January Jewels - Week 2

[Rusty]

January Jewels - Week 2

Good Morning Guys,

TGIF for me, too...Chill. I think you're right with regard to Cassia's situation. Cass, I may have judged your friend too harshly and I'm sorry. Chill is probably on track. My very very best friend since I was 5 just dropped out of my life when I was about 38 and I called her, and called her....my mom sent her Christmas cards for years....she never responded. I was furious! Then, when my dad passed away very suddenly, she called....saying she hadn't been in touch and it was her fault. The reason was that her life had not turned out at all as she planned....and she was embarrassed. Like Lav said, move on, and always keep the positive thoughts of her ahead of the negative ones. That's what I do! Chill, I think you are spot on to give your two friends a call and just tell them what you told us. I have a feeling they will understand.:l

Chill-oh yeah:h, Colin Firth....now I'm not a boxer shorts fan but oh he was soooo cute in Bridget Jones' Diary: The Edge of Reason. :H

Rustop-now that your daughter is back in school it should be pretty quiet at your house. I was curious to know if your HB's nightly drinking of wine is hard for you. I know it would really be hard for me.

It's 5:30 a.m. and I have been at work since 5:00...yawn. Will be out of here early, though.

I did see Jolie on the Newbies Nest Thread. She's restarted her journey and I am so happy for her. Jolie, if you are reading this....we'd love to hear from you. We've been shouting out to you.:l

[dill]

January Jewels - Week 2

You are what your deep, driving desire is.
As your desire is, so is your will.
As your will is, so is your deed.
As your deed is, so is your destiny.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad IV 4.5

Friday the 13th doesn't scare me, oh no, not in the least. But I am finding it difficult to type with all of my fingers crossed.:H

The King's Speech was a wonderful movie and worth a second viewing. I just watched a movie the other night that was quite good, I thought. It was about deep abiding friendship between women. It kind of goes along with one of our recent topics regarding friends. It was Japanese so there are subtitles to read, but if you don't mind that, I think it's an enjoyable film: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan.

It's bitter cold here in the Ohio Valley. I was hoping for a school delay, but we aren't having one, so I must head out into the wind and cold and go to work. Today we have preschool evaluations scheduled and let me tell you, evaluating a preschooler is no easy task. I shall be tired by the end of today.

Stay safe and AF, Gemsters!

[cyntree]

January Jewels - Week 2

Good morning, Jewels. I think I read somewhere that 13 is a quite magical number - a combination of 6s and 7s which was special to matri-focal cultures, and so with the coming of male-focused cultures was made out to be 'bad'. I say celebrate! There's a wonderful book called The Chalice and the Blade, that shows all the topsy turvy that happened to culture and religions when that ancient switch happened...

Dew, I hope that you never feel guilty that you can't respond to everyone! Please don't - I think we all want to hear first and foremost how each person is doing in the world that day. So sorry that you're not feeling at all well - please do see a doc, maybe it is a real sinus infection, nothing to mess around with.

SD - did I miss something? CT scan and x-rays? sounds serious...

Everyone - re: keeping in touch. I am really one of the worst, though I think of my long-time friends practically daily, and talk to them in my head all the time. Too bad they aren't mind readers. So my attempt this year with my friends, and here on this thread as well, is just to get something out there. It may be nonsense or substandard writing or self-centered or sound non-committal, but it will keep the pipeline flowing. So please, if I don't mention everyone by name, do not take it personally - be assured that you are ringing around in my head all day long!

Good day to everyone, I look so forward to catching up with everyone later --

[cyntree]

January Jewels - Week 2

X-post, Dill! Stay warm today --
and PS Jolie, would be great to hear from you...
Mr G, are you out there?

[Stargazerlily]

January Jewels - Week 2

Good morning to all....

I have always had good luck on Friday the 13th, so I hope the positive tradition will continue. I drove home in a blizzard last night, it was kind of scary, I slid through two stop signs. It rained first, then the temp dropped, then the snowing and blowing. Whew. I am happy I am off work today. I will venture out later as it is really no big deal around here. It is just the blowing that is making it impossible to clear the roads.

Rusty, glad you liked the King's Speech. I recently read Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and then the movie. I loved the movie. Your job does sound intense, but it sounds like you looked for a long time for something that was a good fit. Me too.

Cassia, I recently had an upset with an old friend too, and I am just cooling the relationship a bit. I drove over an hour to see her, it was agreed upon, then when I arrived, SHE WAS NOT THERE. She eventually showed up but it was awkward and I left within 10 minutes. I mean, that is just rude and is there a reason I need to be treated like that? I don't think so. We teach people how to treat us (Dr. Phil) and I find that to be true. I have others in my life who treat me with respect and I'd rather focus on that. I did not tell her how hurt I was by her rude behavior, so maybe some of it is on me, but I am a grownup and take for granted that if you set something up, you should be there. She did not have a good excuse. At all. If we have so much energy in our lives, I want to focus that energy on positive interactions as much as possible.

Chill, you do have alot on your mind. I just know you will make everything work out. Congrats on the property sale.

Cyn, I too try to post almost every day, as this thread is a constant in my life.

Dew, sometimes when we get sick it takes a while to go away. In the fall I had problem with an eye infection for too long. Just take care of yourself. I know you do.

Dill, loved the quote. Again, so glad you are back. How is the AF journey going? I had an intense craving last night, I mean really bad, but ate first and it subsided. I still felt crabby though.

To all, have a great AF day.

[spedteach]

January Jewels - Week 2

Morning all,
Star, I drove for 5 hours in that silly snow storm yesterday. Never realized blowing snow renders the road invisible at times. Gave up at 3pm and checked into a motel. Things don't look much better out there today but will just take it slow. That silly storm is headed east. Watch out Lav, Pap, Cyn.

Dill, don't your hate it when that expected school delay just doesn't happen.

I better post this before I lose it. Happy Friday the 13th.

[sooty]

January Jewels - Week 2

Hello gems, beautiful day here and I did get out on the cliffs with Mr S, still muddy out there but very invigorating.

Sounds like everyone doing well, to those who aren't feeling 100% I wish a speedy recovery.

I'll pop back later to see who's been by. Have a good day folks

[Lavande]

January Jewels - Week 2

:wavin: Hi kids!

Just waiting for Lily to wake up from a nap then we're heading out for lunch.
Very windy here, temp dropping but hoping the snow you have goes somewhere else Shelley. Be careful on the roads lady

Hello to everyone & wishing a great AF Friday the 13th to one & all.

Lav

[ladybirdheart]

January Jewels - Week 2

Good evening from here. I was expecting my guests but they are delayed, had no cell phone service until a few minutes ago, and won?t be here until the morning which is good. Thank you for your words of encouragement for my new ?Swedish? guests, I looked back at my post and yes I did say Sweden, but I meant Switzerland. Whatever. They might as well be a contingent from Mars for all of my preparations, you would have laughed to see me coming home today with not only loads of veggies and fruit but bouquets of tulips, an orchid, and USDA prime steaks (they are "interested in 'American beef'?:H). Please let me have a small rant now. I thought I was done bringing home alcohol after the holidays but I had that in my car also, one bottle of champagne and one standard bottle of expensive red. This issue has had me wringing my hands. I used to pride myself as a host in having a liquor cabinet that allowed me to make just about anything a new guest might like, from vintage cocktails once celebrated on the Titanic (we know how that worked out) to something for a rodeo cowboy. Now I don?t keep any alcohol, even things I don?t like, the whole lifestyle change seems to call for it. I can have most people bring their own beverage or arrange to go out, but I can?t imagine saying that to this couple at least for tomorrow night. I am worrying about not having more of a ?selection? and also about having those feelings of wanting to join in again. I am probably worrying over nothing. They will have what I serve, and I have a genuine, not made up, good reason (besides the obvious) explicitly not to drink as I have medical tests on Tuesday, I just get sick of the whole thing being an ?issue? in my consciousness. Sorry for the rant. I love you. Get well if you are not, and lose or keep the friends that understand and support your highest level of functioning, you know who they are. Love, Ladybird.

[Chillgirl]

January Jewels - Week 2

Good Morning Gemsters

LBH - your rant sounds totally justified, i felt stressed just reading your post! People you hardly know coming to your home and the whole AL issue does not make for a relaxing situation. Im wondering how this all came about? I know its too late now but it may have been better to go out to dinner where you have had practice in ordering non AL drinks and without having to have any in your home. Im way past being polite and making excuses, sobriety is too valuable a jewel to risk due to good manners. I hope you cope well and am sending you much love and strength. :l

Sped - be safe, driving is a snow storm sounds crazy and would terrify me, I get so scared when there is black ice on the roads which we get quite a lot here.

I had a lousy nights sleep, I'm afraid I allowed than damn monkey in and he jumped around all night! I read, listened to soft music, listened to Wayne, played computer games and nothing would drown out his incessant chatter :upset: I also was uncomfortably hot despite the temperature being so cold which make me wonder if something else is going on with my body. Anyway I survived the night and am ready to take on the day! Have a wonderful AF Saturday everyone.

[spedteach]

January Jewels - Week 2

Morning,
I'm in Oklahoma, not a state I care for. Actually can't wait to get to Texas. That's how much I dislike this state.

LBH, your post made me so sad. I find the constant struggle exhausting, like I'm holding my breath. I wish you well and hope to see you soon.

Chill, sometimes I wonder how little sleep I can exist on. Really tried to limit my caffeine yesterday. Ate a light dinner, took a warm bath. Started channel surfing and at 1 AM was still at it. Did sleep some but woke at 5. Know I am anxious about returning home. Hope we both have better luck tonight.

Good Saturday everyone.

[Stargazerlily]

January Jewels - Week 2

Good morning,

Sped, so sorry you had to drive through the snow, it can be terrifying. It is STILL snowing here, we have over a foot of snow, again. You used great judgement in stopping for the night. I am sure you will drive out of it.

LBH, hope your visit goes well. I too wish the entire alcohol issue did not exist...I guess I could do that if I just decided for sure and forever. After all, there is no written or unwritten rule that says alcohol is required at dinner or anywhere else.

Chill, don't you hate when your mind won't shut off? It happens to me too, then I do the progressive relaxation exercise and focus on clearing my chakras. I had to do that last night as I had the most intense hot flash at about three in the morning. luckily it worked and I was able to fall back asleep. I decided I am going to go to the doctor, I have had it with menopausal symptoms!!!

I am going to walk with a friend indoors, then come back and work on my house and finish laundry. That is winter in my world.

To all, have a great AF Saturday .

[Cassia]

January Jewels - Week 2

Hi all

Sorry i didn't post yesterday - I was working from home and then had to go to this really dodgy town in NJ for work and had a pretty scary experience. So, I just came home, called some people and caught up on my UK and American TV and just chilled out. Very lazy day. Just back from hot yoga that wasn't actually that hot but feeling pretty relaxed. Made myself some choc chip pancakes and a cup of coffee. I am awful good to myself. I have my best childhood friend coming to visit later with her husband and daughter. I am so excited because the wee one's favourite word is cat and I have a cat and I don't think she has ever been round a real cat. Should be a lot of fun! Got the second half of my flights from Glasgow booked also. My husband just took my last half of my pancake off of me. :upset:

Sped - why don't you like Oklahoma? Is it the landscape? I didn't realize you were driving back to NM. How long is the drive if you were meant to go straight though?

Star - I can't believe that story about your friend - that is totally mental!!! I can understand why you are cooling the relationship. Also, what you say is so true - people treat us as they allow them to. I actually bit the bullet and called my friend and we had a good chat. I told her I wasn't impressed with the facebook tagging etc and she really didn't see the issue with it. She isn't going to stay here (which is awesome) because her mate wants to stay in NY. So it is what it is - that is my last reach out effort. I am done.

LBH - I think you have a lot of class and grace in being so concerned with the liquor cabinet stockage for your guests. Personally, I don't keep alcohol in my house (only cooking alcohol) so if people want a drink then they either have to bring their own or go to the store. I think if you are worried about joining in then you shouldn't have any in the house. Most people don't even bother about whether or not there is booze on hand or not. Just do whatever makes you feel comfortable but I admire you for selfishly putting other people's feelings first.

Chill - are we talking about a metaphorical monkey? I know you aren't talking about a real one but you might be referring to Elle? I often refer to Smudge as monkey cat! Anyway, you've got a lot going on. Hopefully, sleep will come tonight.

A wonderful AF Saturday to one and all! I am off to buy some clothes!

[Chillgirl]

January Jewels - Week 2

Chillgirl;1244355 wrote:
I'm afraid I allowed than damn monkey in and he jumped around all night!

Cass - I would never refer to darling Elle as a damn monkey! :H No, I was talking about the monkey mind. :fitmonkey:

Had a busy day and ready to chillout and relax for the evening.

[Cassia]

January Jewels - Week 2

Yeah...I didn't think so but figure better to ask! Would have been pretty hilarious if it had been an actual monkey!