November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

[Peanut]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

SD - is your son ok?? I have one of those too, but he got hungry tonight - ate a can of mandarin oranges, a fried egg and half a piece of toast, and my favorite, peanuts!! I'm hoping this is a good sign. Give your boy a kiss for me - I'm off to bed too, and I think I'll be able to leave him tomorrow and get myself to work - lots to do...probably too much I think.
Sleep well!
xoxo peanut

[redhibiscus]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Monday, Monday, and after a long weekend too. Really, in some ways it is easier to remain AF when you are on a schedule and keep a routine. SD, glad to hear you had an easier time last night. I know, there is just something about knowing you don't have to go to work the next day that can trigger wanting to drink.

I love, love, love, my Christmas decorations. I know it is early, but I always put up my decorations right after Thanksgiving. I need the beauty of the lights. This year I also decorated outside, and I know I enjoy seeing others' lights outside their homes. This is such a dark time of year, we need the lights and all the beauty we can create. I am even drinking coffee out of a mug with a Christmas tree on it. I decorated my car and today when I go to work, I have a few decorations for the office.

Last year, drinking so much, I did not feel this much enthusiasm for Christmas. Not the presents. But the decorating, spiritual aspect (went to Church and special prayers) and general Christmas spirit of love, joy and peace. I want to make this season a joyful experience for everyone I come in contact with. Drinking, you are focused on booze, the buzz, feeling like crap, then trying to heal before you start all over again. Looking at it, I was very selfish. This is a new start. Have a great day, take care all.:l

[sooty]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Morning one and all. Its actually not raining here ...yet !! though it is very cold and windy. I can't decide whether to go shopping or to go for a walk.
I hope the 2 sick boys are feeling much better today, sounds like they've had nasty bugs but the appetite returning must be a good sign.
Wishing everyone a productive and stressfree Monday - have we decided on a name yet - its December tomorrow!!!
love Sooty

[lilmea]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

So pack up your troubles
and take a step forward
the process of change can be tough
but think about all the excitement ahead
if you can be stalwart enough

This is a verse from a poem I found posted on another thread. I thought it would give us a little inspiration as we are about to begin a new Month.

I have earlier things going on so will check in later.

I hope everyone has a good af Monday.

[dill]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Ahoy Maties!

This is the last day we can say that, I'm sad to say. It's been a good month aboard this ship. Thanks Sooty for your excellent piloting!

I have been going over the posts that contain name suggestions and comments and I have found the common theme that the word ‘determined’ is favored. The title must have some form of this word. Whoever gets to MWO first tomorrow should start the thread with that word or some variation of it. Also, AF should be in the title so everyone is clear that this is a group that is serious about sobriety, even if we are not all perfect. Do any of these sound good to the group?

Determined December ~ AF
December Determinators ~ AF
December Determination ~ AF

That said, I must admit that I didn’t ‘make it ‘til lights out’ yesterday. I’m embarrassed to say that NFL Sunday got the better of me once again. I really don’t want to even say it, but I would feel the hypocrite if I didn’t. The last time this happened I remember Lav asking me to try to figure out what went wrong. Well that last time, I never did figure it out, but this time I think I do know. You see, lately I have been adding more of the spiritual component to my efforts. I start each day with a prayer/meditation to get me focuses and to look for strength. I did not do that yesterday, and as corny as it may sound, I think that is where I went wrong. Well, It was not a total crash and burn and I can remember all events from last evening. Like Sooty, I am hoping that my mindset is changing. I really don’t just hope, I know it is.

Sheri, thanks for the warning about fraud and the link. I’m awfully sorry you had that experience. SD, you, too. It’s awful when that happens.

SD and Pnut, I hope your sons are feeling better.

Lil, thank you for that poem. I think I will jot it down and read it again perhaps at lunch time. I have a long day today, filled with meetings. YUCK. No Turkey Dancing with the preschoolers today for me!

MM, I'm glad you're back on board.

Must go for now. I wish all who pop in a sober Monday.

[Lavande]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Good morning Navigators!

Slips or not I think our group has done well this month!
Dill, you are absolutely right - some form of 'Determination' needs to be in our December monthly name. We ARE determined

Dill, you know it's important to recognize triggers, sounds like you have! There is comfort & strength in developing a routine I think. For me it's kind of like wearing a set of blinders - keeps my focus in the forward position!

SD & Pnut, hope your sons recover quickly! That's one of the blessings of youth - they get sick fast & recover fast

Greetings to Sheri, Lil, Sooty, MM, Red & everyone! I usually don't start decorating so early but I am in the mood for some lights too. Think I'll drag out the candles for the windows this afternoon......start there. I have a gigantic Santa collection - all different styles & sizes - they always put a smile on my face because many of them were gifts from the kids over the years

I pledge to stay away from the leftover birthday cake today!!!!!!

Wishing everyone a terrific AF Monday. Time to get back to business!!

Lav

[sdlovespackers]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Good Morning (from work)--
I sent my son to school...he didn't have a fever this morning when he got up, so off he went. I sure hope he's ok....I still never know what to do with him when he's sick....it seems every time I keep him home, he seems fine and everytime I send him, I get that phone call from the school like...I can't believe you'd send him feeling like this!! LOL!!
But I do thank you all for your concern...and I hope your son (peanut) is feeling better as well!!
Lav--Santas huh? I'm a snowman girl myself. My house is full of them!! I think I love them because you never see a sad one...they are always so happy and cheerful!! I decorated my outside too but I want MORE...MORE....MORE.....LIGHTS!!! I'll look like the Griswalds!!!:H
Dill--don't worry about the slip...I think you're on the right track knowing what happened or was dirfferent about your day....not to mention...watching NFL...HUGE trigger for me!!! I still haven't decided what I'll do if I get to watch Brett in the Super Bowl?!!?
Red--I just LOVE LOVE LOVE your positive outlook and attitude on things!!! Thank you!!! It brightens my day to read your posts!!!
Lil, Sooty--happy, productive Mondays to you both!! Sooty--I vote GO SHOPPING!! There is walking involved in that!!
To all others that pop in...have a great day!!! I better get mine started!!
SD:l

[mighty mouse]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Hi to all, I put up my christmas tree and lights too. It looks so beautiful and I want to start my day with more prayer also Dil. I'm looking forward to this next month and racking up as many af days as possible and being able to enjoy as many events as possible with a clear head. I've learned alot in my first month at MWO. So bring on December!!!!!

Lav, I never got a chance tto congratulate you on your thanksgiving 8 month milestone!!!!
That is so great. what a special day for thanks..I think it is a special message meant for you to give you the strengh to continue and make it through your first Christmas holidays! You have us and the angels on your side.

Hugs,MM

[FindingMyself]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Morning all,

My holiday company departed and I almost feel like I have some breathing space again, but it's off to work soon. Just wanted to check in a say hi. The long weekend was okay but not AF. I think it is as others have mentioned, the lack of structured time is difficult to get through and it makes me nervous looking at December and lots of time off. Gotta get some of that DETERMINATION flowing through my veins for December.

Will check in later. Have a good day everyone!

[Peanut]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Hello peeps,
At home today - boy is very, very sick. Wow - what a fever! He was so uncomfortable this morning, wanting me to stay right beside him, rubbing his legs and just being there. Then the fever breaks through excessive sweating and I have to wash all the sheets, move him to another bed just to let the wet one dry out. Kinda scarey, but he is resting now and I am making him drink lots of water and juice.

Damn flu!!!!!

Apart from that, I feel ok. Determination for December is what I need too. I want a clear head too for the events, and I think I will be able to do it. I just hate the idea of going out and drinking and driving, so I shall not drink at all and be safe and confident. Glad you all had such good holidays - I realize Thanksgiving is a huge holiday in the states.

Hey, was it NFL day yesterday?? The Grey Cup game was incredible, with the Riders leading most of the way, and then Monteal taking over at the end. A technicality led to the Montreal victory in the last 5 seconds - it was amazing!!! I haven't actually watched a whole football game in years - it's not my thing, but wow! that game was very entertaining!! Maybe I'll become a football fan!

OK - must check on the young dude and think about how I can get to work for a couple hours yet today!
xoxoxo peanut

[cyntree]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Hello Navvies - Well, I'm anxious to get November over with....a tough month for me all the way around, but got through it thankfully with you all. I had a dream the night before last -- check this out --

I was in a house with a few people I didn't know. Somewhere along the way, a small monkey arrived. I thought it was cute at first, but it became more and more belligerent as the dream went on. Then it became downright frightening, and was very violent to me. Anytime I turned my back (!) on it, it flew at me and attacked my back, scratching and tearing at my jacket, and grabbing me around the throat. (Now, I'm an animal lover, but I was getting very perturbed in this dream). I couldn't find any way to get away from the monkey, nor to stop it from attacking me whenever I turned away. Finally in desperation, I saw a can of some spray stuff, and (sorry to say) sprayed it right into the eyes of the monkey. It couldn't see me, and so the attacks stopped.
Anybody for getting away from the monkeys on our backs?! And this was after several AF days - I thought I was doing so well -- just goes to show that the mind still has its worries. Lav, thanks for the reminder to do the Clearing CD...I think that's just the thing for me.
Welcome back Red - thanks for posting!
Wishing everyone strength for the finish of the November journey - see you in December -

[lilmea]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Pnut-Gosh, I am so sorry to hear about your son. Has he been to the Doctor? I hope he is feeling better soon.

SD-I hope your son is feeling better as well. It's hard when our kids are ill.

Finding-Don't get too nervous about Dec-get Determined. We are half way through the holidays. We can do this.

Cyn-what a dream! Maybe your subconscious was trying to tell you something?

Had the furnace man come and service my furnace for the winter. That was my excitement for the day. But everything is set for the winter so it's all good.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and calm evening.

[dill]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Lil, I like the sound of your day. Quiet, and getting things set for winter sounds like a good day to me!
My day was a bit more hectic, and at the end of it I drove out of my way to go to the store. Why? You know why. I went a mile out of my way, pulled in to the parking lot, parked, but stopped short of turning off the ignition and going inside. I pulled back out of the lot and got on the road home. I'm not sure what tipped it, but I know I was thinking about you and the other guardian angels here. I made it home empty handed.

Cyn, that was a very strange dream indeed! You defeated your monkey. That's a good thing at least!

Finding, Pnut, SD, Mighty, and everyone else who stops by, I am making this short because my day was long. I wish you all peace and strength, and pink dreams with no monkeys!

[ladybirdheart]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Wow, Cyn. Thank you for the dream! I am sure it was awfully scary at the time but in hindsight it was very kind of your unconscious not to disguise it; brings things right home for all of us. Good day here; I am dying to start putting up all the sparkly woodsy things for Christmas but I am still so enamored with my Fall house that I shall wait a week or so. I did run lots of shopping errands and picked up a smashing red and green velveteen Christmas jester collar for our very important cat. November is winding down fast. I feel really good about what we accomplished, and when you look at all of the alcohol free days across this group, we have saved a whole lot of money, fostered strong health, and developed an arsenal of alliances and skills upon which to draw. My thoughts are with the sweet boys with the flu and with their moms who make them cocoons with soft clean sheets. :l Love, Ladybird.

[redhibiscus]

November Navigators ~ AF Week Four

Checking in this evening. Sounds like everyone had a decent day. Dill, good for you recognizing your triggers and beating a huge craving tonight. It is not easy. I find that once I have a drink, it is easier to justify drinking again within a short time.

dill, sd, findingmyself, cyn, lilmea, peanut, and anyone did not mention, thanks for touching base and letting us know where you're at with this AF month ending. Progress, not perfection.