Delightful December AF - Week 4

[Stargazerlily]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

[COLOR=Red]Merry Christmas[/COLOR

Good morning. I am a day late as I was at the ER at 3:30 a.m. on Christmas morning with my son. He had to have a CT scan for rule out, finally penicillin. It was a nightmare, really poor medical care. Anyway, he is on the mend, and our Christmas turned out to be fun and filled with love and laughter. I was just tired.

Dill, I enjoyed my Christmas present to myself too, midnight mass. It was lovely, the music was spectacular and the flowers and incense were a treat for the senses. I felt really uplifted, and being AF made it possible to go. Thanks for your prayers.

Pap, hope your day was great and you are feeling well.

Jolie, safe travels.

Lav, sounds like your efforts with YB have helped him to move forward to some extent. Being grateful no matter where we are takes mindfulness and gratitude work. My family is leaving today and I will clean up, get some soup going, and try to get back to normal. Are you going to have some time to yourself now?

Greetings Rusty, hope your Christmas was happy.

Have a good day.

[Lavande]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Good morning friends,

I just heard that it's snowing just west of me in Harrisburg & it may move this way, oh well.
Just a bit of cleanup to do around here today, not bad at all.

Star, glad your son is receiving adequate care now. It's so hard to see our kids hurting. Wishing him a speedy recovery
I am somewhat 'pleased' with YB's painfully slow but steady progress back into the land of the living. I can see that he is still hanging on to some of his deep-seated fears though. I have learned to let go of that childhood irrational crap but he hasn't, yet. There's always hope I suppose but I am not holding my breath. I'm just trying to enjoy each day as it comes.

Greetings to Dill, Rusty, papmom, Jolie, etc.
Cyn. glad you stopped in! Hope to hear more from you soon

I need to get my hungry animals fed so I'll just wish everyone a wonderful AF Thursday!

Lav

[dill]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Hi AF Friends, I'm checking in late as the day got away from me. I spent it trying to regain order in the house after the the Christmas madhouse!

Star I'm so happy to hear your son is doing better. Also that you enjoyed being at midnight Mass. I went to an evening Mass at a small Church. It wasn't the magical experience of actual midnight Mass. I can't seem to stay awake that late anymore! Did you go with Mr. Star? I went by myself. Mr. D is not Catholic and doesn't attend Church in any denomination.

Hi Cyn, good to see you! Are you done with your crazy job?

Hi Lav, Rusty, Papmom, et. al. Sorry to be so brief but it's all the time I have!

[Rusty]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Good Evening Friends,

Sorry for checking in after the holiday....I had a lovely Christmas Eve and Christmas Day but it was go, go, go, all the time. Today I cleaned up the house as there was wrapping paper everywhere, the kitchen was a mess, etc., and then collapsed after my friend rescheduled our play date until tomorrow. I took a 2-hour nap. It was heavenly. My mother spoiled me rotten with gifts. She got me several pieces of my china pattern and blew me away with a check to buy a new dishwasher. Her generosity never ceases. It was by far one of the nicest Christmases I've ever had. Grateful I am, every day.

Dill-I enjoyed Mass on Christmas Day with my mother. Christmas Eve we had dinner with my sister and her family and we each opened one gift. The tenderloin was delicious and with all her kids there we laughed into late evening. Our Christmas Eve Mass is at 9:00 p.m. but that is too late for my mom. I am glad you went and enjoyed the Christmas carols. I used to love that aspect of midnight Mass. You asked me what mood stabilizer my doctor put me on and it's Pure Encapsulations' 5-HTP...100 mgs (1 capsule) 2x per day on an empty stomach. I take it first thing in the morning and then mid-afternoon. It seems to really help. My doc sells it but I also can get it on the internet through Pure Formulas. The shipping is free.

Star-sorry to hear about your son's health issue and the initially poor medical treatment. I'm glad he's doing better.

Jolie-hope you're having a relaxing vacation, and we will are anxiously awaiting your safe return.

Cyn-Thank you for checking in. Your mom is lucky to have you helping her. I'm dying to hear about your last days at that abysmal job. Was your boss upset that you were leaving?

Pap-how are you feeling? Was the holiday stressful for you? I am disgusted to hear that none of your co-workers have called to see how you're recovering. Unacceptable, indeed, and just plain weird. What's wrong with those people????? I can totally understand why you don't want to go back to your job.:l

Lav-thank you for the e-card. I love Jacqui Lawson e-cards....always very soothing.

Well, despite taking a nap, I am quite sleepy so think I'll jump in the shower and crawl into bed with my weekly indulgences....People and US Magazines. My mother hates that I waste my time reading such smut:H

See you in the morning.

[Stargazerlily]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Good morning to all...

Getting a cold, the first one in ages, from all the stress. My son is not much better, called the doctor and spoke to a tech who said it will take time. Then recommended artificial tears, and that helped. I have to go to his appointment today as we are being handed off to another doctor, they are all out of town till 1/6. Must be nice, huh? This is the worst time off, ever. I want to go back to work healthy and just work. Today I am making turkey soup and eating lots of oranges, for the vitamin C. Good grief. Being AF means I feel the frustration, worry, stress, but drinking is just not an option, AT ALL. Was reading some other posts of people who drank and I felt really bad for them, to be in that vicious circle hurts, and hurts badly.

Rusty, great you had a good Christmas, and it is fun to read magazines. I just bought a Life mag about miracles, and it was soooo interesting. After all, we can't read for educational purposed all the time, although I love to do that too. Isn't it nice after Christmas to get your house cleaned, and get things back to normal? I especially like to do that on New Year's Day, and have a plan with white and blue lights this year. I love the lights and it is still pretty dark. So, any plans for New Year's? I am going to go out to dinner, come home and watch bad TV, while talking about 2014 goals. I love doing that. I want to work hard, get new kitchen counters, save more money, and be healthier by eating better. I love writing it all down and looking to see what I did, and have to find my list from last year.

Lav, any more cool websites you can turn me on too about gratitude, meditation or food sites emphasizing veggies? I would so appreciate it. Glad to hear YB is moving forward and not backwards. My hubby has been quiet, crabby, he hates winter. Sometimes I get so upset, but like you realize that we are tied together by time, family, money, memories, etc., and anyone together for a long time works through challenges. Or not. Divorce is difficult too, and does not always work out for the people I know. I was thinking about how grand it is that your grandson made the difference in your life as far as being AF. I feel the same way. I want to be the best grandma ever, and BE THERE. Drinking is a thief that takes us away from our loved ones, and ourselves.

Dill, did your son come home for a time at Christmas? I cannot believe that I have to continue to care for a grown man, and it is helpful to know that I am not the only one. I don't mean to sound selfish, I just didn't imagine my life like this in my 50s. I think with my son's autistic characteristics, he may never leave. Whew. Our love and purpose is being tested, and we are there for our loved ones, doing the best we can. My daughter is snotty about her brother, but after spending time with him, she realizes the issues. How is your daughter about her brother? Or is that too nosy? We just never know what life will throw at us. We make plans and God laughs. My stepmother shared that saying and I believe it. There is a plan for us, we do not get to be in control of everything.

Pap, hope you are enjoying your holidays and taking the best care of yourself. Finding any really good recipes or websites you might want to share? I think part of the reason I got this cold is I have been eating lots of whites and sugars, deadly for me. Today, back to my old diet, I even threw out fudge, sigh. My kitties love that I am home, how about your babies? I bet they love the attention.

I will be around today, so may come back and post again. Hope your day is productive.

[Lavande]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Good morning friends,

Slowly but surely coming back to life here, coffee helps
I think it takes a while for my energy level to catch up after such a huge output due to the holidays. Sure sign of getting older, huh? :H
I went to Curves yesterday & will go back today because I really think it helps.

Dill, hope your energy level is recovering as well!
I miss not getting to church Christmas eve, could be another reason why the holiday just feels different. Glad you were able to find a service to attend

Rusty, glad you checked in - was wondering about you!
Jealous that you got my nap yesterday :H
Glad you enjoyed Christmas with your Mom.

Star, I hope your son is able to see a good Opthamologist about his eye. He really needs specialized care.
You should take a look at this article today
10 Healing Benefits of Ginger

Constantly reminding myself that I cannot control anything has helped me a lot.
Staying positive & grateful has been a wonderful alternative to drowning myself in a bottle of wine.
I also like the MindBodyGreen website
Your Guide to Wellness - MindBodyGreen.com

I think I am (in some way) showing YB that his chronic negativity has always been his choice & he can choose differently. I now firmly believe that some people come into our lives as lessons

Greetings to papmom. Jolie, cyn & everyone!
OK, I need to put my energy plan to work.
wishing everyone a wonderful AF Friday!

Lav

[papmom3]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

hello my dear friends! Even when I don't post, i feel you with me and I often think, in certain situations, "what would Lav, Star, Dill, Rusty, Jolie etc etc do?"

Star-so glad your son is finally getting better but very sorry it took a Christmas morning to do it. Prayers the healing continues. FWIW, my dad has been there for me so much in the past 6 years. My 2 wrist fractures requiring surgery and now the heart attack. No, I don't live with him but if he wasn't around, I have no idea what I would have done! It scares me horribly to think about him not being here. He's 86 so every day is precious. It is wonderful that you were able to attend midnite mass. I'm not catholic so have never had the pleasure but I do remember the evening services we all used to attend as adults and of course as a child I sang in the choir on Christmas Day. that was always so so special.

Dill-hope to hear more about the holiday with the little ones!!

Cyn-I'm sooo glad to see you back here! I totally missed what happened with your job-the last I heard you were doing some writing for a publication? Please catch me up! Hope you are having a good visit with mom and friends, family.

Rusty-your christmas celebration sounded magical!! A new dishwasher? Whoo hoo!! One of these days I need to look into installing one (if I don't move first!).

I stayed home Christmas eve and just relaxed. No one was upset and I'm sure I wasn't even missed there were so many people there. Christmas at my sisters was just wonderful. They wouldn't let me lift a finger so I sat in the living room chatting with the "men folk" and crocheting. We had a lovely gift exchange. my family all pitched in and got me GC for the quilting retreat in April. I'm so excited!! We all pitched in and gave my dad a Lowe's GC so he can outfit his new cottage with fashionable blinds and curtains. My sister will help with those decisions . There was no stress at all for me. The food was delish and very heart healthy. I made a yummy edamame hummus that was to die for. Definitely making that to keep as an afternoon snack with veggies and/or pita bread.
I have been doing so well with the diet. Did I mention I've lost 10 lbs already? Maybe more but I won't weight myself until Monday. I'm not feeling at all deprived and I'm having fun with new recipes.
I had my Cardiologist followup yesterday. Both my sis and dad came with me so we are all on the same page. My doc is awesome-direct, too the point, no nonsense and knows his stuff. I got the green light for everything but snow shoveling. Oh darn. I can go back to work on the 13th and back to the demo job in February if I want. No driving restrictions, lifting restrictions or housework restrictions. He feels certain that as long as I exercise, follow a low sodium/cholesterol diet and take my meds, my heart damage could reverse and the 60% blockage might even decrease. I'm very optimistic that by October I'll be able to get back to Agility trialing and possibly take my 6 week class before that.
Today I started cleaning and decluttering the Living Room and dining room. Worked for about an hour and was sweating! That's it for today. I really have to reign myself in even tho I feel good. Heading to the market to get some quinoa to make my butternut/chicken stew. Tomorrow my dad is getting some more stuff moved to the cottage. My sis will spend most of the day with him and I will stop by to "supervise" :H.
I am still thinking very seriously about early retirement. In my heart its what I want to do. I will call the Retirement Board on Monday to see how realistic this might be.
I reached out to my co-workers Tuesday afternoon and sent them all an email wishing them a happy christmas. I heard back from my boss and one of the admins. They both said they miss me and hope I come back soon. Not sure I believe them but I'll take it at face value. I let my boss know my return date (if I do go back) and what my schedule would look like taking Cardio Rehab into consideration. I would definitely max out all my sick days so it could be hairy.

Guess I should get dressed and head to the bank and store before it gets dark.

:l :h

[dill]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Hello All,

Star, I can truly relate to what you said in your post about things not being as you had pictured them to be in your 50's. I'm there with you and have really been struggling with it. At least once a day I dream of just getting in my car and driving away...to anywhere as long as it is not here. I go back and forth between sincerely wanting to do what I think is the right thing and the responsible thing and feeling anger and resentment at what has come my way. I am struggling with depression now and am realizing that I have lost my enthusiasm for everyday life. I haven't laughed, really laughed, in a long time. I know I need to consciously change this for myself (and for everyone around me!) but that is sometimes easier said than done. One thing is true, drinking would only make matters worse. I hope I am not sounding too self centered. It's just hard sometimes.

Lav, it's indeed a shame that YB has a chronically negative attitude. It's tiresome to be around people like that and I know that I am wearing Mr. D out with my own negativity here of late. As you say, it is a choice, but sometimes beating back the negativity takes a lot of effort. You know that, I'm sure.

Rusty, I think the 5-HTP is helping. Thanks!

Mr. D needs the Ipad so I need to end here. Have a good AF Friday all.

[Lavande]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Aw Dill,
The negativity comes & goes in all of us I think. The problem is when it comes & stays.....too long.
Right before I found MWO I made a concerted effort to rid myself of the constant negativity (despite YB's presence & refusal to change). I learned that negativity is a learned habit - it can be unlearned. Sometimes our chemistry needs a little boost, that's doable too.
All our talk of self-care here is really key
Positive affirmations that you physically write out yourself really helped me. I kept a copy on my desk, on my bathroom counter, in my purse - everywhere. I read them over & over until they sunk in & became part of my belief system.
Staying on the Amoryn has been a big help as well as getting my hormones balanced.
Signing up for daily emails from my favorite websites keep me positive. My Curves membership is a big help too

positiveoutlookblog.com
TUT :: Home

You have to put some energy into it but you can drag yourself out of negativity - I did

Just thought of one more - have you ever heard of Byron Katie? She gives you the tools needed to make changes in your thinking - awesome.
The Work of Byron Katie :: Homepage

[papmom3]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Aww Dill, I'm so sorry you are feeling badly. Been there and it sucks. Hope the supplements and mind training works soon.

Hey guys, I found this recipe on Pinterest and just had to share. I made it tonite and I'm in love!! I'm not a stew person-haven't made or had some that I truly liked yet, until now! I substituted unsalted chicken broth (I used all 4 cups) and very low sodium diced tomatoes. Left out the olives because I don't like them (others have added kidney or black beans instead) and didn't add the salt or pepper. I used precut and peeled butternut squash from Stop and Shop so I wouldn't overtax myself (is there really a difference anyway?). I also used tri colored Quinoa (red/black/white). The only thing I'm not sure about is if the quinoa was cooked enough. It didn't puff up like rice does and I couldn't see that the white ones actually got translucent so I'm wondering if it needs to cook longer than 15 minutes?
Cookin’ Canuck – Hearty Chicken Stew with Butternut Squash & Quinoa Recipe
Enjoy!!

[Lavande]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

It's fun finding new recipes papmom
I'm glad you reduced the sodium in that recipe though. When you're trying to reduce your sodium intake to 2 Gms or less/day getting over 1 Gm in a serving is too much!
I generally switch out quinoa for brown rice - I have texture issues with quinoa :H

Happy cooking!!!!

[Lavande]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Good Saturday morning kids!!!!!!

Sunny & cold here at the moment, heading to the mid-forties today.
Tomorrow is going to be a big rain day so I really should play outside for a while today

Wishing everyone a wonderful AF Day!

Lav

[papmom3]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Sunny and 37 here! Got the potty yard pretty much cleaned up before the rain then freezing weather comes. Glad my lifting restrictions have been lifted-that full poop bag was a bit heavy LOl!! I now have 3 big bags or trash to put out. Decluttering little by little but feel like I'm getting nowhere.

Lav-I do like Quinoa but it definitely didn't cook long enough. Not a deal breaker tho. Next time I will try bulgur wheat. I like that for texture! Yes, I was really surpised at the sodium content of this recipe as written-I had searched for low sodium LOL! Easy fix tho!

My dad is packing up the kitchen and moving stuff to the cottage today with the help of my sis. I'll meet them over there later this afternoon. They won't let me do anything tho I'm sure.

Tomorrow is torrential downpours so will be an indoor day for sure. Might put the puppy pee pads down again.

[dill]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Hey Papmom and Lav, thanks for all the interesting links and for your support. They say attitude is everything and I believe that is true. I have to keep on the sunny side in spite of my circumstances. It does take an effort tho!

Papmom I'm glad your prognosis is so positive! Also pleased to hear you dropped 10 lbs. I bet that feels good. And WOW! You'll actually be able to return to agility?!! That's great!

I have one more day of Jury duty and my two month service term will be over. I'll kind of miss it, but I'm glad to have my time back. Can you believe that there are only 3 days left in 2013?! Anybody doing resolutions this year? Mine will be to laugh more and have seize every opportunity to have some fun.

[Lavande]

Delightful December AF - Week 4

Papmom, I think de-cluttering is a great way to start the new year
I had YB drag a bunch of unused kiddie equipment out of my garage this morning. He put it out by the road & it all was all picked up by a neighbor. She has a little one & says all of her friends are pregnant - so there you go! My grandkids have outgrown all that stuff & it was just taking up room in my garage & providing shelter for stink bugs :H
Rain due here tomorrow too so I spent some time outside cutting back stuff in my herb garden

Dill, I think we owe it to ourselves to work on our personal happiness programs. Do whatever makes you happy
Don't discount some sort of exercise program, Curves, the Y or whatever is available in your area - it helps.

Speaking of stink bugs I see two of them sitting on my wall & one on my curtain - damn