Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

[Stargazerlily]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

Good morning...

Lav, can you say more about staying focused. Do you mean focused being AF or something else. I think it is really important to understand this concept and what you do on a daily basis to meet your goal of total abstinence. And you have met it. For what, five years? Fantastic. Happy for you that you are closing up the ole shop and will have time for Christmas for yourself.

Dill, the flu bug is horrible, and being exposed to young kids, I bet this is the first time Mr. Dill has had the flu in years. Yuck. Some people at my work have family who have it and I am terrified of getting it this close to Christmas. It would ruin the holidays. Hope your family gets through this this week so your Christmas is flu free.

We had several inches of snow during the day but it quit by evening when I had to drive home. I was really thankful. Hope you all have a good hump day.

[dill]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

Sorry fellow travellers, it is another short post from me. I have all day jury today and must get everyone up and out to day care/school.

Star, I read your post very early this morning and have been thinking about it. You asked Lav about staying focused. I struggle with that too I guess, but the more I thought about it, it isn't focus I struggle with, it is resolve. I can shut that door, lock it and throw away the key, but then, oops! I forgot to pitch the spare key! :H:upset: It's funny but at the same time, not! I can know taking that first drink is a huge mistake and I can think about all the reasons why and then I might still take it!!! But not today. I find ODAT helps me the most. I can focus on af for today and not think past it. Also, of course, focusing on the positives of being clear-minded helps me through that day.

Jolie, Rusty, Papmom, DTD, Lav, everyone, Have a good and AF Hump Day.

[Rusty]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

"I made a commitment to completely cut out drinking and anything that may hamper me from getting my mind and body together. And the floodgates of goodness have opened upon me - spiritually and financially." -Denzel Washington

Good Morning, Friends,

This quote was posted by new MWO Member Is_There_Any_Hope? in the Quotes for Today Thread, which was started by our dear friend Chillgirl several years ago. I love that thread and lurk there quite often when I am needing inspiration. Chill was always very supportive when I was struggling to get AF, and struggling to stay there. I've always loved Denzel Washington and this quote was particularly meaningful since I saw him in the movie, "Flight." I would not have found this quote if it had not been for DTD. Thanks, DTD! She bumped up the thread a few days ago. DTD posts on the Army Thread, so I lurk there. There are a couple of people from South Africa there, and a ton of people from Europe so she can communicate with people on the same or nearly same, time zone.

Dill:lso sorry you have the flu.:upset:Little kid germs are SO powerful. I don't know how you and Mr. D. manage so well with two little kids 24/7, but I sure do admire you. I am delighted that your daughter will be able to join you for a belated Christmas celebration in January, especially since that will be when your son gets out of rehab. You had asked me why my Mom and I volunteer once per month with adults who are both deaf and blind. My mom and her best friend, a woman who has been blind since she was in her 20s, started this organization over 30 years ago. This organization teaches deaf/blind adults practical living skills, computer skills, among many other things, but adults who are dually afflicted with deafness and blindness suffer lives of isolation, as you can imagine. So, once per month, there is a social gathering, with a lunch, games, and prizes. These adults live on such tight budgets that they are grateful for any kind of little prize, so I anonymously donate gifts they really need. My mom signs and finger spells. I am just learning finger spelling but am considering learning sign language. I love live Christmas trees and had one or two at the same time...for years. Living alone, it got to be too much of a hassle, and now I have two huge pre-lit ones. Love them.

I can shut that door, lock it and throw away the key, but then, oops! I forgot to pitch the spare key! It's funny but at the same time, not! I can know taking that first drink is a huge mistake and I can think about all the reasons why and then I might still take it!!! But not today. I find ODAT helps me the most.

I feel the same way you do, ODAT.

Star-so sorry to hear of your fall. Glad you're ok, and grateful that you were able to dodge the snow on your ride home yesterday.

Jolie-I read about your childhood friend's passing, and that is so sad. I am sorry for your loss. We just never know, do we? You sound so positive in your AF journey. I missed you and I am glad you're back. Whenever I read your posts, I think of my three-month stay in Washington, DC. I went to Inner Harbor one day. Lovely.

Pap-great to hear you are driving again, and that you have started your heart-healthy meal plan.:goodjob: I am so glad you have asked for help with shoveling, etc., and that you know your limitations, and listening to those warning signs of fatigue. I gotta tell ya....your heart attack shook me up. I have eaten mostly salmon for the last 7 days, and even without exercising, I have managed to lose 3 lbs!

Lav-hope you figure out what to get your son and DIL for Christmas.

Cyn-I sure do miss you. Can't wait to hear about how fun it is NOT to have that job anymore.:H

SunniGG-where are you?

My trip to Idaho Falls was cancelled due to weather so I will be home until January 6. Looking forward to the nice long rest.

Happy AF Hump Day, everyone.

[Lavande]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

Good morning friends,

Damn chilly here but what can you do?
Wrapped in a blanket & drinking coffee at the moment trying to decide what to skip today - I have too many things going on & not enough time

Star, my reference to staying focused is really all about the self care thing we talk about frequently.
I have had to learn to put myself first even though it may sound like I don't at times. My family keeps me busy, my customers keep me extra busy at times but that's OK provided I meet my needs first! Like Dill I am much better off focusing on today only. I have no control over the future but I can manage today

Speaking of today - it's my very last day to be 59 years old :H
I am moving into a new decade tomorrow which is a little frightening but I think I can manage :H
I am grateful to be clear headed, relatively happy & healthy & just damn proud of myself for pulling through all the misery. I finally learned an important lesson. I can change myself, I can't change anyone else. It's more important that I am happy with myself. What others think about me is their business, not mine

Dill, I have made a conscious decision to remain AF every morning for nearly five years now. I won't let myself down either no matter what! We all have that power & ability to make that promise to ourselves each & every day

OK, gotta run, lots to do today!
Hello to the missing Rusty, cyn, DTD, papmom, Joile & everyone.
Meeting a friend for lunch & hitting the stores, hopefully for the last time today.

Have a great AF Hump day!
Lav

[Lavande]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

Hey Rusty - cross post

[papmom3]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

Evening All! Sitting here watching CaddyShack. I love Criminal Minds but it's so scary it makes my heart race so I figured a comedy would be OK.

We got about 6 more inches of the nasty white stuff yesterday. If I never have to drive in it again I'll be soooo happy but I probably shouldn't have such a dream. Quilting class got cancelled so now we won't be meeting until Jan 7. I miss it!! I was able to get out and pick up my nephew's quilt tho and it's gorgeous! I didn't really like working on it that much. I made a lot of mistakes and did a lot of fretting and readjusting. But now that its been put together and quilted and binded, it's beautiful!!! I'll try to post a pic for you. After that errand was done, I went to my Bariatric exercise and nutrition consults. these were group classes, info sessions really. I think however I won't continue on in the program. My nutritional counseling and mental health counseling need to be focused on recovering from the MI and of course I can't do the boot camp for a few months as I'll be in Cardiac Rehab. I suppose if I need to, I can always rejoin the program next year.

Tomorrow I'm going to try to do some dishes and neaten up the kitchen. I promise I won't overdue-10 min at a time with lots of rest in between.

Dill-are you feeling better? I am so scared I'll pick up that nasty bug at some point but at least I'm not at work where things like this spread like wildfire!

Star-I guess I do what lav does -every morning I just know it will be an AF day. I kind of get nauseous if I even think about maybe having just one glass of wine at a family gathering. It's funny, I never have those thoughts at the actual event, it's at random times like these. Anyway, even if there had been a prayer of moderation at any point in time, and there really wasn't, its off the table now, just like Mickey D's, DD's BK etc are. Oh, and Klondike Bars. Funny, I don't really miss them like I thought I would.

Lav-hope you had a nice lunch with your friend. Shopping all done? I can't wait till I get to the level you are at where I finally understand the only person I can change is me and I can't control the future!

Rusty-so glad you are home safe!! And you have a decent break-that is wonderful!! I loved your description of what you and your mom do for those less fortunate. I really admire you for it. If I do get to retire, I know I want to volunteer some time as well, just not sure in what area.

Has SunniG been showing her avatar around here lately? Cool! I miss her and I miss Cyn. Can someone update me?

I'm fading fast so will say goodnite. :l

[Rusty]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY, LAV!!:bday7::bday7::bday3::bday3:. I hope you have a relaxing birthday.

Pap-good for you for finishing your nephew's quilt. I'm also proud of you for knowing your limitations exertion-wise and not pushing the envelope. What is an MI? I hope your counseling sessions are helpful to you. I know you have drastically changed your diet and given up all your sweet treats.:goodjob: Does it feel good to be off work? I know it does for me.:H

Big hellos to Dill, Star, Cyn, SunniGG, DTD, Narilly, and anyone else who pops in. Happy AF Thursday!

[Stargazerlily]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

Good morning to all...Happy Birthday Lav!!!!

Pap, so happy to hear that you had lots of people helping you to move all that snow! Your strength will come back, my friend is getting stronger and feeling more like herself everyday. I can hear it in her voice. My husband wanted to change our kitty litter brand and I said, "NO," knowing they would not like it, at all. Your dinner sounded good, healthy, and relatively simple. You can do it.

Dill, what fun to have a live tree! Bet is smells good! Hope the grandkids get well soon. Are you having a big Christmas or is it just immediate family? I have already purchased a turkey, ham, and a few cookies from a German store that my family enjoys. Now, I need to get the sides this weekend. I have to make a few things for a Thursday work Christmas potluck. No booze of course at work and I am grateful. I was thinking and wanted your input; alcohol wins, it kicked my butt. AF everything is just so much easier. Hoping you are having an easier time of it this holiday season, especially with everything else going on.

Lav, are you feeling any better? I hate getting those flu bugs. Little kids always love to share. When I fell it was in my kitchen, on slippery wet floors, I even had boots on. This is a messy time of year. I know this is good for the environment, lots of snow, moisture, but it makes everything else difficult. Any ideas for side dishes at Christmas? Besides the usual mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes?

Trying to keep up with an exercise routine, feeling lazy, sitting around too much. Does anyone else feel closed in? Hope you have a productive Monday.

[Stargazerlily]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

Hey, I just had a really long post, somehow it posted something from another day, except for the Happy Birthday Lav part. Sorry guys, just don't have time to repost.

Good morning to all...Happy Birthday Lav!!!!

[Jolie]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LAV!!!

Hope you have a wonderful day - you certainly deserve it!! You are such an inspiration for me and as usual, your words about staying focused are always a help to those of us that are muddling through this crazy journey.

Pap - I hate to drive in it but love to look at it! Almost all of our snow is melted :no: so looks like we won't be having a white Christmas here. Glad you are taking it easy and great job on the quilt! I crochet but never seem to actually finish-finish a project.

Rusty - what are you going to do on your long break? I'm off of work after today and don't go back until the 6th - YAY!!

Star - I'm always looking for new and interesting side dishes to take to gatherings - I think this year I'm going to do a baked macaroni and cheese and maybe a corn casserole.

Feeling very optimistic and positive this week - hoping to keep it that way!!!

Have a great day all!

[Rusty]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

Jolie-you don't get white Christmases very often, do you? That's too bad! It's great that you are off until January 6, too. I guess you and I will be spending a lot of time on our thread then, right?:H What am I going to do on my break? Easy answer: Finish up some work tasks, Christmas shopping, and shopping for a new dishwasher ASAP! I still have dirty dishes in my sink from my brunch last Sunday.:upset: What are you going to do? I don't think you ever told us what your job is? Please share if you feel comfortable. :goodjob: on maintaining your focus on being AF...a sober grandmother, how cool is that?

Ok, better get back to my work and Christmas cards. I'll be back later, though.

[Lavande]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

Good Thursday morning friends aka the feast day of Lav :H :H

Can't believe it but I am officially an old fart today & it's not bothering nearly as much as I thought it would I think that's because I have been so damn grateful these past 5 years, I have gained much insight.

papmom, I think it's wise to follow through with your counseling & get yourself stable physically & emotionally. I think you'll find the cardiac rehab to be enough for you at this point. Glad you are doing OK!

Rusty, papmom is recovering from a heart attack - MI = myocardial infarction. We need to be sure she's follows through with the appropriate cardiac rehab
Thanks for the birthday wishes!

Star, maybe the full moon got your post - you never know!
Hope you have a good day & thanks!

Joile, this weekend will be MUD weekend for us, huh? Heading to near 70 degrees on Sunday, OMG! I can see the muddy doggie prints already! Keep that positive feeling going, it really helps!

My kids are taking me out to lunch today, nice.
I am going to be sure to order the most expensive thing (that I can eat) on the menu because they really, really owe me :H :H
I'm sure we'll have fun!
YB stopped in yesterday after work & gave me a new camera - very nice! He remains the odd one but that's OK. I think he's doing the best he thinks he can do at this point.

Hellos to Dill, DTD, cyn & anyone else lurking.
Have a great feast day of Lav!!!!!

[papmom3]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

:bday7::day5::bday3::bday1::band2:

Happy Birthday Lav!! No way is 60 an old fart! Can't be as it's only 3 yrs older than me!! Hope you had a lovely lunch with the kids. What did you end up ordering?

Rusty-I am really enjoying my time off work and seriously hoping I can do the early retirement. Oh and I haven't given up all sweet treats-just choosing better ones that fit into my plan. Klondike bars are out!! Enjoy your time off!

Jolie-enjoy your time off too! You can have all my snow if you want LOL!!

today I went to my sister's for most of the day. I had to get out of the house or I would've started cleaning. We had a nice lunch, I helped her with her xmas cards and did computer work while she shopped and did other errands. My niece made me banana oatmeal cookies! yummo!!

One of my sister's good friends is a dietician and works at the medical office I go to for nutrition and behavioral counseling. She offered to give me a couple of probono private counseling sessions and stopped by my sister's tonite. We talked for about 1.5 hours and she gave me a lot of great info and advice. I feel so much better! I'm on track with my eating plan and just need to make a few little tweaks. What a nice person!!

I also walked 3 minutes on the treadmill while my sis was between errands. I can't believe how fatigued I got at only .5 miles per hour!! It's going to be a long road but I can't wait to get started with rehab.

Time to feed the pups and make it an early nite.

[Lavande]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

Guess what I ordered for lunch papmom? I ordered the chicken :H :H
If & when I eat meat, it's chicken
We had a nice time although eating with two 2 1/2 year olds & a 5 year old is an adventure. Keeping the smaller ones in their seats for the entire meal can be a lot of work :H
I'm glad to hear you are getting some extra dietary support, that can never hurt. You will heal in time - patience

Good night all!

[Stargazerlily]

Delightful December AF ~ Week 3

Good morning to all...

Lav, your birthday celebration sounded wonderful, because you spent it with your beloved family! Truly, 60 is a milestone, not far off for me, either. Nice to have a new camera, you have lots of pictures to take. YB sounds like he is doing the best he can, and you seem at peace with things the way they are.

Dill, hope your jury duty went well. It is hard to stay focused on being AF at certain times of the day, when tired, hungry, angry, lonely. Sometimes in the midst of people, loneliness sets in. Making up your mind on a daily basis to be AF seems to be the way to go for most people. I think that is what Lav means by staying focused, and by taking good care of ourselves. Being our own best friend, caretaker. Doing what is right for us, as much as possible. Hope the kids are done with the flu, what a lot of work for you.

Rusty, you are so lucky to have such a nice stretch of time off. It probably will refresh you and when you go back to work, you will be even better! I work one day in the next ten and feel so excited to read, clean, exercise, cook, watch movies, love my family and spend time with them. I love to cook and have a ham and turkey, so will be in the kitchen. And you know what, it would not be fun hungover. Waking up feeling good, (even if it is too early) is so wonderful. I am thinking of making Shirley temple's for fun. Remember those kiddie drinks?

Jolie, you sound great, keep thinking of all the benefits of being AF. I also was thinking about how Lav focuses on gratitude, a common theme in her threads. We should too.

Pap, you are so lucky to live close to your family, how fun to spend time with them. I was thinking about your health journey and realize it is a marathon, not a sprint, some of the same things I am working on, too. Someone gave me fudge at work, I ate some at lunch, then more after I got home. I felt sick, it was not something my system is used too. Focusing on proteins and natural foods feels good and keeps the weight off for me. What happened to you and my close friend has made me realize I cannot take my health for granted. I appreciate your sharing your story and efforts.

Hello to DTD, narily, and where is our Cyn? Off to drink my coffee and read some more on MWO.