November Nuturing - Week 2

[Chillgirl]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Good morning guys, a quick hello from me as I want to get a half hour in the gym before work....

Rebirth - relocating to a better position sounds like a great idea if you can afford it, make sure you try to beat them down with the rent, in these times there always must be good deals to be had. I admire you so much for doing all this yourself and sober!

Lav - mi Mom :l these are the moments when we realize what its all about

Thank you all for you words of encouragement, I feel I'm not walking in there alone today but with my entire MWO entourage, where on earth are we all going to sit :H

I will check in later.......

[sooty]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Morning gang, sorry couldn't get on yesterday, daughter using laptop all evening to complete a job application - by the time she'd finished it was bedtime and I was just tooooo tired.

SD hope you're ok my dear, please know that we're thinking of you.

Chill good luck with the job. I know first days are nerve wracking but you can do it girl cos you can do anything.

Haven't got time to stay now, just wanted to wish you all well on this cold, wet and windy Tuesday.

Keep safe everyone
love Sooty

[Rusty]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Hi Everyone,

Quick check in from Fremont, OH. I wish I had time to address everyone, but just wanted to say to SD-please check in and let us know how we can help.

Chill-good luck on the new job!

Rebirth-you are wise to think about a new location.

Lav-isn't life worth living when a 2-year old thanks you and loves you unconditionally....especially a boy! ;-)

John-I don't do Powerball. As much as I joke about it, I am a practicing Catholic most Sundays and we have an excellent young priest who does give meaningful homilies. Our Sunday night Mass is absolutely packed with a lot of young people.

Must run now....have a wonderful AF day!

[Stargazerlily]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Good morning to all.

Chill, best wishes on your first day. It is wonderful that you are starting this new job, you will do great, and it is normal to be nervous. Change is so hard. That is why I have stayed in my current job even though at times things are difficult. We are here for you and I know you will do great. Peace and strength sent to you.

PAPmom, wow, six months. That is an accomplishment. You have made so many changes, and I remember reading the struggles you have been kind enough to share with us, to help us on our journey.

SD, when reading about your work situation, all I can think of is, what a mess. Stress will take you to places you do not want to go. A week long headache sounds like stress. I wonder if you could take a few sick days and go to the doctor? Keep on posting and let us support you.

PA and dill, I went to mass on Sunday, a new/old parish in a different town, and it was what dill described, ritual, peace, history, and way differently, this priest was loving and kind. He finished it up in 50 minutes, had a meaningful but short sermon, and it was refreshing. The Catholic church I tried to go to has a priest who is just plain mean and hateful. I can't go there anymore. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I feel bad for us Catholics who just want to find a home in the church, but feel pushed out and negative energy from the priests and their outdated beliefs: birth control, sexuality, divorce, inferiority of women.

I had a tough weekend. I am just in a difficult place in my life physically, mentally, financially, and emotionally. I am so tired, I ache. I really need time off, but being at home is no longer a place of peace for me. I am saying NO to my DS (difficult son) but putting up with his drama is something I no longer want to do. So, ODAT, and off to work.

Hello to Rusty, Lav, Dill, Guitarista, SD, Sooty, Rustop, LBH, and everyone else who visits this thread. Have a positive AF day.

[dill]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Compliance isn't acceptance
Honesty
We are sometimes mystified when people come into AA program, respond to its message for months or years, and then disappear, seemingly without a trace. Later, we may be shocked to learn that they're drinking again.
While we have no way of knowing the real reason, on possible explanation is that they were practicing compliance without really accepting the program. The danger of compliance is that it may simply be an outward show of working the program while leaving one's real thoughts and feelings unchanged.
At the same time, we often urge people to practice what is really only a form of compliance. We tell them, for example, to "bring the body" to meetings in the belief that the heart will follow. This does little good if one's heart does not follow!
The only solution is to continue the difficult but rewarding search for honesty in all things. When we examine ourselves honestly, we will recognize when we are truly accepting and when we are merely complying.

This reading speaks to our ongoing conversation over the months on this thread about acceptance. Some of us are STILL working on it, most notably, me. I thought I'd share. (Disclaimer: I am not in AA. I am simply using this passage as a reflection on my own personal experience at working toward sobriety.)

Red, I feel for you. I know how important peace in the home is. Find yourself a safe spot for the time being and light yourself a candle there. I can relate to your struggles with your son, although mine are of a slightly different nature. I am so worried about him and his financial situation. I feel so hopeless for him.

Chill, let us know how your first day goes!

Rusty, I've never been to Fremont. How long are you there? We are having some great weather this week in Ohio. Hope you get to enjoy some of it.

Sooty, I'm always glad when you stop by. I think it is time for you to buy yourself a new laptop and give your old one to your daughter so you can be online whenever you want!

Cyn, I hope Chill's post brings you to week two! We're here! You are not alone in the wilderness. Nurture yourself!!!! I don't want to hear that you are depleted. You need your strength for this journey.:h

[rustop61]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Good morning everyone

I want to start off by saying :goodjob: Papmom on your 6 months. I did not get a chance to post yesterday. It's a pleasure to be sharing this journey with you.

SD - Hope you are ok, check in with us if you get a chance. LBH - Beautiful words as usual.

Chill - Good luck with you new job today and you Rebirth with your re-location.

Lav - You are so lucky to have EB in your life, enjoy.

Paguy, Rusty, Dill and Star - I too am a practicing catholic. I dont go every week and I apply the AA philosophy of take the best and leave the rest. I dont agree with everything but do find some peace and comfort there at times.

Everyone else big hello. Miserable morning here but did manage to get my walk in. Tonight is the last night of my meditation classes. The 8 weeks absolutely flew. I have to do something about fitting it into my day every day. Sometimes it is just too busy and being honest sometimes I'm just too lazy.

Rustop

[Lavande]

November Nuturing - Week 2

GM friends

Slept until 6:30 am - guess the time change confusion is about over!

I'm another one of those lapsed Catholics........never found much solace there - too many rules, regulations, restrictions & just overall bad attitudes.

SD, I hope your week is settling down for you, so much stress. Please take care.

Have a bit of work to do this morning then plan to do some closet cleaning this afternoon. Tomorrow is trash day & I want to clear more crap out of my life. Therapeutic! I have a lunch date tomorrow with my old work friends. I love connecting with people who know me so well.

Chill, how's our first day on the new job going? Can't wait to hear!!!!!

Greetings to everyone & wishes for a terrific AF Tuesday!
Lav

[spedteach]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Home again, home again, jiggedy jig...isn't that in a nursery rhyme?
Drove for way too long yesterday. Had a wonderful experience just before I drove into the city. Sun was going down in the west, all the clouds behind me were illuminated by the sun, they looked like peach, rose colored ocean waves. Overhead huge groups of geese were flying south in V formation and then here comes a beautiful crescent moon. It was like welcome to New Mexico.
My poor husband was so glad to see me. He followed me about, wanting to chit chat. I was too exhausted to make much effort. He really seems unable to remember how things have changed between us. On the other hand I was so delighted to see and sleep with my kitties. Living without a pet is just no fun.

Pap, congrats on your af time.

Chill, good luck today.

Lav, how many times do I have to say I'm jealous??? Dreaming of grandbabies. You go get those closets, girl. It is therapeutic.

What a lot of Catholics on this thread. Dill, I know what you mean about doing spiritual stuff in groups. In the past I have enjoyed meditation groups. Something about collective consciousness.

SD, Just have to weigh in about your drinking this weekend. Please be careful. It broke my heart to hear your son had to ask if your were going to drink at the game. It sounds like he's having a hard time knowing when it's ok for you to drink and when it's not. My sons do not trust me after years of basically untrustworthy behavior. They never knew when I would drink or not. I think I am/was an excellent mother but would love to have their trust. I'm trying to earn it ODAT. Hope I'm not sounding harsh.
Take care of yourself. Thinkin of you this morning.

John, hope you find another place of worship. That priest does not sound very uplifting. Am wondering how you reconcile yourself with the Catholic church's stand on sexuality.

Rustop, glad you find peace and comfort in the church. I think sometimes the familiarity alone brings peace and comfort enough.

Rebirth, moving your shop sounds like an excellent idea. Where is it located now, quiet street, bustling neighborhood?

Sooty, love your weather reports. LBH, love your strung together words. Hope to see you soon. Rusty, love your zip. Cyn, when was the last time you visited NE?

There are so many jobs posted this morning for substitute teaching. I feel like I just need to take a day to reorient myself. I drove over 12 hours yesterday. It was stupid. I promise myself not to ever do it again! Indiana is NOT a 2 day drive from NM, not for this old lady.

[ladybirdheart]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Chill, I go a little crazy for around three miserable weeks when I start a new job, worry constantly, hardly sleep. Avoiding this anxiety is a major reason I have stayed in jobs forever and this in the end has been adaptive and served me very well as I was able to formally retire young and then dabble as I want to as a ?consultant?, how fancy:H. None of us come preprogrammed although it might seem like that looking in at first, just breathe and open up yourself like a sponge to the new knowledge and skills. I am sure you will be a fun student for those instructing you and that can be such a relief and joy for everybody. Hi friends, I'll catch up more when I get back from exercise and finish my own version of work. Love, Ladybird.

[cyntree]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Since I am so out of it that I didn't realize that we'd moved to November week 2 (how can it possibly be the second week of November already?) I wrote to everyone on the wrong week yesterday...wouldn't you think that it might have occured to me to look? Thanks Chill, for the kick in the derriere, and hoping all went well for you today.

Anyway, just pasted last night's post in here - I'll check in later tonight to see how it all went for everyone today -- PapMom - BIG congrats on your anniversary -
__________________________________________________ _
SD - wow, things are moving so fast, I hope all went well today. BTW - if you have truly had a headache for a week and a half, maybe you should go to the doc - or at least check your blood pressure? I have always had very lowBP, but recently it has been high and stayed high - please please check yours and take of yourself. (Nurses - what do you think?) Sending you strength generally, but especially to climb back on the bus quickly - hang on tight with us!

LBH - I feel completely depleted, and truly running on empty - - loved your comment on 'better empty than filled with booze'. How precisely put, as always. Hope your interesting assignment turned out well.

Sped - safe driving! If you get caught in NE, call me and my family will take care of you! (Someone asked me where my Mom is - no, not in AZ).

Rusty - safe traveling. You're so sweet to write about my SD's party - we still talk about how fun it was. It was worth every grey hair that it gave me!

PA - lentil soup recipe, please.

PapMom - are you in the middle of a big storm in MA? Whew - that's a little early! Stay warm.

Big hugs everybody - It's 8:00, and I think I'm going to bed. Just because I can.
Bon reve rose --

[sdlovespackers]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Good Afternoon Everyone!!:l
You are all so incredibly sweet people!! I'm so thankful for having you and this place in my life right now!!! LBH, your words were so kind and can't even begin to express how much your post meant to me!! Thank you! I'm trying so hard to be strong, I really am!! I've never in my life been through anything as gut wrenching as this day after day after day!! Yesterday I was called over to meet with the Superintendent, Vice Super and his secretary (to keep notes). It was awful!! That man is the biggest jerk in the world! I was glad that the Vice Super was there so she could hear all the things he said to me. I think I struck a chord in his little manhood...that's when he came unglued on me. I've decided I don't care anymore. I'm doing what is right and protecting kids...that's my job. I think what hurts the most through all this is the sectretary (whom I thought we were friends...and have "been there: for each other through all this) folded and told the Super she knew nothing and has seen nothing!!! WHAT??? I couldn't believe it!!!! I don't understand turning a blind eye to that...but like my mom pointed out, she's close to retirement, perhaps she is just scared!
Anyway....thanks again everyone for your thoughts and positive vibes!! I'll be ok, I really will...I'm tuff!:bat LOL!!! I was looking for a muscle dude...dude with bat works too!! LOL!

Chill--I hope your new job goes fantastic...if not, I know a place you can come be the counselor

Sped--My son had asked me a long time ago if ai was going to have a drink at the game....because I always have at baseball or football games....I told him no back then and the answer is still no. My answer tonight is no as well. I'm very committed to remaining AF!! I love the way I feel right now...ok, you know what I mean...being sober...not the stress! I honestly can't even imagine how I would have been able to handle this drinking??? I don't think I could have...truly!!

You all are such an amazing bunch of ladies and gentlemen, I'm so thankful for each one of you!! I know there are so many of you right now going through a hard time as well, and I apologize if I seem "absent" from everyone or what's going on...I'm not....I am reading and keeping up and I hope things are going well for each of you!!
PS--I'm a practicing Catholic myself...my son actually goes to the Catholic school here in town....think I'll make sure I get to Mass with him tomorrow at school!!
I'll check back in tonight when I have more time to write...off to Kindergarten!!
SD:l

[Chillgirl]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Evening all

SD - I admire you so much for standing up for what you believe in, you WILL be okay and should be so proud of yourself. Boy are there some strong women on this thread!

Sped - I SO understand your statement about life without pets being no fun, my pooch is everything to me. The bond between us goes beyond anything I can explain, she just "knows" things I think and feel.

Thank you all so much for all the words of encouragement today, you guys carry me along and give me self belief. For some reason I awoke completely calm today, not a single nevre! I learned a zillion things I have already forgotton, but thats ok. My boss took me to a meeting with a client and I loved it, he took me for lunch and boy can this guy talk! I survived the day and would even say I enjoyed parts of it. He only needs me two days a week for now but this could grow to full time in the new year if business is good. The BEST part was when I was leaving, he paid me cash, and this is the 1st money I have earned on my own merits for 16 years!!!! Boy did that feel good

I have also been asked by my ex if I would like to organize a villa rental division to his real estate business as the sales side is dead with no prospects of getting better for a long time. I could do this is the other days I currently have free, earn some more money and help him at the same time! I dont want to get too excited but could life be on an upturn?!

I cant tell you all how grateful I am to be sober, my 1st thought when I left the office tonight was "i deserve a glass of wine" but of course the 2nd thought was "dont be so bloody stupid". I truly believe that God is rewarding me for keeping my side of the bargin, it is almost 12 months since I got down on my hands and knees and begged for him to help me with my addiction.

[rebirth]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Hi all. i am being a lazy sod and finding it difficult to find the time to do everything. But just wanted to tune in to say that I am reading everyone's posts ( superfast!) and thinking of you all. x

[Lavande]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Shelley, glad you are home safely. I am not a happy driver anymore - how did you manage 12 hrs?? That would kill me!

LBH, great to see you as always!

Cyn, yes the month is flying by..........hang on tight!!

SD, work stress (especially of that nature) is tough. Please take care of yourself & your son first & foremost. This too shall pass.

Chill, good for you! You are definitely manifesting some good things & $$ in your life
You deserve it, enjoy!

rebirth - not every day is meant to be super productive. I have my goof off days too - you need them once in a while.

I had a State Trooper at my front door a little while ago. Apparently my neighbor's house ( two doors down) was burglarized this afternoon. He wanted to know if I saw or heard anything. Unfortunately I didn't as that house is at least a quarter of a mile away. This is the second or third time a house on my road has been broken into since I've been here. Scarey thought especially since Mr Lav took the big dog with him when he left. I'm alone here with a smaller non-agressive dog, a 24 year old cockatiel & 26 chicks who do nothing but eat!!!!!! I'm going to have to try to get my 96 lbs Greater Swiss Mountain dog back - at least people paid attention when she barked or approached them.

Well, I dragged a whole lot of trash out - got my throwing out job done

Hope the evening is good for everyone!
Lav

[cyntree]

November Nuturing - Week 2

Evening, nurturers....
Lav - DO get the big dog back, and maybe an alarm system too? Stay safe. In the meantime, congrats on the clearing out!

Chill - how great to hear about your day - nothing like cash to raise a person's spirits! Good luck with the other idea -- it will all work out somehow --

Red - meant to write to you earlier, so sorry that you are having these family challenges. You are finding your way through such thorny territory...


SD - thanks for taking time to post. It was good to know how you are doing - you are right, you are one tough cookie. Take care (and remember the airline flight attendant's admonition: 'put your own mask on before assisting others....')

Is everyone doing something to nurture themselves? I'm not doing so well at that - how about we each make a plan to do something, anything, small but significant for ourselves this week. (It's still November, right?!) I will if you will...now that my water heater is working again (out for the last 2 days) maybe a lavendar bath would be a good idea.....hmmmm....

bon soir, bonjour all --