I get around
On the move again!
Last week I moved into a new studio apartment. It was my third abode in as many months.
In January I moved into an apartment in a rush. The guy living there, was a 40 something serial killer gamer and weed smoker (I should have read the signs). But he said he would be gone for the month of January and the location was 15 minutes from Venice beach. And I needed to be out the place I was staying in by the end of December. So I went for it.
Two weeks in, he came back unannounced. Next thing, I’m waking up to brimming ashtrays in the kitchen sink and an apartment smelling like a weed cafe in Amsterdam. And then, there was fridgegate.
Upon opening it for the first time, I was taken aback to see dried jam stains sticking to shelves, half eaten chicken wings and pizza slices adorned to the fridge door.
I spent the next two hours in hyperfocus mode scrubbing it. Organising shelves, putting all his shite items on one and my organic, healthy af food on another. But when he came back and began infiltrating my side of the fridge, I knew trouble was brewing.
I’m a patient guy, but if there’s one thing that grinds my goat, it’s a fridge war. So I did what any passive Brit would in my situation, and moved his food back onto the designated shelf. Am I aware that I’m sounding like Mark from Peep Show? Oh piss off Jeremy!
Then I receive passive aggressive texts, asking not to leave wet plates by the sink. Which I wouldn’t have minded if a) he hadn’t hidden the tea towel I bought because there wasn’t one and b) he didn’t live like Shrek if he was green, due to a massive weed addiction.
So I made an executive decision and left after three weeks.
I moved into a self contained studio apartment, which is part of a house owned by an old Jewish lady from Brooklyn, who spams me with daily emails and texts. It’s how I imagine it might feel after 25 years of marriage.
“Make sure to take the garbage out on Wednesdays”.
Every day I wake up wondering what todays text will bring. But on the plus side, it’s nice to feel wanted.
It’s at times like this I feel grateful for breathwork!
All this got me thinking how important it is to feel settled. As much as this is great material, it’s not an ideal situation, let alone for someone with ADHD.
We are highly sensitive to those around us and pick up on the slightest tension. That aside, routine and structure are a must for us to stay on top of things.
I am getting into the habit of planning my week ahead on Sundays and writing daily to-dos, the night before each day. It’s the little things that help provide stability when the unexpected happens. Once we create a container of non-negotiables, life becomes more manageable.
What daily rituals help you get a handle on your days and weeks? Hit reply.
This Thursday
p.s. If you’re an adult struggling with ADHD and looking for support, click here.
And if you’re a parent of a child with ADHD and looking for support, click here.
When Chad infiltrated his flatmates side of the fridge, the “jam” stains raised some very specific crime-scene questions.