Focused February - Week 2

[Stargazerlily]

Focused February - Week 2

Good morning all....

Chill, good plan, you never know what will happen in the next few months, more job prospects, your own job may change. I just find that things can change so much in a short amount of time. I know I complain about my job often, yet this last week I had a productive, satisfying experience. However, I am still looking and updating my resume, you just never know. Frugal living can be satisfying, I often find when I buy stuff, I don't need it, don't have room for it, it can often be a burden. However, money only matters if you don't have enough. Then, it is all that matters.

Piper, it is nice to hear your experiences. Keep posting, you are so welcome.

Just a busy Saturday, exercise, cleaning, laundry, then out for a nice meal. Will try to check in later today. Have a great AF day.

[Cassia]

Focused February - Week 2

Hello focused ones!

Sorry I have not posted this week - particularly considering there has been a lot going on with people with people in the thread. I like checking in here - everyone is sound and always gives me a different perspective on looking at things.

Rusty - Again many happy returns! I hope you had an awesome day!

PapMom3 - Felicitations on 9 months sober - it so great for me to see that long term sobriety is acheiveable - you have been so kind with your posts - I really appreciate it.

Chill - I am sorry that you did not get the job you wanted. I hope you have a safe journey to Scotland next week.

Paguy - that sounds horrendous and good on you for pushing through it! I hope that it does improve your sinuses.

Star - how is the diet and exercise going?

Piper - you mentioned earlier on in the week that you were waiting to hear about it a job? Any news?

Howdy to everyone else - I hope you have had a great AF week.

This week was actually turned out really good considering it started out really pants. Work ended badly on Monday and that definitely carried over to a foul mood on Tuesday which ended in disappointment. So I wallowed a bit and then decided - you know what - worry about the things you can change not what you can't (this is starting to become my mantra!) And you know what - it worked!!! Never would I have believed that two months ago.

Wed was awesome! Got lots done at work - resolved from issues, escalated them where I needed to, got a huge pat of the back from the head of the bank and I finally got my phone call with a potential employer in NYC. And she could not have been more helpful. There are no jobs going in her area at the moment but she has put me in touch with a few recruitment consultants and also recommended events I should go to and will meet up with me in NYC in March! Awesome - this was the breakthrough I was looking for. So, I am going to keep going. Keep getting appointments in the diary and just go for it. So Thursday was great and very positive and Friday was fab except for the migraine. The only disappointing thing is that I only made it to the gym twice during the work week (i like to go at least three times). I did however make up for it today.

Busy Sat ahead - already had the cat at the vet and been at the gym. Going to have a nice bath with some fitness oil, then make cupcakes and head out to my uncles. Then I think my husband and I will go for dinner and a movie (True Grit is FINALLY out over here).

I was just thinking when I left the gym how much my life has improved for the better since I quit booze on 22nd December. I would NEVER had gone to the gym on a Saturday morning let alone get up on time to take the cat to the vet. When my work colleague called me with a hiccup at 4:50 pm yesterday I would have gone straight to the pub. It's just been incredible. And I don't say that often. So I am v excited for more AF time behind me and what the future holds!

Thanks for coming with me on my journey! I really appreciate it.

xxxx:h:thanksbubble:

[spuddleduck]

Focused February - Week 2

hello focussed ones. im focused today to not drink and to take my dogs out for a long walk. i really need to fit more exercise into my life and im sure the dogs will love it.

[Lavande]

Focused February - Week 2

WELL, good morning Focused Ones,
That's better now, so glad to see all of you :H
I was thinking about changing deoderants or mouthwash yesterday........was feeling lonely here :H

Chill, sorry about the job, who knows what's around the corner, right? I can put myself into instant panic by worrying too far ahead too. Lets just stay in the present together, OK :l
My granddaughter is due on the 15th. My daughter is more than ready for the show to get on the road. I'm getting itchy fingers......I can't wait to get my hands on a new baby

Spud, happy to see you friend - stay focused with us!

Well, I emailed a list of things that need attention around this house to YB yesterday. He actually responded & said he would be here today. That's more like it :H

I wish everyone a wonderful AF Saturday.
Lav

[Dewdrop]

Focused February - Week 2

Happy Saturday,

I'm having a quick lurk as my grandaughter is asleep on the couch, she wasn't too bad last night apart from a few coughing fits but slept in till 10:30 this morning - unheard of, she is usually up around 7. She's been good since but was a bit cranky about 12ish so we lay on the couch singing nursery rythms and she fell asleep and is still sound to the world. Again she doesn't have a nap through the day but I reckon she needs it. We might go to the park when she wakes up to give her fresh air and exercise. All my granchildren are constantly having colds, fevers at the moment they just get rid of one and then have another, I think it's nursery and school as they seem to breed and pass on all the germs there. Ooppsss she's awake must go, catch up later.

Dewdrop :h

[papmom3]

Focused February - Week 2

Hi Focused Friends!! I am here and lurking and will post more tonite. I've been procratinating about cleaning the house which must be done as i have company coming tomorrow but it's because the thing as a whole is overwhelming. Lunch first then dishes and then we'll see how it goes. One foot in front of the other!! Thank you Mr. G for the congrats and the reminder!!

Chill-When one door closes...... You'll be just fine. Congrats on the bonus, can't wait to hear your other news and have a great trip home to see the sisters!! Love Ya!!

Rusty-feel better! Can I have the name of your doc? She actually prescribed supps instead of meds for your weight loss assist? I'm moving to Ohio tomorrow!!

Spuds-Oh how I wish you would stick with us and stop the insanity!! Think about it OK? :h

Piper-I too love your posts and am so glad you're here with us!

Cassia-Your attitude is infectious!! I say the Serenity Prayer every nite right before I fall asleep and I swear it works!!

Dew-mind you don't catch those bugs!! Your such a great grandma!!

Lav-the 15th of Feb? Ohhhh, just around the corner!! Can't wait for your post announcing the arrival!!

Star, Rustop-busy busy both of you and that's a good thing!! :l

John-hope you're feeling tons better today!! the visual I got about the packing being removed .... Hope you get lots of reading and snuggling with little doggie done today.

Right-off I go!!

[Stargazerlily]

Focused February - Week 2

Good morning all...

Barely survived Saturday, my son got up with an attitude, and we fought, he got verbally aggressive, and I wanted him out. My husband was so angry I thought he would have a stroke...it was so ugly. Unfortunately, he can't move out, only go to the homeless shelter. It was settled, but next time he becomes verbally aggressive, I am calling the police. Period. Having him escorted out. I felt so sick as I can't take fighting, and the thought of a drink came up.....but I just did not do it. No way.

Later, we kept our dinner date, and AF had a lot of laughs in the land of the normal. Came home, took a hot bath, read a while and went to bed. Still feel upset today, it is an ongoing problem. I am so peaceful as far as being AF.....I just cannot imagine, right now, even having one drink. It would just not fit with my life, it would be such a step backwards for me.

Cassia, I have been doing OK with the fitness part, but have not lost any weight. I am thinking right now about my weekly food plan.

Pap, I understand about the struggle with food. I will be 51 in several weeks, and feel that my food needs are different at this age. I read Determinators suggestions and have to agree that keeping to natural foods is the way to go. However, I think that to actually reduce, you need to follow a strict eating plan for a time. Never easy or pretty, for me.

I was again rereading Dr. Phil's life strategies, and in one part of the book, he mentions that willpower is not enough to reach a goal. You need a specific goal (I will lose three pounds a week for 6 weeks)solid plan, strategies, and follow-through. Willpower is based on emotions, and as your feelings change, so will your level of willpower. He is such a behaviorist. I do agree with him. Look at our AF journeys...the tool box, individual plans, then followthrough. Alcohol we don't need in our lives to survive. Food we do need, so it is actually harder. The main thing is to keep trying...we are all intelligent, hard working, determined individuals, we can do this.

Despite the fighting yesterday, I did reach all my goals, laundry, cleaning. bill paying, check book balancing (kind of) and felt very productive. Just wanted to add that little bit.

Have a great AF day.

[Lavande]

Focused February - Week 2

Good morning Star & all Focused Ones.

I suppose we should be starting week 3 - I'll worry about that later.

Star, I'm sorry about the incident with your son yesterday. Those things are bound to pop up when too many adults reside together. For you & your husband's health & sanity call the police if that happens again. They are trained to deal with domestic disputes & their presence just might awaken something in your son.

I'm looking forward to a pleasant outside type of day - temps rising to near 60! Of course that means mud but I'll gladly take it if it means the remaing snow disappears
Kids coming for dinner, could use the company.

Wishing everyone a warm melting kind of Sunday
Lav

[Dewdrop]

Focused February - Week 2

John I didn?t want to say previously but a friend of mine had her sinuses done a few months ago and she said that having the packing taken out was the most excruciating thing she has ever experienced (she hasn?t had children!). I hope you are feeling better and get back on track with your running soon.
Chill you sound like you are managing to sort your head out around the opportunities and possibilities with your situation. I?m sure you will find a way out and I do believe that the depths we go through make us come out the other side much stronger (I think that?s a bit of a mixed metaphor but you know what I mean) enjoy your time at home with your family.
Papmom/Rustop/Lav I just love being a Gran it?s so rewarding and enjoyable and I never thought I?d say that, I told my sons I didn?t want to be a Gran for many years to come. Well was I proved wrong, my first Grandson was a lovely surprise, totally unexpected and the best thing that could have happened to my son, he was so irresponsible and footloose and I was concerned initially, however it really was the making of him. He completely changed once his girlfriend was pregnant and especially once his son was born, he has his own business now and they have a lovely home with a garden and had a gorgeous little girl 20 months ago. Life is full of wonderful surprises. Hopefully another one for you very soon Lav I empathise with your anticipation and eagerness.

Rusty and Cassia your posts are always so energetic and infectious, sorry to hear you have a bad cold Rusty take it easy and be kind to yourself. Cassia you are so organised with searching out a job in the States, I am very impressed with the networking you have been doing and I am certain that you will find the best position for yourself.
Piper how amazing bringing up triplets, what an achievement and you must be able to juggle like a mad thing, it was hard enough for me bringing up 2 on my own so I know what I?m talking about, huge respect to you.
Star you cope with your sons situation superbly you have such a huge heart it must be so difficult to deal with that environment on a daily basis, I don?t know how I would begin to cope, I hope you had a lovely weekend and were good to yourself, you deserve it.
Hi Mr G life seems to be good for you, I sometimes lurk on the undies thread and you seem to be in a good place at the moment.

I'm off out for a meal with some friends shortly so I might check in later before bed depending on how late I am, we didn't manage to meet up over the Christmas period so will be exchanging presents which feels a bt strange given we are half way through February ! Hello to everyone else.

Dewdrop :h

[Chillgirl]

Focused February - Week 2

A quick goodnight from me.....

Star i just want to give you such a big hug :l im dreadful around conflict, it devastates me and i will do anything to avoid it and im so sorry you had to go through this.

Paguy - where are you today? It looks like you have a 7 month anniversary to celebrate :yougo:

Thank you all for your words of encouragement, you always help me with my confidence.

Im having a wonderful weekend with a special friend who is over for a long weekend

[paguy]

Focused February - Week 2

Good Evening Friends:

Another weekend is quickly coming to a close and back to the office tomorrow...

Star - I'm so sorry you are having to deal with conflict at home. I can only imagine how unsettling that is and a HUGE congrats to you for sticking to your plan to remain AF.

Dew - My 'unpacking' event was the one of the grossest and uncomfortable experiences of my life. I had been so proud of myself getting through the surgery without any pain then wham - the next day I had to deal with that. Not pretty... but I am feeling much better now.

Chill - Yes! Today is my 7 month anniversary and I am celebrating this evening with a cup of 'Country Peach Passion' tea and a pumpkin muffin - Yum!

The weather forecast is predicting temps in the 60s by the end of this week - what's that tune... "Spring is in the Air..." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfMMJziMHYw[/video]]YouTube - Spring is in the air

Hope you all have a peaceful Sunday evening...

[Rusty]

Focused February - Week 2

:wd:CONGRATULATIONS ON 7 MONTHS AF, PAGUY!:happy:. Wow, that is fantastic! You have been such a positive addition to this thread....supportive, helpful, and fun! I am so proud and happy for you.

Chill-enjoy your friend's visit....it's nice to have company, isn't it....especially with what you're going through.

Star-I'm so sorry about the incident with your son.:l I don't know what to say other than I'm here for you.

Cassia-I am amazed and in total admiration about the strides you've made careerwise in your journey to find work back in the states.:goodjob: Congrats on the pat on the back, too. You obviously deserved it.

Dew-I'm so glad you enjoy being a Gran. You sound like such a nurturing soul....I bet you are the light in your grandchildren's lives.

Piper-I admire you for raising triplets on your own....wow, you must be a strong person!

Papmom-well, regarding my doctor and supps....yup, she's into alternative healthcare and what she has me on is called Pure Encapsulations Women's Lean Pack. You can order it online, but she keeps a supply at her office. Why are you moving to Ohio, and what part of Ohio are you moving to?

Lav-when I was sick yesterday, I was tempted to PM you and ask you to send me some chocolate chip cookies....I had cravings for cookings yesterday. No, Paguy....not with potato chips, though.

Yawn....still battling this awful cold, but.....it's a Sunday night, I'm AF and happy as a clam. AF is the way to be for me. Guess what? I don't have to fly this week!:yay:

Have a peaceful evening, everyone!

[Lavande]

Focused February - Week 2

Wow, my last post disappeared, weird.

Chill, hope your weekend visit was fabulous

Dewdrop, I told my kids I did not want to be a grandmother in my 40's - anytime after 50 OK!

John, CONGRATS on 7 months, awesome
Glad you are feeling well!

Rusty, chocolate chip cookies cure just about everything IMHO! Good that you can stick closer to home this week & stay off those germ ridden airplanes.

Well, I'm hoping to meet my new grandbaby this week..........I've been patient long enough, it's all just too exciting!

Good night all!
Lav

[Stargazerlily]

Focused February - Week 2

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Ugh, it's Monday, cloudy, windy, but not as cold. I will get through the day and try to have some fun, despite being at work. I have to remember to wear RED, in celebration of the holiday.

PAguy, glad to hear you are healing and feeling better.

Chill, hope your weekend was fun.

Rusty, feel better.

Where are dill, LBH, Sped, Cyn, SD? We miss you, hope you are doing well.

Have a lovely and loving AF day.

[Guitarista]

Focused February - Week 2

Greeting's everyone!

Congratulation's on 7 month's alcohol free John. Great job!

Hi Dewdrop. I'm alway's in a good place these day's. For the last 2 year's and 4 months to be precise! It'd be great to see you on the Undies thread sometime, if you want to say hello. You would be made very welcome.

Rusty, no family member's directly affected by the flood's and the cyclone, thankfully, but we had a few 'inland tsunami's' from so much rain, and river's bursting bank's. The power and speed of the flow of water was frightening. All of the serious flooding and cyclone occured a lot further north of where i am. Thank's for asking. I'm thrilled you had an AF birthday, and i hope you had a nice one.

Have a safe, happy, and sober week folk's.