Ladies on a Mission: The Official Site

[j-vo]

Brilliant, NS. "I don't need a drug to take the stress away, just a change in how I look at it." I can apply that. My attitude of late concerning work situations has not been a normal, good attitude, but it hasn't been bad either. It's more like a distraction, and a distraction enough for me to look at it differently, to let things go and not worry about them so much. For me, it's been less of a priority. Too many other things mean more to me than work. Like my Mom. Like my son. Relationships. We watched a TED talk at our faculty meeting today and she talked about relationships with kids and not being able to teach them anything if you don't have a relationship with them. I believe that, or I believe that with better relationships, students will be more willing to learn from us and that has always been a priority for me. Especially teaching in a low-income area. It means a lot if a teacher cares. I see the teachers who don't, but we don't have too many of those in our district, and for that, I'm proud.

Off to a basketball game that son is not playing in. The district I work for made the playoffs, too, and some former students playing tonight. It's a late game, well, for me, but it'll be exciting.

[little beagle]

NS I've been using the 3PS quite a bit lately.
I'm grateful for my sobriety. I use to feel so bad about myself. I have worked hard to feel good about myself. Finally some of my innate wellness seems to be returning.
My daughter and I are working together on a fairly profitable project this weekend. And there will be more in the future if we do a good job. Well is there any question? It will be a good job. That will take some of the financial pressure off. That has been weighing heavy on my mind. Hubby is leaving on March 4th. Going back to Albuquerque. Is it permanent? We will see. But I am not fighting him. I'm actually encouraging him. And I'm truly learning how to live in the present. Letting go of the past. Trying not to worry about the future. Byrdie told me to take it 15 minutes at a time. Do only what is necessary to get through the next 15 minutes. When someone asks me about something in the future I tell them that I'm just not going to worry about that until it's here. Until I need go.
This transition has been extremely painful for me. BUT alcohol would have only made the situation worse. Increased Anxiety. Pain. Most likely stupidity.

[Pavati]

Hi, All:

Yes, look at it a new way. I have been much better about that, too, these last two years. Not having the constant anxiety and worry that I did when I was drinking, always second guessing myself, and feeling like I REALLY cared what everyone was thinking/saying about me. That has been one completely unforeseen benefit of quitting - I really, really feel much more grounded and confident. I'll do my great work AND take some time for myself...

LB - that is a great attitude. Best of luck with your venture with your daughter - I, too, KNOW it will be wonderful if you are involved.

J-Vo - that evaluation system sounds dreadful. The whole teacher evaluation system is fairly dreadful, really.

I keep advising meditation but don't always make time for myself. Today I got some exercise, meditated and made a healthy dinner. I'm on the mend.

Night, All.

Pav

[j-vo]

Lil B, you sound strong. I'm really inspired by your strength and the way you're taking things as they come, staying in the moment. That's a hard skill to master, and I like the small 15 minute increment tip. That Byrdlady is pretty smart.

Pav, it's passing, or it has passed! Good for you.

As I was exercising, I thought of how all of my life, I've exercised, but never consistently. So my endurance and strength never increased much for those short periods of time. I would get to the point of feeling sore, but then I would stop. I never reaped the benefits of a true long-term exercise regime. Then I began thinking of my serial relapsing. Stopping and starting so many times never gave me a chance to build the endurance of time and mental strength. Each time I started again, I lost what I had, which wasn't much. I almost feel like this stage of sobriety I'm in is the beginning of my exercise program. I'm sore, it's moe difficult than I want it to be, but I have to keep going to get the real results. I will keep going and build those sober muscles. Glad you're with me on this journey.

[treetops]

Quick check in before work. Great posts here and hugs to all.

I also have periods when I am even more sedentary than usual but I have always tried to integrate movement into my daily life - and long gave up on trying to schedule exercise programs. I am one of those fidgety type persons and rush around a lot. Rather than see that as a failing or a problem, I now see it as good on the exercise front.
I could do with more calming though - I have never taken to meditation, except when its combined with yoga - so maybe I will try to return to that. It works for me if I can do it at home an in my own time.

Choices - are you OK - you have been quiet lately?

[narilly]

Hi everyone, I too was a sex maniac when I was drinking. I definitely did engage in risky behavior. I did things I never would do if I wasn't hammered. I am sure we are not the only ones!

Glad you fight the urge to drink Pav. That is a scary sensation. Why would we ever drink now? It scares me to think about it.

Lil B, you sound really good. You are such a strong woman. Way to go.

Since I quit drinking my whole family drinks less. It has an effect on everyone, my neighbor probably drinks less too. It is amazing how our drinking effects so many people.

Yesterday after work a co worker asked me if I wanted to join the group for a drink and I told her "I don't drink". Wow, that was neat and it felt good. If I would have went out with them I would be hung over today and probably embarrassed because I would have drank too much.
Thank goodness those days are behind me.

xo everyone.

[little beagle]

J-vo my elliptical machine my daughter gave me is a lifesaver right now. It's such a great way to work off frustrations and feel better.

[Choices]

Hi everyone!

I'm doing really well. I am pretty inspired by my new direction with the permaculture course so reading a lot and learning feels great. I've always been interested in environmental science but just always had to drop the different classes because I couldn't test well in them and they dragged my GPA down .. Which would have effected my financial aid... Etc.. So this is great! I can finally learn something I've always wanted to learn. I've also been doing a lot of yoga, and going paddle boarding with my new friend tomorrow. I've kinda forgotten about alcohol being in my life. But, I do get an odd pang now and then. It's not a craving but it can come from nowhere. In fact that is where it usually does come from now. I'm guessing it may even be subliminal.., like I see an add, or pretty glass.. But I don't realize I saw it etc.. Or I'm talking with someone and a word maybe mentioned like tequila.. Then hours later I can taste a margarita in my mind..or for a second desire getting drunk on them. (That one is pretty obvious, but I can't think of an example) I say, get drunk on them instead of thinking I want 'one' because that is my truth. I'm not making associations anymore consciously. I have found when I walk past a cafe, it usually reeks of AL and feels 'hot' and I really do not like the smell. It's like smelling a toxic marker opened or something.

The posts have been really good to read. Everyone sounds strong.

[STEADFAST]

Hi Gloamers,

Lots of positive posts here.

Have been doing some de-cluttering. I truly believe what I read about feeling less stressed if you keep your house clutter-free. So I've started tackling the large cupboard in our second room. It's really tall and requires a ladder for me to reach the top shelves. Found an empty vodka bottle that was purchased when on holiday in Vietnam ten years ago (full when I bought it of course, but didn't last long!) Anyway, decided I have enough souvenirs from Vietnam so out to the recycling bin it went.

And no souvenirs of the Al days are required!

Been feeling a bit 'stuck' the last few days....Going to keep de-cluttering and check back later on the weekend....

Stay well everyone,
Steady

[j-vo]

Hi All,
Went to The University of Pittsburgh for orientation today. It was a great day. He was accepted into the business program, so they told us of all the opportunities for internships, study abroad, various certification programs coupled with his major or dual degrees. Lots and lots of great info.

Getting ready to go watch a basketball game (my work school district). Then tomorrow morning taxes being done and then son is playing in second playoff game. BUSY but good.

[j-vo]

Did I tell you how much fun we had last night working in the concession stand? It was packed and everyone had a station. I hate to be on the front line because I suck at making change under pressure so my job was hot dogs. We were laughing so hard as they called the orders, I'm throwing the wrapped dogs up to the front line and just plain silliness. Loved it. I can be happy and goofy without alcohol and I think I really like it. But I can also be in control in the snap of a finger.

Saw lots of former student at another basketball game tonight. Again. Laughs, hugs. Couldn't have done that had we gone to the bar. Actually as we were leaving Mr. jvo said that's a lot more fun than going to the bar. He's right.

[little beagle]

Just checking in tonight. My emotions are like a roller-coaster. Grrrrrrrrrrrrr

[treetops]

Sorry to hear this LB but to be expected. take care.
You sound good J-Vo.

[Choices]

Sounds so uncomfortable LB. I hope peace comes to you soon. We are having a quiet Saturday here. My daughters swimming started again. I can't believe how hungover I was for pretty much her whole term last year. Glad it's not that way anymore! Paddle boarding was really good this morning I could finally stand a lot longer, but I still can't keep up at all with my friend.. It doesn't matter. Afterward we got breakfast and I feel really comfortable around her. I absolutely love sober connections.

[jane27]

hi gang,
burning the midnight oil here in Jerz as hubs is sleeping/snoring soundly. had a very productive days which made me feel great. completed day 4 of the master cleanse and am amazed once again about the enormous positive impact it has on the way i feel. finally feeling tired enough to lay down me weary head. lil i am thinking of you and will try to call you tomorrow. xxxx