Focused February - week 1

[Chillgirl]

Good morning my friends
Here's to a fabulous focused February, i cant think of a more focused group of people so i think we are going to be great this month

For me February could be a pretty life changing month, i have my interview on Sunday for the job here in Portugal and later in the month i go to Scotland for 10 days where i have another interview lined up. I woke up this morning feeling excited but very together about the different prospects ahead of me.

Lav -stay warm, i feel cold just thinking of your weather!

Star - im thinking of you are your sad loss, someone dying at that age is heartbreaking.

[Stargazerlily]

Focused February - week 1

Good morning on this First Day of February.....

Chill, thanks for starting this thread. Great that you have two interviews to look forward to, I know you will be a wonderful interviewee.

Thanks all for condolences on my relative's death. I am supposed to leave tomorrow and there is a blizzard predicted. So, I am just going to have to wait and see what will happen. We had several inches of snow predicted for last night and so far nothing. Wouldn't it be great if the meteorologists were totally wrong? The person I work with was nice about it, a relief. That is the issue with moody, personality disordered individuals, you never know what to expect, where you stand. So always walking on eggshells. I have to say that is one reason I really love my husband, he is so easygoing, stable, calm.

Anyway, my goal for February is again to be AF. Totally. I called a person I want to hang out with a bit, as she can help me network, plus is a very nice person. She confided in me that she cannot drink, she just was arrested for a DUI. She said she had two drinks, and was a .09. I told her no problem, we can do something else. So, two thoughts on this: she and I are meant to hang out as we will findthings to do besides drink. She needs support and I can do that. Plus, I can use some support, too.

Rebirth, I really think the only way to lose weight is to follow a sensible eating plan longterm, with exercise. Weight watchers is good, you can include all foods, as we should. Plus, I think for me the key words are eating plan, not diet. Keep this in mind, a few pounds but you are not drinking. It is worth it. Cassia's remarks about her friend's comments were really a positive for me to hear. I shudder to think of myself drunk or buzzed in public, especially. You have made such progress in the last year or so, be proud of yourself.

Hello to all, have a great AF day.

[paguy]

Focused February - week 1

Good Morning and Happy February!

Star - It sounds like your plans to spend more time with your friend will be beneficial for both of you. Our monthly theme of Focus is a great way to tackle our demons and find alternate ways to relax and enjoy life.

Chill - Sounds like you are taking charge and doing exactly what you need to do. Lining up interviews and planning for your future. Obviously, Focus is a key theme for you this month. Continuing to send lots of good vibes your way.

Rebirth - My advice is very similar to Star's. Diets, especially starvation diets, do NOT work. The eating plan that I found to be most helpful was based on Jorge Cruise's 3-Hour Eating Plan: Jorge Cruise 3-Hour Diet Review

It's all about eating the right portions and combinations of food, as well as frequency of eating. Also, EXERCISE is essential to a successful healthy living lifestyle. Sorry if I sound 'preachy' but this approach has been successful for me long term (about 3 years).

We are in the midst of getting a 'wintery mix' this morning so my commute to the office should be interesting.... Need to finish my morning preparations and off I go.

Wishing you all a day of strength and focus...

[papmom3]

Focused February - week 1

Good Morning Focused Febbers!!

Star-I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sorry also the blizzard may prevent you from spending much needed time with your family. Fingers crossed and safe travels if you can. I think hooking up with your friend was meant to be for both of you.

Lav-it's started!!

So, with a less than austere start to the new month, Houdini (aka LM) made his escape this morning. I've taken the day off to try to get the snow off my porch roof. It's already snowing like mad and very cold. I let them out when we got up and watched through the window instead of putting tea on. Good thing because there he was, front paws hooked over the garden fencing, pulling it down. I ran to the mudroom and pulled on by boots. No time for a jacket. In the 30 sec it took me to get out there he was up and over and heading for the neighbors yard. In my jammies, I DOVE over the fencing and "swam" towards him. I couldn't go any further, I was hip high in snow. He has no recall whatsoever and started to step over the fence railing. For some reason he turned back-I don't know if I was yelling his name or gently calling to him. All I know was if he went over it was all over. He was walking on top of the snow, I was stuck up to my hips. By some miracle he came close enough for me to grab the scruff of his neck. He yelped, I reached over with my other hand and scooped him up. Now what. I have this 11 lb dog in one arm, I'm holding on to the fish sprinkler for what little support it had to offer and I can't go anywhere. I can feel the ice cold snow start to numb my feet and legs. Somehow I managed to turn around and follow my boot tracks back to the fence. I plopped him down and climbed over. We all get back into the mud room and I lost it. After about 10 minutes I shed my snow covered jammies and pull on my sweats. Go downstairs, haul up the 4 foot high xpens I bought this summer for agility trials and spend the next 30 minutes setting them up against the veggie fencing and securing with ties and clips. I know he can't get over these but from now on he goes out with a long training lead. No more exploring for this Dora wanna be!! Whew!! I'm exhausted and I still have to do battle with the roof! But first, TEA!!!
oh, and i fogot to mention I found a lump on LM's chest last nite. Vet appt this Sunday.

I am going to try very hard to eat sensibly today although being an emotional eater, especially going for the sweets, it's going to be hard after this mornings rude awakening. I definitely got at least 1 activity point for dealing with LM's shenanigans today! :H

I think I'll be hunkering down the next couple of days. Guess I won't be able to ask for my vacation in a couple of weeks. Heck, might ask anyway. he can only say no and if he says yes but is pissed about it, that's his problem, right???

[papmom3]

Focused February - week 1

Chill-I'm so sorry! My reply to you is not in my post anymore!!

I just wanted to let you know how excited I am for you and the 2 interviews. You go girl!! This is YOUR year! Knock 'em dead and don't settle!!

:l :h

John-safe travels this morning. Hope you got in without incident. We're in for a nasty few days I'm afraid!!

[Lavande]

Focused February - week 1

Good morning Focused Ones!

Chill, WOW on the 2 interviews

Papmom, I almost cried for you reading about your escapade in the snow this morning! Glad you are OK. My dogs are a lot bigger, I could never physically rescue them like that. Oh, and an occasional kick in the rump doesn't hurt the 100 pounder a bit

Thanks for the preaching Father John :H
Just kidding - I am one person who is better off eating smaller more frequent meals. I'm not diabetic but I swear my blood sugar drops & leaves me feeling lousy if I don't incorporate some protein every few hours. I cannot digest a big meal anymore - we don't want to get into specifics about that :H

Star, looks like you may have a good buddy in the making, that's nice. The thought of appearing in public in an altered state is not appealing, I totally agree.

We had no snow overnight as was predicted. The deck & driveway look shiney so I think ice is going to be the problem here today. I am already begging the spirits in charge of the power grids to be kind to me today.

Have a great day everyone - I'll be back Lord willing
Lav

[dill]

Focused February - week 1

We did not always come closer to wisdom by reason of our virtues; our
better understanding is often rooted in the pains of our former follies. ~Recovery Readings

Hello Focused Friends,
The talk about people who knew us when we drank too much and what they say about our behavior in the "good old days" is very instructive, but difficult to hear. I haven't actually had that experience yet, but I do shudder to think about the many times there are to draw from.

Star, you are lucky to have a friend that understands what you are going through and you two can offer each other mutual support. Your story about the DUI got me to wondering just what the BAC levels are, what they mean and how much alc it takes to get to the legal limit. So, I searched it and came up with this helpful article, so I thought I would share:

Impaired Driving - Why You Should Never Drink and Drive

Papmom, What a way to start the month! OMG! My toes got cold just reading your story. Stay warm my friend. I'm glad you got LM back in. Your story reminded me of a beloved border collie we had long ago that got out of the fenced yard one snowy day and was hit by a car and killed. That was such a heart breaking loss.

Chill, thanks for getting us started. This month will be a big one for you.

Rebirth and Sped, I read your posts from our week 4 thread. Hope you are getting your fill of snow, Sped!:H

Paguy, thanks for the diet link. I'll check it out.

Lav, I woke up to a world of ice. :upset:

On the positive side, I kind of needed a day off, and all the schools were closed in our area.

Rusty, Rustop, Cyn, SD, Sooty, LBH, Dew, Cassia, and all who stop by or lurk, best wishes for an AF Tuesday.

[rustop61]

Focused February - week 1

Hi Focused friends

Have been having problems with our broadband connection so have not been able to get on the last few days.

Thanks Chill for starting us off in February and also for the summary of all that had been happening in January. Good luck with your interviews.

Star - Condolences on the death in your family. Hope you can make the funeral ok.

Lav, Papmom, Dill, John, Rusty and all others in the US, stay warm and safe during the upcoming storms.

Rebirth - I rejoined weight watchers this morning. I dont know if it was the weather or what but I ate all around me in January!!! They have a new pro points system, seems to be a lot more emphasis on eating more protein/fibre and 0 points for fruit and veg. Basically healthy eating. I think I need to be accountable though and the weekly weigh in should help.

Sooty, Cyn, LBH and everyone else big hello.

Rustop

[mg72]

Focused February - week 1

Good morning Focus Febers,
It is a cold, snowy, windy day in Middle of USA. Snow started a couple of hours ago and is supposed to go for at least twelve more. They are predicting ten inches, winds gusting to 40 MPH and temperature below zero tonight! Luckily I do not have to leave house so will be a great day to catch up many things.

Our youngest son broke up with his live in girl friend of seven years. He missed a promotion at work but seems to be going strong. Even when they are 28 years old you still feel for them. He runs with a crowd that drinks way to much and we are hopping he sees the light that he does not need to follow their lead. He is in transition but it seems to be a positive one.

I am in my second of week of being a volunteer and site coordinator for a non profit that does income tax prepartion for free for the poor. We had lots of frustration last week with software problems, computer problems and lack of organization skills by person in charge of local program. I plan on spending lots of time getting on track today. The old saying that "lack of planning on your part does not create an emergency on my part" is true. It is even more true that lack of planning on your part can create lots of headaches and problems on my end and the people we are assisting.

Rustop and Rebirth, Here was my solution to successful weight loss. Twenty six years ago I was 194 pounds with big belly. Today I weigh 173 pounts and am staying fit. I added more fiber, water, flax and exercise to my life style on the advice of a dietitian. I start every day with a shake with base of soy milk and add fiber powder, soy powder, wheat germ, bananas and frozen berries. I have apple and nuts mid morning and try to eat good food for lunch and dinner. I cut out butter and most fried foods. I still eat meat and occasional fries and cheese and crackers but also lots of green vegetables. I exercise pretty hard four or five days a weeks a take a couple of days off to avoid injuries. This has worked well for me and the key is that it was a life style change.

Dill, Enjoy your snow day at home. It is beautiful outside!
Chill, Great poem last month, good luck with your job search and are you finding time for your yoga practice?
Star, I am sorry about your death in the family. My thoughts are with you.
Papamom Your story about getting stuck hip deep in the snow reminds of one time it happened to me. It was exhausting getting out of it.

Great day to everyone else.

[ladybirdheart]

Focused February - week 1

Welcome February all and to those facing the worst of the winter storms, my deep sympathy for the hardship. I too once lost a dog who was then hit by a car before I could catch her, and even though this was many, many years ago and far away, my heart still tightens when I remember the chase. Good show Pappy. Good luck everybody on interviews, work projects, etc., and to all on their healthy plans of diet and exercise, there so many things beyond our control in life but what we eat, drink, and do are within our grasp given tools and support. The roads are an icy mess here but I need to go with Lord Bird Heart to an important doctor?s appointment in a few minutes, I have a choice between his tiny but remarkably brave Smart Car and my stalwart four wheel drive pick-up, both of which can hold on or get out of the way when they need to. We shall see. It is always good to "see" you Rustop. My sympathy for your loss, Star, and my pleasure that you found a sober friend. Alone is harder. My love and best wishes to all for a focused and fearless February, Ladybird.

[sooty]

Focused February - week 1

Hello everyone and may we be focused and fit during February - sounds like we need it with the weather thats coming for some of you. For me it is rain and more rain for the first week of the month!

Rustop I joined weightwatchers last week and managed to lose 3lbs this morning. I am rather enjoying this new plan, altho its taking me a little while to get my head round it as I'm vegetarian and don't eat quorn which seems to be the staple replacement for all eating plans these days. I was very pleased with the 3lbs as I hadn't been particularly good, in fact I wasn't going to go to class but I was meeting a friend and didn't want to let her down. She lost 4 1/2 lbs so we were both chuffed!

Have a good Tuesday gang, I hope the snow isn't too disruptive.

Chill good luck with the interviews, Star take it easy on your sad journey

See you all on humpday
love Sooty

[ladybirdheart]

Focused February - week 1

It is already a cold 12 (-11C) right now not counting the 30 mph wind, forecast to be going down to ?1 (-18) and ?5(-21) tomorrow. SD I know this is probably balmy to you, so if you have any extra firewood and blankets just send them on down. My trip with Lord Bird Heart to the pre-op doc was a hard ice, eye popping ride. It went well even though I think the hospital was looking for business with the steep hip breaking parking lot, the pneumonia inducing waiting room (think big slow sliding glass doors opening right into the wind), and the cardiac arresting co-pay of two grand for day surgery. We were laughing like lunatics at the end and even went to slip and stagger to vote in a local school election where we were #39 and #40 at Noon. May the candidate/issue with the most idiotic supporters win. We are still alive and sober for what it is worth. For everybody in the storms path please be safe, it looks to be a monster. Love, Ladybird.

[Lavande]

Focused February - week 1

Hi there Ms Sooty & LBH!

I don't see you ladies too often......
Sooty, I see it's still damp in the UK as usual
LBH, goodness your day was special, huh? Glad you made it thru safely.

I'm awaiting the return of an ice storm & praying that the power gods don't pick on me this time around. I think it's someone else's turn to lose power this week

Stay warm everyone!
Lav

[paguy]

Focused February - week 1

Good Evening Friends:

We are slip, slipping away here! Lav - be very careful if you venture outside. Driveways and streets are a sheet of ice. It should be a really interesting evening.

What do you think the groundhog will do tomorrow? Are we going to have 6 more weeks of winter????

Papmom - You have 1 rambunctious little critter there! OMG - What a way to start off the day. I hope the rest of your day was uneventful compared to your workout in the snow.

Feeling a bit unsettled this week. Nothing I can't handle but just feeling kind of blah. I am sure the unending winter storms and my attitude about work right now are wearing me down. I am staying focused on my health, sobriety, and training for my upcoming runs. Spring is bound to be here sometime soon, right?

Rusty, Rusty.... Where are you???? Please let us know how you are doing.....

Hope everyone is doing OK and staying safe....

[Lavande]

Focused February - week 1

John,

I was thinking about that weather predicting rodent earlier today - you know exactly what he's going to do & this time I don't even blame him :H:H

I told the hens to not bother ringing for room service - they won't be getting any in the weather :H:H