AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

[Chillgirl]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

I love September Serenity!!

[Lavande]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Good morning kids!

Here Chill, these are for you :flyingunders:
Your very own TBGPs!

I agree Chill & Sped - we three need to remain calm & keep our wits about ourselves to handle our situations in the best way possible!

Looking forward to a new month with all my friends here
Rusty - glad to hear your knee has improved. My bill is in the mail (just kidding).

Dill, glad you are OK too. I can't afford to lose my virtual sister now :H

Red(Star), LBH, Sooty & everyone - hope you all have a great day!
I have a bit of work waiting for me so I'll get to it now.

Heatwave in progress, back to hiding in the AC.

Lav

[spedteach]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Good morning,
Little bit of trouble walking down the stairs this morning. When my thighs hurt, I know I've had a decent workout. Happy to be going to work today so I don't sit around and stew about marital stuff. Third grade at one of my favorite schools.

Dill, your parrot sounds wonderful. It's so much fun to incorporate stuff like that when you're teaching. I've always felt like a bit of a performer when I teach. You've got to get their attention some how and then wait for that teachable moment.

Rusty, what part of Michigan? It is a state I plan on exploring while spending more time in the midwest. I love South Haven and the botanical gardens in Grand Rapids. That's as far north as I've been.
And thank you (and everybody) for your concern about my marital plight.

Star, your wedding is next weekend, right. Don't be nervous. I will vicariously do that for you.

Chill, stay strong. You are so right about not communicating when angry or upset. I have done more angry communicating this month than I have in my entire life. My quiet weekend has helped me settle, given me some reasonable perspective. And thanks for the reading.

LBH, thinking of you over there in your tumultuous little house.

Have a lovely day.

[Rusty]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Hi Sped,

I bet you are sore after your long run. Were you pleased with your time? I picture you as the tall, willowy, jockette that I see on the Cross Country portion of the Olympics. :-)

Glad you're working today, too. You will be too busy having fun with your 3rd graders to think about your husband. :l

Lav, do you have an extra pair of TBGP for me, too? I did have a pair but I've outgrown them. :H One of my "friends" reminded me recently that I can only grow out, not up anymore. Presently not on speaking terms with her.

This is an awesome thread. Need maritial counseling? We have that. We'll decide whether the FHs stay or get their asses kicked out the door. Medical advice-we have two board certified nurses. Need ideas for interesting recipes? Our September Serenity chefs are here to help plan your menus. Relationship issues? Oh, now that's where we get REALLY diverse. Planning a wedding? We'll help you pick out that perfect outfit.

Well, back to work. Gawd, I hate paperwork. I'd much rather hang out here. Too bad. Have an $1,800 car repair bill so I best get to work.

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

xoxoxoxo

Rusty

[Lavande]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Here ya go Rusty :flyingunders:
I believe they are OSFA :H

I'm trying to deal with a few potential customers via email this morning. You'd think I'd pay more attention but..............
I kinda feel like goofing off - what can I say?

Rusty, my brother & SIL moved to Holland, MI last August. They love it there so far.
She is actually Dutch, still has all her family back in Europe. They say the cost of living is pretty good compared to the Charlotte, NC area where they had been living. They can enjoy a bit of Dutch culture now without the cost of a trip to Europe

OK, I will force myself back to biz............

[Rusty]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Lav,

I pass Holland, MI on my way to Montague (right on Lake Michigan) once per year. It's a beautiful part of Michigan. Lot of cute Dutch shops in that town. I love how they tawk in Michigan. I'ts not driving....it's driv-INK. I love to go shopp-INK there.

There's a SNAP Fitness in Holland where I like to work out. Conveniently located RIGHT NEXT TO A LIQUOR STORE. One of my friends asked, "Why is there a fast-food restaurant or a liquor store located right next to every SNAP Fitness?" Good question. Ooohhhh, Charlotte. One of my favorite towns. Had a client there for years.

Sped-you asked what part of MI I'm going to this time. I am actually going to be between Detroit and Flint. Two little towns, Wixom and Howell. I will think of you because I envision sisters Lav and Dill and you and Ladybird shopping at the cute little specialty stores in downtown Howell. You would love Montague. It's right on Lake Michigan and it is soooooo soothing. GREAT place to run. I stay at this quaint little motel right on the harbor. Paper thin walls though. I believe I was hearing some honeymoon sounds coming from the room next door to me the last time I stayed there. :H

Ms. Lav-I have a logistical question for you with regards to flying the little chicks sleeping in their eggs to your house? How do they preserve them? Do they wrap them in bubble-wrap and put them in boxes? I can't imagine. I just love little chicks. They remind me of those little yellow candy chicks you put in Easter baskets. Uh-oh, thinking about FOOD, again.

Well, back to work! I am grateful to be unhung on a beautiful Monday!!!!! I have been focusing on GRATITUDE rather than DEPRIVATION. REALLY WORKS.

[Rusty]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Lav-

Thanks for the new TBGP. Oh good....they're the perfect size...SMALL NATION!:H:H

Shelley-I've never been to South Haven, but I used to go to Grand Haven twice per year. COOL TOWN.....right on Lake Michigan. An hour from Grand Rapids. If you ever need assistance, Rusty Your Tour Director (Remember the TV show, The Love Boat) will help you plan your vacation-as long as you include me in it.

Ugh, back to da paperwork. :-(

Lav and Papmom-I nixed the walk today because my knee started to throb again. Just being cautious. I do NOT need to be on another flight because I'm in pain, bawling my eyes out with a flight attendant handing me ice packs and stuffing Kleenex in my hand.

[rustop61]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Good afternoon everyone

Little later checking in today as hubby was working from home all morning. I am so looking forward to getting back into my routine. I love the name September Serenity. Serenity is something most of us need in our lives. If it's not men driving us crazy its teenagers!!! Thank God for this thread, I am so glad that it is a part of my life.

Chill - thank you for that reading, I must print it off. Am finding both teenagers particularly challenging at the moment.

Rusty - Enjoy Michigen, let us know how you are getting on.

Papmom - Loved the picture of your courgette. We grew them this year and they were huge as well.

Dill - Your parrot sounds like fun, stay strong.

Lav, Star, Sped, Sooty, Cyn and anyone else I missed big hello.

Rustop

[sooty]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Hello gang, we have had the most beautiful weather today so I've been out in it! sunny and warm but not over hot - fab. About 1 or 2 days a year we get it just right and today was one of them!

I hope everyone is having a good Monday and that we have a happy and peaceful week.

I can't believe its nearly September ...where does the time go? I'm happy with september serenity - perhaps the name will be a good omen for those of us who have troublesome people in our lives, I hope so.

Have a good day gang, see you all tomorrow
love Sooty

[Lavande]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Hi Rustop - hope you are having a great Monday (depite the husband & kids) :H

Rusty (ret) Nurse Lav says don't over due that knee!!!!
Have you thought about getting it x-rayed? Maybe you should...........

FYI the chicks are shipped as day old hatchlings - believe it or not!
They are packed tightly together in a box - simple.
I was so afraid they would arrive dead the first time I ordered them but they were fantastic. Apparently they don't need any food or even water the first few days. So, when you get them you are supposed to shove their little beaks into the special vitamin water you have prepared......and they're good to go

Here's the place I get them: McMurray Hatchery

I always buy Buff Orpingtons - very nice birds, good egg layers. They make tremendous girl friends when there is no one else around to talk to :H

Just can't seem to get serious about work today, hmmm

[Lavande]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Hi there Sooty
Enjoy your weather - we are in the midst of heatwave #8!!!!

[Rusty]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Lav-

I checked out the Hatchery. Fascinating! Do they arrive via car or air? Do they get motion sickness? :H Dramamine for chicks....then dip the chicklets beaks in vitamin-enhanced Red Bull and you're all set! They must chirp up a storm when you let them out of the box!

Well, I have arrived in Flint. It's even hotter here than it was when I left Wisconsin. I'm sitting here at Bar Louie eating a salad (no AL.....just club solda). It's right next to Talbot's and Coldwater Creek so I think I shall go spend some of my hard-earned money.

Lav, my knee is better today....but I will spend some time soaking in the hotel pool. That's what really feels good.

Hi Sooty-Forgive me....I have forgotten where you live. In the UK?

Sooty, you mentioned having troublesome people in our lives. Well, September Serenity is perfect because I intend to leap into September with the solitude of knowing I have removed negative forces in my life, and in my serenity, I can accept the changes it will bring. I came to a decision over the weekend that I am going to distance myself from a longtime friend (18 years). He is 82 and he has a biting, short fuse. Star, you have talked about handling things calmly when we are angry but he brings out the WORST in my personality many times. He says something sharp and insensitive to me and I immediately fire back. We share a dog together....and I miss my little dog but I can accept the fact that I probably won't see the dog much if I choose not to have this person in my life. I have pitied this man because because he was my now-deceased best friend's partner of about 30 years, and since she died, he is very lonely (but won't admit it). It is not my problem, though....he has brought this misery of loneliness on himself with the way he has always treated people. Thank you letting me vent, friends. You're the best.

Love,

Rusty

[Rusty]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Hi Rustop,

Sorry I left you out accidentally. I had to Google courgette ;-)

Hope you are well.

Rusty

[Rusty]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Good Morning September Serenity Friends,

I arrived in Wixom safely and the hotel has a lovely fitness room and pool/jacuzzi so I think I will walk on the treadmill and then soak. They are having a heat wave here, too, so I am sure it will be at least 100 degrees on the shop floor.

It's amazing that since I've been AF (or drink in moderation, in some cases) how more positive I've become about my stressful work schedule. I was here at this same client last year and just dreading it. They are very nice people but at the time, I was still feeling the effects of heavy drinking for 3 1/2 years and I struggled quite a bit to be enthusiastic about my work. Now, I am glad to be here, looking forward to a successful week and a great holiday weekend.

Have a great AF day, everyone!

xoxox

Rusty

[Stargazerlily]

AF AUGUST - WEEK 5

Good morning MWO friends.

Rusty, it is so true that certain people can bring out the worst in a person. I know that there are some people at work like that , so I just stay away from them as much as possible, and if I have to be around them, say as little as possible. Now, if it is a relative, I have a repetoire of things to say. "Why would you say something like that?" Why would you want to know how much it costs?" What a lovely thing to say to me." I often attempt to put it back on them. How do all of you handle situtations with difficult people?

I woke up late so have to go. Have an AF day.