November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

[ladybirdheart]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Nighty-night from here. Shutting down as I have super early work tomorrow that came up late last week. When one now only works two days a month (how weird is that? ) even when the assignment is hard it becomes a curious adventure rather than a strain. Thank you for your kindness and encouragement; this process can be so daunting at times but the alternative is a nightmare. When this Thanksgiving comes and every day, I am going to be deeply thankful for you. :l Love, Ladybird.

[redhibiscus]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Monday,ugh. IT is a short week though, so that is good. I am overwhelmed with all I have to do here and at home. I am going to try and get Wednesday off, but it may not work out.

I had an intereresting conversation with my Aunt, who is in her sixties. She was discussing how important it is to take care of herself, rest, healthy food, and watch out for the stress. She stated that stress over time makes her ill. I thought about that and decided that I should try to take Wednesday off! I mean, it is alot of work and after putting in 10 hour days, preparing your home and the food for a dinner is alot of pressure. So...I am going to see.

Again, selfcare. It is really important on this AF journey for all of us. I say, let's figure out one extra good thing we can do for ourselves this week. :h:h:h

Dill, I am reading a book called. "My Life With the Saints" by James Martin. It is wonderful. He is a Jesuit priest who talks about saints he has identified with through his life journey. But it is not dry or boring at all. Thomas Merton, Dorothy Day, people I have never heard of who lived and worked in the 20th century. Mother Teresa too. I'm taking my time and reading a chapter and reflecting on it. I am serious about my spirituality and went to church yesterday too, after a long time of not attending on a regular basis. Since I am trying to get my life together, AF, it has to be in every area. I am going to be 50 years old next year and want to have the rest of my life mean something good to God, me and the people in my life. Thanks for listening to this, to me it is deep stuff.

All of us are asking these questions, I think, with trying to get a grip on our drinking. We are asking ourselves what I think of as existential quesitons...Why am I here, what meaning does my life have, what has happened to me with my alcohol use? How will I take the broken pieces of my life and put it back together to create something beautiful? I see this in everyone's story. Thank you everyone for being willing to share your journey. I learn something from each one of you everyday. Sending you strength and hope.

[dill]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Ahoy, Navies,

Red, you and I share some common ground in looking to develop spiritually. I returned to attending Mass last Easter after spending the bulk of my adult life away from such things. I found that it was a moving experience. I am not big on "organized religion", but yet, through this struggle, I have found some comfort and strength there. It was in one sense, nostalgic, as Church was a big part of my childhood years. So, being there after all those years was also like reconnection with my childhood and with my dear departed family members who used to sit in the pew with me. I continue to attend Church each Saturday afternoon. It is one of my tools, so to speak, as I attend Church instead of giving in to the witching hour. I listen to the readings and the sermon and try to make sense of our humanity and pupose here.

this process can be so daunting at times but the alternative is a nightmare.

LBH, this simple statement struck a deep chord. No matter how tired one gets of this struggle, one can not give up. I think I am going to have to take better care of myself as I am feeling too worn, and we all know that is not good.

Lodestar, I am really glad you joined our little band. You have been a positive force here, to be sure.

Lav, Are you recovered yet from the insanity twins?

Lil, I know you will be along soon. Wasn't yesterday's weather wonderful? I hope you got out and took a walk or something. What a blessing.

Everybody, have a great AF Monday. Take care of yourselves and be kind to yourselves.

[Lavande]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Hello all,

I am recovered from a weekend of dog sitting & am now geared up for a day of baby sitting
Think I may be needing a little vacation time soon..............

I will check in later, just wanted to say Good morning & wish everyone a terrific Monday!

We're behind you 100% LBH!

Lav

[lilmea]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

I just lost my entire post!!!! So here's the summary...

Red-Inner peace is so very important to us, no matter what our religious beliefs. I use the Serenity prayer a lot. A simple prayer which has helped me greatly to developer some inner peace.

this process can be so daunting at times but the alternative is a nightmare
LHB-Yep!! Right there with you. Some days I get so tired of 'struggling' with staying af. But I can't, won't go back to the mess I was when I was drinking.

Lodester-Thank you for being here with us. Your enthusiasm is contagious.

dill is particularly pretty, yet not too feminine

Dill-Not a fufu kind of person? :H: Yes I did get out and take a long walk yesterday.

Lav-I'm sure your babysitting duties today will be much more enjoyable time than your last 'kids' were.

Going to get off here before I lose this post.

Everyone have a great af day.

[lodestar]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Good morning, lovelies! Off to work in a big fat hurry this morning, so can't post much. Looking forward to reading about your days later and sharing mine...hope nobody gets a case of the "Mondays" -- Office Space...GREAT movie!

Hugs! More later

[sdlovespackers]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Good Morning!!

Back to work...happy to say made it through the weekend AF....sounds like MM and Finding did the same...WAY 2 GO!!!! Feels great!!!! I can't believe how much I got done! I didn't even get a chance to get on the computer once!!! AHHHH!!!! Boy, and do I miss out on a ton when I don't....geesh!!!
Storms, shirley temples, dog sitting, concerts, family visits, lots of cussing...I love it!!!! LOL!!! I'm so thankful for all of you!! I love getting on here and catching up!!! I think everyone had a successful weekend!!! AWESOME JOB MATTIES!!!!
Dill--I agree...let's quick swing by Alaska...I hear it's beautiful there!!!!
I hope to check in later...another busy day here at work...but a short week....yiiipppeeee!!!!!
Have a great Monday!!!!
SD:l
PS-Lil--yes, I'm still lovin my house and am UNPACKED and decorated all weekend...inside and out....it was sooooo much fun....it looks awesome!!!! Looks so Christmas-y!!!!

[sooty]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Afternoon friends, weather slightly more subdued today but the north of the country - the area that's already badly flooded is likely to have loads more rain today.
It really is horrible.
Well I'm starting this week feeling so much more positive than last week and the blip is far behiind me - I've been to the gym and done a bit of shopping and in a minute I just might do a bit of tidying up of yesterdays newspapers etc!
Dill if you want to go to Alaska then we shall go - better get out our warm clothes I guess -it will be a shock after the safari but we can cope!
Lav, glad you survived the dog sitting - relax and take it easy now till your next challenge - that'll be chasing after the grandson I guess!!
LBH glad you're hanging on with us - we're a good bunch to hang around with - all the best people want to be part of our gang and they're here to prove it -
Lil, Lode and Red - you surely are the bestest of shipmates!
See you all later, have a lovely Monday
Sooty

[sooty]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

SD, cross posted - lovely to see you here too and sounding so positive - have a good monday my friend
Sooty

[mighty mouse]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Hello everyone, I was having such a nice time with my first AF weekend..till I openned a bottle of wine Sunday night...Why I don't really know?..I drank it and today I feel like crap.
Bad head ache, dehydrated,,,What was I thinking?...I don't want this!!

Would like to climb back on board. I have alot to learn. MM

[sooty]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Come on back MM you know the score ..grab the lifebelt and climb back on the boat.
You'll feel fine tomorrow so put it behind you and move forward with us.
I know I'm getting a bit obsessed about it but the latest weather news is still heavy rain - although its heavy showers now rather than continuous!
I had a good day hope everyone else's was good too.
See you all tomorrow gang
keep safe
Sooty

[ladybirdheart]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Don?t you worry about a thing, Ms. Mouse. You are in exactly the right place to get through this; we all are. :l Sooty, you are not obsessing, you are in the midst of a millennial storm pattern. What you are experiencing puts us all in our place as a species. Keep your feet warm, Captain. Lodestar, you are funny and smart, I look forward to you every day. Dill and Red, after I send this and do some work, I am going to dig up a surprise for you and send it later tonight or in the morning . I am having a good day, I got to trade my flannel and overalls for proper professorial tweed and silk and a beautiful drive on a desert highway to work in a small town; there was a huge morning sky, pinon smoke in the valleys, and fitting music on the truck satellite radio for my ?soundtrack?. Hi Lav and Lil, SD, Scrubs, Pea, Girl, Finding, 1-More et. al. Love, Ladybird.

[mighty mouse]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Thanks Sooty and LBH, Thanks for the support and I've climbed back onboard. Looking forward to a productive day tomorrow.
try and stay dry sooty.

Love and Hugs to all, MM

[dill]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Mighty, Good you climbed back on board! Here's a towel and a set of dry clothes! Don't be discouraged.

LBH, I envy you the desert ride! The image of you in professional tweed and silk, driving a truck, has kept me busy here for a few minutes. I'm looking forward to the surprise.

SD, I am glad you are all settled in. This will be a joyful holiday season for you and your son.

Lodestar, My day was great. I taught little preschoolers a cute little "Turkey Dance" which brought giggles and smiles.

Sooty, try to keep safe and dry!

[Lavande]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

:dang: MM - what happened last night?
Set yourself up for success - get rid of the wine!!!

Sooty, I'm thinking of sending you a giant paddle to help navigate the 1000 year flood - geez!! Stay dry friend

LBH, my employers used to accuse me of being 'bossy but level headed & fair'! Where the hell did they ever get that idea :H

Greetings to everyone - I'm struggling to stay awake, haven't even had dinner yet! Do you think it's old age creeping in?? Very well coud be..........

I have vegetable beef soup in the crockpot - smells good.
Think I'll go get some. Have a good evening one & all.

Lav