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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by fi on December 18, 2001, at 11:50:28
In reply to Re: What has to be done- and motivating self to do it? » Fi, posted by kiddo on December 17, 2001, at 19:03:25
Hiya Kiddo- good to meet you!
Your message includes several ideas that sound really useful which I hadnt thought of -I'll certainly give it a try. I dont have a problem staying on focus- that must make it even harder.
Thanks!
Fi
Hiya-
> It's kiddo, I'm not sure if we've met, but I don't think so, so...pleased to meet ya.
>
> I have ADD, and it's really difficult (even with meds sometimes) to stay on focus. Not only is it easy to get side tracked doing the things that need taken care of, but hard to get motivated as well.
>
> On 'cleaning' days Here's what I do...
>
> Start with the room that needs the least cleaning. Set an egg timer (I use my microwave timer on the second level) for like 10-15 minutes and try to beat the clock. If you have minutes left when you're finished, add those to the next room. (But don't forget to increase the minutes as your workload does or you'll get discouraged and want to quit!) I know it sounds weird, but it works-most of the time.
>
> If you start with the one that has the least to do, you'll build your minutes up and by the time you reach the major rooms, you'll really race to get it done.
>
> The hardest part is getting started, that's when I put on good music, and go at it.
>
> Lemme know if you try it and it works?
>
> Kiddo
Posted by fi on December 18, 2001, at 11:58:00
In reply to Re: What has to be done- and motivating self to do it?, posted by JohnDoenut on December 17, 2001, at 16:13:32
Thanks for these, JohnD
I dont think I have ADD as I can concentrate for long periods, but thanks for the suggestion. I'm also lucky in having a job that suits me at the moment. Tho its all change at work with restructuring so I may need to think again, and will try and organise myself to look for the second book.
Fi
> Im going to repeat my old saw again! :)
> There are two good books Ill recommend.
> One is "Driven To Distration" about ADD.
> The other is called "Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow". The second one is not really about money but personal matters and finding out what works for you to get something done!
>
> Let us know what you think if you read them.
> However you sound like me before I learned I had ADD!
>
> JohnD
>
Posted by fi on December 18, 2001, at 12:06:15
In reply to Re: What has to be done- and motivating self to do it? » Fi, posted by IsoM on December 18, 2001, at 1:55:13
Thanks for posting this info- its not "pushy" as we can all choose what we act on. I'm pleased adrafinil works for you, and hope you get some more *soon*.
I think I'm lucky enough not to have ADHD, so not sure if this med would be relevant. It doesnt look like its available on prescription in my country anyway, but if I go back to my doctor sometime I'll bear it in mind.
Thanks again.
Fi
> I hate to recommend something that works so well for me as it may be bust for someone else. I feel leery about it because it seems pushy to me but here goes...
>
> Adrafinil (Olmifon) has been such a blessing for me. Modafinil (Provigil) might work just as well but it's more expensive so I didn't bother with it.
>
> I got the order screwed up so that I ran out last Thursday with no pills. I've only been taking it for a little over a month & for me, the improvement happened over a couple of weeks so it wasn't as noticable as a sudden change.
>
> Now that I don't have it, I can tell the differences even though not all its good effects have worn off.
>
> I so miss not having it. I'm not depressed - the Celexa & small amount of Paxil stops that but my motivation is gone again. I once again have to force myself to do things, to get up & get busy without having a deadline hanging over my head. With the adrafinil, I didn't suddenly change but just started doing more, accomplishing more & feeling very gentle & content inside.
>
> My ADHD-muddled-up ideas went away. I became focused & not so distracted like before. (How many of us start looking something up on the net, get side-tracked by something else, & a couple of hours later can't even remember what we were looking for?) Boy. is the difference ever noticable when the adrafinil isn't there! Even boring things became fun or interesting to do, not tedious like before.
>
> As I said, I hate to push anything but adrafinil has been a god-send for me. It's something that I've been looking for for so many years. More even & level than Ritalin or Dexedrine. Never ups or down, just steady contented satisfaction. Oh, I hope my order gets here soon!!
>
>
Posted by JohnDoenut on December 18, 2001, at 17:04:03
In reply to Re: What has to be done- and motivating self to do it? » JohnDoenut, posted by fi on December 18, 2001, at 11:58:00
> I dont think I have ADD as I can concentrate for long periods,This is part of the misconception about what ADD really is!!! Its not attenion deficit so much as attention inconsistency. People with ADD can actually hyperfocus at times and for long periods. Please think again seriously about reading the book or taking it out of the library so you can see what I mean! If you don't fit, then you must aquit! ;-) If you want to know what's up then I suggest looking at all avenues.
JohnD
Posted by JohnDoenut on December 18, 2001, at 17:09:13
In reply to Re: What has to be done- and motivating self to do it? » Fi, posted by kiddo on December 17, 2001, at 19:03:25
>
> On 'cleaning' days Here's what I do...
>
> Start with the room that needs the least cleaning. Set an egg timer (I use my microwave timer on the second level) for like 10-15 minutes and try to beat the clock. If you have minutes left when you're finished, add those to the next room. (But don't forget to increase the minutes as your workload does or you'll get discouraged and want to quit!) I know it sounds weird, but it works-most of the time.
>What youre describing are the ways people with ADD or people in general can do to get organized. People with ADD need structure, and pressure helps too, and with this egg timer thing thats exactly what you are giving yourself. Hey whatever works. Myself I make lists and prioritize and I structure when I do those things around my energy levels and which thing can be done during that cycle. The meds help too of course! :)
JohnD
Posted by IsoM on December 18, 2001, at 20:31:57
In reply to Re: What has to be done- and motivating self to do it?, posted by JohnDoenut on December 18, 2001, at 17:09:13
Fi, I just want to tell you that you still may have ADD. I had once thought only manic ill-behaved little boys had ADD till I read about it. The more I read, the more it sounded like me. I had an assessment done & found I scored high. The psychologist also said I have the hyperactivity part too when I'm busy.
I can focus & work on something for hours. With ADD, what often happens is that a person OVER focuses & isn't even aware of the time going by - they're so engrossed in what they're doing.
There's a lot of information about it on the internet. If you go to www.google.com & just type in ADD symptoms, you'll find a lot of sites that will help you figure out IF you might have it.
Posted by Noa on December 19, 2001, at 19:15:58
In reply to What has to be done- and motivating self to do it?, posted by Fi on December 16, 2001, at 14:11:41
Sounds familiar.
Posted by Fi on December 20, 2001, at 8:20:59
In reply to Re: What has to be done- and motivating self to do it?, posted by JohnDoenut on December 18, 2001, at 17:09:13
I'll do somemore investigating before deciding that I dont have ADD (I've obviously only taken on some of the popular myths so far!)
Thanks.
Fi
Posted by cmcdougall on December 24, 2001, at 9:44:03
In reply to Re: What has to be done JohnD IsoM, posted by Fi on December 20, 2001, at 8:20:59
Dear Fi,
I have the hyper-focus type of ADD and took ritalin for about 8 years. Now I take adderall and like it MUCH better. Really helps with the motivation. I also have a terrible procrastination problem. I just received two books about procrastination I recently ordered - now if I can only get around to reading them.
Another member of this board recommended www.FlyLady.net I LOVE this website and it really helps me keep track of what I need to take care of. Its free, they don't try to sell you anything, and the little reminders and motivational tips they send are very helpful.
Good luck,
Carly
Posted by nightlight on December 24, 2001, at 21:12:15
In reply to Re: What has to be done- and motivating self to do it? » IsoM, posted by fi on December 18, 2001, at 12:06:15
>
> I think I'm lucky enough not to have ADHD, so not sure if this med would be relevant. It doesnt look like its available on prescription in my country anyway, but if I go back to my doctor sometime I'll bear it in mind.
>
> Thanks again.
>
> Fi
>
Dear Fi,
I, too, must jump on the 'please test yourself for ADD' bandwagon.My story? I was the 'brainiac' in elem. school, high IQ, skipped a grade, kids stood in line to see my boring report cards-all A's. Oddly enuf, I didn't have to work to too hard to get those A's, I was very bright, and my parents stayed involved with my daily responsibilities. They were great 'coaches', so to speak.
Then came financial upheaval, relocation to new city and school, parents were stressed out and so was I. Things began to fall apart. I cd. not organize, or make myself learn the subjects that did not come easily to my 'right-sided' brain.
I knew I had ability, but, I cd. not harness it consistently, and never knew where my 'head' wd. be from one day to the next. I got bored SO easily.
Well, from 7th to 12th, my grades spiraled slowly, but surely, and I flunked out of college, tho my IQ tested over 160. Obviously, I must've been just plain lazy and didn't really care about anything-right? No, so wrong.When I finally read Driven to Distraction (20 yrs. later) and checked off all the symptoms I had, I couldn't really believe it. I loved to read classic books and sat thru dozens of long foreign or Merchant-Ivory type films. I wasn't hyper, I was a slug, who considered myself lucky to keep a job at all-I made SURE it was not too demanding or stressful.I suffered from low energy, and demanded sufficient sleep to cope at all. I married, but remained childless, because I knew I couldn't take good care of myself, much less a hubby and kid.
When I took "Driven" to my doc (obviously, in retrospect, not adult-ADD savvy) and showed him the results and my concerns and mentioned the fact that no A-D's had helped me over the yrs., only phentermine, which I took for a yr. for obesity, he asked me one ? 'Can you read a book from beginning to end?' I repled, 'yes', and he said, "Then you don't have ADD", period. Granted, he was only a gp, but I was searching for p-docs along the way and tried sev'l.And, my gp kept me up to date with trying a variey of A-D's til I either got better or found a good shrink.
I finally got lucky-2 months ago.
Just think it over. I simply cannot function properly or avoid devastating depressions and impulsive, self-defeating behavior without them.
I'm still far from cured, however!!! My Xmas tree is up, but not yet decorated, and I HATE that task. Plus, hubby skipped out on me to spend the evening w/his out of town brother. I still have stuff to wrap a couple presents to make. Guess, I better move my ass off this 'puter, huh.
Best wishes for a quick and pain-free holiday.
nightlight
Posted by Gracie2 on December 26, 2001, at 17:20:10
In reply to Re: What has to be done- and motivating self to do it? » fi, posted by nightlight on December 24, 2001, at 21:12:15
Fi-
I know exactly how you feel and all I can say is to watch Martha Stewart on TV and do exactly the opposite of what she does. Don't own long-haired pets. Don't have wooden floors that need to be waxed. Throw away your melon ballers and all that crap you never use. Never attempt to fold fitted sheets. Forget the rose garden. Don't collect anything that needs to be dusted. In other words,
simplify, simplify, simplify. It helps.
-Gracie
Posted by Fi on December 27, 2001, at 10:27:04
In reply to Fi - I have the same problem, posted by cmcdougall on December 24, 2001, at 9:44:03
Carly
It looks great- thank you! 15 min chunks in bedroom will start this weekend..!Good luck with your reading...
Fi
> Dear Fi,
>
> I have the hyper-focus type of ADD and took ritalin for about 8 years. Now I take adderall and like it MUCH better. Really helps with the motivation. I also have a terrible procrastination problem. I just received two books about procrastination I recently ordered - now if I can only get around to reading them.
>
> Another member of this board recommended www.FlyLady.net I LOVE this website and it really helps me keep track of what I need to take care of. Its free, they don't try to sell you anything, and the little reminders and motivational tips they send are very helpful.
>
> Good luck,
> Carly
Posted by Fi on December 27, 2001, at 10:58:36
In reply to Re: What has to be done- and motivating self to do it? » fi, posted by nightlight on December 24, 2001, at 21:12:15
Nightlight
Thanks- havent fitted the couple of internet lists I've found on ADD, but also getting Driven to Distraction from library to check further.
Much appeciate your time to do this message, and sympathies re tree- if anyone in the house actually wants one, they should do the decorating! Hope it all went well in the end. I've just got home and ,altho it went OK, am *so* pleased its over!
Will now see if I can send this message just once, unlike the last one...!
Fi
Posted by Fi on December 27, 2001, at 11:00:01
In reply to Re: What has to be done- and motivating self to do it?, posted by Gracie2 on December 26, 2001, at 17:20:10
>
> Fi-
> I know exactly how you feel and all I can say is to watch Martha Stewart on TV and do exactly the opposite of what she does. Don't own long-haired pets. Don't have wooden floors that need to be waxed. Throw away your melon ballers and all that crap you never use. Never attempt to fold fitted sheets. Forget the rose garden. Don't collect anything that needs to be dusted. In other words,
> simplify, simplify, simplify. It helps.
> -Gracie
Posted by Noa on December 31, 2001, at 15:12:16
In reply to Re: What has to be done-nice one, thanks!(nm) » Gracie2, posted by Fi on December 27, 2001, at 11:00:01
Checked out that site--flylady. Like the acronym--CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome). That's me. My place is a wreck. I want to fix it up but can't mobilize the energy for it. Going to try to use flylady as some structure--we'll see.....
I do like her idea of dressing "to the shoes". I think there is something to that--if I get up and get dressed and put my shoes on, I'm less likely to lapse into napping, or loafing.
I think a big part of my problem is that no one but me is affected by the mess, so I get into a rut of feeling, "what does it matter?"
Anyway, thanks for the link.
And, Gracie, I think you are right, too--keeping it simple probably helps.
Posted by Noa on January 4, 2002, at 6:55:18
In reply to Re: What has to be done-nice one, thanks!, posted by Noa on December 31, 2001, at 15:12:16
So I've now been receiving flylady.com's many daily reminders. A lot of it isn't useful for me, but there are a few things I find helpful: the "dressing to the shoes" thing, some of the routines (like getting all your morning stuff together before going to bed), the timed 15-minute de-cluttering reminders, and possibly the structure of following her week by week "zone" focus, which kind of gives a group effort feel to it--ie, knowing lots of people are focusing on their entry-ways this week, their living rooms next week, etc.
But one thing bothers me: she is so into anti-clutter and yet she sends out SO many emails every day that I spent an hour just de-cluttering my email mailbox!
Posted by nightlight on January 4, 2002, at 8:22:33
In reply to Re: Flylady's advice, posted by Noa on January 4, 2002, at 6:55:18
Dear Noa:
SO true!
But, if it worked for me, it wd. be worth the xtra e-m's & ya know what those a.m. & p.m. ones are gonna say, so I just dump most of them. I just started getting them about about 3 weeks ago (thanks SusanC I think?) & I need to organize & de-clutter desperately. CHAOS rules! I shd. be shining my sink (spent last nite beading & reading-up way too late, as usual).Now I must rush to get my child to pre-K and myself to my tiny 10-hr a week job!
Pitiful!But, I really do need to establish routines~~most everything heretofore has been determined by my mood/pain/energy level. & now that I feel a little better, I want to spend my time enjoying myself. A bit immature, I know, but it's the truth.
I remember your posts from a couple of summers ago. You were not well, and agonizing over yr. apt. I never posted to you about that-too ill, but I'm glad both you and your home seem to be feeling better.
Have always enjoyed your posts. Hope your day is a good one.
nightlight (was Zannah)
> So I've now been receiving flylady.com's many daily reminders. A lot of it isn't useful for me, but there are a few things I find helpful: the "dressing to the shoes" thing, some of the routines (like getting all your morning stuff together before going to bed), the timed 15-minute de-cluttering reminders, and possibly the structure of following her week by week "zone" focus, which kind of gives a group effort feel to it--ie, knowing lots of people are focusing on their entry-ways this week, their living rooms next week, etc.
>
> But one thing bothers me: she is so into anti-clutter and yet she sends out SO many emails every day that I spent an hour just de-cluttering my email mailbox!
Posted by Fi on January 6, 2002, at 6:32:19
In reply to Re: Flylady's advice, posted by Noa on January 4, 2002, at 6:55:18
I like the decluttering and baby steps- and the idea of not having new year's resolutions!
I've chosen the option of getting a 'daily digest' ie I get just one email each day, containing all the days emails with a list of titles at the beginning.
Otherwise, I would have been despairing of all the clutter in my in-box, as you say. I cant remember where I found the instructions to do this, but it was probably in one of the introductory emails. Let me know if you cant find it and I'll do some hunting.Of course, she's also advised getting stuck into taking down them thar decorations- will do that next!
Fi
> So I've now been receiving flylady.com's many daily reminders. A lot of it isn't useful for me, but there are a few things I find helpful: the "dressing to the shoes" thing, some of the routines (like getting all your morning stuff together before going to bed), the timed 15-minute de-cluttering reminders, and possibly the structure of following her week by week "zone" focus, which kind of gives a group effort feel to it--ie, knowing lots of people are focusing on their entry-ways this week, their living rooms next week, etc.
>
> But one thing bothers me: she is so into anti-clutter and yet she sends out SO many emails every day that I spent an hour just de-cluttering my email mailbox!
Posted by cmcdougall on January 7, 2002, at 12:01:47
In reply to Re: Flylady's advice, posted by Noa on January 4, 2002, at 6:55:18
Don't spend an hour decluttering your email box! Just delete the ones you don't need to read over and over. I'm still a flybaby but I don't need to read each email anymore - the title alone reminds me what I need to do.
I have chronic major depression and the morning routine and sink shining have really helped me a lot. I still haven't been able to do the evening routine, but I'll get there eventually.
Good luck to you,
Carly
Posted by Noa on January 8, 2002, at 15:50:54
In reply to Re: Flylady's advice » Noa, posted by cmcdougall on January 7, 2002, at 12:01:47
Thanks, all.
I have started just deleting the ones I recognize as repeats or not applicable right now. But my web-based email goes so slow, so even just the deleting takes a while.
I haven't done any of the routines routinely, but I have started trying to get my morning clothes together before going to bed. That helps. And the "dressed to the shoes" really resonated with me and helps me on weekends, when I'm not working. I always have a huge list of things to do and get little to none of it done, hanging out on the couch in pj's for a lot of the weekend. Now, with "dressing to the shoes" I am getting out of the apt. earlier and getting some things done.
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 12, 2004, at 4:43:23
In reply to Re: Flylady's advice » Noa, posted by cmcdougall on January 7, 2002, at 12:01:47
I just found flylady thanks to someone's mention of it. Very helpful site! I haven't done much yet. But the 27 fling boogie or whatever it's called is certainly helpful. I zipped through the house and did that and felt good about it. I have been slowly working on getting de-cluttering jobs done on my own and had broken down the housework into tiny baby-steps already. When I was really depressed this fall I didn't do much of anything, though I did keep up with my laundry this time. Thank goodness dh likes to cook or I might have starved! I've started weeding out books in a major way. In the past I would let go of a few at a time but I am putting whole stacks of them out in the garage for a yard sale. It really feels good!
Also, I love all the clever acronyms. I am definitely a SHE and my house certainly has CHAOS! I am trying to get husband on board for the 27 fling boogie and the 15 min cleaning spurts. And I ordered the calendar. I have been using SAndra Boynton's Mom Calendar for the past few years which helps...it was nice having several different columns for different people or activities (I used one column for yacht club racing schedule, one for hubby, one for me, one for my mom's comings and goings to visit and one to track pet concerns and appts.)
But, silly as it seems, I'm looking forward to the stickers! :)
Thanks to all those who mentioned their success with flylady. I'm glad I checked it out!
Posted by EtktRide on January 30, 2004, at 3:43:24
In reply to Re: Flylady's advice, posted by Lyrical13 on January 12, 2004, at 4:43:23
I am a devoted Fly Lady follower. i bought her feather duster ( LOVE IT) I do the 27 fling boogie all the time. It is amazing how much junk you accumulate each week. I am glad to see others giving it a try. I have my sticker! :-) hee hee
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 30, 2004, at 5:50:16
In reply to Re: Flylady's advice:Lyrical13, posted by EtktRide on January 30, 2004, at 3:43:24
what's the big deal with the feather duster? I have seen the testimonials but I've never used a feather duster in my life. I thought they just scattered the dust around. And someone mentioned dusting with it and then going outside to shake it out. Does the dust fly everywhere then? I'm allergic to dust and have been using either a rag or those grab-it things.
also, what's the control journal? I don't have the money to buy that but Flylady said you could make one yourself. I just don't know what goes in it and what the pages look like.
we have been 27 fling boogie-ing too and it feels great to get rid of all this stuff. I've identified our hot spots and wrote them on the top of my Flylady calendar (great calendar! Lots of room to write...and although it feels a little silly saying this...I always wanted a calendar with stickers!)
Between FlyLady and shows like Clean Sweep, I've been inspired to get rid of stuff. I am pitching a lot of stuff..who knows why I was holding onto it?...and putting lots of stuff in a corner of teh garage for a garage sale next summer. It will take a while to weed through 20 years of accumulation but I can do it 15 minutes at a time! I've even gotten my husband to join in the Fling Boogie. I came home from work yesterday and there were 2 big trash bags sitting outside!
No longer a crybaby ("I'm so overwhelmed! I can't stand all this crap laying around!")...now I'm a Flybaby!
Posted by EtktRide on January 30, 2004, at 11:55:47
In reply to feather duster, posted by Lyrical13 on January 30, 2004, at 5:50:16
> what's the big deal with the feather duster?
They are HUGE and soft and fun to make the job more fun.
>I thought they just scattered the dust around.
Ostrich feathers have natural static cling that makes the dust stick to them. Now, if you shake it vigorously, then of course the dust is going to go flying everywhere.
> also, what's the control journal?
I personally do not use a control journal. I have just not gotten that far, but she has detailed instructions on how to make your own on the website. Or email her and she will answer you.
>I always wanted a calendar with stickers!)Me too!
The other thing I am into these days which seems unrelated, but really is not is Yoga. If you get into a good studio, you can take lessons about your life from the Yoga practice. Just my two cents:-)
Posted by Lyrical13 on January 31, 2004, at 1:12:02
In reply to Re: feather duster, posted by EtktRide on January 30, 2004, at 11:55:47
I LOVE yoga! I have been doing it for at least 2 years now. My yoga teacher is wonderful. I had taken one other class before hers and it was OK but hers are just wonderful. I think part of it is her voice..it's very soothing and she's very good at focusing you on what your body is doing.. where do you feel the stretch? Do you feel it more on one side of your body than the other? Where do you feel tension? And she's all about listening to your body and doing what you need to do to make it feel better. She tells the names of the poses and what they're good for so I've gotten to the point that if I'm feeling sore or tight in a certain spot, I know which poses to do to help. I do neck stretches every single day several times and some of the carpal tunnel stuff. My hips are always getting out of whack so I know to do Scissors and Maltese Cross to help with that. I also go to a chiropractor and I go for a massage once a month. Judy (my yoga teacher) is also my massage therapist. She's wonderful! I think all of these things have helped my overall health and well-being. I think my immune system is functioning better too. A couple weeks ago I bought a beginner Pilates kit. It's adapted for an exercise ball. I haven't done the full work out yet but I've tried some stretches. I'm not as good about doing yoga on my own as I should be. But it is the one place (in class) where I can really slow down and actually stop all the thoughts racing through my head for an hour or so.
I'll check the flylady site for info on the control journal.
Just out of curiosity...do you shine your sink? I've been doing the fling boogie and the 15 min. things and have been weeding through and decluttering, using the calendar and have reached a breakthrough..I realized that I really need to schedule "me" time...and that if I'm ever going to get the baby quilt done that is supposed to be a gift for the baby that was born in December, I'd better actually put "quilting" on my calendar! Because it's not happening otherwise! I just seem to be too busy with other things. But I haven't shined my sink and I don't get dressed to the shoes. But I am getting better at getting dressed to teh slippers at least! I am a weekend pajama lounger too. They are so comfy. But I decided I could at least throw on some sweats so I'll be a little more presentable if someone should drop in unexpectedly.
Well, good luck with your flying lessons!
Motor City FlyBabe
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