Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

[Rusty]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

TGIF Everyone,

I'm at the Barcelona Airport, waiting for my flight....and just thought I would pop in.

Blondie, I was confused about the two threads, too. Timewise, with my career....I can only handle one....this one...and it's the one where I feel the most comfortable. Sometimes I think my views are a little different than others when it comes to AL, and this is the only place where I can state what's on my mind without feeling like I might get skewered for saying the wrong thing.

Rustop-I agree with your husband that people eat so late here in the evening. And, a lot of the restaurants aren't open for dinner until 8:00. Sweden...I've never been there. Christmas shopping already? Wow, I still have my Thanksgiving things up.

I also wanted to say to Blondie and Mg, since you're new to our thread, and something happens....and you run into a hiccup in your AF journey, that we don't deploy the eject button and kick you off this thread. We are not like that here. Like Rustop says, it's a nice comfortable environment....no bitching and bickering among our threadmates, just support and no judgment.

G-great to see you! A new album? Wow, that's amazing. Congratulations! G, I think the world of you....you know that....but I hate when you call yourself a drunk. That word has always bothered me....even before I drank. (See what I mean, Blondie?:H. You're a sober person in recovery....that is a much more positive word.:h

Paguy was supposed to have run his first marathon this month and so I'll get ahold of him. For all of you new to this thread, Paguy is John and he lives in Philadelphia. He's been over a year and a half AF, and when he first came on board with us, he had severely cut his foot and needed surgery. He was doubtful that he would be able to run again, much less run a marathon, but he made a speedy recovery and we think a huge reason is that he stayed AF the whole time. I hear from him from time to time and he is enjoying AF life more than ever. I will get an update from him.

A cheery hello to Chill, Star, and everyone else!

Shoutout to Jolie and Cassia? Come out, come out wherever you are!

Have a great AF Friday!

[Chillgirl]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

G'day Mr G zwink:

Rustop - Im so with you on being a hermit!

Living so rurally in Portugal I adored the solitutde it brought and loved having no street lights, just crickets, frogs and owls instead of traffic at night. If im really really truthful, although I left to find a decent job, another huge reason was that little doubt in my mind as to whether I was missing out on mainstream life and meeting new people. Thats why I threw myself into dating when I got here. If I hadnt come back I would never have known that actually Im 100% cut out for the quiet non mainstream life and was missing out on nada :no: So the appeal of the UK isnt what I thought it might be.

I also thought I would find more financial security but as the jobs are so scarce Im not going to be able to earn enough to buy a small home. Therefore the uncertainty of living on 6 monthly rentals, offers no more security than I had living in a home which could be repossessed. I guess Im much better now at coping with living in the moment as I just cant control the future. So the last 8 months has been a huge learning curve and a necessary journey.

Sorry for the venting guys but it always help to get it out of my head.....

:hiya: Rusty! Its been lovely having you on this side of the pond, one day my friend we WILL meet!

[Guitarista]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

Rusty;1210408 wrote:

G, I think the world of you....you know that....but I hate when you call yourself a drunk. That word has always bothered me....even before I drank. (See what I mean, Blondie?:H. You're a sober person in recovery....that is a much more positive word.:h

Thanks Rusty. You're right. I won't refer to myself in that way again.

I think the world of you too my friend. I think you are amazing.

I want to go to Barcelona and Portugal now! And Eire, and Scotland, and the U.S. and England, and Sweden, and.....and......:h

[sooty]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

Morning all, thanks for welcome backs.

Rusty have a good flight and keep safe.

I've got loads to catch up on but gotta get ready to make a start on the Christmas shopping this morning.

Have a fab Friday all :l

[Lavande]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

Good morning November friends!

I have been thinking about Christmas shopping but that's as far as I've gotten

Sooty, have a great day, happy you are back!

Rusty, be prepared for some cold weather when you get home GF!!!! BRRR!!

G, I avoid even thinking about the word drunk - it's just too negative for me. I have to keep my thoughts positive

Chill, we never know what the future will bring. Another reason to keep out thoughts positive so that we manifest some good stuff

Hello rustop, Blondie, papmom, Star, etc!

Where is my near neighbor Jolie?

I'm off to Cuves this morning then meeting my daughter & Ms Lily at Longwood Gardens for a walk around in the crisp, fresh air. Must take my camera

Have a great day one & all!
Lav

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

Hi Everyone!

Hope everyone is have a fab Friday so far!

Rusty & Rustop59: I am beginning to find that this and the AF Daily thread are becoming my favorites so far. Not to single out the Newbies Nest, but although I post there daily to offer my support and try to keep up with everyone, I must be honest and say that it is a bit too faced paced for me and I feel as though I get "lost" with all of the other posts and although I do my very best to address everyone each day, I don't feel as though it is reciprocated. Here, I feel as though you all really "read" my posts and being mentioned, if just my name, makes me feel really part of the group. I invest about 2 hours of my day in MWO...one in the am and one in the pm, so it's nice to settle in and really feel part of a certain group and I am feeling more that way about this group than any other. I'm so grateful for navigating around and landing here! And I agree, it is a very comfortable environment, no bickering or drama...sometimes I feel as though there is competition on other threads and that is the last thing we need here! We are all playing for the same team!

ChillGirl: I have never been to Portugal but it sounds dreamy! I hope you get back there my friend as it sounds like you are longing for that life again. Dreaming and thinking about yourself there will only make it happen (I'm a strong believer in the law of attraction), so keep thinking and dreaming and it will become reality. I'm sure there is a night and day difference between that and Scotland! Although, as you know, I would love to see Scotland someday!

Lav-I haven't really started Christmas shopping yet either but usually hubs and I just do stockings this year and not big gifts, because we save that for a vacation if we can manage it. Although, when we bought our stove last Saturday, on the drive home he said: "merry Christmas"...:H

Hi to all the wonderful abbers today! Papmom, DG, Sunshine (no, Boris isn't fat...he's, ummm, FLUFFY!, that's it ), Mr. G, Bear, Accountable, Dewdrop, Sooty, et all. Make it a great day, it belongs to YOU!:l

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

PS, PapMom, you mentioned a Women in Sobriety section recently on another thread in the monthly ab forum...where is that? Thanks!

[Dewdrop]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

No flying home late this Friday evening for me, I?m having an admin day working from home today which is great as I?ve accomplished so much already, and I am trying to get everything done quickly so that I can start my weekend as soon as possible :goodjob:

I?m off with my Meditation Group shortly for a weekend at a Buddhist Retreat on Spiritual Friendship; there will be a couple of other meditation groups joining us and I am so looking forward to meeting everyone and enjoying their company. I?ve never experienced anything like this before so this will be a new adventure. I?m taking my hiking boots as we will be in fantastic hillwalking country and I?m hopeful to be coming home on Sunday evening relaxed, inspired and in a good place.

Have a great weekend everyone :l

Dewdrop :h

[mg72]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

Good morning

It's a sunny, windy day here in MW USA. We had our first frost two nights ago so leaves are almost off trees. It is nice now but kind of a downer to realize the trees will be bare until end of March.
Chill and PapaMom3: I am so ready to get back into yoga and biking. Physical therapist said I should be able to do both in a month. This no exercise life style is very different but necessary for now. I am getting some stuff caught up in my home and office that I have been putting off.
Blonde: congratulations on two weeks AF and 100 days this year. Your posts are fun to read about how much better you feel.
Dewdrop: The Grand Canyon and Vegas are really contrasts as you wrote. I like the Steve McQueen quote "I would rather be in the middle of no where anywhere than in any big city on the earth". Vegas is my least favorite place I have ever visited. The last time I was there on business my wife and I high fived each other at the airport because it was the last time we had to visit it.
Great day and weekend to everyone.

[Stargazerlily]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

Good morning to all....

Chill, thanks for explaining the differences in culture. I too live in a conservative area, but work with people who are more open minded to new ideas, so it is bearable. I feel bad that your job does not pay enough to meet your needs, hope that you can find something in Portugal where you are more comfortable. It seems like you have benefited though, from each experience you have had, from moving, dating, to knowing now what you really want.

Rusty, good for you for setting limits, you made your life easier. I need to learn from you!

Sooty, so good to hear from you, missed you.

Dew, another interesting weekend for you. Love to know you are taking such good care of yourself.

Blonde, this IS a great thread, I have enjoyed it for years, always had support and love how we are helpful, not judging. This is not an easy journey and at times some of us do not meet our goals. But, we are winners if we keep on trying. I love the sharing of experiences and helpful suggestions. So great you are here.

Well, I have already started laundry, ran two errands, and now I am waiting for someone to visit me. I have apples baking in the oven, with stevia and cinnamon, low calorie and tasty. I found my favorite Christmas tea, Candy Cane Lane, and will soon be having a cup. So many ways to enjoy life AF. To all, have a great day and hello to everyone.

[Chillgirl]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

Evening my dear friends

Blondie - we are very into the law of attraction on this thread and I guess that's why you were attracted here! I feel so at home as we are all like minded and positive. Quite a spiritual bunch and many of us into meditation. The best part is that everyone is open minded and has the biggest hearts you are likely to find. You are going to fit in perfectly :l
I too used to spend hours on here answering post and reading and it was all part of my recovery and the best therapy in the world!

Dewdrop - have a wonderful weekend! I have been checking out a place near Callander called Lendrick Lodge which runs retreats, have you heard if it? I really want to attend a weekend they have next March with David Hamilton who is a fav author of mine from HayHouse.

Mg - like you I'm not into built up places, give me the middle of nowhere any day. A poplar destination for Brits these days is Dubai which would be my idea of hell. It's all high rised and purpose built. I'd be more at home in the Galapagos Islands.

Star - I don't ever regret a single second, everything in life leads us to the next level. We couldn't be the people we are without going through what we have and I'm grateful for all the experiences. In fact I'm ready for new experiences all the time.

I joined a local group online called "Positively Alive" and tomorrow I'm driving up to Glasgow to my 1st meeting with them, the subject is "Fear and how to deal with it", I'm looking forward to meeting the group.

Wishing everyone a fantastic AF Friday.......

[Lavande]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

Here's something to make you smile as the leaves fall from the trees -
I went to Longwood Gradens this morning to see the Chrysanthemum display, had a great time with my daughter & Lily


Dewdrop, I hope your weekend retreat is restful & full of spirit for you!

mg, have you seen any snow yet?? I have a friend in MN - he calls it 'Frostbite Falls' :H
Hope your PT progresses well for you!

Star, I love tea & have all kinds in my cupboard. Your Christmas tea sounds nice

Chill, I like to go to Philadelphia & Baltimore maybe once or twice/year for a little culture infusion but for the most part I enjoy living in cow country. At least I have plenty of 'feathered' company here
Can't wait to hear about your 'Positively Alive' group - sounds interesting!

[cyntree]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

Helloooo all! Happy Friday night, I am back safe and sound from my trip. Dogs are exhausted from keeping me up each and every night, bless them, so they are snoring up a symphony. (and it's only 6:30!)

Lav - Baltimore and Philly - I thought of you so much as I was driving, wondering if I was passing close to you!

Thanks all for the good wishes for driving. It all went very well, and I am proud of myself for handling all the travel and the dogs, etc. We 3 are quite a team, it will be interesting when HB comes home (Monday!), I am not used to having adult contact in the evenings!

My step-daughter's house is lovely, and it was great to see her taking on this new challenge so wonderfully. We had a good time together, but both felt that one full day and 2 half days was a good amount of time (she has a cat, and my dogs are not used to that). So I headed home a little early, and am so glad to be here on Friday night. Hotel stays with 2 big dogs is always interesting...

MR G!!!!! Sooty!!!! So great to see you both here, missed you tons. Welcome mg and Blonde AF. I just whizzed through the week's posts, so will do more replying later, but wanted to say thanks for the support, which I felt all week long.

Take care all, and have a wonderful, beautiful, soft landing of a Friday.

[Lavande]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

Cyn, glad you are home safe & sound
I used to live real close to I 95 (I imagine that was your route). Now I have to go to either Newark, DE or to Northeast, Maryland to get on 95. I should have thought to tell you to meet me at a rest stop for a cup of fabulous coffee :H :H
My dog wouldn't put up with a cat either

Just resting tonight, I'm still worn out from yesterday's kiddie marathon!

[BlondeAFAmbition]

Nouveau Novembre - Week 3

Happy Fri Night Abbers!

The close of the day finds me feeling very good about today's happenings...very successful and productive day at work...everything just flowed really well and I felt on top of my game. I feel I can tackle problems much better and with more creativity than in my old drinking days!

PapMom-CANDY CANE LANE! I just bought some of that yesterday at our local Walgreens...that and the Gingerbread Spice. I am in :h with them! I will have to get more before the season is over so I have plenty for the winter. They are delish. I am a fan of most Celestial Seasonings tea and just had a cup of Sleepytime Vanilla as I always do before bed time. But so funny you mentioned the same flavor I just purchased!

ChillGirl-Have you ever done or heard about The Course In Miracles? It sounds like something you might be interested in and just wanted to ask. I am very new to it and some friends of mine and I have just started a weekly get together to discuss the course. Sounds interesting to me but I have yet to read much of it as we have only met twice so far.

Lav-Those mums are beautiful! I've never seen quite a display like that...thank you for sharing! Nice to see some pretty flowers on a bitter cold day like we've had here!

Hi Cyntree! I am new on this thread and it sounds as though you have just come back from a trip. Nice to meet you and I look forward to getting to know you better!

Dewdrop: Your retreat sounds lovely...can't wait to hear about it when you return. Have a joyous time and I hope you get lots of time hiking those hills!

MG72-I have never been to Vegas but it is the last place I want to go!!! Everyone says, Oh, you should go to Vegas, so it's nice to hear someone say that they don't like it . My husband went years and years ago with family when he was just a teenager and said we should go sometime. My brother got married at a drivethru chapel in a convertible. We couldn't make the wedding as it was short short notice and I would have liked to see my older bro get married but glad I didn't have to go to Vegas just the same. The Grand Canyon, however, I would love to see. That older brother now lives in Phoenix and they have invited us out whenever. They are sober too so that may not be a bad idea at all! Never been to AZ either but he said they could take us up to the grand canyon when we visit.

Star-I hope I get to enjoy this thread for years to come :l

Hi to Sooty, Mr. G and anyone else on here tonight! I have a busy work weekend lined up at the store so I may not be on as much but I will be thinking of you and will keep my sober self on the right track! Night all!