Selective ADD/ADHD: A term I just made up meaning … ADD/ADHD that only surfaces during times I am not totally interested or engrossed in something going on.
I have a huge problem sitting still. Huge.
My butt starts to ache. My back hurts. I get a pain in my neck.
Even at work, after a few hours in my seat, I’ve got to take a walk.
I’ve got to move, people.
I was not made for sitting still.
Yet, I had to do so yesterday here.
The courthouse.I was there to fulfill my obligation of jury duty.
As much as I prayed to the Lord that I would not have to report, I did.
You know what I did ALL DAY?
Sat.
Sat in a very uncomfortable chair.
I switched from cross-legs to straight legs to foot-on-the-knee to feet under the chair.
Ugh. No relief.
See? Selective ADHD because I can sit two hours watching a movie with no problem, three-and-a-half if it’s “Inception,” or four hours if it’s “Gone With the Wind.”
I also came to an even more troubling discovery that I am easily distracted. I attempted to read a novel. Now, listen … I don’t read novels. I just don’t. I figure if I’m going to spend my time reading, it might as well benefit me in the long run and not be a bunch of make-believe nonsense. If I’m reading a book, it’s one that’s giving me more knowledge into some aspect of my life, but NOT a novel.
I picked up one of Nicholas Sparks’ novels. Easy-to-read novel. I loved “The Notebook” (the movie) so I thought I’d try one of his other books.
I started it.
Each little clicking of pens, tapping of feet, and general conversation kept my attention away from reading.
I was way more interested in the woman’s (behind me) drama with her college-age son and the complaints of the others around me about having to do jury duty in the first place and the reasons why this is just too inconvenient for them.
I found myself reading some paragraphs three or four times. But, I did get to chapter three.
See? Selective ADD. I can read blogs or great books like, “Crazy Love,” and not be distracted once, with the TV on, mind you.
Aside from discovering my diversion to sitting, my day was pretty uneventful.
I did not get selected, much less called, and the other cases were settled before a jury was needed.
God answered my prayer after all.
I sat all day and made $25. So, I guess it wasn’t so bad, but I’m thankful I’m not going back today.
i totally agree about reading fiction being a waste.
I feel your pain… I remember those chairs…not good!! you should have brought a pen and paper and written down the drama… maybe you could have written a novel..LOL
I would have such a hard time sitting for that long period of time. I have the same problems — but I also have them in the movies. I just want to move around!! It's not that I don't like the movie or that the chairs aren't comfortable, but I just need to MOVE.
the only time I had to do jury duty, I was 8 months pregnant. seriously, what jury will put an woman that pregnant on a jury? but they wouldn't let me out of it. talk about uncomfortable chairs…I think all we had was benches…miserable day for sure.
Ugh haha, I hope I'm never picked. I am the opposite. If you put a novel in my hand I won't get up until it's done. I feel like I can't. I don't notice anything else. I've even been known to pick up the next book in the series without noticing I'd switched haha. I no longer allow myself to read before bed though. I used to think, "I've got to get to sleep, I'll read chapter 1 to relax and then lights out" and then the next thing you know the book is done and it's 4:00 in the morning. Oops.
I wish I had trouble sitting still. Sitting I can do. I'm good at it. Maybe if I sat less, I'd have less meow mix going on on my back acres.
I haven't commented in a while, but I'm still reading your blog…and laughing. You're quite funny. Love how you keep it real. We have a lot in common…all the introspection as well as the selective ADD/ADHD.
Have a great day!
I totally understand, If I sit to long, everything starts to hurt or goes to sleep, especially my legs, if I stand I have to walk, I can not stand long in one place, my leg will actually give out on me.I remember those chairs. Well you did your civic duty, I hope you have a great evening!!! Relax and watch a Good Movie!
We were separated at birth.
We could totally be BFFs….wait, what were we talking about?!
SQUIRREL!