Class of March 2013 Part 40
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Join Date: Mar 2013
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Good morning Marchers 
Wow Ken, that photo shows a Key West I've never thought of -- hang on to your hat and your oars. We are in for a bucketing again here but I don't think it will be quite on the scale of yours. Does that sign say "Sloppy Joe's Bar"? Why is Joe sloppy? BTW, those cars are driving on the wrong side of the street.
Gilmer I had exactly the same reaction as you to Doc Martin -- it took me two gos. I watch very little TV but I do love the Doc and also Death in Paradise.
Have a good day peeps.
Wow Ken, that photo shows a Key West I've never thought of -- hang on to your hat and your oars. We are in for a bucketing again here but I don't think it will be quite on the scale of yours. Does that sign say "Sloppy Joe's Bar"? Why is Joe sloppy? BTW, those cars are driving on the wrong side of the street.Gilmer I had exactly the same reaction as you to Doc Martin -- it took me two gos. I watch very little TV but I do love the Doc and also Death in Paradise.
Have a good day peeps.
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Join Date: Mar 2013
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Good morning, Marcher! Hahaha, besides being a bar in KW, sloppy Joe's are a sandwich here in the States. I make them for the boys every now & then.
Things are good here. Seems like I'm very busy at the moment. I've been trying to limit my charity functions to school and church events but it's not always possible. It was important to my hubby that I attend a fancy luncheon in Palm Beach yesterday for a charity he sits on the board of. The whole day or two leading up to it I get a bit of anxiety. Social events where I'm the slightest bit uncomfortable are my main trigger. Whenever I feel that anxiety the thought that pops up that I can easily ease it with a glass of wine. That's how I used to approach these things before, I would erase the anxiety by the thought that I could drink and, therefore, wouldn't have social anxiety when I get there. I had a moment yesterday that really disturbs me. It was during those moments before the luncheon when everyone is supposed to mingle - I found myself standing there by myself at one point and felt those horrible feelings of insecurity and shyness. I came so close to just grabbing a mimosa off one of the trays being passed around by the caterers. I didn't, but oh how I wanted to. It would have been like an old security blanket. Almost like an old friend. I pictured myself taking a glass and walking down to the water by myself and feeling all the confidence in the world - not caring if I was by myself because I would have had my friend! Well, I took my Pellegrino and still walked down to the water, but feeling extremely self conscious. I survived, soon after several girls I knew walked in and even an old friend who I wasn't expecting to be there!
Ok, so I dodged that bullet, but what about the next one? I'm not sure I'm so strong guys!
Sorry, whinge over! I just hate it when I come so close to picking up a glass.
Marcher, enjoy your afternoon Saturday! Can't wait to hear all about it!
Toots, how is your neck doing??
Sass, I love how happy you sound. It sounds like you've chosen exactly the right place for you to be. How do you like the other tenants? I hope you're also able to get some alone time.
V, how are you doing? How is your dad doing?
I know I didn't get to mention everyone but I have to get everyone ready for school. But of course you're all always in my thoughts xoxo
Things are good here. Seems like I'm very busy at the moment. I've been trying to limit my charity functions to school and church events but it's not always possible. It was important to my hubby that I attend a fancy luncheon in Palm Beach yesterday for a charity he sits on the board of. The whole day or two leading up to it I get a bit of anxiety. Social events where I'm the slightest bit uncomfortable are my main trigger. Whenever I feel that anxiety the thought that pops up that I can easily ease it with a glass of wine. That's how I used to approach these things before, I would erase the anxiety by the thought that I could drink and, therefore, wouldn't have social anxiety when I get there. I had a moment yesterday that really disturbs me. It was during those moments before the luncheon when everyone is supposed to mingle - I found myself standing there by myself at one point and felt those horrible feelings of insecurity and shyness. I came so close to just grabbing a mimosa off one of the trays being passed around by the caterers. I didn't, but oh how I wanted to. It would have been like an old security blanket. Almost like an old friend. I pictured myself taking a glass and walking down to the water by myself and feeling all the confidence in the world - not caring if I was by myself because I would have had my friend! Well, I took my Pellegrino and still walked down to the water, but feeling extremely self conscious. I survived, soon after several girls I knew walked in and even an old friend who I wasn't expecting to be there!
Ok, so I dodged that bullet, but what about the next one? I'm not sure I'm so strong guys!
Sorry, whinge over! I just hate it when I come so close to picking up a glass.
Marcher, enjoy your afternoon Saturday! Can't wait to hear all about it!
Toots, how is your neck doing??
Sass, I love how happy you sound. It sounds like you've chosen exactly the right place for you to be. How do you like the other tenants? I hope you're also able to get some alone time.
V, how are you doing? How is your dad doing?
I know I didn't get to mention everyone but I have to get everyone ready for school. But of course you're all always in my thoughts xoxo
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Duff, about the urge to drink - yes, it still has a tiny bit of allure. Social anxiety can be a big trigger for some; we each have our "stuff". There are no guarantees in life and we do the very best we can. Are you feeling at risk?
And yes, I like the other residents. A nice, informal bunch. A large percentage are Mainers. I have more privacy here than anything before. People just don't knock on one's apartment door unless pre-arranged. We see others when we are out and about or call first :-)
V, where are you?
Gilmer, how are you doing?
Shoes?
Have a lovely day to all Marchers!
And yes, I like the other residents. A nice, informal bunch. A large percentage are Mainers. I have more privacy here than anything before. People just don't knock on one's apartment door unless pre-arranged. We see others when we are out and about or call first :-)
V, where are you?
Gilmer, how are you doing?
Shoes?
Have a lovely day to all Marchers!
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 6,224
Originally Posted by Duffster 
Ok, so I dodged that bullet, but what about the next one? I'm not sure I'm so strong guys!
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Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Florida
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How New England, Sass! That's how I was raised so imagine my shock when I moved to LA and my neighbors just showed up at my door - lol. I'm not a fan of drop-ins.
I think I might be at risk under certain circumstances so I'm really going to limit functions that I'm feeling iffy about. I have a fashion show next week that I love, but am going to show up late after the mingling part is over -- that's the hardest part for me. I've also been toying with checking out a daily women's meeting here in town. It's every morning at 10:30 so perfect while the kids are in school. I can't go today but hoping to tomorrow.
Thank you, Marcher!! Such uplifting friends you all are. Not sure where I'd be without you!
BTW, I had 18 months on the 28th
I think I might be at risk under certain circumstances so I'm really going to limit functions that I'm feeling iffy about. I have a fashion show next week that I love, but am going to show up late after the mingling part is over -- that's the hardest part for me. I've also been toying with checking out a daily women's meeting here in town. It's every morning at 10:30 so perfect while the kids are in school. I can't go today but hoping to tomorrow.
Thank you, Marcher!! Such uplifting friends you all are. Not sure where I'd be without you!
BTW, I had 18 months on the 28th
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Congrats on 18 months Duff
I think as long as you stay self aware and you keep making good decisions you'll be fine.
Don't doubt yourself.
To me, recovery doesn't necessarily mean never thinking of drinking again - it means having healthy responses to those fleeting crazy thoughts
D
I think as long as you stay self aware and you keep making good decisions you'll be fine.
Don't doubt yourself.
To me, recovery doesn't necessarily mean never thinking of drinking again - it means having healthy responses to those fleeting crazy thoughts
D
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Hm, thought I replied to your message, Dee but I was on my phone so not sure what happened to it.
Anyway, thank you! You're right and it's good to keep it in perspective. I remember how it was in the beginning, just trying to get through the day, hour or sometimes minute! Now I just have to navigate through those "crazy thoughts" because that's what they are - crazy!!
Anyway, thank you! You're right and it's good to keep it in perspective. I remember how it was in the beginning, just trying to get through the day, hour or sometimes minute! Now I just have to navigate through those "crazy thoughts" because that's what they are - crazy!!
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Join Date: Mar 2013
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Good morning Marchers One more sleep, one more sleep! Am I excited? You betcha, a day off from all responsibilities is rare these days. And a day of making sourdough, pickled vegetables, yoghurt, jam, butter with my dearest friend? Bliss. 
It's going to be pouring rain so I'm glad they have gumboots available for the farm walk.
Duff about a fortnight ago I was talking to a lady at an opening, she was sketching in a small sketchbook while people mingled and drank. It was a nice rough sketch of heads in a crowd, I commented and we chatted. She told me straight out that she is alcoholic and she finds the mingling of openings hard but she is an artist herself and had two friends who had work in the exhibition.
No I didn't tell her but we chatted pleasantly. Duff maybe think about that -- could you pass a plate, take photos .... you fill in the blank.
Have a good day peeps.
One more sleep, one more sleep! Am I excited? You betcha, a day off from all responsibilities is rare these days. And a day of making sourdough, pickled vegetables, yoghurt, jam, butter with my dearest friend? Bliss. It's going to be pouring rain so I'm glad they have gumboots available for the farm walk.
Duff about a fortnight ago I was talking to a lady at an opening, she was sketching in a small sketchbook while people mingled and drank. It was a nice rough sketch of heads in a crowd, I commented and we chatted. She told me straight out that she is alcoholic and she finds the mingling of openings hard but she is an artist herself and had two friends who had work in the exhibition.
No I didn't tell her but we chatted pleasantly. Duff maybe think about that -- could you pass a plate, take photos .... you fill in the blank.
Have a good day peeps.
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Join Date: Mar 2013
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Marcher, yes! Funny you should mention the finding of something to do during that uncomfortable time. I was at my friend's on Monday with a group of women I know but still felt that small talk anxiety. I think my friend noticed because she asked me to serve drinks (all non-alcohol). It turned out to be so fun because we all came up with a special drink that made me think of you guys - it was half grapefruit juice, half seltzer & garnished with a strawberry - in fancy glasses. It broke the ice & it was easier for me to have something to focus on besides standing around feeling self conscious. I think your on to something...
Have fun on Saturday - sounds like the perfect day!!!!
Have fun on Saturday - sounds like the perfect day!!!!
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Join Date: May 2012
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Duff, that sounds great :-). You have a lot of grace and creativity.
Marcher, enjoy the day off!
Toots, how is your neck?
I just checked and a week from today will be my 9 months sober. I didn't think I would make it this time but I am doing this :-)
Have a good night, Marchers!
Marcher, enjoy the day off!
Toots, how is your neck?
I just checked and a week from today will be my 9 months sober. I didn't think I would make it this time but I am doing this :-)
Have a good night, Marchers!
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11164775_10204834968927284_4237053066336193897_n.jpg This is how the main street ended up yesterday. Not as bad as it could have been.
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Holy crap, Budd! 
Congratulations on 18 months, Duff! Congratulations for getting through the luncheon!
Question: Does anybody truly enjoy mingling?
I find that the mingling time before a function is excruciatingly awkward! I try to turn aside and busy myself with getting water or coffee and helping serve hors d'oeuvres as much as I possibly can!
When I've exhausted that, I sidle up to a group and stand there, smile and nod at everything everybody says! The important thing is not necessarily to be welcomed and included, but merely to be physically standing somewhere with others and not sitting off by yourself alone!
Congratulations on 18 months, Duff! Congratulations for getting through the luncheon!
Question: Does anybody truly enjoy mingling?
I find that the mingling time before a function is excruciatingly awkward! I try to turn aside and busy myself with getting water or coffee and helping serve hors d'oeuvres as much as I possibly can!
When I've exhausted that, I sidle up to a group and stand there, smile and nod at everything everybody says! The important thing is not necessarily to be welcomed and included, but merely to be physically standing somewhere with others and not sitting off by yourself alone!
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Omg, Budd! Is your home affected?
Gilmer, you just described me at social functions! I'm ok one-on-one but groups are not easy. It's more survivable for me than it used to be but still not comfortable.
Off to a group trip to an art museum today - my first such at the old folks home.
Duff, I don't think I congratulated you on 18 months sober! Awesome and way to go
Gilmer, you just described me at social functions! I'm ok one-on-one but groups are not easy. It's more survivable for me than it used to be but still not comfortable.
Off to a group trip to an art museum today - my first such at the old folks home.
Duff, I don't think I congratulated you on 18 months sober! Awesome and way to go
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Thank you all for the congrats! There certainly was a time I didn't think I'd make it this far.
Thanks for that, Gilmer. I find when I start to feel shy it snowballs and I often end up off to the side by myself (ouch). At times like that I wish I had a shell to hide in like Jr.!
Oh my gosh, Ken! We got a lot of rain but nothing like that! It's nice and sunny up here today, hope it is down south too?
Thanks for that, Gilmer. I find when I start to feel shy it snowballs and I often end up off to the side by myself (ouch). At times like that I wish I had a shell to hide in like Jr.!
Oh my gosh, Ken! We got a lot of rain but nothing like that! It's nice and sunny up here today, hope it is down south too?
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Congratulations Duff and well done on managing the luncheon. I am a terrible socialiser, more of a trainee hermit!
Thanks for asking, those who did, my neck is much improved the last 24 hours, dialled back the painkillers and now it is just like a cricked neck. That too hopefully will go over the next day or two.
We are going away next weekend for a week to Portugal ( sorry Marcher I really am not trying to rub it in!) and I need to pack this weekend as hubby will be driving down in the car on Tuesday, and I will travel to London on Friday to meet up with him. We fly out of Heathrow on Saturday morning. So I need to organise my clothes and see if I need to buy anything else. Molly gets a short holiday with our dog sitter who spoil her silly as does her 16 year old son.
Marcher enjoy the day tomorrow ( today??) I hate time travel sometimes!! You deserve a wonderful day.
Sass I hope summer comes soon to you, I think you deserve a little regular warmth!
Budd, do you have a canoe? Do Jez and Max have Minnie life jackets??
Hugs all
Thanks for asking, those who did, my neck is much improved the last 24 hours, dialled back the painkillers and now it is just like a cricked neck. That too hopefully will go over the next day or two.
We are going away next weekend for a week to Portugal ( sorry Marcher I really am not trying to rub it in!) and I need to pack this weekend as hubby will be driving down in the car on Tuesday, and I will travel to London on Friday to meet up with him. We fly out of Heathrow on Saturday morning. So I need to organise my clothes and see if I need to buy anything else. Molly gets a short holiday with our dog sitter who spoil her silly as does her 16 year old son.
Marcher enjoy the day tomorrow ( today??) I hate time travel sometimes!! You deserve a wonderful day.
Sass I hope summer comes soon to you, I think you deserve a little regular warmth!
Budd, do you have a canoe? Do Jez and Max have Minnie life jackets??
Hugs all
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Originally Posted by tootsl1
Budd, do you have a canoe? Do Jez and Max have Minnie life jackets??
Hugs all
Hugs all
Budd, is this you mother or an ex-wife?
Products ? Mrs. Budd's Chicken Pies
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Toots, I hope your neck continues to improve and especially hope that you have a totally delightful time in Portugal!
I had an interesting day - went on my first bus trip to a museum from the old folks place. I think I've mentioned that the people here are really nice. I still believe that but got a bit of a wake-up call. There are a couple of people who I think *might* potentially be listening to the AV. Not certain. I was sitting next to one elderly lady on the bus and she was frequently complaining about something - in this case the driver. Someone who has been here longer let slip that she was fairly certain this person is an alcoholic. This latter person has some family members who are alcoholics and said she can recognize it. If that's how we alcoholics behave when sober just for the day, I most definitely never ever ever want to drink again!
Trachey, how are you doing? Like your signature line - I've heard that "tanstaafl" is roughly" translated as "there ain't no such thing as a free lunch!"
I had an interesting day - went on my first bus trip to a museum from the old folks place. I think I've mentioned that the people here are really nice. I still believe that but got a bit of a wake-up call. There are a couple of people who I think *might* potentially be listening to the AV. Not certain. I was sitting next to one elderly lady on the bus and she was frequently complaining about something - in this case the driver. Someone who has been here longer let slip that she was fairly certain this person is an alcoholic. This latter person has some family members who are alcoholics and said she can recognize it. If that's how we alcoholics behave when sober just for the day, I most definitely never ever ever want to drink again!
Trachey, how are you doing? Like your signature line - I've heard that "tanstaafl" is roughly" translated as "there ain't no such thing as a free lunch!"
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