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› 80s/90s Vibes in a Very Expensive World
A few snapshots were taken and edited to make them look like they were shot with a disposable camera.
I tried editing these photos to make them look like I took them with a disposable camera/film camera. I’m in that era right now where I want pictures to have that 80s/90s vibe, you know? That vintage (wow, now I feel old!) vision, feeling, and look.
I still have a lot to work on, but hey, you have to start somewhere, right? I’m still looking for a good editing app for my phone where I can get edits exactly like that.
● Grocery shopping
● An event is happening where we live
● The stress from all the noise and E’s struggles with loud sounds
● SUPER EXPENSIVE!
Even though the Swedish government officially announced that taxes and food prices would go down starting April 1st to make everyday necessities cheaper… well… this bag that my son and I carried home from the store cost me $80. $80!! That is freaking insane!
● Bad habits stuff
● Pepsi Max
● A small piece of meat
● French fries
● Potato salad
● Two cakes for Sweden’s National Day celebration
● One can of corn
● A small tub of roasted onions
● Popcorn
That’s it. Those were the items. And keep in mind that they were on sale, meaning they were cheaper because of the occasion.
Back in the 90s, this probably would’ve cost around $25 or something, but $80!? It’s unbelievable how money-hungry the government is. It’s disgusting. And these aren’t even proper everyday necessities (well, maybe not what I bought specifically, but you know what I mean).
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The event happening here is something they do every year. Face painting, candy fishing, politics, running marathons, etc. There’s a lot going on, and it’s SO LOUD. That’s why grocery shopping (aka “getting robbed” shopping!) was such a challenge for me—well, mostly for E—but we made it through. Thank God.
Now we’re home, about to do laundry and relax. Maybe have a little spa time. Put rice water in my hair and do some hair masks. Hm, lovely, but we’ll see how much energy I have left after walking up and down 30 steps every single time. Lol.
Yes, I’m complaining right now, and no, I am not sugarcoating that I have a bad habit. -
› A few glimpses of my Thursday.
A day filled with thoughts, fears, flowers, camera gear, and small moments in between.
A regular day with a lot of thinking. I attended a workshop for parents of autistic children. We learned tips and ideas on how to handle depression and how to notice the signs before it is too late.
It scared me. It made me face the reality that my son may—hopefully not—develop depression and suicidal thoughts in the future. Apparently, it is extremely common among children with autism, which means he is at high risk.
So this course was a must for me. I think it was more directed toward parents of teenagers, but it was still good for me to learn about the warning signs and what to look out for in the future.
I have personally been through all of this myself, and I am currently struggling with depression—though no suicidal thoughts anymore. I had them when I was younger, and I think that is what scared me the most. I do not want him to follow in my footsteps, so I am taking every chance I can to learn more about autism, mental health, and everything in between.
So today, when I picked up E from after-school care—or whatever to call it — I hugged him tightly and almost broke down crying.
Why?
Because I am scared.
I am terrified of the future. Terrified that E will follow in my footsteps. And honestly, I now understand what my mom went through with me. I owe her my whole heart for all the protection, love, and support she gave me.
Enough sadness for now — even though I believe it is important to talk openly about these things. I am not ashamed of it. But this internet home for everyone is not going to be associated with depression only.●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●
I also picked up a package today with things I ordered for my camera gear and for the Bulgaria trip — 38 days left! Woooh!
Camera lens covers, strings to attach them to the camera so I do not lose them, and two new bags. I am already using the blue one in the picture, and I also ordered a black sports bag that I will use as a cabin bag for the flight. Later, my son can use it for sleepovers. I will show that one later.
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› A Few Glimpses of My Saturday {May 30}
A regular Saturday.
Laundry duty.
I finally managed to book a slot in the laundry room and grabbed it immediately. It’s honestly crazy how much laundry piles up when you have a child who changes clothes constantly. Maybe not every five minutes, but sometimes it feels like it.
Not the glamorous laundry room where I live but it works. The clothes is getting clean 🙌🏼
Today’s little glimpses:
● Laundry
● Folding laundry
● Sending in my last assignments despite everything going on
● Grocery shopping
● Uncomfortable children but understanding parents
● Scratch mark on my ankle
Had an explosion of Pepsi Max in my bag so I had to wash that one as well.
One thing that stayed with me today happened while we were out shopping.
A little background: because of past experiences with kindergarten, my son has spent much of his life separated from other children (kindergarten). Ever since he was little, he has been incredibly drawn to them. He loves children and often assumes everyone is a friend.
Today, he ran up and hugged two children.
As a parent to a child with special needs, those moments are always difficult. You never know how people will react.They were uncomfortable, which I understand. A child coming up like a train at full speed towards them. I had no chance to stop him due to him being so strong, and people here are very alert to reporting anything to the CPS. Sadly.
Luckily, both parents were understanding when I explained the situation.
One of the parents actually smiled and said the following:“Aww, you got a hug. That is so sweet”
And honestly? That made me happy.
Not everyone is understanding, and situations like these can be stressful.
Having a child with autism comes with challenges that many people never see. A lot of the time it feels like you’re constantly advocating, explaining, protecting, and helping your child navigate a world that isn’t always patient.
But today, for a small moment, people chose kindness.
And I appreciated that more than they probably realized.
Scratch mark by a straw in metal. Painful