Onward October-Week 2

[Rusty]

Onward October-Week 2

Good Evening Friends,

I am all checked into my hotel and thought I would pop in.

Star-I give you tons of credit for recognizing you are not happy at work and want to move on to a new challenge. Good for you for having the courage to try something different which will give you the time and the quality of life you desire.

Dill-I laughed when you said you were just "regular." I bet you can either be an introvert or an extrovert depending on your mood.

Lucky for me, one of my "ways" is to be open to new ideas and to love learning.I feel the same way. It keeps us fresh and youthful, doesn't it? This Monday and Tuesday, I was able to observe one of my colleagues in the environmental field. I learned so much from him and I am looking forward to embarking on my new adventure. He is also an OSHA consultant...and that is the next area I plan to pursue. Exploring and learning.....sharing new ideas, makes me think of that wonderful quote you provided for us, Dill:

Strong minds discuss ideas.
Mediocre minds discuss wants.
Small minds discuss people.

LOVE IT. I, too, use our thread to stay connected. I don't know what I would do without my friends here.....even though you guys aren't my "real' friends.:H I hope you all got my joke....it was the young, Indian fortuneteller who read my palm and told me I didn't have "real" friends. Um, I guess my palm was dirty and he couldn't read.:H

Originally posted by Lav:

Star, I don't really feel set in my ways either but I am reluctant to take on anything/anyone that's going to cause me stress. What I'm doing is protecting my quits to be perfectly honest!

Lav: I wholeheatedly agree with you....and I have done the same thing....to two people. Two down. One to go.

Cheery and sleep hellos to those MIA, busy/pre-occupied, and never far from my mind: Cyn, Papmom, Paguy, Witts, Sooty, LBH, Perse, and anyone I have missed....I'll see you tomorrow.

[Lavande]

Onward October-Week 2

Loving this chilly air! Makes for a whole lot less hot flashes :H

Dill, I do have a whole house generator. We had a 4 day power outage 2 months after moving in here & that was enough for me. It's hooked up to the underground propane tank, turns itself on & off automatically too The only problem is it will suck that tank dry pretty quickly.

Rusty, I've been communicating with my nephew. He reminded me last night that it's been 17 years this Thanksgiving since he's spoken to his twin sister (the little bitch who sent me that nastygram). He knows that I have officially blown her off & their mother as well. I will never forgive my sister-in-law for the way she treated my brother at the end of his life. Such incredibly toxic people My nephew tells me ' don't worry about it - don't give them a thought'. I'll take his advice!

Not looking forward to rain the next 4 days - yuck.

[papmom3]

Onward October-Week 2

hello my October friends!! Just wanted to pop in to let you know I am alive and kicking!!

I don't know where the time has gone lately!! The days are flying by in a blur and I don't think that is good.

I too think a lot lately about my lack of face to face connections. I've been at my new job for almost 9 months and have not made any new friends. I find I stay in my cubicle and don't interact with anyone past pleasantries. I don't think this is me.

However, what is me is agility!! My weekend in Bar Harbor was awesome! Definitely long drives up and back but so much fun in between. We had 10 runs and Q'd in 7 of them. 6 first place and one 2nd place finishes. There were some very challenging courses and it was so much fun trying to figure them out, look at them from DD's point of view and then run them. Very proud of my boy! The weather was so freaking gorgeous I can't even describe it. I did bail on my last 2 runs of the weekend so I could hit the road and get home at a decent time and that was sad. Next year I will take a week and stay in one of the cabins on site. I didn't even get into the town this time and that's a shame.

Work is going OK. I still don't think this is where I'm meant to be but I try to stay motivated. Sure is hard in the morning tho.

Last week I met with a nutritionist who I really really like and connected with. She gave me some cool ideas, didn't lecture me and gave me some hope that I can get a handle on this food addiction at some point.
Tomorrow I'm going to a Bariatric Surgery info session. This isn't just for people considering surgery, thank god but it is step one before you can be accepted into boot camp. They also have behavioral health counselors available to participants which is very cool.

I had to stop the C25K program due to the problems with my Achilles. I'm hoping I can start up again at a much slower pace. They really bothered me over the weekend with all the walking and running around. Kind of frustrating.

The boyz and kitty are all doing fine. The boyz enjoyed their time in Maine too. Lots of walking and socializing at the field.

Sounds like everyone is doing pretty well with just a few bumps in the road. It is definitely better to deal with the bumps AF!!

[papmom3]

Onward October-Week 2

oh, meant to share this with you all!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-G7OSPHA1uM[/video]]Pam Bar Harbor trial 10 2013 006 - YouTube

[Stargazerlily]

Onward October-Week 2

Good morning...

Lav, I agree with you that I too do not want any people or situations in my life that are stressful and will do everything to protect myself. In that way I am set in my ways too. The cold rainy weather is coming here on Sunday, yuck.

Rusty, my journey to find a new job is not something I want to do, but will take my time and only change if I find something better. I am just burnt out, frankly, and would like a few weeks off, but need the money. Story of all of our lives. Is there ever a job that is not stressful or has someone or situations that are difficult? I don't think so.

Dill, I picked up some potpourri at the babyshower, they were gifts. One of them is in my car, I love the smell of fall, too. I do love learning, only no tests. Go to youtube and look up Tibetan Rites, then you can watch the dude performing them. I am up to 16 a day. It is not easy.

Pap, I loved the video of the agility training...weather perfect, you looked happy and your doggy was so good! Good for you in going to a nutritionist who is kind and full of good info. I know you can get healthier and feel more comfortable in your body. I am working on that too. I need to lose about 25/30 pounds to be at a normal weight. Again, it is the weekends that ruin my during the week efforts. Darn. So good to hear from you.

Well, another cup of coffee, then the Tibetan Rites, breakfast and work. A full day. Hope yours is productive and happy.

[Lavande]

Onward October-Week 2

Good Thursday morning kids!

Just as I was leaving to go watch my grandsons a text came in to cancel me. That's perfectly OK by me :H I have plenty to do today & a nap is not totally out of the question :H

papmom, I saw your video on FB - nice job
Sorry about the problem with your Achilles. Overuse of any body part after a certain age can really be painful. I'd love to hear about your Bariatric info session.

Greetings Star, Dill, Rusty & everyone!
I hope everyone has a great day.

On the topic of job satisfaction.....
I never personally found a job in my profession that didn't beat me up physically & emotionally. Coworkers were no help because they were fed up too. I do have to say, for the most part that my last clinical job was probably the most comfortable only because I did work with a great group of girls. We have remained friends & I wish we could get together more often. I met my goal of getting my two kids through college then hang up my scrubs forever. I need to remember to be grateful for that

I made a pretty good (healthier) corn chowder in the crock pot yesterday, love leftovers!!
I can't use the usual cream in soups so I use rice milk - not bad at all.
I wouldn't mind losing 15 pounds myself, hmmm.

I think I'll go get some work done prepping for next month's craft show at Curves. That's been a fairly good money maker

[Rusty]

Onward October-Week 2

TGIF Everybody,

I have the day off and I'm going shopping with my sister. I think it might be an expensive day. Good thing I work!:H

Pap-thanks for checking in. Congratulations on placing in the agility trials!:goodjob: It was delightful to watch. Now I can put your face and voice with a name. I'm thrilled you've had some "me" time but sorry to hear you are injured.:l

Star-I admire your courage in finding another job....one that gives you satisfaction, but also one where you have time to pursue hobbies and interests. Balance is so hard to achieve, isn't it?

Lav, I am glad you keep in touch with your nephew and good riddance to his evil twin. A product of her mother, no doubt.

I have to run so big hellos to everyone else. Have a peaceful AF Friday!

[Lavande]

Onward October-Week 2

Good morning friends,

Dark & damp here but my daughter & granddaughter were here overnight, nice to have company

I'm going to run out to Curves then go do a little shopping & lunch with my girls. Work can wait a little while

Don't break the bank Rusty but have fun

Wishing everyone a fabulous AF Friday!
Lav

[dill]

Onward October-Week 2

Late check in for me and Hello AF October Friends,

Lav, I can't believe your weather is so bleak! I woke to sunny skies and more sunny skies! We are supposed to have this weather for a few more days. I hope it moves off towards you!!!:h

Hi Rusty, how did the shopping go?

Papmom, thanks so much for the link. I really enjoyed it and thought how energetic you are!!! I don't think I could keep up with you for a minute! That looked like so much fun!

Star, thanks for the suggestion about the tibetan rites. I went to you tube and there were lots of them to look at. I found one that I think was just right for me. I really like the moves/positions and the whole concept. Actually, it had some common moves/positions with my physical therapy exercises for my back.

Today I had some free time and all I could think of was getting my hair cut. I have had it pretty long for the past year. So today, I went to a walk in place and just said I wanted it 2 inches long all over. She had a different idea. She thought I meant length. I said no, I want it two inches long all over, from the scalp on out. She said "Oh!" She got it and did it to perfection. My hair is very short now!:H

Cyn, you asked me if cows had a "pack" mentality. I thought it was amusing. I paused and wondered if they did....then I remembered that no, they have a "herd" mentality. It's like the complete opposite. Packs are hunters, herds are hunted.

Everyone, enjoy an AF weekend!!!

[Stargazerlily]

Onward October-Week 2

Good morning to all...

Dill, new hairdo, how fun. We are having great weather too. I think the weather farther east has to do with that tropical storm that moved up the coast. Cold weather is coming here tomorrow. We put away outdoor stuff yesterday in preparation.

Lav, how fun to have time with your daughter and granddaughter.

Rusty, love to shop too. I am going to take my time looking for a new job, there is no rush and I want to make sure it is a good fit.

I am going for a hike with a friend this morning, I love the outdoors. Have a great day.

[Lavande]

Onward October-Week 2

Morning all,

Yeah, this rain is due to the tropical storm that fizzled out somewhere along the way. Not raining at the moment.

Dill, I have had a short hair cut for a long, long tome - love it too
The only problem is you have to keep up with trims but it's a good excuse to get out of the house by yourself for a while :H

Enjoy you hike toady Star, sounds nice.

I am meeting an old friend at 11:30 so I'd better get going.
Have a great AF day one & all. Hi Rusty.

Lav

[cyntree]

Onward October-Week 2

Hi everyone - just a quick hop on to say 'hi'. I'll have to read back the last couple of days -- 2 trips into NYC soaked up all my time during the week. My step-daughter is here celebrating her 43rd birthday - glad I could be here with her, as her Dad is away for 3 weeks.

We're off to get her gift (surprise) at Hammertown, her favorite store here in a near-by town. I'll provide a web link at some point, or you could google it...beautiful furnishings, life ideas, cooking, etc.

Gotta run - she's in the shower and I have some more little gifts to place --

Hope all have a restful, AF weekend loving the beautiful leaves ---

[dill]

Onward October-Week 2

Hello October Pals,
Cyn, glad to see you. Did you do anything fun in NYC or was it all work? Nice you could be with your step daughter on her birthday. Where is Mr. Cyn?

Lav, short hair is just so much more practical at this point. I found I was just getting tired of taking the time to fuss with my hair and it needed more attention when it was long.

Star, I hope you enjoyed your hike. I took one thru the woods this afternoon with Mr. D and faithful companion, Tessa. She loves to run thru the woods at full speed and I love to watch her bounding along!

Hi Rusty, Papmom, Witts, Lurkers,

Today I went to yet another festival. I love all the festivals at this time of year. Today's was an Apple Butter Festival. They were making apple butter outdoors over open fires in humongous copper kettles. It was fun!

Enjoy an AF evening everyone.

[Rusty]

Onward October-Week 2

Good AF Sunday Morning, Dear Ones,

A cheery unhung hello to all my "real" friends here. Today is the 5-year anniversary of when my family held an intervention, pleading with me to check into a 28-day rehab. I owe my sobriety to this thread, current threadmates: Lav, Dill, Star, Papmom, and Cyn....and those who I don't "see" but think about often....LBH, Chill, Paguy, and Sooty. Thank you all for supporting me when I was sober, when I drank, when I was "demoted." I couldn't have had the life I have now with you.:h

Last Friday was a truly magical and whimsical day....albeit an expensive one.:H I have been looking for a mirror and some art work for my dining room as it has mostly bare walls, and Friday I found what I wanted (my sister spotted my gems). My sister said she would come and hang the four hand-painted pieces and the lovely mirror. Can't wait! I have virtually NO work for the next two weeks, so I will have lots of time to decorate. Another development: I stopped taking my 30 mg. of Baclofen and I am off it altogether. I suspect it impeded my weight-loss efforts. I have not really noticed a big difference since I've been off it the last week. I don't crave AL, and although I had a few disappointments work-wise the last two weeks, I haven't felt the urge to lean on it.

Cyn-I googled Hammertown....ooh....I could do some damage there.:H How sweet of you to have a 43rd b-day party for your stepdaughter, especially since Mr. Tree is out of town. Cyn, no matter how busy you are, you put other people's needs and wants first. I know your stepdaughter appreciates you.

Lav-I hope your lunch with your friend was fun.

Star-How far did you and your friend hike? It rained here most of the day yesterday. You are right on the job front...take it slowly and find the best fit for you.

Dill-your new haircut sounds easy and sassy! So glad you had the chance to go to a fall festival, and spend some time alone with Mr. D. Don't you just love going to those festivals and breathing in the autumn air?

Pap-I watched the link of you in the agility trial and all I can say is how much I admire your energy. I would be huffing and puffing and yelling at the dog to slow down!!!:H

I am off to spend the day with my sister and my mom. My sister and I are going for a
3-mile walk in a park used for x-c skiing, and then I'm having dinner with my mom.

To everyone here, have a lovely AF Sunday.

[Lavande]

Onward October-Week 2

Good morning friends, happy Sunday!

Still overcast & somewhat damp here but not raining at the moment.

Cyn, nice to see you!
Your step-daughter is a lucky person to have you in her life!
That's one thing I really miss in my life - the companionship of an older, loving & wise female

Rusty, glad to hear your news. I think enough time has gone by that you shouldn't notice any difference discontinuing the Baclofen. You have developed new habits & rewired your brain. You automatically make healthier choices

Well yesterday turned out to be a real comedy of errors!
I woke up at 3 am with a major hot flash, ugh. Never really went back to sleep. I decided at some point to go into my shop & get some work done - messed all that up
I left at 10:30 am to drive to the location to meet my friend at 11:30 as planned - couldn't find the place!!!! I drove up & down, back & forth on this busy highway in awful traffic & finally pulled over to call her. The number I had stored in my phone for her was disconnected - really. At that point I had a headache & had to pee so I just went home :H
When I got home & checked the caller ID on my house phone I found she had called twice SO at least I was able to get in touch with her at that point & explain the situation. She was also home by then - what a damn disaster :H

To make a long story short - never ask me to meet you at a place I've never been to before :H

Wishing everyone a wonderful AF Sunday!
I'll be outside soon stacking 2 cords of firewood that's being delivered today. YB offered to pay - I said OK!