January Generosity Week 3

[Stargazerlily]

Up and at'm early today!! Just love those Mondays.

Sooty, I do comment on the weather as it effects all of us and in the winter, is a real point of interest...hope it doesn't snow at night or my ride home is a scary time. Hope you are doing well.

Lav, thanks for letting me know that the sore throat, gone now, was probably a symptom. I do not want to get the flu, I hate being sick and this flu is scary. Your dinner sounds delicious.

Pap, you are ready to start your new job in style. Don't worry, you will never get everything done at work before you leave...that will be their problem and maybe they will hire two people to do what you have been doing. When I left my old job, the program I cofacilitated, went away. I was doing too much and after a while it took a toll. Your new wardrobe sounds pretty, what a great way to start. Just take care of yourself. It takes about six months to feel comfortable in a new job, so when I expect that I am not so hard on myself. Wishing you the best. Lots of veggies have protein, tofu does, brown rice does, so I do not worry about leaving out animal products. My skin is clear and except for the flu shot, I have been feeling energetic. I still have a long way to go.

Kaslo, love the picture of the peony, the details are so beautiful. A universe within a universe. It is worth being AF to feel well and just get on with life. Setting boundaries is what I am all about too. Loved your post.

Winter is tough, what are you doing to get through? Me, a scented candle and lots of warm soup. Also, I cleaned out a space to start a yoga routine, starting today. Maybe some feedback if anyone is in the mood. Have a great Monday.

[Lavande]

January Generosity Week 3

Good morning friends!

Week 3 huh?? Time flies when you're having so much fun!

Papmom, sounds like you are in good shape to get started with your new job
I have a little something for you that I need to get in the mail this week. Don't let the work at your current job interfere with your joy. They will just have to figure it out!

Kaslo, loved the peony pic! I have a light pink one with double blooms, very cool! That reminds me, it needs to be moved, it's getting crowded out by some huge plant YB stuck in next to it - oh well!

January is a big birthday month for my family. One brother, 2 sisters-in-law, my daughter, my son-in-law & a close friend all have birthdays this month. Only a few of them are actually getting gifts :H

With some mindfulness, we can get all of our RDAs on a plant based diet.
Most people don't realize that you get 7 gms of low saturated, heart healthy protein from a cup of broccoli, 7 gms from a cup of pasta, 8 gms from a cup of beans. Plus these foods are high in fiber & low in cholesterol, good for your arteries Try to get about 15 gms of protein/meal & you will be in good shape!

OK, time to get myself to Curves before I get involved with anything else. Wishing everyone a great AF Monday!
Lav

[dill]

January Generosity Week 3

Whatever will be will be, and when we follow our true path, the real us, everything is okay. Drinking, or taking any kind of mind altering substance doesn't bring us closer to our own truth, our true path, but takes us further away. For me, i really start to open windows and doors to the universe when i am clear headed and living sober. Not 'moderating' or having a glass or 2 twice a week, no. Living sober 24/7. This is where the magic is.

Thanks for that one, G.

Hey Star, thanks for getting us started on week 3. I've got to read back and get caught up.

Lav, thanks for the dietary tip. I never realized broccoli was a protein source. You suggest about 15 grams of protein per meal, which would total about 45 grams. Is that how much protein one needs in a day?

Happy AF Monday.

[ThreeDogNight]

January Generosity Week 3

This laptop is evil, I swear!! Hit another magic button and lost the post.

So I'll be brief. Pap, so excited for you with the ne wardrobe and the ne haircut and color!! You will look wonderful when you start the new job And I hope you leave lots of work for that horrible boss!!!

Lav, had broccoli on my salad tonight But I'm heading toward the M&Ms.

Star and Dill, good evening to both of you.

Got my license back today! Will write more about it tomorrow.

TDN

[Rusty]

January Generosity Week 3

Good Evening, AF Friends of January!

TDN-:happy::yay: Congratulations on getting your license back! My laptop has been giving me fits, too...especially with this site....losing connections, getting bounced out of the "Reply to Thread," GRRRR!!!!

G-Man: You are brilliant:

Whatever will be will be, and when we follow our true path, the real us, everything is okay. Drinking, or taking any kind of mind altering substance doesn't bring us closer to our own truth, our true path, but takes us further away. For me, i really start to open windows and doors to the universe when i am clear headed and living sober. Not 'moderating' or having a glass or 2 twice a week, no. Living sober 24/7. This is where the magic is.

Pap-:h soooo glad you had fun shopping for some new clothes. You sound so upbeat. It's great to see!

Lav-holy cow with all those birthdays, won't you be sick of birthday cake?:H

Kaslo and Star-A universe within a universe. It is worth being AF to feel well and just get on with life. Setting boundaries is what I am all about too

I loved your posts...I am nodding in agreement. Kas-thank you for the peony pic. Beautiful, just beautiful.

LBH-you hoo and meow, cougar!

I just received great news tonight. One of my proposals for 6 days of consulting work was approved! I start next month. Phew....1 down, two to go.

Off to bed. Warm salutations to everyone else. I hope you're having peaceful AF dreams.

[Lavande]

January Generosity Week 3

I only eat dark chocolate M&Ms these days TDN
Congrats on the return of your license - protect it with everything you've got!!!!

Dill, the RDA for protein for women ages 19-70 is 46 Gms/day
Here's more info:
Nutrition for Everyone: Basics: Protein | DNPAO | CDC

I also believe in making sure you get some protein with every snack too. Staying full helps with all aspects of life

The fog has finally left the area - was getting truly sick of that.....
Time to put teh old feet up - yay!

[Stargazerlily]

January Generosity Week 3

Wow, I am officially in the winter doldrums...

Work difficulties are a pain, and I am stressed. Plus, my husband wants to go on a vacation, and we don't agree anymore on what we want to do, and the money. Add to this the weather and I need some cheering up. A good cup of coffee this morning is a start, and of course waking up feeling healthy and AF. This time of year is always dark for me, I struggle. It could be worse, it could be snowing. Particular care in what I wear and eating well will help. What do you do in teh dark of winter to get through?

TDN, having your license reinstated is huge, good. I know you will cherish and take care to keep it from this point on. Your posts indicate that you are serious about the changes you have made and are making in your life. It is a joy to have you on this thread. Your journey is helping others and showing the way.

Rusty, your good work will keep the clients coming. All work ebbs and flows, what is usually the busier time for you? Do you find you are getting more balance, more time for yourself? This is huge for me, despite continued struggles.

Lav, thanks for the protein info, I knew I was getting enough, the article confirmed it. We are taught that the only way to get protein is through animal products, but that is just not true. Veggies and fruits keep me full and keep my body going. It is an adjustment, and more work to plan, chop, cook, and clean up produce. It is a commitment, but I am sick of carrying around this 30pounds...it will take time, just like being AF, and I am willing to take it day by day. Glad your fog lifted, it is cold here. Brrrrrrr

To all, have a great day, and keep warm.

[ThreeDogNight]

January Generosity Week 3

Good morning!

Rusty, that is fantastic news about the consulting job!!! I will keep my fingers crossed for the other too!! Sending you an email today.

Star, I think the winter doldrums hit everyone in some way. Do you take any supplements? I have been taking the Amoryn for a while now, and it seems to help a lot. I wish I had one of those lights for SAD, as I've heard great things about that. I also have a little spray bottle from FES (Flower Essences Services), and it is supposed to help with depression. I have it at the floer shop, as the owner seems to suffer from SAD. It is in a brandy base, and I can smell it when I spray it, but it has never triggered any cravings. Not sure it does what it says it does, though. Exercise helps, too, which is why I hope to get back to the gym next week. Took a walk yesterday, as it was quite warm, and hope to get out this afternoon, too.

I am going to try the educational sales job, as long as I get the territory I want. And the rep has offered to pay some auto expenses for a couple of months. I don't anticipate much travel anyway, and I can always quit if things don't pan out. I can go back to the job I had last summer--it actually works out to about six months, but only two of craziness in the summer. In fact, I have to go in there today to get something for the owner, who left the keys with me, and called yesterday to ask me to do this.

Okay--have a project to start working on today, so will get to that.

Have a great AF day, everybody!

TDN

[Lavande]

January Generosity Week 3

Good morning kids

Not a damn drop of sunshine around here this morning, crap! A few days in a row of these dark days sends my mood right to hell too Star :H
My winter arsenal includes 3000 mg Of Vit D3 & 2 Amoryn capsules daily along with some extra mindfulness/meditation & at least 3 or 4 trips to Curves every week. Creating a good pot of soup & a loaf of Artisan bread (when I can) helps too
It is impossible for me to chase the sun so I turn on the lights, the electric bill be damned!
YB never wanted to travel to the places I wanted to see so eventually I started asking friends & my daughter to go with me. There are still so many places I would like to visit but finding traveling companions isn't an easy task anymore. I have to keep myself contented with other stuff if I want to stay away from the emotional cliff

Rusty, I missed you last night! Congrats on the new work, hope you get all you want
This is a very quiet time for my business & that's kinda OK with me.

TDN, I hope you can settle into a new job now & feel contented. You have worked hard to get to this place ~ good for you
Aroma therapy is a big deal for me. I happen to love the calming effects of chamomile & lavender. I intend to plant some new lavender this summer. The older plants have served their time.

Wishing everyone a great AF Tuesday!
Lav

[Lavande]

January Generosity Week 3

For all of us today

[Kaslo]

January Generosity Week 3

Hello hello. Week three? I dont believe it! Who did that?

Star, I love the snow, and those crisp sunny days. I guess 9 generations of being a Canuck on my fathers side, I love it. We chopped the igloo snow off the deck, literally, on the weekend. So heavy and dense we could have built an igloo in the back yard for the GKs if they were here. We take Vitamin D. It helps. And getting outside.

And Star, I am sorry you are struggling with winter blahs. I hope you get a lift from them soon.

Lav, good advice as always. I hope everyone is mindful that there is protien and then there is protien. You need the correct combination of essential amino acids from protien, and if you are vegetarian, those are found in rice and beans together. I am a firm believer in trying to eat less, and get more exercise. I dont always follow my own advice tho.


TDN, congrats again on the license. Dont forget the vitamin D Lav is talking about.

Rusty BIG shout to you for your contract. I too learned today that we were awarded a huge project for this year, so I am officially sold out, and need to get fit because its a lot of steep hills on this one. I used to be able to just whip up them in the past, after about a week of pulling my self up hill with the pack, camera, shovel, shotgun, yada yada. Not so now that I am past 50. Closer to 60 actually.

Hi Dill, dont work too hard.

Its my 23 month as of yesterday. Cant believe it I made it. I really feel like I am a different person now. The same scientist, the same professional. The same friend and mother and wife and sister and gardener (lol), but still a different human being all together. I dont know how to explain this but Ive been recycled biochemically. I no longer feel my whole stomach and lower back hurting, and my skin is clear, my hair is shiny, I am not ill in the morning, and I sleep now (although I snore, I have darned cold). I occassionally think about alcohol, but its kind of disspassionate, sort of like Hmh. Alcohol. Yawn. So, whats next? And off I go.

I absolutely love my life now. I owe a lot of the past 23 months to people here who were just around, writing about their experiences, inspiring me with their determination to end a phase of their lives that was destructive and unpleasant. To have a new and better life. You know who you are, if you ever read this thread.

Love, Peace
:l:thanks:
Kas

[ThreeDogNight]

January Generosity Week 3

Its my 23 month as of yesterday. Cant believe it I made it. I really feel like I am a different person now. The same scientist, the same professional. The same friend and mother and wife and sister and gardener (lol), but still a different human being all together. I dont know how to explain this but Ive been recycled biochemically. I no longer feel my whole stomach and lower back hurting, and my skin is clear, my hair is shiny, I am not ill in the morning, and I sleep now (although I snore, I have darned cold). I occassionally think about alcohol, but its kind of disspassionate, sort of like Hmh. Alcohol. Yawn. So, whats next? And off I go.


Wow, that is profound, Kas! Congratulations on those 23 moinths!! Soon it will be TWO YEARS!! A little hard for me to grasp, but something to aspire to!

[Lavande]

January Generosity Week 3

Let's start secretly planning a 2 yr anni party for Kas :yay:

Good job there Ms Kaslo
Good for you on the work front as well!
I feel completely different too, recycled is a good way to describe it I guess.

I wasn't going to give the 'Complete Proteins' lecture until tomnorrow - glad you gave them warning Kas
No snow here but it is getting chillier as predicted.

Well I did something this afternoon I've never done before.
I managed to crack the window glass in my oven door - crap
My kitchen appliances will be 10 years old this summer & I have used this oven a LOT but still......
I had the oven preheated to 450 degrees to bake bread. I poured a cup of hot water in a pan set near the bottom of the oven (to create steam). A few drops of the water dripped onto the glass & that's all it took! I'll make YB replace it for me since he's always here looking for food :H

I hope everyone is having a peaceful evening!

[Stargazerlily]

January Generosity Week 3

Good morning to all...

Kas, congrats on the 23 months!!!!! It is a different life being AF, and the physical benefits you described make life worth living. Really, sleeping well is one of the joys in life, and drinking and sleeping don't go together. Your life is now your life, not alcohol's.

Lav, too bad about the oven, and I agree, YB owes you the repair. Thanks for the protein info, I have read so much, it seems that there are lots of opinions out there. Bottom line, find the eating plan that feels right for you.

TDN, the educational rep job sounds interesting, hope it works out the way you expect.

Shout out to Chill....hope you are doing well. We miss you.

To all, have a great day.

It's hump day and not snowing, two good things.

[dill]

January Generosity Week 3

Good Day everyone,

It's been really busy here in my virtual world. My son is in the hospital with pancreatitis so we have been involved in helping him thru this painful ordeal. It looks like he'll be in hospital again tonight for the 3rd night.

Kas, thanks for your thoughtful post about how changed you feel. It was very inspiring. The change on a daily basis is positive although that often is lost because of the daily struggle to maintain af at first. But what a huge reward there is if you stay the course! You expressed that so well you've probably inspired many people to hang on for yet another day with that post.

TDN, huge congrats on the license!!! How did it feel to drive again after so long?

Lav, thanks for the link. Lots of good info.

Star, I hear you on the doldrums. I trust you will work your way out of it. You are one who always reminds me to be positive and wholesome. Sometimes it takes a little more effort tho. Do you do netflix streaming? Maybe you could find an old sitcom you used to enjoy and watch it in the evenings. I was doing that with Seinfeld last night. Frazier is another favorite.

Rusty, huge congrats on your professional developments! I hope you won't be too busy to post!

My son's troubles gave me a moment of gratitude when I realized that I was able to run and pick up his son from school when the ER visit happened. It happened in late afternoon, my witching hour. I couldn't have done it with a couple of large glasses of wine on board and the rest of the bottle beckoning. That could have been a disaster!

AF HUMPDAY wishes to all!