Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

[DreamThinkDo]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Afternoonish hallo Ladies (no germs here, Sunni!)

I feel like the prodigal daughter, returning home after Rusty's gentle chiding in the Army.

Had a lovely Xmas with the family, a quiet NYE, as always. Working at the moment (the joys of being a freelancer) and taking a quick break.

DD, and the others struggling with your work environment - it's a tough call, isn't it? Trading job satisfaction/less stress for less money. I sometimes regret having gone the freelance route, but I'm not a corporate animal, and office politics - well, like national politics, is a dirty business.

Dare I tell you that it's sunny and very hot here? I simply cannot imagine the amounts of snow mentioned here. Some (very unseasonal) rain forecast from tomorrow - it it breaks the heat and gives my garden some respite, I won't complain.

Right, back to the salt mines. Have a lovely and serene day, everybody.

[Stargazerlily]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Good morning....Brrrrrr very cold here there and everywhere and getting colder.

Rusty, no, I have not used the elliptical, have it in an awkward place, so the rearranging must begin. Our middle room is kind of a library/extra guest bedroom/put what ever in room. I am changing that, slowly, but it is coming along. You can always ask me two or three times. I try to address any and all requests, but as this is early morning, I am not always 100%. I love alone time, time off, but not too much, or I get lonely and bored. Especially in the winter. In the warmer weather a bike ride, walk, talking to a neighbor or something is always available, but right now, staying in and staying warm is the priority. Wisconsin is the same I know.

Darkest Diamond, thanks for your continuing prayers for my son. He is doing so much better now, can go back to work next week once the FMLA paperwork is all straightened out, but is still fragile. I have never been to London, but love the history of England, would love to go there sometime, on my bucket list. How great that you were AF for over three years. How was your life AF, and what made you go back? I too have had lots of time AF, loved it, felt healthy, then for some stupid thoughtless reason would go back, gradually, a huge mistake. Generations of my family have quit drinking, my Dad and his cousins are my example, all older, healthy, live good lives. I know if they had kept drinking they would be drunk, broke, losers.

Pap, I am so proud of you asking for help, I know you are independent and like to do things on your own. However, now is the time to get others to clear all that snow. I am so happy you are enjoying your time off, you could be depressed but instead chose to keep busy and happy.

Cyn, are you minimizing how bad it was last fall? You can admit it was a horrible time, it is OK. I am just relieved you got out of that job, your health and wellbeing come first. You don't have to prove anything to anyone. I guess I feel strongly about it because at my former job I about killed myself, and for what and whom? I was so stressed my upper back, neck and shoulders had ongoing pain. My sleep was restless and not restful. It is not worth it to live that way, as I found out. Is this your first harsh winter since you moved from the desert? How do you like it? I kind of like the coziness, but admit it is a little scary.

Lav, how goes it? I am having a little coffee, trying to wake up and plan my day. Hope yours goes well.

To all, it Saturday, let's party, AF.

[Darkest Diamond]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Stargazerlilly
Really glad your son is getting better.
Yes London is wonderful, if every you come on holiday here I could show you around. In answer to your question about why I started drinking after 3 years it was because I had stopped going to AA, stopped praying and meditating, I was isolating (other than going to work each day) but most of all I was taking my sobriety for granted, I was not treasuring it, or nurturing it. Work was really tough (no excuse I know) I just wanted to turn my brain off and block off all my worries and frustration with work. Sadly that is what happened and then it was so hard to get back!!

You mentioned your family, mine are a source of inspiration to me as they don't drink, those who do might have a couple of glasses a week or something like that. None of them are into it! Have several great aunts and uncles who are now into their nineties!!

[Jolie]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Good morning all!

7 degrees here this morning. Lav - I think you got a little more snow than we did - 7 inches for us. Taking the dog out is brutal! Hopefully it will warm up to 30 degrees today. Glad you have a nice neighbor to plow you out.

DD - I can relate to the stressful job and wanting to come home and just turn my brain off - funny how that can lead to a routine every night - then waking up with regrets the next morning. Are you back in AA? I find praying to be a huge help and though I'm still a work in progress, I am trying very hard to see all the negatives in using alcohol as a "stress reliever", or just plain relief from boredom.

Star - good luck with the clean out - I have an elyptical but I think it's broken. I really liked it when it worked :H

DTD - enjoy your warm weather! Sounds nice and even though it's freezing here now, I actually like living through all the seasons. What's the coolest it ever gets where you are?

Pap - glad you are taking it easy and have lots of help with the shoveling.

Rusty, Satz, Cyn, Sunny - hope you are all having a great day.

Busy day for me - today is the baby shower! Feel like I'm as prepared as I can be so hope all goes well. I have lots of help so I'm not going to get all worked up.

Peace to all who are struggling today.
:l

[cyntree]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Happy AF Saturday, all -

Just heard that our wind chill here is -15 to -30 degrees. Last night was 1 degree when I was out getting supplies. Seriously? In CT? Wow, I feel like I'm back in MN! But at least it won't last for weeks, and it makes having a house with heat go to THE TOP of the gratitude list - with no generator or good wood burning stove here, I'm not sure how we would handle an extended power outage.

Pap - good for you for reaching out - how wonderful that your neighbor jumped right in. I second Star - you are handling all of this with such positivity - just wonderful.

Star - so glad to hear that your son will be able to go back to work. What a gift you've given him by being a lioness and getting the right diagnosis. Thanks for your question about winter weather - I'm SO happy to be back in 4 seasons, and I LOVE winter. It's different though out here in the country - much easier to deal with than in the city and having to drive interstates and narrow streets. I don't envy anyone that...

Lav - 3 years ago was the baby shower? When you made the diaper cake? I can't believe it...amazing. Hope your chickens are handling the cold OK, I can't imagine having to go out and take care of animals in this cold. Interestingly, when I was with my Mom over the holiday, we read together some family documents of our family from the late 1800s to the early 1900s; they were settlers in NE and the Dakota territories. What a life they had - I feel like I've gotten very 'soft' with the comforts of 'civilization'.

Jolie - enjoy your shower, I'm sure it will be wonderful!

DTD - wonderful to hear from you, and about your garden. I'm pulling the garden catalogs close...

DD - thank you for your story. I have a labyrinth for my icon because life is so darn mysterious sometimes - you think you are close or far away from your goal, but then you turn a corner and there it is. I agree with you - the most dangerous thing we can do is to ignore how incredibly precious sobriety is. Brava to you for coming back - wonderful to have you here.

Good morning Dill - I hope all is well at your house this morning; I'm sure Saturdays are chaotic. How is your son doing?

Well, off to continue to clear out so I can do my work with a clear head. Lav - I'll need to look up your instructions for smudging; I already removed from my office all the documents/supplies from the nasty job; now I'll take all else out, smudge the room, repaint it, and put back only the things that I love for the work that I do. My gift to myself this month.

Wishing all a wonderful day - stay warm! (DTD - enjoy your rain).

[Lavande]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Good morning kids

Yep, it's a frosty one Jolie!!!
Apparently we broke a 20 year weather record last night - FREEZING!!!!
I haven't been out yet to check on my hens, hope they made it through.

DD, maybe we should put together a field trip & come visit you in London. Don't worry, we'll give you plenty of notice :H
I've always wanted to visit England to see where all of my ancestors & my husband's ancestors originated. Maybe some day
Keeping the gratitude going has truly helped me stay on the sober path. I am 99.9% sure that I don't have another quit in me so this quit has to keep going. Life is far from perfect but I am grateful for my health & freedom. I choose each & every morning to remain AF & smoke free as well. It's my choice, one that I am happy to make

Greetings Star, Dill, Rusty, papmom, cyn & everyone dealing with this frigid weather.
DTD, enjoy your warmth although I have to say that I am not a real happy camper when it get's too hot out either!!

Good luck with the baby shower today Jolie - fun, fun!!!!
Have a great AF Saturday everyone!

Lav

[Rusty]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Good Morning All,

Well, the impending Chicago weather (6.9 in. of snow predicted) will prevent my guests from arriving so I have the whole day to myself. I think I shall exercise, clean, and cook.

Dream, thank you for not being upset about me stalking you on the Army Thread, and thanks for popping over here. What is your avatar? It is so cool. Do you mind the terribly hot weather? Here in Wisconsin, we have temps that go up to 102F in the summer....but it doesn't too long. How long is your summer there? I feel the same way about you regarding the corporate world, Dream. I was in it, too, and like you, I'm a contractor, and I would NOT want to go back to an office environment....stuck in some cubicle, listening to the person in the cube next to you blathering loudly, wanting to hear themselves talk. No, thank you, I'll take the roller coaster ride of contract work. It keeps it interesting, right? I wanted to ask you if you are an editor/freelancer for a particular industry?

DD-when you said you came home and drank to turn your brain off, yes, that was me as well. I stupidly thought that it was the only way I could forget about work, or anything else unpleasant....like my relationship that had failed. I would ruminate over choices I had made in my past that hadn't worked out, beat myself up over stupid crap...over and over....such a vicious cycle. Like the people on this thread, I was very lucky that my drinking did not cause me to get a DUI, lose a job, ruin a relationship, etc. I would love to visit London....I've only been to Birmingham, Notthingham, and Leamington Spa. I have a beautiful picture of Warwick Castle that I had framed.

Jolie-today's the shower!! OOhhh....how fun! You must be getting so excited! Are you going crazy buying baby clothes in anticipation?

Pap-you are a sweetheart for helping me post the pics. I got behind yesterday because I was in Continuing Ed (online) for 7 hrs! Ugh. So much for my "time off." I will arrange the dining room table just as I want it and snap a pic. I will look for your gmail address, thanks!:h Good job on NOT shoveling and asking your neighbor for help. I bet it made him feel good, too.

Lav-quick question for you....I just bought a Magic Bullet and I am having so much fun making low-fat smoothies, etc., and today I want to make a turkey meatloaf, and it calls for bread crumbs. What did you tell Pap to use instead of breadcrumbs to lower her sodium intake? Oats? A special kind of oats, though, right? Thank you for your help!

Star-I'm with you...when I have too much time off, I get lonely and bored, too. Thanks for answering my question.:l

Cyn-I think it's a great idea to clear out all that stuff from your old job, smudge and repaint. You are such a healthy thinker...and it's infectious, thanks!

Dill-hope you are ok and I'm thinking of you.

I am off to the gym. Did not make it yesterday. Two hours of exercise needed today. Have a wonderful AF Saturday!

[papmom3]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Good freezing morning all!! -1 here without the windchill. My poor pups refuse to do anything outside and I worry about frostbite on their paws and nether regions. It is supposed to warm up tomorrow. can't believe I'm excited about 20 degrees!!!

Star-it never even occurred to me that depression over this was an option. I feel like I've finally gotten the wakeup call I've been praying for and I totally get how lucky I was in so many ways. I survived, I have a great medical team, cutting edge drugs, a good insurance company and the best family and friends one could ask for!! I have treasured my time off, letting my body heal, learning a new eating style, doing research on a myriad of topics and exploring early retirement. And last but not even close to being least, my wish has been granted to be home with the pups. Now obviously I haven't been able to be outside with them or take them for walks or visits but still, to have them all snuggled beside me for hours at a time-priceless!

Jolie-hope the baby shower goes well (and how could it not?) and that you and your daughter have tons of fun!

Dream-welcome. I apparently was on a hiatus when you were here last. I'm sorry that after 3+ years you chose AL to deal with stress. I understand the need to numb out but I think any recovery isn't complete until you learn other ways to deal with unpleasantness. You can go to meetings all you want, take all the supplements you want but the work needs to start on the inside. Lav wakes up every day choosing not to use AL to deal with problems and believe me no one would have have blamed her if she did. She also chooses to see the good in her life and make that a higher priority than the bad. I think I do the same thing. For me I've taken up quilting, knitting/crocheting, gone back to reading and try to list all that I am grateful for every day. Soon I will be using exercise as well. I also have a physical reaction every time I think about putting AL into my body. I actually feel nauseous and put that thought right out of my mind. The more I think of how we have cravings and feel like AL is the only answer to whatever is going on, the more I think about how I manage my seriously reactive dog. I have to be super aware of his triggers and his signs that he is going over threshold (for us, choosing to drink). If I can recognize all those things, I can prevent a full blown reactive response. I know what can be used in place of the response. Does this make any sense? Anyway, I hope we can help you make this your last quit of your life!! I am sort of jealous that you are in a heat wave right now!

DD-it can be really isolating to be single, childless and with a stressful job. No matter how much family we have around, they have their own lives. I'm still not as social as I used to be but I'm trying. classes, meetups, FB, they all help. I know that as I get into better shape and lose weight, I will feel way more self confident and will seek out more social interaction. Now it isn't my drinking keeping me home, it's my appearance.

Rusty-can't wait to see the pics!! If you click on my profile next to my avatar, it should bring you to some options, one of which is to email me. I'm pretty sure I have that turned on. But I'll send it to you in a PM anyway. I can imagine you are disappointed about cancelling your lunch today but know you will enjoy the cooking and lack of timelines!

Lav-please tell us the hens made it through!! We have lots of field trips to go on don't we? :H

Yesterday was an interesting one. My poor nephew was not able to get to my place in time to clear off my car but my other neighbor jumped right in. He's the boyfriend of my new neighbor (the bitchy woman with the lazy partying sons left in October) and both of them are young and very sweet. In fact, Rich said he has a friend who is willing to plow us out the next time we have a big storm as long as we can get the cars and trucks moved. Whoo hoo!! My nephew got here as I was leaving and when I came back all was done. He and his brother are coming back sometime in the next couple of days to move the treadmill upstairs.
My nursing assessment for cardiac rehab went very well. It was over 2.5 hours of talking and goal setting. I met some people in the program which was nice. The coordinator was very excited about working with me-said my attitude and motivation was refreshing. Can you imagine some people see this as an imposition? My god! Its a gift!! He is quite confident that by the time I finish the program I will have lost a good amount of weight, exercise will be a habit for me, and my pre diabetes will be history. I can't wait to get started on Monday!!
I crunched more numbers regarding early retirement and I still think I can do it but I'm getting cold feet. Maybe it would be better to go back to work and take my time trying to figure out other options. And maybe I really would make a good manager and could do the job in Amherst? Or maybe I really don't want to make such a big move but at any rate, I don't think I have to make a decision in the next week. If my job still is something I hate, then I'll look around, see what is out there (including the DHE contractor job if still available) and make a decision. At least my demo boss is willing to increase my hours if I want them.
So, I am going to relax, practice going to bed early, getting up at 5, doing some time on the treadmill, premaking lunch and dinner and generally getting prepared to get back to work. No more 9am awakenings :H :H!!
Have a great, warm day everyone!!

[Lavande]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Hey papmom, my SIL had 2 heart attacks, refused cardiac rehab & has continued to smoke & drink her stupid ass off. I am no longer dealing with her in any way, shape or form now that my brother is gone. She is pathetic. Good for you doing the right thing for yourself
The hens were just fine today & actually spent the day out in their yard, pecking at the cracked corn I tossed around for them.

Rusty, good old Quaker oats or any kind will work. I've been buying Bob's RedMill oats since my daughter went gluten free.

Tonight I am fixing vegan No Queso-Dillas for dinner - yum
I also made a pot of roasted chicken noodle soup :H :H

[Rusty]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Lav-Thanks so much for getting back to me on the oats. I bought Bob's, just the kind you use. So your SIL is STILL smoking and drinking after two heart attacks? Um, she might be looking at a shortened life due to oral cancer. Such a deadly combo. Has your nephew (her son) been in contact with you lately? Glad your chickens got outside to play today. Lav, your roasted chicken noodle soup sounds heavenly.

I cleaned, and reorganized my kitchen today. It feels good to have the house spic and span. My longtime sober friend who is coming tomorrow is obsessed with cleanliness. She owned a cleaning business for years, so you can imagine the scrubbing I did today. If it's not clean enough to her standards, she can just get over it.:H

Now, back to some mundane work tasks. Back later.

[papmom3]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Lav, that is so sad about your SIL. I find it hard to understand anyone who would continue to hurt themselves like that but if life is miserable, I guess killing yourself oh so slowly is their choice and prerogative. Not my choice that's for sure!
Hmmm, roasted chicken noodle soup. I would kill for a low sodium bowl of soup in this weather. Guess I've got to start looking at my new book! What are No Quesidillas?
So funny, I first read your sentence as "I spent the day in their yard pecking at the corn I threw around..." You should have seen the visual in my mind! Finally read it the right way after 3 tries!! :H
I adore Bob's Red Mill steel cut oats!! No sodium and only 20 min to cook. I make a big batch of oatmeal, portion it out and then reheat in the MW with apples and cinnamon. Yummo!!

Rusty-I totally understand the need to clean when having company. I do it too but probably don't get as far as squeaky clean. Have a great visit with your friend!!

Had a busy long day today. Haircut at 12:30 (note to self-not a smart thing to tell your hairdresser about your heart attack when she is about to make the first cut!!) then drove to a cute little shop about 40 min away to pick up some gifts for the quilting class. I believe we are having our holiday get together on Tuesday but not really sure as I haven't heard anything from anyone. there hasn't been a class since early December due to the holidays and weather. This is the shop I took a knitting class at last spring. Very cute and I got some yummy scented wax melts for $3 each. Then over to Trader Joes where at checkout I decided to pull out my stack of gifts cards just in case and VOILA! 2 TJ cards totally $35!! Totally covered my purchase!! Whoo hoo! Then to my dads to drop off the butternut squash and chicken stew I made last week, visit for a bit and satisfy myself he is really comfortable in the new place. He is!! Then to S&S for a few more things, fill up the tank ($.30 off!!) and off to walmart for a prescription. Whew!!! I didn't wear the right shoes for all the slush so it might take a while for my feet to thaw out!
Tomorrow I'm going to make some low sodium salsa, peppercorn ranch dressing and edemane hummus. I'll even look for a slow cooker recipe for chicken but will probably need to get a few more ingredients as I didn't really plan for that. Oh, and oatmeal banana muffins!! They will probably be my go to "dinners" along with yogurt for my busy MT&W nites.

Time to get a dinner together and spend a nice quiet nite under the covers trying to warm up. Not hard with 3 fluffy furry beings surrounding me!!
:l :h

[Lavande]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Hi kids!

papmom, look at this:
No Queso-Dilla | Plant Based on a Budget

I make these using the smaller corn tortillas (no flour). You can play with the recipe to your liking. I saute a little fresh onion & garlic instead of using the powders & mix that in with the mashed beans & spread that on a tortilla. Then I sprinkle a little Daiya cheddar shreds on top of the beans, top with another tortilla & brown them on both sides

I have to look for a calculator & see if I can figure out exactly how much sodium is in a serving of my soup. I don't use any salt when making the stock with the roasted carcass. Then I add 1 tsp of Kosher salt to the finished stock (made with 4 quarts of H20). I like it the way it is, YB comes over & salts his serving, of course....

Cooking ahead of time is always a big plus! Calls for good, mindful planning

I think my SIL just wants to die, I really do. Her choice!
Yes, I do hear from my nephew from time to time. He doesn't even try to do anything about his mother & he shouldn't. She's shafted him for years.

OK, I'm going to attempt to watch a little of the Eagles game.....

[Lavande]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

OK, I found this online tool, plugged in my roasted chicken noodle soup recipe -
Nutrition facts, calories in food, labels, nutritional information and analysis – NutritionData.com

It looks like a serving of my soup is approximately 350 - 400mg. of sodium. Not bad when you compare that to canned soups.
Here's an easy recipe if you want to try making your own soup:
Easy Chicken Noodle Soup from a Leftover Roasted Chicken Recipe - CHOW

Eagles are up by 1 point at the beginning of the 3rd quarter.....

[Darkest Diamond]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Hiya everyone,
Day 9 here and thrilled about it. Lots of people have mentioned visiting London, seriously pm me if you decide to visit and we could meet up, I could show you parts of London not usually seen by tourists!

[DreamThinkDo]

Gentle January ~ AF Week 1

Morning friends!

Lovely cool and overcast day here, but it doesn't look like unfortunately. Just sent some work back to the publisher - my weekend starts NOW!

Lav, I so agree with you on cooking ahead. I love cooking, but coming up with interesting and quick meals for one... I often make things like bolognaise sauce, soups and so on that I freeze in single portions - perfect for when I'm lazy.

Rusty, I feel that people come to visit me, not do a health and safety inspection - but a visit from a "clean freak" would be daunting - almost like having a chef over for dinner.

Papmom, wonderful to hear how helpful people are with shovelling snow for others - random acts of kindness that I trust will be rewarded in one way or another. Glad to hear that things are on track re rehab. I think you may have confused me with DD - oh, those near-identical initials - re the relapse. I'm on what, 80+ days, and feeling strong. But: your message was taken to heart - thanks for your kind and wise words. I think that a lot of people going back to work tomorrow are looking forward to the daily routine, even though we may complain about it after some time.

Rusty, my avatar is a close-up of a hibiscus - I just love those zingy colours. And, no, of course I dont mind the "stalking" - you're my guilty conscience when I stray from here. I work mainly for publishing companies, but I really cant afford to be choosy. When there's work, I have the time to do it!

No real plans for today - a bit of tidying up, and there's a lovely courgette, mint and feta quiche I want to make - Easy Crustless Courgette, Mint and Feta Tart | Scrumptious South Africa It's a standby in summer, and a great way to use up all the courgettes from the garden.

Have a lovely Sunday, all - enjoy every second of it.