Q - How long have you known you were Livin' With an Ism?
A - Two days - wait - no - how long have we known it? What is an ism again?
Q - An ism is something that challenges us, but that God is helping us through. Let's redirect. Tell me what it's like when you read a book?
A - It's kind of complicated, especially when there are BIG, BIG words.
Q - What makes it complicated?
A - When I read words they wobble, jiggle and bounce off the wall.
Q - Does that make it harder or more fun to read?
A - Makes it kind of hard to read, especially if my mom wants me to do it.
Q - Are words the only things that wobble, jiggle and bounce?
A- Mmm.... Sometimes numbers and also they flip upside down.
Q - What does your brain tell you when they flip upside down.
A - My brain says, "This is a different word, so just guess what it means."
Q - And do you guess what it means?
A - Sometimes I ask mom or look at the pictures to figure it out. Or I just get it wrong.
Q - Do you like to wobble, jiggle and bounce around yourself?
A - Yes! That was an easy question.
Q - Why do you like to wobble, jiggle and bounce around?
A - It makes me get more attention and people laugh.
Q - Do you ever get in trouble for wobbling, jiggling and bouncing?
A - No, but sometimes my mom says to "slow my motor down," which means not to be so hyper. (said with a giggle)
Q - What are you doing while we are doing this interview?
A - Making sure the Monopoly Deal cards are in full sets.
Q - Do you like organizing things like that?
A - Umhmm... It makes me kind of focus.
Q - What other things do you like to do that help you to focus?
A - Umm... Organize, cleaning up, coloring, doing art and gymnastics.
Q - How does your brain feel after gymnastics?
A - It feels really sharp. I feel proud because when I do something right, I'm proud I did it.
Q - Is it ever hard to find the words you want to use?
A - Sometimes.
Q - What do you do when that happens?
A - I think very hard and then it comes back to my mind. I have to search in my mind for the right shelf and then I have to get it down.
Q - Is that ever frustrating?
A - Sometimes. It's frustrating because I really want to say the word I'm looking for and it might take a long time to find it.
Q - Do other people ever get frustrated when it takes you a long time?
A- No. I just say, I kinda forgot the word and they say, "OK" (She has now taken a break from organizing the cards and has done pull ups on the chairs)
Q - I notice you are counting the cards now, how come?
A- Counting helps me pay attention too. Math is my favorite subject in school. (Now she is drawing the number of cards in each stack in the carpet with her finger.)
Q - What do like most about yourself?
A - Ahem......I'm smart. That I'm cute - nooo wait - I'm funny. I'm a great servant and hostess.
Q - What do you think makes you wobbly, jiggly and bouncy, smart, cute, and a servant?
A - My God.
Q - Tell me about your relationship with God?
A - When I was young I didn't have a relationship with Him because I did a lot of bad stuff. I said all my sorrys and He forgave me and I got baptized.
Q - Does God ever help you when you are feeling frustrated or wobbly, jiggly or bouncy?
A - Sometimes He tries to help me be nice and calm. He helps to be smart and not pretend that I don't know what you mean.
Q - Is there anything else you want to say or share on your first interview?
A - Did we put goofy in there?
Q - No. Would you like to end with the word goofy?
A - That and that I don't like certain textures in my hands or on my body.
That concludes our first interview with Annie, who has consumed three gluten free crackers, organized a deck of cards and rearranged furniture during the course of this interview.
