This morning I woke up early! Cleaned my kitchen! Emptied the dishwasher! Swept the floor! Showered! Got dressed! All 45 minutes before I usually wake up! I decided to go get my car (a few streets over) and move it in front of my house for later tonight when I need it. Except my car wasn’t there.

MY CAR. WASN’T THERE.

Ok so either it got stolen, ugh, or towed, double ugh. I called around. It got towed.

FINE.

$20 cab right to the tow lot. Only to pay $132 to get it out. Only to walk over to my car and find a $40 ticket on the windshield.

HAPPY FRICKIN FRIDAY. I’ll be here. Living on Ramen Noodles and tap water for the next week.

YOUR LAUGHTER MAKES ME SICK.

Whatever. At least it wasn’t stolen and I have my baby back in my custody. Luckily this won’t happen, or have the opportunity to happen much longer. My awesome friend bought an amazing half million plus dollar condo two blocks from my apartment that comes with a heated, underground parking spot. And she doesn’t have a car. So she gave the spot to me. Just like that. Oh here. Have this spot where people pay absurd amounts of money for similar ones. SNOW! I won’t even know you exist. STREET CLEANING? You and your tow trucks can go take a flying leap off the Zakim.

Ok. Breathe. Now time for a good story and a little old fashioned begging.

My sister is a Special Education teacher and works closely with several children who have been diagnosed with Autism, one in particular – Matthew – who is loved by everyone in my family. Autism and fundraising to cure Autism is cause very close to her heart. This weekend she’s walking in the Autism Speaks Walk Now for Autism.

Here’s a message from her:

Hello everyone!

This Sunday, October 18, 2009 I will be participating in Autism Speaks’ Walk Now for Autism.

I walk each year in support of a young boy living in Braintree that I have known for three years. Matthew is a wonderful six year old child with the most beautiful smile. He was diagnosed with Autism in 2005. Thanks to his wonderful family, friends, teachers, specialists and organizations like Autism Speaks Matthew has made incredible progress.

Autism is the second most common developmental disorder in the United States affecting one in every 150 children born today. Despite some promising discoveries, the cause of autism is unknown and a cure does not exist. Research is crucial. Every 20 minutes another child is diagnosed with autism. Not only must we find ways to improve the quality of life for children and adults with autism, but we also must find a cure, and soon.

Walk Now for Autism is our chance to make a difference in the fight against autism by raising money for autism research and heightening public awareness. Please join me in my fight as I raise money to help fund essential research. You can donate to Walk Now for Autism by making a check payable to Autism Speaks and filling out the attached donation form or you can donate online at my personal fundraising webpage: http://www.walknowforautism.org/greaterboston/kfrazier

Thank you for taking an important step in the fight against autism.

- Kate

If you can, please give. My sister and Matthew thank you :)