Magical AF May

[dill]

Magical AF May

Hello AF friends,

So warm here today! It feels like summer! I bought lavender, rosemary, a red bell pepper and a jalepeno pepper at Lowe's today. I'm going to wait until it cools off to plant them tho. Right now I'm in the house, hiding from the heat! The calf is doing well. He has begun to nurse off the mother!

Star, I finished the book, The Good House by Ann Leary. I do highly recommend it. There is going to be a movie made of it with Meryl Streep and Robert DeNiro. The author writes about the experience of denial like only an alcoholic could write. It turns out that she is an alcoholic in recovery.

Papmom, I didn't know DD is 9 already. Is he still very active or is he slowing down? My aussie mix acted like a puppy until the very end of her life, especially when on walks in the woods. But my akita mix slowed down more as she aged. I am like Lav in that I will not spend a great deal on vet bills. I have a very practical vet who has always been reasonable in his treatment. He also gives me holistic approaches that are more affordable at times. You must take care of yourself Papmom, and try to let go of this stress. The dogs need you to be healthy and strong for them! Loved your gratitude list! Especially #7-10!

Lav, How'd your BP check go? I hope all is well. Do you make a pretty good profit on your business? I think it was wise to let go of the expense of the website.

We need to start week 2 tomorrow!

[Lavande]

Magical AF May

Well ~
the B/P check went fine BUT my slightly but chronically high cholesterol level hasn't budged. I've been putting off starting on a statin drug (I just don't like taking drugs). So I agreed to try a low dose of generic Lipitor - see how it goes. My NP is as concerned as I am about my family hx of clogged up arteries
I've done everything humanly possible over the past 10 years to manage this.....
Low fat diet, lots of fiber (think beans, oatmeal, veggies), quit smoking, drinking, added exercise. WTH?

Business profits? Ugh, not getting any easier. I just finished ordering blank shirts & caps for a customer & found the shipping costs to be half the cost of the blanks - difficult, to say the least!

YB just texted - we are going out for a bite to eat - good :H

[cyntree]

Magical AF May

Hey everybody -

Pap - I think that you hit the nail on the head - pain can distort absolutely everything. I take naprosen on a semi-regular basis to function well - if I get enough exercise and sleep and eat the right things I don't need it too much, but sometimes I have to use it to get through. Good luck with that, and keep going with your attitude list!

Star - yes, we moved 3 times in 2 years, in addition to me moving my Mom out of her house of 56 years (plus my father was a hoarder), and getting it staged and ready to sell. I think I'm still tired from all of that! We moved because of HB's business - since I do freelance writing work from home, I can work pretty much anywhere. When we moved east we rented for a year, and then purchased a house that was affordable for us (little did we know how much the upkeep would be!) so that we could save money for travel. Unfortunately, we're not keeping up with everything, so I'm considering finding a job working for someone else. One question for you - is your daughter sure that they will be staying in the area where they currently are? Kids and jobs are so mobile these days...

Lav, glad that you finally have a chance to have a meal out! You probably have tried this, but have you looked into Red Krill oil for your cholesterol? It's been a while since I looked into it, but I seem to remember something about that...

Dill - too hot there? We barely made 60 today! Yesterday I purchased some annuals to throw in the front to get a little color going. We have an important house guest coming in 10 days, and I'm trying to spruce things up around here (finishing the painting in the downstairs, trying to figure out new window coverings in the guest bedroom, paint the bi-fold closet doors to disguise the fact that they are warped) Uuuuugh. It makes me want to be a hermit! I could shoot my dear HB for inviting her (before asking me). Then a couple from Chicago (hi school friends of HB) will come for a few days. How am I supposed to get my work done!? Oh well, it will all turn out in the end; I keep telling myself...

take care all, and have a sweet AF night --

[papmom3]

Magical AF May

HI Everyone,
Feeling a bit better today, mostly because tomorrow is payday! I just limped home on an empty tank. I'll have to leave 15 min early to fill up tomorrow morning. LM will need to have non rx for tomorrow's breakfast. I don't think one non prescription meal will kill him! Looking forward to working out tomorrow nite.

I was inspired by Cyn and today when I got home I got the trimmer out and started working on the potential tick areas. Actually looking forward to mowing on Sunday! I also put the lattice back up on the underside of the deck. the harsh winter winds tore it right off and without it there is a potential escape route out to the street. Got the old hammer and nails out for this repair-no more fooling around with the staple gun!! I also hooked up the fountain we gave my dad for his back garden a couple of years ago. He used it that first summer and then never put it back out due to impending siding on his condo. When he moved he had no place for it so gave it to me. Its cute-a seaside theme. Looks nice on the deck (but also highlites how filthy the decking is!!). Managed to whack myself a couple of times while doing all this so have some nice hematoma's to show for it. No way can I wear Capris to graduation on Sat!!
The Aleve has helped a little bit today. I also brought my heating pad to work and had that on most of the day. That really helped. Lav-I didn't do anything specific, I think its due to hours of data entry and stress. There's a stubborn knot under my right shoulder blade that hurts the worst when I sit. Sigh.

Lav-sounds like you have a generic predisposition to high cholesterol? I have had no problems being on generic Lipitor. I understand I'll be on it the rest of my life. I am however really looking forward to the day I can come off the Brilanta. I'm getting tired of the insane bruising. I look like I've been beaten everyday.

Dill-so great to hear the news about the calf!! He'll be fine now and he owes it all to you and your family.

Cyn-you are always so busy entertaining! You must be really good at it and enjoy it even tho the prep can be overwhelming. Just keep going on your hikes-they will keep you balanced.

Star-If I figure out how to make good money working from home I will definitely let you know!

Time to feed the kids and get ready for bed. Need to get more than 6 hours tonite!!

[Stargazerlily]

Magical AF May

Good morning...

Dill, it was sooo hot yesterday, 90 according to my Weather Channel info. It smelled so good and when I came home from work I put on my favorite shorts...

Pap, the last really stressful job I had, I had knots in my back area too. Lots of computer work, no time off for a few years, it was painful. I wish you could get a message, I bet that would help. I have some outside work to do to, hope it is nice out today. We already had a storm, but it did jot last for long. Hope your day goes smoothly.

Cyn, thanks for sharing that you moved so much, wow, I don't know if I could take it. My daughter and her husband plan on staying where they are at. Now, will they? Who knows. They do have a nice house and great friends, besides their jobs. I love their town and wish I could live there, to be honest. Some decisions, once made, cannot be taken back. Selling a house I love in a great area is one of them. Show my house to realtors made me realize how much I treasure where I live. However, family is more important than things, so I have to have my priorities straight. Did you rent a house or an apartment before you bought another home? I think that is really a better idea as then the area can be explored and a better idea of the best place to buy. I am having house guest next week, we do not normally entertain, and I am both nervous and looking forward to it. Such is life.

Lav, have fun at lunch. I love going out for Mexican food.

Have a great day.

[Lavande]

Magical AF May

Good morning friends & yes, it is Friday

Not sure what's up with the weather, looks like a thunder storm or something brewing up out there.
I am getting out early to get my Curves fix in then back her to watch stinky boys for a few hours.
The youngest was a total terror at dinner last night, refusing to eat, standing in his high chair, loud & just obnoxious. My son did what he could to restrain him but it doesn't make for good digestion, if you know what I mean :H

Cyn, your moving around like that would wear me out!
Glad you are settled in now
I have tried taking different fish oils over the years but none of them agreed with me, yuck.

Papmom, glad to hear the Lipitor isn't causing you any grief. I have a hard time taking any meds so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.
I understand your concern about being on an anti-coagulant but you don't want your stent clogging up either. Have they said anything about getting off the med eventually?

Greetings Dill & Star!
Forgot we were supposed to start week 2 today - oops!

Have a great AF Friday everyone!

Lav

[Lavande]

Magical AF May

CONGRATS ON 4 YEARS AF PAPMOM!

So sorry I'm a day late!!!!!
Had no idea what the date was yesterday - duh!

We love & appreciate you & are proud of the progress you have made despite so many obstacles
Keep up the great work!!!

[papmom3]

Magical AF May

Star-I wish I could get daily massages! I had one at the quilt retreat but the relief only lasted about 5 min. I think regular ones would really help. I've been taking Aleve every 12 hours and using the moist heating pad at work. I think it's helped. The pain seems to have traveled a bit south and even more localized now so maybe it's on it way out?

Thanks for the congrats Lav! You know I totally forgot about my anni don't you? But now I am really proud of myself. I'm glad it not ODAT anymore but the norm. Do you feel that way too?

Today wasn't too bad at work. I had a few projects to work on and I made sure I checked in with my boss after the office closed. We're still going through some major drama with one of the admins but there isn't really much we can do about it unless she has a total breakdown during office hours. Which she won't because although she loves drama and attention, she wouldn't want to go over the line and jepardize her job. She's walking a thin one tho.

Tomorrow is nephew 1's graduation day at UMass. Probably won't get to visit much but I'll try to get pics.

Sunday is supposed to be GORGEOUS! I plan to spend as much time outside as possible and get the yard cleaned up. My city offers free mulch and I'm trying to figure out the best way to get a few yards of it without making a couple of trips (it's about 15 min from me and I don't want to waste gas). I'll figure it out. I also have to put aside some time for laundry at my dads.

Made another $300 payment at the Vets today. $600 to go. Why can't I be like that woman who prayed for a miracle, laid down for a nap and woke up to PCH knocking at her door with a check for $1M??? I did enter (and am paying the price with endless phone calls!!). I think I'll try positive thoughts tonite before I snooze. Can't hurt!!!

[Stargazerlily]

Magical AF May

Good morning...

Pap, Congrats on four years. What a great accomplishment. So proud of you. I have actually been working on affirmations, rereading the Louise Hay books. It really helps. I have been very anxious with thinking, planning, cleaning regarding the moving and just don't know if it is the right thing to do. Hope the positive thoughts work for you. I know your pets are family to you, you love them so much. It is just so sad how much medical care costs, human or animal.

Lav, stinky little boys, ha. It is quite a journey teaching young ones to follow our rules, especially when eating.

Dill, Cyn, hope you are doing well. It is supposed to be lovely weather this weekend, some chance of rain, but hopefully we will all get time to be outside.

[dill]

Magical AF May

Good Morning All,

I guess we don't need to break up our months into weeks anymore. Let's just go monthly from now on.

Congrats Papmom! You must be so proud of your accomplishment. Do your family members know about your quit date and do you celebrate with them or anyone besides us? You have done SO WELL!:wave:

I just wanted to add that I take Aleve almost daily, too! :H I guess I'm in good company with that! We should pool our money and buy stock!

Everything is going well here, just busy. The weather yesterday was perfect for transplanting and weeding so I found myself outside first thing in the morning and busy all day with one thing or another. Had lunch with my dear gf who is widowed. It's been over 2 years now and she is finally leveling out. We had chinese food for lunch and then shopped a bit. That shopping included more plants so when I got home I was back out in the garden. Much nicer way to spend the witching hour than the old way of sliding slowly into numbness and detachment. It was Friday which is officially "Pizza Night" at our house since the gkids have been here. It was great to be enjoying the day by being present instead of by numbing. Drinking didn't start out being that for me, but it sure progressed into it. It's such a trap that gradually swallows up so many of us unsuspecting souls!

Cyn, Star (don't forget to just breathe.:h), Lav, enjoy an AF Saturday.

[Lavande]

Magical AF May

Good morning all,

It's cereal & cartoons here this morning. I finally said OK to a sleepover that my grandson has been asking for forever! At 5 1/2 EB is quite different & he keeps saying that I am his best friend :H

Warm here this morning as well Dill. Outdoor time is definitely in the cards again today

Star, hope you are OK & just taking it all one day at a time
Papmom, same to you!!!

Cyn, hello to you!

OK, time for the blueberry waffle course - eat, eat, eat!!!!!!
Have a great AF Saturday!

Lav

[papmom3]

Magical AF May

Hi Everyone! I'm OK with just keeping this a monthly thread instead of breaking it up into weeks-simplicity is a good thing!!

Nope, I don't celebrate my quit date with anyone but you guys! My family just cares that I am present again and not zoned out on AL at every event. I don't have many friends that are outside of work but the few I do have just know that I don't drink anymore. I don't even think they realize how long I've been at this! And that's OK-if you haven't walked in these shoes you just can't even begin to understand. You guys have all walked in the shoes and get it. That's all I need!

I think I've finally turned the corner with the back pain thanks to Aleve! I was able to sit through a 3 hour graduation ceremony with only minimal discomfort and right now there is none at all. Whoo hoo!!

Hope you had a fun day with the boys Lav! Also hope the weather stayed pretty decent. We got the torrential downpours well after the ceremony and all the way home. got rewarded with a half rainbow which was nice.

As I mentioned, my oldest nephew graduated from UMass this weekend (officially last nite). We all went to the "recognition" ceremony for his School of Humanities and Fine Arts. They got to walk across the stage, get a nice medal and a picture (not sure who with-the Dean maybe?). It was nice, low key and at times pretty funny. The Theater Arts majors danced down the aisle during the procession to their seats! It was hard to hear (obviously not a Bose system LOL-my sis works for Bose) but thankfully they had a jumbotron above the stage so we could see everything. I got a video of the English Department going across the stage by recording the jumbotron. Not bad either!!

After the ceremony dad and I went to Dave's pet supply and Trader Joe's so I could stock up for the month. God I love Amherst!! Then we all met at my brother's for about 30 minutes to relax and chat. The only one missing was my second nephew. Said he "had" to work because he's broke. I wanted to ream him out so bad but settled for an "Auntie Lesson" on finding balance in life. Won't do any good, it's all about him and no one else. That makes our "Easter" get together, his brother's graduation and a few other family get togethers he's missed the past year. When he falls, he's going to fall hard. It won't be pretty. My poor sister. This is killing her. I think she expected him to snap out of this outlook long before this. Sigh.

Tomorrow is supposed to be gorgeous and I am really looking forward to getting out and mowing, weeding and cleaning up. I'll try to pace myself!

[Lavande]

Magical AF May

Good morning friends & Happy Mother's day to all

Congrats to your nephew Papmom! It's always nice to see the young ones moving forward with their hopes & dreams. Apparently your other nephew has some very different dreams. It's hard but we have to let them do what they feel they want to do. None of us know how things are going to work out, do we?

My DIL is graduating next weekend from Bryn Mawr with her extremely expensive Master's degree :H I'm glad she's found a job to start paying back her humongous school loans.

I hope to play outside all day today as well but I do need to hit the supermarket first!
Wishing everyone a wonderful AF day!

Lav

[Stargazerlily]

Magical AF May

Woke up to a beautiful morning, sunny, prettty warm, with the whole day for outdoor work if I choose.

Pap, hope you have a great day, no pain.

Dill, I was outside too yesterday, doing some much needed weeding

Lav, was the overnight fun? Five year olds are so cute.

We went to a fancy restaurant last night with a group for an 80th birthday celebration. It was so fun. Not having alcohol make it even better. The most anyone there had to drink was two drinks. Most people had one. Interesting to observe normal social drinking. I just do better having none. That is the way it is and I am OK with it.

Have a great day.

[papmom3]

Magical AF May

whoo eeee! What a day! gorgeous weather-even a little breeze to cool me off.
Mowed, cleaned up the 3 front/side beds, took a load to the yard waste drop off (feeling lucky I didn't blow out my stent getting it into the jeep-one garbage can full was probably over 50 lbs. Won't do that again!) where I found out that my city does not in fact have mulch available for residents, just compost. Bummer. Put a request out on freecycle but not holding out much hope. Then, in a surprise move, I cleaned out my shed!! Totally did not plan to do that but I couldn't find some things I was looking for and just couldn't tolerate the mess. Its been 2 years since I cleaned it out last. Will be giving away quite a lot on freecycle and filled 2 garbage bags of trash. didn't get to sweep the floor but at least I can find things now!
In another surpise move, my washer decided to work again! I found some info on google about the problem-didn't do what they recommended but there was one clue about the door lock function. Seems if it isn't fully engaged (even tho the light is on and it goes through all the cycles), it won't spin. So I kicked the door. It worked. Huh. Not questioning. Just happy I might get some loads through until I can actually afford a new one. The front panel is totally rusted through which can't be good.
Hope all you Mom's had a very nice day as well! Care to share?