January Generosity - week 1

[ladybirdheart]

January Generosity - week 1

Stay close G, you are always right with us if you didn't already know. So glad you are on the mend. Love, Ladybird.

[Lavande]

January Generosity - week 1

Sorry G!
I can not knit or crochet a stitch - not that my mother & grandmother didn't try to teach me :H
I was introduced to a sewing machine at the age of 12, found that much more to my liking!
Nowadays I just run two giant embroidery machines & a couple of computers......things change. Glad to hear you are getting better

Cat, I hope your trip to Tahoe is awesome

Hi there LBH!
Your painting sounds absolutely unique!

[Guitarista]

January Generosity - week 1

Lavande;1437742 wrote:
I was introduced to a sewing machine at the age of 12, found that much more to my liking!
Nowadays I just run two giant embroidery machines & a couple of computers......things change. Glad to hear you are getting better

Ah, all the same to me.......:nutso:

[stella123]

January Generosity - week 1

Whoop whoop chill 3 years that's fantastic.....
Hi everyone you all sound great it's good to be back x

[jada]

January Generosity - week 1

Rusty, you have always been my inspiration. Happy New Year.

:h

Rusty;1436036 wrote: Happy New Year, Friends!

Chill-CONGRATULATIONS ON 3 YEARS AF!!!:yay::happy::wd: What an achievement. You and Lav have the most sober time on our thread. What an inspiration to us all. Thank you for starting us off with January Generosity. I think the people on this thread typify the word generosity...absolutely. Thank you for starting us off in January with positive words.

TDN-Congratulations on your 40 days!!:goodjob: I am glad you had a nice time with your friends, but so sorry about your elderly dog's sickness.

Pap-I hope you are feeling better and I just loved your reflection. May we be kind to ourselves first and foremost, love our fellow persons, think twice before making judgments, and celebrate this amazing thing called life.
I need to keep those words as my mantra in the New Year.

Mr.G-Great to see you....it is almost January 2 where you are, I believe. I loved your mission statement: Being kind and respecting oneself is a great starting point to build a strong foundation for growth.

Dill-I, too, am "meant to be here," and I am grateful for your friendship.

Lav-once a caregiver, always a caregiver, right? I hope you have a peaceful day and YB is taking his meds. My mom was a nurse and she nursed more people when she got out of nursing than she did when she was a nurse. EVERYONE ran to her when they were sick, or thinking they were getting sick, just like you (HUGS) We all appreciate you here.

Star-no, it really is not a big deal to have a party and be AF. Fortunately, my friends don't mind bringing their own booze as I provide a hearty meal and the house is all decorated, with a fire going strong and a festive mood in the room. I'm glad you hooked up with a friend, too.

Catbuddy-thanks for letting us know where you live. I love California!

Yesterday, I did absolutely nothing physical but sent TDN a long PM that I had to edit 4 times because it was too long, and there is a character limit on PMs. I also wrote thank you notes for the lovely Christmas gifts I received. Then, I spent the better part of the day on the phone, talking to people who had received my letters, asking for their forgiveness (SNIFF). I didn't know people cared for me so much. When I told my mom I had written letters to people, she said, "YOU'RE NOT IN AA!!!!" :H My mom wants me to move on with my life as my drinking days of yore have been forgotten by her and my family, it seems. Well, that's a good thing, right?

Ok, no more talking about working out....I truly am going to go today. Not like yesterday! HAHAHAHA!

Happy New Year to Rustop, LBH, Cyn, Kaslo, and anyone I may have missed...may you enjoy this first day of 2013 AF!

[sooty]

January Generosity - week 1

Good morning everyone. I am back, but feeling guilty and ashamed at having to admit that yet again I have failed. I know that you will have me and i'm extremely grateful for that and I promise to try and get out of this funk very soon.

I won't go over the reasons why things went wrong cos they are not reasons they are excuses.

I haven't had time to catch up with all your news i'll do my best over the next few days.

Happy new year folks, back later :l

[Stargazerlily]

January Generosity - week 1

Good morning to all...

Welcome back Sooty, we are always here for you. Catching up on the posts will be a pleasure as there is lots going on. Trying again is a good thing, get through your discouragement and know that you have it in you to be AF.

Catbuddy, wow, what a courageous way to live your life. It is interesting to me that sometimes decisions made when we are young are harder to manage as we mature. Grief counseling could be a positive step in managing and working through your feelings.

LBH, what a lovely picture with deep meaning. Alcohol has always been a way to stop the hurt, but in the end, it doesn't work anymore.

Kas, you did the right thing with your kitty, so sorry he was so ill. I have lost several cats to old age and illness and always wondered if I did the right thing by letting them die with minimal medical intervention. Your relationship with your daughter is complicated and painful, you have gone above and beyond in your efforts to connect and be part of their lives. I am always amazed when family members cannot see what is right in front of their eyes. Sending you support.

So happy to see the thread hopping once again. Through all our life challenges, being AF allows us to make better choices, fully informed, and have integrity and respect for ourselves. Going though the hard times is agonizing, for all of us. The support here is phenomenal, thankful for each and every one of you. Have a great day.

[ThreeDogNight]

January Generosity - week 1

Good morning, all!

Hi, Stella, Jada and Sooty! Happy to meet you Sooty, I failed a number of times, and this time feel much stronger--much of this due to the wonderful group here! You are so right that we only have excuses, not reasons to drink. I think I finally realized that when I read something to that effect on a recovery website back in November. Anyway, stick close.

Finally met with the guy I've been doing the part time work for yesterday! Unfortuantely, I chose a restaurant where the heat was not working properly. I didn't realize that until after we'd ordered, but I was so cold the whole time. This is a small town, and a number of people I know came in and all greeted me, and that is avery ncie feeling! I am going to take on some accounts for several companies as a sub rep, and can do most of the work from home, but will eventually probably have to get out a day or two a week and will be responsible for my own expenses. We'll see. Also applied for the job I sa in the local newspaper, and will see if I hear anything. Am going to call the court today to see if my papers have been signed by the judge. Also, my friend who got me this work told me yesterday through emails that her husband is an alcoholic (I knew he was a heavy drinker) and that her son--think he is mid-twenties--is also having issues. I knew about this, too, but sounds like he may be bi-polar and I do believe he is involved in drugs. He sleeps 24 hrs a day at times--and has been doing that for a few years at least--and doesn't keep a job. I admitted to my friend that I am also an alcoholic, as I hadn't sone that before. She is very frustrated, as she also has to brothers who are alcoholics, but neither her parents nor her in-laws were drinkers. I directed her to this tie, too, and hope we can talk more about this.

Have a sore throat:upset: and guess I may be getting that "thing" everyone seems to have. Will up my Vitamin C intake today.

Work today, and maybe dinner out today. It is Mr TDN's birthday today, so we'll go out tonight or tomorrow night.

Hi to Mr G

TDN

[Lavande]

January Generosity - week 1

Good morning generous friends

No sun here & chilly this morning just like winter I guess!

Sooty, welcome back, you have been missed!
This bus is still moving forward so jump on

Star, finding our integrity & self-respect again is probably the biggest prize!!!!!!
I do not miss the guilt, remorse & self-loathing that dominated my drinking career. I WILL NOT allow myself to fall over that cliff again

TDN, the job front seems to be opening up for you - awesome!!
Sorry to hear your friend is dealing with so much, she needs support as well. Maybe Al-Anon might be an option for her. Hoppe you are feeling better soon. I read recently that taking zinc also helps ward off these viral infections!

OK, I'm starting off with a trip to Curves, then back here for some work. I hope everyone has a great AF Friday!
Lav

[Kaslo]

January Generosity - week 1

Thank you to all who provided support and kindness to me in my recent tribulations. This really is an oasis.

[Rusty]

January Generosity - week 1

Good Afternoon Friends,

I am taking a break from my business and I've missed you so I thought I would jump on and say hello.

Sooty:l-welcome back! I have really missed you. How are you holding up? The last time we heard, your husband had some health problems. Is he better?

Welcome Jada, Stella and Hippy!

Jada-I am an inspiration to you??? Umm.....are you getting me mixed up with the other Rusty? Rusty-576? She has been AF for over 5 years, I think. She doesn't post often but she lurks. If you're not confusing us, thank you for the compliment but I hardly ever post anywhere except here and on the Meds Forum.

Mr.G-:h It's good to see you here. I just thought I would remind you that Feb. 10 is my 52nd birthday and since numerous requests to have you jump out of a cake have been brutally rejected;-), could you please just sing a song for me, please....if I am nice and I beg.

Cat-I too amazed by your strength and courage in dealing with a husband who has been disabled and fighting for him every step of the way. I am so sad for you that you have been denied a loving marriage.:upset: I hope you fall madly in love with someone who will become your life partner.

Kas-so sorry to hear about your disastrous holiday, and having to put your dear cat down. You've had a rough few weeks and I just wanted to say that I am in your corner. We are all in your corner. This is for you::groupluv: You are right....this is an oasis. I spend more time on here with all of you than I spend with my friends and family put together, but that's ok....this place is my safe haven.

Lav-you were the one who taught me to live in the present, live in the moment, and not worry about the future. Yes, it is necessary for us to do this in order to maintain balance in our lives. I have to make a conscious effort EVERY DAY not to fret about something that may or may not happen. A colossal waste of time....and I wasted a lot of it.

LBH-your NYE sounds like it was so magical and whimsical. I chuckled when I thought of this grande dame in her mink coat, squished into your Smart Car. What a heavenly way to spend the holiday. I also loved the way you described the painting. I had to look up the word, "clevis." Thank God for online dictionaries!:H

TDN-I hope Mr. TDN is in fine spirits for his birthday and that you have a relaxing and enjoyable dinner together.

To everyone I missed....Rustop, Chill, Star, Dill, Cyntree and everyone else, I hope you are having/had a wonderful AF Friday.

[sooty]

January Generosity - week 1

Hi everyone, Mr S is fine thanks Rusty, he had a pacemaker and is good as new. How are you doing? I haven't caught up with all the news yet, sorry.

Lav I'm glad to be back, thanks for the welcome I hope you are well.

[Rusty]

January Generosity - week 1

Hey Sooty,

I am glad you are online. I'm glad Mr. S. is doing well with his pacemaker. I am doing fine....had a very happy holiday and now back at work. Sooty, I had a slip back in May. I had to take a very hard exam to continue my career in the automotive industry, and I flunked the exam. I passed 9 out of 10 sections, but this particular section, I missed a passing grade by ONE stinking question. I re-took THREE times with the same result....failed by one question. So, I drank...I was so sad and so numb I just didn't care, so I drank. But I've been on the AF path since then and am slowly regaining my confidence, but I cried A LOT....through all of May and part of June. So, I am trying to reinvent myself in the environmental arena. I have very little work for January-March, but I just decided yesterday that I will use that free time to work out a couple of times per day and try and shed another 30 pounds. Maybe this is why all of this happened. I worked 60-70 hours/week when I was in the automotive industry and didn't stick to my diet/exercise regime and now I am ready to make a commitment. Stick with us. Don't feel you have to explain why you drank....I'm just glad you're back because I've missed your cyber friendship.:l

[Rusty]

January Generosity - week 1

Hey Sooty,

I'm glad Mr. S. is doing well with his pacemaker. I am doing fine....had a very happy holiday and now back at work. Sooty, I had a slip back in May. I had to take a very hard exam to continue my career in the automotive industry, and I flunked the exam. I passed 9 out of 10 sections, but this particular section, I missed a passing grade by ONE stinking question. I re-took it THREE times with the same result....failed by one question. So, I drank...I was so sad and so numb I just didn't care, so I drank. But I've been on the AF path since then and am slowly regaining my confidence, but I cried A LOT....through all of May and part of June. So, I am trying to reinvent myself in the environmental arena. I have very little work for January-March, but I just decided yesterday that I will use that free time to work out a couple of times per day and try and shed another 30 pounds. Maybe this is why all of this happened. I worked 60-70 hours/week when I was in the automotive industry and didn't stick to my diet/exercise regime and now I am ready to make a commitment. Stick with us. Don't feel you have to explain why you drank....I'm just glad you're back because I've missed your cyber friendship.:l

[sooty]

January Generosity - week 1

Rusty :l:l thanks so much for your post, it means so much to me.

I am sorry you had a hard time earlier last year but well done for pulling yourself up and getting back on track so successfully. You have such a positive attitude, you should be very proud of yourself. I have rejoined my gym and slimming class this week so we can compare notes!

I will be doing everything I can to copy your example. Thanks again for sharing :l :thanks: