AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

[Marshy]

Hello abbers!

Chilly here this morning - roll on spring!

Went to see Frankenstein at the theatre last night. Fantastic! The lead two actors (Frankenstein and the monster) alternate the roles, so one night one of them plays the monster and the next night the other one plays the monster. We were very fortunate (I think!) to get Johnny Lee Miller as the monster, he was fabulous.
Frankenstein - Productions - National Theatre

Not working today so I'm off for a gym/swim and a bit of pottering. I was going to go to the outdoor pool but it's still too cold to dip my toe in there, so sticking with indoor swimming for the time being.

Have a good day everyone!

[greeneyes]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Halloooo marshy and all to come!

Marshy that must have been a great show! Maybe as good as Sara singing Patsy Cline

Guess I'll try to finish up the bathroom this AM. Stiff neck and all. Have a lunchtime dental appt for a step in the tooth implant process that involves cutting uch: Better eat my sandwich BEFORE I go and plan on soup for dinner. I sound like I'm 80 :H

LVT, I read this today and thought particularly of you....
When ever you experience thoughts of concern or worry about your well being or the well being of others, replace that thought with a feeling, thought or image of peace and comfort. Indiviudally we have great opportunities to influence our life and that of our world. Together, we become a powerful force for change, harmony and Awakening.

It's 7:30 already and the sun hasn't risen! Makes me feel

Have a tantalizing tuesday!

[Sarasmiles]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Good Morning Ab-Fabbers!

Marshy, I'm jealous. I love going to the theatre, and the National Theatre in London is so amazing. I have very happy memories of going there at different times in my life when I've lived (all too briefly) in London.

Greeneyes, good luck at the dentist. Cutting sounds kinda freaky! I too have a dentist appointment today. I finally went for a check-up/cleaning a month or so ago, after about two years without. My dentist found three cavities and I'm having the third one filled today. I don't love it, but I do like feeling that I'm taking care of myself...getting rid of the decay and filling in the holes; could be symbolic. :H

I'm planning to take a yoga class before the dentist and then work this morning. That means once again not cleaning my house. Yoga/housecleaning? Yoga/housecleaning? Both are good for me. Both make me feel I'm getting my life together. But there's always an excuse not to exercise, and I'm always glad if I make it a priority, so yoga it is.

Happy Tuesday everyone!
Sara

[greeneyes]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

LMAO, sara!! There is a yoga class at 11 and I'm thinking yoga/vacuum... yoga/vacuum. You're right about the choice. I'll make the same one. Thanks!

[Lavande]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Good morning Abbers!

Marshy, I wouldn't think about an outdoor swim in March around these parts although I am already totally blue :H
Glad you enjoyed the show, sounds good!

Good luck at the dentist Greenie & Sara! I've had a ton or work done myself the past few years but glad I did. The thought of dentures in my future just gags me - yuck.
I got plenty of exercise via 2 year old EB last evening so today I'll just stick with vacuuming up the cookie crumbs he left behind :H

Partly sunny here this morning, rain moving in this evening. BUT it will be 75 degrees on Friday - Yay!!!!

Wishing everyone a terrific AF Tuesday!
'Lav

[jennyneric]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Good morning,

Not sure what to say. . .Friday got me and I stayed there for 4 days thinking I was fine but now I'm "fuzzy" and depressed and it's time to pull myself back out of this tail spin. . .I can't fail if I keep trying right. . .

I met with my SIL Friday night to try to mend things between us and offer her my help. Her husbands parents have gotten a restraining order against her and her husband (they are separated) to keep them from their kids (2 and 4 year old girls) and I feels so sorry for her and thought she needed a friend. Boy was I wrong. She was mean and arrogant and hurtful, in the nicest of ways. It was a mistake but I had to try, if I didn't I would have gone through my life thinking what if. I do feel better knowing that issues is laid to rest in my mind now.

Time to brush off and get healthy again.

No AL for me today!

Thank you all for being here!

[LVT25]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Hello friends,

Jenny, I'm not sure if your post means you drank or not, but if so, I'm sorry. They key here is to try to get through those situations without the crutch to teach our brain that we don't need it for those situations. Easier said than done, I know, but each time we do that, it does get easier. Hang in there. Sounds like a situation that would drive me crazy.:l

As I was delivering meals on wheels yesterday I had this very clear thought of how different I am now. I'm more outgoing and friendly towards people. I can share my feelings and listen (to most people). I can talk to my kids and I can stand up for myself and them. I'm more comfortable in my own skin. I'm doing things I had absolutely no desire to do while drinking, planning to drink or being hungover. All without being under the influence. I have a long ways to go, and it's a shame I went through all those years not knowing who I was or trying to be something I'm not because I thought I needed the alcohol to release my inhibitions. My son told me last night that he heard "Drunk words are sober thoughts". I think for the most part that is true.

Mylife--I envy your ability to grow fruit trees. Key limes would be wonderful! Hope you survived the auditors.
Cassia--don't ever stop shouting about 90 days--it is a HUGE milestone!
Pap--hope your physical turns out good results this time!
One 2--thanks for the congrats for my son--he's not so little though. He is 16 and about 6 inches taller than me!

He was pretty much on top of the world yesterday. He presented his report card proudly to me for the first time I can even remember. His GPA went from a 1.67 last qtr to a 3.33. Granted he dropped the Algebra 2 that was killing him, but he brought all of his grades up by at least 2 letters! I think my other son had his nose out of joint a bit, because I put the report card up on the fridge, made a special supper and gave my oldest the "special" plate. (Which the youngest made a couple of jokes about of course) But maybe that will motivate him to try harder in school. He is already a little better athletically.

Anyway, sorry I didn't give you a sandwich warning (or in your case soup warning Greenie). And thank you for thinking of me and sharing what you read. I've written it down, and I will certainly try to practice it!:l

I'm home all day today and the weather is going to be gorgeous this week. I'm going to do some laundry, cleaning and general catching up around here.

I feel so bad for those people in Japan. We have a niece and her family in Tokyo and I know her dad is going crazy. What a mess.


Here is a blog that I found really good. I think yoga is wonderful, and I would love to try at least a form of Bikram yoga!



Delaying that First Drink: Bikram Yoga - A Much Healthier Way of Getting High

[jennyneric]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Yes LVT25, I did drink, and I continued to drink nightly for 4 days. . .:upset:

Thanks for the link! It was a wonderful story!

[momof3]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Just a quick stop by to give all of you a virtual hug.

Back later

M3

[bear73]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Hey all - off sick with cold and to be honest can't take any more crap!I've spent day reading book on HF alcoholics - it has shocked me into facing facts that I am an alcoholic.
One of the quotes in it re one day at a time is each day remind yourself you're an alcoholic.
It talked of the 'magic' of booze that we feel as soon as we drink it, how we use it to escape low self esteem,low confidence, how we surround ourselves with fellow big drinkers so we seem 'normal', how often our parents expect us to be high achievers,how we are often people pleasers,overly dependent on others' approval(I am an approval seeking missile) or outside factors for our happiness,how we find it really hard to stop once we start(but can sometimes although it is a struggle).I could identify with so much of it.

It talked about the importance of recovery plans and not just being a sober drunk - I have been (and probably still am) a sober drunk mostly - am going to look to see if there is any online AA meetings quite like the sound of Smart Recovery as well/women only meetings.

Also the book talks about many people need to go through the attempts at moderation to realise that we can't do it - I think I would never have come to MWO if it had only talked of
abstinence. It's taken trying moderating several times to lead me to abstinence - but for me the idea of abstinence straight off is too much/too much denial going on.

Not ready to go to an AA meeting just yet - too soon but am contemplating it as a possibility - or of seeing a counsellor about the links between alcohol/food/depression in my life.I want to make sure they are a counsellor who doesn't push the idea of moderation though!

Anyway cleaned the kitchen and bathroom and emptied bins/returned a parcel as well.
Now for some de-cluttering and throwing away of old self help books and clothes I don't wear - therapeutic!

[bear73]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Marshy - I really want to see Frankenstein it's meant to be amazing - sold out though when i looked - glad you enjoyed - Jonny Lee Miller - grrr:h

[Doggygirl]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Hi everyone. Marshy, that show sounds FABULOUS!!! I will be thinking "Frankenstein" as I'm going through volunteer orientation at the local theatre tonight! (probably the last time I will ever be in the actual stage - and that's a GOOD thing!) :H Life is so full now compared to the emptiness and hopelessness of the drinking days. I'm grateful.

My condolences (sp) Sarah and Greenie on the dental work. :upset: Hope it is not painful and gets you one step closer to "no more dental work for a while, but not TOO long..."

I can't believe the two of you put yoga and housework in the same breath. BLASPHEMY!! (and I'm not even a yoga person!!) :H

Lav, I'm right there with ya ready to cheer when some warmer weather arrives, hopefully later this week for us too! I love how you describe stuff with EB. Planning, doing and recovering from EB is so much better than the former life of doing that for AL isn't it? I did not see YB driving by. He is so lucky. :b&d:

Jenny, I'm sorry to hear that you drank. Sounds like you are viewing this in a healthy way - looking to learn from it. Your post reminded me of something that came up at my AA meeting this morning. One of the regulars is dealing with a very intense family issue and the wisdom from the long timers was that we should be cautious, especially in early sobriety, about what we take on. Family matters can be very demanding and often, TOO demanding for us in early sobriety. It took practice and some trial and error to learn how to make sobriety #1. I am nothing without it, and therefore I cannot afford to do anything that might jeapardize it, no matter how noble the cause. Just food for thought FWIW.

Speaking of...I am maintaining some distance from the drama with my Dad. He is making choices without consideration of doctor's recommendations and without considering how his decisions affect my Mom. BUT...I need to stay out of it. Still.

LVT, I love how you describe how you are different now. AL is such a liar, eh? All that I *thought* AL was doing FOR me was usually the opposite effect. I love your posts and love reading about the good things going on in your life. And I also love reading about how elegantly you handle the challenges in your life. Awesome!

Hi M3!

Bear, Just love your posting today. Love it. Self discovery is such an important part of the process. Uncovering the lies I told myself was such a huge step. You GO girl!

AA. Leads group. Curves. Weight watchers (sqeaked by that the tippy top end of my goal weight range without an ounce to spare!). Office stuff. Getting ready to shower and dress it up for the second time today, make dinner, and then head to the theatre. I'm pretty excited to find out more about volunteering there.

Life is good. I couldn't do a fraction of this (and wouldn't even want to) if I were drinking. So, one thing is for sure.....

DG

[universal]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Hi guys,

Busy day! My daughter was home last night and her dad's house has been sick with the flu - so yeah, me with my strong as a pillow immune system cuddled with her all night. Dumb, Dumb, Dumb - woke up at 5am puking and now every muscle in my body aches. But you know what - the cuddles were worth it so I'll have a hot bath, get hubby to go get me some medication and I'll sleep all night.

I too am putting off the dad challenges because I just can't deal with them right now and you know what? That's okay! I had a great therapist appt yesterday and i have a glimmer of hope and it feels good.

Jenny and Bear - hang in there guys. I have had 2 one night benders (thank god only one night) since I got sober last July. I dust off and jump back up when it happens. No one can take away the 6 months or all the time I am getting in between. Progress, not perfection. Just keep fighting - our addict is most active when we are sober because we are not feeding him then. Just remember that!!! Hugs.

Okay, off to get hubby to go to the store for me and to go lie this achy body down on the couch for the night.

Night ladies.

[Lavande]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Poor Uni,
Hope you feel better soon

Hope you feel better as well bear!

DG, you are one busy lady - good for you!
I have lots & lots of things I want to do but I am waiting for the nicer weather.

Jenny, good to see you getting back on track. One day at a time, right?

Putting my old feet up for a while & some stupid TV

[papmom3]

AF daily - Tuesday, March 15th

Hey Ho Abbers!!

Jen-I'm so sorry you turned to AL to deal with your inlaw problems. It does sound like it was a great learning event for you tho, even if it lasted 4 days. I think DG and LVT had some great words of wisdom for the future. I KNOW you want the best life you can have and that it doesn't include AL. IT's not easy to tune out the beast when you are at your most vulnerable but it imperative that we all develop that skill. Chat really helped me in the beginning when I was feeling shaky as did writing in my journal. Hope you find what works for you. Sending you lots of hugs and positive, self affirming thoughts.

Uni-you sound great even tho you are quite the sickie!! Hope your snoozing soundly and that the morning will find you feeling much better. I'm so glad your therapist was able to offer you a glimmer of hope.

LVT-I love your posts too. You and DG and Lav are my lifelines and I know that if you all can go through what you have AF, then I can deal with my little problems AF as well.

Bear-I think you're finally getting it!! Keep going with peeling that onion!! GO BEAR!!

Hi M3!

Well, had my physical today and on the surface all is well. Unfortunately I am definitely going to have to find myself a new doc. She had yet another new medical assistant straight out of school on her staff. After weighing and and measuring me, she looked at my glasses and said and I quote: "Do you use those to see?". Umm, that's what they're on my face for. dumb ass.. I didn't say that of course. She got all huffy and said she was just asking a question. Then we went over the questionnaire and as she asked about each thing I said yes to I told her I would speak to the doc about it. Finally she said-"so, you don't want to talk to me about these things?" Um, no, you're not my doctor. Then my doc came in and it was probably the fastest exam I ever had and she didn't give me a chance to ask any questions nor did we go over the questionnaire. I had to run after her after I got dressed to get answers to 2 of my questions. I did get a script for Ambien because my sleep has been horrible lately-can barely wake up now a days. So one thing accomplished. I'm hoping I'll get the results of my chem profile faxed over tomorrow. God I HATE looking for new physicians!! I don't even know where to start.
The rest of the day flew by and then it was quilting class tonite which I am LOVING!! I cut out 2 more groups of patterns and have 2 more to go and then I can start piecing!! The school is looking into offering a second Zumba class on Thursdays at 5pm so if that happens I don't have to alternate Tuesdays between Zumba and Quilting.

Watching BL then will get the kids settled and then I can pop my first ambien and hopefully will have a solid nite of sleep and wake up with a bounce at 5am. Wish me luck!!

I do have to say one thing: Despite my medical issues last year, despite not dropping any kind of weight after being AF for almost a year, despite the sleep issues, I would not trade my life now for a life of drinking again for anything. That is all.