Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

[cyntree]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Morning all -

I finally had a decent night's sleep last night - the first one in about 6 months, thank goodness. What a gift! Thanks to everyone for asking about my work - I will eventually tell you about the last 3 1/2 months, but actually right now it's still too close and painful, and I am committed to 'moving toward the light' and putting it aside until I can take a healthy look at what happened. Star - I am still working, just back to the copywriting that I was doing before. This other job prevented me from doing anything more than the minimum for my previous clients, and I am counting on their good will to keep me working for them at this point. I have a huge 'to do' list for today, and every day last month was filled to the brim with 'catch up and repair' work, plus the holidays, but I do feel like I'm finally making progress.

One thing that got me through these last months was an affirmation I remembered from reading Lois Hay:
All is well
Everything is working out for my highest good
Out of this situation only good will come, and
I am safe

Often, I didn't believe it as I was saying it! But I kept at in (in them middle of the night in the middle of a panic attack) and by jove, it turned out to be true. I know myself much better now than I did in September, even if that means knowing what I don't want to do.

Love to everyone today - Rusty, if anyone can make your friend laugh, you can! And DD, great work on the 6 days - keep at it, and don't waver, you will never regret it.

[Lavande]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Good afternoon friends!

I am back on home turf now after a raucous morning with my grandsons AND the Insanity Twins :H
You would not believe how much noise that bunch can create!!!!
Made a pit-stop at the store for a few things & now I'm staying put (hopefully) until after the snowstorm gets here & departs

DD, you're doing great & you know Byrdie will be in her prize closet looking for your hat tomorrow!!

Hi satz!
I'd love to see Ireland again, was there in 2003. Loved the ride from Dublin to Galway & back, making a few stops along the way

Dill & Star, hope you are finding the roads safe enough today!
I think it's time to start planning our gardens - I'm getting seed catalogs already :H
Glad your son is mending Star.
Dill, I imagine your son has been working on his own plan & I hope all goes well for him too.

Rusty, I've been telling these stinkbugs to 'go west'. My brother is reporting seeing them in the Sacramento area now - sick of them!!! Hope you have a great day with your friend.

cyn, I have been doing the same thing - just keep repeating the same thing over & over, "Everything is OK' & it is
Glad you are finding yourself again, glad to have you back!

papmom, I'll let you know when the snow starts here so you can time it's arrival in your location.
You will not be doing any shoveling, right???

Take a look at www.mindbodygreen
They have an awesome Chickpea Salad with Lemon & Mint recipe today - yum!

Have a great day everyone!

[sunshine_gg]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Hello Gentle folks :hallo:

Not sure if I've said Happy New Year here yet.. so here it is: Happy New Year!
You all sound as though you've survived the holidays unscathed and made a fine transition into 2014. Well done!

Same here... a good Christmas with family and a NYE filled with laughter and friends. No booze needed or wanted.

Wishing you all the best - oh.. and DD - CONGRATS!

[papmom3]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Evening All!!

Sunni G-soooo good to see you again! I've missed you but see you on FB!

Lav-what a great website!! I hate chickpeas so probably won't be making that salad but everything else looks good. I really need to start juicing again. I'll pick up the stuff for it this weekend.

Rusty-you are a gem of a friend! I'm sure you were able to make yours laugh and there is no doubt she is very grateful for everything you are doing for her.

Star-glad you could get out of the house and very glad to hear your son ins improving. Whew! and you are right-everything IS ok. I'm safe, warm, have shelter, food, my pets and my family. There is no imminent danger (except if the power goes out but even then I and the animals can probably deal for a couple of days). I really don't have to make any decisions about the future right now. I just have to take care of myself and make sure I'm strong enough to handle whatever comes down the road. I'm sorry your snow is never ending. When I lived in Illinois it seemed like that as well. And the drifts! Oh My!!

Cyn-I'm kind of scared to hear what happened to you! But you are here, healthy (?) and bouncing back. I loved that quote from Louise Hay. Perfect!!!

Lav-busy day for you!! Makes the quiet times even better right? How's the storm down by you?

Dill-hope you are OK with all that driving in the snow!

Satz-nice to see you. Ireland is on my bucket list for sure! Congrats on the sober holiday. It does get easier I promise!!

DD-I'm 57, single, a college administrator (not for long?) and furmom to 3 dogs (oversized papillons) and one cat. I'm very much like everyone else here-drinking got out of control, became isolated and very alone. Nothing bad ever happened which is a miracle. No DUIs, accidents, rapes, abuse, and didn't get fired. It just got harder and harder to hide and time was running out. It's been over 3.5 years now and honestly, I do not miss AL at all. My family has totally accepted my decision and respect it even tho they choose to drink. I've noticed that none of them really drink to excess like they used to. I hope I've been somewhat of an influence on them!

Well folks, today I was the most active I've been since the attack. I rearranged the living room and dining room, dusted and vacuumed and put a HUGE dent in the clutter. I now have room for the treadmill in front of the TV and I've made an even better sewing area. there are still some things that need to be moved down to the basement or up to the attic but they can wait for another day and some help. I feel good physically-not too tired- burned about 561 calories (maybe more but so hard to figure out) and broke a sweat. Everytime I go in there I smile now instead of cringe and get stressed.

The storm is ramping up with extremely cold temps (its currently 1 degree out there!) and high winds. No way are the pups going out! The pee pads are down for pooping and I'll just keep changing their belly bands. Still hoping my area doesn't actually get the accumulations they are promising. I can be a dreamer, can't I!!

[Rusty]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Good Morning On this Last Day of Vacation

Good Morning, Friends!

It's back to work on Monday so I just thought I would pop in and say hello. My day yesterday with my friend went really well. The doc gave her the nod to drive again so she is really happy about that. She did say that I made her laugh so hard that she forgot she was in pain. I'm sure the relief was temporary, though. She took me to dinner to a lovely, rustic, log cabin restaurant with REAL fireplaces and fires burning, and we had a table right in front of the fire. The restaurant was still decorated with white lights for the holiday, and it was really festive. I'm not quite ready to take my Christmas decorations down and my trees will be lit until next Thursday. Today is my last day "off" but it will be filled with business tasks in preparation for work next week. All local work and not a bad commute so I'm happy about that. I will be entertaining again this weekend. Saturday, I'm having a bunch of former clients (all women) over for lunch who hate the holidays because their families are dysfunctional/complicated, etc., so I've called it " Rusty's Dysfunctional Family Post-Holiday Luncheon". I've asked 5 people and they all said they would be delighted to come!!!
Pap, ok, I'm going to TRY and use the Photobucket instructions you gave me to post the pic of my dining room table, but if I'm struggling and I can't do it, could you please, please, please post it for me? (INSERT GROVELING FACE HERE). I am only asking because I know how you LOVE to help people and how convenient that you have time off of work just when I need you!!!:H:l

Cyn-

Bless you all - (and hey, did you notice, we've shifted toward the light?)

Oh yes, shifting toward the light should be a daily goal for all of us, no matter what aspect of our busy lives. I so understand how you don't want to talk about what transpired at your former job.:l I've been in that situation MANY times. So glad you have your copywriting to keep you busy, bring in income, and I have no doubt your other clients you put on hold will be delighted to have you back in full force.

Dill-was your work at the food pantry a welcome break yesterday? How long will your daughter and granddaughter be with you?

Star-how did your son's appt. go yesterday? Is he any better?

Sunni-great to see you on so many threads! Glad you had a relaxing, booze-free Christmas and NY.

Lav-so you told the stinkbugs to go west. Well, they listened to you I guess. ;-)

Pap-you have been one busy bee....doesn't it feel good to get organized and throw things out? You never had time to do that because you were working two jobs all the time. Really proud of you!:l

Jolie-what are you up to today?

Big hellos to DD, Satz, and anyone who stops by....have a wonderful AF Friday!

[satz123]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Hi all :hiya:
In to visit again Rusty.
Last day of my hols today too.
Back to work on Monday.
Do not like work when I'm in it - but now realised I thrive on routine each day.
Being at home would be fine if I had a routine here - but being on my own here all day is daunting.
So I'm between a rock & a hard place at the moment - or so it feels.

Ok gonna stop moaning put on my big gurl pants :grannypants:
and clean or something :yuk:

[Stargazerlily]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Good morning to all...

Snowy, really cold day year, temp -2 degrees without windchill. I am going to make sure to bundle up before I go out!!

Cyn, glad you slept well, it really makes a difference in healing. I slept almost 8 hours last night and needed it to get rid of this cold. Understand that your telling us about your job is not going to happen till you are ready. Panic attacks are horrible, lot so of deep breathing for me to get through them. Enjoy being home and a slower, easier schedule. Life is too short to be miserable.

Rusty, how kind of you to help your friend out. The dinner sounded lovely, you are keeping busy. Sounds like you are enjoying entertaining...what's on the menu for lunch? Have fun, it is great to hear you so happy.

Pap, stay safe and warm, I am watching the weather reports in your area of the country. Lots of snow. I kind of laugh though because we just had a foot of snow or more, but no one even really mentions it. I drove through heavy snowfall yesterday and icy conditions last night. It is turning out to be some winter. Hey, doesn't it help at times to redirect the thought process? That is what Lav has been telling me for the longest time. I am jealous that you cleaned so well, today I am going to continue to work on my middle room. I want it to use for exercise and meditation. Plus, I just need to get rid of a bunch of stuff. Neat how your family is not drinking as much, I know you are an influence. Everyone in my family has limited themselves with alcohol, thank goodness.

Lav, I was looking for lights in a cabinet and A STINKBUG was sitting on the box. Yuck. They are just all over. Loved the site Greenbodymind and signed up to get their emails. Thanks Lav.

My son went to the doctor again yesterday and is slowly healing. Sight is gradually returning to his eye and I am still so mad I could spit. (Sorry, I need to tone down my emotions.) He has to go to the doc again today, still cannot work. Keep on praying and sending positive energy, he needs more healing but is definitely moving in a positive direction.

Hello to Satz, DTD, SunnyGG and all visitors. Welcome.

[Rusty]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

SATZ!!!! Thanks for popping in two days in a row!!! You sound blue...do you get the post holiday let-down like I did for years? Sucks, doesn't it???? For some reason, I don't have it this year. Maybe it's because my holiday keeps continuing.:H What part of Ireland do you live in? My ancestors are from Waterford. I look Irish, too...red hair, alabaster skin, and freckles, green eyes, the whole bit. Are you originally from Ireland? If I'm too nosy, let me know. I know what you mean about a routine, though. It will be nice to get back into a work routine....I'm not used to having so much time off. I'll be joining you in cleaning today...dusting, vacuuming. Maybe I'll wear just an apron and nothing else.:H Um, maybe not. I do not want to clear out my condo complex.
Star-I will be saying prayers today for your son, and sending positive vibes. Wow, you're busy organizing, too...making a special room for exercise and meditation.:goodjob: Are you using your elliptical machine (second request for a response:H ) Star, I just had to insert that "second request for a response" because when Sooty was posting I asked her the same question a couple of times and she didn't respond, and when she saw my "second request" she sent me a PM, apologizing profusely for not seeing my request, and reassuring me she hadn't blown me off! It was so sweet. I miss her. As far as my lunch, you know....I just bough a Magic Bullet, and they have 10 Second Recipes for everything from full-course dinners to smoothies. I know I'm making Tiramisu for dessert but that's as far as I've gotten.

Dill-Is the HTP helping you? I really do think it's working for me.

Ok, not sure how to make my font all the same size in my post to Satz, but i must be heading to the gym now. See you later!!!

[Lavande]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Good morning friends!

It's actually sunny out with nearly a foot of snow on the ground
Vey cold here for the east coast, 12 degrees, Brrrrr!!!
My neighbor, the guy with the giant pickup truck & plow took care of my driveway while it was still dark out this morning ~ what a guy
Now all I have to do is clear in front of the garage doors & a bit on the deck & walkways for the dogs, not bad.

Greetings satz, Star, Rusty & everyone!

I think papmom is going to be the winner for the biggest snowfall from this storm. And I know she is NOT going to be doing any shoveling, right papmom??

Have a great AF Friday everyone, will check in later!
Lav

[satz123]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Rusty;1607225 wrote: SATZ!!!! [SIZE=1][SIZE=2][SIZE=2]Thanks for popping in two days in a row!!! You sound blue...do you get the post holiday let-down like I did for years? Sucks, doesn't it???? For some reason, I don't have it this year. Maybe it's because my holiday keeps continuing. What part of Ireland do you live in? My ancestors are from Waterford. I look Irish, too...red hair, alabaster skin, and freckles, green eyes, the whole bit. Are you originally from Ireland? If I'm too nosy, let me know. !

Not nosy at all Rusty. I am from Dublin - born and bred !!!
It's a small country so know Waterford well
You sound more Irish than me :H:H

Where are you ? in US ?

No I'm not down - just don't have a lot to do -when everyone else is working :upset:
I'm great with my own company up to a point - been off 2 full weeks - but now today EVERYONE in my family / friends have gone back to work.
Off to get my nails done -they keeps growing : thank goodness something does :H

later if you still here

[sunshine_gg]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Good Morning, Ladies & Germs!

-29C feels like -34C :egad: And today, I must finally venture out. The echo in the fridge said so. Thankfully, though, we haven't got another dumping of sn*w in over a week - small blessings, eh? All of you who must dig yourselves out or must conquer the winter roads... take care.

I should be toddling off and get ready for work. Although, I'm not sure, exactly what those preparations are. More coffee, most likely

Have a grand day, everyone... :hallo:

[cyntree]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Morning all!

Star - I will continue to send healing light energy, so glad to hear your son is slowly improving.

I didn't mean to make things sound so dramatic about my work last fall, but then again, it felt pretty darn dramatic while I was going through it! Thanks everyone for the support.

How did everyone fare with the storm? We got another 10 inches or so, and the temps are way below zero - but hey, no loss of power - a record for NW CT! I had all the supplies ready, but no need so far. Hope everyone else came out OK. Star - how well I remember those harrowing drives from when I lived in MN...please take care, a drive like that can be really exhausting.

Lav - thanks so much for always giving us such great links; I'll check this site out. BTW, I made the Fork over Knives barley and sweet potato dish, and it's getting me through the storm - I've tweeked it; more sweet potatoes and less barley, more tarragon, but I love it. You also recommended 'Radical Forgiveness' at one time...last night as I was going through a year's worth of receipts (!) I turned on Hay House Radio - first time in about a year - and guess who was on a show talking about his book...Colin Tipping. I really needed to hear him; I think this approach is going to help me let go of this past fall work experience and move on. So interesting, how the messages come to us, isn't it?

Wishing all a safe and AF Friday. Hey, I miss Sooty too, and Rustop, and LBH, and Chill - how lucky we have all been in our connections. Stay warm all!

[cyntree]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Xpost Lav, Sunni, and Satz! Holy cow, Sunni; those are some temps, whew! Take care!

[papmom3]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

I promise promise promise NO SNOW SHOVELING FOR PAPMOM!!
when I got up this morning I saw my neighbor to my left out snowblowing so pulled on my ski pants, boots and parker, swallowed my pride and went over to tell him about the heart attack and would he please snowblow my drive so I could get out at 12 for rehab? He was stunned but more than happy to do so. Very sweet. He did my walk way too! My nephew now just has to come clear off my car and clear out from under then once I'm gone he can do the front steps and the dog area. Easy peasy!! I've texted him but no response yet. still sleeping I'm sure!!

We have about 12 inches here, more in Boston and on Cape, North Shore. I heard 30inche somewhere but not sure where. It is a big storm but really, do we need Channel 4 and 5 to do 24/7 coverage? It's New England for god's sake. Snow happens!! Everything is shut down even tho the roads are clear. You would think we live in FL!
The funniest snippet on the news was when the news truck pulled into a driveway to turn around. the homeowner fired up the snowblower and aimed it right at them. Hysterical!! :H :H
Rant done.

The boyz want no part of the 8 degrees (no idea what wind chill is) and snow. Wouldn't even go 2 feet from the doors. Whimps! What they make pee pads for :H

Rusty-anything for you GF!! Just send those pics to my gmail addy and I'll get them posted for you. You have become an entertaining goddess!! Glad you are finding it so fun! How nice of your friend to treat you to such a lovely dinner. I'm sure she was happy to get out as well. Yay for driving again! I know how frustrating it is to be restricted like that!!!

Cyn-so glad this was a coastal storm so it didn't affect you as much. Am surprised you didn't lose power but yay!! How are the dogs and hubby?

Lav-chickens OK? Neighbors can be so great can't they??

Star-the dark cloud is lifting sister! Keep moving toward the light! How cool you have a room you can turn into a retreat for yourself!!

Satz-I have never enjoyed so much time off in my life! I used to be like you-had to have a routine, couldn't stand being housebound or my own company for more than a couple of days. Right now, if I never had to work again I would be thrilled!! But every good thing comes to an end and you'll be back to work soon as will I. You'll love it, I won't. Ahhh, life!!!
Back in the 80's I worked at a University in New Jersey. Pretty much the whole men's soccer team was from Dublin! I was the assistant trainer and worked with them in the fall. They went to regional's in DC. What a trip! Best 2 years of my life!! My knickname was Morris because I wore these big round glasses! Everyday I'd hear this yelled across the courtyard: "Morris, get your knicker's down!" I thought it was hysterical and it definitely was a show of endearment from the captain of the team, Aiden.
Today he'd be up on sexual harrassment charges I'm sure! I always wondered what happened to those lads-Aiden, Declan, John, Jacko etc.
ahh, memories!!

OK, gotta get my rear in gear and get ready for rehab!!
Later!

[Darkest Diamond]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Hello Again

Stargazerlilly I am so glad to hear that your son is healing, all be it slowly, at least these are steps in the right direction.
Papmom, I think it must be lovely to have pets, your dogs look so pretty. I really admire your length of sobriety too, that must be helping you be so strong over the heart attack and creating such a positive recovery.

So a little about me. I live alone, no children, never married. Come from a very loving family still see parents and brothers (and their families) regularly. Longest time sober 3 years and 3 months. I am passionate about architecture, also enjoy all London has to offer theatres, galleries etc and I love playing table football. I work full time and find my job very stressful, am going to start looking for another job, although this will be hard.