My dog is hyperfocused

My dog is like me when I am hyper-focused....



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

Dealing with clutter is an ongoing issue for many with ADHD and ADD

Hi fellow ADD and ADHD sufferers,
I have a friend coming over today to help me with the housework.
Hopefully, things go well. Not only am I ADD, but I am a control freak, and junior hoarder.
I'll let you know how it goes.
Peace.

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

From the creator of Cole's Kibble and How I fight ADHD comes this:

A book about a dog is always intriguing.
How about a book about a Poodle with A.D.D, also known as an Attention-deficit dog?
Bitey Poodle is such a dog.
In the first of a series of books involving Bitey Poodle, a trust fund dog with a whim of iron and a heart of gold, called "Bitey Poodle's Vices," dog-owner and dog fiction author Amalia E. Zents takes you on a comedic thrill ride through Bitey Poodle's world.
Learn more about how he copes in a major metropolis as a trust fund pup who is on the look-out for
adventure, fun, and romance.
Young adult readers will lap it up, and so will you!
For more information on the series and to read free samples of the ebook and paper-back see Amazon
I welcome your feedback.
Keep on smiling!
Amalia

Daily Tip: Soft guitar music may help you fall asleep

It is often hard for someone who is high-strung to relax and fall asleep.  Just like the saying, "A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog," the same often holds true for those of us with ADHD.  If you are tired you can find it easier to fall asleep, but too often when it comes time to sleep, we may not find ourselves relaxed enough to sleep due to confusion, intensity of thought or some other reason.
Sometimes some soft guitar music may be in order.
There are lots of free sources on the internet.
Here is one such free YouTube link of a playlist of classical guitar music that often can put me to straight to sleep.  No offense.
Pleasant dreams,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release

Daily Tip: Get outside for awhile then come home and watch "The young in heart"

Today I went to the local State Park with the dogs.
We strolled outside under cloudy skies, and a few raindrops spat upon us.
But, I listened to two Podshows on Old Time Radio.  One was "The Young in Heart," a storyplay made up of the characters whom I found out did not star in the old movie, Don Ameche, Ida Lupino, and May Robson.  Here is a film version of "The Young in Heart," available for free download.
It made me laugh and cry.  It was a delightful story.   It makes me want to read the book it was based on, The Gay Banditti.  I could not find it online, but I did find a fave, Huckleberry Finn.
I also listened to the life and times of Joan of Arc.
Then I came home and had some lunch.  The dogs loved their 2 hour walk, and I did too.
Of course, as I listened to my iPod touch, I was amused during my hale and hearty exercise, and was not bored.
Boredom often is intolerated by those of us with A.D.D. or A.D.H.D.
Stay amused, and amusing!
Have a lovely weekend,
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: Avoid Losing stuff, If Possible

Last night I checked to find my new Nexus One phone.  My phone battery had run down and I could not call it to find it...so what does that have to do with me?
I sometimes think I know all the answers for ADHD, but I was crawling in the mud again last night looking for my expensive android phone.  I was getting sick with fear, I had already lost my first smart phone, a G1, and my husband loveingly bought me a new Nexus one, the smart phone I use to create my daily comic "Cole's Kibble."  Last night when I couldn't find my new phone, my husband said he would help locate it, but I was ashamed at the messy place and I asked my husband to let me work things out my own way. 
I tried to track it down for over an hour.  I don't know how my husband knew, but he searched the truck after I did, and while I was in a mental state of frustration and anger, he found my phone under the truck seat and I was oh, so relieved!
I put it on the charger and I was still not satisfied.
I was so miserable for having misplaced my phone I felt so unworthy for having such a nice phone. 
I wondered if I was sabotaging myself everyday.  Crazy.  ADHD can make you feel frightened and crazy.
I told my husband how thankful I was, and now I will be even more conscientious than ever.
But, I have no answers for attention-deficit.  It is a daily fight to help yourself and others to stay sane.
I am certainly glad to have my emergency doctor husband to allay my fears and help me.
I wish I could be a better person, and the only way I see doing that is try and do more to make our homelife a lot more pleasant.
We have to have dinner now, so I will act a little less dopey and make some nice supper for my dear man.
He always makes me feel much better.  Now we are getting ready to perform a St. Patty's day gig on Wednesday.
I want to be organized and prepared but I don't expect it will be easy.
We'll get practicing after supper.  Having printer problems right now, but I am sure Jim will patiently fix that too.
Have a calm week.
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Fear is a motivator for many

We all need to move.  To get things done.  To be motivated.
Sadly, sometimes "crunch-time is the only time we get things done" time.
If you know what I mean!
You probably would be able to put off a lot of stuff, like me.
But, in the end, it's wiser to try to use fear to get you off your duff.
Sometimes the fear comes in the form of self-disgust.  That is inward motivation.
More often than not, the motivation we receive comes from external sources.
Circumstances, other people, warning signs, etc. can serve to remind us we need to move and to act!
Too bad, ay?
But knowledge about fear kicking our butts can be a good thing to acknowledge.
See that fear serves a purpose, use it to empower you to act, not to cower and retreat.
Fear can help.  Don't see it as an enemy, but rather as an ally, and you will go far.
In fact, the fear of failure can be turned inside out.  If you fear failing, you should try and do what you can
so you do not fail.
The same goes for any other goal you may have.
If you know you cannot buy back an ounce of time, then use your pen and paper to plan your time more wisely.  You can prioritize what is meaningful to you and try and do that.
Then you will not fear that you have not spent your time the way you desire.
If you will fear not knowing what you want, or who you are, you will live life on a journey of discovery, seeking all you so wish to achieve, to do and to enjoy and then you will be using your fear to your
advantage.
So do what you can to use fear to assist you to get your work done and things will get easier.
Be proactive and productive.
Peace,
Amy Zents.
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Simple is not always easy when there is so much on your plate

I think we all think we could live simpler lives.
That is more often than not a pipedream.
As much as I want to streamline my activities, I find that from personal grooming, to petcare, housework, to employment, our lives are just plain filled with a lot to do.
It is tax season and there are gigs coming up, along with a lot of work to do in the house.
Then there is recreation and teaching, exercise, and sleep.
I so often wish I didn't have to sleep, but you need sleep.
It is a necessary factor to a healthy life and a healthy mind.
And doing laundry, keeping clean and staying in touch with family are other pressing priorities.
A good attitude is more important than less to do.
There will always be a ton of things to do.  I have a goal in mind every day and find even doing the simplest plan is not so simple.
Nevertheless, you will benefit to keep life AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE.
Even then, it will be a challenge to get things done.
Take care,
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Make time to spend time with those you love

Why do relationships fall apart?  Why do folks break up, friendships finish? 
What a wonderful opportunity to reassess your time, get homesick, and visit with family.
It's different to call home, for many.  In this time-conscious world, we all need to get by and earn a living, but it is also, important, and not just in the dark times, or to complain, to see family and friends.  They may come over and visit, or you may go to them, show you care.
As long as you have at least one person who loves you that is a start.  You don't have to bow out of life as it is if you are comfortable, but never forget mother or father,
Give yourself a rest from company, do what you love in your leisure time, but be sweet to family and friends.  They need you too.
Compliment your family and friends and be happy now.
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Less TV means more life

     I have no problem with television.
     In fact, I enjoy TV as much as the next person. Unfortunately, due to my ADHD, I'm able to focus for a really long time, say 6 to 7 hours a night on watching all the shows I have recorded on all kinds of different channels. Since we have cable, I can watch PBS, Turner classic movies, the food channel, the discovery channel, and many other channels that offer celebrity gossip, news, information, and entertainment that appeals to me and my multitude of interests.
     I have attempted to do something that is pretty successful, and that is to limit my television night viewing to only Thursdays and Fridays. I generally do not watch TV during the day, probably because I'm trying to make up sleep from my night viewing. Lately, I've been getting a lot more things accomplished because of my prohibition of TV watching for five nights a week. It is amazing how much more time I have to do the things that are very important to me, such as rehearsing for my upcoming performances with my band Molly and Sonny boy. I'm very grateful for all the other resources I possess, including many books and video games that offer me a retreat from the grunge and grind of daily living. I have two dogs, a cat, an aquarium with tropical fish and husband that demand my attention. They need love and attention and they need to be fed. They also need to be clean and well taken care of..
      So this is just a suggestion, if you feel that you're overwhelmed, maybe it's time to restrict the hours you spend in front of the TV.  You probably have many other things you'd rather be doing anyways.
Less TV means more life.
Peace,
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Talk it out and work it out.

Here it is Saturday, and it feels like it was just Tuesday.  Time seems to pass and I feel so overwhelmed at times. I know I have simplified my life, a lot.  I realize if you have a house and pets, they demand a lot of your attention.  If you aspire to being fit, there is time that must be spent at the gym and if you want to perform you need to practice.  Also, there is the matter of "It's a living."  You need to work.  So how much time is left over to mull and relax?  To slow down?

Creating my comic blog focused on my dogs helps me to reconnect a little to my surroundings, you can follow it at Cole's Kibble
I could eat, drink and sleep all the time for fun.  Good meals and yummy food breaks make slowing down a little easier to swallow.
Going to the gym, and taking a break from everything by working out on the recumbant beats the A.D.D. blues.  Especially tuning into my Old Time Radio shows is a wonderful mini-vacation.
Like a burst of sunshine, teaching my students and going out with my husband to open mics or to perform is always a channel-changer in my brain that revives me.
Today's gratitude is for food.  I love good food.  I am thankful for cheeses, olives, crackers, breads, potatoes, cereals, eggs, near-beers, diet sodas, Starbucks French Roast coffee, yogurt, nachos, fruit of all varieties and raw and cooked veggies, stir-fry and delicious foods that cross my tongue salaciously each and ev'ry day.
Have a lovely weekend and stay in charge of your time and your life.

Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Slow down and Shut Up

I have to answer phones at work.  I find people are extremely rude oftentimes, expecting me to say who I am, but never willing to disclose who they are, or what they want.
You give them a friendly greeting, a voice full of cheer, and you identify yourself.  What do you get in return?  You get an idiot who is demanding, and what's more, unwilling to clearly state what he or she wants.
It stays in your memory.  The older people get the less courteous they seem to be.  You would think after years and years of employment, folks would know about phone courtesy.  Usually, they have something to complain about.  How does one find the rough edges to ward off the annoyance of their complaints?
I guess I need to get tough.  To pucker up and suck it up.  If you try to reprimand them, and say, "Why don't you identify who is calling so I can help you better?" they take offense.  For my part, I need to slow down and shut up.  I will be friendly, say the Thomas Edison-made greeting, "Hello," and identify the place they are calling and who they are talking to from now on, and then I will be silent.  If I try and pump them for information, I would be a fool.  I won't.  If they can't speak up, then I will hang up.
Crazy world, isn't it?  People get so much handed to them, and it is never, ever enough.
My problem is I am too obliging.  I try and be helpful, thoughtful, and kind, and come out smelling like a pile of crap.  So, if it is true, "No good deed goes unpunished," then I will just try and play it cool.  I won't compromise my phone courtesy, but I certainly won't be anyone's whining board, or patsy, or Mother Theresa.  Today's gratitude is for my phones, everywhere...
If you have A.D.H.D, or A.D.D. use good phone courtesy, and then shut up.  It will do you a world of good.
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Self-Discipline is easier than Self- Doubt in the long wrong

Should I go or should I stay?  Sometimes due to a self-esteem issue some folks with A.D.D. or A.D.H.D. are loathe to try and assert their own ideas and try and become successful in their chosen fields of interest.  It is just because failure is so common among those with A.D.H.D. or A.D.D. 
The time to believe in yourself is now.  Today's gratitude is for my blog.  Here, for me and you!
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Wishing and Hoping is different than working and action

Today I was busy the whole day long, and I have my husband to thank for being right by my side assisting me in all the chores.  Stove corn fuel is heavy and he brought in 600 pounds for me.  Going to the gym is great when your husband goes with you and cleaning and vacuuming the living room, making supper and walking the dogs together makes the load lighter.
I must say life means a lot of work, and there is a lot of joy to be had when one has a good partner and a plan to get things done.
Today my gratitude is for pen and paper.  I used the back of an envelope to write out my to-dos, but we got 'em done.
Now it is time for bed.
Amy Zents

© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Voluntary Simplicity

In spite of the billions of things there are out there to buy for every conceivable task, hobby, interest or taste, there comes a time when we have to deal with everything we have accumulated and scratch out heads and ask, "Is all this stuff necessary?"
Right now I am sitting in a cluttered computer room, in front of this computer thinking about the dishes in the sink, the untidy living room and the fact the dogs need to go out.
So much to worry about.  Having dogs is a pleasure, doing dishes is a pain.
Unfortunately, I cannot delegate the housework to a regal staff of housekeepers, and I can either wait for a Fairy Godmother, or else, do the work myself.
I intend to get some things done shortly, the dishes, take the dogs out and clean up a bit.  Right now it is time to have breakfast and then I need to get to the gym.  My daily gratitude is regarding my music 
education.  I am glad to have my college degree and all the privileges that go along with it.
I want to start edging towards less is more...and that means going through some stuff and deciding what to keep, sell or throw away.  That will be my work for this month of March!
Here is a song I wrote called, "I ain't no shopaholic."

Have a great day,
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Be careful when being generous

Today I was charged 30 dollars for a 4 dollar overdraft at the bank.  I thought those days were behind me, but apparantly the way the bank I deal with doesn't care about disenchanting me by whomping me with the overdraft fee. 
Guess who is closing that bank account as soon as she can?  Me.  My gripe lies in the fact that their computer banking system is slow, and to me it feels as if they cheated me because I knew my funds were low, but the overdraft was not evident on my online account when I checked it yesterday. 
Why did I take out too much? 
I was trying to be generous. 
I was trying to buy our fuel for the past month, to help with the household expenses. 
We heat with corn stove fuel and everytime I go to buy it at the United Farmers Cooperative they only accept checks, so I write checks from my business account. 
I don't balance my checkbook, of course, because the detailed work is too cumbersome for a person who has A.D.H.D, that is, for me at least.
Well, I drove to the bank first thing this morning and put in monies to cover the overdraft, monies from a tuition check I received from one of my music students last week, and the paycheck I got from my radio job on Feb. 15th. 
That is another thing I fail to do very often, deposit checks. 
I get checks but I wait for them to pile up before I take them to the bank. 
You may wish you had that problem, but the checks arn't that big, and my employer has been promising direct deposit, but it has failed to materialize.
Money problems have to do with the organizational habits one strives to cultivate.  For me, I try to keep myself solvent by not racking up consumer debt through credit card use.  Nevertheless, if you do not balance your checkbook you may wind up in deep doo-doo, like I did: 
Flushing 30 dollars down the toilet in addition to the 4 dollar overdraft!
So before you write that check to be generous, be careful, you should have sufficient funds to cover it.
Or if you don't, you should have sufficient funds to make good on the overdraft and the overdraft fee!
My daily gratitude is regarding self-employment.  I am grateful to have a home-based business as a music teacher, it helps keeps me to feel good about myself while I educate others.  And it makes me tidy my home and it keep it nice for company, and it continues to nourish me in the field wherein lies my interest, that of music, and it nurtures my artistic ambitions, and entertains me as well, because music is fun!
Regarding money, I know that I need to care more for my income by managing it better, and monitoring it better.
I have a lot of cleaning to do now, since I have company coming over tonight.
Til tomorrow,
Stay happy.
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Eat right and sleep right to feel alright!

I find because I have A.D.H.D. that I am hardly ever hungry, but I mostly eat for pleasure.  At other times, I ignore my hunger and then I go for hours on end without eating and then I feel famished and weak, and make up for it with overeating.
I think finding peace with food is vital for a good life and my husband and I are working on portion control, healthy eating habits and a good exercise program.
My daily gratitude is regarding the Internet. I am grateful to have a home computer, and the Internet that keeps me in touch with others, educates me when I need to do research on my interests and ambitions, and entertains me.  Regarding the Internet, I know that I need to care more for my band website for my band Molly and Sonny Boy, by improving it and updating it.
Yesterday I did a lot of things in the housework vein, and I almost ate more than my daily calorie quotient, but I did not overeat because I was counting my calories and so, when I stepped on the scale this morning I was pleasantly surprised.  I had dropped some weight, and I know this for a fact, if you count calories and manage your portion control you can succeed in weight control.
As for concentration, sleep is vital for it, and yet I am still lured to stay up half the night watching TV and movies.
I need to cut off my huge dependancy on Hollywood for mental stimulation, and get back into reading books.  That will surely benefit me in dropping off to sleep.
So, now it is time to head on over to the St. Peter food co-op, then hit the gym and do some cardio and stretching, a few full-range free weights, and some weight machines.
Have a beautiful day, and remember to remember, to relax and breathe.
Staying as focused as I can,
Amy Zents

© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: A good routine can focus you

I know that good habits are the foundation of success.

Applying such advice is not that easy.



Last night it was not easy to clean the mess in the kitchen and do some other necessary chores, even though they are my duty.

We have to sometimes revisit what we are about and what it is we want.

If you have A.D.D. or A.D.H.D sometimes our thoughts can make us work against our best interests, by making us give in to fear or procrastination.

The best motto is: Get it done now.

I am working on making space in my life for better things, both figuratively and literally.

I have too much clutter, and I don't need it all, at all.

I want to make my home a haven of rest and relaxation for my husband, my students, my pets and my guests.

I know that I work hard at maintaining our home, but I have a grander vision for my home.

My daily gratitude is regarding our home. I am grateful to have a home, and now I want to show how
much I care, by improving it and caring for it.

I am also going to care for my own home, my body.

I am starting a 30 minute treadmill walk today and for 6 days a week.

Today is day one on the treadmill.

Have a great day, and develop a good routine, to make you happy with yourself, and make others happy with you!

Musically yours,

Amy Zents

© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Happy thoughts, or don't bring me down & #celebrityadhdSunday

There is a song called, "Don't bring me down."  I've noticed since I have been made aware of my A.D.H.D I have put myself down a lot.
It is vital to a healthy self-esteem to quit that negative self-chit-chat.  We talk to ourselves all day long.  Our attitude is one part of our self-image, and self-respect begins at home with yourself.
I know for the longest time, due to my A.D.H.D. and scattered thinking, I haven't been very respectful of me, or my stuff.
I think that translates to other things as well, and so now, I will try to affirm my own self-esteem by being a little kinder when I think of my condition.
Again attention-deficit is a two-edged sword, it can help or harm  depending on what you or I choose to hone in on.
I think for now I am just going to try and focus on my strengths and also what it is I can achieve, or have achieved.
There is a lot of good in each of us, and a lot we can be grateful for.
That is why I want to make one gratitude statement in my blog each day.
Today I am thankful for my 2 dogs, Cole and Pixie, that force me into the fresh air and get me to exercise and release my angst.

Here's to Happy thoughts.

PS. #celebrityadhdSunday

Here is an example of a celebrity who I think may have A.D.D. because of some of his things he says,

Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Hyperfocus Zone and Internet Temptations

There is a ton of information online, and a great chance to waste a lot of your time.  You can start a search at Google and wind spending 12 hours watching videos on YouTube or staring at Celebrity photos on Tweetphoto.
Time disappears if you have A.D.D. or A.D.H.D and when you have entered into: a phrase I have coined, the Hyperfocus Zone.
In HZ, you can fritter precious momemts of life in many unconnected, mundane ways, or you can decide to take use your skills, experience, and interest and channel your energies into making YOUR life the best it can be, and succeed wonderfully!
Alas, what generaaly occurs in the HZ, is we get so caught up in our Internet fun, that we create an atmosphere of obssessive attention  forming a type of self-hypnosis, that mesmerizes us and glues our bums to our chairs. so that even the thought of taking a potty break does not appeal to us!
How do we counteract this Internet addiction, or hyperfocused zone?
Well, the first things we need to do are Prioritize, Plan and decide.
Then we need to act.
1 hour on spent on Facebook, or Twitter is fine to catch up. 
10 hours is not really very wise, unless you want to, and can afford to.
Do your best to get real, and get offline, and I will too. 
It is hard. 
What good are your opportunities to visit the library, go to the ice rink, the park, the pool, the playground, the community centre, or your job when you have the Internet?
You decide.  You have the Internet now, like a giant fun temptation, a huge personal amusement park, and you also own an awesome ability to hyperfocus on what you like for hours on end.  Will you use your power to hyperfocus for good time use, or for evil time wasting?
Will I?
I shall make my list and hop to it.
I hope you will too.
Hyperfocusedly yours,
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Don't start your engine late. Read my scary tale.

You see I am late.  Always, always late. What? You gotta be kidding!  Well, it takes me awhile to warm up to an idea, a problem, a gig, a place.
My boss gave me an ultimatum (well sorta, he teased me about tossing me in the dumpster,) in a kidding way.  Recently for my on-air shift he asked me politely to arrive 10 minutes early to work.  Happily, my attempts at doing so, have resulted on my arriving for my board-shift on time, with me being a lot more composed and prepared for the show.  Now the out-of-town, on-location gigs are a different story.    Read my scary tale:

This morning was a fast and furious one.  I had to move fast this morning.  When I'd finally arrived to meet a colleague to follow him to a broadcast, he was furious I was late!  He'd anxiously waited for me to arrive for our appointment.  It was pre-arranged that I should follow him in my car to another town for the broadcast, and he was positively fuming when I finally walked in the door.  He growled at me that we would have to drive fast.  So, I followed him out of town and he drove so fast, I lost him for awhile, but caught up to him even though I felt he was over-dramatizing my tardiness by driving dangerously at scary speeds to make it to the Cafe on time for the broadcast.  When we had both finally arrived to the broadcast location, and I had warmed up to the idea that it was time to get to work, then things settled down, and it was business as usual. 
The other day I had to meet a different salesman to drive to a broadcast except, in that instance, HE was late, and I felt a tad vindicated THAT morning.  But, NOT this morning! 
It was I who was the one who got dumped on for being late.
Most of all, it was stressful raising the ire of a respected colleague. 
It was also quite nerve-wracking to me to have to follow an angry driver out of town in rural country parts hastening at scary speeds on slippery roads.
The message of this story? 
Don't start your engine late.
Warm up to the idea of your appointment, task or chore, well in advance of crunch-time. 
This goes for me and anyone who has time management and organizational issues. 
A lot of A.D.D., and A.D.H.D-sufferers have problems shifting gears from one activity to another, but real life demands it. 
Just like sticking your hand in a pot of boiling water will make you cry "Ouch," lateness, and the REALITY of it, can bite you in the butt if you ignore getting to where you need to be, or doing what you need to do on time. 
If he says, "Meet me at 7:10am," and you say, "OK."  Then meeting him at 7:25am is late!
Don't be late.  Know what you need to do, and think about shifting gears, and activities before you wind up in a frenzy.
Remember: warm up your brain before you wind up late, or dead!
Peace,
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010