Simply Sober October - Week 2

[papmom3]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Dill! I love your crochet sampler!! So cozy and fun!! Hmmmmm can I take on one more project? Just opened a puzzle tonite. Wheeeeeee!!

Chill-oh I hope you get that Ins. job!! You so deserve some stability in your life-it's been such a long road for you. Please let us know!!

Lav-how is YB? Sincere wishes the surgery went just fine and that he is being a model patient!

LBH-oh how I envy you your 115lbs! I love the visual of your long braids and fashionable clothes. I lack all 3 unfortunately!!

Rustop-your course sounds like a real hoot!! Congrats to you too on reaching your weight goal! Will they take before and after pics?

Star-I have never heard of Jimmy Johns. could it be a mid west thing?

Well, gas didn't last until I got home but it was close. I had to stop about 10 miles away at BJs-cheapest gas around and I just couldn't take the chance of running out. As it was, my tank took 18.23 gal and I'm pretty sure it's only an 18 gal tank!! If I'm really lucky, the charge won't go through until tomorrow.
I did get 2 peices of good news: First, my friend who's hubby is battling brain cancer sent me a nice card with updates. I've been so sad that she hadn't returned my calls or came to see me when I did the demo close to her town. I had pretty much decided that she just didn't want to deal with the outside world but that I would be here if and when she decided to reach out. They have had some setbacks but the tumor is shrinking. She is pretty much a full time caregiver now as he has gotten so weak. They are both going to support groups which i was very glad to hear. She promises to call soon. Second, I have arranged to carpool with a work friend twice a week starting next week. It will save me around $50 a month. Doesn't sound like much but every penny helps. Plus, we get along very well so it will be fun to ride to together.
Also, i was able to view my pay advice today, even tho the money won't be deposited until tomorrow, and the retroactive money from our pay raise is more than I expected. I will at least be able to buy christmas gifts for my family now. As much as I wanted to use it for vet services I just can't bear not buying presents this year, even if they are mere tokens. We will get another retroactive boost in 2 weeks so maybe I can use that for LM and my oldest cat. Maybe.
Things are looking up even if in very small increments. I am happy I am cleaning out my fridge and freezer; There are some very good local grocery sales this week which I will take advantage of tomorrow nite. It will be food that keeps for a while and my dollars will be stretched significantly. I feel more peaceful tonite than I have for a long time. I'm still going to be living paycheck to paycheck for a while but the closer I come to balancing out my income/expenses, the more confidence I will have that I can pull myself out of this hole.
time to fee the kids and crawl into my nice warm bed and read for a bit.
Goodnite all!

[Lavande]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Just a few minutes left in this long day but wanted to say that all went well today.
YB did fine, he's here & behaving. Daughter & Ms Lily are here too so the house is almost full.

Will be back tomorrow with an update! Papmom, little gifts are the best

Lav

[Stargazerlily]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Good morning all...

I am up early as I found out my son is moving back in and I am not happy about it. Darn! Acceptance is something I am working on. I have a feeling this will happen from time to time, there is no need for me to get really worked up or upset. It is what it is.

Lav, good to hear the surgery went well and you are all home safe and sound. Take care of yourself too, today. I have known nurses for years and they tend to be caretakers, nothing wrong with that as long as self-care is part of the caretaking!!

Rustop, how fun. I love fashion and clothes. I am pretty happy with my hair and clothes, and go shopping regularly. I wear makeup daily, and have added more as the years go by, the upkeep as I get older is more intense. I know you will look even more beautiful, enjoy!! I have realized that part of the AF journey is taking care of ourselves, and noticing that our skin, hair, weight change for the better, if we work on it as our AF time grows.

LBH, sorry to hear about the muscle spasm issues, it is easy to reinjure after something like that happens. You sound cute with your long braids...cool clothes. I was wondering if you have any good recipe for a stew or something with winter squash and would share. I bought an acorn squash and another big one and am not quite sure what to do with them except cut them in half and roast them, does not sound really appetizing to me.

Pap, so happy to hear more money for you, the Universe is hearing your call. I would love to carpool but it is not happening for me. Two good things in one day, enjoy. I agree with Lav that little gifts are the best.

Dill, loved your creation, it is so pretty. I am so happy to hear that you are in a much better place AF. Me too. Checking out the different parts of this site is important to me, as those who do not remember the past could be doomed to repeat it. I do not want to go back, ever.

I am attending a conference today with colleagues, then lunch. A past colleague contacted me and we are meeting tomorrow at Starbucks...love those lattes. It IS possible to have fun without drinking!! So, busy what with all the cleaning, laundry, etc., that is part of my usual routine. This made me laugh, I checked my library online to see what is due when, and I have 15 books out currently. A visit to return some of those is definitely in order or I could have big fines quickly.

Watched most of the debates last night, they make me so nervous. To all, have a great day.

[Chillgirl]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Good day Guys

Star - I'm sorry about your Son's move back, I know this is challenging for you. Do you know how long he is staying or is it indefinite? I guess if its a for set timescale it makes it easier to deal with, if indefinite it's trickier. I know what you mean about acceptance, we only cause ourselves more stress when we argue with how life is, however to accept what going on is easier said than done. I love the coffee bar culture, its great we now have places to relax that dont sell alcohol. I almost never eat out, one due to cost and the other because I like to control what I eat so going out for coffee is something I really enjoy doing even on my own.

Lav - How's the patient? If you nurse him too well he may not want to leave

Papmom - I think these small savings mean more to us mentally than in actual financial gain. Its just good to feel the Universe is being kind to us. The car pool is a great idea, I hope it works out.

Rustop - I love the sound of your Ab Fab! After all the time you spend being there for your family its lovely you are doing something for you and a wonderful way to celebrate you losing the weight.

LBH - I rarely wear makeup and find the thought of having any sort of foundation on my face quite uncomfortable. At most I will use mascara and lipstick. Your hair sounds fab! Mine is longer now at 48 than its ever been so maybe I will eventually go the "Heidi" route.

Dill - re the photos, is this your dog and Grandson? Both look adorable.

I will be off soon on the train, its 2 hours to London and I have my kindle prepared. Are any of you fans of Douglas Kennedy? I do like his novels.

Wishing you all a very happy sober Friday.

[Lavande]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Good morning kids,

The patient survived, so did the nurse :H
I'm having an extra special day watching Lily while my daughter is at work in addition to nursing the wounded :H

Chill, I missed something - don't know why you're going to London but I hope you have a good weekend. I wish I was going to London

Greetings to everyone & I will be back at some point.
I am grateful to be clear headed & functional ~ honestly!
Lav

[papmom3]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

cold and sleepy pappy checking in. the cold must have frozen everyone's compputers :H.

Lav, I hope your patient was a good boy again today.

Star-so sorry to hear that your son has to move back in. I sincerely hope it will not be too stressful for you. 15 books out? that must be a record ! Get thee to the library stat!!

Chill-Hope you are having a blast in London!!

See everyone tomorrow!

[Lavande]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Uh oh.......
My patient developed a sudden fever & increase in pain so the surgeon saidvtakevhim back to the hospital. He's been readmitted & being treated appropriately.
I thought this was going too easily

Now I need to get some sleep.

[rustop59]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Good morning everyone

So sorry to hear YB had to be readmitted Lav. Hopefully he will soon be on the road to recovery.

Safe journey Chill, I am sure you will have a wonderful weekend.

Sorry to hear your son is moving back Star, hope it is only a temporary arrangement.

Papmom - you are an inspiration to us all the way you soldier on and are still so supportive to others.

LBH - love reading your wonderful descriptions.

Nothing major planned this weekend, just more of the same, dog walking, chauffeuring, cooking. Weather has become very autumnal but the sun is shining so that is a plus.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Rustop

[Stargazerlily]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Good morning...

Lav, so sorry to hear YB's recovery is not going smoothly. Good he is back in the hospital to get the treatment he needs. Your plans for the weekend surrounded his care, so maybe you can get out and do something fun or interesting for a while. We had a brisk fall day yesterday, but sunny so were able to get all the porch furniture, bird baths, and other outdoor decor in the shed. It is kind of sad to take it all in, but a relief to get it done.

Chill, yes, the coffee bars are fun places, and a good alternative to bars. I have to watch the caffeine though, or can't sleep. Are you going to a conference in the city? Big cities are fun for a short time, so much going on. Have a great time. I have cooked for so many years, I am currently struggling to find things to make that we both like. Fresh is best, but sometimes I just run out of ideas. What are some of your favorite dinners?

Pap, I don't know how long my son will be back, but it will be an adjustment. I am having a hard time sleeping since the news...OK during the day, but just getting up too early. Oh, well, it could be worse. Do you have to work all day or for just a part of the day? Looks like there has been alot of rainy weather out east.

My conference was interesting, said hi to people I used to work with, then Olive Garden soup and salad lunch. It was fun, I realize I want to be more connected to a group of people. It is a different part of life, kids grown up, mostly gone, (haha) and sometimes it would be nice to be a part of a group of people with similar interests. I know some people find this through a church group, but as I have discussed, that is currently not for me.

To all, have a great day.

[papmom3]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

good chilly morning everyone!! Brrrrrrr! 58 in the house this morning, 30 outside. Had to turn the heat on which does not make me happy but at least I have oil in the tank and can as comfortable as I want. There are some/a lot of people in my city I'm sure that can not say that.

Star-I have no doubt you will find a group to connect too. Now that you know that is what you want and miss, you will find it. Glad you had a good time at the conference. I remember always feeling reenergised after one and anxious to put new ideas into place. Unfortuately I never had bosses that supported that so I learned to go just for the social aspects and time away from work. I haven't been to a professional conference in 4 years because my boss doesn't support that type of professional development now that he isn't involved in the regional/national association (he kind of got ostracized with good reason). So we all suffer.
I have to work from 11-3 today and 12-4 tomorrow. Because I screwed up on my timesheet last week and gave myself an extra hour, I will only be working until 2 today. I'm missing a playdate (annual get together) today and am very sad. I haven't seen some of these people in 2 years and it's a gorgeous if not cool day. I really really need to find a way to work just one job. I miss agility, playdates, road trips-you know, all the fun things you can do on the weekends.

Lav-so sorry to hear of YB's setback. With you watching over his treatment, I have no doubt he will recover quickly. Healing thoughts coming his way just the same.

Rustop-thank you for your kind words. I am not ready to give up or in. When that happens, just put me in the ground. Enjoy your fall weather and sunshine.

guess I should start getting ready for the demo. Have a great day everyone!!

[Lavande]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Good morning kids,

I don't know what hospitals are for anymore!
They discharge patients way, way too fast!!!!!!

YB was actually discharged again at 6:30 am ~ he's back here with an Rx for an antibiotic & better pain med. Half the problem with him (I always knew this) is his hysteria! He's just gets out of control & goes off the deep end way too quickly. I kept telling him last night he doesn't know what real abdominal pain is until he delivers a couple of full term infants through an abdominal incision like I did :H :H

There was deifinately frost on the pumkin this morning - refreshing! I also broke down & turned the heat on - ugh!

Rustop, star, papmom & everyone - I wish you all a wonderful AF Saturday!
Lav

[ladybirdheart]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Good Morning! It looks as thought yesterday was a blitz for a lot of people, I know I had one of those absurd days in which I started something only to discover something else that needed to be done, and then something else, until I ended up hopelessly far from my initial modest goal, following some trail away from it like a relentless basset hound at the mercy of its big entertaining nose. Speaking of scents, I did manage along the way to make the UPS man hate me. At times I receive a number of deliveries from Amazon; within the past week, for example, medicine for my dog, a bedspread, and my regular two cases of coconut water. Yesterday, however, I received a twenty-five pound box of Dr. Earth's fish bone meal. Very intense box. The driver was green around the gills and had a baleful eye, his entire big shiny brown truck smelled of dead fish. My garden shed is now quite forbidding, holding its box of talcum fish bones in wait for me, even organic can be a weapon.

Star I think you are right to roast your squash, I always do whether I am making a pureed soup or more chunky "stew". I roast everything that is going into it that can be roasted, I think boiling or even simmering the raw veggies doesn't work very well. The simple squash is great and you can make it more Indian with spices and coconut milk, Fall (roast your sage leaves), or more African with fiery red pepper. If you have a strong blender you can make your own nut "milk" with raw nuts (cashews, walnuts, or almonds etc.) and add to your squash soup (or use a little nut butter from the store) or use them whole in a more chunky dish. Sometimes I roast any of the following as well to add: potatoes, mushrooms, onions, garlic…whatever looks good on that day. Love and happy experimental cooking, I must run, catch up with everybody else later. My best to your hubby, Lav. Love, Ladybird.

[itsmytime]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Just finished writing a post about why I haven't felt the need to be posting and how I need to distance myself from the boards as it can be a trigger and also makes me think about drinking/not drinking too much. But then poof, post was gone. Maybe that is a sign that it is time to take a break, but I will be back if I face some challenges.

I am going great, 90 days tomorrow and feel the adjustment of my sober life settling. PAWS has subsided for now, but now I am taking the time to get back to my old fitness level.

Thank you all for everything and I will be back, just not as much.
IMT

[dill]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

Pmom, That?s too bad you have to work today and miss a play date. But going back to your prior post, I?m so happy to hear your bits of good news. Perhaps each is a little by itself, but it adds up. Wonderful that your friend is able to come up for air and reconnect with you. You must have been driving on fumes on your way home!!! I hope for all of us in the U.S. that gas prices start to go down. Filling an 18 gallon tank at nearly $4 a gallon is a budget buster and public transport is often unavailable as an option. I thought this weekend about going for a drive to Metamora, Indiana to take a little train ride, do some shopping and to see the fall foliage along the way. It?s just too expensive though! I?ll have to walk instead. I?m sure I?m not the only one making these choices. I imagine those shop keepers depending on tourism are really suffering.

Lav, YB is lucky to have you helping and even luckier that you are willing to do so! I agree that hospital?s dismiss way too fast. But on the plus side, that reduces the patient?s exposure to MRSA and other bacteria that seem to lurk ther. Be sure to take care of yourself during all this. Squeeze in some Lav time.:h

Rustop, You sound as if you are having the same weather as I. The sunlight is so beautiful at this time of the year and I love the chill in the air.

Star, I like to mash the squash and serve it as a side dish. You can bake it upside down, then scoop out the meat and mash it with butter and a little brown sugar and cinnamon. It?s delicious with ham, but I think you are vegetarian, so maybe ham isn?t your cup of tea. Is your son moving in short term or is it open-ended? I hope he has not lost his job. My son is STILL unemployed and it appears hopeless where we live. He is going to have to move away to find work it seems.

Chill, the dog belongs to my daughter. She is a sweet dog that my daughter adopted after she found her as a stray in a grocery parking lot. She posted signs hoping to find the owner but never did. She named her ?Mighty? and she?s been part of the family ever since.

LBH, dead fish is one of Nature?s worst smells! I definitely prefer skunk , If I were to have to choose. I can't imagine why I would ever be forced to make such a choice, but I'm just saying....

IMT, thanks for stopping in and letting us know how you are. Please do keep in touch from time to time. You have been helpful here to me and I'm sure to others who read. It's inspirational to hear you are continuing to grow in your new af life.:h

[Lavande]

Simply Sober October - Week 2

:H LBH,
Boy do I remember the fish emulsion we used to mix up for our veggie garden back in the 70's :H
I apologize to the UPS guys from time to time about the weight of some of the boxes of shirts & things they deliver to me. I have to open the boxes in my garage, unpack about half into another box then drag them thru the house & down a flight of steps to my shop on the lower level. It's a regular workout!!!!!

IMT, I'm happy to see you are doing so well. Stop in & say HI when you can

Dill, how are things with you? I guess you had frost on the pumpkin as well this morning.
I love the colder weather for sleeping.

My patient is OK, weird but OK.
He has never dealt with pain and/or sickness very well. I found it amusing that he told the nurses & docs at the hospital that he was a wimp Well, at least he's finally admitting it :H

My daughter has been dealing with increasing, migratory arthritis pain for some time now. Here she is at age 35, chasing a toddler, working 20 hrs/week, etc. She decided to see a naturopath this week, went thru the testing & was told she is seriously allergic to wheat
So she is going to make every effort to live wheatless for a time & see if that helps. I wrapped her one foot & ankle in an ace wrap the last time she was here - it was so swollen.

No one ever said life was going to be easy, huh?
Wishing everyone a cozy night!
Lav