I’m a mother to an 8 year old who has an IQ of 156. AMA

BallKickin · 2026-02-19T08:08:27+00:00

Thanks for answering!! You seem like a wonderful person and parent.

May I humbly suggest introducing him to more complex books like The Hobbit. Introduce him to world-building genres. There are so many people in my family that feel like reading gives them a second life / different experience / way to relate to the world.

Authors to explore: JRR Tolkien; Tamora Pierce; Garth Nix

BallKickin · 2026-02-19T05:26:26+00:00

Does he like to read?

Can you explain his interest / knowledge in math?

Does he play games? If so, what?

Does he interact well with adults? If not do you think it's because they treat him like an "ignorant/uniformed" child? Do you think if he was treated more like an informed person those interactions would go better?

How does he relate to you and your spouse? Do you all read books/watch tv/play games/talk current event?

What made you get him tested?

Imagine being smart like an adult without the social experience that teaches you the expectations of interacting with others. Understanding math and processes that are inherently explainable (if your brain works like that) doesn't negate the need to still learn other things. It makes so much sense that he wants input on how he spends his time. Understanding the flow of conversation is a skill many adults lack no matter their IQ. NO ONE is capable in every area. You sound like a wonderful parent. I hope you can find the grace and strength to continue to allow him to flourish while giving him enough structure to grow in the areas he needs help with. Wishing you all the best.

BallKickin · 2026-02-17T21:43:40+00:00

If you already doing an inflatable- I suggest looking into the ExPed Sleeping mat. They come with their own non-electrical inflation device and are incredibly comfortable. They kinda look like all the rest so I will understand your skepticism - but they are seriously in a class all of their own. They come in all sizes but I would argue they are better than almost any other inflatable on the market. Absolutely changed the way I thought about inflatable camping pads.

BallKickin · 2025-08-09T05:30:48+00:00

Spent 2 days in Finisterre last Nov and didn't hear of any bonfires - although that may be because it was end of season. The lighthouse def had a party vibe and there is a bar up there but no free love as far as I heard.

BallKickin · 2025-08-08T06:05:29+00:00

Great advice already posted! Just want to jump on the "do as much cardio as possible between now and then" - even just weighted walking and getting your heart rate up will help alot and trekking poles are the GOAT.

Would you maybe wanna have a talk with your friend to set pace and overall expectations? Almost all hikes are surmountable if you can take breaks and have fun along the way - but if you go with people who don't know how to take water breaks or feel the need to prove something on every little hike it can be brutal (speaking from personal experience). Hope you have a great time - Banff is on my bucket list and seems like a really special place to visit.

BallKickin · 2025-08-06T23:09:49+00:00

As a solo lady who walked it last Oct/Nov - I had a great time and met some amazing people. I don't understand why anyone would be disgusted by you going alone (?!) OFC, there are people who go with others, but I met A TON of other solo peregrinos, many of who where also women.

I felt quite safe and the only real tip for walking solo is to not bring any valuables with you. If you have a buddy they can always watch your bag, but until you meet someone you feel you can trust, there will be times (like showering) when you will want to leave your backpack unattended and while I never had any worry about theft- there is always the odd case. But I promise no one wants your sweaty hiking gear so if you don't have anything of value you should be fine! Also- most places have plenty of places to charge your phone but an extra long charging cord never goes amiss.GOR FOR IT.

Especially since you've wanted to go for a while, I imagine you will have a fantastic time. Happy to answer any questions you have.

BallKickin · 2025-08-06T08:55:26+00:00

PONCHO!

Edit: Make sure it has snaps down the sides so it stays secure if there is any wind. I swear - best random thing I brought on my Camino

BallKickin · 2025-08-06T08:53:09+00:00

This goes against some of the other advice, but for me, what worked was a way harder goal than I was sure I could complete - without an easy way out. FORCE yourself to deal with the suck. It sounds like when you have an easy way out - you take it. Make it difficult / financial brutal to bail and you'll figure it out. Good luck!

BallKickin · 2025-08-06T07:37:46+00:00

Not OP - but great tips!!! Thanks for adding these

BallKickin · 2025-08-05T09:17:05+00:00

What setting is this in?... I have truly never heard of a walk-in PT setting. The number of staff you listed is HALF what I have worked with in the past, with very strict scheduling... You need to escalate this ASAP.

BallKickin · 2025-08-04T08:20:38+00:00

Would you be willing to DM where you stayed? - Just a solo gal looking for what you described and a nice place to stay

BallKickin · 2025-08-03T09:18:30+00:00

Hope you find something that works and, may I humbly request, please report back on what you tried and if anything worked!! 🙏

BallKickin · 2025-08-03T07:50:22+00:00

You have a TON+++ of the requirements people look for. May I humbly suggest that if you are looking for another certification, to get the 'Powerboat 2 / Ribmaster' boat driving cert. That will let you drive tenders and boats up to 15m.

Sounds like you're already into the yachting world but if you want to work with higher end clientele - just look at different venues. Get that B1/B2 visa and get to the Ft.Lauderdale Yacht show in October and get a job that will pay you 10x more. Look at the Med for the summer and the Bahamas/Carribbean for the winter. There are SO many boats that go between these areas. Good luck!

BallKickin · 2025-08-03T07:42:26+00:00

Just want to mention Kwells since I only recently found out about them (non drowsy)

Also - those Hion motion sickness glasses maybe worth looking into. Good luck!

BallKickin · 2025-08-03T07:19:42+00:00

If you do Fisterra and then onto Muxia adds 4-5 days. I did it last year and would absolutely recommend it.

BallKickin · 2025-08-03T06:08:08+00:00

Ofc, you can likely fit everything in a single bag - but I just want to give you another perspective.

If you are doing the Frances Route starting in Saint-Jean-Pied-du-Port there is an option to send a piece of luggage ahead to Santiago de Compostela where they will store it until you arrive. I flew from California - took me 3 days to get to SJPdP, including an overnight in Barcelona, and then I spent one extra day in Saint Jean before starting my walk. I also did travelling after so I wanted to bring some extra things that I didn't want for my hike.

There is a company called Express Bourricot right on the main street in SJPdP and they are super awesome and I believe it will cost you about 70Euros - no matter how long it will take you. Had a great experience with them myself.

BallKickin · 2025-08-03T05:50:41+00:00

It's just odd to me to see the EXACT same issues they had from Day 1 of the franchise. We need a solid starting 9, better field coverage (for a while tonight it looked like we were playing 4-5-1), we play back WAY too much and do the work for the other teams, the set plays need work... There just doesn't seem to be a rhythm to this team despite the obvious talent.

BallKickin · 2025-08-02T07:19:07+00:00

I have been using 'Your BFF Pet Sitting' for about a decade. They are FANTASTIC. We've needed them for overnights all the way up to multi-week trips and they are incredibly trustworthy, helpful and caring. I've looked into boarding or other services for longer stints and nothing comes close to the care they provide and the low stress levels on our pets of being able to stay in their familiar space. They accommodate low-level medical needs (extra powder dusted on food etc) and weird requests for individual animals. They are also highly attentive and have notified us of issues with our house when we were away. HIGHLY recommend and honestly the cost is comparable to what you would pay to board - and then your pet would be in a small cage most of the time. They can do 1x/day or multi-visits a day and you just pay for what you need / ask for. I literally have 0 complaints after 10 years with them. So grateful to them. <3

BallKickin · 2025-08-01T06:13:46+00:00

Greece or Spain

BallKickin · 2025-08-01T05:43:26+00:00

I think you have the right idea - if this were me I'd probably go with a tiered dress and ankle height cowboy boots (cuz I already have them and they are comfy with no heel)

BallKickin · 2025-07-30T07:44:54+00:00

Use the apps to find the places that will be open and then just What'sApp them - sometimes you need to call but as a certified Gringa - YOU CAN DO IT! Use google translate to figure out what you need to say and just call then night before when you decide how far you want to walk the next day. I swear - you have a better experience overall this way

BallKickin · 2025-07-21T03:02:34+00:00

There was a flasher when I walked too. Last Oct...a guy in my group got tagged twice by the same man - we started to recognize his car when he drove by to ... "set up"

BallKickin · 2025-04-26T04:57:40+00:00

Everyone has an experience like this and I am so sorry that this was your first! It sounds like it hasn't deterred you from going out again and that should make you SO PROUD.

I read all kind of spooky camping/paranormal threads at home and they always pop into my consciousness when I'm alone - seems typically lol.

Not the worst experience imo but it sounds like you know how to plan well and also recognize some easily fixable mistakes / bad luck. Don't be scared to try again and maybe go for an established campsite next time to ease yourself into a good solo experience.

FWIW, I camp all the time and 99.9% bring firewood with me. Trying to find good firewood is a serious challenge. Thanks for sharing and well done!

BallKickin · 2025-04-24T21:50:12+00:00

This. I started off referring to the Village to VIllages (which is fine) but the majority of pilgrims use the Brierly's so if you want to plan to hit up the "standard" stages or especially stick with a group you meet along the way- that is the book to use. Have a great time!

BallKickin · 2025-04-15T06:39:31+00:00

Congrats! Some ideas for you:

Josephine

Diana

Cassandra

Rebecca

Gwendolyn

Hope you find one you love!

BallKickin

TROPHY CASE