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Post by amyj on Oct 7, 2021 11:25:16 GMT
Welcome to Alcohol Free Is What We Want To Be! .. We are glad you are here with us! If you have been struggling with your weight and have found this board, you undoubtedly have your own unique, complicated relationship with alcohol and food. Laying out the problem honestly can give you the extra push you need to succeed in getting it under control. A few questions for you to think about...do you wake up at 3 AM wondering what did you do? Do you sometimes have no recall of the evening before or do you try to recover your memory of the evening before you even get out of bed? Is your spouse angry with you...or do you simply think that A is taking over too much of your life, affecting your weight loss? These are hard questions but know that you will find understanding, love, encouragement and support on this thread. We are each in a different stage of this journey but you will find others have shared your experiences. There is no judgment, just an acknowledgement that we have been there, done that. This board of great people will support you in your journey.
Some of us have been here for several years, others are new, but all are welcome and if you have visited before but didn't stay, there is still and always a place for you. Don't get overwhelmed, take your time, if something strikes you, respond. We are great at giving advice, whether you want it or not....you will get tough love, if necessary, but you will also find help. We practice positive self-talk and support, we encourage and gently hold each other accountable. We each have stories to tell, share and suggestions to help. We post different challenges during the year. Please join us if you think this is the group for you. You will be glad you did.
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Post by amyj on Oct 7, 2021 11:25:47 GMT
NEW CHALLENGE!
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO BE FOR HALLOWEEN?
September 5 - October 31
CIRCLE September 5 on the calendar. Now CIRCLE October 31 on the calendar. This is your 8 week AF Halloween challenge. For this challenge to work you have to commit and take it seriously. Respect the importance of the challenge. RESPECT YOURSELF by focusing on your health and taking care of yourself. Organize yourself healthy, organize your grocery shopping, ORGANIZE!
Do you fancy yourself a witch? a ghoul? a ?? How about visualizing yourself as a happier, healthier person? Envision your costume…except it won’t be a costume, it will be you!
Being AF isn't easy, no one said it would be. Are you in an emotional war when it comes to alcohol? Declare a truce and determine that it isn't helping you, in fact it may be causing you problems. Can you decide to be alcohol free for the challenge? Can you determine your detours, not necessarily to take them but to plan so it isn't a free fall into AIE? Don't give yourself an excuse that oh my day has been lousy so I will have a drink or I'm bored so I will drink to get through the evening. During the challenge the primary goal is to abstain from alcohol. If you decide to have a drink, don’t beat yourself up….this is a hard journey! Keep in mind you don’t have to finish the bottle, you don’t have to finish a bag of cookies…you have control…now you have to believe it!
Some of us can’t have “spirits” in the house…that can take a whole lot of self control. There are lots of tricks and ways to avoid A but essentially many of us bring an OCD attitude…..usually defined as obsessive compulsive disorder... to stay AF but for this challenge OCD means….Ongoing Celebration of Discovery! We can discover and celebrate ourselves!! And we don't need alcohol or excessive food to do it!
So what are you going to be for Halloween? A much healthier, happier person sounds like a great plan and it won't be a costume! Great success!
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Post by amyj on Oct 7, 2021 11:26:15 GMT
How will you love yourself today?
Move More Accountability:
Sleep Accountability:
Nutrition Accountability:
Journal Accountability:
Happiness Accountability:
Habit Accountability:
Check in Daily Accountability:
Time Management Accountability:
What are you going to be for Halloween?
September 5:
September 12:
September 19:
September 26:
October 3:
October 10:
October 17:
October 24:
October 31/Final weigh in:
Happy Halloween! and congrats to your new self!
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Post by murphy1288 on Oct 7, 2021 12:28:55 GMT
Good morning again! Even though I've been up since 2:00, at least I've been somewhat productive. I've done 2 loads of laundry, have a pot of soup going and a pork roast in the crock pot. I hope I don't crash this afternoon!
Amy - thanks for getting us going this morning. Did everything get worked out with your work computer?
Jan - I think you asked me about an electric fireplace. I do have one. I have a gas fireplace but it has never worked since the first winter I was here. I like the electric fireplace because I can turn the heat on or just have the "flames".
Cindy - Sorry that DS wasn't able to get the plumbing fixed but hopefully it will be fixed right now and you won't have any more problems.
It's supposed to rain most of today so I figured it was good soup weather. I'm sure tired of grey skies! Hope everyone has a great day!
Murphy
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Post by lizmawmn on Oct 7, 2021 12:48:08 GMT
Hi everyone,
I spent most of the day with DD & Isabel yesterday. DD needed to go grocery shopping so I went with and pushed the baby carriage while she did the shopping. Isabel's face lit up when she saw me walk in the door yesterday, which lifted my spirits a little.
As to why I feel "trapped", I think it is a combination of things, but most of all I think it has to do with not working anymore. Not only did it give me purpose ($$), but also fed into my need for socialization, and selfishly, my ego. I interacted not only with my co-workers but also with most of the employees of the school district. That all ended when I fell and no longer able to work. I feel like a dog running in circles trying to chase its tail. I need to get out and do things, see people, but I don't feel like going out and doing them. I just want to stay home. So I guess in essence I am trapping myself, does that make any sense? The thing is that I know I am blessed with my family, health, and not worried about putting food on the table, yet it doesn't seem to pull me out of my self made "trap". I ought to be ashamed of myself because I look around and see so many who have lost so much.
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Post by GG on Oct 7, 2021 14:21:03 GMT
Hi girls. Instead of line dancing yesterday, I ended up spending time with Rylee. She went for her 4 year check up and had to get 3 shots. She didn’t feel good Weds morning. But Motrin and Grandma helped! We went to the park, and she ended up playing with 2 other 4 year old girls. They were so cute! Then we went home and had lunch and took a nap. Then played outside at her house. It was a great day! Then had choir. Today I practice bells at 11 then might go to the Y. Tonight is Bible study. I can’t believe it’s Thursday already!
I need to get ready, but wanted to say to Liz: You have been through so much in such a short time! The fall, the pandemic, retirement, your husbands illness. So many transitions! You do need social activities, but I totally get not wanting them! That sounds a bit like depression too! My advice would be to not listen to the news and find one thing you might like to do. Have you gone back to church since the pandemic? There’s always comfort there. I have discovered that DH is turning into an angry, angrier, man. All he does is react to the news world. He’s filling himself with stress and I’m filling myself with fun and Gods word. What a difference! Hugs my friend!
Murphy: Be careful. Those moody days alone aren’t good for you! I’ll try to be in touch later today or tomorrow!
Waving to the rest of you! It’s time to ring those bells! 🔔🎶
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Post by amyj on Oct 7, 2021 14:24:46 GMT
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Post by amyj on Oct 7, 2021 14:48:26 GMT
How will you love yourself today?
Move More Accountability: 4, walked at the lake and Walmart, laps in basement, 250 steps 7/8 hours, 13,000+ steps, 16 FP, counter push ups and stretching
Sleep Accountability: 3, trouble falling asleep, stayed in bed past 7 this morning
Nutrition Accountability: 3, 28/23, only one cookie
Journal Accountability: 4, continuing online journal
Happiness Accountability: 4, enjoyed the day, watched a Hallmark movie, stitched, read before bed
Habit Accountability: 5, drinking more water than Diet Coke
Check in Daily Accountability: 5, I'm here!
Time Management Accountability: 3, not sure what I did yesterday, other than some work in the garden, a lot of couch time
Number Of Days AF (mostly alcohol free since August 16, 2006): 5528; ANIM: 1 (021221)
What are you going to be for Halloween? Hopefully a better, fitter version of me, although I like Cathy's magical fairy queen idea!
September 5: 175.2
September 12: 174
September 19: 173.2
September 26: 174.6
October 3: 173.6
October 10:
October 17:
October 24:
October 31/Final weigh in:
Happy Halloween! and congrats to your new self!
I got up too late this morning to do anything other than start the thread.
Yesterday we walked at the lake and stopped at Walmart for some odds and ends. I bought orange and purple mini lights to decorate the bushes in front for Halloween. I brought up one tote of decorations from the basement, but didn't get anything out. We had a rep from a concrete levelling company come out to assess the pad outside the basement door that has dirt eroding out from under. He said it was too small a job for their company to take on, but had some suggestions on how to fix it. After he left, I puttered in the garden a little and had DH help me construct a hoop structure to hold mesh fabric to cover the broccoli plants which are being nibbled on by some varmint or other. That was pretty much the end of my productivity for the day. We got pizza from a food truck for dinner, part laziness, part something we know DD will eat.
Only a few sprinkles yesterday, today is mostly sunny with a chance of showers. The education modules were for work and don't have continuing education units I need for my RN license. I'll need to get going on those in the new year, my license is due for renewal in April.
Jan- WTG getting yours steps, AF. Hope the fireplace insert job goes quickly, ours took less than an hour, but we already had the gas starter. Sounds like a good idea to take snacks when you are out and about.
Cindy- GL with the plumbers, gutters, french drain. I kind of like the rain too, maybe b/c it's an excuse to be lazy.
Murphy- You sound perky today. Sorry the rain gets you down. My remote connection to my work computer seems to be working fine now.
Cathy- WTG for healthy OP eating. It's good that your nephew can be there to help after your sister's surgery.
Liz- So sweet that Isabel's face lit up when she saw you! Maybe it would help to make a list of the things you are grateful for and plan on doing at least one fun thing every week, just for you. I understand the trapped feeling. I know I had similar feelings the last few years before I retired, the job required so many hours just to keep up, I didn't feel like I could take time off or have time for much else besides, working, eating, sleeping. I like being a homebody, but am envious when I see others post on FB about their adventures. There's no reason why I can't plan to do fun stuff too!
GG- Yay for the great time with Rylee. Ring those bells!
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Post by amyj on Oct 7, 2021 14:49:52 GMT
Word of the Day
gallivant
[ GAL-UH-VANT ]
Part of Speech verb
Origin + Etymology
perhaps an alteration of gallant
Synonyms
cruise, jaunt, meander, wander
Antonyms
stay, behave
Definition
to wander about, seeking pleasure or diversion; gad
Example
She quit her job to go gallivanting around Europe for a few months.
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Post by amyj on Oct 7, 2021 14:54:08 GMT
Why did the clock get removed from the library?
Because it tocked too much.
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Post by murphy1288 on Oct 7, 2021 17:24:04 GMT
In spite of the weather forecast being for rain all afternoon, the sun is shining and the sky is so blue! That perks me up considerably! I have all my chores checked off my to do list for the day. I'm going to open the front door and pull open the curtains and enjoy the sun for as long as I can!
Liz - I totally understand getting into the habit of staying home so much. That is so precious that Isabel lit up when she saw you!
GG - so glad you had a good time with Rylee!
Amy - I am glad that I'm through with CEUs! Did I tell you that I officially "retired" my social work license? I have to admit that it did feel a bit strange!
Think I'll work on some of my word search puzzles. Everyone enjoy the rest of your day!
Murphy
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Post by lizmawmn on Oct 7, 2021 17:57:58 GMT
Amy~ Do you remember the name of that yarn store you happened to drop into maybe a month or so ago. I know they had an online site, but I forgot the name of it.
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Post by tatermom on Oct 7, 2021 20:17:45 GMT
HI all. Just back from the cabin, took them about 2 hours to get the insert in and it looks great. Of course one project always leads to another for me. I can't plug in the cord that runs the fan because the outlet is so old it won't take a 3 prong plug and I know it's probaly not up to code so I don't want to just add an extension cord. Another "job" for next summer. I'm exhausted from not sleeping well, getting up at 5 and driving both ways. Looks like pizza at our house for dinner too. Will get back on posting tomorrow. Hugs to all. Jan
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Post by cindy on Oct 8, 2021 3:00:00 GMT
Hi All!
Seems that summer decided to return and we were back in the nineties! It is hard to believe we are in October. Still haven't gotten any Halloween decorations out and hope to do that in the next few days. Fingers crossed that a date can be set for gutter installation.
I worked on the garden area where the bushes are coming back. The ground just never dries out in that area and I need to get back to drilling holes into the ground to break up some clay and also planting bulbs in other garden areas.
Murphy, that was an early wake up! Congrats on so much productivity! Glad that the sunshine came through and it perked you up!
Jan, Glad that the insert is in and looks great! One project always seems to lead to another. I hope you can get a good night sleep.
Pizza is always good!
GG, always a good choice to spend time with Rylee. You are really keeping busy with fun activities! Enjoy ringing the bells!
Amy, do the kids trick or treat in your neighborhood? We have very few kids come but still buy some candy. The lights sound fun! Glad you got some suggestions on how to fix the erosion.
Cathy, sounds like your sister has a great support system.
Carole, thinking of you!
Liz, I love that Isabel's face lit up when she saw you! What you said does make sense. I love staying home and I am always in the midst of clearing out stuff...working at it slowly, so I have an excuse. Be kind to yourself! Hugs.
Thinking an early bedtime is in order. Making a list of stuff I would like to accomplish tomorrow and may venture out into the world.
Don't want to rush it!
Hugs to all, Cindy
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Post by cathygeha on Oct 8, 2021 9:18:00 GMT
Nutrition Accountability: ✔️ healthy OP eating NEW week begins Monday Journal Accountability: ✔️ tracked every BLT Happiness Accountability: ✔️ as happy as I can be - it is my choice to focus on the positive Habit Accountability: ✔️ Check in Daily Accountability: ✔️ I am here Time Management Accountability: ✔️ getting things done on time  What are you going to be for Halloween? 🧚‍♀️ I want to be a magical fairy queen for Halloween If not that...at least my best self! September 5: 159.4 September 12: 158.2 September 19: 156.8 September 26: 158 October 3: 158.6 October 10: October 17: October 24: October 31/Final weigh in: Happy Halloween! and congrats to your new self! <157.4> day two
Nothing to really tell you. The Wednesday group has closed down for now as one woman's vaccinated friend dies of covid and she read that Pfizer vaccine after six months is only 47% effective. I wouldn't mind seeing them if we sat at a distance, wore masks (or not) and talked only but food, cards, no masks...won't do that...it was scary enough doing it a few times.
Loved reading what all of you are doing. I think that the pandemic has changed all of our lives in ways we realize and perhaps do not realize. The social aspect is pretty much gone (at least for me) and the idea that a "killer" lurks waiting to attack preys on us even after we have been vaccinated.
That said, I focus on the positive, do what I can to meet my goal of getting to goal weight, stay in touch with friends and family via internet and phone, and enjoy life as it is possible.
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