in time they will mature a little more and be cool enough to come into any room at night and either cuddle up on mine or anyone else's bed.

I'm Batman!
... Or Catman?!

Picky, picky, picky is what they are mostly when they are being fed because for the last few months we've been giving them a Felix pouch each but recently we've gone back to splitting one between them and usually they eat without fail and sometimes one or the other won't bother eating... well I ain't gonna change it mate, you get what your given and we do our best to mix it up with meats and fish flavours. And I have now grown a custom to their meowing to not feel worried that they are hurt (like I mentioned before), most days now they meow at each other in the same room, I guess they are socialising or plotting our demise!
They do distract me during crucial gaming or laptop researching moments as one of them will either snoop around or hop up on my lap and demand attention when I'm busy. And like always I give in to their meowing and give em a good cuddle and before I know it, he curls up on my lap and settles down and I feel like I can get back to what I was doing. Or so I think because I don't get enough of their frequent clawing (you know when cats are happy they keep stretching their claws) into my arms or make marks in my t-shirt/ jeans. So these little monsters are a handful sometimes but they always prevail being more adorable and hardly cause severe chaos because then they get sprayed by the spray bottle (I feel like Lilo training Stitch).

On a more recent matter, the boys got "snipped" and "tagged" last week which had me in stress as I was wondering how they would react having their balls cut off (I mean how would you feel?) It did turn out more exausting than I though cause the night before the operation, we were not allowed to feed them or let them drink water after 8pm because this would cause them great pain during the operation and they would feel sick after it's done apparently. But that didn't stop them, you see in our kitchen we have a massive shopping bag that we stuff all the crisps into and the following morning at around 4.30 when Dad wakes up for work, he was annoyed to discover that they had poked their heads into the crisp bag and ripped open the corners of packets of Original Doritos, Crispy Bacon Frazzles and Smoky Bacon Walkers... Bu*ger. So Mum and I wern't happy when we woke up at 6.40 to read what Dad's note said. This messed up the plans and everything but Mum called the vet who said it was ok. I did worry a bit at work but everyone reassured me that it's actually all for the better because it'll improve their behavior and plus it saves us having the awkward moment of them going out to bang other cats in the neighbourhood. So by the time I came home, they seemed alright, and even more friendly and wanted more attention so this was actually a good idea!

If we're playing hide-and-seek
then I've found you already,
nice try buddy.

Pretty soon it's time for them to head outside and discover a whole new world where they aren't confined to just the house. They've been staring out the windows and getting behind the blinds to look out and see what's out there (I once thought they were trying to play hide-and-seek. But before all that, we gotta install a catflap that opens only when collars worn by the boys are nearby because we wouldn't want anymore intruders and as much as I love Frasier, he isn't allowed in the house because he sprays and marks his territory and it smells horrible (like I mentioned before). I don't think it's just me panicking about the fact that we live on a busy road, and live under 5 minutes away from the all girl school and all boys school's up the road that me and Becca went to. I think we have fear in our heads that something will happen to them whether it's dangerous cars/ drivers, boys/ girls hopefully not being pricks and not abusing them or even abduction. I always think the worst so that I can sorta prepare a solution or action to take if such catastrophe (ha I made a pun) ever happens. I feel confident that they will return when we shout out "Din Dins" since whenever that's shouted or spoken in the house, they bolt into the kitchen (so that's one technique they've sorta mastered).
We do suspect that this duo will take over the neighourhood (they need a name like "The Monotone Brothers" or something ha ha) because when some cats pass through our garden and notice the boys sitting staring out the window that the cats outside go mad and territorial while the boys just sit there and don't give a f*ck. Even Frasier (the cat I mentioned in the previous post) saw them once and just sat by the window just like they did, as much as I love him too I do hope they he won't be a prick too.

Naaw, look how adorable
Stache looks when he stands
up like a Meerkat (he looks like he's
wearing a little tuxedo)?!

Like the phrase goes "Curiosity killed the cat", well these two do love poking
their noses at just about anything whether it's sleeping in the firewood basket, looking closely at the fire, going into the cupboard under the sink or slipping behind my wardrobe or the sofa chairs. I do panic about them a lot.
Now a days for like a month or
two, I've been gently stroking my nose against their heads (I wonder if I'm pretending like I'm their mother) because as weird and silly as it sounds, they actually like it and start purring in seconds and much faster most of the time compared to stroking them. It may sound wrong or over the top or even ridiculous but if it pleases them then so what.
I love also picking them up gently and placing them on my left arm so that they can tuck in and lay across (a bit like Ernst Stavro Blofeld from the James Bond films/ novels or even Dr. Evil from Austin Powers) "Greetings, Mr Bond!". And I know now what they really enjoy when it comes to stroking, they love a good tickle round the ears and cheeks, a gentle stroke under the chinny chin chin and sometimes a gentle constant rub on their side or their belly, boy how spoiled are these kitty cats?!
 
 
We even got them a giant Traffic Cone looking scratching post for Christmas and boy do they love it. They climb up and hang on like SpiderCat or King Kong and it does help save the rest of the wooden furniture from their claws.



 



Did any of you watch that Cat Watch Documentary on BBCTwo last year, where these people use state of the art GPS and camera's to watch around 100 cats in three different environments and see what these feline's are up to when we're not around? I did and found it very fascinating and intriguing to see that most cats were highly territorial, ventured into other familie's homes or some were more the masters compared to their owners. I too wonder now what my lads will turn out like, for now with them being young, I feel they rely on us. Am I beginning to turn out like a cat person?

This was taken today when he was
cuddling up like a human next to Becca

I think this is the best thing about them. They also have the remarkable charm to cheer me up when I'm stressed with pressure, routines are failing or just tired from a hard day's work. I think this is their best traite to help bring happiness into my moments of stress and confusion and whenever I come across them, I give them a good gentle stroke. I don't think I can ever get bored of these 2 horrors because they have made me a new person and help remind me of just how caring I really am even when I have doubts or think too violently when imaging what I would do in certain situations after being influenced by films with violence, war or revenge. I think pets really do bring out the best in us all and we have a responsibility to raise them well and never stop showing them affection. I will love these boys forever and god only knows what I'll do and feel if something awful happens to them and I can never forget the other little ones who have had an impact on my life and were always there for me because when one generation/ pet is gone, it's not nice to forget for good. That's why in the back of my head, I feel like I love all the pets in my life equally.
Stay tuned, for in the next post, I'm gonna get serious and mention how sleep is such a necessity (obviously) and talk about some personal things because once they're shared I reckon things will be a little better for me and all before celebrating AsperJosh's 1 Year Anniversary pretty soon!

Happy New 2015 Everybody!

Happy New Year everyone, how are you all feeling (probably hungover), I feel like s**t as I came down with the flu on New Years Eve and since then been at home feeling like crap. Aaah well, it can't be helped and this only means that once I'm back to being fit as a fiddle then I can begin to slowly act out on my New Years Resolutions.

New Years Eve is an excellent end to the year, isn't it? Mum has her birthday on this day (so I'll never have an excuse to forget it ha ha) and everyone parties like crazy and all celebrate the end to a challenging year and look forward to what surprises are in store for us all. Being the good son that I am, I bought Mum a nice £50 Pandora Voucher for her birthday, when I was in Crawley back on Monday evening, there was hardly any time to take a browse on finding another special charm for her charm bracelet, plus there was a long queue behind me and I panicked and thought I'd better not waste time so I gave in to peer pressure and still came out with something nice for Mum to use and decide upon for herself, and I got her a big load of Ferrero Rochers.
I headed straight for home after we had all rushed through work and managed to finish at 11am. I wasn't exactly feeling myself and woke up that morning with a big headache and a tickle in my throat. So I still went in but by the time I came home, I started to feel worse and realised that I would be celebrating New Years at home instead of going out to see my big group of friends just like last year. I still celebrated Mum's birthday (it's not nice to ignore someone else's happiness even if you don't feel 100%) and even though Rebecca went out to see her friends, Mum and I enjoyed watching a couple films before the fireworks at midnight.
I had the pleasure of showing Mum and Becca (before she left) Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy and later in the evening, Mum showed me The Help. I gotta say that it was emotionally gripping and heart-breaking to watch another film that shows an awful time in history about racial discrimination and abuse. I wanna read the book but it was awful seeing this s**t life that black people had to endure just like the films Django Unchained (though that was Awesome and cool for Jamie Foxx to kick ass) and the film Mum and I saw back in March, 12 Years A Slave.
But I couldn't let a sad film like that put a downer on NYE, so afterwards on came the brilliant Mock The Week which deffinitely brightened up the atmosphere for a good 45 mins before watching the fireworks display in London at midnight.

We all loved the light show though Dad strongly believed that the camera angle work was irritating for showing different views of the spectacular show when a Panorama view would have sufficed.
As it got more intense, I did admit out loud to make a joke about the event that "it didn't say, This show contains flashing images" to which it did show that at the end... I hope nobody had an epileptic seizure watching this.
We'd all had enough and headed straight for bed cause we all felt ill.
So today I've been laying about on the sofa with the boys (cats) on my chest and been wondering over what New Years Resolutions to follow through with this year.

Compared to last years which was:
- Set up my Autism blog
- Smile more (especially at work)
- Must attend Download Festival for Linkin Park
- And overall concentrate on feeling positive a whole lot more, seeing as last year turned out smashing with cinema, parties, nights out and reunited with many friends. So this year will outdo it and follow through with everyone!
So looking back on my resolutions from last year, I'd say I've pretty much done all of them.
 - I have made AsperJosh and look at what a turn out's it's become.
- I have smiled a lot more and am beginning to learn to be myself instead of hiding and feeling uncomfortable.
- I did attend Download Festival 2014 and it was an unforgettable rock experience.
- I have been more positive (mostly) seeing as it's unpredictable at what events surprise me and I do my best to face them head on. But it's a 50-50 on that one since I am still a happy person it's just that we can't smile or be happy at things that are frustrating (even for me when routines are broken or my hopes get shattered) but no matter.

As for this year's New Year Resolutions, I'm going with the following:
- Purchase a Macbook Pro and begin re-learning how to use animation and creative softwares along with practising code and web design again so that I can go for a good ICT job someday.
- Attempt the Tough Mudder in the midlands in May with my band of bros and proving that I can do anything that I set my heart to and accompish a challenge so tough that I'll feel amazing.
- Start Internet Dating so that I can see if I can find a girlfriend since it's hard going out to socialise at a Club or something, so why not sign up, chat to people for a bit and see if a meet up will be good and see where it goes from there (better not have high hopes right away...)
- Sleep more. I've begun seeing that as I have late nights due to wanting to expand the fun after a hard days work and seeing how gym, jogging and other responsibilities take up most of my evenings. And I now know that if I sleep more then I'm bound to be more cheery and can fix my sleeping pattern and I'll see things better I reckon. It might even fix my temper a little. And sleep is the best medicene, right?!
And I've got some Awesome things to look forward to like seeing Crown The Empire live in February and watching Avengers: Age Of Ultron in May as well before the Mudder. And I also look forward to more of Marvel's hit line-up.

So this year, I have my own objectives and am so proud of what I accomplished last year. I hope you all have a wonderful New Year and had an Awesome NYE and stay tuned for more this year!