Home now on ADHD hiatus

You may be wondering where my daily posts are.
I am taking a brief hiatus for now with the daily tips.
Working on getting the house spic 'n span.
You may stay in touch with me through the following

Twitter:
@therealamyzents
or
Facebook
amyzents
or
my daily comic
coleskibble.blogspot.com
or my music studio email
zentsmusicstudio@gmail.com
Peace,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daly Tip: At Comic Con so I will blog when I am home

My brush with fame.  Amy and "Colony" Actor George Willis, from the Discovery Channel.

Watch him on Tuesday nights survive in the aftermath of a devastation in New Orleans!

Daly Tip: At Comic Con so I will blog when I am home
Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Getting sleep and my hobby

Make sure to enjoy a sample of my hobby
http://coleskibble.blogspot.com/
At Comic Con..going to sleep!

Daily Tip: Crunch time is when you scrunch time!

Want to be stressed-out?  Then leave everything to the last minute, and run late.
Well, that is what being scrunched is about.  Everyone gets hot and bothered when the countdown is on.
No wonder arguments erupt among couples and kin when there is lots to do and little time to do it in!
So, what can I say?  Those of us with ADD/ADHD must be drama queens and kings.  Perhaps leaving everything to the last minute is just a bad habit, but I doubt it.
So, if it is our nature then you and I must try and do things in a timely manner.   Sad to say, it usually is wishful thinking, since life is so full of distractions.  Nevertheless. just try and get ahead in little ways to make your transitions smoother.
Perhaps you may formulate some good habits, or create your own system of managing your time.
Go forth my fellow attention-poor comrades, and remember when it comes down to crunch-time you know you make miracles happen most of the time, but that is not the best way to accomplish your aims, as you are probably aware.  When frying pans start flying and voices start rising, someone is running late and can't find his things! 
The stirring of the pot often causes it to bubble-over. so please look out!
If you can, plan your day as best you can and do it your way, in the NICK OF TIME!
Peace,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: The best way to connect is to be present and respectful!

We all want to have friends, and yet, people are all different.
Some folks want to talk to you about boring stuff, and so we drift away in our heads and do not listen.
The best way to really be present is to find people who talk about stuff you are keen about.
In a perfect world that would be 24/7.
Unfortunately, some unenthusiastic drone may need your help or undivided attention and the best thing to do is remember: this isn't going to last forever, and I'd best show some respect if I want the same in return.
So, be as present as you can with people, and remember: if you want others to show you respect, you must first give it.
Peace,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: You can still seem new at 82!

:-) "I want to be young at 82 too!"

(AMY NEVER TELLS HER AGE..)

I was at the Bavarian Blast celebration in New Ulm, MN tonight.
One woman there, who played buttonbox concertina, was wearing a pair of jeans a white shirt with the sleeves rolled up part of the way, nice boots, and short styled and tousled blonde-dyed hair..she looked very similar to the actress who plays the principal on Glee.

This woman told me she was 82, and she didn't look a day over 50!

So, keep young of heart, yodel, play button box accordian, dress hip.

You never know, your lusty enthusiasm for life will keep you young and sexy all the days of your life!

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Wasted time is time wasted.

There are so many times I plan things to do.  I plan, and I plan, I plan and I plan.
But, then the time is gone.
Nothing gets done.
A little secret for you: there are no secrets!
Also, there is planning and doing.
The DOING is just as vital, but often gets obscured and eradicated due to the planning.
What shall I do?
Nike said it best, "JUST DO IT!"
Peace,
Amy Zents


Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: The power of the deep breath can save your career.

"Breathing and Relaxing," by Amalia Zents 

BREATHING AND RELAXING

WHEN THE WORLD GETS REALLY TAXING

IS THE WAY TO KEEP YOUR HEAD ON STRAIGHT

FOR THE WORLD WILL OFTEN THROW YOU

WITH THE PROBLEMS IT WILL SHOW YOU

SO YOU'D BETTER MAINTAIN A PROPER STATE! 


Stress sometimes comes in buckets.  Sometimes if feels like everyone wants a piece of you.
You need to stay centred, focused and alert during those times.
You can't be thrown for a loop, especially if you have just been promoted to a higher position.
Others are counting on you, looking up to you, what are you to do?
Well, the first thing you need to do is to be BE PRESENT.
This means get focused, and get set to BREATHE.
I have stressed before in my blog the importance of deep breathing, but sometimes you really need to
exaggerate the inhalation and exhalation to the point of letting go of all the tension in your body.
You need to loosen up and stand fully grounded in your body.
Try it next time you are in a pickle.
You will be calmer if you release the tension, and you will be more open, and wiser with more oxygen to your brain and body.  Just don't get light-headed.
You know what to do.
Calm down, and breathe.  Just breathe.

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Fear is evidence of mistrust. Silence can cause trouble.

Fear is evidence of mistrust.  No one likes to feel judged or belittled.
Mind-reading is rare.  Defenses go up.
People need to be aware that the unspoken is more powerful sometimes when nothing is clear.
I found out that along with my ADHD, I have a few problems with trust.  I automatically assume the worst.  And usually I wind up feeling tense and nervous.
I know that QUESTIONS, more than anything put me on the defensive, also, when I need to repeat myself and feel that no one is listening to me when I speak.
Sometimes, I don't listen to others either, so I am getting in return what I dish out.
Nevertheless, along with listening, there has to be understanding.
If I misunderstand the motives of others and there is a riff between us, it only makes life worse.
So, I feel the best way I can work out my fears and mistrust is to be upfront and enquire about the motives of others when they ask me questions.
Some people are naturally curious, or forgetful and need reminders, others are nosey and muckrakers.
The best thing is to assume that others have my interests and well-being at heart, and truly want me to be happy.
I usually err on the side of pessimissm, and this is not good.
Is it my ADHD?  or one of it's accompanying "friends," such as paranoia?
I think, that it may be my past experiences of childhood, as in: "If a child lives with criticism, he (or she) learns to condemn."  I lived with a lot of criticism, and I learned to condemn.  I can stop it.
I choose not to be like the adults I had who poked and prodded me with verbal pains and criticisms.
I don't want to be a jerk like them.  I don't want to hurt others the way they hurt me.
I need to break free from putting other people down, or from assuming others want to keep me from my goals and happiness and are trying to thwart my dreams and desires by their barrage of questions.
It isn't easy to be strong, but I will try, and I will keep believing things will get better if I improve, and get better.  I desire to work on my listening skills, my trust, my communication skills, my faith in those whom I live with and my faith in humanity.
Peace,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily tip: to start to listen well you have to close your mouth, open your eyes and nod your head!

Don't be a motor-mouth and not listen.

It is very important to use active listening skills.  It is not enough just to be silent.  In order for others to feel comfortable around somebody with ADD/ADHD the speaker needs to feel his or her words are actually being attended to.
There is nothing as frustrating as trying to communicate with someone that doesn't seem to be paying attention.  If you have ADD/ADHD you may be very quick on the uptake, lacking patience with long-winded people.  The pleasure of conversation is not what you are about.  The pleasure of MONOLOGUE is a bit closer to the truth.
Many times you want people to hurry up and get to the point.
Unfortunately, many people are not fluid communicators and they are slow in transmitting their thoughts and feelings into words.
For those of us who have ADD/ADHD it can be very difficult to communicate in a civilized manner with these types of detail-expounding folks.
However, keep in mind, it is important not to rush people.
People need to feel that they have the time to talk to you.
If you cannot give them the luxury of your full attention, what can you do to deserve their company?
It is important to allow others to speak their piece, and let them take their time, but it is not easy.  In fact, it is a huge challenge!
If you were wondering if people like you, you must ask yourself, "Am I a good listener?" 
Be honest now.
If you sense that people are annoyed with you, do not be surprised if the problem lies in how you listen.
Here is the thing about love, it is spelled t i m e.
That is the price you must pay in order to be a good listener!
I'm very sorry my impatient friends, but that's just the way it is, if you want to have friends that delight in your company!
How to show active listening?
For a start: you have to close your mouth, open your eyes and nod your head!
I'm listening.
Peace,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Stay clean and fresh, but keep in mind, the stink of someone's bad mood can easily rub off on you!

Last Monday, I had a bad day at work.  I was overly tired, cranky, critical and grumpy.  Basicaly put, I stank!
Yep.  Today, I did not stink.  I did not have to work and I was able to have a free, clear day with just a couple of music students at the end of the day to top off a pretty successful day at home.
I cleaned the refrigerator as planned and I took a great walk and was able to update all my blogs with gusto, er, not WITH gusto, I did them alone! ;-) 
Anyhoo.  I had an all-around nice day, and then in a way, one way, I did not expect, I let someone's stink on me!
Someone sent me an unpleasant remark to a query I had, and boom! my cheery frame of mind sank into a pile of poop!
My mood got as stinky as the person I encountered in an email note.
I felt wounded and suddenly mad, sad and cranky.
I let her stink settle on me.  It's hard, isn't it?
We don't want other people grumpy.  We want to make others happy.  We want them to respond to us with appreciation and kindness.  When they do not, or we feel they've misunderstood us, or they reply to us in short, terse or rude ways that wound us, we change.
We change from being happy and frisky like a pup going out for a run, into a stinky wet clump of hard, mouldy cheese!
Let's keep their stink off us as best we can!
But how so?
The way I washed off the bad mood was I was able to get myself out of myself by cooking supper for my husband, talking about interesting and fun upcoming events, reading topics of interest online, and overall, changing the subject!
Usually, changing to a good frame of mind (by entertaining uplifting thoughts,) is necessary to reverse a change to the stinky bad. 
Also, the sooner you can get away from the stinkers, the better!
Peace, stay clean and fresh!
Amy Zents


Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Where you are hopefully beats where you've been, so keep on keeping on!

Awareness of ADHD is the first step to coping with it, that is, if you have it.
Find out everything you have because ADHD usually brings with it some "friends," such as OCD and other things as well.
I was surprised to learn Howie Mandel has ADHD, read this article.
(Thanks Hazel, for sending it to me!)
Getting the proper help will hopefully put you on a better level than where you've been.
Sad to say many with ADD/ADHD never get help but often wind up being chain-smoking drunks in their efforts to self-medicate.
Let's hope they find some better ways to live and become survivors.
If you are coping with ADD/ADHD in ways that are beneficial to you, and you have made progress in your life you have a lot to be thankful for.  Most of all, thank yourself.  You made your friends and family happy, and most likely your employer glad as well.
The reason I always stress that you should love yourself is because sweet ADD/ADHD'er is usually the one who winds up putting herself or himself last on the list.
Put your needs, wants and dreams up front, do what it takes to succeed in your life so you can have and be and do everything that will give you power and strength to deal with the changing times.
Be a boon to your parents and those whom you love instead of being a drain.
Become strong, and do not worry about what the others may think if you stop destroying yourself to be a member of their "Ain't it awful" club.
Shine!
Peace,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: You need the right stuff, and the "right-list" is infinite!

There's much to be said for a spoonful of sugar making the medicine go down.

You need the right stuff to make your life a lot smoother.

Though all the following don't qualify as "STUFF" per se, the idea that follows is that you need the "right stuff," in the sense that, you NEED WHAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU!
There is the right vacuum cleaner, the right shampoo, the right headphones, the right cell phone (and cell-phone provider,) the right home, the right neighbourhood, the right school, the right family, the right boss, the right pair of pants, the right parents (though you don't have much say in THAT!) the right salary, the right mattress, the right pets, the right gym, the right diet and the right exercise plan.
You also would benefit with the right spouse, the right job, the right-of-way, and right emotions!  
The list of the right stuff you need is INFINITE!
Most of all, you need the right medication, and dosage for your ADD/ADHD or if you don't take meds for your condition, the right guidelines to help you to cope.
So, seek and ye shall (hopefully) find the right stuff, and then take note of it, rinse and repeat.  In other words, keep track of, and celebrate everything right that you own, or have in your life that works for you!

Peace,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Sometimes jogging your memory jogs false things to the fore!

Did you ever get in an argument with someone because you thought they said or did something stupid, and then on a later occasion you chanced to bring it up, and trying to correct them, they attacked you saying you don't know what you are saying and that you are totally wrong?
Well, that happened to me, and I thought for sure I was right.
Well, either I am the one confused or I was lied to.
I tend to accept the former.  Sometimes, I think I know what's going on but my attention is half-there, and so I remember faulty information.
So, I suggest for those of us with ADD/ADHD not to put too fine a point on other people's foibles because we certainly have enough of our own!
Peace,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: If you have nutty neighbours then be nice as pie!

Do you find people who live nearby trespass on your property and make you angry and mad?
Well, the truth is, the best way to deal with not-so-nice-neighbours is to kill them with kindness.
No matter how much nerve it takes, it is always best to try and be nice to your neighbours.
If their trees are hanging in your yard or their kids are walking in your secluded spot, you may need to say something, but the best thing is to be like a monkey, see no evil, hear no evil, unless of course you find they are vandalizing your property and breaking the law.
Be a good neighbour, and do your best to make nice with all your neighbours.
They are akin to your family.  In a crisis, they matter.
Peace,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Pets help us to savor the moment.

I am so happy to have 2 healthy young(ish) dogs.

They add a lot of joy to my life.

Even with ADHD and the neediness of my pets for love, attention, walks, water, food and treats, they add a lot of color to my life.

Literally, because each day I showcase the photos I took on my walks with them.

You may see them here.

When pets die we suffer as well.  Their demise at whatever age, even after age 17, or so still causes us heartbreak and also makes us remember that pets lives and our lives don't continue indefinetly.

This is the memorial I did for our dog Sheba.

Here is a video I did for my darling cat Romeo.

It made a lot of people cry.

It made me cry.

Yet, while he was living Romeo was a lover and a sweetie, and enjoyed life thoroughly!

Let us all be appreciative of every breath and every moment.

It is great to enjoy our pets here too.

Peace,

Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Children are not to be mocked, or tolerated, but celebrated!

A child will perform from their mind for their coach/teacher, but for a parent they perform from their heart.

 A great deal of kids are running around with little parental attention and appreciation.

People are so busy these days that kids sometimes feel like a fifth wheel.

It's time we take time to show them a kind word, and friendly smile.

Make sure to always treat kids nicely and they will blossom into happy adults.

When people have kids they really are raising future adults.

Still, as kids they are NOT adults and so they need to be handled with care.

For those of us who have ADD/ADHD we may have a lot of kid still in us.

Don't let it slip away!

See what I did with the above photo now:

Just keep having a great attitude, and know your strengths and limitations.

That great example is what all of us needs to ensure a successful life with or without ADD/ADHD!

Peace,

Amy Zents (former kid.)

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: You will say things you regret more easily when u go without sleep!

AS a wife, a singer-songwriter, a part-time radio DJ, music teacher and a homemaker/petsownme(er)

I run myself ragged too many times.

It is hard on my body and brain.

Thus, I watch TV into the wee hours for an escape and wind up with a sleep deficit!

Now, I need to be stronger and more vigilant about my sleep.

Everything goes down the toilet when I am tired.

I say things.  Bad things I regret.  Critical, mean, thoughtless things.

Then I feel awful.

So, please read and know.

It may happen to u as well.

Get ur shut-eye and be happy,

Peace,

Amy Zents 

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: A lot more can be done if you have the energy and the proper sleep

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9oZGNqrbbt8



I am really tired.
It was a super active day.
So I will tell you all I did on 8 hours sleep last night.
I went to work, I went to see a concert in the park.  I went for a huge 45 minute walk.  I cleaned.  I drove to another town to see fireworks, I made a salad.
I am going to try to go to bed.
Have to work tomorrow again at the radio station.
Good night.
Amy Zents


Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: The best things happen while you're walking!

Kinda makes life interesting when I go walking.

As someone who has ADHD I have a need to move.  I am restless within four walls, and miserable.
The sedentary lifestyle, though an appealing idea to most, has no hold on antsy types like me.
Plus it makes you old, weak and sick fast.
Dogs are great to help the antsy ADHD'er get outdoors and gain healthful exercise to stay young and fit.
There are many other benefits to walking (or hiking, running, speedwalking) that come via the time
one spends in the great outdoors.  The warmer climes that summer brings in these parts makes walking the dogs even more easier, and pleasant to me.
I love to take photographs as well on my walks.  Many times I gain inspiration for my poetry blog, or my daily webcomic.
So walk, and be relieved of many of the stresses and strains our society puts on us through fun, interesting and free exercise.
Have a happy weekend, and keep safe.
Peace,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Don't ever play dumb if you are a man or a woman.

One big mistake I do (according to my acting coach and what I have noticed as well,) is I give my power away for approval.
I don't know if that is an ADHD thing, just human nature to be liked, or plain stupidity.
I need to stop playing small.
There is a lovely statement about not playing small.  I hope to take it to heart everytime I feel the urge to be less than I can be to spare someone else's feelings:

Your Playing Small does not Serve the World written by Marianne Williamson


Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure
It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,

talented and fabulous?

Actually who are you not to be?

You are a child of God

Your playing small does not serve the world

There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other

people won’t feel insecure around you

We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone

And as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give

other people the right to do the same

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence

automatically liberates others.

*********************************

So, don't worry about what others think or feel when it comes to shining and being your best.
It helps us all.
Peace,
Amy Z.
__________________



Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Take the Garbage out even if u r not Sara Cynthia Sylvia Stout!

*What has 4 wheels and flies?  A garbage truck!!

It's Thursday morning.  Ev'ry Thursday morning the dump truck comes to collect the garbage, and ev'ry Thursday morning I find myself crazily scrambling to get the garbage to the corner and usually finding myself in a tizzy.
Nevertheless, it is important to take out the garbage for many reasons, especially so that it gets carted away and doesn't have to wait a week to get collected.
I will need to post a reminder on my Google calender on Wednesdays.  Thursdays comes so soon!
Why remove your garbage from your living environment?
Let's enjoy Shel Silverstein's reasons in:
"Sara Cynthia Sylvia Stout
Would not take the garbage out!"
(The video of the author reading this poem is at the bottom of this post!)
Shel Silverstein, 1974

Sara Cynthia Sylvia Stout


Would not take the garbage out!


She'd scour the pots and scrape the pans,


Candy the yams and spice the hams,


And though her daddy would scream and shout,


She simply would not take the garbage out.


And so it piled up to the ceilings:


Coffee grounds, potato peelings,


Brown bananas, rotten peas,


Chunks of sour cottage cheese.


It filled the can, it covered the floor,


It cracked the window and blocked the door


With bacon rinds and chicken bones,


Drippy ends of ice cream cones,


Prune pits, peach pits, orange peel,


Gloppy glumps of cold oatmeal,


Pizza crusts and withered greens,


Soggy beans and tangerines,


Crusts of black burned buttered toast,


Gristly bits of beefy roasts. . .


The garbage rolled on down the hall,


It raised the roof, it broke the wall. . .


Greasy napkins, cookie crumbs,


Globs of gooey bubble gum,


Cellophane from green baloney,


Rubbery blubbery macaroni,


Peanut butter, caked and dry,


Curdled milk and crusts of pie,


Moldy melons, dried-up mustard,


Eggshells mixed with lemon custard,


Cold french fried and rancid meat,


Yellow lumps of Cream of Wheat.


At last the garbage reached so high


That it finally touched the sky.


And all the neighbors moved away,


And none of her friends would come to play.


And finally Sara Cynthia Stout said,


"OK, I'll take the garbage out!"


But then, of course, it was too late. . .


The garbage reached across the state,


From New York to the Golden Gate.


And there, in the garbage she did hate,


Poor Sarah met an awful fate,


That I cannot now relate


Because the hour is much too late.


But children, remember Sara Stout


And always take the garbage out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvNhhEtUGJY


PS.  I am happy to relate that after posting this the Garbage truck was 2 doors down, and I was able to get the garbage out, just in the nick of time, to be collected by the sanitary engineers today!!!


Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2