Jaunty July - Week 1

[Lavande]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Good morning one & all!

Happy Independence Day!
Wishing everyone a safe & happy 4th.
Will be back later.

Lav

[Jolie]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Happy 4th of July (to all who celebrate it)!

Chill - CONGRATULATIONS to you! Hope you know you are truly an inspiration to us all and I look forward to coming here every day just to see what your latest exploits have been! It's also sounds like maybe your sister is reaching out to you. She obviously sees the definite improvement in your life and who better to help her than someone who has already been there. You are a good sister.

Lav - painting done? Today would seem like a good day to stay inside and do just that - it's very humid out. Looking forward to pictures!

Rustop - how sweet that you remember the day he proposed!

Papmom - what a sad story and sorry for your loss. I think you must be stronger than you give yourself credit for - it would have been so easy to give in and use the excuse of tragedy and trying to deal with grief as an excuse to drink. Good for you.

So - I went out and bought a brand new bike today! Went riding with a friend the other day and the front tire went flat. The gears also didn't seem to be working. It's a really old bike that my Dad gave to me years ago. He passed away a year ago on July 17th and I guess I just really wanted to keep it for sentimental reasons. I don't plan on getting rid of it but if I'm going to start riding for exercise, I need something reliable so - thus my little shopping excursion. Now I tried to get hubby to buy one too but he's not totally committed to it yet. I'll work on him.

Hi to Star, Mario, Rusty, anyone else who checks in. It's really humid out but I can't resist to go take that first ride on my new bike! Jeez - I sound like a little kid.

Anyway - have a great day guys!

[Dewdrop]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Happy 4th of July to all our Americans, it seems like quite a celebration.
P3 I love reading your posts, there is always so much going on in your life and I really hope you get the new job and with additional money because you deserve it, don’t sell yourself short. I don’t know where you get your energy from and I simply wish I had half of it! Chill massive congratulations on 18 months, what an achievement and your life just gets better and better :l

I had a quiet weekend recharging the batteries the weather was lovely and has continued today so I hope it keeps up. My ex hubby and his wife dropped by unexpected on Saturday (well they did text me in the morning) with some sausages and burgers for the bbq so I put it on for the first time this year. They had one of the grandkids and she ran around the garden, I had the water sprinkler on a patch of grass that I am trying to regrow after taking out loads of moss and she ran in and out of the water squealing for ages. Later we went out in their boat for a cruise around the bays which was fun, funny how we get on so much better now that he is remarried!! Sunday I spent the morning in the garden cutting the grass but got fed up after a while so went indoors and watched the men’s tennis final at Wimbledon which was good but I really was cheering Nadal on. I didn’t really do much all day to be honest but appreciated the time to chill out and recharge.

I really can’t be bothered with a lot of things these days, I have my Manager out with me tomorrow on a visit and I am so unprepared and completely unfazed that I am unprepared – not a good attitude at all. I had my first radiotherapy treatment this evening after work and I have to say I hate the whole process. I had a planning/simulation session last week to get everything set up which was nearly a couple of hours and although the actual treatment is only 10-15 minutes I just find it all very depressing. I feel like going into the hospital just sucks the life out of me, despite doing all my positive healing visualisations I just can’t get my headspace sorted. I know I need to but it’s not working aaarrrrrggggggg. I really need to give myself a shake, for god’s sake it could be so much worse, I have a life to look forward to not like so many others in there.

Sorry for the rant, I’ll be better tomorrow I hope (or maybe not after a day with my Manager!)

Dewdrop :h

[Cassia]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Hey all

Happy Independence Day! I can't wait to see the fireworks tonight on the hudson!!!

Dew - it's completely understandable that you are fed up particularly with everything that is going on. You are entitled to feel that way. Work is work - it will be there next week. If you feel like you cannae be bothered then just don't be - there is no harm in it. You will no doubt pick yourself up in a few days and get on with it. You can't compare your situation to others either - who is to say that anyone has it worse then how you feel right now? It's personal to you. All I ask is that you look after yourself and post here often.

Lav - my trip to Philly was lovely - I was there the same day as Obama - I was going to try and find him and introduce myself but I didn't want to end up getting shot. No seriously - Philly is an awesome city and I am looking forward to spending some time there.

Jolie - enjoy cycling! I am hoping the humidity dies down here before the fireworks start.

Rustop - wow! Good on you for remembering the day your husband proposed - I don't remember the day my hubby officially did it. I basically came home from America and said we were getting married. He didn't argue! LOL! Why am I so bossy?! I hope you have a lovely day.

Hey to everyone else!!!

So things are moving at pace now - hubby had his medical today in London and it all went well. As long as his blood test results come out ok then he should have his interview in the next four weeks and then be here in August!!! I can't wait! I am trying to furnish our new flat just now - we move in on 30th July. I have to buy a lot of used stuff because I can't afford to buy it all new. I am getting a new couch though. If anyone can recommend a decent discount furniture store then I am all ears!!!

So first 4th of July back in the US for 13 years. Quite an awesome thing. I am going to a bbq (I have made so much food for this!). I bought lots of nice AF drinks - my sis is coming along and she doesn't drink so it's all good. Being AF is just part of who I am now - it's not even a question of drinking anymore. I just don't drink. What a burden has been lifted.

Health and love to you all.

xx

[Lavande]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Good evening all!

Had no plans for the day but my daughter, son-in-law & Lily dropped in at dinner time so we grilled some turkey burgers & zucchini & made a cucumber salad. (Look on the AF Daily thread for pictures from my overabundant garden today)
I need to set up a road side stand - honestly!

Cassia, glad you are here in your homeland celebrating Independence Day!
Great news about your husband's progresst too

Dewdrop, I imagine as your treatments progress things will ease up a bit. It can't be easy putting yourself in there even though you know it's necessary. Wish I could go with you & provide a little distraction. Hang in there :l

Jolie, hot & humid for sure!!!
I will get pics of my room after tomorrow's furniture delivery Be careful on the new bike & good luck

OK, time to go put the girls to bed!
Wishing everyone a good night.

Lav

[rustop61]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Good morning everyone

Back to wet and windy here again. What is it with this weather, just getting a
taste of summer last few days and now back to this. My Jack Russell refused
to come out for a walk in it this morning!!!! Maybe he has sense.

Dew - sending you lots of healing vibes. I think the whole atmosphere in a
hospital sucks it out of you. Vent away that is what we are here for.

Cassia - So glad things are moving along with hubby and that you will soon be re-united.

Everyone else big hello. Will check in again later.

Rustop

[Stargazerlily]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Good morning all...

Dewdrop, vent away, we are here for your. I can't imagine that it would be anywhere near ok to have to get treatments and on top of it try to be happy about it. But, you are going and will somehow get through them, healing daily, and living your life. Sending you love and strength.

Lav, sounds like a great impromptu cookout.

Cassia, glad you are in the USA for the Fourth. Things seem to be movingalong for you.

Off to work for me, I could have used an entire week off with this great weather.

Have a great AF Tuesday.

[Lavande]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Good morning Jaunters!

90 degrees, hot & humid on the forecast for the rest of the week. I think this is what makes my garden grow so I shouldn't complain

Rustop, my dogs are picky about the weather too. One loves this hot weather & the other prefers to stay inside the AC

Dewdrop, thinking of you today & hoping your manager does not cause you any grief!

Star, enjoy your day. I have work waiting for me too so I guess I'm grateful

Wishing everyone a great AF Tuesday!

Lav

[Dewdrop]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Well after the lovely sunny weather we are back to rain and colder temps, what is happening to our summer? I?ve been reading all your posts and it?s great to hear all your news, thank you for the kind thoughts. Lav I just loved the photos of your produce, I have a good recipe for zucchini and cheese muffins but I think you might already have that one! Please post some photos of your new bedroom, we would all love to see the finished results.

I was not in the mood really for today however my Manager was a gem, he was very supportive and useful (for a change!) in his thoughts and suggestions for the next month. He wants me to consider reducing my hours, currently I am fitting my treatments in after work at 5pm and he wants me to start later in the morning at say 9.30 and then arrange to have my treatment at say 2.30, then take an hour to relax and do something for myself ie go for a walk, have a coffee, meet a friend etc. Basically work the morning but take the afternoon to have my session and then relax. This was the first time we have met face to face since I told him of my diagnosis and surgery and I was a bit unsure how it would go. Would he blank my illness and expect the same work wise (he is a real hard task master) or would he be supportive, and he really was great. He did comment that I have lost weight and I do have dark circles under my eyes for the first time ever but I think that?s because I?m not sleeping properly at the moment.

However I do temper that with a little cynicism (and I hate to feel that but I?m going on past experience) but we did go through my sales figures for my accounts first and all are tracking very well but one in particular is doing exceptional. This was an account that I went out on a limb for and have been networking for the past 12 months and it?s only in the last three months that it has turned around and is snowballing at the moment and bigger than the other accounts (cynical!). So he knows even if I am off patch my sales are going to come in and that is how he is measured. And to be honest my relationships with my clients are good so I could do work by email and phone for a while, although I always think face to face is the best way to do business. We also had a couple of excellent meetings with clients and he was impressed with both the work that has been done and the joint work that is planned. Yet I was exhausted and I think he realised that, I then had to drive to the hospital for my next session and he seemed genuinely concerned that we had worked too long and I still had this to go through.

My goodness I?m talking work which is something I try and keep to myself and away from this thread, mainly because I have a real dichotomy between work and my spiritual side; do you know these days I think my mind has a life of its own and I have trouble concentrating on anything for any length of time. I?m sorry if this is another ?me? post and I will get better I?m just readjusting at the moment. I hope you are all well and I do love reading all your posts.

Dewdrop :h

[Chillgirl]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Evening Guys

Dewdrop - Im glad your boss was understanding even with ulterior motives. From what you have described to me, you are actually the one trying to bend over backwards for them not the other way around. Cut yourself some slack girl, even in the current market good people are hard to find and im sure your boss realizes this. Take the easiest option being offered to you, its all fine and well getting the treatment but your rest and recovery is equally as important. This and having a mind at peace is paramount. Im sorry you are not sleeping well, is this unusual for you? Are you able to do some yoga?

I was going to complain about how tired I am but knowing what you are going through makes me feel ungrateful. This job is really taking it out of me, Im so busy all day with Clients and potential buyers/seller that im just not able to keep up with the required paperwork. I also had viewings tonight and only just got home now at 8.30pm. Anyway im not concerned about it, I know I need to go through this period when its all a bit chaotic before I settle into it better. Im just such an organized person that this is hugely frustrating for me. I also hate missing my exercise routine and its proving impossible to get to my gym regularly because of the distance. There is another one on my doorstep which is just a gym with no classes and im considering joining it too which will allow me to get there before work. It sounds extravagant but the monthly fee is less than I used to spend on wine in a week! I think I can allow this indulgence.

One think is for sure, I could NEVER in a million years have done this job while still drinking. Despite how crazy and tiring it is, I know im good at it and once I learn the ropes there will be no stopping me. Sometimes I really cant believe this is all happening to me, a few months ago i was living a solitary life in the Portugese countryside with goats and chickens as neighbors. Here I am now Miss business girl in a small town in Scotland......

[Lavande]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Dewdrop. if you send me your address I'll mail you some zucchini/cheese muffins - put some weight back on you Please don't push yourself too hard just now ~ you can do all that later.:l

Chill, busy is good, right? I know I don't have the stamina I had 10 years ago but what can you do? We need time to adjust to new stuff

My furniture was delivered, I like it!
Will try to get a pic or two tonight. There's absolutely nothing on the walls ~ I'll worry about that later

Got myself a bit of work today - yay!

[Dewdrop]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Lav I bake these courgette/cheese muffins with my grandkids and we alternate the zucchini/courgette with carrot or banana and the kids love both making them and eating them.

10 oz (300g) self raising flour, 1 courgette about 200g (7oz)
Salt & pepper, 150ml (5oz) pot natural yoghurt
3 teaspoon baking powder, 3 tablespoon olive oil
3 oz (75g) grated parmesan cheese, 3 eggs + 3 tablespoon milk


? Set oven to 200/400/gas mark 6
? Line muffin tin with paper cases
? Put the flour, salt & pepper, baking powder & parmesan cheese into the mixing bowl.
? Coarsely grate the courgette/zucchini, add the courgette to the bowl with the yogurt, oil, eggs and milk, and fork together.
? Spoon the muffin mix into the paper cases.
? Bake for 18-20 mins until well risen and golden brown.
I?m not sure how the ingredients translate with the USA measures but it is an easy baking session and all the grandkids enjoy making them.

[Lavande]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Dewdrop,
Thank you for the recipe - looks delicious
I'll figure out the measurements, no problem!

For those interested, here's a link to 4 pics of my new room......so far. I have nothing on the walls & need to look for a bedside lamp, etc. At least there's no mess in there yet :H

New Bedroom pictures by elkmills - Photobucket

My daughter was just here to see it & said she's going to look on Etsy - Your place to buy and sell all things handmade, vintage, and supplies for wall stuff.
Sounds good to me

[Jolie]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Hey guys,

I took the week off (had Monday off and Friday is also an "off" day for me so only had to use 3 days of vacation). Very productive day. Finally removed all of the wallpaper off the wall in the hallway (what a shitty job). Then had lunch with my mother in law. I just love her - I know I have a saint for a mother in law and I'm grateful every day. We may go to a local pool later this week and will have her over for a cookout as well.

Getting ready to head out and find a perfect spot to watch fireworks that our neighbors (a camp that hosts around 200 kids/week) has. They are really awesome fireworks so I don't feel like I need to go into town every year and fight the crazy crowds to watch them. Look forward to watching them AF for probably the first time in many, many years.

Dew - as always, keeping you in my thoughts and my prayers. Sometimes this seems like such a genetic saying but I truly pray every night before going to sleep and think of you often.

Lav - hot and humid for sure. Love the pics - it's beautiful!

Chill - positive and upbeat as usual - that's what keeps us going girl!

Rustop, Star and Cassia - hope you guys are all having a wonderful day!

Check in tomorrow!

[papmom3]

Jaunty July - Week 1

Good Evening Jaunty Ones!!

Busy busy weekend so I only was able to read the posts so far.

Dew-yes, please cut yourself some slack. You won't do your company any good if you are laid up in hospital because of exhaustion or worse. Take your boss's offer. I guarantee this is a rare side of him you are seeing right? Quick before he changes his mind!! Chill is right on about the rest being just as important as the treatment. Your clients will understand and they would want you to take care of yourself. And please, please talk about work all you want. It's part of who you are and right now it is as much a part of your recovery as your spiritual side. :h

Lav!!! Your bedroom is DEVINE!! I absolutely adore the color blue and it is exactly what I want for my bedroom! Can you please tell me the brand and the name of the color? I can't tell you how long I've been looking for the right blue!! Can't wait to see what your daughter comes up with on Etsy. Love that site!!

Chill-I'm so glad to hear that you are not being sucked into the hole of overwhelmingness that we can get sucked into when we make a major life change as you have done. You are recognizing the hecticness (are you just loving all the new words tonite??) that always accompanies the first few weeks of a new job and looking past that to when you start to settle down. If you can afford it,I think the 2nd gym membership is brilliant and it will keep you on an even keel if you can fit your exercise in at least once a day. Don't forget a brisk walk with Elle in the morning can work wonders for you too but if you do that anyway and still need the routine of a workout than go for it!! Isn't it wonderful how much energy you have now that you've been AF for so long? I can't believe I ever did my job as well as I did hungover almost every day and dead tired to boot. I wish my workload hadn't doubled this year-I would have loved to see how much better I could have done the job with the workload the same as it was a year ago. All I know is that now that it's increased and we've lost my assistant there is NO WAY I could do this job hungover and fatigued. As it is I'll be working weekends starting this coming weekend just to catch up and be ready for the end of August. IF I'm still there that is

It was very interesting hearing about your sister. She is definitely watching you and seeing the positive changes and the fact that she verbalized some concerns about her own drinking patterns means she needs to think long and hard. You will be there for her when she needs the support.

Jolie-How nice that you genuinely like your MIL!! Hope you had fun at the fireworks tonite and congrats on the new bike!! Old is OK and will do in a pinch but there is nothing like brand new and knowing it will last a very long time. Enjoy the rides!!

Cas-How wonderful were the fireworks over the Hudson?? How cool that you were there to see them. I'm so happy to hear that your hubby's visa journey is on track. Fortunately for you August will be here in no time. Not so sure I'm happy about that tho! Means summer will be drawing to a close :upset:.

Rusty-where are you now? You're traveling right? Hope you had a great 4th!!

Rustop-your dogs are like mine! 2 don't care what the weather is and one refuses to get paws wet at all! They are too cute and too funny!!

Star-I'm with you on having either last week off or this week. Even hot and humid I love it!! But thank god for AC at night!!

So so busy this weekend! Managed to pretty much gut the whole perennial garden and gave away everything I dug up. It's really ugly now but I like a somewhat blank canvas. I felt sorry for a lonely aster so I replanted it. It's toast in the heat however. Not sure it will make it. Managed to finally mow the back tundra and it was super hard as it was super wet and super long. Can't let it go that far again! Also tried some home repairs that didn't go so well. I'm without a bedroom overhead light until I can get back to Lowes and even then I'm thinking it might be more complicated than I can fix so I'll have to call the electrician. Bummer. Unclogging the bathroom drain without chemicals requires dismantling of the stopper which I just ran out of energy to do last nite. Lots of laundry and hanging out to dry (love that smell!) and even played with my new sewing machine! I made a prototype of the doggie belly band I've designed and so far so good. Now to refine the materials I use. You may see the finished product on Etsy in the near future.
Tonite at Quilting class I finished sewing the row pieces together. Next week is pinning the whole top together and the next two weeks after that sewing it together and then the top is done! I promise to take pics before I send it out to be quilted.

where is PaGuy??? come out come out whereever you are!! We miss you!!