October Optimism - week 1

[Stargazerlily]

October Optimism - week 1

Good morning to all.

Rusty, I get teased because I am known as an early bird. In reality, I love getting up early, a time to spend time on the computer, read the newspaper, and just take my time before a day at work. In the evening, I am just tired, like LBH and Dill. Alcohol did fuel my evenings, for a time, then I would lay down and be out. I don't miss that pattern. Rusty, you made a comment that you felt you don't fit and I wondered what you meant? I too love formal dinner servings, it was more the getting up tight about it that struck me as unneccessary. I have just never had a dining room and my particular forte with entertaining is outdoors. IN the warm weather of course. But I love how we are all our unique selves, with our own histories and memories. That is what makes this thread so interesting. I think I rebelled against formality, because I grew up with it. I would give anything to have a formal dinner with my mother...

Sped, can't wait to hear the details, but take your time with your memories. We will be waiting to hear the specifics.

Chill, you are so lucky to have time to cycle and be outside. It was a beautiful fall day here today, in the 60's and sunny, but I was working all day, so only enjoyed the beauty through the windows. I have already had a fire for the last few days and it is so cozy and enjoyable. I hope to have time to walk this weekend as the gorgeous fall weather is supposed to continue. Fall, in my opinion, makes it worthwhile to live in the midwest. October can be particularly spectacular with the crisp air and vivid color of the leaves. Cyn, how nice for you to have a little rain and a break from the heat.

Dill, thanks for the thoughts on Gratitude. Being grateful and perceiving the world with a grateful heart changes everything. I know that when I drink the anxiety and depression push out any gratitude and I look at the cup as half empty. There is no room for gratitude in a life full of alcohol. I was thinking, we only have room for so much in our lives....do we fill iour cup with booze, shame, guilt, anxiety, depression, selfishness, sickness, regrets or do we begin to put sunshine, gratitude, thankfulness, peace, giving, kindness, thoughtfulness, healthful living, love, and laughter into our cup. Reading these threads it appears that as soon as we choose to be AF, we begin to fill our life with good things because we have room for them.

PA, hope you sleep better and have a great day.

SD, so great to have you checking in and feeling better every day.

LBH, what movie did you and your husband choose? Last night my family watched something about 2012, and the end of the world. I hate stuff like that. I read a book by Anne Rice.

Feeling good today, have a busy day at work. I am so grateful to have a job and a family that I love, all AF. Sending you all a day filled with peace and thankfulness.

[Chillgirl]

October Optimism - week 1

Good Morning fellow Optimists

Paguy - I hope you slept well

LBH - I guess Im a "picnic" girl

SD - Im glad the fog is lifting, I was amazed to find I had a brain in there after the AL had gone!

Cyn - Your description of the clouds was awesome! I could see them in my head.... beautiful!

Sooty - A china cup does make a cup of tea or coffee taste better although its been I while since I had one.

Rustop - :l Birthdays and anniversaries do stir up all sorts of emotions, I hope your daughter has a wonderful and special day.

Star - I LOVE getting up early too, there is something special about experiencing the day when others are still asleep, like extra stolen time...

I have been learning a lot about 2012 over the last few years and believe its a time for awakening. All the financial crisis's and natural disasters are all a shift to allow us to choose a better way forward in life. I more compassionate one and less material. I truely feel optimistic about our future as if we carry on the way we were going we will destroy ourselves and our planet. I can see so many people moving towards a more spiritual way of life and it is accelerating on a huge scale.

I had a day off from the gym today after my cycle yesterday and enjoyed a long walk in the countryside with my dog instead, our autumn is cool mornings, hot days of around 75f then very cold evenings, pretty much perfect

[Rusty]

October Optimism - week 1

Good Morning Everyone,

Rusty The Silly O'Clock member slept into today....until 5. Now I have to scramble to get in a workout before work. I won't be able to post my usual long-winded thoughts for the morning.

Shelley-I am so glad the wedding was wonderful. Looking forward to the details.

Star and Chill-I was making a joke....I was responding to RB's situation with her BF on another thread and it was obvious that one member disagreed with my response....and then when I posted that I love entertaining formally, suddenly I thought, "oh wow, my outspoken opinion has gotten me into trouble again!:H I would make another joke about that but I don't know...I think my jokes are going over like lead balloons these days.
Not on this thread....in life in general. But that's ok. I'm laughing as I write this.

Must run now. Have a great AF day everyone!

xoxo

[paguy]

October Optimism - week 1

Good Morning Friends.

Getting a good night?s sleep has made a world of difference for me so far today. It is so much more pleasurable for me to wake up and be able to ?ease on into the day? and have quiet time for me, my cup of coffee, my computer, and my 4-legged little pal who is curled up against me right now. Star ? I am like you ? I really am an early bird and enjoy my morning time.

I have my mother?s china in a cupboard in the basement. When it is time for me to host our family Thanksgiving dinner, it is my tradition to haul it upstairs so we can put it on the table. Similar to what you said, Cyn, it?s a way for me to connect to my parents and for me, that is the tradition of Thanksgiving. Sort of ties into the gratefulness theme. I am so thankful and grateful for having had very loving parents. I really do miss them very much.

I just thought of something that made me chuckle. When I was drinking, I always insisted on drinking my vodka out of one of our Waterford crystal glasses. This would drive my partner CRAZY (who thinks the crystal should be for display purposes only). I just had in my mind that it ?tasted better? or perhaps it made me feel ?more special? drinking out of crystal. I am sure a therapist would love to get me on a couch to analyze that one :H:H

Cyn ? we have had plenty of rain here in the Mid-Atlantic over the past couple of days, which is pretty typical for this time of year. It is feeling very cold and damp. We tried to turn our furnace on last night for the first time and it just wouldn?t kick in. We could hear it starting up but the blower (we have gas hot air heat) never came on. Looks like a service call will be necessary.

Rustop ? I don?t have children but have watched 4 nieces grow into lovely women. The time seems to pass so quickly. I hope you have a happy celebration this evening.

Yes, it is hump day again! Hope everyone has a peaceful day?.

[papmom3]

October Optimism - week 1

Good Morning everyone!!
this month is getting along swimmingly with all the optimism and gratefulness being passed around.
Sped-can't wait to hear all about the wedding weekend but yes, take your time.
Rusty-you SO belong belong on this thread. I know you were just joking but if there were any doubts lingering......
Rustop-I remember how proud but nostalgic to the point of tears I was last year when my oldest nephew and godchild turned 18. I had just started my road to sobriety and I was feeling very vulnerable and raw. I wanted him to be 5 again. anything but a young man finishing his senior year of HS and deciding which college to go to.
Star-your post this morning was beautiful!
Cyn-I too could visulize the clouds in my mind. Rare events in nature like that are almost too much to take in!!
Chill-how fun! Now you have a whole nother group of people to hang out with!! Your day so far sounds heavenly!!
Dill-that quote was wonderful!! I need to print it out or find a way to copy and paste it to my phone on a post it app!!
John-you are too funny with the vodka in the crystal tumbler!! I bet your thanksgiving dinners are to die for and wouldn't mind an invite LOL!!
Hi LBH, G, RB, Lav and anyone else stopping by.

When I first bought my house in the mid 90s, I hosted Thanksgiving and Easter every year for 10 years. I had inherited my Mom's china even tho she was still living and I adored setting the table with the china and crystal and silver. I took pride in finding just the right centerpiece every year and buying little "favors" for everyone. Now mind you, if it's just me I have no problem eating out of the can :H. Once I got my dogs, my entertaining days were over. My sister is way too allergic and the dogs just couldn't stand being locked in the bedroom when there were so many hands to lick and laps to lay in. I sort of miss those day but I realize I have other focuses now. My sister and brother take turns with the hosting and I enjoy being the guest now. Esp when we get to go out to Western MA for thanksgiving. There's something about a walk in the woods before dinner in the crisp fall air and the aniticipation after of gathering around the table for a wonderful meal.

Have a wonderfully optimistic day everyone!!

:l

[Gaia]

October Optimism - week 1

Hello Optimists!

Hope you don't mind my dropping in. I just read John's post about the crystal, and Papmom's too, and was thinking about special things we use. I think it's beautiful to use these things! Although it can be such a pain to wash them by hand the next morning or at the end of the night. I can tell you it's a lot better washing them sober than doing it feeling like a dog's body.

We had a dinner party a few weekends ago and I claimed the most beautiful wine goblet for myself. I deserve to drink my sparkling water out of something beautiful! I made ginger tea and drank it out of my wine goblet. It was heavenly. There's something about holding the stem in the palm which feels good, feels elegant, and special.

Once, before we moved, I was in a very nice Michelin star restaurant for our leaving dinner. I insisted that the waiter pour sparkling water into my wine glass so that could have one too. He tried arguing, but I told him that it gave me pleasure, so how could he continue to protest?

AL doesn't deserve crystal, it goes better with a paper cup or a brown bag.

My morning thoughts!

[dill]

October Optimism - week 1

Cyn, I loved your entire post this morning, from the description of the clouds, to the concept of gratitude/mindfulness, and then the china perspective. If I had thought of china as a link to my parents/ grandparents I would have cherished it much more. Thank you for your perspective.
SD, I’m glad you are feeling the positives. It is so great to watch our favorite programs sober. You can actually talk about them the next day at work, knowing what you’re talking about, not trying to pick up bits and pieces from listening to the conversation.
Star, I so love your thoughts on filling our AF time with goodness. You speak so well and from the heart. I sometimes have to go back and reread your posts. Today’s will definitely be revisited.
Rustop, I understand the emotionality of the moment. You’re little girl is grown. It is the time as parents that we begin to see ourselves walking off center stage as the younger generation steps up to it.
Chill, I wonder what 2012 will bring. I like your version and hope it is realized. We on this thread are certainly doing our best to bring light to our worlds.
Sooty, it’s good you’re busy, I guess. Have you been able to keep up with your meditation practice?
LBH, I think that’s wonderful that your mother made your mealtimes special on a daily basis. It was a way of showing love. I love hearing about every body’s various life experiences. Growing up, we had family meals when Dad would get home from work, around 6pm. We all sat around the kitchen table, on a daily basis. We used fine china and the dining room for special occasions. Our everyday dishes were nice though! Mom loved Fiesta ware. She also loved the Three Tenors. I just thought of that.
Sped, I hope your foot feels better soon.
Rusty, you most definitely fit in on this thread! :h What are you even thinking?!!!
Paguy, I am sure my wine tasted better in my crystal stemless wine glasses. There is definitely something to that. I'm sure if I poured my cranberry juice in them the flavor would be enhanced as well!
Hello G., Rebirth, Lav and all to come.

I am enjoying listening to The Help and find it hard to turn off my Ipod to go into work!! One day maybe I'll own a wireless Ipod with teeny "invisible" ear buds and no one will know I'm listening to it! Kind of like when I was a kid and would try to hide my books under my desk so I could read during classes.

Happy Hopeful Humpday!

[dill]

October Optimism - week 1

Hi Gaia! Cross post. Good to see you.

[dill]

October Optimism - week 1

Papmom! Cross-post!! Glad you liked that quote.

[Chillgirl]

October Optimism - week 1

All this talk of drinking vessels is fascinating!

I personally had to drink AL from the finest glasses, heavy crystal for my gin & tonic and I had an alsortment of the most beautiful glasses for wine and champagne. Can you believe that was one of my concerns at the time when I gave up drinking, that these glasses wouldnt be used anymore on a daily basis, Like it really mattered!!!

A friend suggested I have my non AL drinks in them but it never feels right to me and that cupboard stays closed unless I have guests. I no longer need that ritual and its actually quite cathartic to give up my beautiful glasses like shedding my previous life. I use regular kitchen glasses now for my water and juices and couldnt be happier

[Lavande]

October Optimism - week 1

Happy Humpday everyone!

Same with me Chill, no fancy glasses for me, no need!

Slept like a rock despite the news I received yesterday. An old friend of mine just had bilateral mastectomies for in situ breast cancer. She's a year younger than I am. Her Mom died from breast cancer many years ago so that why she chose such agressive surgery. My heart absolutely sunk yesterday when she called. And to top off the day my daughter tells me she's on bedrest for a few days due to a lot of pelvic pain. This happens during some pregnancies but I feel for her.

I need to go do something to improve my mood quickly. Distraction is the key........
Wishing everyone a great AF Humpday!
Lav

[rebirth]

October Optimism - week 1

SD- heart of palm risotto. Sounds very intriguing? It’s lovely to hear your enthusiasm. What I love about my sobriety is that I get things done! I use to think that I never had time but that’s because I spend it drinking! Madness eh.

Chill – I have been exercising the past few weeks and I feel much better for it. I use to be too groggy and tired when I was drinking during the week. Now I get up naturally just before 7 and I am doing a kickboxing workout in front of my tv. My son thinks I am so cool cause I am jumping around doing karate chops. It’s a nice moment for the two of us…

Cyn – I also love everyday things. Infact one of my pleasures is to potter around the house or cook a delicious meal for my family or friends, pulling weeds out, planting stuff in the garden, scooping out the poop in the litter tray (Joking.lol), throwing bread into the garden for the squirrels.

Rustop – Aww. Your post made me emotional as my son will turn 18 one day and hopefully all of my family will be there for the celebration.But my sister is very poorly and I doubt she will live that long.

P3- I am really enjoying the time I have with my son as everyone says how fast it goes. When I read him a story at night and he cuddles up to me, my cat at my feet..I want to capture this moment forever. I feel so complete and at peace. I am aware that my days are numbered..

Sped- how was the wedding?

Gaia – Was thinking the same about getting myself a very special goblet for my water. My water deserves it! I remember looking at my gorgeous wine goblets and thinking that I will have no use for them. It use to make me feel sad. Now I look at them and I feel that they are taking up cupboard space…still cant seem to remove them from the cupboard as yet.

Lav – When it rains , it pours...Life can be challenging at times. Sending you a lot of inner strength today. x

Hi Star, Sooty, Lbh, John, Dill, Mr G

And RUSTY! You are fabulous! Kewl! Awesome! Wonderful!

[spedteach]

October Optimism - week 1

Good morning everyone,
Finally I get to sit down and write something. Have had a houseful of my youngest son and his friends this morning. They were fortifying themselves with breakfast burritos before heading out to watch the hot air balloons take off. First week in October is the International Balloon Fiesta. Hundreds of balloons from all over the world take off every morning for 9 days.

The wedding was like a wedding that followed a recipe out of a wedding cook book. Every step was followed perfectly and what you get is a very formal, very expensive but kind of generic wedding. To me it was so traditional that it didn't seem to have much personality. I think of all the planning, anxiety, and expense put into this event that only lasted a few hours. I am not a wedding person.
What was wonderful was spending time with friends and family in Santa Fe. Walking around the historic plaza, building fires in our hotel room fireplaces, lounging around a beautiful courtyard, drinking coffee and eating left over wedding cake the morning after. To have so many people I love in one beautiful place was amazing. Guess that's what weddings are for.

I leave NM in one week. Off to Denver to run at least a half marathon and then east to Indiana. My husband acts as if there's nothing amiss. After my midwestern winter experience, I guess we will have to talk about what to do with the house, the marriage. Right now I'm relying on the one day at a time philosophy big time. Today I need to take my son shopping for some "grown up" clothes. Tomorrow I work, 4th grade.

I love all this talk about dishes, entertaining. I love to eat and love to cook and love beautiful dishes that don't necessarily have to match. It doesn't happen that often around here but the wedding gave me a good reason to prepare and serve some nice meals and yes I got into the china cabinet to dig around for some extra serving bowls.

Cyn, congrtas on the rainfall! As one desert dweller to another, I know how rain starved we can become. And your cloud description was superb.

Chill, I envy your optimism. Seeing the world as improving is something I can't pull off right now. Your climate sounds just like mine.

Lav, I can just see you in your kitchen with your farm attire and chicken poop. I'm ready to come visit.

Rebirth and Rustop, rest assured. Even though they grow up mine will always be "the kids" or "the boys" to me.

Pay, glad you slept better. Sending some patience your way.

Star, hope I'm not too late for fall in the Midwest. It was wonderful sending my best friends back to Chicago and being able to say I'll see you in a couple of weeks. Chicago's only a couple of hours from my son's place in Indiana.

Dill, you take it easy. I know how stressful special education can get.

Everyone else, Sooty, SD, Gala,LBH, have a good Wednesday.

PS: My house is so full of beer and wine right now, left over from the wedding. I was never even tempted during the wedding. Cooking for a crowd in the days following was tough though. All my cooking assistants had beautiful goblets of red wine while they chopped and chatted. That's when I missed it.

[rebirth]

October Optimism - week 1

Sped you did so amazingly well not to drink. You are an inspiration! I loved how you described the wedding, and the morning after (especially the wedding cake bit. I love cake). I bet you made some really nice meals for the wedding.

hmmm. I think I am hungry

[Guitarista]

October Optimism - week 1

Chillgirl;974867 wrote: All this talk of drinking vessels is fascinating!

I personally had to drink AL from the finest glasses, heavy crystal for my gin & tonic and I had an alsortment of the most beautiful glasses for wine and champagne. Can you believe that was one of my concerns at the time when I gave up drinking, that these glasses wouldnt be used anymore on a daily basis, Like it really mattered!!!

A friend suggested I have my non AL drinks in them but it never feels right to me and that cupboard stays closed unless I have guests. I no longer need that ritual and its actually quite cathartic to give up my beautiful glasses like shedding my previous life. I use regular kitchen glasses now for my water and juices and couldnt be happier

Kitchen glasses??! Well, remind me never to come over to your place for a lime and soda then. :H

Wishing everyone a safe, sober, and fabulous week.