September Serenity - Week 1

[cyntree]

September Serenity - Week 1

G'morning, all. Just lost a long post, so will just say now thanks for all the energy - wonderful! Have a beautiful day -- the dogs are anxious for their walk -- more soon.

[Lavande]

September Serenity - Week 1

Good morning all! Happy Labor Day!

Lav here finally checking in - so much to read this morning Everyone sounds wonderful, I love it!

John, wishing you good luck tomorrow & I'm wondering - what time is dinner? Your prepared meals sound absolutely delicious

Dinner went well last night. Mr Lav here along with our son, DIL & EB grandson. The little guy was especially happy to see Pop. I'm happy that Mr Lav is putting forth an effort although I do observe some continuing inner struggle. Whatever is going on with him is entirely his issue. We never did any fighting or arguing, nothing like that. He told me 15 years ago when all the BS started that he felt he was 'spiraling out of control'. I tried to coax him into talking to someone then but he wouldn't hear it.
I'm going to continue on my path. If he wants to join in - fine. If he doesn't, that will be his decision.

Yes, the cooler weather here has been a bonus. Cyn & Shelley, I hope you are not roasting. Rustop, I imagine the wet weather is pretty typical this time of year for you. Chill, your little pool is cute!!! We had a pool at our last house - I didn't want to put one in here although I have tons of room for one.
Dill, today would be a good boat day Rusty, glad you are enjoying your family this weekend. Yesterday was the 24th anniversary of my Mom's passing, I still miss her so much.

Not sure what I'm doing today - I'll figure it out as I go along!
Wishing everyone a peaceful AF Monday.
Lav

[papmom3]

September Serenity - Week 1

Hey Chill-be prepared for visitors :H!! That shot of your pool made my day. I'm so happy for you that you have it to swim and soak in whenever you need a little water therapy. Life has indeed handed you some lemons but you are making the sweetest lemonade!! Do you let little doggie swim with you?

PAguy-you have been one busy chef and good on you!! I love the idea of the little scooter so you won't be totally housebound or dependent on others for the whole six weeks. Here's one idea for the scooter's name: Serenity Sam. Your meals sound so delish and so simple!! Can you post the shrimp one in the recipe section?

Sped-glad you had a good time in the mountains. That hike sounded glorious!! I love fall just for that reason.

Hi Dill, G, Rusty Lav, and anyone else who pops in.

Had an interesting day at the herding trial. It took me an hour to set up the Xpens and shade cloth so that my doggies could be comfortable and safe out of their crates. My friend kept her dogs in their crates the whole day except for little walks at the end. I'm feeling a bit judgemental about that. Soon after we got there she gave me the bad news that the clambake was actually the night before and we missed. The good news (not sure I agree with that assessment) was that they saved our lobsters for us (frozen). I paid her $30 for the clambake so that was the most expensive lobster I've ever had. I haven't even unwrapped the tinfoil so see how big it is. I'm very angry at her lack of preparedness, organization etc. She was supposed to call the guy in charge 3 weeks ago to see if there were even any lobsters left. I asked her 3 times if she had called and each time "oh, not yet". had she called they would have reminded her it was on Sat. nite this year. They also tried to call her Friday nite but used the cell phone # she keeps "forgetting" to put minutes on. The woman has 3 cell phones and no one knows which number to call. So bottom line, no clambake for us, just $30 worth of frozen lobster.
She also kept promising to introduce me to her herding friends. Also didn't happen. I only heard one person address her by name. And once again I was left to set up the site and take it down all by myself. And once again she didn't get the Element filled up with gas the nite before like she promised. And once again her yard is filled with trash and poop and her house is gross even tho she told me her kitchen and one room had been cleaned. Not true. And once again she keeps talking about getting another herding dog to work. She doesn't work the ones she has!! She hasn't trialed or taken lessons in years! I'm trying so hard to find the good in this woman. so far it is the fact that she loves my devil dog and would take him in a second if something happened to me. I know she loves her family and grandchildren. She was taken advantage something awful by her oldest granddaughter and finally kicked her out of the house but I know she'll be back. She didn't even take all her clothes!! This woman isn't a threat to my sobriety-she doesn't drink at all. But her approach to life is so different from mine. So many of the things I value she doesn't-clean house, neat yard, keeping promises, being a team player etc. I do have selfish motivations by keeping a friendship with her in regards to my dog (if I can't get a kennel license by next March she'll take DD and get him his rabies shot in her town where she has a kennel license), but I also keep hoping some of my values will rub off on her. How can she be happy living in the filth she does? And in the debt she has? I constantly find myself critisizing her and I hate it.
I'm heading out to a local large fair with her in a few hours. I almost thought about cancelling but it's a gorgeous day and as long as I'm home by 4 I can still do some of the things around here I need to do. I'm going to try very hard not to be critical and to see the good in her. it's just so frustrating.
Thanks all for letting me rant and rave. One of these days the answer will come to me.

:l :l

[Stargazerlily]

September Serenity - Week 1

I'm back!!!

What a crazy few days. Thursday was spent driving in pouring rain, but reaching my daughter's house by noon. We then drove a half hour to the wedding destination, dropped off necessary items, then checked into the hotel. Then, to the airport to pick up relatives, back to the hotel, then a female relative and I prepared for the rehearsal party, and were still setting up when they all arrived. The night turned out so beautiful, the food was great, and the party was a success. I realized that people stress out about what others think, and really it does not matter. My daughter forgot the napkins for the cake, and kind of freaked out. She later went and bought some, and we joked about it later. I mean, who really cares or notices what color they are? The young people in the wedding party were amazing. I looked in the fridge and there were about 28 beers. They were not even gone by the end of the evening. This group likes to have one or two, but they are into other things.

The wedding day. I was invited to spend the afternoon with the female bridal party. I dressed beforehand and arrived ready to go. The young women were fun, I zipped them up, gave advice (only if asked) and just enjoyed. My daughter was truly so beautiful, I teared up. Luckily, I had my box of kleenex handy, and shared them when needed. Then we had time, so someone suggested we tell my daughter why we loved her. More kleenex. Then, people would come down to say high, and tears all over again. It was high emotion for hours. The weather again was PERFECT, and the wedding so beautiful. It was outside, and just the right amount of time. The groom had tears in his eyes, he is so in love. Very satisfactory for a new mother in law.

The reception was fun, again, minimal drinking from the bridal party. They were into dance, and danced for hours. So did I. It was so fun. We were so happy. I enjoyed myself so much. Afterwards, some of the guys wanted to drink, and went out by themselves, with a DD. I organized a girl party in one of the hotel rooms. We did not drink of course, sat around and talked for an hour or so.

The next morning, the hotel had complimentary breakfast, and we sat with groups of people for hours, laughing, rehashing the evening, and the party continued. It was a small wedding, just the people who love them. It was beautifully arranged, and they did what they wanted to. The best man wore tennis shoes. I loved it. They were all who they are, no putting on a show, just looking their best, celebrating the start of a new family, committing to each other for life in front of the world.

I am so happy that I was sober, there in every sense of the word. Felt great on Saturday, just tired. Finally, Monday, and I feel myself. It is hard to be so emotional for days and days. It is a relief to just relax, get stuff done around the house, read good books, and eat healthy food. It is hard to have it over with though, after looking forward to the event for months. We all need something to anticipate.

Rebirth, loved your picture. You new kitty is cute and your son is darling, loving his new pet. I always get my cats declawed, front paws only. It is instinct to use their claws. I know some people think this is cruel, but my cats (4) are all indoor kitties and would destroy my house.

Dill, love the daily readings you post, they are so helpful.

Chill, you are brave to go to a psychic, I did before and felt kind of scared. I was told generalities, and nothing bad. Your future sounds hopeful. It is OK to be around people having a couple drinks, but not drunks, as they get obnoxious and pushy. I loved the picture of your pool, how relaxing.

Lav, good to hear Mr. Lav is coming around, but please protect yourself. From other posts, he appears to go in cycles, keeping you spinning around. It is hard to be moody, and hard to live with moody people. I don't know if you ever get used to it.

Rusty, you sound so good. I appreciated that you told us the story of your old business partner drinking too much, leaving you to clean up his mess, not realizing it, and so showing no insight into your not wanting to work with him. It is kind of a shame you can't tell him the truth. You drank too much and I had to cover for you, so I don't want to work with you again. I had an old friend call me last night, sharing that her teen told her she has had it with her drinking. She asked me what I thought. I was honest with her, about my own drinking and being honest. Then told her to listen to her child, be willing to stop. She justified her drinking, minimized it, and was angry. So, was it worth it to be honest? I had to be. She asked me. She is just not there yet.

Hello to Cyn, LBH, Paguay, Guitarita, Rustop, Sooty, Sped and any and all others. Good to be back.

[rebirth]

September Serenity - Week 1

Argh! I cant keep up with all these posts. Just a quick hello! Had a very busy weekend so I couldnt spend alot of time on the computer. Will post properly when i have some time

Paguy I know you are having your operation so I wish you a successful one this time. Dont forget your virtual nurses are here. x

[ladybirdheart]

September Serenity - Week 1

Goodness, PA, you certainly prepare for things exactly the way I do. I think there is medication for that but lets not take it:H. Your partner is very fortunate that you discovered one another for many reasons including your cooking, and if he is like Lord Bird Heart, you would be in bed eating take out during your recovery and end up too fat to walk when you do heal. Your Scooter sounds adorable. Papi, what a lousy and disappointing day you had, I imagine you looked forward to that late summer New England clambake very much. You clearly love your little Devil Dog very much and I know what it is like to worry about the future of our pets. Perhaps that 30.00 frozen lobster can turn into a really good bisque? Dill, I think you will like The Help. I have had the print version for months but waited for an audio copy from the library after I read how remarkably well done it is. I have listened to a third of it and am glad I waited (I was originally #79 on the list for eight copies....). Shelley your house sounds as though it will be lively and fun and so what weddings can be about in the best of times. Like Star?s. Thanks for the good kind of tears, Star. Cyn, I also get the New York Times daily from Lord Bird Heart even though it is the homepage on my computer. Rusty, thank you for the poem and for your observations as usual, and Chill I am attempting to respond with loving kindness just like you and Lav in those circumstances that try what passes for my soul. Hi Rebirth, Sooty, Rustop et. al. Love, Ladybird.

[momof3]

September Serenity - Week 1

Best Wishes tomorrow John,

Could you tell me the exact time of your surgery so I can be thinking of yah and sending you lots of postive, healing thoughts during that very moment?

M3

[Guitarista]

September Serenity - Week 1

Greeting's folk's!

Just a quick flybye. Best wishes with your operation John!
Ladybird, wow! What a wedding. Congratulation's to you and your daughter and family.

Have a safe, sober, and magical day/evening all.

[papmom3]

September Serenity - Week 1

John, I too will be thinking of you all day. Is there anyway your partner can let us know you came through the surgery OK if you are not able to?
I don't know if you were still drinking when you had your first surgery but I just wanted to let you know that by being AF now, your recovery will be so much better. I learned the hard way 2 years ago when I had my second wrist surgery. The first surgery I was a good girl and probably didn't drink at all the whole week before it. The second time I not only drank for 2 weeks before the surgery, I drank the night before. Well, they said nothing after 10pm right? So I finished my last glass of wine right at 10pm. My surgery wasn't until 2pm the next day. I'm sure I was a little hungover, definitely dehydrated and god knows what my blood alcohol level was. All I know is that I was one sick puppy after surgery. They almost had to keep me overnite that's how bad it was. Personally I think they should have but that would have meant working beyond their shift to get me admitted as they waited until the very last minute to make the decision and the unit was closing down for the nite. Anyway, I am 100% sure it was my drinking the nite before that caused such a reaction. And yet it took 2 more years for me to realize I had a problem!! Be safe John and may the surgery be a resounding success and your recovery not too painful. :l

[Chillgirl]

September Serenity - Week 1

Hi Mr G always nice when you drop by......

Paguy - I will be thinking of you tomorrow and sending you some special Chill positive vibes, I was thinking Footloose as a name for your scooter....

Papmom - if you want to continue to have this person in your life you will find it so much easier if you can try to accept her for who she is, it's very unlikely she will suddenly become organized, tidy and clean and it will save you a whole lot of frustration. I think its a great idea next time you are with her concentrate on all her good qualities.

Star! What a wedding.... It sounds like it went perfectly and so wonderful that you enjoyed it in total sobriety! I'm so happy for you :l

Lav - staying unwaveringly on your own path is definitely the way to go!

I met my best friend for a quick drink tonight as she goes back to Scotland tomorrow, we were big partners in our drinking crime days and she still drinks. She got all tearful saying goodbye and told me she was so proud of me and that I was her biggest inspiration.... this meant so much to me coming from her.

Anyway :bedtime: for me, goodnight my serene friends.

[Lavande]

September Serenity - Week 1

Wow!

Mr G & Raven both stopped by this weekend - aren't we lucky :h

Chill, I just mentioned your name on the Daily thread. The discussion was about tapping. I've used it several times since you first told us about it - it works

My Battenberg lace samples are turning out nice - anyone need a doily or two :H

[paguy]

September Serenity - Week 1

Thanks so much everyone for your thoughtfulness and good wishes for my surgery tomorrow. I have to 'check in' at 9am so my surgery should be around 10am. The procedure is supposed to be 1 to 1 1/2 hours so I am expecting to be home by 3pm at the latest (it's an hour drive to the surgery center from my home).

I will get on and post a message as soon as I am able. Not sure what to expect tomorrow evening but I think I will be in an altered state of mind :H

Practiced getting up the steps today on my rear-end as that is what I'll be doing once I get home tomorrow. It was a success!!

Thanks again, everyone. You are all AWESOME!

John :h

[Rusty]

September Serenity - Week 1

Hi John,

Getting up the steps on your rear-end, OMG!!!! Talk about having buns of steel when you're done recovering!:H

If your partner can let someone here know how the surgery went, that would be just great! You have a lot of friends here who will be thinking of you tomorrow. Hopefully you can sleep well and they'll be able to give you some pain meds so you won't be suffering. :l

Take care, John.

Good-night, dear friend.

Rusty

[sooty]

September Serenity - Week 1

Morning gang, sorry didn't manage to get on yesterday, i was really busy and daughter using my laptop for college work so by the time I could log on it was too late and I was too tired! You were in my thoughts though as always.

John good luck with the op, hope all goes well, lots of positive vibes coming across the ocean to you.

Weather here now absolutely horrid, the sunshine long gone and rain and winds ripping round - we've probably got the tail end of a hurricane or something - I do wish you'd keep them to yourselves :H

Have a good day everyone, hopefully catch up with you all later
love sooty

[rustop61]

September Serenity - Week 1

Good morning all

Like you Sooty we had a dreadful day here yesterday. However, today is much better and I managed to get my walk in so am a happy camper. Sometimes real life takes over but I am thinking of you all and look forward to the daily posts.

Star - your daughters wedding sounded amazing. So glad that you got to enjoy it AF and be fully present, no regrets.

John - Good luck with the operation, sending you positive vibes.

Everyone else big hello. Met with two friends for coffee yesterday morning and it turned into lunch so whole day was gone. Have to catch up today and have a long to do list written.

Rustop