Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello everyone my name is Rose and I am 58 years old. My hobbies are Twitter, gardening, classic cars, art, photography and spending time with my dog.
Recently I became very stressed when my beloved 12 year old dog was dying of heart disease and things were incredibly hard for me at work. Things have always been very challenging at work, I always end up in conflict with colleagues or managers, but as I get older it is more difficult to keep finding new jobs. This has finally led to me seeking an autism diagnosis after years of wondering if I am autistic.
I had my first meeting with a psychologist for my autism assessment last week. I was amazed at how much we talked about in that hour and a half. So many things from my childhood and adult life are starting to make sense. Lots of 'what ifs' and 'if onlys' started going through my mind but I am trying not to feel regret. I phoned my younger sister afterwards and she said she has thought for years that I am autistic (she thinks my Dad is autisitc too).
After my Norfolk Terrier died I realised that I could not cope without a dog as a best friend. A week later my husband and I adopted a Border Terrier who had been used for breeding and was not wanted now she cannot have any more puppies. She was very nervous when she first arrived but she is beginning to trust us (see photo below). I badly injured my ankle going on too many dog walks, so I am off work at present. In a way this is a good thing as it has removed me from a very stressful work situation. It has also given me time to think about the autism assessment process.
Finding this online community and reading some of the discussion threads has been incredibly helpful. It's wonderful to be among people who have had similar experiences.
Hi Rose Is that picture of a Morris traveler? I too am into classic cars and motorcycles
I also love dogs i do not have one but am friends with a lady who has and black (like Labrador) but 'all sorts'.
I like your comments at the bottom of your intro I have Asperger's and OCD struggle all the time now i am retired
God Bless
Kay jay (male Retired)
Lovely to meet you. The car is a 1962 Morris Minor. It's the third one I have owned! Getting to be a bit of a habit buying Moggy Minors... In my limited experience of friendship people with dogs make the best friends as we always have something in common. Good to know you have such a friend. All sorts dogs are wonderfully individual and often much healthier than pedigree breeds.
Sorry to hear you are struggling after retirement - I had to stop working for a time when my husband was ill and I know there are all sorts of challenges not being at work. I also have a bit of insight into struggles associated with OCD through one of my former partners.
What sort of classic cars and motorcycles do you like? As a baby I travelled in a homemade sidecar attached to my dad's Norton motorcycle. Can't remember much about that but I have very fond memories of our first family car (a wonderful Morris Traveller!).
Thank you so much for your lovely message.
God Bless you too.
Our family had a Morris minor. I notice they did not become popular as a vintage the way the Volkswagen beetle did
The length of time that the Beetle was in production and ease of keeping them on the road are probably big factors in this. The Beetle, like the 2CV, was deliberately designed to be as cheap and simple as possible, with its torsion bar suspension and air-cooled engine. The Beetle was still in production in South America into the 2000's, and the engine even later, so spare parts are relatively easy to come by, and quite a few professional garages specialising in Beetles and Combis have been available to help owners who don't have the necessary mechanical skills to maintain or renovate their own.