Today Jo hosted a picnic for Pride Month (he works for the university's Diversity Center), and when he invited mom and I, I was like "sure!" I'd never been to a Pride event before, so I was excited to experience one. I bought a really cute kitty asexual pride shirt, and Jo gave me a flag. As I was walking up to the event, I started feeling really nervous..there were a lot of people there, and I wanted to say hi to people, but wasn't really sure how. Everyone seemed to know each other (I knew a few at least) and were having so much fun..I wished I could have been as extroverted as them! The music was also too loud..ugh. Jo knew I was struggling, so he was like "let's meet these people!" and led me to a group of about 6 or 7 or so people..I walked slowly behind Jo, and started completely panicking. He introduced me, but I couldn't look anyone in the eyes and could barely even say hi (they all seemed nice though!)..I was about to cry right there! Ughh, I was so embarrassed and felt dumb and socially inept..sometimes, I really hate being autistic. :( Jo asked if I wanted to meet anyone else and I was like "NOPE" haha, and when I got far enough away I did start crying, and hid behind a tree (I really wanted my weighted blanket!). I felt so embarrassed and dumb! Mom hugged me and talked to me, and said I was absolutely not being dumb, she understands how certain things can be too overwhelming for me, it's just the way I am..it's hard even for her to be social with so many people we don't know around (I told her how desperately I wanted to say hi to people without freaking out lol). I love how much mom understands me, she's always been my advocate. <3 Even after all that, I wanted to try again, so after I calmed down, I went to where Jo was, and was able to talk to a few people, yay! A lot of people had left, so that helped too..smaller groups are much easier for me! Jo was like "this is cool! I don't think I've seen this many queer people in one place before!" haha..it was definitely a fun atmosphere! Mom said she was proud of me for going back and trying again..I wouldn't have felt right if I hadn't! I'm glad I was able to have some fun lol, and seeing so many unique people in one spot was cool too :)

( some pics! )

12. When you were growing up did your family move around a lot? No, we were at our house in Texas for 18 years!