tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-954394726036721652024-03-13T18:43:42.516-07:00Dance with DistractionUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-76209943290613236332015-06-07T00:47:00.003-07:002016-04-24T13:35:22.002-07:00Viking AdventuresToday was a doozy of a day! We donated a Viking-themed adventure to our son's school auction a few months ago, and after <strike>obsessing about</strike> studying Vikings <strike>nightly</strike> enough to <strike>decide I want to worship Frejya</strike> really appreciate and understand 8th-11th century Norse culture, I was so excited to share some of this with thirteen kids for a day.<br>
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Our morning began in a picnic shelter at a local seaside park just blocks away from a huge statue of Leif Eriksson (he's sort of a big deal in this Scandinavian part of town).<br>
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We shared with the kids that our comrade and fellow Viking Ragnar Hairy Pants (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ragnar_Lodbrok" target="_blank">an actual Viking</a>, by the way) had been taken--and likely killed--by the trolls. Sad face. So we needed to have a Viking funeral. (I told them about some of the warm-and-fuzzier points of Viking burial customs but omitted <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norse_funeral#Ibn_Fadlan_account" target="_blank">these terrible details</a>.)<br>
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I gave each child a few drawings representing items typical of Viking grave goods to put into a cardboard Viking long boat, which we then set on fire. (Boat based on tutorial found <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2010/01/narnia-and-north.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Thanks, Ikat Bag!)<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I left out the horse and the human thralls because yikes, but included the chicken.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The actual one we burned was this ship's fuglier cousin.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It burned really well!</td></tr>
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Not only did the trolls kill our friend, but they also took his treasure! Sadder face. We decided that if we were going to have a chance during a raid on the trolls, we needed to be prepared. We needed swords, and shields, and armor. And that's what we did next.<br>
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I prepared wooden swords using garden stakes loosely following another great Ikat Bag tutorial (find it <a href="http://www.ikatbag.com/2013/10/the-third-clue-battle.html" target="_blank">here</a>). I used a wood burner to put each child's name on the sword--in Runes. (<a href="http://www.vikingrune.com/2008/11/younger-futhark-runes/" target="_blank">Long Branch Younger Futhark</a>, to be exactish.) This made the challenge of finding one's sword a little trickier. The kids named their swords (like real Vikings) with such fear-inducing monikers as "Fire Bird", "Phoenix", "Frejya", and "Endeavor" and decorated them accordingly.<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm_heBjYsWwAdsJ_ikfMWiLhG7rinHMsj6wiVvTKnMxsFgPNpcqGiVylkJT4LETuQt0RQnxJwpDH0U-jxghNGntR5XcmLxXrtREFWUpLrk6AYKlxfmj-H-xsjaFejK5icbhyphenhyphenYnBDsB2Y/s1600/VikingSwords.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZm_heBjYsWwAdsJ_ikfMWiLhG7rinHMsj6wiVvTKnMxsFgPNpcqGiVylkJT4LETuQt0RQnxJwpDH0U-jxghNGntR5XcmLxXrtREFWUpLrk6AYKlxfmj-H-xsjaFejK5icbhyphenhyphenYnBDsB2Y/s320/VikingSwords.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We dulled the "blades" by sanding beforehand, which the parents loved but some kids complained about (because they like pain?).</td></tr>
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The shields were cut from the sturdy cardboard box from our new hot water heater (spending money on stuff like that is really no fun). I attached a cardboard handle to the back of each using hot glue and edged them with this great foil tape I found in the plumbing section at our local hardware store. For the boss (the typical small dome in the middle of Viking shields) we used circles cut from the same foil tape. (I loosely followed <a href="http://bugbooandbean.blogspot.com/2013/01/dragon-party-armour-part-2-swords-and.html" target="_blank">this</a> tutorial.) For cardboard, they held up surprisingly well.<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus: We used scented markers. There were a lot of cherry and licorice Vikings out there today!</td></tr>
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I'm really bummed I didn't get any pictures of the leather working station I set up for the kids to decorate their own bracers! We had a few Celtic stamps that echoed Viking motifs, a dragon, a lion, and Thor's hammer (mjölnir), plus stars and alphabet stamps they used to decorate the leather. With only one mallet, it was slow-moving, but the kids were patient and no swords were used against one another. I'm counting that as a victory. Then we added laces. One very clever Viking fashioned a belt from her bracer!<br>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fashionable AND functional.</td></tr>
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When all the weaponry was prepared, it was time for some serious berserking! The kids were mostly unbloodied (Kidding! No skin-busting injuries AT ALL! Can you believe it?!) and had some great imaginative and unstructured play time. I wish you could have seen some of the dramatic death scenes.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Berserking: Nothing like twerking.</td></tr>
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Next, some games were in order. Viking chess, aka Koob, aka Kubb was the logical next step. The kids did really great learning a new game and practicing sportspersonship (I dunno). More info on how to play this really fun lawn game can be found <a href="http://www.playkoob.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. My neighbor is a mensch and when I brought him an 8' scraggly 4"x 4", 1/2' x 4' dowel, and 1.5" x 8' wooden closet rod, he cut them all down to size for me. See? Mensch. (We followed <a href="http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20398029,00.html" target="_blank">the This Old House tutorial</a>.) Then I sanded and painted them up all pretty to have our very own Koob set for many future parties with the menschy neighbors. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi72ubH_G1k_bG4LEAqqSGw9ixbPBpIDnURQ5wSOj0JPyOytBUXEq_tHITYkH4otpCWJh7XaFWtqV9BsQWDOmphk1XxAwBczKomBRVBttTZ5_kRDvyZoiMo4n1qkwC_LacuKEHS0csbeA/s1600/kubbmaking.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi72ubH_G1k_bG4LEAqqSGw9ixbPBpIDnURQ5wSOj0JPyOytBUXEq_tHITYkH4otpCWJh7XaFWtqV9BsQWDOmphk1XxAwBczKomBRVBttTZ5_kRDvyZoiMo4n1qkwC_LacuKEHS0csbeA/s320/kubbmaking.JPG" width="240"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used 20-year-old gesso and 24-KARAT-GOLD spray paint. ($6 a can, folks!) I wish I could make that text flash.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I admit, I'm pretty proud of this. And I ain't talking about my deck, either. </td></tr>
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The next game with played was one of strength to counter our previous Kubby game of strategy. Togahönk is a Viking game you probably played as a child if you grew up in the time of ropes as playthings. That's right, good ol' tug-a-hönk:<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvhQ9HtcatwwbdJWyxkB56P9864A5qBVTm2EBmFu27SCpnoLtYbqvpC3Bk8s1lObx0_GE-qqbLGT7ylUU2856Rq-bJlb4vI2yI7YNFVXLTrKdd7jJ-wZseOW0Qq7fmlA5Lw7HlLxutuk/s1600/togahonk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvhQ9HtcatwwbdJWyxkB56P9864A5qBVTm2EBmFu27SCpnoLtYbqvpC3Bk8s1lObx0_GE-qqbLGT7ylUU2856Rq-bJlb4vI2yI7YNFVXLTrKdd7jJ-wZseOW0Qq7fmlA5Lw7HlLxutuk/s320/togahonk.jpg" width="320"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Did I mention we had beautiful weather?</td></tr>
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At the end of the game, we discovered the trolls had left us some messages in Runes back at camp. In order to solve the riddle of the location of Ragnar Hairypants' treasure, the kids had to work very hard to decipher the clues. The first message was waiting for them at the fire pit. They translated the Runes to find the message said: "Miriam has <u>no</u> clues in her pocket". SURPRISE! The clues *were* in my pocket. That message said: "There are <u>no</u> clues on table". SURPRISE! The next secret message *was* on the table. It said: "Do <u>not</u> look in tree for treasure!" I bet you can't guess where they found the treasure! (Kind of dim-witted trolls, if you ask me.)<br>
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The kids found that a mysterious sack was hanging in the trees. We all surrounded the tree together and chanted in Swedish "Stay away, trolls!" (hålla sig borta, troll!) as we lowered the sack. When we opened it, we found a great surprise! Our missing comrade, Ragnar Hairy Pants, wasn't killed after all.1 As thanks, he gave up his gold to each Viking who helped save him. (The doll was made by the very talented Joyce of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/HillcountryDollmaker" target="_blank">Hillcountry Dollmaker</a> back in 2012.)<br>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOdSywCGEpOaZGCD1Rq9Ltg9upCj8T_dZpWD1n55kQtDRZ8K_Mb1gNTZ-g1Mmte3dilT0RoVuWIVk1Ea1T4LoXpe8JQu3-6dbKJPJnMRw_WK4VkD08F2yGyOUjlXMwGWZ8q3m_1hUntg/s1600/ragnarcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQOdSywCGEpOaZGCD1Rq9Ltg9upCj8T_dZpWD1n55kQtDRZ8K_Mb1gNTZ-g1Mmte3dilT0RoVuWIVk1Ea1T4LoXpe8JQu3-6dbKJPJnMRw_WK4VkD08F2yGyOUjlXMwGWZ8q3m_1hUntg/s320/ragnarcloseup.jpg" width="236"></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ragnar was grateful. Funny: Pants are actually made from wool. HIS PANTS ARE ACTUALLY HAIRY.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ragnar gave up his gold in gratitude. Treasure is bisque-fired stoneware spray painted gold and sealed with acrylic medium. </td></tr>
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Were we all exhausted by the end of the event? Um yah we were! Did we stop for ice cream on the way home? Heck yes we did! If you made it this far, you deserve some ice cream too!<br>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>Hej då, my friends! May Frejya's blessings be upon you!</i></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-61648410375324760212015-04-04T21:52:00.000-07:002015-04-04T22:12:55.891-07:00Guardians of the Galaxy Birthday PartyIf there's an event I love planning, it's a birthday.<br />
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My two boys share a birthday (just a weird coincidence that means astrologically we are destined to have weapon-loving Aries children battling non-stop throughout the house), and this weekend we got to celebrate! Being fans of weapons and warfare, and also space, they both really really wanted a Guardians of the Galaxy theme. </div>
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Here are some things I prepared for the party:</div>
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Ronan the Accuser piñata (made from cardboard, newspaper, flour paste, crepe paper and acrylic paint) and orb filled with infinity stones (hollowed styrofoam ball decorated with hot glue, acrylic paint, and glitter spray filled with amethysts):</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMi37E_2zGFIuMFU5MvK_DoS-4ShQd2-pj0vevRKvolZDP-7Euvlk_f9jvt9AsShUEMAD1Ya1cZwHLTEERmTOTNkjSj4AHoFJ06bD5PiV7I82zSZsJ2EEKc4XIL-8htmGCUa4AZljNeE/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMi37E_2zGFIuMFU5MvK_DoS-4ShQd2-pj0vevRKvolZDP-7Euvlk_f9jvt9AsShUEMAD1Ya1cZwHLTEERmTOTNkjSj4AHoFJ06bD5PiV7I82zSZsJ2EEKc4XIL-8htmGCUa4AZljNeE/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Homemade galaxy playdough with embedded amethysts to fill piñata:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVOcoCzQ2RepGX2KtxtoO-oKdkMP41ZQgBt5EvuqhfImRvEwJWJQHnChi0k9d8c-DDXNBoXvdY7gJcklC7TYNbkf6PK8ZNPTaY_eysj8aMT-v7Ox5oLi9a7uDXt23r4Yf6QZAZuLOt70/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVOcoCzQ2RepGX2KtxtoO-oKdkMP41ZQgBt5EvuqhfImRvEwJWJQHnChi0k9d8c-DDXNBoXvdY7gJcklC7TYNbkf6PK8ZNPTaY_eysj8aMT-v7Ox5oLi9a7uDXt23r4Yf6QZAZuLOt70/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Awesome Mix Vol 1 mix tape boxes (<a href="http://30minutecrafts.com/2014/08/guardians-of-the-galaxy-craft-free-mix-tape-printable.html" target="_blank">download printable and find instructions</a> from the nice folks at 30 Minute Crafts) filled with candy. For you folks born before the 90s, you'll appreciate that my son asked me what the machine was behind the boxes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYHC7DngzPQoqQ3vjbErgOrhilky2KcuzPGFNsHLmp88JJwfNSpMO8UBzYMAT2dFjBsPxSiSs40SX-6R7l2uMJLAcSwsOdLziGcnMEDuM-TOcccFyjCWWuGCIlKOnz9DirdVTlSMrQ0I/s1600/IMG_1617.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYHC7DngzPQoqQ3vjbErgOrhilky2KcuzPGFNsHLmp88JJwfNSpMO8UBzYMAT2dFjBsPxSiSs40SX-6R7l2uMJLAcSwsOdLziGcnMEDuM-TOcccFyjCWWuGCIlKOnz9DirdVTlSMrQ0I/s1600/IMG_1617.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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A Groot figure made from up-side-down paper bag filled with scrunched paper, partially opened at the top (bottom) and cut, secured to child's broom (handmade by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/BROOMCHICK" target="_blank">Broomchick</a> in Eugene, OR) surrounded by baby potted Groots (marigold seedlings I started four weeks ago) with a marker I stamped to read "We are Groot":</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHhDcZIprKw4NW_1Emg8qkFmRmAKXK6_ywRWqh4Sn8Zg0JSusVr8Bxs4VXcIrd3srdeE5rbAAaqmQzCM1t0UZifaJCutMNzZCJHgIcG97MyZstoUr3FBwsdCAuM3hluH6ObRU1a3TmFM/s1600/IMG_1612.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxHhDcZIprKw4NW_1Emg8qkFmRmAKXK6_ywRWqh4Sn8Zg0JSusVr8Bxs4VXcIrd3srdeE5rbAAaqmQzCM1t0UZifaJCutMNzZCJHgIcG97MyZstoUr3FBwsdCAuM3hluH6ObRU1a3TmFM/s1600/IMG_1612.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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We also had perhaps the most delicious cake we've ever eaten from <a href="http://www.larsensbakery.com/" target="_blank">Larsen's Bakery</a> in Ballard, Seattle (white cake, chocolate mousse filling, a layer of frosting under marzipan with a space design. It was delicious and beautiful!). We brought out the bouncy house, which was a great hit with the kids. We served mojitos to the adults and juice to the kids along with a fresh fruit and cheese spread. </div>
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We all had fun!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-27845745348910230822015-03-30T17:25:00.002-07:002015-03-30T21:44:30.095-07:00Returning to Good Habits & Bullet Journaling I often go through cycles, a personal scaffolding of learning, where I find tools that work really well for me and then slowly drift out the habit. Usually it's some negative event or feeling that reminds me I've stopped using a tool that works. When I return to that tool, if I take time to reflect on why I stopped using it, I can strengthen my ability to stick with it. (I'm reminded of a phrase I learned in my training as a psychotherapist: Relapse is part of recovery.)<br />
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Take, for instance, my bullet journal.<br />
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Lately I've been so scattered. I have been anxious trying to keep all my lists straight--on my phone, my computer, scraps of paper, those lists I have yet to write down... My system needs a major re-org. And so I am reminded of my bullet journal, this beautiful system that is not only a tool for efficient planning but a pacifier for my mind.<br />
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Bullet journaling is a style of record-keeping, planning, organizing, agendizing, and archiving developed by Ryder Carroll. His website <a href="http://www.bulletjournal.com/">www.bulletjournal.com</a> gives a full description of how it works for him and how to use it as a tool in your own life. In a nutshell, it's a system of to-do lists that are kept bulletpoint by bulletpoint. There are many devotees to this journaling system, and you can find forums (<i>fora</i> for my Latin-lovin' and/or grammar-schtickler peeps) on Facebook where people give all types of tips and express their love for this system. On YouTube there are also several videos dedicated to bullet journaling, including <a href="https://youtu.be/ekTGqJfpgeM" target="_blank">my own video</a> (plug! plug!) which has somehow become popular on the intarwebs. (A big thank you to anyone who has ever viewed it!)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ekTGqJfpgeM" width="560"></iframe>
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What I love about the system is that it is <i>adaptable</i>. For someone who either struggles with or doesn't like routine, a system that allows the user to skip large periods of time and then return is a big plus. Traditional pre-printed agendas don't often work for me because I use them for a few weeks, and if I return, I have a stack of unused pages. It's a waste of paper, and I often end up feeling like I've failed at record-keeping. (I should probably take that to therapy, I know, I know.)<br />
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I'm happy to say that after a day of using my bullet journal system again, I'm already feeling confident and calm. I have everything I need--a traveling command center--with me in my bag. And it is completely mine, completely suited to my needs.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-66453669518027312032013-05-28T15:52:00.000-07:002013-05-28T15:52:50.480-07:00Quinoa with Black Beans and Hominy<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Quinoa:</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1 1/2 cups quinoa</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">2 cups low-sodium chicken broth</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1/2 teaspoon kosher salt</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Zest of 1 large lemon</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Dressing:</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1/4 cup grapeseed oil</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">3 tablespoons agave nectar</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 2 large limes)</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1 tablespoon ground cumin</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1 teaspoon kosher salt</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Two 15-ounce cans hominy, rinsed and drained</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">One 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><b>Directions</b></span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">For the quinoa: In a 2-quart saucepan, bring the quinoa, chicken broth, salt and lemon zest to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat, cover the pot and simmer until the liquid has been absorbed and the quinoa is tender, about 20 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and allow to rest for 10 minutes.</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the grapeseed oil, agave, lime </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">j</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">uice, vinegar, cumin, salt and pepper until smooth.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">In a serving bowl, combine the quinoa, hominy, black beans and cilantro. Add the dressing and toss until coated. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon into the lettuce leaves and serve.</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Per serving (based on 6 servings): Calories: 332; Total Fat: 13 grams; Saturated Fat: 1 gram; Protein: 9 grams; Total carbohydrates: 46 grams; Sugar: 12 grams; Fiber: 5 grams; Cholesterol: 0 milligrams; Sodium: 625 milligrams</span><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><br style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; outline: 0px;" /><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/quinoa-with-black-beans-and-hominy-recipe/index.html?oc=linkback<br /><br /><b>My alterations:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">No lemon zest, cilantro, lettuce leaves</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, clean, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Used lemon juice instead of lime </span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-744294848844176372013-05-24T11:57:00.000-07:002013-05-31T20:04:32.473-07:00Spicy Yogurt SauceI am loving this new creation:<br />
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Spicy Yogurt<br />
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1 C Greek/strained yogurt<br />
1/2 C crumbled feta<br />
1 Tbsp lemon juice<br />
1 Tbsp tahini<br />
1 tsp hot sauce (Tapatío is my favorite for this recipe)<br />
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Stir ingredients together. Use as topping for falafel, dipping sauce for pita chips, or eat as savory/spicy yogurt (my favorite!).<br />
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Variation:<br />
Makes a really yummy meal as a savory yogurt--I added Ras el Hanout Moroccan spices or pureed beans (canned cannellini or garbanzo beans) a couple times and YUM.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-48009312546595737292013-05-21T17:54:00.001-07:002013-05-21T17:54:18.284-07:00Moroccan Turkey Meatballs: Pretend Falafel <br />
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<h5 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;">
I thought I'd share a delicious recipe with y'all: <a href="http://www.theperfectpantry.com/2012/02/recipe-for-moroccan-turkey-meatballs.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>www.theperfectpantry.com/2012/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>02/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>recipe-for-moroccan-turkey-meat<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break" style="display: inline-block;"></span>balls.html</a><br /><br />I used coconut flour instead of falafel mix, and served with hot sauce, yogurt-lemon-tahini sauce, and feta on a bed of spinach. It satisfied my craving for a<br />falafel sandwich!</h5>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-87282574363639470262013-05-16T12:08:00.000-07:002013-05-17T15:29:19.510-07:00Salves for the Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes I get a bout of melancholy that sticks with me for a couple days and I need to do something to shift my perspective or just ride it out gently. I like to remind myself of the things that help:<br />
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(1) A good cry. Possibly brought on by a sad song, a touching image, a heartbreaking movie. It can be completely unrelated to whatever set of circumstances is spawning my melancholy. The simple act of crying is a catharsis, emotionally and physically. Tears even contain hormones that are capable of easing pain and softening aggression. The act of releasing them helps us to feel better.<br />
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(2) Art. Sometimes I need to express with art what my words can't. Or just get into the act of creative release, without focusing on a destination or product. Art therapists use art-making as a way to process and understand feelings while bypassing the language center in the brain that can sometimes hinder our emotional expression. The act of creating and working with different materials (tearing tissue paper, creating collages, working with clay, coloring with markers, painting, etc.) helps me get in touch with parts of myself I sometimes forget. My favorite medium right now is papercloth, a very forgiving mixed media collage/decoupage technique that allows me to remain process, vs. product-focused. <br />
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(3) Music. Loud, soft, with or without dancing, just as long as I give myself to it and let it flow through me. If I want to get weepy, I go for Iron & Wine's The Creek Drank the Cradle, Dylan's Blood On The Tracks, or Tom Waits' Blue Valentine. If I want to dance and sing at the top of my lungs, I listen to something energetic and rhythmic--my current favorites are Macklemore and Ke$ha!<br />
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(4) Mindful Meditation. What is helping me most right now is finding a moment to focus on an intent for the day and find appreciation for what I have. When I'm in a rut or feeling crappy, it's really easy to notice what I don't have. Dwelling on the negative reinforces the message that I don't already have what I need, when in reality I am so very fortunate that I do have what I need.<br />
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What works for you to help you feel better when you get a touch of the blues? Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-10447972155055460302013-05-04T12:27:00.000-07:002013-05-04T18:22:04.271-07:00The Domestic Overwhelm of the SAHADDer.SAHADDer: The Stay-At-Home ADDer. Being a stay-at-home parent comes with its own set of challenges, but throw some ADD in the mix and it can be completely overwhelming--especially when systems in place go all hinky. I recently experienced a particularly bad case of Domestic Overwhelm, when a system that was barely functioning became overly stressed with the addition of a brutal cold that sent us in a tailspin. Have you ever treaded water to the point of exhaustion? Hopefully not, but it's the perfect metaphor to describe where I was. Head barely above water. And it was raining. And the swells were huge. And there were sharks!<br />
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The dishes were piling up, the trash was overflowing, the guest room had become the dirty laundry room, I was incredibly cranky, exhausted, cognitively fuzzy, emotional, and I couldn't get over that hump to crank up the system again. I was feeling pretty isolated because all my socialization was halted by the state of my house and mind. My kids were suffering, my husband was carrying work and domestic stress around... It just was not a pretty picture. Sleep deprivation is a terrible trigger for ADD, and I have my share of it with a one-year-old who still wakes up frequently in the night to nurse. The chronic deprivation of rest is, as a good friend put it, like a repetitive stress injury. It needs to be treated gingerly, like any other injury, while it heals. <br />
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Well, my friends, I'm happy to say I'm emerging from the Domestic Overwhelm, and I've learned a few things about getting systems functioning again when everything is out of whack.<br />
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<h3>Get help.</h3><br />
Start with some practical, body-double help. If you can swing it, hire a housecleaner and an organizer. Hire a night nanny. If you don't have funds to spare, trade childcare with a friend to get a few hours to yourself. I hired a mother's helper, the teenage daughter of a friend, to spend a few hours at our home a couple days a week while I take care of my needs. My needs? Cleaning up the kitchen uninterrupted, preparing dinner, taking a nap, organizing the garage, watching a movie in my bedroom, taking a bath, looking out the window, playing in the garden, writing letters, paying bills, making phone calls, doing art in my studio, taking a walk alone with the dog... Anything I can do where I can find myself a little.<br />
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<h3>See a doctor.</h3><br />
It's important to rule out physical conditions that might be contributing to your exhaustion. Anemia, hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiency... Any number of conditions that are easily treatable could be causing you to slump. If you're being treated for AD/HD with medication, check in with your doctor about your dosage. Additionally, a psychiatrist can be immensely helpful in determining if you're suffering from depression and would benefit from medication to help get you back on track. Consult with a psychiatrist/psychologist/therapist for talk therapy options, which can often be just as effective as or boost the effectiveness of an antidepressant. <br />
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<h3>Let others see your mess.</h3><br />
Another thing that really helped me over the past couple weeks was finally deciding that even if I can't keep a clean house in the way I wish I could right now while my internal resources are so limited and what little resources remain are prioritized for my children, I don't have to isolate myself from my friends. I tell my friends "please take it as a compliment that I'm letting you see how my house is. It means I trust you not to judge me!". If they really love you (as they should, because DUH! that's what true friends do!), they will be understanding of your struggles, and you will benefit from the support.<br />
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<h3>What I learned:</h3><br />
I was depleted. My spirit was starving. Without having time to take a spiritual breath, I wasn't much use to anyone. I was spending so much of my day in a state of half-there. I was half-there for my kids while I tried to clean or cook or organize, and there was no time for those self-care tasks that require privacy, like bathing, movie-watching, writing... This meant my batteries were never recharging, and I was sacrificing my already precious sleep to have some alone time after everyone else was asleep. I was spending my day feeling like a shitty person for not giving my kids the attention, clean house (within reason), nutritious food, or present parent they needed. <br />
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The addition of a mother's helper is new, but I already feel in my gut that this is a turning point. After a few hours with our helper, I noticed the difference in the happiness of both of my boys. I noticed the happiness of myself. As for my visit with my doctor, my blood panel came back from the lab showing my T3 was low, despite my already-being-treated-with-medication TSH levels being normal--a long way of saying that my body was still hypothyroid. The double whammy of being hypothyroid (which causes lethargy, lack of motivation, dull skin, sleep disturbance, and depression) along with a lack of adequate time to care for my self hit me hard. But we're back on track now, with a stronger system in place!<br />
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<h3>Helpful Links</h3><br />
The following are some very helpful snippets of information compiled by About.com ADHD Blogger <a href="http://add.about.com/bio/Keath-Low-32824.htm">Keath Low</a>, a psychotherapist specializing in ADHD:<br />
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<a href="http://add.about.com/od/adhdinadults/a/moms.htm">Moms with ADD</a><br />
<a href="http://add.about.com/od/childrenandteens/a/ADDparents.htm">Parenting with ADD</a><br />
<a href="http://add.about.com/od/childrenandteens/tp/ADD-parenting-tips.htm">Self Care Tips for ADD Parents</a><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-68621940347306595882013-05-03T14:12:00.001-07:002013-05-03T21:31:08.907-07:00Art, hyperfocus-styleGoing through some artwork from the art therapy group I participated in earlier this year, I came across these sketches. This is possibly my biggest ADD challenge -- task switching when my attention has a hold of me. I thought I'd share!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQN1jKoPy870jkrNSYvzHGUcc81wOh4FeSQy7RnSevwnkpfGm58RfEM3xx_EdO-zRVDf4qHmwAF5yy3GuCKA_zL-jwMHsj_A07q71ByVIJnlHVCRaFjl2JlOwt35l0dcNxawR_ElIxmYo/s1600/ADHD-ArtTherapy-1-Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQN1jKoPy870jkrNSYvzHGUcc81wOh4FeSQy7RnSevwnkpfGm58RfEM3xx_EdO-zRVDf4qHmwAF5yy3GuCKA_zL-jwMHsj_A07q71ByVIJnlHVCRaFjl2JlOwt35l0dcNxawR_ElIxmYo/s1600/ADHD-ArtTherapy-1-Blog.jpg" height="640" width="451" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IRddjhfAZK2biwVX5tngooiHrgaiaIOQLF6yMY1NtSDGE8ykuIcbplUSQgc1M1IjMubGZsPBhHpge-z9QoXd_k8Ujkqsof4XNOV8sn5v8ctVjSXkiMv_s9C8FslVSPxxYALe8yM0-2A/s640/blogger-image-1930532460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7IRddjhfAZK2biwVX5tngooiHrgaiaIOQLF6yMY1NtSDGE8ykuIcbplUSQgc1M1IjMubGZsPBhHpge-z9QoXd_k8Ujkqsof4XNOV8sn5v8ctVjSXkiMv_s9C8FslVSPxxYALe8yM0-2A/s640/blogger-image-1930532460.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-59532293527043161682013-04-29T14:32:00.000-07:002013-05-04T12:30:28.918-07:00Stumbling down the stairs with our feet in our mouths: ADD & AUUS*L'esprit d'escalier (literally, staircase wit) is a French term used in English that describes <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L%27esprit_de_l%27escalier" target="_blank">the predicament of thinking of the perfect comeback too late</a>. <br />
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Is there a term for saying something you realize later was the wrong thing to say? Maybe "l'horreur d'escalier'? Or just plain "stumbling down the escalier"? Most people say the wrong thing every once in a while, but if you have ADD, chances are this is a more regular occurrence. Like this morning, for instance, when an older gentleman complimented my toddler son's hat, and I quickly responded "thanks! I love dressing him like an old man!" Not horrible, but after I said it, I wanted to crawl in a hole for a second. (ZOMG I said "old" to an old person!) <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He makes a durn cute old man, though.</td></tr>
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Allow me to introduce you to my little affliction, AUUS* or Awkward Unfiltered Utterance Syndrome (a made-up illness I have acronymed to lend credibility, obv). You may be familiar with it as "Foot-In-Mouth Disease". <br />
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I get anxious in social situations. I have social skills and I hide my anxiety, but I also sometimes trip up, like when I'm tired, which lately is always. My anxiety is intrinsically linked to my fear of saying the wrong thing. I have anticipatory horreur d'escalier! <br />
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<h3>
What's happening in my brain?</h3>
Normal people have filters that stop them from saying the wrong thing. ADDers have neurological differences in the prefrontal cortex of the brain--the area that, among other functions, controls impulses and filters our thoughts before we utter them--so we stop ourselves from doing or saying those faux pas (faux pases? faux pahzez? foe pauses?) that might rub others the wrong way. Imagine how much more difficult social situations are for ADDers when we can't rely on our filters to keep us from putting our feet in our mouths. Our prefrontal cortices actually function at a slower pace. The addition of stimulants allows the filter which monitors behavior to speed up and begin to function correctly, which is why stimulants seem to slow ADDers down. But don't take my fuzzy sciencey word for it, listen to a real scientist.
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/O8w0p4WCWiY?rel=0" width="560"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-88879749098026818142013-04-28T12:04:00.001-07:002013-04-28T14:05:41.902-07:00Forcing AdagioI'm laying in bed as I write this, pinned under twenty-seven pounds of sleeping, nursing baby. I'm reminded that at times, our rhythms don't naturally match the rhythms of those who depend on us. As much as I'd love to be up and doing weekend tasks that prepare us for the week, my tired and cold-fighting child needs me right now. He is sleeping the staccato sleep of someone whose periodic cough keeps rousing him from a deeper place of rest, but my presence allows him to keep trying to get there. In turn, I'm feeling myself slow down, face my impatience, and breathe. We're a symbiotic little mother-child dyad! <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-44150126981375776962013-04-25T18:31:00.001-07:002013-04-25T18:31:40.208-07:00Fruity Crab SaladMenu planning. I'm trying to get more organized about it. Here's an attempt! A new tag called "recipes" where I shall list my very favorite recipe creations so I can easily access them when I need a menu planning fix.<div>
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Last night's dinner was a refreshing & fruity paleo salad creation:</div>
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2 oranges</div>
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2 kiwis</div>
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1/2 pint strawberries</div>
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1 can lump crab meat</div>
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1 head butter lettuce</div>
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1/2 C sliced almonds</div>
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1/2 C coconut</div>
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1 Tbsp grapeseed oil</div>
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Chop lettuce. Cut kiwis, strawberries, and one orange into bite-sized pieces. Toss with crab, almonds, and coconut. Dress with the juice of remaining orange and a drizzle of grapeseed oil.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-9861516895326023562013-04-16T17:10:00.000-07:002013-04-16T17:10:35.144-07:00The honeymoon is ovah!Been a while, eh? I lost my steam.<br />
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I began this blog as an exploratory project so I could learn more about ADD as I got used to the idea that this may be an accurate diagnosis for me. I was so very excited at the prospect of having an explanation for why some things are so hard -- and others so easy for me. During the last few months, reality has set in and I've begun to see the limitations of what it means to have ADD and how much harder everything is and always will be for me than for other people. <br /><br />That last sentence brought up some feelings for me.<br />
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Part of me still holds on to the belief that this is all just an excuse for bad behavior. I just need to try harder. Other people try hard and accomplish a clean house, bills paid on time, non-anxious interactions with other humans, regular meals consisting of healthy food, avoidance of sugar, emotional self control. How can I assume it's so much easier for them? Welcome to my pity party! Life is so hard for poor me! <br /><br />This is what I'm struggling with right now.<br /><br />The honeymoon is over, but additionally, I'm chronically sleep-deprived and exhausted with a preschooler who just turned five and a baby who just turned one. Baby still sleeps with us and I wake up several times a night to nurse him. I'm formulating a plan to get him over the night-nursing, but I'm kind of dreading it because *duh, transition* and I also don't want anyone to suffer during the weaning.<br /><br />But my lack of sleep has so severely exacerbated these ADD symptoms that I don't believe it's even possible to accurately attribute them to ADD.<br />
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And that, my friends, is what I've been up to lately. <br /><br />Plus also these adorable munchkins:<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-11206683476493042352013-02-01T14:43:00.003-08:002013-02-01T20:07:22.890-08:00Guest post from my mom: Me, Meds, and ADHDI was so excited with my response to Focaline (ritalin). I was thrilled to be freed from impulsive eating and food cravings. Also, my body felt noticably peaceful & my husband noticed I was calmer. This began last Thursday. The following Tuesday I noticed some unusual breathlessness as I was climbing a tiny incline to an evening meeting. Later that night my heart seemed to be pounding. The next morning I knew my heart was both racing and beating irregularly. A cardiologist confirmed I could no longer take this or any related medication.<br />
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So, bummer. I'll be meeting with the ADHD doc within a few weeks to see if there are any alternative ADHD meds I might try. It's not the end of the world if I can't. I've made it 67 years without. It was just a nice experience to know what it's like to eat like a "normal" person. I'll simply continue working through the Weight Watchers Program.
Carolitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372193929628174666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-55949212384645837722013-01-30T00:19:00.001-08:002013-01-30T00:19:49.423-08:00Binder Round-Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Part of my monumental family organization binder project is finding something inspiring to put all my hard work into. Here are a few options.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40Hj1O1hwh8KiX5S_1HDGBenRCgPSwp24aVOO6YHS-CSE6HNZUwj0xe3uEN_HZ8OX9sev7Jl6SpyvP2-QQ__GaIavt7JFIdBWmKOstvoN4hQFvWHcibJ6hmkd8OiG9lEIiL_HcymstYI/s1600/binders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi40Hj1O1hwh8KiX5S_1HDGBenRCgPSwp24aVOO6YHS-CSE6HNZUwj0xe3uEN_HZ8OX9sev7Jl6SpyvP2-QQ__GaIavt7JFIdBWmKOstvoN4hQFvWHcibJ6hmkd8OiG9lEIiL_HcymstYI/s640/binders.jpg" width="301" /></a></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0038L95F4/ref=s9_simh_gw_p229_d0_i4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1BN06N7TK4D9MQ3D3BCW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1389517282&pf_rd_i=507846" target="_blank">Aurora GB Kraft Essentials 1" Binder</a> $9.99 on Amazon.com</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://www.nakedbinder.com/Store.cfm?action=Products&subaction=Detail&Id=e26b7c74-1372-636c-dd5a-cede297657f4" target="_blank">Naked Binder Pouch</a> $1.50 each at Naked Binder</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/1-5-greenroom-recycled-binder-with-dividers/-/A-13421698#?lnk=sc_qi_detaillink" target="_blank">Greenroom Recycled 1.5" Binder</a> $7.69 at Target</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://www.nakedbinder.com/Store.cfm?action=Products&subaction=Detail&Id=b8e6000b-aed3-6208-8b02-bb463672c997" target="_blank">Round 1" Project Binder</a> $7.50 from Naked Binder</span> </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Guided-Products-Divider-Inserts-GDP00018/dp/B003DL2G32/ref=pd_sbs_op_3" target="_blank">Guided Products ReTab 8-Tab Divider</a> $5.35 on Amazon.com</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #f1c232;"><a href="http://www.staples.com/Martha-Stewart-Home-Office-with-Avery-1-inch-Everyday-Patterned-Heavy-Paper/product_SS1081415" target="_blank">Martha Stewart Home Office 1" Binder</a> $5.99 at Staples </span></li>
</ol>
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="color: black;">I especially am in love with the Naked Binder products. Do you have a favorite binder?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #f1c232;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-8305518468773181562013-01-29T14:48:00.001-08:002013-01-29T17:50:18.981-08:00Rewards and chore chartsI am loving our new chore reward chart! It's only been three days that we've been using this new system, so talk to me in a month about longer-term effectiveness. I have to say, though, that last night's "Mommy, can I help with dinner?!" and "I have to find some clean socks so I can lay out tomorrow's clothes" were music to my ears. Did I say music? I meant the complete works of Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach. This bodes very, very well.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBJVp0SLOJ8Ox8omP6fV8I1yGuTCVQejjI6W94GzzQ-4tI-fDUhU85d0mUNhgcnSPlSFNVwkPyijC1ZvhO2PqwWA115epLfNh5Nwlcuq3UovJRYYVtjAZ8s1kUQHH2udj4upqmdBFtaU/s1600/chorechart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyBJVp0SLOJ8Ox8omP6fV8I1yGuTCVQejjI6W94GzzQ-4tI-fDUhU85d0mUNhgcnSPlSFNVwkPyijC1ZvhO2PqwWA115epLfNh5Nwlcuq3UovJRYYVtjAZ8s1kUQHH2udj4upqmdBFtaU/s1600/chorechart.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<h4>
Chore Chart.</h4>
The chore chart (even in my head when I say that, it's a tongue twister) has eight categories:<br />
<ol>
<li>Using the bathroom alone (Bubs is capable of this, but loves mommy or daddy to help out. Mommy and daddy don't love this, however. We do still check him, but he takes care of the business.) </li>
<li>Bubs gets a ten-minute warning when it's time to put toys away. </li>
<li>Each day has a different cleaning chore assigned. (Sunday is a free day, what with being the Sabbath and all. I'm a big believer in a Sabbath day, no matter what your religious beliefs. A day that forces you to slow down and be mindful? We all need that.) The chores in this section are watering plants, helping with laundry, scrub cleaning, washing dishes, tidying up the bedroom, and vacuuming.</li>
<li>Feeding the dog</li>
<li>Having a helpful attitude. This especially applies to self-initiated helpful tasks, like unloading the milk delivery unprompted, or being particularly cheerful, polite, appreciative, charming, etc.</li>
<li>Helping with dinner</li>
<li>Doing the morning routine (see note)</li>
<li>Doing the bedtime routine (see note)</li>
</ol>
Note: One of my all-time favorite home organization bloggers, Jen Jones of <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/">iheartorganizing.blogspot.com</a>, has made her morning and bedtime routine charts available for free download <a href="http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/p/free-printables.html" target="_blank">here</a>. She also has an array of beautifully designed home organization printables for purchase in her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/IHeartOrganizing?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">etsy shop</a>. Check her out! <br />
<br />
<h4>
Treasure Chest.</h4>
I've given Bubs a glimpse of the toy prizes I have in the treasure chest, in fact, he helped me pick them out in the store, so he's sure to like them. (All items were under $3--a ball, an eraser, silly putty, stickers, a wall clingy/crawler, pencil sharpener, etc.) I tried to collect items that weren't flimsy junk and that would encourage creative play and activities.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Reward Activity Cards. </h4>
He also helped me come up with reward cards. Man, is he jonesing for the card that lets him be the boss for a half hour! I printed these cards, laminated them, cut them out, and keep them in an envelope attached to the bottom of the chart. The way I've arranged it, it's possible for Bubs to get a prize twice a week if he meets all the goals on the chart. He can choose a card or a toy.<br />
<br />
The chart and the cards are available in .pdf format (you'll need <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/" target="_blank">Adobe Reader</a>) for download under "Free Printables" in the side bar. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIS0YeCSEhz3QvDFhdZPWbrWQm47PqfAwn6fz1nb0k04wAC8WR2t5PsA9PlKOmYfYXpcAbyJy4uLIAldXXyG6ns-vpZP7iIxYa7xIgY9dN9QLiPaobFmPxBVxb318u8mFKWzbOMUBqQM/s1600/rewardcards2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLIS0YeCSEhz3QvDFhdZPWbrWQm47PqfAwn6fz1nb0k04wAC8WR2t5PsA9PlKOmYfYXpcAbyJy4uLIAldXXyG6ns-vpZP7iIxYa7xIgY9dN9QLiPaobFmPxBVxb318u8mFKWzbOMUBqQM/s1600/rewardcards2.jpg" width="241" /> </a> </div>
<h4 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just a word about reward systems in general.</h4>
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Some approaches to parenting don't support the use of reward systems, in part because it creates the expectation of a reward for doing what should be done anyway. I believe in using rewards to set up good habits. When a kiddo can do these tasks independently and has internalized the rhythm, so-to-speak, rewards aren't needed anymore. Of course, as an ADDer, I know sometimes an "<a href="http://alwaysdancingwithdistraction.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-external-brain.html" target="_blank">external brain</a>" is needed to replace wonky executive functioning, so this type of approach might be a lifelong assist.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-19594378873420020902013-01-28T17:32:00.000-08:002013-01-29T17:33:31.302-08:00The external brain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk5VjtMjgVvwbdZwc83k6Zr45jsc-AhoLaPXlISQlzwKC9iac08HlIl19XlyUlaABqHJv6dgAi5_u00rHAsJTp89CJxToJLNID3vWw_4QikH_CQ7pdLEJq4BrvUeIO6VkfbL3nkEQVIA/s1600/outsmartADD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOk5VjtMjgVvwbdZwc83k6Zr45jsc-AhoLaPXlISQlzwKC9iac08HlIl19XlyUlaABqHJv6dgAi5_u00rHAsJTp89CJxToJLNID3vWw_4QikH_CQ7pdLEJq4BrvUeIO6VkfbL3nkEQVIA/s400/outsmartADD.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
When the brain is wonky at regulating executive functions (attention, task-switching, initiation/activation, etc.), you gotta find an alternative brain, right? When kidneys don't function, you get dialysis. When a heart is dysregulated, sometimes a pacemaker helps. When a leg is amputated, a prosthetic makes walking possible. And when a brain can't keep track of time or prioritize tasks, we use timers and charts. <br />
<br />
I've begun an extensive re-org of how I live my life and organize my household, based on this info about my newly-diagnosed ADD brain. I've been floundering for so long, convinced if I just tried harder I would finally get "organizized". I'm giving up on relying on my brain. It's time to invest in something that works! An external brain.<br />
<br />
The (hyper)focus of my (in)attention lately has been the creation of a family organization binder. I will dedicate an entire post to this project soon, but here's a brief overview. The binder contains:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>contact info for family, schoolmates, neighbors, & utilities, </li>
<li>emergency info, </li>
<li>a neighborhood map, </li>
<li>financial accounts and budget information, </li>
<li>cleaning lists & schedule,</li>
<li>cleaning supplies list, </li>
<li>meal planning, </li>
<li>calendars, </li>
<li>chores lists, </li>
<li>household inventory, </li>
<li>to do list, </li>
<li>vacation planning, </li>
<li>Christmas card list and gift planning, </li>
<li>home & auto maintenance, </li>
<li>auto maintenance, </li>
<li>insurance info, </li>
<li>tax info, </li>
<li>important dates, </li>
<li>birthdays and anniversaries, </li>
<li>pet info, </li>
<li>some other stuff I can't recall off the top of my head!</li>
</ul>
<br />
The binder is set up to play a crucial role in our weekly family meeting. The thing is 70 pages long-- I've really put a lot of work into it! My hope is that it's going to provide us with the organization my family has been needing. <br />
<br />
The most important piece of this project, I think, has been the creation of a daily routine written into a checklist and laminated, to be checked off with a dry-erase marker throughout the day. <br />
<br />
The checklist I'm using is really a fantastic document. It was created by Camie Shill of <a href="http://willandcam.blogspot.com/2012/04/ive-been-really-struggling-to-keep-to.html?m=0">willandcam.blogspot.com</a>. (She offers it as a free printable. Thank you, Camie, my organizational inspiration!) It has the day broken down into four manageable time sections. It reminds me to eat, drink water, take my vitamins, exercise, make school lunches, unload the dishwasher, do laundry, make dinner, and each day of the week has a task or two (such as cleaning out the car or washing floors) assigned to it. It's a brilliant set of reminders to keep me on track throughout the day. <br />
<br />
I'll report back on my progress. For now, I'm feeling a bit like the Scarecrow in the Emerald City--A BRAIN! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-78641693958223403262013-01-26T21:47:00.000-08:002013-01-30T22:37:24.177-08:00Guest post from my mom: ADHD and Impulsivity and FoodI have been officially diagnosed with ADHD. I have been on "Focaline" (Ritalin) for 3 days now and I am amazed! For years, ever since I quit smoking in 1989, I have had problems with food. I see it. I want it. I eat it. I was slender before. Now I am not. Diets result in the same, old story: lose, maintain for a while, gain it back. I never lost my desire to snack in the evening, my most difficult time. Only sheer will power, or going to bed very, very early prevented me from indulging. For 3 nights, I have had NO desire to snack. No cravings, either. That's right: none at all. Also, I don't want to have second helpings of delicious foods. In fact, I don't want to eat much at all! For the first time in my post-smoking life, I don't feel that "pull". WONDERFUL!!! Perhaps I will even reach my 68th birthday (September) as a slender person again. Carolitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372193929628174666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-84450117232583300922013-01-24T17:53:00.000-08:002013-01-29T21:22:14.550-08:00Living in the Bermuda TriangleThis is the first time my house has become extremely messy since I was diagnosed with ADD a few months ago. This time around, at least I have new perspective & mindfulness about the chaos in my environment. It's no easier, though.<br />
<br />
<h4>
What am I feeling? </h4>
I'm anxious, feeling hopeless and powerless, overwhelmed, feeling like a failure, craving sugar, wanting to escape, and unable to have anyone over because I'm ashamed of what my house looks like.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPfas8rtWK6tSEDppy3-BcrA-Bfoum2W59VO-v4P8SMMip5ndJcZ-CHiKT_lmM4uiMluRyFrVshyOnL9EMS6KC1Fy__-yx00inJDpRDLjwNrdrR54nQmtZSBuVittYhweKq75LzfpTJs/s640/blogger-image-2104785943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPPfas8rtWK6tSEDppy3-BcrA-Bfoum2W59VO-v4P8SMMip5ndJcZ-CHiKT_lmM4uiMluRyFrVshyOnL9EMS6KC1Fy__-yx00inJDpRDLjwNrdrR54nQmtZSBuVittYhweKq75LzfpTJs/s320/blogger-image-2104785943.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<h4>
How does this happen?</h4>
<div>
The system falls apart when some external factor disrupts my homeostasis. It's like I'm smooth sailing and BAM, a massive air bubble rises under my ship and takes it down, <a href="http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/10/22/1066631498889.html">Bermuda Triangle</a> style. I can keep my house in order for weeks, just doing quick pick-up and wipe-downs every day, but I skip a few days and suddenly it's overwhelming. Suddenly none of us puts anything away or in the garbage. A produce delivery stays on the counter for six days, papers pile up, wrappers surround odds and ends, the dining room table has laundry on it, the laundry piles, once sorted, are in heaps all around the house... BAM. I'm powerless, unmotivated, ashamed, embarrassed, overwhelmed, stressed, failed, lazy, paralyzed. I have no idea where to start. <br />
<br />
So I take a bath. <br />
<br />
I read a fellow ADDer's description about this difficulty with maintenance, discipline, and motivation, likening it to being a shark that will die if it stops swimming. When I stop swimming, my house sinks!<br />
<br />
(Awesome image by <a href="http://fuchsiamacaree.com/">Fuchsia Macaree</a>.)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-8523149332647587182013-01-20T23:37:00.001-08:002013-01-21T00:10:02.697-08:00Attention Surplus DisorderOne of the things I'm learning about ADD is that it's really a problem with the regulation of executive functions in the brain. It's not accurate to call it simply an attention deficit problem. A lack of attention is only one of the ways ADD manifests. I struggle with maintaining attention during non-stimulating tasks, but one of my main difficulties is actually having too much attention and not being able to task switch. This is a problem with hyperfocus. I can focus on something so well that I lose track of time, forget to eat, put off sleep, and ignore other responsibilities. In those moments (that may last hours), I have an attention surplus problem! <br />
<br />
What are executive functions? "Executive functions is an umbrella term for cognitive processes that regulate, control, and manage other cognitive processes, such as planning, working memory, attention, problem solving, verbal reasoning, inhibition, mental flexibility, task switching, and initiation and monitoring of actions." (Read more <a href="http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Executive_functions">here</a>.)<br />
<br />
I read that list of cognitive processes and it hits me like a ton of bricks--those are my little demons! I crave external order and routine, because without them, the demons get hopping and man, I have a crappy day. My own inner boss, like what Freud called the super-ego in his model of the psyche, is kind of out to lunch. What helps? How do I find that order and routine when I'm a stay-at-home-mom and make my own schedule (within reason, taking into account my kids' needs)? <br />
<br />
I'll get back to you. <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmtwqVIu2xYaVZVrSnYc8XPiQhyphenhyphenM81Qce4XWaccuQXAgxL01yAkqcx8vlBkjRJKtwwcfVFwPC_pwnFHMjbk3PEOFkYHJzu6jP8QbyLAA73yIOIiTScCOA47pKCmmgYCRIhaYbeMn53Mo/s640/blogger-image--449422384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmtwqVIu2xYaVZVrSnYc8XPiQhyphenhyphenM81Qce4XWaccuQXAgxL01yAkqcx8vlBkjRJKtwwcfVFwPC_pwnFHMjbk3PEOFkYHJzu6jP8QbyLAA73yIOIiTScCOA47pKCmmgYCRIhaYbeMn53Mo/s640/blogger-image--449422384.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-51583413665168116432013-01-19T17:24:00.001-08:002013-01-20T11:22:39.788-08:00Guest Post: My MomHi, this is Miriam's not-yet-formally-diagnosed-with-ADHD mother. I am a child mental health specialist, and I never picked up on my own children's ADHD diagnoses. (I wasn't a child mental health specialist then, but I don't know if that would have made any difference.) For many years, including when the kids were little, I have been a practicing psychotherapist; yet, I didn't pick up on my own ADHD issues. (Of course, it didn't take me long to see that my husband, the other genetic contributor to my children, clearly demonstrated ADHD characteristics. How did he EVER get through seminary and 4 years post-graduate psychotherapy training without hardly cracking open a book? He still doesn't like to read, except for brief blurbs, and gets books on audio by the dozens.)<br />
<br />
I was surprised when Miriam's sister was given the diagnosis about 3-6 years ago and even more so when Miriam reported that she, too, had ADHD. After all, both kids did well in school, met developmental milestones on time or early, showed no significant behavioral problems, had friends, etc. Miriam's sister was particularly organized as a kid and even could complete homework assignments early. At times, her behavior was almost compulsive. Her organizational skills suffered as her life became more complicated with marriage, children, and dogs; I was still surprised by her diagnosis, even doubted it. Miriam was not that organized, but usually completed needed tasks. She did, however, have an ongoing habit of waiting until the very last second to finish those tasks. Neither were fidgety and almost-hyperactive like their dad tends to be. Both could focus very well when interested. Recently, two of four grandchildren have been diagnosed with ADHD. <br />
<br />
After Mim told me of her diagnosis, I began to wonder about my family of origin. My father, a tool and die engineer, showed no tendencies whatsoever (unless you count not finishing the downstairs molding in their home of 20+ years -- until just before they sold it.) My mother, a pianist, choral director, teacher, and homemaker who ran a smooth household didn't either, or did she? She WAS usually running around at the last minute before any scheduled departure to insure she didn't forget something. She often bumped into objects, bruising herself, breaking toes more than once. Details often eluded her (like forgetting to remove bobbypins before leaving the house). She could lose focus with interruptions, except when she was hyperfocused. (She could play piano for hours, for example.) Neither of my sisters, I think, show any symptoms. <br />
<br />
OK, so ADHD rarely just "shows up". Almost always, someone in your family has it. Four of our six progeny have been diagnosed. Mmmmmmm..... One of my parents, I now think, at least one of my mother's siblings displayed ADHD type symptoms. Without going into boring detail (I also use more words than I need to get my thoughts across.), I can say with almost total certainty that I have been one of the contributors to this gift that we have passed on to our children and grandchildren. I expect be formally diagnosed next week, but I have so many symptoms that I'd be shocked if I don't meet the criteria.<br />
<br />
So what difference will having an ADHD diagnosis make in my life? Since viewing myself through the ADHD lens, I notice that I have more self-acceptance. It explains why, even though I always had one or two best friends and other friends, I felt different from the other kids and often "not as good as". I never understood why anyone ever voted for me for class positions. It helps me understand why I've done some pretty impulsive things, why I often show a poor sense of my body in space (bumping, knocking over, etc.), why I am always losing certain things, why I am so easily distracted, why I'm almost compulsive about keeping my environment orderly (but this is inconsistent), why I did some of my best college studying as I sat at my receptionist desk in a very loud factory, why I'm so sensitive to sounds, fabrics, and smells that don't seem to bother many others, why transitions can be so tough, why I can hyperfocus for long, long periods on tasks that interest me or that I'm determined to complete. (I notice I laugh more when either my husband or I demonstrate some kind of ADD behavior -- ditto my kids and grandkids. I think of Flip Wilson -- older people remember him -- and his "The devil made me do it" skits.<br />
<br />
This diagnosis doesn't give me any less responsibility for my words or other behaviors, it just helps me with acceptance.<br />
<br />
Of course, I know that most people can probably find some reasons to wonder if they have ADHD. I realize, that despite my many years of age (67), training (4 years of grad/post), and experience (around 30+ years), I can still fall prey to the sophomoric view that I have every neurosis or problem I study.<br />
<br />
So this is my, albeit wordy, introduction. I'm delighted that Miriam came up with the idea for this blog. I enjoy reading whatever she posts; she is a clever writer. I look forward to reading comments from all of you.Carolitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07372193929628174666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-26550068322658221102013-01-18T23:22:00.001-08:002013-01-18T23:25:20.457-08:00Midnight Mullets: ADD and ImpulsivityHere's a little tidbit for you. At 3AM a couple months back, in a fit of insomniac and post-partum delirium I decided it was the perfect time for those bangs I'd wanted for so long. I'd been watching a lot of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006m8ln/characters">Torchwood</a> and was really digging on the way Gwen's thick, lustrous hair framed her face. I'd been in a hair rut--experiencing "ponytail death" as I called it--for a while, too chicken to take the plunge and get bangs. Plus, my hair stylist is a grumpy old curmudgeonly genius who refused to entertain my suggestions for bangs. <br />
<br />
Why not do it myself? I mean YouTube is full of tutorials that can teach me how to give myself the glamorous do my stylist refuses to do, right?<br />
<br />
Wrong <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOvJagVC1LrbRE1lvbqRrac5eG066q5ye49_bhtxdFPpro-69jHbXepQ9K-P_zmnFLtbNtjVjNXHJ6GCHSNU2urdCkj-rGxnNFIm91-2CO0Sz9l4Et0LOBKTcjIlVtpj9KnMLpJ9E5K8/s640/blogger-image--1442658894.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWOvJagVC1LrbRE1lvbqRrac5eG066q5ye49_bhtxdFPpro-69jHbXepQ9K-P_zmnFLtbNtjVjNXHJ6GCHSNU2urdCkj-rGxnNFIm91-2CO0Sz9l4Et0LOBKTcjIlVtpj9KnMLpJ9E5K8/s640/blogger-image--1442658894.jpg" /></a></div> <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W0LAygpEKPwMznXjiWdXCH2VJ3KlEZIrT-7iNhUrEkLn61FFPa2B9muOY9kCgkPgeF26gyZpXmrw1o_JvNuekhSOKKZRxYRNVWn3MroZ9PsVdZmdW7ClQcvffahVzHlpHnpb47GyZUU/s640/blogger-image--2044042534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8W0LAygpEKPwMznXjiWdXCH2VJ3KlEZIrT-7iNhUrEkLn61FFPa2B9muOY9kCgkPgeF26gyZpXmrw1o_JvNuekhSOKKZRxYRNVWn3MroZ9PsVdZmdW7ClQcvffahVzHlpHnpb47GyZUU/s640/blogger-image--2044042534.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-71017168048042556682013-01-17T23:57:00.001-08:002013-01-18T00:29:15.595-08:00Meal planning: Ant in grasshopper's clothing?I've never planned meals more than a day or two out. Most of what we eat is created in a moment of inspiration, the result of 5pm Internet recipe searches for a 6pm dinner, limited to whatever hodgepodge is in the pantry. That approach to food ends in a lot of waste, as I don't always have a plan for my perishables and they end up, well, perishing. It also results in lots of last-minute delivery food at the end of a long day on the brink of exhaustion. This means that not only are we wasting food, but we're spending too much and eating more calories than we need (pizza two nights in a week? Yessss! Wait--I mean Nooooo!). <br />
<br />
So I'm feeling pretty good about this, like I've got this.<br />
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Today I sat down and attempted to plan two weeks of meals. I'm almost finished! Tomorrow I'll go to market to buy two weeks' worth of food, armed with my list (almost complete!) and my greatest money-saving discovery (that most people already know about), coupons. <br />
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If I plan my meals in advance, I can plan around the coupons and store specials (accessible online so I don't have to physically clip anything). I can also stock up on sale items, placing them in my menu for the weeks ahead. This is perfect for my new place-for-everything-and-everything-in-its-place attitude I'm trying to cultivate. (A great big ADD challenge!)<br />
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Most grocery retailers are hip to making coupon shopping more convenient for those of us who spend a lot of time on line. At sites like albertsons.com, fredmeyer.com, or safeway.com, in addition to store specials, you can even select the coupons you will use, save them to your "customer loyalty card" and print out a list for you to take with you. The discounts are taken at the register when you scan your club card.<br />
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So, my summation is that meal planning will save me:<br />
<ul><li>time (less trips to the market!), <li>money, <li>calories, <li>from wasting food.</ul><br />
I love it when these things "together" people do start to make sense to me! <br/><br/><div class="separator"style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9JIF_si-VLIwBXsd1MWqh5XYwr4GeYI29rV0IX7se7jqmymgPsk07PGQzsZwfVrouH7Xdt2f6s7BP8MEhdjx5Q1M2CtbxNYPj4dp5gx03tajJyeR6yu6VhAX4Chmcai8E7eTnYdxlXw/s640/blogger-image-482509822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9JIF_si-VLIwBXsd1MWqh5XYwr4GeYI29rV0IX7se7jqmymgPsk07PGQzsZwfVrouH7Xdt2f6s7BP8MEhdjx5Q1M2CtbxNYPj4dp5gx03tajJyeR6yu6VhAX4Chmcai8E7eTnYdxlXw/s640/blogger-image-482509822.jpg" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-77258168463097889012013-01-12T15:28:00.000-08:002013-01-12T21:43:15.875-08:00My Tribe?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning I had my first group session with other women with ADD, the first of ten sessions over the next few months. I sat in a comfy club chair, one of six in a circle, listening to each woman tell her story. I realized how familiar I already was with those stories, the struggles, the humor. It was like when the Gelfling in the Dark Crystal finds out there are others like him! We were all creative and bright people, all overwhelmed with some aspect of daily living. I wasn't the only one in the room with three unrelated degrees and a bijillion hobbies and interests. I wasn't the only one who struggles with piles of stuff in my home. I wasn't the only one in the room who was told from early on that I wasn't living up to my potential. I wasn't the only one looking for some way to make sense of things.<br />
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<a href="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20061108072533/muppet/images/4/45/Gelfling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20061108072533/muppet/images/4/45/Gelfling.JPG" /></a></div>
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This is going to be so worth the commitment! <br />
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It just struck me it might be funny to include a screenshot of my computer in this post, just to demonstrate what my mind looks like at any given moment: Watching a movie, working on a budget, reading about ADD, writing this post... <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6iWrt9iUKh6yJFZu35ifioPywh3ngfZZeBLEEF9tRfQ63hYWEapYNk-bvAexMzFhn2kVQnnrkMTGWR_2bjTzb4vOYbbw-14RXg4TsWQVBJq8w4apBq9vSIkUAXZq8rKtVf02u2gFFtA/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-01-12+at+3.12.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX6iWrt9iUKh6yJFZu35ifioPywh3ngfZZeBLEEF9tRfQ63hYWEapYNk-bvAexMzFhn2kVQnnrkMTGWR_2bjTzb4vOYbbw-14RXg4TsWQVBJq8w4apBq9vSIkUAXZq8rKtVf02u2gFFtA/s1600/Screen+shot+2013-01-12+at+3.12.26+PM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[261].[1][2][1]{comment549408825069760_91552693}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[261].[1][2][1]{comment549408825069760_91552693}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[261].[1][2][1]{comment549408825069760_91552693}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">This
is how it goes for me: Open movie in Chrome. Can't focus just on movie.
Open Firefox. Open Facebook. Check FB while watching movie. Movie
reminds me of having a safety plan which reminds me of my family binder
project. Open binder project. Play a song by Shabba. Dance with baby.
Watch movie. Oh yah--my budget! Open Excel and work on budget, return to
binder. </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[261].[1][2][1]{comment549408825069760_91552693}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[261].[1][2][1]{comment549408825069760_91552693}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[261].[1][2][1]{comment549408825069760_91552693}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Blog about stuff. </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[261].[1][2][1]{comment549408825069760_91552693}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[261].[1][2][1]{comment549408825069760_91552693}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[261].[1][2][1]{comment549408825069760_91552693}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Return to FB, get distracted by actual squirrel. </span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-95439472603672165.post-20944851607882667782013-01-10T19:10:00.001-08:002013-04-28T16:53:07.676-07:00Tips for Paying Bills <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenwz1h3m9LHcnLZ7c0txt2fcdyOPwJXIwpGY9gVGCRJ0_1tCH9tI-c3Su1nN0hB6nVW49sQp9Ai2IpgjjM8_Npiw_qpp-0-cxv457aSGv55gpdd8KRnXBWuRssAk2sOBH8fe82L3PT_M/s1600/tips-for-paying-bills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphenwz1h3m9LHcnLZ7c0txt2fcdyOPwJXIwpGY9gVGCRJ0_1tCH9tI-c3Su1nN0hB6nVW49sQp9Ai2IpgjjM8_Npiw_qpp-0-cxv457aSGv55gpdd8KRnXBWuRssAk2sOBH8fe82L3PT_M/s1600/tips-for-paying-bills.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
How do you deal with bills? Do you have a bill-paying system? I've found a few things that work for me.<br />
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<h3>
Catch the paper at the door. </h3>
First, how do the bills come in your house? Are they ever buried under mountains and mountains of junk? Your first step is to conquer the paper golem (that paper monster that wants to take over your house). I find that if I quickly sort my mail before I even walk in the front door that cuts down on the bulk of junk mail. I remove the junk and put it in the recycling container on the side of my house before coming inside. I then put magazines in the magazine place, bills and action items in the action place, and everything else in the "everything else" place. If possible, I try to take action right away (see the "manual" section below) on those action items. Making this part of my coming home, autopilot routine is super helpful for me.<br />
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Bills can be separated into two categories: auto-pay and manual-pay.<br />
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<h3>
Auto-Pay:
</h3>
<ol>
<li>Make a list of all your regular bills and the due dates. It might be helpful to look at at list of transactions with your bank from the past few months to get a good idea of all the bills.</li>
<li>If you haven't set up every bill possible to be on auto-pay, do it right now! This will save so much grief for anyone who struggles to regularly pay bills manually. Sign up for online accounts with each company when possible or set up bill-paying through your bank.</li>
<li>Choose for your auto-pay bills to be drafted from your account right after your paycheck is deposited into your account. </li>
<li>Go back to your list of bills on auto-pay and record the dates each bill is drafted. List all your auto-pay bills together, organized by draft-date. This will be a very handy list. </li>
</ol>
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Your list should look something like this:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenB4Gq8TpIOlWQKutfuNJN_PJAYM3Gwpkew5sBMKGmos2HdbUQI73IiP843VUuiIfgGTXVqcSBel_4bx6ACh8wFEjbdWJ5PE1viZxKh7j14PJUdWifRzbS4bXonZM-KFgJSYqRt_CxNI/s1600/sample-bill-schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenB4Gq8TpIOlWQKutfuNJN_PJAYM3Gwpkew5sBMKGmos2HdbUQI73IiP843VUuiIfgGTXVqcSBel_4bx6ACh8wFEjbdWJ5PE1viZxKh7j14PJUdWifRzbS4bXonZM-KFgJSYqRt_CxNI/s1600/sample-bill-schedule.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you want to take it one step further, you can add 12 more columns to your list, either recording the amounts or whether they've been drafted/paid each month. This can be a helpful tool for budgeting (and figuring out how much money you will have in your bank account).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPSjJzLjsorKuU5tVq_7xyKLNfTelzMWRPoeVou7QxjncWVIziLpnfpCmONI8ZnXJ4cVcCkvPHP7UcOSGq9mUBIki2AbAsOZCPFMGhlfCjL6ohHpe41H6_xaUYavlLVxrbSZBwwA2SsI/s1600/sample-bill-calendar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPSjJzLjsorKuU5tVq_7xyKLNfTelzMWRPoeVou7QxjncWVIziLpnfpCmONI8ZnXJ4cVcCkvPHP7UcOSGq9mUBIki2AbAsOZCPFMGhlfCjL6ohHpe41H6_xaUYavlLVxrbSZBwwA2SsI/s1600/sample-bill-calendar.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
Manual:</h3>
For those bills not on auto-pay, the pesky ones that are easy to forget, I find it easiest to follow this method. First, the moment a bill arrives, write a check, address the envelope, put a stamp on it, *WRITE THE AMOUNT OF THE CHECK ON THE FRONT*, and seal it. (Look at the first picture for an example.) Keep this stack of bills somewhere where you will not forget them--taped to the front door, on the fridge, next to your bathroom mirror, in your purse, or anywhere you possibly can't miss them. Deposit them in the mail the minute you know you have funds in your account.<br />
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What helps you keep track of bills and pay them on time when you're juggling paychecks? Please leave a comment with your pointers!<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0