CPR (Not for Me) , Work Out Video Suggestions Needed and ADHD Part Deux

Last night I took my CPR re-certification class. I have had to use these skills twice in my life. I've performed CPR on an infant, who fortunately lived, while working at a hospital. When I was working at an academic center, I also saved a professor from choking on a jellybean. Simultaneously, I tried to get the professor's poodle's mouth off my leg in the middle of doing the Heimlich. (The professor later gave me a bag of jellybeans as a thank you.) If you have only a few hours to spare to volunteer for anything, CPR is one of those skills I recommend everyone take time to learn.

In other news, I asked the Therapist for her advice about the ADHD suggested diagnosis. I'm lucky to be surrounded by so many shrinks. It saves on health care costs.

Although she reminded me it's out of her scope of practice to diagnosis, she reminded me that we need to examine my life situation. In addition to shlepping kids, my life involves daily juggling and re-prioritizing between consulting gigs and life. For me, work and family life are seamless. My home is my office minus a few hours a week at the fitness center. My kids are always with me minus 1.5 hours in the day. Clients contact me with new deadlines or projects in the middle of the day. While I've been able to manage expectations for the majority of the time, my life is filled with constant interruptions and surprises.

Life is usually interesting.

Either way, the jury is still out on the ADHD. I'll have to ask my Jewish mutha. As the inventor of Jewish Mutha Munchausen's, she's always looking for a new diagnosis to explain my current state of existence.

In better news, Alpha Male realizes I'm taking the Trophy Wife Resolution seriously. He appreciates that dinner has come a long way from my days of cooking chicken in a coffee pot.

He swindled a book store discount for workout videos. Now I won't be able to make the excuse that I need to return the library rentals to avoid late fees. I need to make a decision fast because the offer expires on Friday. Any suggestions for a great workout video? Other than the Jersey Shore's Situation's ab video, any others in that area would be greatly appreciated!

Blog "Ripple Effect," Zen Diagnosis and Getting Walked by the Family

In addition to the comments posted, I wanted to share some of feedback from some of the Cast of Characters about the blog. Soul Sista is now chronicling her daily self-care progress in a journal. Another appreciates the designated charity Malden Reads. Some got a good laugh. And the Best Pal I Turned Gay just can't comment enough because he knows deep down how much I need this.

Then, there's the other feedback. Some politely suggested a name change. The Jewish Mutha thinks I need counseling. She believes I wouldn't be so consumed with my exterior if I felt better on the interior. (This is the same woman who had me wear an eye patch, headgear, braces and a mullet for years as a child. When she reviews my childhood photos with the Alpha Male, the first thing she says is "Isn't she gorgeous?") Alpha Male hasn't put down The Economist yet to read the blog.

Then, there was the girl's night with the Doctah to add clarification. I even scored a diagnosis!

The Doctah, like myself, is a busy mom. Unlike myself, she is the only person I know who can deliver a baby and a few days later be fully accessorized, showered, and look like a million bucks.

I am in awe of her.

After discussing family stuff, she gave me her professional assessment of the blog. Besides being a Doctah specializing in mental health, she has known me for almost half of my life. Plus, I consider her a role model and expert in self-care.

In other words, she carries a lot of credibility.

"Instead of getting your hair straightened, etc. (serious paraphrasing), the thing I want most for you is to go on some Adderall. I think you have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactive disorder)." - The Doctah

I never put ADHD on the table as one of my Liabilities (please see other post). Although the condition runs in the family, I hadn't considered it before.

Zen moment. Hmmmm......

She can be brutally honest me with me. I'm lucky she's my friend.

While the Alpha Male agrees that I have issues, he doesn't put this one at the top of the list.

We finished the weekend by going for a family walk with the Harvard valedictorian at a local park. Despite his swollen, scratched face from the sledding snafu, the 4th Stooge kept sliding down hills as if he was trying to get hurt. After several warnings, Alpha Male borrowed a line from the brilliant Bill Cosby, "After dealing with these people all the time, there's no way you can outlive me woman. If so, I must be sick!"