Mindful May-Week 2

[dill]

Mindful May-Week 2

Hello Maystars, I am sorry for my absence. Having my son live here and helping him with childcare has really upset my ordered little world. I am happy to help them but I do look forward to an empty nest asap.
Rusty, his new job is going great, thanks for asking! Well done on your business successes.
Star, I hope your dad makes a good recovery. Thank you so much for your thoughtful posts. They have really helped me and reminded me to return to my center. I have been stressed lately.
G, glad you are back among the living!
Cyn, retirement will be a huge adjustment! I trust you will get lots of practice at working on your boundaries!
Pap, as upsetting as it is, I agree with others here about stepping back, at least as much as you can, from your nephew's doings. (remember Cyn's "boundaries")
Lav, keep on keeping on.
I'm grateful you are all here.

[Lavande]

Mindful May-Week 2

Good morning friends but where oh where is the sun? :H
It's just plain dark & ugly looking out there.

Dill, I'm sure your son appreciates your help with everything
Sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed with all the kid watching I do but then I think of the alternative - big time lonliness
Wishing you lots of strength!!

Rusty, so you travel with your very own gym - cool!!!

Star, I think we are doing a pretty good job in the self-improvement department
I would be a pretty big mess right now if I had not started on my current path 4+ years ago.
I am grateful every single day! I just wish some of the others in my life would lift a finger to help themselves.

cyn, I wish you luck on setting those boundaries!

I truly believe that's why YB is no longer in residence. He just couldn't/wouldn't deal with the fact that I was taking back control of my life. He sat in the drivers seat of my life way too long, it almost killed me I will never understand why he fears 'balance'.

Hello to Papmom, G & everyone!
Perse, hope to hear from you soon.
I do 'see' LBH, Chill, TDN & Papmom on Facebook.

Have a great AF Thursday!
Lav

[cyntree]

Mindful May-Week 2

Morning all - wow what early risers you Maystars are today!

Lav and all - I'm reading an interesting book called The Chemistry of Calm (The Chemistry of Calm: A Powerful, Drug-Free Plan to Quiet Your Fears and Overcome Your Anxiety: Henry Emmons: 9781439129067: Amazon.com: Books), which has an approach with supps, meditation, and lots of good science to read about. The part I'm reading right now is about genetics: how we may think we have to deal with certain issues and can't escape them. But here's the interesting part: he shows scientifically how your health as you age has much more to do with lifestyle and food than just sheer genetics. In fact there are lots of examples of identical twins (exact same genetics) whose lives are markedly different depending on how they choose to live. It has to do with how the 'bad' genes can be turned off by blocking receptors, and effectively silencing them. And this is not only about food but also about life stress - the more perceived stress, the more the bad genes are active. Interesting, huh? It is a real motivator I think...(PS - when I looked for the link, I see that he has a blog through Psychology Today...)

Regarding home life: oops, I know that I gave the impression that Mr Tree is retired, but actually he is just between jobs. Last year he was hardly home (because his work is always out of town), and he was very busy. This year, not so busy, so at home much more. Since I work from home, this has become an issue. I'm considering going to a library to do my work so I can get something done...otherwise I end up being the IT/computer consultant ('can you help me with this? - FB, LinkedIn, twitter, emails, Word, website updates, audio clips, video clips, the list is endless) and I can barely keep myself afloat technologically in all those categories! So yes, the Universe is giving me a big dose of 'practice' setting boundaries.

I'm pleased to report that at least I have taken action in one way - I started with a really advanced physical therapist yesterday. I like him a lot, and I hope hope hope he can help. I want so much to do land-work and gardening, but the sawing, dragging, bending, pulling (I did hours-long battle with the garlic mustard weeds...) etc. has thrown me into intense pain in my shoulders (like hot needles poking constantly). So....cross fingers.

Lav - x=post! As always, you are a model for us all. Dill - good luck with everything, what a chaotic time, but you are helping SO much. Rusty - hope to hear good news about that proposal. Star - how is your Dad doing? I ditto what Rusty observed about your positive posts, thx!, Pap good luck on everything, GMan it would be great to have you stay close...

OK OK, if that's the only way I can catch up and keep connected with LBH, Chill and others, then I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet and get a personal FB account. (I've set up business accounts for lots of people, I just have an insane need for privacy, so have never gotten there. But it's on Mr Tree's list of To Do for me to help him with today...aaargh)

Happy day all!

[Persephone1]

Mindful May-Week 2

Hiya my little May Star Friends! I am back and still sober! hahahaha, that weasel didn't get me, tho it did try! Had liters of liquor all around me and a hippy~gramma who smoked a minimum of 5 joints per day MY ENTIRE VACAY. It was my first real test and I did NOT cave! This is the first time I am Really proud of myself! And, I had very little internet access, so it's kinda a miracle for sure. Anyway, it was Wonderful and prolly the best vacay I've had in 10 years, so WOW!

I need to read ALL of May and catch up and respond to yous and all of your lives, but I wanted to say hello and let you know I am gratefully back...c u again soon. XOXOXO, P.

[Lavande]

Mindful May-Week 2

Hey Perse!
I just mentioned your name here a day or so ago & here you are
Glad you had a nice time & glad you are back!!! Can't wait to hear your stories

[Stargazerlily]

Mindful May-Week 2

Good morning to all...

Thanks for the positive feedback, I appreciate it. Love waking up to this thread and sharing with my cyber friends.

Rusty, my Dad is slowly healing, he will not talk much on the phone, kind of crabby. Living out of state I do not really know what is going on and it drives me crazy. Slowly healing is what I imagine is happening, and really struggling. I feel so badly. He was at the doctor yesterday so will get an update today. Thanks for asking.

Cyn, it is hard to be in the house together for an extended period of time. Going to the library sounds like a great idea. Great to hear from you and I will check out that link you posted, it is definitely my area of interest.

Lav, I suppose I would be lonely too if I did not work. Somehow, going to work and coming home, with the occasional outing is OK. Plus, with my son here, there is usually something going on.

Dill, I did not realize your son was living with you and the grandchildren. Wow, you do have alot going on, so please do not apologize. You are so wonderful and kind to be there for him. I know that during a divorce, people are at their weakest in so many ways. He needs his parents and is lucky to be loved so fiercely. I was thinking of the saying, "we make plans and God laughs." With upcoming retirement, you were hoping that your life would become simpler and quieter. Eventually, but for a time, it will be more active and busy than ever.

Perse, so lovely to have you back. Sounds like the best vaca ever, AF and remembering every minute of it!!!!

Pap, hope your week is going well.

I am leaving on my trip tomorrow, so do not know how often I can post, although I am bringing my netbook. Excited for a new adventure, mindfulness and yoga training.

[cyntree]

Mindful May-Week 2

Morning MayStars -

Bright bright and sunny here this morning - Lav, have your storms passed?

Pers - such great news, it sounds like a wild time, congrats on staying AF. You really should be proud.

Lots of tying up of loose work ends today, and yard and house (and dogs and dog laundry!) cleaning ahead. We may or may not have a visitor for the weekend - but either way it would be good to have the house spiffy.

I'll check back in later to hear everybody's news...

[cyntree]

Mindful May-Week 2

X-post Star! Wow - you are off tomorrow, it sounds wonderful, if you get a chance, tell us more about the experience. Will be thinking of you and looking forward to the ideas you'll bring back to the thread.

[Lavande]

Mindful May-Week 2

Good morning may friends,

Cool, dry & somewhat sunny this morning

I'm starting off my busy day by having fasting bloodwork done, then on to Curves & the supermarket. The rest of my day will be filled with spiffing up my house & prepping for for tomorrow's graduation party for my DIL.

Hope you have a great time Star ~ enjoy your weekend.

Cyn, your day sounds a whole lot like mine

Greetings to the busy Rusty, Dill, Perse, Papmom & everyone!

Have a great AF Friday one & all!
Lav

[cyntree]

Mindful May-Week 2

Happy Saturday Maystars -

Lav - good luck today with the party, I know it will be beautiful...your family is truly lucky to have you be the official party planner!

I'm off to finish cleaning, our friend is coming up from NYC for the weekend. Work items took me far into the late afternoon yesterday, and I lost steam in the evening. So I guess this morning I'll be transforming myself into the 'downstairs' staff; cooking, cleaning.

Bright and sunny here again -it was a perfect day yesterday, 65 and sunny - but windy, so I sneezed my head off all day...hoping for a little allergy relief today.

Sending everyone good AF weekend vibes - good luck all super busy ones...

[Lavande]

Mindful May-Week 2

Good morning friends & 'Bless you' cyn :H
Lots of sneezing going on around here too!
Hope your weekend goes nicely.

I have vacuum up tons of dog hair before anyone arrives today. My big dog continues to shed even after I use the Furminator on her
Overcast & cool here at the moment, just had some light rain too. I have a feeling this party could be more of an indoor event this afternoon.

Wishing everyone a wonderful AF Saturday!
Lav

[Lavande]

Mindful May-Week 2

Graduation party done, went well. We stayed outside until it just got too windy & chilly. Such strange weather but at least we wern't rained out.

Hope everyone had a nice day
Lav

[Lavande]

Mindful May-Week 2

Good morning May friends!

Up in the darkness & dampness thanks to Ms Matilda, oh well.
Now she's napping & I'm wide awake working on a pot of coffee :H

Looks like I get the grandsons for a few hours this afternoon so I guess there will be no napping for me.
Happy to say that I am celebrating 4 years smoke free today :yay:

Have a wonderful AF Sunday everyone!
Lav

[Rusty]

Mindful May-Week 2

CONGRATULATIONS, LAV, ON 4 YEARS SMOKE FREE!!!:yougo: I read your post on the Daily Thread that quitting smoking was twice as hard as quitting drinking, so I'm doubly proud of you and happy you kicked both habits!!:goodjob: I am glad your DIL's graduation party was a success....well, of course it would be since you planned it.

Perse-great to see you back here after spending time with your daughter in CA...and you did it AF, too!:goodjob:

Cyn-I hope your allergies have not derailed your outside activities too much. I, too, think going to the library to spend some "alone" time would be a good idea. I go to the library when I have extended days at home....just to be around other people, and get some work done without the distractions of TV (self-induced) and the refrigerator.:H

Star-I'm anxious to hear about your weekend.

Dill-I missed that day in school when you said your son and grandchildren were living with you and Mr. D. No wonder you have so little time to post but I am sure glad you make time for us.

I spent a very relaxing day yesterday.....I exercised for almost 3 hours, had a lovely visit with my friend and her family, and just let the day evolve. I did take a run along the lake path...but it quickly turned into a walk....and then several stops...because it was a beautiful day here....and EVERYONE was walking their dogs. So, of course, I had to stop and pet every nice/cute dog I saw. Today will be much like yesterday, although I have lots of business paperwork to do. Tomorrow, I expect to hear whether I will get this new client. Fingers and toes crossed. This week I will be working at a company that is very close to my mother's house...so I will be staying with her. Tomorrow is her 86th birthday.

Pap-where are you? I hope you're ok and not too overworked.

Mr. G-how are you doing, young man?

TDN, LBH, Chill, Rustop, Sooty, and sdlovespackers....I miss you guys. I wish one, or all of you, would pop in and say hello.

To all, have a fabulous AF Sunday!

[cyntree]

Mindful May-Week 2

Happy Sunday all -

Lav, congrats on the party! I hope you are not too wiped out - parties are so much work. And today to have care of the boys, man o man... Congrats on 4 years smoke free!!! Amazing, you are as always a model for us all. BTW how is your little grandson doing - all back to normal?

Rusty, so glad to hear from you. I love that you have had some lake time and that you'll be with your Mom this upcoming week. My Mom's 86th birthday is in early June - I'll be traveling to be with her (thank goodness I found a reasonable flight $$). Got fingers and toes crossed for the new client...

Whatever was making me sneeze outside wasn't a problem yesterday or today -- but my house guest (who just departed) brought her spaniel with her for her visit this weekend, and now I'm sitting INSIDE sneezing my head off. So, time to get the vacuum out again!

Hope all have a great AF (and smoke-free) Sunday evening ahead. Light drizzle here - perfect for a cup of tea and some soup tonight. Take care all -