April Appreciation AF - week 2

[Lavande]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

Good Friday morning all!

Two days in a row of sunshine ~ we are finally blessed Jolie

Chill, I would be feeling rather unsettled too if I was making such a move but then again I have never been known for extreme patience. Hang in there & we all wish you a speedy resolution. Say HI to Mario for me

Star, many years ago when I was feeling particularly burned out of my hospital job I landed an office job that was supposed to be 'perfect'. It turned out to be much, much worse than I could have imagined & I left it before a year was up & went crawling back to the hospital. I'm only telling you this because it's important for us to break out & try new things & not live the rest of our lives wondering I returned to my old job with a new perspective I think & stayed there for 12+ years!

Papmom, big rain moving in here tonight & tomorrow again, look out because it will probably get you too.

Having all 3 grandkids here last evening was rather chaotic yet enjoyable. I woke up today thinking 'OK, this is the new norm for Lav' :H

Wishing a terrific AF Friday to everyone!
Lav

[Dewdrop]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

John I love the new avatar it is sooo cute and huge congratulations on your 9 months that is just awesome. Chill hang in there any change is never straightforward but you will overcome all these obstacles and be a stronger person in the end. Your planned journey home sounds simply wonderful and something to focus on, I would be making it last as long and meandering as possible. Star good for you in dealing with the bully, and good news on the job opportunity sometimes these things come along at just the right time ? my Mum has a saying ?if it?s for you it won?t go by you? I hope you relax and have an enjoyable weekend away. Lav isn?t it wonderful to have all the grandchildren under the same roof your Christmases are going to be great fun!

My energy levels and my mood have been a bit up and down this week and I?m not sure why, I think though that I need to plan in rest days when I exercise as I tend to be a bit spontaneous so that might be one explanation. However it?s always easier to cope with these fluctuations sober so onward and upwards for next week. On the 10th of May I will be on a week?s meditation and hill walking retreat with a good friend so I will make sure that I spend time in one of my meditations that day to send love and compassion to all of you ? those with appointments, those without and to a special lady who is going to ace her exam

I?m just back from an evening 10 pin bowling with some guys from work which was good fun and a laugh, we had pizza and they have all headed to the pub to finish the night off but I?ve a lot I want to do tomorrow so I ducked out. The thought of spending a couple of hours sitting in a pub as they all get pissed and talk rubbish simply does not appeal, not one little bit. How things have changed.

Have a lovely weekend Appreciators,

Dewdrop :h

[paguy]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

Good Morning!

More 'April showers' (or I should say drenching rains) are headed our way today. There better be a reward of gorgeous 'May flowers' on the other end of this miserable spring weather we are having I am hoping the rain holds off for my 5K race this morning - otherwise, I will be sloshing along to the finish line.

Dew - I have a fondness for 'Westies' so I've collected a series of westie themed avatars. My little guy is just as cute as the avatar pictures

Star - I hope you enjoy your weekend - time away from your work situation sounds like the best remedy right now. I have become so disenchanted with the current corporate culture that seems to be so pervasive right now - bullying, disrespect, and greed seem to have taken center stage. Gone are the days when companies were all about their employees. It has been very sad for me to watch and has been a key driver in my decision making for my future. I have not given up on the human race just yet! I just want to find another way to make a difference.

Greetings to Lav, Chill, Papmon, Jolie and everyone else who follows today... Wishing you all a relaxing Saturday!

[Chillgirl]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

I apologize in advance for this post but i dont know where else to turn and maybe posting it will help get my feelings out.....

This feels like the worst day of my life.
I have to be out my house in less than 2 weeks, i still have nowhere to go, no removal booked or flights. I dont even have the money to pay for them right now. Im sitting here surrounded by boxes and emptied cupboards and feel like the lonliest person in the world. Im throwing away as much of my life as i can bear, i came accross my wedding vows and birthday cards from my ex which I cant bring myself to read nor throw away. Everything is closing in on me and i feel like i just cant cope, every decision i have to make there is no one to bounce it off and im drowning :upset: It just all seems so hard to cope with alone and i cant stop crying....

There is so much to do, i havent told my boss yet im going, and i dread that. I have to attend to all the utility bills and close bank accounts, get rental agrement signed and deal with so much paper work.

Im so sorry I dont normally allow myself a pity party but i feel so overwhelmed and im screaming inside. How I would love to get that fix from AL to let me relax and forget it all for a while but I wont, I really wont, i know that if i did I would never come back....

[Lavande]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

Aw Chill,

Sending you lots of strength & hugs! :l
I really wish I could spend the weekend helping you get organized. Don't torture yourself with old cards, letters & stuff. I just threw all that stuff away myself - it's just crap now. Is it possible to rent a storage unit of some sort for your belongings until you find a new place? People do that sort of thing all the time around these parts then you can focus onfinding a new place. We are all with you in spirit :l

John, good luck today. These gusty winds will probably push you over the finish line pdq!

OK, need to go take care of needy animals.
Wishing everyone a good Saturday!
Lav

[rustop61]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

Hi everyone

Chill - Lots of hugs, this is a traumatic time for you and feel free to vent anytime you want. Keeping everything crossed that it all works out ok for you. Keep strong, you have come so far in the past year, dont let Al across the threshold, no matter how tempting it may be.

John - Good luck in your race.

Dewdrop - What a lovely way to spend a week. Something to look forward to when I am post teens!!

Star - Hope everything works out ok for you too.

Dill, LBH, Sped, we are all thinking of you. check in if you get a chance. Everyone else big hello and have a great week-end.

Rustop

[papmom3]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

DEEP BREATH Chill!! First of all the feeling you would get from all that AL would only last a few hours but you woud be passed out for much much more and then you would waste more hours being hungover, feeling sorry for yourself and going deeper into that black hole. So, Deep Breath-yoga breathing, put on a meditation CD, got for a walk with doggie, anything. Now, pick ONE thing to do and do it. Don't worry about anything else. The vows, the letters, the cards-you can deal with them once you get over to Scotland and settled. You DO need to let your boss know because its good ettiquette AND I have a feeling he can help you somehow. But he can't help if he's clueless. You DO have a place to live-you can stay at your folks temporarily right? Would they NOT allow their daughter and dog lodging for a few weeks? Sure it will be tight and awkward but you'll make it work. If that's impossible have you even asked any friends or your sisters back home if you can stay a short while? If you can't do anything else today, how about searching online for a rental caravan? Why are you talking about flights? I thought you were driving home? Or is that for the shipping of belongings? If so, do you have the money for a storage unit like Lav suggested? Some of these companies will even ship the things once it's time. What about motels or hotels in Scotland that do short term rentals? Any possibilities there? I'm not sure if you're out in the country or near a city in Scotland.
I too wish I could hop on a plane and help you get organized and on your way. It's what I do best!! But I can't and if there is no one else near you who can then its all you and there isn't anyone stronger that I know.
You come on here anytime it gets too overwhelming but putting one foot in front of the other is the best way I know of to make things happen. Not that you haven't been doing that admirably-you just have to keep on doing it.
I'm a problem solver Chill so please forgive me if I'm not giving you what you truly need right now. All I know how to do is find the solution when someone I care about is hurting. But I do know how to give hugs so here's your's:

[Chillgirl]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

papmom3;1099537 wrote:
I'm a problem solver Chill so please forgive me if I'm not giving you what you truly need right now.

Papmom - :l You gave me EXACTLY what I needed. Your post made me cry because I can feel you care and that is just so so nice. I spend the day packing and taking trips to the garbage dump, i didnt stop all day and im aching all over. Got huge amounts done and feel less overwhelmed. Im sorry for my self pitying earlier......

Yes, flights im afraid, the car I was going to take back is just not road worthy enough and I cant risk breaking down alone somewhere in the middle of Spain. Im going to fly to London and have bought the crate for Elle, its only a 2.5 hr flight and I have herbal calming drops to put on her blanket, although its me that will need a valium!

Im a complete control freak and always have to have my life in order, thats why when its out of control i get so anxious. Today has been my lowest point in such a long time but tomorrow is another day and I will be back on top.

[Newgrange]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

Hi Chill. Remember what you are undertaking is huge and while you had a few completely understandable shaky moments you still got on with it and you will get there. Moving house in the same locality is one thing but you are moving country! Massive. And all the memories. Give yourself a break. you are fab!

I think if the law of intention is true then you have much good karma going your way with friends and positive energy from all here. I am new but send best wishes.

All will be well.

Congrats on 9 months John.

Star you sound strong. I hate bullies. Good luck with job prospects.

Hello everyone.

[papmom3]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

All right Chill!! Way to go girl!!
Well if it's only a 2.5 hour flight then Ellie should be fine. Just exert that control freak side of you so nothing happens to her in cargo. See if there is anyway you can be out on the tarmack when they take her out. already know the answer but if you don't ask you'll never know. Make sure that crate is super sturdy tho-can't break open if they drop her. Oh yeah, I'm also totally paranoid!! don't mind me!! Also, see if your vet can prescribe 2 tranqs for her-one to try at home to see how she reacts and one to give her right before the flight plus use the calming drops.
2.5 hours is way less stressful than 2 days on the road so go for it.
Keep going one step in front at a time and always shout out if you need extra support!!
:h

[Lavande]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

Chill,

Take a look at the pretty pictures - they'll make you smile
I took my daughter & granddaughter to Longwood Gardens Monday afternoon - it was nice!

Longwood Gardens pictures by elkmills - Photobucket

You & your doggie will be OK :l

My Swissy made the flight from Germany to the US in a crate, my daughter's dog flew to Colorado & back in a crate - they did just fine on much longer flights

[paguy]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

Chill - Sending you BIG HUGS - this is an incredibly stressfull and anxious time for you. No need to apologize for a well deserved pity party. As Papmom has so eloquently stated, relax and take deep breaths - you will get through this.

:l:l

Lav - I loved the pictures of Longwood Gardens. I really do have to get there soon.

[Lavande]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

John,

You didn't really run in this rain today, did you????
I can't believe how much water is laying in my front yard - the ground is saturated

The gusty winds blew one of the chicken house doors open. Don't know how long it was open when I found it but the chicks were huddled in a corner looking pretty scared, poor things. They'll probably have nightmares :H

And it's cold out there too - boo hoo

Hi NewGrange, good to see you today

[paguy]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

Lav - Yes, I was running uphill into the wind this morning. It was an ugly morning (cold, damp, windy) but at least the rain held off until after the race finished thank goodness. I finished the 5K in 27:42 - not too bad for a tough course.

I just got home - met some friends for dinner and the driving is treacherous - there is water everywhere.

Sunshine tomorrow maybe?

Have a peaceful evening folks....

[Chillgirl]

April Appreciation AF - week 2

Good morning my friends

Lav - you photos were beautiful, what a lovely place! And yes, the ones of dear little Lily did make me smile she is just adorable!

Paguy - that's a great time in high winds, well done! :applaud:
You guys sure are having nasty weather.

:thanks: Thank you so much for all the support yesterday, it really helped me not to feel so alone :l
I have my cycle group today, probably the last one so it will be sad as I have loved joining this group more than anything I've done since getting sober.

Wishing you all a wonderful and peaceful Sunday.....