I've just finished reading The Disorganized Mind by Nancy Ratey. It's filled with practical suggestions for living with ADD/ADHD based on the author's years of experience with the condition, both in her own life and in the lives of her clients.

The best part about the book is that it's filled with ideas that are explained in detail, based on actual people and the strategies they've developed for living successfully in a non-ADHD world. Ratey's advice is, above all, realistic and clearly stresses the importance of developing an awareness and understanding of one's own individual issues. Once we understand our own needs, we can each consider, choose, and adapt from the strategies Ratey outlines for us.

I wish I'd said it first, but as one Amazon reviewer said, "Nancy Ratey rocks!" The book is kind and compassionate, but also firm about the need for taking personal responsibility. It is well-written and easy to read, but filled with useful information.

This book is helpful for people living with ADHD, either in themselves or someone they love, but it could be just as helpful for anyone dealing with the daily stresses and demands of living in modern society. Each of you should read this book!

Eeek! It's been a month since my last post! It's hard to say what happened, except that life does get in the way of our plans, doesn't it?

It seemed important to post something this evening, though, so I have at least one post for the month of September. I'm afraid that if I let that go by it'll be two months or three months next time.

Have I said I've started a Master's Degree program at Syracuse University? It's for an MS in Library and Information Science. I have a definite leaning toward the Information Science part of it, but I do love the Library part of it, as well. It shouldn't be too difficult to find a way to combine the two. It's an online program, so I'm able to take classes from right here in New Hampshire. The time flexibility with online classes makes it a bit easier to work around family and home and work and all the other thousand and one responsibilities that fill our lives. There are a lot of on-campus activities that distance students miss out on, but there are still lots of things we can be involved with.

 

It seems like weeks since I’ve posted here – most likely because it has been.

I’ve been focusing all my energy and attention (sorry, kids, cats & garden!) on finishing the paper for my final project for school. It’s now complete (!!?!...except that I’m still casting about for an appropriate title) and in the hands of my faculty advisor for a grade. I’m awaiting comments from him and I'm so hoping that he doesn’t want rewrites: for the first time in my life, I think I'll be totally satisfied with a C.  Or, at least I won't worry too much about it!

It’s hard to take in the fact that I’m about to be a college graduate. Actually, I already am one, I guess, since the graduation ceremony was at the beginning of June. I started this process the fall after I graduated from high school in 1970. Who knew then that my undergraduate career would encompass six schools (seven with name changes included), several coast-to-coast moves and 38 years of my life?

Figuring I’m now on a roll, I start a master’s program in two weeks. I’m hoping not to get sidetracked from this one! 

Lots of the usual birds this week, especially Gray Catbirds! Also, Louisiana Waterthrush, Yellow-throated Vireo, American Redstart, Yellow Warbler and, today, Prairie Warbler!