Tag / musician

by Erin Nowicki

The Princess Chronicle vol. 6

Today’s chronicle is filled with some coolio stuff! I hope everyone is staying healthy and safe while the Covid-19 Pandemic is happening!

Make sure to check out my next post where I will talk about how this pandemic affects someone living with SPD.

Peanut Butter Podcast

What an adorable name for a podcast, eh?! My friend Stasia invited me to be a guest on her show! The best part is that it was specifically for me talk about SPD!

When I asked her how I should describe her podcast for my bloggers- this is what she said,

Stasia interviews neat people about neat things for the benefit of all mankind.

How magical is that?!

I’d love for you to not only check out the episode that I’m on, but also make sure to listen to the other episodes she’s done-it’ll be a blast!

OH! I almost forgot to mention that Stasia is actually the artist who designed two blog logos! She’s just a magical, creative bean isn’t she?

Thank you SO much Stasia for interviewing and letting me spread the awareness about SPD and thanks for always making me laugh. ❤

What You Missed Last Time

I found this fun, little test to see if I have SPD. 😀 I recorded my answers and included a link for YOU to go do it. Even if you don’t have SPD, you should still go and see if you learn something new about yourself. If you do take the test, I would love for you to share what you got by leaving a comment!

Journal Entry

Within the past year, it came to my attention that my sensory processing disorder DOES affect my mouth. Now I’m not a picky eater and textures don’t bother me when it comes to food, so I always wrote off my mouth for not being affected by SPD.

One day I was reading through this SPD Facebook group that I follow. A post caught my attention when someone mentioned that their was kid having a really difficult time with brushing their teeth. I felt like a light switch in my brain turned on immediately.

So here’s the thing…I HATE brushing my teeth. It’s not that it hurts necessarily, but I always gag and even sometimes puke (TMI? haha…sorry). I never knew why and have tried all sorts of different toothpastes, which never helped.

Seeing this post helped me realize that the issue with brushing my teeth is most likely a symptom of my SPD. Unfortunately, the knowledge doesn’t really take away my problem, but it has allowed me to have grace towards myself through the frustration. Sometimes knowledge can make a difference when you have a struggle.

I’m A List Person

If you’re new to the The REAL Princess & The Pea story, welcome! I hope you were able to learn something new, felt understood and I also hope you know that you aren’t alone.

I enjoy writing lists, so I thought for our newcomers, I’d write one to explain some of the reasons why I write this blog!

  • First and foremost, I don’t want ANYONE to ever feel like they are alone in this struggle of living with SPD. SPD is still not super well known to most people, so it can feel isolating. I want this blog to be a place where you can come and get advice, perspective and comfort.
  • To bring awareness to others about SPD.
  • I love to write and when I find time, I really enjoy telling my story with SPD. (It also helps to clear space in my brain for other things in my life like writing music!) 😀
  • To help educate others about SPD…and honestly I’m learning too!
by Erin Nowicki

The Princess Chronicle vol. 5

Happy New Year (22 days late)! I hope all of my Unicorns had a magical holiday season and I hope you are ready for a great new year we have ahead of us.

I know I haven’t been on here in AGES, so I wanted to share with you why!

Sometimes the “Pea” wins…

Ever since I started this blog, I felt like I had the momentum, brainpower and excitement to write and share a glimpse into my SPD life. In November, after my last post, I ended up just dropping off the blogging map…but why?!

At first, I couldn’t figure out why I didn’t want to write about my SPD and why I was dreading to even think about my blog. After talking to one of my blog subscribers, I realized what the issue was.

Every week I was writing a new blog post, which meant throughout each week I was thinking of what I wanted to write about.

This in turn was causing my Sensory to actually flare up ALL THE TIME. Once I figured out that this blog was the “Pea” that was causing me to be in pain (remember, SPD revolves around the brain and the disconnect with the nervous system), I decided to take a break for a little. So, yes, I let the “Pea” win but I’m ok with it..because I’m baaaaaaack. 😀

–Game Plan–

Instead of focusing on writing one blog a week, I’m going to write multiple blogs at one time so then I can post them once a week. Less thinking time overall…so let’s see if that will help this Sensory Princess. Wish me luck! ☘

What You Missed Last Time

Do you want to know what it feels like for a person with Sensory Processing Disorder to take a shower three days in a row?

On my last blog post, I did an experiment for yall and I hope it gives some insight. Go check it out!

Imagine a sound technician working a soundboard like the one above, but he clearly has zero training.

Excerpt from The Body Is Not An Apology

If you have time, click on the link to go check out the full article where I got that excerpt. I had never heard that analogy about SPD before and it totally resounded with me because I am a musician. Let me know in the comments below what things stood out to you in the article!

Next Week’s Blog

I found a “Sensory Processing Disorder Symptoms Test for Adults” and I wanted to share my answers with you. Do you think it will tell me I have Sensory Processing Disorder? HA!

by Erin Nowicki

The Princess Chronicle vol. 4

I’m back from California! Wow, what a trip that was!! I had such a blast tagging along with Jon and his band, as well as hanging out with my in-laws.

After the tour, Jon and I were able to spend two days in Venice Beach just exploring, eating delicious food, relaxing and crossing things off our bucket lists. It was dreamy and pure magic.

Journal Entry

This last Sunday, as Jon and I were driving to church, there was a car behind playing music EXTREMELY LOUD. He had the bass cranked and oh my goodness, because of my SPD, it was hurting my ears so much.

We had to sit through two lights with this car behind is. I was starting to panic because it was hurting so badly. When I was about to break down, he actually pulled up next to us and I decided to do something about the situation.

**Now, let me set this straight- never in a million years would I have done what I did next… I honestly think because of me starting this blog and no longer being ashamed of my disorder is why I did this.**

I rolled down the window and waved him down, with a smile of course. With hand signals, I motioned for him turn down the music. —->

He turned his music down and asked what was up. So I kindly asked him if he could turn it down just a little bit because it was physically hurting me.

Honestly, I thought he wouldn’t care because it seemed like he wasn’t caring about anyone when he had his music so loud that it was affecting everyone…but he COMPLETELY surprised me!

He then responded with a sincere apology and said that he didn’t realize that it was painful. SAY WHAT!?

Sometimes people just aren’t aware of how things affect you and honestly, they might not ever be aware unless you advocate for yourself with kindness & confidence.

What You Missed Last Time

I had so much fun writing my last blog post, but if you missed it, click the link above to go check it out. I wanted to share my go-to’s when packing for an out of town trip as someone with SPD. If you have SPD, you probably have some go-to things that you bring to help ease your sensory while you are away from home. I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below!

In my packing list, you might’ve noticed that I mentioned something called “deep pressure.” The product they’ve created is pretty neat too…maybe I’ll try it someday. 😉 I wanted to send you over to an article that explains it in a good way. ⬇

Deep touch pressure refers to a form of tactile sensory input which is often provided by firm holding, firm stroking, cuddling, hugging, and squeezing.

Excerpt from Tjacket

Come back next week to read about how I attempted an experiment for my sensory and how I failed. 😀

by Erin Nowicki

The Princess Chronicle vol. 3

California here I come!!

On Thursday, I will be flying out to Cali with my hunky and his band, Flatfoot 56, for a week filled with music, adventure and of course other dreamy things.

This trip is super important to me because I have been dreaming of going to California ever since I was a kid. I’m so excited to check this off my Dream List!!!

All that to say, in honor of my trip, my next post will be a fun one for yall; I’m going to do a Sensory Processing Disorder Travel Packing List. Check back next week!

Bi-Weekly Journal Entry

I went rollerskating this weekend and had a bad fall. Luckily I had my helmet on, because it would’ve been brutal. My head has been killing me and my lower back is extremely sore.

Last night, Jon put some ICY HOT on my back and let me tell you…it was SOOOOOOO painful! Not only applying it hurt, but the entire hour after putting it on hurt, because I could feel the cream on every inch of my skin. It felt like little pinches and burns all over my back. Geesh.

For the record- I love rollerskating and definitely had a blast before I fell! SPD isn’t gonna stop me from going out again this week! 😉

“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.”

-Louisa May Alcott, Little Women

I’m currently reading Little Women and I thought this quote would be perfect for today. Sometimes, I think SPD feels like a storm… and unending one at that, but I think there are ways to help manage the storm. I want this blog to be a place for you to come when you are ready to learn how to sail your ship.

One of my dreams is to start a review section, where I review different products, coping mechanisms, and really anything that might help you (and me) to learn how to sail our ship better. The goal for this is so that YOU don’t have to endure the pain of trying something blindly. I’m willing to do this and I want to do this. I want to see the world of SPD changed for the better. If you know any entrepreneurs or companies that would want to partner with me, please send them my way!

What You Missed Last Week

With SPD, rating pain accurately can be quite difficult. Last week, I talked a little bit about how I’ve managed to go about that. I even shared my most embarrassing story, so you want to make sure to check it out! 😀

I know that blogs can be daunting for some people, but that’s why I have a Twitter account! I want everyone to be able to have access to this blog. ❤

by Erin Nowicki

The Prince

I don’t think Charles Perrault, the Brother’s Grimm, Hans Christian Anderson, or even J.K. Rowling could’ve created a better prince than the prince who was put into my story. Jon Nowicki is his name and Prince Charming has nothing on him…sorry Char. :p

Here’s a little background on hunky and then I will ask him some questions for you to get a glimpse into what it’s like being married to someone with Sensory Processing Disorder.

Jon was born in Wisconsin and moved to Florida in 5th grade. He has a degree in Music Ministry with an emphasis in percussion and is an incredible drummer. Not only do I get to have him as my drummer for Hello Wonder, he also drums for another awesome band called Flatfoot 56. H enjoys golfing (any Chicago golfers looking for a golfing buddy??), traveling, camping, and cooking.

The thing I love most about him is how much he cares about me. He has never pressured me to do anything I didn’t want to do, he always makes sure I’m comfortable (or at least as comfy as I can be), makes me laugh, feeds my unicorn obsession and is the most selfless person I know. Living with someone who has SPD, can be extremely difficult and I appreciate him so much because he’s patient, always willing to learn, and loves me for me.

♕Interview with a REAL prince♕

Were you aware of Erin having SPD before you got married?

Prince:

I found out about her SPD while we were getting to know each other. I went along and asked and did all the things people do when they find out about it (sorry Erin :)). During the first few months, it was hard to disconnect my fear of “hurting” her or causing her pain.

In the end, it came down to the fact that sometimes the emotional pain of SPD can be harder than the physical pain. Treating her like a “sick” person or steering clear of any physical contact can be just as hard. It took a long time for me to fully process it, but I’ve come to a point where I can be aware of her SPD, but it doesn’t control how I treat her. 

How do you support Erin when she is in a flare up?

Prince:

The best thing I’ve found is to ask what she needs. Communication is a big aspect of steering through the waters of SPD. It’s something we continually try to improve. I can assume that I know what may help, and sometimes I’m lucky, but other times the things that sometimes help could actually make the scenario worse.  Always ask what you can do before you assume what’s best.  

What’s the hardest part of living with someone that has severe SPD?

Prince:

One of the hardest parts for me is not being able to fully relate to her when she is in pain.  Sometimes I feel completely useless when she is flaring up, because I literally can’t do anything to help. That feeling of not being able to do anything for her is always the hardest part. 

How do you cope with the lack of intimacy?

Prince:

There is no real easy answer for this.  It is difficult. As Erin previously said, physical touch is one of my main love languages. The first years of our marriage have been tough. Learning how to live together, become adults, and manage all of it with SPD as well as processing her trauma has been a challenge.

If you know me, I am a fairly easy going, laid back individual. This along with the blessing of patience has helped me a lot with the intimacy aspect of our marriage.  Through the years I’ve also had great friends/mentors alongside of me who have been there for me.  It never hurts to have someone to be able to talk to, even if they don’t fully understand the scope of SPD. Personal honesty and open communication will give you the best chance for success. 

Erin is great about pushing through the pain to meet my needs. An extra hug/kiss/holding hands moment means so much to me. 

Do you have another question for Jon that you’d like answered? Please feel free to leave a comment below or direct message me on the Contacts page. No question is too awkward or uncomfortable, so be free. If I get enough questions, I will drop another blog post with his answers for you all to have.

by Erin Nowicki

The Princess

Hi there, my name is Erin and I am a 30-year old, blue haired, unicorn-believin’ girl and the princess in this tale (aka my blog).

I was born in Würzburg, Germany, to the most incredible parents. My dad was in the Army my entire life, hence why I wasn’t born stateside. While growing up, we lived in Germany twice, Georgia and Tennessee. I have 2 birth sisters and 5 adopted siblings (3 girls, 2 boys).

In 2007, I moved to Memphis, TN, to go to a music college and that is where I met my hunky husband, Jon. After we graduated in 2010, with Bachelor’s Degrees in Music Ministry, we got married that following Fall. About 2 years after that, we moved to Belgium to be full-time missionaries. It was the most life-changing time of our married life. We got to travel, gain lifetime friends, train musicians, and just be adventurers. Unfortunately, we were only there for 15 months because we ran out of money (for the record…MONEY SUCKS). Those 15 months flew by, but we will never forget our time there and we still miss Belgium and the people there every single day.

Jon and I then moved to Illinois, which is where we are now. We live right outside the city of Chicago with our adorable pup, Macaroni. Currently, I am a full time nanny and I absolutely love my job. I chose to be a nanny because I love being around kids- they help keep my imagination young and keep my creativity flowing.

Speaking of creativity; MUSIC is what I am most passionate about in the entire world. I am a singer and a songwriter as well as a worship leader. I have a band called, Hello Wonder, and it is a dream come true. The ultimate dream is to do that full time, but for now, I’m thankful for what I have and that goal I’m working toward.

Alright, that’s it for now. This is your last chance to turn back from reading this blog. 😉 The posts from now on will be diving into more vulnerable, uncomfortable (but necessary), subjects pertaining to my Sensory Processing Disorder, mental health, sex, and some other things. I ask you to open your mind and leave judgment outside. I also invite you to come along with me to learn and to be enlightened. BUT—only come along on your own terms. You know what you can and can’t handle-so be free.