Know November - week 3

[Rusty]

Know November - week 3

Hello Knowing Friends of November,

It's a beautiful sunny day here in Wisconsin, but, I am off to the airport again in a few hours to fly to Kansas City for work. This will be my life for the next month: pack suitcase, fly, unpack suitcase, laundry, re-pack and board plane. The great news is that I will be so busy that my posts will be relatively brief compared to my usual docudramas.:H

I forgot to tell you about the interesting woman who sat next to me on the plane on the way to Salt Lake City. She's a professional roller derby queen, who goes by the name, "Skatespeare." She's a social worker by day, and a lover of Shakespeare, hence, her skating name. I googled her, and just like she said, the YouTube video has her right in front, as she is a "jammer," a point scorer (is that a word?). If you go to the YT video, she is the long, skinny, blonde haired woman leading the pack for the Dubuque Bomb Squad. I used to watch roller derby as a kid so we talked about that most of the flight, except when I was telling her that she should really stop smoking.:H That smell of stale smoke on clothes makes me want to vomit.

Lav-I keep searching the Daily Thread, looking for Bear, because I know she's into roller derby, too, but I haven't seen her in a while. You have to take your chickens to the Amish farmer for you and I know it makes you sad. Good thing you have the crafts fair at Curves to take your mind off it.

Welcome, Narilly! I love your positive spirit and energy. Did you pick your name because it sounds like "Merrily." Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily, life is but a dream! :H Please let me know if you're too young to know that nursery rhyme.

Fly-I hope you stand up to your husband on Thanksgiving and keep your promise to leave if he doesn't help out. Ugh, the bloated expectations of feeling joy and happiness during the holiday can really let people down. I hope yours turns out to be happy.:l

Dill-good for you for enlisting Mr. D's help on the holiday!!! I totally get the resentment factor being a huge trigger for drinking. It was for me, too, for YEARS. Finally, I am starting to let go of them. They only hurt me and ate me alive.

DTD-I love your new avatar. Please post pics from SA when you get the chance.

Cyn-I am glad you are posting more....is your pain any better?

Sunni-how are you? I hope you are getting over your cold.

Star-I loved your post:

It IS a relief to just be AF. Deciding to let go, deciding to enjoy feeling good, sleeping well, making good decisions, is freedom.

I couldn't agree with you more.

Ok, I have to get on with my workout. I hope everyone is having a happy AF Tuesday!!

[DreamThinkDo]

Know November - week 3

Hallo all - and welcome Narilly!

Rusty, I've said it before: I love your long posts, so please continue with them when you have more time.

Lav, what crafts are you doing for the Curves craft week? And where do you find time for everything? If its not kiddy patrol it's chicken patrol and the embroidery business - such energy!

Quietish day here, not much news except that my "flower lady" has left another box full of plants for me. I've a friend who mentioned that she wants to make some changes to her garden, so I'll share with her.

As Star said, be free today.

[Rusty]

Know November - week 3

Dream-you made my day today. Thanks! Sorry this post is so short. I am posting from my phone.

[Stargazerlily]

Know November - week 3

Good morning to all...

Rusty, what a busy schedule, good for you. Interesting people we meet on our travels. She sounded fun.

Dill, some people around here still have no electricity, I am so glad that you and I made it out of the storms OK. Interesting about Thanksgiving, when you asked Mr. D., you received. I think sometimes men are just clueless and we have to realize that and ask.

Lav, have fun at your craft day, it is fun to do something different.

DTD, Narily, Cyn, and all, have a great day.

[dill]

Know November - week 3

Hello all,

Rusty, I am wiith DTD! I always love your posts. They add spice to the thread for sure. I was never into roller derby but I would have enjoyed meeting someone like that. It must have been fun to talk with her. I googled Elizabeth Vargas. There was really nothing much in the news about it, just a brief announcement and statement from her. I thought there would be more drama stories about embarrassing behavior or legal run ins like DUI. But there was nothing. Nothing like our friend Syd Rosenburg from the Imus Show. But that is how so many of us with al problems are. We manage to function publicly, hiding the problem while suffering a private hell. I hope some day she comes out and tells more about her story, but I sure will understand if she chooses to just move forward.

Lav, I will be thinking of you doing crafts this morning while I sit thru jury duty! I wish I could come with you!

Star, what does Mr. Star do on holidays? Does he help with the cooking, cleaning or any other preparations?

Dtd, It's nice to have quiet. I long for some!:H

Off I go to jury duty. Happy AF Hump Day everyone!

[narilly]

Know November - week 3

DTD- I can't even Think of gardening now. It was -27Celsius wind chill today walking to work at 6:30 am!
Fly- cooking for the family at holiday time can definitely be stressful. I get everyone to bring a dish and I make the turkey and potatoes. That seems to work allright.
Star- thanks for welcoming me
Thanks for the quote Dill.
When I think of not drinking now I actually get really excited. It has been such a struggle for me to moderate. This weekend I am going skiing with my family and will be up bright eyed and bushy tailed at 6 am on Saturday. No 'wine mouth' or headache. That is so cool!
It should be a lot warmer by then too. Maybe around -1 Celsius or so.

[narilly]

Know November - week 3

Love the quote Dill.
Thanks for the welcome Star.

Hope you all have a great evening. I am going shopping after work and then home for a great AF night. Might watch Breaking Bad which is the new series I am watching with my hubby.

Tomorrow he turns 50. We are going out to a restaurant the 4 of us. I am looking forward to celebrating without Alcohol. First time for a long time that I have not drank at a special occasion.

Pretty cool!

[Lavande]

Know November - week 3

Greetings friends,

Finally have a moment to say hello!

Got the 'girls' out of here by 8 am & I sent the mini rooster with them.......bye, bye :H
I really don't like having to do that but when you're feeding 25 hens & getting 3 eggs/day, it's time to retire them

Got my offerings set up at Curves for the craft sale which goes on for a week!
Narilly - I really don't do crafts but I have found a few things that my machines can do that look 'crafty' like lace ornaments for the Christmas tree. I also took some kitchen towels, sweatshirts & the like with holiday themed embroidery. Have fun skiing this weekend

Dill, hope you weren't bored to death on jury duty today, ugh!

Greetings Star, Rusty, cyn & anyone else popping in tonight.
It's 7:30 now - I need to get in about another hour of work, then call it a day.
Tomorrow starts out with a dental appointment - oh joy!

Have a great AF night one & all!
Lav

[Rusty]

Know November - week 3

Good Morning Everyone,

I was up at 4 AM Rusty O'Clock as I have to be at work at 5:45. I am working with a fascinating client. This organization is a branch of the National Weather Service. Weather forecasters I talked to yesterday look at forecasts all day and alert the airlines of any change in the weather conditions. Dream-I was able to see the weather you were having in South Africa yesterday. How lovely of your neighbor to drop off more plants. Can't wait to see pics of your garden.

Dill-I read the article about Elizabeth Vargas in People Magazine and she did say she had become " physically dependent on alcohol." She said hopefully her story will encourage others to get treatment. Isn't that brave of her? Yes, Sid Rosenberg....fired from ANOTHER job, but has his own show in radio again. He's dually addicted, too....a compulsive gambler. Will that guy EVER learn? He's had three stints in rehab, too.

Ok, must be off and I'll check in tonight or sooner, when I get home. Doctor's appt. tomorrow. Very routine.

:hto all of you.

[Stargazerlily]

Know November - week 3

Good morning to all...

Dill, Mr. Star helps me in every aspect as we have Friday afternoons off together. We shop, prep, clean, cook, set-up and clean up. I ask though, as it can be overwhelming. I guess since I have worked full time, I expect 50/50 or close to. Let's face it, it is fun, smells good, but is a lot of work. Plus it is fun to work together. We are the same age, and have fun together. Plus, he is really a better cleaner than I am and knows it.

Rusty, how cool to be working with weather channel employees. I am obsessed with the weather and love the weather channel. You have so many interesting experiences.

Lav, sad to see the old hens go, but that is just part of farm life right?

Narily, I am so hopeful that you are focused on the positive. It makes all the difference. If I get a craving, I will think: I sleep well, I feel healthy, I want to be thin. (Drinking makes me gain weight fast). All that changes with one drink, so it is not worth it.

Well, sad news. My good friend is in the hospital, in the heart unit. I had spoken to her before work and she was so scared. A friend who lives close came over and took her to the ER. I guess I am just mad that it has taken so long. SHe has been sick for months, seriously, and just given pills and treated for depression/anxiety. With swollen legs, hard time breathing. Isn't that just stupid? I have to watch my anger and fear, it could be a trigger for me. So good that I have work today and lots to do this weekend.

To all, have a good day.

[Lavande]

Know November - week 3

Good morning friends!

Brr, chilly & below freezing in these parts

Hope you have a wonderful day you early bird Rusty :H

Star, it's taken some practice but I am able to disconnect myself from these birds when I know it's time for them to go Thank goodness for that!!
Did you see Rick Hanson's JOT for today? 'Enjoy your sobriety' - perfect for all of us

Lots & lots to do today plus a dental appointment this morning so I'll get a move on.
Wishing everyone a wonderful AF Thursday!

Lav

[dill]

Know November - week 3

Hi all,
Lav, yes I did enjoy Rick Hanson's JOT. I forwarded it to a friend. It was a good one.

Narily, you have the right attitude. Freedom is a beautiful thing, especially if it's freedom from hangovers, embarrassment, regret, remorse, and all that goes with alcohol!

Rusty, did you happen to listen to Imus yesterday? He talked about how he attended AA for 4 years and nearly the whole time he was in AA HE WAS STILL DRINKING! He was often a featured speaker at speaker meetings and he would tell his story yet the whole time he said he'd go home and drink vodka alone in his apartment! He was pretty hard on himself, calling himself a real jerk for doing it. But that's what alcohol does to some of us, eh? Makes liars and jerks of us. Then he talked about how when he finally did get sober he had to literally take it one minute at a time, then one hour at a time, then one day at a time. He said he still takes it one day at a time.

Star, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. Hopefully she'll get the treatment she needs and this will be a turning point for the better. I hope so.

DTD, Witts, Cyn, thinking of you all. Have a great AF Thursday!

[Lavande]

Know November - week 3

Taking a well deserved break

I meant to mention this morning -
LBH has been posting pictures on Facebook, they are in Portugal! I remember she said she wanted to go there - pretty cool
And our papmom is busy getting ready for her first agility run for the AKC - she's very, very excited

Dill, hope your day is a good one!

Star, sounds like your friend will get the treatment she needs & deserves.
Honestly, some doctors are useless & downright dangerous.

The sun has completely disappeared this afternoon. Wonder what's going on?

[dill]

Know November - week 3

?Let today be the day you stop being haunted by the ghost of yesterday. Holding a grudge & harboring anger/resentment is poison to the soul. Get even with people...but not those who have hurt us, forget them, instead get even with those who have helped us.?
Steve Maraboli

Good morning friends,
I realize that anger, resentment, upset, helplessness all lead me down the wrong path and make me want to numb myself. I no longer drink to be social or feel more comfortable or have a pleasant buzz. When I drink it is with the purpose of numbing, isolating, escaping. I must constantly be vigilant about negative thoughts and emotions and turn them around so I can avoid making the mistake of picking up that first drink.

Rusty, do you still have that quote I posted yeats ago about small minded people talk about people, and something about bigger people think about ideas? I wish I could hear that quote again.

I'm short on time, so have a great AF Friday everyone!

[Lavande]

Know November - week 3

Good morning everyone!

Dill, my drinking career was all about numbing too!
It's no wonder so many women our age fell into that rabbit hole. We heard mixed messages all our lives from our parents, teachers & peers. Society expects us to be strong, capable & perfect at all times. How can anyone live up to those unrealistic expectations? We're just human, not machines. We have thoughts, feelings, emotions, hormones, children, spouses, employers & more pulling at us non-stop
The trouble started for me when I was no longer able to defend my emotional boundary lines.
Today I am grateful & will remain grateful to have found the strength to redraw those boundary lines. I am grateful for the support of my friends here

Have a great AF Friday everyone!
Lav