Focused Distractions

Tuesday, July 17. 2007

ADD Organizing Chore of the Day: Walk around the Block

www.addconsults.com

10 minutes. 15 minutes. 30 minutes. Even FIVE minutes of walking will get your heart going, blood circulating and your mood improving. No need to power walk; just put on some comfy shoes and get out there. You will feel sooo much better. Really!

(Ok, so it's not an ORGANIZING chore...)

Posted by Terry at 21:29 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Monday, July 16. 2007

ADD Organizing Chore of the Day: Buy Socks!

Buy 12 pairs of new socks (less frequent laundry, this way!). Throw out those that have holes or are mate-less. A great way to start de-cluttering your sock drawer, too.

And if you crave soft, comfy socks, check these out:

Women's softest socks in the world

Men's softest socks in the world

Posted by Terry at 00:00 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Saturday, July 14. 2007

10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Me

I am a huge Beatles fan. Rubber Soul is my favorite album. Coming in second is a tie: Joni Mitchell (whom I met!), James Taylor and Sting. Other favorites are Jonatha Brooke, Rufus Wainwright, Squeeze, John Mayer, Dionne Warwick, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee. Song that can make me cry every time: Over the Rainbow.
I absolutely hate sticky floors, doorknobs, countertops, etc. *cringe*
I studied painting first at Wayne State U, then at the Art Student's League in NYC back in the 80s. One of my paintings was chosen for the annual prestigious juried show at the Butler Institute of Art.
My husband is a world record fly fisherman.
I almost flunked sewing in middle school. In high school, I walked out of Geometry after two days and never returned. I still have to count on my fingers.
As a child growing up in Detroit, I lived across the street from Marvin Gaye...but never met him.
I hate dried fruit, mint flavored dishes, curry, carrots, oranges.
I love chocolate, especially Bun bars (are those regional?), KitKats, etc etc.
My mother is a gourmet cook- and taught it for years- and was a dancer in her youth. I can do neither of these things.
I play acoustic and bass guitar (Taylor is my fav), piano, drums. My lifetime dream has been to have a band. Both of my brothers are musicians.

What about you?

Posted by Terry at 12:34 | Comments (6) | Trackbacks (0)

Friday, July 13. 2007

Conquer Your Time and Tasks! Phone Workshop- sign up today

3-Weeks to Getting There & Being Done on TIME!

Led by ADHD Coach and Professional Organizer Carrie Greene

Are you frustrated because you always start projects but never finish them?
Is there more on your to-do list than can possibly be accomplished?
Are you frequently late to meetings and appointments?

Then this 3-week workshop is for you! !

Classes will be held on July 25, August 1, and August 8 from 9 - 10pm ET. Classes are held by phone so you can call in from wherever you are.

Click HERE for more info.

Posted by Terry at 20:25 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Thursday, July 12. 2007

Promises, Promises

I've written about exercise before and how it really does help AD/HD symptoms (and depression, anxiety, etc.). Now, with summer in full swing, why not get those running shoes on and step outside for a walk or jog?

I have a little secret to share. If you own an iPod, download the song "Promises, Promises" by Dionne Warwick. It's an oldie, but I'm sure you can find it.

Now, head outside and play that song; it has a great melody! I will bet you that it will give you the inspiration to get your body moving.

Go ahead, try it!

Posted by Terry at 23:36 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Ritalin Side Effects Rare in Long Run?

ADHD Drug Ritalin Shows Few Lasting Brain Side Effects in Tests on Rats

July 3, 2007 -- Ritalin, a drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may not leave long-term side effects on the brain, a new study shows.

The Ritalin side effects study, published in The Journal of Neuroscience, was conducted on rats, not people.

The researchers included Teresa Milner, PhD, of the neurobiology division at New York's Weill Cornell Medical College.

ADHD is typically diagnosed in children, and Ritalin is one of the most commonly prescribed ADHD drugs, Milner's team notes.

The researchers injected young male rats with Ritalin for about a month, starting when they were 1 week old, to mimic Ritalin use in people, who take Ritalin by mouth.

The scientists split the rats into two groups. They examined the brains of one group of rats immediately after Ritalin treatment ended.

For comparison, the researchers checked the brains of the second group of rats three months after Ritalin treatment ended. By then, those rats were adults.

The rats also took two behavioral tests. In one test, the rats were placed in an open field and the researchers watched to see how quickly they scampered to find cover. In the other test, the rats had to navigate through a maze.

Ritalin Study's Results

The scientists noticed some subtle, short-term structural changes in the rats' brains immediately after Ritalin treatment ended. But those differences weren't major, and they faded within three months.

The Ritalin-related brain changes appear to "largely resolve with time," at least in rats, write the researchers.

As for the behavioral tests, the results were mixed.

In the maze test, the adult rats that had stopped Ritalin treatment three months earlier appeared to be less anxious than rats typically are. But that wasn't true in the other behavioral test, so the researchers didn't draw any firm conclusions about Ritalin's long-term side effects on normal anxiety.

The study focuses on the brain and behavioral side effects of Ritalin, not all possible side effects of the ADHD drug. It's not clear if the findings apply to people.

SOURCE: Gray, J. The Journal of Neuroscience, July 4, 2007; vol 27: pp 7196-7207.

From WebMD: http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/news/20070703/ritalin-side-effects-rare-in-long-run

Posted by Terry at 08:40 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Monday, July 9. 2007

Don't Miss This Conference: Oct 13 Traverse City, MI

5th Annual ADHD & Learning Disabilities Conference coming to Traverse City, Michigan

October 13, 2007

Keynotes: Sari Solden, Dr. Peter Jensen, Dr. Russ Ramsey. Presenters include Chris Dendy, Wendy Richardson, Dr. Geraldine Markel, Linda Anderson, Dr. Arthur Robin and more. Details at http://www.chaddnwmi.org/

Posted by Terry at 21:24 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Sunday, July 8. 2007

Organizing Chore of the Day: Change a Lightbulb

Typically, there are a few bulbs blown out at my house that I never seem to think to replace. You too?

Can you replace one or two bulbs? That could include appliance lights as well.....

If you're in good shape, how about picking up some extras, next time you're at the store for when you do need them?

Posted by Terry at 00:11 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Saturday, July 7. 2007

ADD Organizing Chore of the Day: Rotate Your Tires

Ycchhh...don't you HATE waiting at car repair places? I do. Try bringing some paperwork; maybe paying your bills while you wait. Or addressing greeting cards or updating your address book. Whatever it is, c'mon..take care of those tires!

Posted by Terry at 01:10 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Thursday, July 5. 2007

ADD Organizing Chore of the Day: Sew on a Button

I know they're in your closet, socked away in a corner. You can't wear them because they've lost a button or two. I'm talking about those shirts that are orphened from the rest of your clothes.

Why not sew just ONE button on ONE garment? Then you can enjoy that favorite blouse or pair of pants once again. You can do it! And when you have, report back to me, here. : )

Posted by Terry at 23:19 | Comment (1) | Trackbacks (0)

ADD Organizing Chore of the Day: Donate Two Outfits

One of my best friends is Purple Heart. I know that when I get that phone call of an upcoming pickup, I will have less clutter in my house because of that big, wonderful truck.

Grab a garbage bag and toss TWO outfits from your or your kids' closets that are no longer needed and throw them in. Call Purple Heart or your favorite charity on wheels and have them come by.

Quick tip: Leave a garbage bag in your front closet or linen closet and whenever you come across an item in decent condition that you no longer need, toss it in! I've found that since keeping a garbage bag at all times in one place, it's much easier to get rid of stuff.

: )

Posted by Terry at 00:49 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Tuesday, July 3. 2007

ADD Organizing Chore of the Day: Toss Out the Sports Gear

Have you ever walked into one of your rooms and was shocked at the mess at hand? You wonder why for the last 5 years, it never seemed that bad before. Now, there are things you should have thrown out years ago but never thought to do so. We get used to clutter and before we know it, it becomes our decorating theme.

I don't know how many times I've seen something that is no longer used at home, but it doesn't occur to me- at the time- to toss it out or donate it.

So here is your OCD (Organizing Chore of the Day):

Throw out or donate two pieces of sports equipment that are broken or no longer used. Do you have an old bicycle helmet that no longer fits your child? Old skates? What about those extra tennis rackets taking up space in your garage? Go ahead...get rid of 'em!

Posted by Terry at 22:59 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Monday, July 2. 2007

Organizing Chore of the Day: Wash a Window

What a loathsome task. But one when done, can make you feel like a million bucks. Can you wash just ONE window today?

It dawned on me that one of the reasons I don't deal with certain daily or seasonal chores is because I'm unsure as to HOW to do it. So for those of you wondering what is the best method for washing windows, here you go: HOW TO WASH WINDOWS.

Posted by Terry at 22:31 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Saturday, June 30. 2007

Organizing Chore of the Day: Call a Friend!

www.addconsults.com

Ok, so this isn't really an organizing chore; it's a procrastination buster. Here's your chore for the day:

Call one friend you want to re-connect with

I'm as guilty of this as the next person. Life gets crazy- work, raising kids, moving...then before you know it, you've lost track of even your closest of friends. By then, you're feeling soooo embarrassed at the thought of calling her or him and more years pass.

Today, why not pick up the phone and call that special person from your past and re-connect? Make a lunch date if you're in the same time. C'mon...you can do it! And when you do, post here to let us know.

Posted by Terry at 11:33 | Comments (0) | Trackbacks (0)

Monday, June 25. 2007

ADD Organizing Chore of the Day: If the bra fits...

I've always been intrigued by women who love to buy lingerie. The lace and the bows irritate me to no end, so I typically hold on to bras for way too many years...because they are comfortable. You too?

This time, I'm giving you the WEEK to get fitted for a new bra. Surely yours no longer fit. Or if they do, I'll bet they're in pretty bad shape.

Get thee to the store and have someone fit you for a proper bra. Then when you find the one you like, buy at least 5 of them. If you can't get out, check this one out; people rave about the comfort.

: )

Oh, don't forget to post your progress here in the comment section!

Posted by Terry at 00:59 | Comment (1) | Trackbacks (0)

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