I like to keep abreast of things in an interactive way

                             At home or at play, be it a computer or PDA I like to eat and surf.

Eating, typing, chewing and scrolling. Yes. I admit it. I like to eat in front of the computer


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

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: Getting to know Yourself is the first thing to helping yourself with A.D.H.D or A.D.D.

You are wonderfully, and marvelously made.
You are complex with 10,000 plus attributes you probably DO NOT even acknowledge.
This being said, the question begs, "So what?"
Well, you should get to know what your preferences are and get to know your likes, skills, wisdom, abilities, talents and dreams better.
The old NATURE versus NURTURE debate is not settled, however, there is a big agreement, that external environment doesn't play into even half of what intrinsic NATURE can help you with.
Find out your NATURE and do not feel such a strong impulse to conform.
If you have A.D.H.D or attention-deficit chances are you are an incredibly interesting person with many diverse and eclectic passions.
Keeping a daily blog or diary, taking pictures, creating and performing may be some ways you can watch yourself shine.
Getting to know yourself is a cumulative PROJECT.
So, don't sell yourself short.
Thank your Ma and Pa for life, and value who you are and indeed, you will agree in time that:
You are wonderfully, and marvelously made.
Sincerely,
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: Be original or give credit to the author.

There is no way a person can give credit to everyone who has inspired him or her, and sometimes it is hard to avoid making it seem like you are copying someone, especially if you are inspired by that person.  The best thing we can all do is to strive to be as original as we can.  If something strikes a familiar chord with us, or the information has been given to us freely, it is no shame if we relate that to others, neverthless, it is best either to give credit to the author, or else keep quiet.  The best thing of course, is to listen to your inner muse and march to the beat of your own drummer, however, keep your own drummer in check if he or she works against your best interests.
Originally yours,
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: Keep smiling

It is springtime, and it officially began yesterday at around 12.21.
I decided not to post anymore #CelebrityADHDSunday because I don't want to dwell on negativity.
I hope you are having a busy, fun weekend.

I am working again today on the radio.  Had a nice visit with some of our on-air radio guests today including musicians Peter and Paul Wendinger, and Bruce Bradley.
Happy Spring,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release, including my song about ADD called the "A.D.D. Blues."
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Every little bit helps

Yesterday I did 20 things I wanted to do.
20 new things done on 3/19/10

Walk dogs
Breakfast
Make Vegetable salad
Go to store buy water, vegetables and fruits
Play guitar
Play piano
Do dishes
Go to gym (strength)
Clip toenails
Clip finger nails
Study French
Math
blog
Study Italian
walk dogs
songwriting practice
market band on website
study teaching info for Principles of Learning 7-12
work info-1040
pay chamber dues and pick up big cat (stuffed animal from window display)

Today I made another list of 20 things I want to do.
Last night I read in Vogue about a fabulously rich man, who claims to have A.D.D.
He flies his own helicopter with the aid of a co-pilot and commutes from rural New York to downtown NYC on weekdays.
A short-attention span does not an imbecile make.
I am working today at the radio station.  I am signing on at 6am.
Well, I will write more later today.  Gotta run.
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: Do "new things" every day

So you want to learn Italian and French like me?
Or maybe there is another skill you would like to master?
Make it a practice to spend at least 15 minutes a day with your interest and you will find, that you will indeed make incremental progress, and over the span of a year you will have greatly improved your new skill.
You and I are impatient, we want instant gratification.  At least, that seems to be a trait of many suffering with ADHD, or Attention-deficit.
Slow and steady wins the race, so even though you have many, many interests, you can make time for these in baby steps, consistently done over a period of time.
Like saving $1 a day, you will eventually amass a fortune.
Take it one day at a time and enjoy success.
Have a great day!
Musically and liguistically yours,
Amy Zents
Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release

Daily Tip: Use the kinder weather to get outside more

A lovely day today.  Saturday will officially be the first day of spring.
I took the dogs out for a little walk and taught music.
I have to get my husband up and at 'em shortly for work.
I hope to get more active this spring.
I cannot stand the cold weather.  Today seemed almost like a summer day.
The sun was shining and it was mild out.
I will try and do more exercise to drop some of the fat and put on more muscle this spring.
I get so tired all the time when I am out of condition.
Spring is time to spring up and move!
Have a good day, and Think Spring!
Amy Zents

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: Use common sense, or you can't do everything all the time.

Today the toilet backed up.  Nothing worse than waking up to a clogged toilet, with a broken handle.
Wow, they sure make crappy things these days.  No pun intended.
That is a new toilet we had installed. and now the tub isn't draining properly either.  Guess we will have to have a word with our plumber who did the work.
What a shame!
I unclogged the toilet using my mum's old method of sending boiling water down the hole.
It did the trick, after sending down water a couple of times.
I had so many good intentions of things to do today, but only focused on the 3 major ones.
That of cookng a decent hot breakfast for my husband, taking the dogs out and cleaning up the place.
It is too much to try and do everything, there is generally something that always gets in the way.
Today it was a bill from our local AnyTime Fitness's financial headquarters, a business called ABC Financial stating I had a debt.  How could this be? 
We have automatic billpay.  When I waited and waited on the automatic phone system til an operator FINALLY picked up, I found out she knew nothing about anything owed.  She thinks it could be an error either with the gym or with their automated system.  Well, whoop-dee-doo!  So, I'm robbed of my precious time trying to clear up their error.
I hate that kind of crap.
I wish I could be recompensed with a free 6-month membership or at least some kind of compensation.
But, the customer is NEVER king.  I should know that by now.
It is tempting to write a dissatisfied letter to the ABC Financial services, but I will try and get to the bottom of the problem by talkng to the owners of the gym,
Well, gotta run.  Keep life simple so you have time to handle the *** interruptions that mar your day.
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: 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: 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: 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: There is a lot to do, and a lot of distractions

It is Saturday.  I go to work this afternoon at the radio station.  I have chores at home this morning and I am tempted to escape by going shopping instead.  Nevertheless, I need to go to the Hardware store where I can pick up Science Diet pet food for the dogs and the cat, and I need to buy Cat Litter.  The corn stove needs to be filled because the backup heater has kicked in, that means the radiators are on burning natural gas, instead of cornstove fuel.
I hate confusion, and tedious tasks, but I need to hop to it.
How do you deal with the boring and drab chores?  I used to be all over the place, but starting today I will keep a master list of everything I do to keep the house in order.
Well, the house is not in perfect order, but I did not allow a HDP (huge dish pile-up) to happen yesterday.  Instead, I took 15 minutes to nip the problem in the bud yesterday.  As soon as supper was over, I emptied the dishwasher of the clean dishes and put them away, and then filled the dishwasher with dishes I had that were soaking in the sink, and from supper.  I knew if I did not take care of the dishes last night the kitchen would be a mess today.  Thankfully, it is not.  I was able to make a nice meal just now, and it was easier in a cleaner kitchen, except now, I am back where I started with more dirty dishes.  I need to do the same task as last night.  I need to empty the dishwasher and put the new dirty dishes in it.
I have things to do today, and the computer or rather the Internet  and the TV are two of my most pervasive distractions.  The dogs are waiting to go out, and I need to drag a 50 lb. bag of corn stove fuel in to put in the corn burner.
Life is good, and I will have some time before work to decompress after I do my chores.
Take care,
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