consistently inconsistent

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2012-10-07 14.41.34

I’ve been meaning to write a post about Adult ADD, but I got distracted. Haha. That’s an ADD joke. Except it’s not entirely funny. Instead it’s painfully true. I’ve joked over the years about being ADD. Like when I’m never on time anywhere *wink wink* it’s my adult ADD, or when I procrastinate ceaselessly or have trouble organizing my weekly menu planning *haha* it’s just my scattered ADD brain. In all seriousness however, this is what my brain feels like – it’s like trying to herd 25 kittens. I’ve cornered 3 and have put them back in the box; two are heading for the road; six are eating, one of which is eating something it shouldn’t; another one is chasing butterflies in the garden; five are taking naps; one has fallen in the toilet and is meowing for help; one needs de-wormed, but I’ve forgotten which one; two are pestering the dog and wondering why he’s pissed off and growling; and where the other four are I have no idea. And what made me start to wonder if this was really an issue for me was when I heard this story on NPR’s Talk of the Nation. The past two months I have been researching relentlessly, ironically a possible characteristic of ADDrs is when they are interested in something they will pursue it to the 9th degree. RELENTLESSLY. I have probably listened to 100 podcasts on the subject, read at least two books, taken several self-assesment tests, etc.

And it feels relieving to possibly know why I struggle so much, but it also feels kind of sad too. About a year ago during my run, where I often meditate and dialogue with God, I was lamenting my circular thinking and how screwed up I feel a lot of the time. And God clearly said to me this, “If I had wanted a world of linear thinkers I would have created a world of linear thinkers. But the world needs circular thinkers like you as well.” At the time I wasn’t considering ADD my issue, but I think through a series of connected dots I’m figuring it out. With coaching/therapy/medication my brain won’t change, but I can function better and live a bigger life. Anyway, I have an appointment with someone this Thursday to be evaluated. In the meantime if anyone is interested here is more information.

I’ve listened to every podcast by Ari Tuckman, and purchased his book, More Attention, Less Deficit.

Listened to several podcasts here, on Attention Talk Radio.

Watched some of the videos on this site, Totally ADD, where they use some great humor to help with this issue.

Found a wealth of information at chadd.org (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)

Filled out this Self-Report Scale.

Taken this self-assesment inventory. There is a fee, but I found it very helpful.

And also purchased Gina Pera’s book, Is it You, Me, or Adult A.D.D.?

Art History (College)

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DSC_0012Apparently it was my Drawing I class that began my fascination with hands.

DSC_0010Still life in scribbles.

DSC_0018 DSC_0019Watercolor class was the most frustrating for me. I love watercolor paintings, but for the life of me I could not get things to turn out the way they looked in my head.

DSC_0016A lesson in turning an artist’s color work into a black and white piece (top) and turning a black and white work into color using homemade egg tempura (bottom). I call this “loose lips sink ships”, cause I’m clever that way. har har

DSC_0023Figure drawing. I do actually like this one, and it gave me a new way to look at the relationships in the lines of people and things.

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My first two years in college my plan was to become an interior designer. I soon realized that I was a small-town, country-bumpkin girl who had only been exposed to design via magazines. I very soon became intimidated by the big city gals (and it was mostly women) in their designer clothing who had far more exposure to “real” design than I had. In addition I completed many of these assignments at the last minute, staying up all night, and a few of them I turned in late. (Which is the perfect segue into my next post about Adult AD/HD.) At any rate I changed my major 3 times – Interior Design, Audiology, and finally getting a degree (174 college hours later) in Public Health.

 

 

 

Art History (High School)

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In the house purge for the garage sale I came across my old art portfolio.  I put all of it in the garbage. The pieces were warped, yellowed, and smelled mildewy. But I photographed it all before taking it to the curb. I am amused at the naiveté and lack of sophistication. Tomorrow  -Art History College Edition – where the level of sophistication and execution is just slightly raised. : )

catch up

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flora pinkSpring has sprung and unsprung…freezing temps still, and cold blustery days mixed in here and there with the random 70 degree day.

luminariesThe 4-H girls fantastic luminaries! It didn’t take them long at all to catch on to cutting silhouettes, and they each had their own style. I think they were pleased with the results, and I’m looking forward to working with them again.

DSC_0078b&wFinally, finally I was able to take a few pictures of the graduating boy so I can send out announcements. I would not want to be a portrait photographer in real life, but I think for an amateur I do a pretty darn good job! Now to address them all and mail them out before graduation…

Some track meets attended, a Color Run ran walked (pictures later this week), field trips taken, all the usual end of the school year madness. I’m not complaining one tiny bit – in years past it was far more crazy.

House sorted and de-stuffed, garage sale over and done with, and there were only a few items left to deal with. Brian set out the leftovers with a “FREE” sign and it disappeared. The best part was a gaggle of neighborhood kids gleefully carrying off some of the loot, each with a stuffed animal under their arm.

And I’ve been comprehensively researching adult ADD. More on this later as well.