One Step at a Time - August 2012

[mama bear]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

Oh Nora...so glad you went to the doctor.......at our "advanced" age....blood clots and possible heart issues should not be ignored
Wild...I am so glad you are here with us. I adore my two boys, but I could kill the 20 year old at the mement. He doesn't feel the need to discuss anything with us. He lives at home as long as he in school and works. I even [pay his car insurance, but he has to help with in state tuition. This morning he announces that he doesn't want to go to college and is "just gonna save money and go back next year."
I "flipped shit" (learned that term from my 17 year old and it comes in very handy)
I will not go into my tirade here, but you can imagine. I reminded him of all the low lifes I have to deal with on a daily basis at work, and how important an education is....blah, blah, blah

ok....rant over....
felling sinusey...I tiik a Claritin and feel a little better

Nora - let us know what the blood wok shows...did they check your b12 and all that???? I did my B12 injection this morning....
ok...back to work

[mama bear]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

WF - hope the kiddies made it home safe

[Wildflowers]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

Mamabear~ It's so funny when I type out your user name as this is what the girls call me, esp Babybear. I think I told u this when I first got here? Anyway, yes, I do know what you mean, it's very hard raising kids. I ~ we've learned some very interesting words ~ terms from them. Course my own Mother blames me for teaching her the f word. Our oldest daughter has been our problem kid! Now she is doing great!..... It's taken it's toll on our marriage & ea of us as individuals. Along with being the sandwich generation, aging parents. Hubs parents are in heaven now. My Dad too.

I know I wouldn't want to relive those teenage yrs again & know they wouldn't want to either!....I think it just takes some of them longer to figure out what they want to do with their lives! We are friends with our neighbors down the st. They have 3 kids, all same ages. One is a boy & they went thru what your going thru with yours. He's now becoming an auto mec. So don't give up Mama!... Yes, I will help you strangle him if he gives u to much shite. Just kidding!...

Too bad we aren't closer as I think we'd get along & our hubs too much! Think they might get into trouble having to much fun!... Then I'd have ta give mine a little spankin. Now if he heard me, he'd say, oh please do, with his cute little shit eatin grin. We use to mgr apts yrs ago, I know it's diff then what you do & you have a tough job lady!....... Can you get one of those intro massages? Or one of the schools & ask for a senior student. Good prices! Or ask your Mgr to start an incentive program, since she wants you peeps to read on how to be such wonderfully effective employees. Yes. "Barf".

You just reminded me to schedule a Dr appt. I need to go have a physical! When I went & saw a Cardiologist in the early spring, my blood wk came back deficient in B-12. I take over the counter Natures way, B-100 ~ timed released. But haven't been re-tested. I wonder if this is why I'm so tired, but I also have Graves disease. Caused by too much, pro-longed stress, for yrs. Over active thyroid. My Endo Dr I see every 3 months & my Rx is always changing. Sometimes I go hypo under active. It's like being a yo yo, along with now not drinking. Tho since stopping Alcohol, it's starting to level out. I did look at the All in One, but it's fairly high in Iodine, I will ask Endo Dr in Sept about it. I've heard it does give energy. I take a multi now, along with other supp. Or maybe I should invest in a juicer?

I need to stop smoking & start exercising next!............................ I use to belong to gyms. I could go ask Coach Crew for a kick in the arse? Perhaps, after I spend more time recuperating & catching up on a bunch of other things. I tend to read certain folks posts who " make me sit up & think ". Ones who's voices resonate, heal & speak good recovery, not just AF, but in healthy positive thinking. There are a few I follow, still discovering new ones here!.... Yet, I'm also realizing to, how important support & friendship is. Staying connected & not isolating!....... Still having trouble reaching out, but if it meant gulping the poison, I would, or I better!.....Along with getting out of my own head, my own troubles, reaching out & trying ta help someone in need!.... It strengthens my own sobriety, makes me feel like I'm contributing & doing something good to help others! Oh & you know I love to LMAO. Since you are the class clown, I will be checking in for that, maybe on your other thread. I'd luv to see you & JC do a skit, some karaoke! PS. First born sent me a hot model guy ~ pic & instantly thought of you & K9. Well, honestly I was thinkin selfishly about me first. hahaha.....

Kids aren't in AZ yet, spending a romantic getaway on the beach, then headed for another city. Sat they will be in AZ. There next stop is a secret. Should I tell? If I do then you will all have a better idea of my location. Surprised somebody didn't figure it out recently. There are two peeps here who know where I live. My two leaders! Bless them for all the peeps they help here & elsewhere! :l

I talked to hubs about being afraid of the Internet, which is really stupid to most Mama. But, not to me, & that's what matters most! It's what I think & how I feel!... That I continue to reevaluate & make changes on my time schedule, not others!...

I do have PTSD & GAD, officially diagnosed by my PDr. He's not even treating me for alcoholism. Tho he & I know I am one! He said this is what's been driving my drinking for yrs. Much is from childhood, but somethings happened to me as an Adult to, which I won't discuss here. Just know one was very bad & it occurred outside of work late at night. Thus, why I have so many fears. Was in therapy for two yrs. I sometimes wonder If I should have done more work. But, I don't want to live in the past. I want to live in the present!...... Alcohol kept me stuck in the past!...... I'm also finding with more sobriety, this time, that I'm taking it easier, not future trippin!.... A gift of time, lessons & maturity.

Also now that I'm getting stronger, it's a bit fun not letting peeps know where I live. I have left you some clues. Sorta like that Piglet World Tour. I didn't spend much time reading that thread, but I was intrigued one night a month or so back. I'm a fun & curious person!... At Least I think Piglet is travelling around the world in hidden locations, but I don't think he ~ she has been to the states? Fun!.....

I use to work for a Com, who recycled their boxes & customers were encouraged to put a note in it for the next one, letting them know where the box had traveled. Fun!....

Anyway, here is a nice big, too long of a post for you Mamabear! I'm off to pick our blueberries b4 all the birdies get them, ( tho I do leave some for them ). Also I have my very first green peppers & tomatoes are ripening. Along with the fact, I have more cleaning & a bunch of other things I should be doing to! Problem is I get on the PC & it's sometimes hard for me to get off. Same when I go outside, I get sidetracked & don't want to come in! I never finished cleaning everything yest. Half way done tho. Yeah!.. Been helping my Mama too. Part OCD~ ADD (maybe) & a bit undisciplined, along with being a mature alkie in recovery.

I'll be back later, as there's a very important ~ enthusiastic member here celebrating his 90 AF days. My ESP photo image radar hat is waiting to be tested & applied.

Wished I was white water rafting!..... Soon!....

Have a great day everyone, or the best you can! :l

[paula]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

Hi, just popped in to say hello. Had a busy day with grandchildren, been babysitting as daughter and her husband had a funeral to attend. Took the kids to local theme park, been a wonderful day.Could never have done this while drinking. I am really starting to believe that as long as I remain vigilant I can live a sober life. I have gone from the depths of despair to being happy and content. I would say to anybody who is struggling, just don't give up trying. It has taken me a long time to to get where I am, but after many slips things are starting to get better. It's wonderful to know I can log on to this site and get so much support, there's always somebody here to give a kind word, so thank you for being here. Nora, I'm so glad you got checked out, MB was right when she said there are so many things that can happen as we get older.

[Guitarista]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

Hiya Nora and warmest greetings to all Stepper's!

I was just reading our toolbox, and thought i'd post this here. Written by a past member 'Work in progress.' Hope someone gets something out of it. Take care y'all, G-bloke. :h



Repeating this for the "Tool Box" Thread
What is a plan, and how do I get one???


I can't count how many times I have made the suggestion to new folks here to "get a plan" for their recovery from alcohol abuse. The old phrase: "failing to plan is planning to fail" is very true in so many situations... and especially so in the case of those of us who are beginning (and continuing) the path of freedom from the devastation of alcohol abuse.

SO: What is a plan, and how do I get one?

The MWO book, and what we call the MWO program, discuss and recommend a number of elements that have proven very helpful to many, many people who have used them. They include (and I have added a few, based on my own experience and that of many MWO members):
Exercise (doesn't have to be a whole lot; some brisk walking, 3 or 4 days a week, is helpful)
Hypnotherapy (you can buy the recordings on the MWO site in the "store")
Meditation (many of us practice meditation)
Dietary supplements (see the MWO book, the "store" here onsite, and the threads here on "Holistic Healing")
A healthy diet, and regular meals
Medication (preferably with help, advice, and a prescription from your physician)
Spending a significant amount of time here at MWO, reading the posts of others, getting to know people, asking questions, and talking about your progress and your struggles
Going to AA meetings
Changing our environment: Getting alcohol out of the house; not going to bars; not hanging around with "drinking buddies"
Most people do not use ALL elements in this list; but those who are successful tend to use a LOT of them. And we tend to adjust and tweak the elements, as we see what works for us (and for others).

Equally important is something we call the "mental game." This is short-hand for the process of changing our thinking and attitudes toward: alcohol, drinking, our emotions, and our behavior. We must learn a whole new approach to problems in life (we don't try to drink them away, any more), and we don't see alcohol as a "reward" for having accomplished something. We learn to tolerate distress, including the urges and impulses and cravings for drink, and we allow them to naturally pass away, without giving in to them. We learn not to engage in battles within our minds about drinking; we step away from that whole process, and choose to think about, and do, something else.

Perhaps most important: we recognize that the work of recovery truly is "work," and it takes time, effort, and sometimes it costs money. Sometimes it is costly in other ways, as well; friendships and other close relationships will be changed, when we change. And that can be painful. Making this kind of change will have an impact on all areas of our lives; that is a very, very good thing; it can also be accompanied by some pain. Again... we must learn to tolerate the discomforts involved in life changes. There will be some emotional upheaval along the way. We might want to seek counseling or psychotherapy; we certainly will benefit from coming here and talking about it.

Making a plan, and following it, is an act of mature recognition of the fact that, for nearly all of us, just wishing and hoping that we will stop drinking (or begin drinking "normally") "on our own" is not going to work. Remember: nobody ever "wished and hoped" their way through any important project. But with persistence, and support from others, following a plan can take us to the places in our lives where we really want to go.

wip

[Sunbeam]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

Hi folks, it is reaching the end of a long day of work followed by yoga class. My friend who died in last week's crash was in this class, so it was somber. But now I've eaten and will relax in the hot tub soon.

I could write book about things that go wrong as I get older. At least I can still mostly manage my gardens.

Wildflowers, it would be possible to make your own patio fountain from old bowls. I bought a replacement pump on Amazon once for less than $20. I'm pretty sure you could find instructions on the Internet.

Paula, I fell off the wagon for a couple of days while you were away, but I am back on track now.

[Guitarista]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

Hiya Sunbeam, x-post. :hallo:

Hot tub sounds like the go.

Take care of yourself.

[mama bear]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

wow.....lots of posting today
WF - I am honored to get to know you. You are a delight and I like that you are not shy here. I probably blab too much. I wil try and figure out where you are from.
G- as always - you are inspring and kind. You are one of my MWO heros.
Paula - I am glad you got to spend some time with your babies. You sound content and strong.
I am still upset with oldest son. I tried to talk to hubs about it, but it just ended in a small spat.
So I am hiding out with my lappie and my Nook and I am quite content.
My youngest got home from football camp today and he is sleeping. He is my bud, so it's good to have him home.
Sun and Nora.....hi when you get here.

[mama bear]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

x post Sun and G.
Hot tub sounds luscious right now.

[NoraC]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

Hi Steppers!

Mr G - thank you so much for posting that. :l I think I really need to work on my plan. I have found that I have a good plan but when I start having problems, I run away from my plan, my support here, etc. I need to incorporate that into my plan.
(G - I always love to read your posts. :h)

Wildflowers - I wondered where you live. I guess you're not from California since they aren't in Arizona yet. Hmmm......

Mama - Sorry about the problem with your son. Don't know what to tell you. We KNOW that he should go to school. That will be better for his future, etc. But, it's not easy to make them understand. Really sorry that your hubbie wasn't more supportive.

Paula - really sounds like you had a good day. You must be exhausted though. I know that your grands just love you. :h

Sun - I'll be that was rough today with your friend not being there. Take good care of yourself tonight. :h

I'm sitting here with my foot elevated. My leg is swollen from my knee down. I'd really like to know what is wrong with me. My blood work that they took yesterday (to check for risk of clots) was very slightly elevated. Must not have been too serious because my Dr hasn't returned my call. Anyway, I'm ok but just have my foot up to try to get the swelling to go down.

Hope everyone has a great evening/night/morning.

[Wildflowers]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

Paula ~ There really is always somebody here to give a nice word of support! You yourself just offered encouragement to!... Thank you! I also am happy to report being out of that abyss of drinking despair & most days are happy & content. I see you will have another AF milestone coming up on 8/20. Enjoy your grandkids!...

Mr G. ~ Thank you. I do member reading this, but I read so much, I need to re-read things! I've been so busy this summer with family functions & obligations that I've been tending to not focus as much on me. Now is my time. Still doing my morning thanks & a little meditation. Need to start my yoga, walking again. Lots of painting to do to. I will re-read Wips plan. It's very good & encouraging!... Thank you again, kind Sir!

Sunbeam ~ I'm sorry for your tragic loss!... I think sometimes when its a shock like this, it may even be harder. I don't know, they all are very painful & the grieving process can be quite difficult!... There is no right or wrong way to deal, or heal. It couldn't have been easy to return to class, yet maybe it's the way to begin healing. I'm glad you have a nice place to relax at your home. :l

Mama ~ Thank you for making me feel welcome here, well you all do!... No you don't blab too much. If you do, then I do too, prob worse. hahaha... So, it's free speech, we can blab all we need or want to!... I'm sorry about the spat, they don't feel good! It will pass!... As for your 20 yr old, it may be he's still burnt out from HS, or not sure what path he really wants to follow yet! My youngest has never liked school, like her Sis, yet she knows how important her choices today will effect her future.

She already has 2yrs of college, but knows at one point must go back. Tho these were all pretty much pre-nursing. She gave me a good teaching lesson last wk. Who says just cause, you don't follow what society says, by a certain time table, your not a success? Yourself or them. Wise little booger she is!.. She knows Mama will keep reminding her to, but not too much! I've also had to come up with new strategies with her. She knows when I'm up to something to. She's a few yrs older than your son & every bodies diff. Read a few articles on about how 30 today, is like what perhaps our 20~25 once was. Much to do with the economy.

Nora ~ I don't know. If it's not a clot? We all hope not!..... What about a spider, insect bite? Or you slept wrong. Tendinitis or bursitis? Maybe icing it will help. Do hope your reg GP is in on this! As they know your complete medical history & meds your on, & ones you should avoid. Don't know if a full panel CBC & Metabolic panel was ordered. :l


Will be taking a step back from this wonderful, welcoming "One Step Thread" as I have a PM been sitting in my box. Want to read & post on some other threads, when I get a chance. Let alone, must start soon implementing more of MWO plan into my life. Still not done with spare room, so we can start our bedroom makeover, carpet, walls, etc. I better get some energy. Maybe will wait until fall, for cooler temps on that one.

I will check tom, to see if Nora is OK.

Take Care :h

[mama bear]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

when I was a teen, not going to college was not an option......PERIOD. My mother took every high school paycheck and put it in an account. I DID NOT GET ONE PENNY OF IT.
I have begged hubs to do the same with Grant, but for some reason, he wont. 20 year olds blow their money....Hell...I am 50 can blow mine!
we shall see how it works out.....

[Sunbeam]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

Sitting in the mall, waiting for my car to be serviced, waiting for the stores to open in 10 minutes I think.

The game of guessing Wildflowers location made me remember my wierdest experience at mwo. My location used to be more narrow than what I now have displayed. There was a woman here who posted under Evie Lou. She was clairvoyant, was on a Tv program called The Other Side. She correctly guessed my birthplace, which was the same as hers. She said that when she saw my post she had a vision of that town. She lives in Florida now, and it is not where I live now.

[NoraC]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

Wow - Sun......that is really amazing about Evie Lou. I do believe that some people have that gift. (Obviously, I don't :H)

Mama - really sorry about Grant. Don't know what to say. :l:l

Today was one of those TTFP days (take the f***g pill). It's not even that I want to drink. I think that I get tired of taking it and relying on the pill. When am I going to get that good resolve that you all have???? I guess I need to keep working on it. Reread Mr. G's post. Work on my plan, etc.

Have a wonderful day everyone. :wavin:

[paula]

One Step at a Time - August 2012

Hi folks, kids gone home, lovely to see them, but nice to see them go. I love them dearly but they are hard work. Thinking of doing some house work, but need to keep in touch with olympics, which I have loved watching. Nora, if the pill stops you drinking and you are ok with it don't worry. I tried it a couple of years ago but it made me ill. It has taken me a long time to find some resolve, and I really could'nt carry on any longer. Glad you got your resolve back Sunbeam.