Like sand through the hourglass...

source

I've been busy lately, so many projects and ideas.  People to see, things to do, you know how it goes.  My ADHD has had my hyper focused on a couple of different projects, which is great for the projects, not so great for the other parts of my life.  And in the middle of all this, anything I had resembling a normal sleep-wake schedule wandered out the window.

And now I'm exhausted.  


One of the hardest things for adults with ADHD to control is their tendency to mismanage time.  We're not good at estimating how long a task will take, are kings and queens of procrastination and if something interests us, can stay on that task for considerably longer than we should, ignoring everything around us.  We're easily attracted to the pretty & shiny, so we are often convinced to change a perfectly smart plan for something new without considering the consequences.

People, ADHD or not, are often resistant to the idea of a schedule and a planner because it can feel like you're sucking the spontaneity out of life and tying yourself down so tightly there will be no room for creativity and joy.  And I'll admit to being a bit nervous about that.  The thing is, I can't keep on like I am.  I lose track of valuable things - friends, opportunities, car keys.  I run myself ragged and end up sick and unhealthy.  And when new opportunities present themselves, I have a difficult time making smart decisions because I have no way of fully understanding my options.

I haven't figured out a great way to handle this yet, so I'm going to use the month of August for a 31 day focus on time management.  Between now & Sunday I'll be setting up a system, using what I know about myself and my habits to create something that works with my brain rather than against it.  And then I'll spend 31 days getting good at using it and trying not to tweak things unless absolutely necessary.   It's more important to me to stick to the habits for a month than to make sure I have perfect systems.

I'll let you all know what I'm doing, and post updates as I go along.  I know ADHD folk certainly don't have a monopoly on mismanaged time, so hopefully what I learn will be helpful to you as well.  In the meantime, is there some trick or technique you use to keep yourself on track day to day?  What hasn't worked for you?

"Time is the coin of your life.  It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent.  Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you."  ~ Carl Sandburg

Designing Woman

Just a peek at an Art Nouveau-inspired crochet pattern I'm working on.  I'm not absolutely sure the design is in it's final form, but so far I like how it's coming together.

What it's really all about...

This blog is about life - passions, pet peeves, high points and low points.  It's about being conscious, not in that I-just-had-a-great-cup-of-coffee way*, but in an all-around-allow-me-to-suck-the-marrow** kind of way.

I believe we cannot afford to be numb.  We cannot afford to blindly allow the powers that be to make our decisions, dictate what is cool, or tell us the "right" way to live our lives.  We cannot afford to drift along, hoping something interesting will happen.

We create our own lives.  We have the ability, the power, and the obligation to ensure that we create something beautiful.  We are gifted with these lovely big brains and an enormous wealth of resources - we have to use them.

In this space, I will share my beauty with you.  And I expect you to share yours in return.

"You are not here merely to make a living.  You are here to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, and with a finer spirit of hope and achievement.  You are here to enrich the world.  You impoverish yourself if you forget this errand."  ~ Woodrow Wilson





* Although, we should not belittle the power of the perfect cup of coffee.  Um, hello?!
** Those of you at a loss with this reference should check out Dead Poet's Society.  

Simple Carrot-Coriander Soup

I am a big fan of soup, even in warmer weather (although not when it gets hot, that's just silly).  Here in Santa Monica, we enjoy mild temperatures much of the year, so veggie soups show up pretty frequently.  We were inundated with an abundance of carrots from our CSA earlier this spring - way more than could be eaten in a week, especially since I tend to forget you can just eat carrots.  You know, as a snack.  Believe me, I understand this is an odd thing.  :)

Anyway... I decided to make a soup with them.  Simple and creamy, something that would let the fresh flavor of the carrots really shine.  The recipe is written for a small amount, but could easily be doubled or tripled, and the soup freezes really well.  Be sure to include a squeeze of lime or lemon before serving - it really makes it special!

CARROT CORIANDER SOUP

1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large garlic clove, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced or grated
1 tsp coriander
pinch cayenne pepper
3 baby Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed (about 3/4 cup)
6 medium carrots, sliced (about 4 cups)
2 cups mild vegetable broth or water
1/4 cup light coconut milk
salt to taste
for garnish (optional):
1-2 Tbsp. cilantro
lime or lemon
add'l coconut milk

In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers.  Add the garlic, ginger, coriander and cayenne.  Saute until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add the carrots, potato and broth or water.  Raise the heat to high and bring it to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and let simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are very soft.

Remove from heat and puree with a stick blender (or in batches in a regular blender) until smooth.

Place the pan back on the stove over low heat and stir in the coconut milk.  Season with salt and additional cayenne as desired and warm through.

Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with the chopped cilantro, a drizzle of coconut milk, and a squeeze of lime or lemon juice.

Makes 3 servings.