Jubilant January ~ Week 1

[Stargazerlily]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Good morning all...

Work was work, it hit me going 90 miles per hour. It is always harder the day after you've been off, with extra things to take care of. I worked really hard, came home and ate, and fell asleep by 8:00. I tried to stay up, but was exhausted. I wanted to work out this morning, but overslept, so I guess I have to listen to my body and take it easy. I too am fighting the blues.

However, I am also working on keeping my gratitude list in my head, and this is helping.

My husband is usually very helpful, he can see that we both need to remain AF and is willing to work with me. I am able to ask for help and he is willing to work with me. We are both maintaining AF January and eating plan. We are just so stressed due to our son, still unemployed and unhappy. But, as in the past, we do our best and love each other. One thing about marriage, and I think Dill illustrated it pretty well, is that our partners are not always there in just the way we need them to be, but we accept it for what it is. Perfection in your partner or relationship is unattainable. I sometimes think that is why movie stars get married so often and give up so quickly in their marriages. Fantasy, not the hard work and everyday reality that are relationships. Plus you both have to be willing to put forth effort, not just one person. OK, I am off my soapbox.

My plans have already gone south, (with no exercise) but I will create a positive, productive and love filled day, AF. Wishing you all the same.

[Chillgirl]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Hi Guys a quick hello from me and i will definity get the chance later to read back on all your posts,
yes a little blue but im exercising my new thinking and not allowing it to win! Dewdrop I actually think I was blessed to be living alone when i quit, I had no one else to consider but me and although it sounds selfish it had to be that way or i would have failed. I was very single minded about it and im grateful I had no distractions. We have to remember that this is difficult for our other halves especially if they cannot comprehend why we are unable to drink normally.

Im not hugely into AA but I had an SOS text today from the girl who usually chairs it asking if I would go today to support an influx of new comers they are expecting. It feels weird that I could be considered an old timer but as we can see from the boards here, this time of year is producing large numbers of Newbies. If I can help just one its worthwhile so off I go to AA......

[cyntree]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Hello Jubilators!

Sped - SO sorry about the flood....and the timing. I hope you are having success with a restoration company and insurance -- deep breath, this too shall pass, though not quickly enough, I'm sure.

PA - in my years as a professional singer, I 'gigged' at a lot of churches - and my all-time favorite was a UCC. I was so impressed with their work in social justice and emphasis on thinking. I still read the sermons from there, which are like poetry (the minister's wife is a professional poet, and his word-smithing is gorgeous). Good luck finding a community that you like. RE: dog food. Ditto what PapMom said; also know that many dogs do not do well on such high protein - it can stress their kidneys. Just be watchful...if you want more dog food info, I've done it all: raw, home-cooked, grain free, etc etc. Another option for grain-free kibble that is not so high in protein is Wellness Core - I'm feeding it now, and it seems to be working well...

Lav - what a terrifying story about your fall. Truly a cautionary tale for those of us (ahem) who are seeking balance. I am grateful that you got through that episode, but so sad to think of what you had to get through to get to where you are now. Thanks for sharing the whole journey.

RE: talking to others about drinking. I feel for me that the only place to share is here. Unless someone has experienced being in the clutches of this 'situation' (whether you call it a disease or whatever), I don't think it is possible to understand it. Hey, I've experienced it and I still don't understand it! So why try --- my talking to HB was an anomaly, and I'm not sure that it will ever be repeated. (And yes, Sped, that was really the first time ever that we cooked together. His specialty is talking to me or doing something else while I cook, set the table, clean up, etc. So cooking together was a big deal....baby steps!)

So interesting that we are talking about Balance today -- I woke up at 4:30 again this morning, in a panic about all that needs to get done, that I am behind because I took a day off, etc etc. Thanks everyone for helping me gain perspective and get back in a gratitude frame of mind rather than fear and doubt.

Hope all have a good Thor's Day...

[Lavande]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Good morning Jubilant Ones,

Running behind here today but who cares :H
I'm the boss & it's OK to be late!

We are promised a sunny day in the high 40's - feels like Spring complete with all the mud

Wishing everyone a terrific AF Tuesday, I'll be back later.
Lav

[mylife]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Good morning Jubilants!

Wow, this is a busy thread already this morning!! Hope you're all having a wonderful AF day.

I agree that whether our partners are onboard or not -- we just have to accept that as a fact and get on with what we need to do. And I have! Really, I think my husband supports me in concept, it's just the details that get him -- like do I really need to NEVER drink ANYTHING??

I'm running behind and swamped at work -- so what am I doing? Taking a break and reading a few posts! I'm not going to overstress myself this year!

Have a great AF day all!

[rustop61]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Hi everyone

Just a quick check in. Hubby is working from home this week so has taken over the office and I cannot get near the computer.

Looking forward to next week when I have the house and the computer back to myself. Hope you are all doing ok. I will have a mega amount of catching up to do when I get back.

Take care one and all.

Rustop

[dill]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

It's a late check in for me, and a quickie. I just got done posting on Rusty's "What I accomplished..." thread.

SD, Mr. D definitely appreciates the difference, but no, we don't actually do more things together. We have always had a good relationship and did things together during the day. But when I was drinking heavily every night, he felt very lonely. I had always had wine at night, but it gradually just got to be way too much, and it went on and on like that. I started hiding how much I was truly drinking and I still don't think he knows how much. But after I got out of control with it, he knew that I was there physically, but he couldn't count on "me" really being there. He's glad to have me back....well, MOST of the time!

[ladybirdheart]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

I am feeling a bit unsettled so I think I shall talk about the weather. In the midst of a busy catch up on errands day I saw the most astonishing weather. I was at a huge car dealership service department, overflowing with rather crabby post holiday patrons and long lines of cars. After my truck was finished I could not find it for twenty minutes, even with the help of a sweet service guy, not only as the place was so packed the mechanics had to park it deep within the lines of vehicles that were for sale, but also because a blizzard had suddenly descended, merging my truck with its ?complimentary car wash? into a collective anonymity. Finally launched I found within a mile of slipping and sliding that I crossed a ?line? and the sun was out in blazing blue sky, not a puff of cloud, there was no transition, no rain, nothing, just a line between big snow and sun. I liked the whole thing very much.

Thank you for the book recommendation, John. I find that movies and books are my best/only recourse sometimes. I am perhaps three quarters of the way through Shantaram at this time, anybody read it? It has lines that are beyond exquisite, a supporting character that I completely adore, and a big Bollywood panorama, but then the author will abruptly string together metaphors and seemingly self conscious gimmicks that make be cringe. I go back and forth between being enthralled and embarrassed, but I don?t know if it just me and my internal unsteadiness. Oh well, at nearly a thousand pages and 43 hours of audio, I shall not give up at this point but see how things evolve in my perception.

I would like to jump in with Dill at. al. on how things are in finding my way out while in a relationship, but that will be tomorrow. Love, Ladybird.

[paguy]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Hi Friends:

Just seem to be coasting through this week. No real drama going on at work at the moment - it is unusually quiet but I am sure there is a fire drill lurking around out there ready to happen.

Cyn - thanks for the additional advice on the dog food. I am somewhat fortunate in that there is a Cutters Mill Pet Store in the town where I live - it is a specialty store for pets and they carry every possible brand of dog food. I've tried many of the grain free varieties including Natural Balance kibble but our Westie was still suffering from his skin allergies. I'll definitely keep an eye on how he may be reacting to this high protein food.

LBH - I have not read Shantaram. Quite honestly, a book of that size totally intimidates me. I don't know how my ADD would manage 1000+ pages!

Had a CAT scan of my sinuses today. This latest cold has reaked havoc with my sinuses and I just cannot breathe through my nose

Rusty - Are you practicing your Spanish? Maybe G could give you some tutoring lessons :H

Wishing you all a pleasant evening... although we are well beyond November, remember to NURTURE yourselves.

[papmom3]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Evening Jubilent Janners!! Wow, that was a very poorly made up word! It need your help LBH!!

Just want to check in and say hi. Busy day at work, therapy appt tonite and I have to turn in early as I have to be at work one hour early tomorrow.

As far as recovering alone or with a partner, I had to go it alone and that was fine with me. Didn't really have a choice anyway.

Cyn-good to know you've done the research too on the pup food. We should compare notes someday!! My preference is to feed raw but I can't afford it. Next best thing is homecooked but I don't have the time or energy. I actually did it for LM for 9 months after his first bladder stone surgery but it didn't help and he had a second surgery exactly a year to the day later. He's now been on Hill's UD for 5 years and so far so good (even tho philosophically I have an issue with Hills). So I do the best I can with what I can afford. I will starve before I ever am forced financially to buy supermarket or Walmart brands that's for sure!!

OK, off my soapbox. Glad everyone had a good day. I'll see you all tomorrow.

:l

[papmom3]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Cross post John!! Oooohhh, that sounds so painful!! I hope the cat scan came out normal and that it will just take time for the swelling to go down. maybe some prednisone might help if there is nothing seriously wrong with the sinuses? Good luck and sending you lots of healing hugs!!
:h

[Lavande]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

John, my DIL swears by her Netti Pot - totally gross IMHO but she swears it works!!!!!
Hope your sinuses improve soon

Papmom - have you watched the Louise Hays movie on You Tube? I think I have a link somewhere if you need it.

[Dewdrop]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Star listen to your body when it tells you you?re tired, I know now that I really do need to listen and take heed, rest when I need to and take as much me time as required to get through the working week as it can be so draining.
Chill sorry to hear you are feeling a bit out of sorts at the moment but maybe being involved in AA will give you something else to think about, and it?s good to give back.
Lav I seem to remember that you are expecting a couple of grandchildren soon you must be so excited, having new babies in the family is so precious and really changes the dynamics within families. I seem to remember you mentioning Oil of Oregano for a cold, can you or someone explain more for me? Oh and what on earth is a Netti Pot??
Cyn why do we give ourselves a hard time for taking a bit of time to ourselves to the point of waking in the middle of the night, the subconscious is indeed very powerful. Be kind to yourself because you deserve it.
LBH I loved your description of the strange weather you experienced, how weird. I have Shantaram on my bookshelf and plan on reading it very soon. Rediscovering reading has been one of the treasures of being AF for me.
Hi to Rebirth, Mylife, Paguy, Mr G, Sped, Rusty, Dill, Papmom, Rustop, Sooty, Sd, hope I haven?t forgotten anyone and if so it was a genuine mistake

My little granddaughter who was 2 yesterday fell while opening her presents, smacked her wee face and is now has a smashed nose and beauty of a black eye, her face is swollen like a balloon. They've had her at the docs and all okay but she looks like she's been in a car accident. I just had to go visit and she was so happy and cheery with this grotesque little face, children are so resilient. So much for my slobbing day alone - we went out for pizza and cake for her birthday and so much for my healthy eating and long walk!! Okay I?ll start again today odat, right Have a lovely and jubilant hump day to those who are back to the working week.

Dewdrop :h

[Stargazerlily]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Good morning to all JJ's,

In reading and lurking on newer posts on other threads, I am struck by the sadness of the cycle or relapse, and it is making me more determined than ever to have a AF 2011. The horror and the illness, the mental and emotional agony. That is why MWO is so great, real sharing and support.

LBH, loved your description of the weather, sorry you are struggling emotionally.

PA, my husband used a Netti Pot and it helped his sinuses, it is relatively inexpensive and maybe worth a try.

Chill, you and your sweet kind ways will be so helpful to the people in AA. They are lucky.

Cyn, I know the feeling of having so much to do and waking up early feeling overwhelmed. It is good to be mindful and think one step at a time. I am having a day like that today.

Sending strength and hope to everyone on this thread.

[Rusty]

Jubilant January ~ Week 1

Good Morning Jubilant Friends-

Star-I really enjoyed reading about your relationship with your husband and your philosophy about marriage. My mother thought the same way and she and my dad were married 58 years. You're right....so many people give up so easily because their spouse isn't perfect rather than work at it.

Dill-I am glad you and Mr. D have a strong marriage, too...it makes life a lot more pleasant, too. BTW....what did you name your boat? Also, thank you for posting on my thread....I looked at it right away when you told us about it.:h

John-OUCH! is all I have to say about your sinuses, and I am absolutely in awe of how fast you recovered from your surgery! WOW:goodjob: I'm sure everybody will agree with me that you'll be running in a race by March, just as you had planned. Ah, no, John, I have not been practicing my Spanish....fortunately, my client speaks English. YAY!! I haven't seen Mr. G in a while....and I've been so good, too, so it can't be that I scared him away this time. Well, I suppose I did scare him away when I asked him to jump out of a cake for my 50th birthday. I'll never learn.:H

Dew-the story of your little granddaughter just made me cringe...especially when she was opening presents:upset: But like you said, kids are more resilient than we think...MUCH more resilient than adults. I'm glad they don't know any better.

Cyn-you were a professional singer? Did you sing in a band? I'm impressed....now we have a chanteur, Mr. G, and two chanteuses (LBH...is that a word?) Sooty and Cyn. Cool.

Papmom-you are so knowledgeable about dogs and their care...if I ever have a question, I'm coming to you. Do you watch the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show? I never miss it.

Regarding talking about drinking: I can't talk about my drinking past with my family because it is something they have put behind them, and they want me to do that as well. They know I have beaten myself so many times about not being "present" and totally unreliable when my drinking was at its worst....and that those memories STILL haunt me, and they would just like me to move forward with a smile on my face and enjoy my life AF.

Rebirth-I will follow your advice on touring Barcelona. Thanks!

Does anyone have any good book recommendations for the long plane ride to Barcelona? I'm getting The Lost Child. Please let me know....thanks!

Chill-how did your AA meeting go? I bet they were glad to see such a beautiful, happy face and a personality filled with hope.

SD-Will Favre ever learn?

Hi Mylife, Lav, Rustop, Ladybird, Shelley, and anyone I may have missed....have a fabulous AF humpday!

Well, another unplanned long post. I am off to the gym....I was a bad girl and all those Christmas cookies appeared on the scale this morning