I think some of you may have heard this before from other ‘retired’ folks, but I’m pretty sure I’m busier now than I ever was when I was teaching full-time! As a full-time teacher, there is SO much work to do, all the time, that it’s really hard to think about doing anything else. Now, I have these days when I’m not teaching for the school board, and I don’t have anything I HAVE to do at any specific time, but I end up filling them with all kinds of things like: hanging out every week with my very cool almost 6-year-old grandkid, Cookie (Clem), and even my super cool 10-year-old grandkid, Dylan. Then there’s teaching piano and guitar to eight interesting and fun students after school. Also doing line-dancing, singing in 2 choirs, rehearsing/jamming with some new wonderful musicians (and old friends) and working on my creative pursuits. I’ve been doing lots of songwriting this last year, and finally finished editing my stop-motion video for Sea Monster Daycare (see “Judy’s music and books”) and am working on ideas for a new kids’ book (Please Don’t Go in the Garbage Can!…? title undecided). Not to mention trying to get some exercise. All that on top of struggling to stay on track due to my finally officially recognized ADD. Phew!!!

My doctor didn’t want me to go on stimulant medication so suggested an 8-week workshop for folks with ADD/ADHD led by a very supportive psychologist. I found it extremely useful and have introduced quite a few of the suggestions from that workshop. And… I’m not cured! 🙂 So, staying on track is still pretty tricky for me. I’ve taken to listening to audio books in order to get my housework and other relatively mindless activities done. And… I’ve learned not to beat myself up about how easily I get distracted. Beating your self up – never helpful. I’ve been doing some Tapping (EFT) to assist with that and other ingrained habits, and have found that to be very healing as well. Feel free to email me about Tapping or the ADHD workshop (or anything you’d like to chat about). I love sharing!

All in all, life is pretty grand. I could use a bit more dancing in my life (like the make-it-up-yourself kind, to go with live, syncopated music played by great local musicians) but Vancouver is sadly lacking in live music venues. Sigh… So, I make do with line dancing, (fun and very good for the brain but not very aerobic or creative), dancing in my living room to my favourite tunes and now and then going out to dance to a live band. Oh, and… I’ve taken up drumming on a kit in the last couple of years, so there are some jam nights happening too.

See what I mean about being busier than ever! 🙂

I just realized that I’ve been spending so much time updating my website here that I forgot to eat dinner! Oops! I think I should make that a priority now. 🙂

I hope everyone had a peaceful holiday, filled with love, laughter and light. Wishing you all a very happy, healthy New Year! ❤