April Appreciation AF - week 1

[Dewdrop]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Jolie I laughed at the text from your future in laws (how ridiculous!) and I am sure that you are right to simply rise above it, you will find an appropriate way to communicate with her. Isn?t it so much easier dealing with these situations sober and you can thank her for propelling you into your sober journey Congratulation on your 3 months :bday3: what an achievement you have come a long way and I hope you celebrated. Papmom just you hang in there with only 6 weeks to go ? eat as many whoopee pies (whatever they are?) as you need. The lobster/clam bake sounds wonderful, is there room for another guest??

DSLR I am really pleased that you have decided to start your 30 days early, good for you and we are here for you just take it one day at a time or even one hour at a time or even a minute at a time to get through the first few days. It really is so worthwhile to get through a period AF. At least you will be able to see clearly if your emotional state is being influenced by the alcohol. It certainly was in my case and I was very surprised when I realised how much, my anxiety melted away as the weeks went by.

Star I hope you managed to take it easy this weekend, we sometimes forget to be kind to ourselves we are so busy looking after everyone else. I hear you on the balance front as I too constantly struggle keeping things in equilibrium at times. For me it is work that robs me of my time and energy which then encroaches on my free time either working late or occupies my mind worrying away when I should be relaxing. I resent the intrusion.

I had a lovely Mother?s Day today the boys and their families arranged for lunch at one of my favourite restaurants and they invited my Mum and Dad too so we had Great Grandparents, Gran (me!), my sons and their children ? 4 generations and 4 Mums!! It was a lively and noisy lunch and we all had a great time. We all went for a walk on the beach afterwards as the sun was out and it let the kids run off some steam as they had been so good during the meal.

Has anyone heard from John recently it seems a little while since he posted?? Hi to everyone else.

Dewdrop :h

[cyntree]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Good morning, Appreciators! Wow, what a lot has gone on in the last few days.

Chill - your post positively glows -- this sounds like a marvelous decision for you, and for all the right reasons. Anyone who wants to know why I am (also HB and dogs) leaving the desert for the East Coast again, all I can say is ditto on her reasons for leaving Portugal. And Star - despite the lure of good weather (though AZ is heinous in the summer), these climates do not seem to produce an over-abundance of deeply feeling, deeply thinking people with strong social consciences and an interest in much other than spending money on themselves. Family and friends are the most important things for me, period. And I have had to live far away from them for years because of work. Now I am like Chill, willing to jump into the unknown because I know that something after the move will feed my spirit in a way that is needed. Money enough to eat and have a roof will follow, I feel sure.

I was only able to read last week and this week to get caught up - thanks Chill for the recap, beautiful as always. But Numerology? I missed that, have to go back and search. And RLS - pardon me if you had the discussion, but Magnesium is KEY to helping correct the problem. And people who drink are chronically low in magnesium, as are people under mental stress, etc. Because of my fibromyalgia, I take large doses everyday, it keeps me mobile. Missed taking it for a couple of days, and spent most of Friday in bed with a migraine - hmmmm.

Jolie -congrats on 3 months - Well Done! RE: the MIL note...you are probably familiar with Karen Pryor's book 'Don't shoot the Dog'? I find that her techniques work marvelously with human beings too. (For anyone who doesn't know the book - she invented a technique whereby you give positive feedback to the dog when they do the right thing - a 'click' that marks the correct activity so that the dog understands what it did right.) Maybe in the coming months the thing to do is to find the tiniest sliver of Good Behavior and give her some good vibes for that -- eventually the good behavior might grow and push aside the bad behavior. Also helps you feel a little more in control of the situation...just a thought!

Spent yesterday helping a friend move who is nearly destitute - husband died, left her nothing, she is moving in with her kids to survive. I am worn out physically, but filled with appreciation for all that I have, and the chance to help her

Must get on to Spring Cleaning today, just as all of you seem to be doing, so by for now. Welcome all newcomers, best of luck, and thanks for bringing your voices and journeys here to this thread. Greetings old friends - I wish you a peaceful Sunday.

[Guitarista]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

G'day Everyone!

Some serious positive 'tude going on 'round here dude's! Marvellous. From Dill's trip, to NG, to Jollie's 90 day's, to Chilli's new adventure's, Lav's chicken coup cleaning party. It's all happening.

Anyone want to come to a yard weeding party? Start's in 2 hour's.

Gratitude thinking versus deprivation thinking. L8tr, Yo! :h

[Lavande]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Good evening friends!

I have to admit - I never did get around to really cleaning the chicken coop today but I did tidy upi a bit in there. So much for plans, huh?

I now have a nice weeping Cherry tree planted (not a Dogwood as I originally thought). And best of all I spent a great afternoon with Ms Lily

Dewdrop, this is for you:
Whoopie pie - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Greetings Rustop, the 3 months AF Jolie - yay, cyn & G

Hope everyone has a comfy evening!
Lav

[paguy]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Hi Folks:

Checking back in after being off the boards for the past week. I was just having a terrible week - everything seemed to overwhelm me so I was just 'hanging low' and trying to relax. It is amazing to me being able to manage these feelings AF. A year ago I would have drowned myself in alcohol trying to deal with the anxiousness. But, I did not give in and I am happy about that.

Feeling much better today. Ran a 5K race this morning and did well and then came home and started my 'spring cleanup' in the yard and garden. There is so much more to do but I got a good start today. And, I actually did my taxes this evening! I still have to file them but the bulk of the work is done. Amen!

Busy week ahead at work and will be traveling up to New York for the later part of the week.

Hope everyone is well.... have a restful and peaceful evening....

[Chillgirl]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Good Morning guys

Paguy - so glad you checked it, I'm sorry you have had a difficult week but :yay: for dealing with it AF! It's so empowering isn't it! I try to keep in mind when life overwhelms me that "this too shall pass" or that it's my turn to orbit that dark side of the moon. We always come back out into the sunshine again and to not drown our sorrows in AL definitely speeds up the rotation

Cyn - what are your plans and when do you want to move to the East Coast? Everyone is saying to me how can I leave this perfect climate especially for Scotland :H it has the worst weather in the UK :H I plan to spend a lot more time indoors but thats ok, there will be so much more for me to do.

I have a very busy week ahead, I'm working most days and also have friends who are visiting the area this week that I need to catch up with. I'm hanging on baited breath waiting for our local paper to come out on Thursday which has in it my ad for renting my house. Until that is done I can't move forward with my plans.

Have a wonderful Monday everyone and appreciated it!

[Stargazerlily]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Good morning on this Monday morning. Thunder and lightening here, then a real drop in temps, possible snow? Well, might as well go to work.

PAguy, hope this week is better you. It is amazing that we can deal with tough times AF. And as chill said, we get through it better.

SEnding all joy and stamina on this Monday, AF.

[dill]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Hello April Friends,
Cyn, I am happy for you that you have made a decision that seems to be just right for your spirit. It is so very important to have family nearby. So many of us lose sight of it because we are so very busy making a living and getting through our days. We take the wrong things for granted sometimes.

Star, you continue to serve as just that for me. A star and a beacon.

Paguy, I am very impressed that you survived your rough week and maintained AF. That can only make you stronger.

Chill, I have been reading in the news about how bad the economy is in Portugal and how the education system seems to have failed the people. I hope the country can turn the tide. I am pretty sure that wasn't a big part of your decision to move, but I do think about you when I read about Portugal. Now I will start thinking about you when I read news of Scotland!

Lav, I have cleaned chicken coups and it is no fun. Make sure you wear a mask to keep from breathing in too much of that dust.

Yesterday was a rough one for me. My best friend's husband died suddenly yesterday. It was an emotional and stressful day. The sun was shining and the air was warm, but the wind was blowing and gusting. I felt both full and empty at the same time as I stood outside overlooking our pond. I felt so helpless when I was with her. And there was wine. The first thing her sister did was offer to get me a glass of wine or something to drink. I asked for a glass of water but for awhile my eye kept returning to that glass of wine sitting on the table. Suddenly it made me angry. I just plain felt angry that I was going through such a sad and emotional time and trying my best to figure out how to help my friend and that wine stepped in to the situation and started an internal arguement. One I did not have time or energy for. I managed too put it out of my mind and focused on my friend.

Feeling stronger today, but still trying to put the pieces together. It doesn't feel right that he is gone. It will take time, I know.

Sorry to be a downer here. But the bright side in this for me is that I remained AF and am learning to take things as they come and maintain.

Peace and strength to all to come.

[papmom3]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

(((((dill))))) (((((your friend)))))

I'm so sorry for your loss Dill. What a horrible day! Thank goodness you were able to be there for her even tho it was a loss for you too. The fact that you remained AF help her so much because you were able to be fully present for her instead of getting drunk and focusing on your own sadness. You have turned such a huge corner and I think the death of a loved one is one of our ultimate tests. You passed with flying colors. Now comes the task of giving her whatever help she needs to get through the arrangements and the funeral. You will be strong and AF. Please take time to grieve yourself and to acknowledge all that you have to be grateful for.

:l :h

[Chillgirl]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Dill - what a tragedy! How heartbreaking for your friend, im so so sorry. It reminds me of a day many years ago when my husbands best friend died suddenly of an brain clot at aged 36. He was my friend too and it took me a long time to recover from the deep pain of loosing him, of course I had my evil friend AL to help me along. I often wonder if I will ever be strong enough to cope with grief in my life without picking up a glass. Your will was admirable as its so easy to justify in those circumstances. Im sending you extra love today. :l

The financial state in Portugal is actually a huge factor for my move, if the market here hadnt crashed so badly all our investments would be safe and I would probably still be selling real estate and earning good money. Its also a very sad place to be right now as so many people are in a desparate state. Now I have decided to go im yearning for it to happen and I wish I could wake up and just be there.

[Lavande]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Good morning April friends,

John, glad you are OK. Hope things are much improved for yuo this week.

Dill, so sorry to hear about your friend. A sudden death is the worst I think. No one has a moment to try to mentally prepare. Will be thinking of you & your friend today. Remaining AF makes you stronger than you can imagine.

GM to chill, Star, papmom & everyone who checks in today!
I'm officially on stork watch, #3 grandchild is due tomorrow.

Wishing strength & comfort to all today!
Lav

[Jolie]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Dill,

So sorry to hear of your loss - if it brings you any peace, know that you are the best kind of friend for being strong in the face of tragedy to be there for her. Well done my friend.

[Newgrange]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Hello all, catching up on all the news. So sorry dill at the loss of your friend. A very difficult time. Chill your plans regarding your move sound exciting. Good luck with the stork Lavande and softie and the inlaws, what pretentious carry on by them and hi to everyone, just getting to know you all.

I was away at weekend, no Internet. A few dodgy moments but they passed and i am still on track and thanks you are all very welcoming here. There is a strong positive energy here.:thanks:

[Newgrange]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Oops sorry it is jolie and the inlaw!

Goodnight

[paguy]

April Appreciation AF - week 1

Hello Friends:

What an incredibly boring day I had today! Sat through an all day training class and I have 1 more day to go. Although my boss knows that I'll be leaving in less than a year (March 2012), he asked me to sit through a 2-day inernal training class to give him my candid feedback. I'm going to be brutally honest and let him know that the quality of the instruction is poor and the attitude of the trainers is lacking enthusiasm and spunk. This is a training program for new hires and I really feel sorry for them. I am glad this didn't happen last week because I am afraid it just may have tipped me over the edge! :H

Dill - So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend's husband. Events such as these can be quite sobering (no pun intended), can't they? We just never know when our time is going to be up. That's more motivation to live life to it's fullest and that means being AF for me.

Chill - Lots going on with you. I really admire you for the decision you made. You know in your heart it's the right thing to do. I sincerely wish you all the best in moving forward. By the way, I loved your remark about 'being on the dark side of the moon'. That's exactly how I felt last week!

Jolie - urgirl: CONGRATULATIONS urgirl: on your recent 3 month AF anniversay - Awesome job!

Greetings to Newgrange, Lav, Papmon, Star and all others that follow. Wishing you all restful Monday evening...