List Something Positive You Did Today?

[Ponder]

Depression and Procrastination are a deadly combination for me. The only way I can stop thinking negatively is by doing some things, some times. I'd really like to build a routine other than my morning and evening meds. So on that note ... it's off the computer and onto something productive I know I can get done ... Little bit by Little Bit.

Wishing you well.
Dave.

[tailspin]

Hi Dave, Thanks for starting such a positive thread. It's so easy to overlook the positives in our day because our minds are used instead to homing straight in on and clinging to the negatives (or at least mine is). The positives may be small sometimes, but they all add up and it's good to celebrate them. Thanks for creating a place here where we can do that! Hope you are having a productive day and I'll look forward to reading about it.

My positive today is that I took my Mum (who is visiting me from England right now) to get our nails done. It was just a simple thing but it was fun and frivolous and something I don't get to do with my Mum all that much because I don't see her very often.

[Ponder]

:) I got two days worth of dishes done and also some groceries. Tomorrow I hope to stack some shed stuff on the back of my utility vehicle as part of the moving process.

I am very pleased for you tailspin! I think I will go ring my mum ... it's been some time. :)

[petrified]

I spent time with my son and teenage niece and nephew. I took them all out to dinner as all the schools are shut with the teachers on strike. It was lovely spending time with them and hearing what they have been up too. Thanks for the thread :-)

[tailspin]

Hi Ponder and petrified! Good job on your positive activities!!

My positive today is that I took my Mum and our dogs to the beach and we spent a lovely couple of hours paddling in the surf and sitting in the sun and throwing the frisbee for the dogs. It was very relaxing! Having my Mum here is definitely good for me as it makes me get out and about more.

[Ponder]

Hi Guys ... I have to admit that today has been rather inactive, however to list one positive ... that would be going out to the shops with my wife and bumping into an old friend.

[tailspin]

Hi Guys ... I have to admit that today has been rather inactive, however to list one positive ... that would be going out to the shops with my wife and bumping into an old friend.

That's definitely a positive! Also, you posted that great pic of you and your dog! :)

[Ponder]

Thanks Tailspin :) ... quite right. The day has only just begun for me, but just wanted to show some gratitude. I only hope more people are able to see the benefit in looking towards the light. It's easy to talk with our eyes closed, but not quite as when just waking up. So far I was able to wake up and get our of bed with out having to orientate myself for several seconds. :D Happy that I have bee able to get onto of my timing.

Wishing you and everyone else a few moments of peace through out day if not all of it.

PS ... How's things petrified? I'm off to check the word game and make breakfast. ;)

[Hope43]

I usually procrastinate when it comes to do my paperwork and that stress me out. Today I sat in front of the computer and did almost all my reports from the last three weeks. I feel so much better.

[petrified]

Thanks Tailspin :) ... quite right. The day has only just begun for me, but just wanted to show some gratitude. I only hope more people are able to see the benefit in looking towards the light. It's easy to talk with our eyes closed, but not quite as when just waking up. So far I was able to wake up and get our of bed with out having to orientate myself for several seconds. :D Happy that I have bee able to get onto of my timing.

Wishing you and everyone else a few moments of peace through out day if not all of it.

PS ... How's things petrified? I'm off to check the word game and make breakfast. ;)

Hi dave, I'm doing ok trying to keep busy I'm pleased your having better days too. Just checked the time of your reply, our time zones must be way off lol. You were making breakfast while I was settling down to sleep. I think I have a slight addiction to the word games on here hehe :-)

[tailspin]

Hi Dave, Hannah and Hope, Good going!!! Thanks again for this thread, Dave. It really helps. Especially on a day like today when my mood is really low. Depression is bad today and everything feels like wading through treacle. Still have my Mum here visiting so forcing myself to do a few things with her, but everything feels like a huge effort. Talk about procrastinating, Hope! I am really procrastinating on something, and I know that's partly why I feel so depressed today because it's getting to the point where I can't procrastinate anymore but, equally, I just don't feel able to do this thing. Ugh!!! Anyhow, well done for doing all your paperwork, Hope!!

On a positive note, I emailed a couple of girlfriends and set up a date to go out for a meal next Wednesday at a restaurant we really like. I'll take my Mum too and I told her about it and she is looking forward to it. So even though it's not happening today, I did initiate it today, so that's going to be my positive!!

[petrified]

Hi Dave, Hannah and Hope, Good going!!! Thanks again for this thread, Dave. It really helps. Especially on a day like today when my mood is really low. Depression is bad today and everything feels like wading through treacle. Still have my Mum here visiting so forcing myself to do a few things with her, but everything feels like a huge effort. Talk about procrastinating, Hope! I am really procrastinating on something, and I know that's partly why I feel so depressed today because it's getting to the point where I can't procrastinate anymore but, equally, I just don't feel able to do this thing. Ugh!!! Anyhow, well done for doing all your paperwork, Hope!!

On a positive note, I emailed a couple of girlfriends and set up a date to go out for a meal next Wednesday at a restaurant we really like. I'll take my Mum too and I told her about it and she is looking forward to it. So even though it's not happening today, I did initiate it today, so that's going to be my positive!!

I'm sorry you had such a bad day Joanna, it's horrible feeling so down :-( it's good you have your mum there you seem like you both have a great relationship. It's great you manage it with having such the big distance between you. I suppose it makes you treasure that time you spend together all the more. Hope you have a great day on Wednesday and its something to look forward too :-)

[tailspin]

I'm sorry you had such a bad day Joanna, it's horrible feeling so down :-( it's good you have your mum there you seem like you both have a great relationship. It's great you manage it with having such the big distance between you. I suppose it makes you treasure that time you spend together all the more. Hope you have a great day on Wednesday and its something to look forward too :-)

Thank you, Hannah!!! I do really treasure the time I get to spend with my Mum. She comes to visit us once a year and she stays for 6 weeks. The only problem with that is that 6 weeks is quite a long time and I inevitably have bad periods during that time and even though my Mum knows all about my issues and she is very understanding, it's still difficult because I want to be on good form for her and on some days I just can't be and then I feel guilty, which makes it worse!! Plus, she doesn't really get it about the anxiety or the depression because she doesn't understand WHY I feel like that. She keeps telling me what a nice life I have. And I do in many ways. But still, I'm anxious and depressed a lot. Also, I haven't been back to England to visit my Mum in 6 years now (because I've developed a phobia of flying and also because I can't stand to leave my dogs, even for a short time). Even though my Mum doesn't really give me a hard time about not having been back to England in so long, she does mention it and I know she is sad that I haven't been back. So I have a lot of guilt floating around!!!

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack this nice positive thread!! It's still morning here so I haven't done anything positive yet. I will work on it and try and write a brief account of something positive I've managed to do by the end of today!

Wishing everyone else a good day! xxxx

[petrified]

Thank you, Hannah!!! I do really treasure the time I get to spend with my Mum. She comes to visit us once a year and she stays for 6 weeks. The only problem with that is that 6 weeks is quite a long time and I inevitably have bad periods during that time and even though my Mum knows all about my issues and she is very understanding, it's still difficult because I want to be on good form for her and on some days I just can't be and then I feel guilty, which makes it worse!! Plus, she doesn't really get it about the anxiety or the depression because she doesn't understand WHY I feel like that. She keeps telling me what a nice life I have. And I do in many ways. But still, I'm anxious and depressed a lot. Also, I haven't been back to England to visit my Mum in 6 years now (because I've developed a phobia of flying and also because I can't stand to leave my dogs, even for a short time). Even though Mum doesn't really give me a hard time about not having been back to England in so long, she does mention it and I know she is sad that I haven't been back. So I have a lot of guilt floating around!!!

Sorry, didn't mean to hijack this nice positive thread!! It's still morning here so I haven't done anything positive yet. I will work on it and try and write a brief account of something positive I've managed to do by the end of today!

Wishing everyone else a good day! xxxx

Well I've had a jam packed day of being a football mam and my sons personal chauffeur. But I had a nice chat with the mams at dancing as there competition is coming up in November and its all exciting. They are going to regain there title as uk national street cheer champions I no already hehe.

Hi Joanna, I can understand how you feel six weeks is a long time to put a front on. I think even people without anxiety would struggle there. I think our depression and anxiety makes us feel if we aren't happy and upbeat all the time it's the worst thing in the world. I understand why you feel guilty not visiting home but perhaps you can make that a goal for the future. Your mum does sound like a lovely lady and supportive in her own way. I'm sure she truly understands why going home would be difficult for you. My dogs like my baby I hate leaving him too lol. Hope you have a great day today and you've always got Wednesday to look forward too :-)

[Ponder]

Hi guys. Can I start suing your names too. Otherwise I will get confused. :)
No prob Tailspin .... Talk about whatever makes you feel better. I try to respect the OP, however if the spin heads in a different direction ... then so be it, if such helps people connect. Well that's how I feel about, although one should expect the occasional jolt from others less understanding and or rightly so. I don't know.

I just hope things work out well for both you and your mum. Tall order from the perspective you give, but none the less, you sound like a real trooper to me, as does your mum.

Hi pertified ...... busy busy busy ... Nice to meet another taxi driver ... lol hope all is well.

Hi Hope ... I know how that can feel ... I try to remind myself how great it feels to get the work out of the way. Thanks heaps for sharing that! It really helps me to keep focused. So far, tailspins post about her mum, have promted me to call mine and pertified reminds me a lot about keep moving ... now you have helped me remember what it is like to get the work out of the way.

http://i121.photobucket.com/albums/o223/runawise/Emoticons/Thank%20you/N1Thanks07.gif (http://media.photobucket.com/user/runawise/media/Emoticons/Thank%20you/N1Thanks07.gif.html) Hope. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/smile/fake-smile-smiley-emoticon.gif (http://www.sherv.net/emoticons.html)

[tailspin]

Thanks for the kind words and support, Dave and Hannah!

Glad you had a good and busy day, Hannah!

Went to the Farmer's Market earlier and then on for a nice dog walk with my Mum, my husband and the dogs. My mood is still really low but it definitely helps to get out and about. And to come here too, of course!!

Thanks again!

Joanna

[prettygreeneyes]

Hey guys!

Even though most days I just wana curl up in bed all day being a mum to 2 children one who's 7 one who's 3 a step son aged 3 and 2 Labradors one who's 8 and one we rescued not long back who's now 1 it always gives me something to get up for! Walking the dogs alone for an hour in the morning helps me clear me head (if only for a little while!) especially now it's getting cold! We are trying to train the puppy after almost a year of him being able to do what he wants lol! When he finally learns a command it gives me satisfaction I've done something fantastic by rescuing him when someone else couldn't be bothered! Most weekends weather permitting in the good old uk we take the kids for a walk round lakes and fees the ducks.

When I write it down I can see how lucky I am but when I think about it I feel like I have nothing or the world is against me!

Without my dysfunctional family of daft dogs and crazy kids id probably be a million times worse.....I should remember this everyday!

Really hope you all find something positive to pick you up today :)

[Ponder]

LOL Prettygreeneyes .... Thanks for joining us. That's inspiring about your walking. I do much prefer winter myself. Best of luck with the puppy training.

Today I got rid of my stuff we do not need to help lighten the load when we move in the coming months. After that I got a bit creative in photoshop and later came across an interesting Peom to match it. I was really taken back that the poem was written over two hundred years ago!

If may show:


http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7305/10376311513_a24a7c4d87_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/10376311513/)
The World with Us (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/10376311513/) by L_Plate_Dave (http://www.flickr.com/people/71988794@N08/), on Flickr


The world is too much with us; late and soon,
Getting and spending, we lay waste our powers;—
Little we see in Nature that is ours;
We have given our hearts away, a sordid boon!
This Sea that bares her bosom to the moon;
The winds that will be howling at all hours,
And are up-gathered now like sleeping flowers;
For this, for everything, we are out of tune;
It moves us not. Great God! I’d rather be
A Pagan suckled in a creed outworn;
So might I, standing on this pleasant lea,
Have glimpses that would make me less forlorn;
Have sight of Proteus rising from the sea;
Or hear old Triton blow his wreathèd horn.

By William Wordsworth


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_World_Is_Too_Much_with_Us
__________________________________________________ _______________________

I like photography and you can see that at my flikr account there, but I am really having fun with pictures and words of late. I'd really like to learn more about Poetry, but struggle with taking things in. I've also got to polish up on my photo shop skills, but it's all coming in to place. Today's effort has really helped me get more of a grasp on many things that have been spinning in my head for some time. I realize the poem may be conflicting for some beliefs and also appear somewhat depressive ... but its not. If anything It helps one to see the conflict that many of us struggle with ... especially finding balance. For me Disconnecting is not such a bad thing and often misunderstood when I raise the subject. I believe this picture shows my context well. Again, my friend when we go camping struggles very much when he has no cellphone or internet signal. I can really see the tension in him begin to grow. I like how the girl is practicing there some much needed mediation free from distraction, whilst yet surrounded by a world that yearns to be plugged in.

It's hard for me to explain and I don't want to go on any longer then I always do ... The picture is busy, but so too are most people more than they like to admit.

So that's if for me today. I found and interesting Poet I'm now reading about and feel kind of pleased that people way back then also felt like me.
__________________________________________

Hope others had a good day to, if not ... feel free to share that too.

[prettygreeneyes]

I think it's lovely to connect with something or someone.....it was a lovely poem as well......I don't mind cold frosty sunny morning's I just don't like the wind and rain we seem to be having!

We are going for a walk round the lake complete with wellies just to get some fresh air!

Really hope you have a lovely day :)

[petrified]

Hi everyone, hope everyone is having a great day. My positive from today is that I went to watch my son play football (I even drove there hehe). Even though he got beat 9-1 I didn't panic as I usually do and I enjoyed catching up with all the parents. We are planning taking them all on a mini holiday after the season finishes, which is something to look forward too. :-)

[tailspin]

That's great prettygreeneyes, Dave and Hannah!

I love the sound of your dogs, prettygreeneyes! We have 4 rescue dogs and they are my world!! Walking them is the best thing I do every day! Good luck with your puppy! I expect your older doggie will be able to teach him some tricks too! ;)

Thanks for the beautiful poem and the interesting photo, Dave! I love poetry and I enjoy photography too (though I have yet to master Photoshop!!) Really glad you are finding so much enjoyment in these things!

Really glad you had a good day watching your son playing footie and catching up with the other Mums and Dads, Hannah!

I haven't done much so far today as it's still morning here. But I did make a start on some housework and I'm going to force myself to continue with that. 4 dogs make for a lot of dog hairs!!!! When I start seeing dust bunnies in the corners, I know I can't put off the cleaning any longer!!!!

[prettygreeneyes]

Thank you :) hes getting there slowly but surely! I'm also forever hoovering up with the dog hairs everywhere.....there's always something so relaxing about walking in an open field watching dogs run around! How wonderful you have 4 dogs!

I've done my stuff for today.....we ended up feeding the ducks and picking chestnuts :) that was lovely.....lovely early night for me before school runs and nail art course tomorrow.....positive thinking!

Enjoy your day :)

[petrified]

Thanks Joanna and prettygreeneyes, as you have both given me inspiration for tomorrow. I really must start on my housework, I'm starting to think I could make a coat from all the dog hair I have lying around lol. I can imagine with 4 it must be a nightmare lol, but there worth it! Prettygreeneyes your chestnut (conker) picking sounded like great fun, and that's my plan of action after school finishes tomorrow.I'm also looking after my five year old niece tomorrow and it's something she will enjoy too. Thanks again for the inspiration and I hope you both enjoy the rest of your day :-)

[Ponder]

Positive ... Gave my wife a massage. Went to the park with my friend and played with his little kids. I become the owner of a Compound Bow, after my Son mistakenly ordered a right hand bow instead of a left hand. He said I could have it as a present, but it counts as one for the next five years. ... Perhaps a real positive not in the future may actually be to go out and use it at Archery range ... but that is kind of scary thinking about that atm. None the less that's three positives ... despite feeling in quite a rut today.

Best Wishes to all.

[prettygreeneyes]

Today I woke up feeling pretty rubbish....took kids to school and grabbed a quick hour in bed to get rid of the migraine before it took hold! I feel a lot better and I'm ready to go to my nail art course this afternoon! I have always had an interest in nails and now the school my children attend have been running an afternoon course with a crèche for younger children for free! I went last week and suprised myself on how much I enjoyed it and how relaxing it was! So I'm off again today :) they are running a variety of afternoon courses throughout the year and I intend on attending the creative sided ones! now my youngest is almost ready for full time school next year it's time for me to make something of my life to make my kids and my supportive partner proud of me......

Today I am determined to realise what I have got instead of what I haven't got.....despite the rain that's decided to take hold I will smile today!

Thanks for this thread it's helped me realise a lot just through writing things down!

Have a lovely day everyone

[tailspin]

Hi everyone! Nice you gave your wife a massage, Dave! And got a gift from you son! Prettygreeneyes, I love the sound of your nail art class! I like getting pedicures (I'm not patient enough to have a manicure!!) and the nail lady usually does a beautiful design on my big toes! It's amazing what can be done! Really glad you are enjoying the class!!

I've been feeling really depressed the last few days and today started off really badly. I just wanted to hide under my bed all day and doing anything, especially making friendly conversation, felt like the most enormous effort. I hate feeling like this so much. Especially because my Mum is here visiting and I need to do things with her. Today I started getting irritated with her because I was just so exhausted and didn't have anything to give. But then I felt even worse afterwards. Anyhow, then I was just really honest with her about how bad I was feeling. And that actually helped a lot. Even though she doesn't have depression herself, so she doesn't know first hand what it feels like, she does try to understand. And it just helped to be honest with her about how I'm feeling. And that made me feel a bit better! So that was my positive today: Being honest about how bad I'm feeling to people who I care about and who care about me!

Wishing everyone well. And really hope to see you again very soon, Hannah!!! xxxxx

[prettygreeneyes]

Ok so today I finally went to doctors and have been prescribed anti depressants and referral to a counsellor.....then this afternoon we had parents evening.....I'm absolutely bursting with pride of my daughters achievements!!! She's mature and articulate, and extremely clever.....apart from talking to much she's pretty much perfect....if that's not a positive thing to experience today I don't know what is! All that hard work has paid off 😊 so happy!!!!

Hope everyone else has had a fantastic positive day!!

[tailspin]

Ok so today I finally went to doctors and have been prescribed anti depressants and referral to a counsellor.....then this afternoon we had parents evening.....I'm absolutely bursting with pride of my daughters achievements!!! She's mature and articulate, and extremely clever.....apart from talking to much she's pretty much perfect....if that's not a positive thing to experience today I don't know what is! All that hard work has paid off �� so happy!!!!

Hope everyone else has had a fantastic positive day!!

Hi prettygreeneyes! That's great you've been referred for counseling. Really hope the anti-depressants help too! Yay to your daughter! Sounds like a very good day all round! Wishing you many more of the same!!

[prettygreeneyes]

Thank you :) very proud mum today! Fingers crossed tomorrow's all good as well! Hope you have a lovely day as well :)

[tailspin]

Thanks prettygreeneyes. I went out for a meal with some girlfriends this evening and although I wasn't looking forward to going because I've been feeling very depressed, it did me a lot of good to go and I'm very glad I did. Definitely something very positive!

Hope you are doing well!

[petrified]

Thanks prettygreeneyes. I went out for a meal with some girlfriends this evening and although I wasn't looking forward to going because I've been feeling very depressed, it did me a lot of good to go and I'm very glad I did. Definitely something very positive!

Hope you are doing well!

So pleased you went and had a great time, did your mum enjoy it?

Well today I properly started my cbt and she has decided I have gad and panic disorder rather than health anxiety. It was a very positive experience with her and helped me understand this all alot better. It's made me feel really positive also because I really think it's going to help.
I'm pleased everyone is still finding their daily positives :-)

[tailspin]

Yay!! So happy to see you again, Hannah!! That is my positive today: Hannah is back!! :) Welcome back!! And so happy to hear that you had such a positive experience at CBT today. That is great news!

Thanks for asking about last night and my Mum! She did really enjoy it. She had met these particular friends of mine before so she knew everyone. Unfortunately I woke up in the night feeling really sick and had a bad upset stomach (sorry, TMI!) I then started really panicking that I had food poisoning. It took me quite a while to calm myself down. Luckily I was able to go back to sleep eventually, but I feel shattered today and really down, and I still feel a bit queasy and generally under the weather. My Mum was fine and so were my friends, and we all ate something quite similar (since we all shared each other's dishes), so I really don't think it was food poisoning. It's just I'm so bummed that, even when I do something positive like going out with friends, I then end up paying for it. Sorry to throw a pity party!! I'm feeling very sorry for myself today!! Hopefully I'll get a better night's sleep tonight and will feel better again tomorrow.

On a more positive note, I got my hair cut today and my Mum got her hair done too. Something positive anyway!!

Hugs and positive thoughts to all!

[prettygreeneyes]

Really glad you finding help in cbt.....fingers crossed it helps you :) I had a phone call off doctors yesterday and they booked me in to see counsellor on Wednesday :/ glad it's all getting sorted but I'm actually nervous! My positive yesterday was finding the strength to exercise even though I was knackered! Whilst walking dogs someone stopped me to say how beautiful they were :) today's positive before I even leave the house on a horrible rainy school run is that my partner is coming home for the weekend after he's been working away all week :)

Hope everyone else manages a positive day......

[Anxiousraven]

The most positive thing I did today was open up to people on here.

I still can't face the world or get out of bed but one day at a time

[prettygreeneyes]

It's a step in the right direction.......well done :)

[tailspin]

Well done prettygreeneyes and Anxiousraven. Today I emailed my psychiatrist and told him the Lexapro doesn't seem to be working because I'm feeling so depressed. And my anxiety is still pretty high too. I said I need more help/suggestions on what to try next. Hopefully he can come up with something!

[petrified]

Yey prettygreeneyes and anxiousraven that's fab.
Joanna I'm so pleased you spoke with your phychiatrist that's definitely a step in the direction. I'm sorry your still feeling pretty down but it can only get better now I'm sure.

Struggling to find my positive today had a rubbish day, been very stressed doing alot for other people. But I had a fun evening playing cards with my two nieces and enjoyed laughing at how much of a sore loser my husband is. But my son is sleeping out tonight and I suppose I should be feeling positive about that, but I really worry when he's not here as he very rarely sleeps out. So I think tonight will be a long one :-/
Hope everyone else has an enjoyable, positive day :-)

[tailspin]

Yey prettygreeneyes and anxiousraven that's fab.
Joanna I'm so pleased you spoke with your phychiatrist that's definitely a step in the direction. I'm sorry your still feeling pretty down but it can only get better now I'm sure.

Struggling to find my positive today had a rubbish day, been very stressed doing alot for other people. But I had a fun evening playing cards with my two nieces and enjoyed laughing at how much of a sore loser my husband is. But my son is sleeping out tonight and I suppose I should be feeling positive about that, but I really worry when he's not here as he very rarely sleeps out. So I think tonight will be a long one :-/
Hope everyone else has an enjoyable, positive day :-)

Sorry you've had a rubbish day, Hannah. Hugs to you!! Glad you had some fun this evening. Hope your son has a fun time at his sleepover and that he is back home again safely tomorrow full of tales about the good time he has had!

So not long after I sent the email to my psychiatrist I received an automated response telling me that he is away until November 25th!!! I don't know whether to just suck it up and wait, or whether to start all over again with a new psychiatrist. Mainly though, I don't even know what other medication to ask for since I've already tried most of them.

On a positive note, I went shopping with my my Mum this afternoon and I bought her a fun necklace with green glass beads (she was looking for something green) and I bought myself a chunky bracelet with pink and purple glass beads. It's cheap and cheerful! :)

[petrified]

Hi everyone sorry I didn't update yesterday but really struggled to find my positive. But today has been good I woke up to big bunch of flowers from my hubby and he's now cooking me a lovely Sunday lunch to celebrate the fact we have been together 12 year today :-). I'm also going out for a meal with all the parents and kids from my sons football team so looking forward to that tomorrow night.
Hannah

The jewellery you bought with your mum sounds great Joanna I'm so pleased you both had fun picking it out :-)

I really hope everyone is having a positive day today :-)

[prettygreeneyes]

Really glad u found your positive today! It's awful when you have a bad day....today for me started out bad, I've been put on mertazapine.....mornings are awful I'm so groggy! But once I've come round it manages my anxiety.

Today my positive was going out to visit my partners grandad on his barge. Considering I am terrified of water/drowning this was a huge achieving for me!! We then went out for a lovely carvery.

Hope everyone else found a positive today!

[petrified]

Hi prettygreeneyes I'm so pleased your meds seem to be working for you. A barge sounds so cool I've got a fear of water too but mines I panic I'm going to drop things in like my keys, phone, purse ect a bit weird I no lol. But well done you that's fab and carverys are delicious you can't beat one on a Sunday. Enjoy the rest of your night :-)

[prettygreeneyes]

Thank you....they help me sleep as well :) it's a bit windy today and it was a bit wobbly on there but I managed it and I managed a cup of tea as well! It was surprisingly cosy once I'd got over my irrational fear!!

I'm just about to pick my children up from their nanas ready for bath and bed and a super chill out night tonight for me :) hope you enjoy rest of your night as well :)

[petrified]

Thanks yeah there's supposed to be a storm coming tonight which I'm freaking over a little lol (there's always something though lol). I'm just looking forward to a full week without school runs lol. Simple things :-)

[tailspin]

Hi Hannah and prettygreeneyes! Happy 12th Anniversary to you and your hubby, Hannah!!! How lovely to wake up to a beautiful bunch of flowers!! And glad you're looking forward to your meal out with all the parents from your son's footie team!

Really glad your new medication is helping you, prettygreeneyes. I am actually thinking about asking my psychiatrist about Remeron (mirtazapine) since it's something I haven't tried and I need to switch to something more effective. Let us know how you are doing on it!

My positive today is that we are away with my Mum in the mountains. We have a house quite high up in a big mountain range and about 5 years ago - when my anxiety became really bad again - it started to get harder and harder for me to come here. The house is a long way from home (5 hour drive) and it's very remote (though we do have a (slow!) internet connection thankfully!!!). Anyhow, the nearest vet is at least 1.5 hour's drive away and I REALLY worry about something happening to our dogs and not being able to get veterinary care. The nearest hospital is also a long way away and that worries me too. So anyhow, it's become very difficult for me to come to this house now because my anxiety and panic tend to go through the roof and I've had some very nasty panic attacks here - not to mention actual emergencies with the dogs involving driving for miles in the middle of the night to the closest vet.

But my hubby loves coming up here and my Mum enjoys it too. So anyhow, even though I really didn't want to come, I'm here now and although my anxiety is higher, I'm doing ok. We're going home again tomorrow so it's only 2 nights. It feels good to be pushing myself to do something that makes other people happy (hubby and my Mum).

[petrified]

I'm so pleased your there and I'm sure you will have an amazing time and everything will be perfect. And perhaps when this trip goes as well as it will, it will be better when you have future trips there. It sounds amazing I bet the scenery is beautiful :-)
I hope you get a med that works for you soon and at least you have an idea of what you want to try now.
Thanks for the well wishes its been lovely today I've felt well and truly loved and I'm now going to bed a happy bunny lol.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your time there and I'm pleased your mum and hubby are having a nice time too. I'm sure seeing them happy there will bring you pleasure too. :-)

[tailspin]

I'm so pleased your there and I'm sure you will have an amazing time and everything will be perfect. And perhaps when this trip goes as well as it will, it will be better when you have future trips there. It sounds amazing I bet the scenery is beautiful :-)
I hope you get a med that works for you soon and at least you have an idea of what you want to try now.
Thanks for the well wishes its been lovely today I've felt well and truly loved and I'm now going to bed a happy bunny lol.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your time there and I'm pleased your mum and hubby are having a nice time too. I'm sure seeing them happy there will bring you pleasure too. :-)

Thank you so much, Hannah! It is definitely nice to see my hubby and my Mum happy. It is a really beautiful spot. I wish I could feel happier about being here, but at least I am here!!!!
Thanks so much again! xxxxx

[prettygreeneyes]

Well I guess we survived the storm we were supposed to have although near me it hasn't been bad at all!! My positive today Is taking kids to their friends house where they played and had dinner whilst us mums have a chat......it was nice because this mum is from the new school since we moved villages so she knows nothing about my past or what I've been through so she doesn't tip toe around me :)

Back home now to the smell of stew cooking slowly all day! One of my favourite things about colder darker nights is comfort food!!

Hope everyone has had a lovely day :)

[tailspin]

Glad you did not get hit by a storm and that you had a nice evening, prettygreeneyes!

My positive today is that I got through a couple of days in the mountains ok and I didn't have any major panic attacks and, despite some heightened anxiety, things went ok. We are heading home today (Yay!!!!) It's a long drive and it started snowing here last night so I'm keen to get going. Really wish I could enjoy things more instead of always worrying, but I'm glad I pushed myself to come up here and didn't just stay home. Also, my hubby, my Mum and the doggies had a wonderful time, which was nice to see!

Sending positive vibes to all!

[Ponder]

I have been busy cleaning, selling stuff, and down sizing for a move, quite some time away. I have also been trying to learn poetry in that time and today following exercises in a book I purchased ... wrote what looks like my first Iambic Peom. Going to make that post now.

[TrueVoiceInc]

I made my kids a yummy healthy lunch!

[petrified]

Hi everyone

Truevoiceinc your lunch sounded fab

Prettygreeneyes, yeah I survived the much anticipated storm also, my area barely had wind here lol. I'm pleased you had a lovely chat with the new mum from the school, it's lovely to just be normal with someone that hardly knows you for a little bit. I also love winter food you can't beat stews and broths with crusty bread lol.

Dave, you sound really busy at the min. I'm pleased your finding your positives :-)

Joanna, I'm so pleased your trip went well and that your hubby, mum and dogs had a fab time. Next time I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as they did. I don't envy you the snow though, it's nice for a day or two then I've usually had enough. Hope you all had a safe journey home and are feeling a little more relaxed now :-)

Well my positives are yesterday I had a lovely meal with my husband and son and my sons football team and there parents. It was to raise money to take them all to a tournament next year. We raised £181 last night. So I'm happy about that. I also had a lovely chat with my husband.
Today's positives are I made it to the metro centre with my son, his best friend and my two nieces. I managed 2 hours shopping and actually enjoyed myself trying on silly hats and things with the kids.

I hope everyone is enjoying their day today and things are positive for you all :-)

[tailspin]

Well done everyone!! Really glad you had a fun day out with your son and his friends, Hannah! And well done for raising all that money!

My positive today is that I gave my Mum a big hug and told her how much I love her and we had a good talk about some "deeper" stuff. She is leaving on Thursday. I will really miss her!!

[petrified]

Ah that's fab Joanna, I'm sure she's going to miss you whole lot too. But perhaps that chat was something you both really needed. It's lovely getting a hug from your parents no matter how old you get. I still love a cuddle from my dad. Hope you both enjoy your last few days together.
Sending you loads of hugs (((((((( )))))))))
Hannah xxxxx

[tailspin]

Ah that's fab Joanna, I'm sure she's going to miss you whole lot too. But perhaps that chat was something you both really needed. It's lovely getting a hug from your parents no matter how old you get. I still love a cuddle from my dad. Hope you both enjoy your last few days together.
Sending you loads of hugs (((((((( )))))))))
Hannah xxxxx

Thank you, Hannah!! xxxxxxxxx

[Angie 91]

This is a very good idea Dave :)
Today I got my the result of my mid term assignment at the university.
I got an A- I try so hard to be very happy. but I feel utterly guilty. I wrote my paper three hours before the deadline, my writing anxiety went crazy! I did not even sleep following 24 hours after the hand in.I feel like I should have failed some of my classmates did. If I told them what I did, dunno they would resent me, or simply not believe me. not even sure what I did. I'm sorry I'm rambling now.
It is what it is I got an A- and thats a good thing.
ok.

Best,
Angie

[petrified]

Well done angie that's amazing. You've no reason to feel guilty about anything wether it took you ten hours or ten minutes. It's your achievement be proud :-)

[petrified]

Hi everyone well I've been feeling really rubbish today and down in the dumps but managed to get out of the house and take my son to northumberlandia. I kinda feel guilty with it being the school holidays and I can't really be bothered to go anywhere but we had a fab day there and it was a lovely walk. I will put a picture on as its a fantastic place to visit. My nine year olds favourite spot of course was perched upon the boobs lol

[tailspin]

Congratulations on that A, Angie!!!!! I totally agree with Hannah (petrified) that it doesn't matter if you didn't write the paper until late. What matters is that you got it done and you got an A. Well done!!

Wow! Hannah!! I had never heard of Northumberlandia! How cool is that??? That looks really amazing!! Thanks for sharing that awesome pic. Really glad you had a good day out there. On the boobs!! LOL!!! :) I love photos and it's really nice to see bits of other people's lives! I'll try and dig out a pic of one of my dog walks!

PS: Thanks again for this thread, Dave!!

[petrified]

Thanks Joanna, we've been a few times its fab and its free so even better haha. It's a fab walk but very long or a run in my sons case as he likes to run everywhere lol. Yeah we should definitely post pics if possible it would be great to get that little insight. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words. Hope everyone is having a good day :-)

[Angie 91]

Today I read a book.
It was about a stray cat who does nightly battle to protect his adopted family.
finding pleasure in the small things heh.

Wow Hannah
Northumberlandia looks pretty! I'm happy you had a good day after all! :)
more picture posting sounds great. I'll bore you with my life in cold, windy Denmark.

Have a nice day.

[petrified]

Hi angie I love reading too I find it a great escape from the stresses of life. Your book sounded lovely. Thanks for your kind words and yeah it's fab and a good day out. Denmark sounds lovely I've never been so look forward to pics :-)

Well my positives today- I've actually been a little happier today yey lol :-)
My son was at dancing three hours this morning so I managed to catch up on some much needed housework, which is difficult during the school holidays hehe. We then spent an afternoon carving pumpkins then tonight I kept him off football training to take him trick or treating in a costume he made himself. He was a zombie school boy (it was surprisingly good). So now I'm just trying to warm up and getting cuddles to help from my hubby :-).

Hope everyone is enjoying their Halloween.

Joanna I hope your mum returning home isn't to troublesome for you and I hope she has a safe journey :-)

My hubby had to be most creative lol :-)

[Ponder]

Thank You Angie.

[tailspin]

Wow, love those carved pumpkins, Hannah! They are really cool!!!! So glad you felt good today and had fun with your son trick or treating!......................... Glad you found a good book to read, Angie. I love reading........................................... .................................................. ............................................ Hope you're having a good day, Dave!............................................. .................................................. .................................................. ................................. Well I took my Mum to the airport tonight and that was very sad. Lots of tears, mainly from me. I did have another good heart to heart with my Mum at the airport though. I was probably as honest with her about my anxiety and depression issues as I've ever been and she was very supportive and encouraged me to get more help (eg, try a different medication, perhaps consider HRT etc). So I came away feeling motivated to work on my issues. That was my positive today!

[Olive Yew]

I carved pumpkins today. :) and talked with some of the elderly folk at my mom's work. (My mom's an occupational therapist at a skilled nursing facility)

[Ponder]

Started cleaning the front shed ... touch wood.

[tailspin]

Good going, Olive and Dave!

I was productive at work today and that felt good. I help my husband in his business, doing the accounting and the website. I'm not always very disciplined about focusing on work, and that makes me feel bad. But today my positive was that I got some work done!

Sending good thoughts to all!

[petrified]

Hi everyone I'm pleased everyone is keeping busy and finding the positives.
My positive from today is I watched my sons football match, survived the parents meeting and got my son to his dancing on time. I'm feeling exhausted but so pleased I got everything done with no panic and little sleep last night. Plus my sons back to school tomorrow after a week up so I can catch up on my much needed house work.
Hope everyone's having a good day :-)

[jessy]

I did my sons project homework with him before school tomorrow.

[petrified]

That's great jessy :-)

[tailspin]

Well done for doing all those things, Hannah! What kind of dancing does your son do?

Good going, Jessy!

I had a good day yesterday. My mood was good all day and I just felt like a regular person! I didn't do anything special, just normal stuff, went to the Farmer's Market with hubby and then on for a lovely dog walk and then just pottered around at home doing some cleaning. It just felt so good to feel normal for a change! No anxiety and no depression and no feeling ill. That's all I want really!!!!!

Sending good thoughts to all!

[petrified]

That's fantastic Joanna I'm so pleased you had such a great day! It's lovely when days come along like that. The market sounds lovely :-)

My son is in a street cheer crew and they have competitions coming up 3 weeks today. They are currently uk national champions and we are travelling to Manchester then so they can hopefully regain their title of champs. Very stressful times as the week after he has to re audition for the crew again :-/. But I'm sure he will be fine he's a fab little dancer and they are all boys in his crew so he loves it even more. Sorry for rambling just a very proud mammy lol. Thanks for asking :-)

[tailspin]

That's fantastic Joanna I'm so pleased you had such a great day! It's lovely when days come along like that. The market sounds lovely :-)

My son is in a street cheer crew and they have competitions coming up 3 weeks today. They are currently uk national champions and we are travelling to Manchester then so they can hopefully regain their title of champs. Very stressful times as the week after he has to re audition for the crew again :-/. But I'm sure he will be fine he's a fab little dancer and they are all boys in his crew so he loves it even more. Sorry for rambling just a very proud mammy lol. Thanks for asking :-)

Thanks, Hannah! The dancing your son does sounds really cool! I've never actually heard of street cheer so I did a quick google search. Awesome that your son's crew are the UK national champions!!! Good luck for the Manchester competition!!!

[petrified]

Thank you :-)

[Angie 91]

I'm happy to read your posts, makes me smile.
I have had a couple of bad days. teaching teenagers when you dont feel like meeting people is awful :S I got by though.
Today I cleaned my apartment then took a walk to the ranger sation and patted their cows they had a sign proudly stateing that they were "Scottish Highland Cattle"
I'll put pics up tomorrow :)

[Dahila]

I met two of my friends, one of them I did not see for 9 years, we hit again like there was not time between:)) I had fabulous time:)

[tailspin]

That is great, Angie and Dahlia! Can't wait to see the pics of the cute cows, Angie!

Today I did quite a bit of housework (which really needed doing!!) and I went on a couple of nice hikes with the dogs and had a good chat with my Mum on Skype.

[tailspin]

Today I received an early Xmas pressie! My hubby commissioned an artist friend of his to make a small life-like woolen "doll" of one our dogs. And today it arrived in the mail! I absolutely love it! Here's a pic of the doll and then a pic of our actual doggie! It's a really good likeness. Now I want to have our other 3 dogs done too!

645 646

[Ponder]

managed to get the kitchen out of the way early in the morning and take picture of multiple possessions to pay our bills. Takes a lot of effort doing up sales. Almost have reduced ourselves to MUCH LESS ... and it feels GOOD!
edit ... just did some more cleaning up in the shed and almosssssssssst finished.

Tailspin, I am genuinely happy at your pleasurable experience upon receiving your present. My mention of my goals and my current rut may see me rather bent out of shape. I meant no disrespect ... The pressure of getting things in order for a huge move across a long distance and the means at our disposal has my house in more tension than I would like to admit. Having said that though, I am being optimistic with all the things I have to get done, and how it's getting my off the computer more and more. The part about reducing so much waste and making a few dollars doing it ... is both rewarding and the felling of getting around without such a load of "things" ... is really refreshing. :)

.... amongst the tension ... I'm just finding myself at the moment. ...

Wishing you well tailspin
Dave.

[Dahila]

Tailspin it is fantastic. I love it.
Like Ponder said when people get older they do not want to collect anything anymore. I love books but on my shelf are only the ones, they teach something. The novels I take from library. I am getting rid of staff then i collect even more clatter. I started a new hobby which hopefully can be joined with making a few bucks. :)) Computer is taking time too.... :))
Yesterday I made the best antiwrinkle lotion I ever had. Success. I would never afford that kind of lotion bought in store. I would be 50 ml close to a hundred dollar :)) I am happy about it. Of course I got like 150 ml of that.

[prettygreeneyes]

I've not been on for a while had a little blip last week.....anyway I'm back and more positive than ever......I saw a spiritualist Saturday who is amazing (I've seen her before she has a lovely little shop dedicated to all things spiritual) she did me a positive reading, told me things only I'd know......it was fantastic. Then yesterday I did a course on making bath bombs! It was lovely learning all about essential oils, it's an 8 week course and we are doing soaps next week. I think it might turn into a little part time venture.

Hoping everyone else has been ok and still finding the positive in things :)

[petrified]

Hi everyone

Joanna how cute is your dog? Your doll is so realistic, what a lovely present :-) I'm not surprised it cheered your day up :-)

Dave you sound really busy and I bet it's really fulfilling getting all your things sold or ready to sell. Well done you, you sound like you are really making progress :-)

Dahlia your anti wrinkle cream sounds fab you should start selling it. You will make a fortune on here, I'm sure we've all got a few wrinkles caused by all our stresses and anxiety lol. I no I have :-)

Prettygreeneyes, your course sounds great and it's lovely to learn things like that its a fab idea for Xmas coming up. I think people appreciate home made gifts all the more after all the hard work put into making them :-)

Well my positive from today is I've been having really bad anxiety symptoms, but I've been working through them and haven't once thought I was going to die lol. I'm still feeling shaky and having palps, which aren't nice but I'm working through it and recognising its anxiety and that I'm not on deaths door lol. My cbt seems to be really helping I'm back there on Thursday.
Hope everyone has a great day :-)

[petrified]

Oh and just back from the local bonfire and fireworks, freezing now and tired but had fun :-)

[tailspin]

Thanks guys!

Love the bonfire pics, Hannah! They are awesome! Also, so glad to hear that the CBT is helping and that you're managing to keep the anxiety symptoms in their place and not react to them!! That is wonderful!

Dave, I didn't know you were planning a big move. That must be incredibly stressful. I find that just packing a few things to go away for the weekend stresses me out. Let alone packing everything up for a big move. It's very good to hear that you are selling some stuff and making some extra cash that way. And I agree that getting rid of some of the excess clutter we all inevitably accumulate can feel very liberating. Also, I can see how you would be really busy right now and how that could help in some ways. I really hope it all goes as smoothly as possible, Dave!

Dahlia, congratulations on the home-made anti-wrinkle cream!! I could use some of that!!! I could use some of those bath bombs too, prettygreeneyes!!! Must be lots of fun making those things! I bet you'd do well selling them too (and Dahlia the anti-wrinkle cream!)

Hope everyone is doing ok today!

[Dahila]

Prettygreeneyes I envy you, I think I should find some kind of course for myself, can you share some of the things you do?

[Ponder]

I'd also like to know more as well pretty green eyes. Of both the spiritualist and the thinking on little ventures. My wife has a little venture going by means of shifting for another company Via Ebay ... however Ebay is getting a little harder to make ends meat out of. We are currently thinking of things we could possibly sell at the markets. Needs to be easy to setup though - getting in and out without all the fuss makes less demanding. Done it a few times before. Going overboard with products that require policing and LOTS of nick knacks can be frustrating. I think marketing one easy type of [product is best ... and home made stuff like your talking about usually does well. You might even be able to soucre out cheap items to accompany what you make at home like goats soap or similarly stuff like that ... depends whats selling. Having said that though ... it's hard to corner the market in something original these days ... however If your interested, I'll sing out if we can think of any such new and inspirational ideas.

Today I got a LOT done! :)

[prettygreeneyes]

Hey guys thanks for the interest in my quirky side :) I've always been into spiritual things......I'd also always wanted a reading doing so after my dad died I bit the bullet and went to one who was recommended......she basically sat down on the floor and started talking! She knew only my first name, she described my grandma and grandad to a t, she described my whole depression thing and predicted the start of anxiety and stomach problems, she has both times told of my new career, apparently I'm more creative than logical, I'd just started these course's at school doing nail art at this time which to my suprise I was good at! She got onto my dad telling me nicknames of the other brothers/sister that their grandad had for them. It's all on cd. I actually sit and listen to them from time to time. First one is lovely second one was telling me of my worries and he mentioned a person who I'm not trusting, he's running rings round my mum, but it's ok because it will be sorted just not by me! I find it comforting. She also said I can speak to spirits so just don't know I can :/ I will be going again next year, she's like therapy for me
She works hard to get proof, things only i would know! And some things I have had to ask other family members about!


Bath bombs were a major success I've just ordered some bits to do some more :) but I want to look into which essential oils are best for different things like depression and so on.....I'm going to get them tested and sell them as a little side line. I can't sell them until I have them tested by a pharmacy and have a certificate. Next Monday is making soaps and lip balms. I'm going on Amazon to get an aromatherapy book to look into the oils and then start my collection. The spiritualist shop sells these :) all these courses are run free at my childrens school! They have come at just the right time. Must have my guardian angel looking out for me :) actually the spiritualist did mention a great great grandma called Annie who looks after me. That's my next project. To research my family tree!!

I'm probably waffling on now!

Hope you guys have had a positive day

[Ponder]

I find aromatherapy works well for me ... that is when my sinus is not playing up. I always loved brushing my hand over the different herbs I use to grow to set off the aromas. I used lavender and lemon balm together with great success to make a tea. I did the same with Camomile flower which worked like a relaxant, that took effect within a minute or two. I really miss not being able to grow my vegetables and herbs. It's such a shame ... always moving all the time as in Australia, there is no such thing as a long term lease ... I wish you the very best with your venture ... sounds impressive to me. Its a shame that such natural remedies are left to the elderly and sick to pass on ... perhaps a generalized statement but in the context of so many remedies being banned in Australia, I think I have a point somewhere in that. I used to love growing Comfrey. That is one of the many banned in our country. Not a hard plant to grow really.

Thanks for sharing your experience with the spiritualist. Obviously she did not pick you out of the crowed :) I am very open to things like intuition, however I can't help be skeptical due to a lot of religious brainwashing. None the less, I am actually finding a lot of healing in the people I get a genuine vibe from and doing my best to remain open makes that process all the more real to me. I don't understand the full concept of Charkras but I am able to glean much from what I learned on that. Mindfulness whilst may not be really considered spiritual, I find very much helps me to attune with other concepts by helping me tap into intuition itself ....

Again, I wish you the best ... hope you enjoy any of those courses if you decide on taking one up. No matter what one believes, I guess if it leaves people feeling positive and those around them, then that's got to be a good thing. :)

Also wishing everyone else a good evening and day.

Dave. ;)
Thanks for making me feel better -
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x30/davekyn/Daves%20Veggie%20Patch%20Updated/upperhalf.jpg (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/davekyn/media/Daves%20Veggie%20Patch%20Updated/upperhalf.jpg.html)

[Dahila]

658Ponder that a hell of garden;)) Spending time touching herbs and flowers, smelling them keep you grounded and connected.
Greeneyes.. Hm She is a medium obviously, if she can sense or even see people on the other side, A lot of people can but they never talk about it, worrying that others will not accept them. I think it is fantastic you are trying to do more for yourself.. My collection of Essential oils is growing also, I have 99 % what i needed. I love sandalwood and I have it always close to me. Just closing my eyes and smelling it, gives me incredible pleasure and it calms me down.
We should never neglect our spiritual side, I am happy you are on your path. It is going to be bumpy, but it will give you the happiness ...;)

[Dahila]

659 Decorative garlic, loved by bees:))) My garden have more or less 200 square metres, there is a lot ;)

[tailspin]

Wonderful seeing everyone's gardens! Is that a photo of your current garden, Dave? I'm really sorry you have to leave that behind. Is there a garden at your new place?

Fascinating to hear about your experiences with the spiritual healer, prettygreeneyes! Wow. I'd really like to go and see someone like that too. I once went to a psychic but it was very disappointing and I felt it was a scam. Nothing like what you describe here. So glad you had a positive experience!

On another note, I was wondering how you are getting on with Remeron (Mirtazapine), prettygreeneyes. I was thinking of switching to this medication. I know it's different for everyone, but I was just curious. I know you said you thought it was helping. Really hope it still is!

I've been feeling depressed again the last couple of days. My positive today was that I had another nice chat with my Mum on Skype.

Hope everyone is doing ok!

[Dahila]

660661
tailspin there is not many people who can tap into someone, most of them use tarot , or playing or any cards, I have years of experience in this particular subject. Look around and use your intuition, you will find someone who is right for you. I know many people who can do readings , they chose not to, they usually pay the price for helping others. Anxiety, depression and sadness. It is not easy to deal with other people problems. eh life :)
Hummingbirds and flowers help :)
I am a member of quite few forums, and this one is the easiest to upload the pictures. I love it:)

[tailspin]

Beautiful, Dahlia! Loving all the photos! I agree that flowers and hummingbirds help! I have lots of flowers in my garden and I really enjoy them. I'll dig out some pics!
Thanks for sharing!

[prettygreeneyes]

Hey guys, thanks for the interest in my beliefs, I think unfortunately there are to many people ego let you believe they can contact the spirit world and actually they prey on people who give them to many answers before they start! The wonderful thing about this woman I see is she only wants your first name in the diary and actually tells you not to speak to her before the reading and during only to give yes no answers if they are needed. It's not everyone's cup of tea but i guess that's what makes us unique :)

Mertazapine is going ok, I went to docs tues for a check up. It is helping anxiety so much but it is giving me the odd mood swing, he said to stay on it a bit longer to help it get in my system and see how I feel from there.,....sleep isn't a problem anymore either!

It's freezing today I wish I had lovely flowers in my garden still :( I'm thinking of trying a herb garden next year. Along with growing my own lavender. My daughter likes growing things and we have a lovely big garden with lots of strawberries in it.......I miss summer! I really must make more use of my garden next year.

Today I'm catching up on housework and walking the dogs after I spent most of the day yesterday taking my son to opticians to find out he has a lazy eye when he's tired so we have to be referred to hospital! That won't be fun! Then I shampooed the carpets in the house! I'm really looking forward to this weekend.....going to a tattoo convention Saturday then I have a day off being mummy Sunday as kids are off to their nanas!

Thanks again to everyone for replying to my posts and listening to me :) love hearing everyone's positive stories

[Ponder]

Hannah (If I may call you Hannah? ) I only just saw you acknowledgement about my moving now. It will be sometime in January when the time comes to making bond payments and getting the truck and spring cleaning before we leave. Because I'm no way as fit as I used to be, have no friends to help me and my wife's MS ... selling most of what we have is actually going to make things a lot easier. My wife runs many groups where people give things away, that can actually be used by others, so we have also been giving a lot of things away as well. I think we shall slow down a little bit now ... (My wife struggles very much in the heat with her illness) Trying to clean the house room by room whilst still living in it is very hard. Unfortunately will be many hours away after we leave, so coming back is just impracticable. We are very mindful about leaving the place as we came into it, however such things end up being very stressful with many having to fight to get their bonds back. It really is good to be planning so many months in advance. Thank You again for your comment Hannah. I also really loved seeing that awesome fire … flicking between the two pictures shows how high it really went.

Sorry to hear you have been down Tailspin, but glad you were able to have a chat with your mum. Since you mentioning your mum a few times, I got in contact with my mother and she was very glad to hear from me. So thanks for the sharing and encouragement I got from you.

Loving those flowers Dahlia … I really like the anatomy of the white flower. It really is amazing to see the different structures of flowers and how the little insects and birds interact. Can’t remember if you named the one climbing on the fence there … it reminds me of a huge pineapple sage bush I grew once. It is different, but the colors very similar.

Oh … the Garden I showed was at my last place before this one. I intend to make a slide show on all my veggie patches soon. I’m kind of glad I am on that topic now - if ever anything gave me a real purpose in life … it’s digging the soil and growing plants that have real meaning. Like Dahlia said, about being connected and grounded with growing things. Very true for me. I miss it Very much. That garden was the last productive thing I did, before I spiraled over two hers ago. I think I will collect all my pictures and write about how gardening made me feel … as there will be no judgment in that, but only positive things. In fact I can see many inspiring metaphors to write about with regards to the connection I had with the earth, when I played in it like so.

Hi green eyes … glad you’re sleeping well : ) … My medicine helps with too. I was going to say something about the sharks preying on others … but glad you did. Also glad you’re happy about the work you got done and you have something to look forward to on the weekend. Hope you have a lot of fun on that day as well.

Thanks for chatting with me. Look forward to sharing that slide show with a few different gardens I threw together over the years. Take care guys … and be well.
Dave.

[Dahila]

662663664665666

Dave the shrub with Hummingbird that's Honeysuckle, It took some time to get it. They are coming to red flowers. However this year I had seen maybe 5 only. I think they are dying. To much changes in nature too much of our doing. Herbicides, pesticide, drilling in the earth to get whatever we need to get, making our rivers and lakes dirty, the fish is dying....eh
The white flower is a White lilly, I am fun of lillies, I had planted about 70 but only 9 survived due to mole living and digging corridors on my rock garden. Behind the flowers I have a huge veggies beds, and two herb beds. I am making a lot of salves so this year I need to plant calendula:)) It suppose to be fun. Lavender could be planted too, yes it will. I love the garden, but lately it seems that my energy level is down. This garden helped me to quit smoking. When I started to plant the shrubs and flowers, I had to check everything on internet. Planting all this flowers took my mind of craving for ciggy. Over 5 years ago, but flowers still stay with me. I think for people like us, gardening is a blessing.
Psychics, so many liars, and frauds, feeding on people misery....
Green eyes you are surprised that she wanted only yes or no. This is the way it suppose to be. With the Tarot cards I need to hear only yes or no. I do not need to take info from client. Would not make any sense with what I do. Actually I cut down, on it lately. Good, and honest person will not ask the question. People who feed on others suffering and make incredible money on it, are the leeches in this world. Whole my life i had spiritual help from my mom. I was blessed, having her. She died with all the secrets, I did not want to learn from her. I did some get some knowledge about herbs and making something from nothing :)) yeah
I envy you so much, you have mom, Ponder and Tailspin :))
I put a few pictures from July 2013

[tailspin]

Hi everyone,

It's great the mirtazapine is helping you, prettygreeneyes. Can I ask whether it's increased your appetite? That's the one thing I'm worried about. I have read that that particular drug can cause quite intense food cravings and subsequent weight gain. It doesn't sound like that has been the case with you though, which is great.

Dave, glad you called your Mum and she was very happy to hear from you! I can't wait to see the slideshow you're putting together of all your previous veggie gardens. That sounds like a very therapeutic project. I really enjoy my flowers, but I haven't grown any veggies. Even the flowers I tend to grow in containers. The soil where we live is very lean. We have oak trees all around us and in our backyard too. And nothing much else. So I have a lot of containers for my flowers - mainly terracotta ones, but also some really big, deep boxes that my husband built for me out of redwood. Maybe next year I'll try some veggies! I do have basil and mint and rosemary growing. I love brightly colored flowers, mainly different shades of pinks and purples and a splash of yellow too.

Wonderful to see the beautiful shrubs flowering in your yard, Dahlia! I bet the hummingbirds are in heaven! I have a lot of fuchsia plants and the hummingbirds flock to them too. Love seeing the nice green lawn too! Almost reminds me of an English garden, with the lovely stone bird bath! Thanks so much for sharing the great pics! Oh, and congrats on quitting smoking!!

Here is a photo of your namesake which I planted earlier this year, Dahlia! And also a photo of a rose I planted when my Dad died back in 2008. It's in a big container, but every year it flowers beautifully. I'm so sorry for the loss of your Mom ((((((Dahlia)))))))

667 668

[TurtleJoe]

Thanks Dave.

[prettygreeneyes]

I honestly haven't felt any more hungry than usual, perhaps more inclined to kind of fancy certain foods. I stay really good in the week and have treat day at weekends just as usual. I've not gained any weight and have been on them 2 and a half weeks so far. Fingers crossed it stays the same :)

[tailspin]

I honestly haven't felt any more hungry than usual, perhaps more inclined to kind of fancy certain foods. I stay really good in the week and have treat day at weekends just as usual. I've not gained any weight and have been on them 2 and a half weeks so far. Fingers crossed it stays the same :)

That is really good to hear, prettygreeneyes!! Yay! I'm sure it will stay that way.

[Ponder]

Hi Turtle Joe :) How's things? Hope you are well. http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/word/hello-wave-smiley-emoticon.gif (http://www.sherv.net/emoticons.html)

Awesome garden Dahila! I see clearly the you really learned very much from the internet. It took me a while, but I eventually became focused on companion planting which really helped me connect in a big way. Your spacing seems to be spot on and everything is thriving so well. Thanks for sharing all that with me. Nice to see someone putting such space to work like that. Yea ... it sure can take a little effort to maintain something that large ... which is why I love herbs so much! Or any native plants that work with others in the garden. Veggies do take more time, however I will be looking into more low maintenance myself with me next attempts. Adopting a routine with little bit by little bit can be very effective. The healing aspect of growing anything for that matter ... is HIGH on my list for the next place.

Tailspin ... You take them photos' yourself. You have skill! I can almost small them.

I found a couple of interesting photos from another place before ... realates to how much ... that' when I did, I DIG This was when everyone ate my veggies. I also shared with others in the area. I would walk around to peoples houses I did not know much and ask if they wanted to organic corn, pumpkin, beans, cucumbers, tomatoes and so on. Some thought I was weird and others could not believe how much I was able to grow from my garden. unfortunately I am not sure I have pics of the sun flowers and Borage plant in full bloom. I grew some other flowering plants in that garden as well. This is before harvesting time.

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5485/10733945094_1a1c95fdaa_n.jpg
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/10733945094/)P1010086 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/10733945094/)
by L_Plate_Dave (http://www.flickr.com/people/71988794@N08/), on Flickr

http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5486/10734151623_232e9b9836.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/10734151623/)
Backyard1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/10734151623/) by L_Plate_Dave (http://www.flickr.com/people/71988794@N08/), on Flickr

[Dahila]

672thank you tailspin, your Dalias are perfect and a beautiful pic.
Dave, you are a hell of an photographer, and you do have a wonderful camera:))) Congratulation on such beautiful pics. Your gardening is very neat too. You use the mulch which I use only under zucchini and cucumbers. The rest veggies do not like to have to much water close and the soil I have is very light, so we have to water a bit every two or three days. Flowers is other story, I put mulch there and water not more often than once a week, except astilbe it likes a lot of water. Five years ago I did not have any idea what I am doing. In the years I changed my view on gardening and on the plants I like. My favorite are lilies, no doubts. They hypnotize me:))

[Dahila]

I love them dearly :)673674675

I also do this and that:))676677
I make sourdough bread, but it did not let me attach anymore files, :) next time.
I started to wonder when I have time to get anxious and depressed? It looks like my life is very busy, do u think?

[Ponder]

That's a trick question Dahila :) I guess we are only as busy as we are in that moment. Nice looking Loaves sitting on the bench there. Yea you got to watch the mulch with plants that suffer from mildew. I'll often lift the plans with a little trellising to protect cucumbers and whilst it may look like I'm not pulling the "Sugar Cane Mulch" back ... I am, it just spread really thin near the plants, (although your right, even a few bits can rot a stem) I pull it back and then wind blows a few bits back ... it's a continual process. Unfortunately I lost a lot of photos when one of my hard drives crashed ... lost years worth.

Water is hard to come by here ... Its a whole are it self. Nice harvest there! Take care guys. Thanks for the kind words Dahila.

Today ... was a quite day working on my slide show, however I did load the utility up for a dump run tomorrow. Slowly getting there. Going shopping for groceries very soon.

[Ponder]

Hi Guys ... I stayed up some to finish the slideshow so you )guys might have something to watch if you have a few spare minutes today. you might want to site down with a cuppa as there is about 100 pic. I kept them to around 200K each and only on a second interval (however will be like 4-5 with load times ... I only have the early stages of my gardens as we lost a load of photos :(

I can barely keep my eyes open ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz I wrote a little bit about how I started gardening ... just scroll down some after the show.

Take care guys .....................ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzz zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Be wll :)

SLIDE SHOW created for your entertainment. ;)

http://groundedbyplants.blogspot.com.au/

Dave.

[jessed03]

Hi Guys ... I stayed up some to finish the slideshow so you )guys might have something to watch if you have a few spare minutes today. you might want to site down with a cuppa as there is about 100 pic. I kept them to around 200K each and only on a second interval (however will be like 4-5 with load times ... I only have the early stages of my gardens as we lost a load of photos :(

I can barely keep my eyes open ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzz I wrote a little bit about how I started gardening ... just scroll down some after the show.

Take care guys .....................ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzz zzzzzzzzzzzzz

Be wll :)

SLIDE SHOW created for your entertainment. ;)

http://groundedbyplants.blogspot.com.au/

Dave.

Kudo's for the patience!! Uploading 100 pics is no small feat. Usually I end up rolling my eyes wishing it would go quicker after uploading several haha.

The tomato's brought back memories. One of the only food items we could grow in our small London garden. So satisfying when they were ripe though. Just to grow something, so good for your esteem as a person, especially when you can get a bit physical too! My mum who suffers from bad anxiety and esteem problems also finds her mood increase through gardening. You can't beat that sense of achievement and contentedness you feel when it all begins to flourish and come together.

Plus you save a fortune in vitamin D supplements ;)

I do believe man was made for the outdoors! Thanks for sharing.

[Dahila]

Ponder I am speechless. Your garden is so well organized, you must have incredible knowledge. All the veggies are beautiful, and it looks like you grow everything. It is the way to go. Instead of eating poisonous GM foods, from store, which is usually a few weeks old, you eat crunchy and sweet products. Thank you for uploading the pictures. BTW you must work full time in the garden to create something so beautiful :)

[tailspin]

Wow, Dave! I'm beyond impressed!! Your horticultural skills are something else! That is quite an operation!! Those veggies would hold their own against any of the delicious produce at our organic Farmer's Market. It's awesome that you know how to do all that. Must be so very satisfying too. Thanks so much for sharing those fantastic pictures! (PS: What was that big snake?)
Love the fresh bread and tomatoes in your pics, Dahlia!!

[Olive Yew]

This is random but i just wanted to share cuz i'm a proud mom. :P i'm a geckophile... I raise geckos... My carrot tail leopard gecko (the yellow one with black spots) is Loki and my flame crested gecko (the brown, white, yellow, and orange one) is Zuko. I love them very much and they are my pride and joy. Hopefully i'm gonna find a lady friend from Loki soon and I'll have baby leos running around :}



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[Ponder]

Olive Yew, I have seen a few geckos in my time, but only little ones ... that is the most incredible gecko I have even seen. They have the most adorable face of all the lizards. Beautiful color and patterns there. :)

Thanks guys, glad you enjoyed. The snake pic was the only one taken by someone else. I put it in, because we have LOTS of Diamond Back carpet Snakes in our Area, however they keep a LOT of poisonous snakes away. I have seen many around my sheds and felt it appropriate to set the scene was all :) In a dry area, with water, you always have to be on guard at certain times of the year ... generally they will move if not cornered.

Totally agree about the outdoors and full time job ... before I forget, I'm going to make a post about "loosing purpose in a mechanized world" but don't worry, will try to keep focused and not spiral like I typically do when contemplating. Edit - Actually, how about I change "Loosing" to "Finding" ;)

Thanks again guys, hope you all had a well rested night and or a good day ...

[Dahila]

Gecko looks so cute, the face awesome, I love that little guy already. Thank you for showing it to us:)
The regular bread, the one we bake it for over a year; Sourdough bread;))
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[Ponder]

The best thing I like about home cooked bread ... Is one or two slices leaves you feeling like you've actually eaten. Do you know what I mean? Mmmmm Mmmmmm

[Dahila]

I do:)) It takes a lot of time but the satisfaction beside taste is enormous:))
I do most of my fermented foods from scratch. Cooking from scratch. I am trying to keep away from processed food and canned food:)) Takes a lot of time though

[Ponder]

Unfortunately that is the trade off many of us make. Full credit to you! I do have a cold press which I should use more often.

Tonight I was rushing dinner and was holding the knife the wrong way and when the package gave way, the pointy end of the blade went straight up into my mouth, clipping my top side tooth and went into my gum. I wont go on about the details from there. LOL ... I had to brush my teeth and wash out with some mouth was. Not eating tonight and maybe just drinking tomorrow. will have to keep clean I guess ...

So that's my story about package food :( ... yet I can smile. So far it's still numb. wish me luck regarding infection.

POSITIVE for today ... I sustained a barrage of Hate from the family, went on to complete doing the outdoor chores for up coming inspection in a few days and of course to make exiting all the more easier. Currently cooking dinner and will clean kitchen after I let my mouth rest a bit. All in all - its good to be getting sun a little each day. Would love to start walking again as losing a few killos/lbs would be very beneficial with all the pressure of late.

Wishing you all well :)

[Dahila]

Ponder we actually do not get infection in mouth if our teeth are in good shape. I would rinse it with camomile tea 3xdaily. You could use peppermint or lemon balm too, for this reason or simply the saline solution a teaspoon of sea salt for a cup of water. That's your lesson, do not go easy , cook your food from the scratch. I think the simplest plates are the best. I make a very sophisticated :)) foods only on special occasions. I have a lot of my own preserved foods and herbs also, it helps. I need to lose at least one stone Ponder, should we go for a brisk walk? :)) have a wonderful day.

[Ponder]

yea ... my mouth healing is healing quite well thank you. The walk sounds like a plan. How about you tell me about your walk and and I'll do that same? I'll start later this afternoon. :P
No doing other hobbies along the way - just a straight walk with the intent to keep moving - ipods allowed. hehe (one step at a time I guess)

[Dahila]

I could not get to walk because it started to snow through the night and the day, but I almost crashed my car, was so slippery. Does it count? with the weather right now only the gym will save me. :))

[embrace123]

I went and did a job/run. It went great. I wanted to test my heart just because I think I have heart problems. But everything went good even tho my pulse was going crazy fast, the sound seems normal and no palpitations. Maybe my mind can accept I have no heart problems. But I know in the back it still feels there is something wrong smh

[tailspin]

Hi guys!

Cute gecko, Olive!!

Ouch to your mouth, Dave! Sorry that happened, but glad to hear it's healing! Well done for getting everything ready for your house inspection. Good luck with that! Hope you get out walking in the sun today!

Sorry you almost crashed your car, Dahlia! Very glad you are ok!! Hope you make it to the gym!

Awesome on the jogging, embrace! And very glad it put your mind at rest about your heart!

I went away for a few days with some friends. I was nervous about it and I did have some rough moments on the trip with my depression/anxiety, but overall it went very well and I had some fun! That's my positive!

[hlebhleb]

Hey,

Only read the first couple posts, but I like the idea here...hmmm, something positive I did today...I got all my work done early this evening (I usually procrastinate all night, then I don't have time to do anything but sleep)...

Something positive I've done the past two weeks: Started going to the gym for about 15 minutes every morning before work...It doesn't sound like much but it definitely has made me feel more energized and less stressed at work:)

[Dahila]

Hey it is positive I was a hair from having an accident but it did not happened. I am happy about it. Ontario is a strange place to live, we have snow storms and great lakes effect all the time. :)) Good night my friends:)) Tomorrow we are going to have another beautiful day
Hlebhleb it is a begging, 15 minutes is cool, then you will get the motivation to do it more:)) I am going to go this week I hope. My problem is I go so late to sleep that I would not get up before 9:30 then some cooking, cleaning, and it is time to get ready for work. :)

[prettygreeneyes]

Hi guys had a pretty hectic few days! We went to tattoo show Saturday, it was awesome :) storm troopers and walking zombies! Along with some amazing artists tattooing! I came away with many new ideas on my next art work and a couple of artists I will be travelling for a piece of art work by them oh and a lovely new 50's style headscarf! I then had a day off being mummy Sunday while my children spent the day with their nana! This week my golden lab who's 1 has decided to start chewing again! We rescued him and thought he had finally grown out of it! No such luck at all love him to pieces but he's testing me this week lol! My other lab who is 8 never chewed! Monday I learnt how to make soaps.......it was lovely course and I'm looking forward to the next one to hopefully learn how to make lip balms!

Hope everyone is ok? Haven't had chance to read through all the posts but I will later on :)

[Dahila]

Pretty do not be concerned it is just temporary chewing. Around one year of age they get their last molars, this is why they do chewing. The best way to give the dog relieve; a piece of frozen fabric to chew, the swelling will go down. Later one he is not going to chew anything :)) I love dogs, lab was my last dog.

[prettygreeneyes]

Thank you dahlia.....I have an 8 year old black lab and she was never really a chewer but my oh my is this one!! Il try the frozen fabric thank you for your advice! I love labs as well they are so loyal! I have a black one and a golden one.....best dogs for families :)

[Dahila]

I had one for over 12 years, she died in my arms, she could not walk anymore. I loved her so much I do not want to have another dog. You could wet the fabric with something good smelling. I was judging and breeding dogs in Europe and in Canada for well over 20 years. I went with everything the dog can do:)). My specialty is German boxer. After i lost my favorite to pancreas cancer, I got lab, black pure breed Labrador. When I compare training (I have o years of experience in this subject: dog are as smart as their owners) boxers and labradors, it is incredible. The first ones are stubborn and you need to put a lot of firm request and repeats and repeats. Labradors are like people, they are so responding, training them is a pleasure. So easy, I thought my Keyla so many tricks, people thought she understand language, never noticing my body movement, Dog did it:)) I have many passions and hobbies, too many but the dogs; breeding, training them that my first and most important passion. I love them dearly. Horses too. :)

[prettygreeneyes]

Wow that's amazing! So would you have any tips on how to train my younger one? My 8 year old black lab is a bitch and seemed to be trained in no time at all! I had her from 12 weeks old. Then we rescued rudi around April time he was 7 months old and had no training what so ever. I've tried same things as I did with Skye but he seems to be good for a while then reverts back, we can't let him off the lead because he won't come back if he's not ready to come home, Skye's trained that well I actually wouldn't have to use a lead! I refuse to give up on him! We even got him neutered but he's still as crazy! He's so loving though and we won't give up on him :) or is it the old saying you never get two dogs the same?

[Dahila]

You need to start from the beginning pretty, small steps, what is the story behind him. Was he abused, kept in cage. all the info is important
Got to go to work I will check the topic later:)

[prettygreeneyes]

Just left to do what he wanted in an extremely small garden in the day and caged in a tiny cage if they went out. They fed him so he wasn't abused they just couldn't handle him! Thank you :) have a great day!

[Ponder]

Walked for 10 minutes outside ... now have a watch to aid in living, amongst such a timely world. LONG way to go.

This makes me laugh because last night I started and like within 3 minutes in to my walk is belted sown with hard rain, which had me running home under hail stones nearing two inches thick. After I stormed through our front gate and belted out my own choice words at the top my lungs --- I could not believe how sore my heard and hands were. I actually had skin ripped off just below one of my knuckles. I had no idea just how dangerous a hail storm can be for people caught out in one.

LOL @ my pessimism of late followed up with this storm as I ventured out to begin taking back what control I could. My wife asked why I did not take cover - guess I did not feel welcome going through someones gates and also all the barking dogs people have.
Take care guys ... will try to do another 10 minutes later in the afternoon. Very unfit ... and need to do something about it so I can move when the time comes.

[Dahila]

Just left to do what he wanted in an extremely small garden in the day and caged in a tiny cage if they went out. They fed him so he wasn't abused they just couldn't handle him! Thank you :) have a great day!
People do not realize how tough is male lab. They need firm hand. My advice is to price him when he does good, forget about punishing, it is the easiest way to get awful dog. What I did was, when my girl (barker, chewer, and digger) started to chew on something, I took her attention from the thingy with that huge rope, with the knots. She loved it and she loved the yellow friesbie. After weeks of patience and keeping her occupied she got the idea, what I want. Her shelter was the open cage, she knew that in cage she is save :) It was enough for me to frown, to get her into cage. Pretty you really need to put some attention on this dog. Males do not want to learn from females, they respect the age of dog but they usually do not cooperate. When you see him trying to chew something or whatever bad behavior he shows, it that moment spray him with water. Just water, I know they like to swim. It was the only way to stop my Keyla from excessive barking. Spray, she closed her eyes hehe and the mouth. Later I did not even need the bottle, just the sign with my fingers. Try it, you will not be disappointed. The simplest things do the trick. you should upload the pics of them , please:) Avoid the cage, he does not have a good connection with the cage. There will be time for cage, when he feels save. He is a young dog and you can teach him to behave properly, which is a blessing for the owner of dogs . Oh like children every dog is different with different personality:)

[Dahila]

Ponder I answered and I accidentally deleted it, I hope your next walk is going to be more satisfying. :)

[Ponder]

All Good Dahila :) DAY 2 WALKING http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x16/monkish_12/animated/Carl_walk.gif (http://media.photobucket.com/user/monkish_12/media/animated/Carl_walk.gif.html)
Only rain this time. Made contact with New therapist in the other town I am moving too ... setting up things so I have support when I make the big move. Session went OK today.
Deciding to cook evening meals in middle of day and just have salad for night ... see how that goes.

[prettygreeneyes]

Thank you for your advice dhalia. We tried treat rewards but he got wise to them lol! He doesn't have a cage here but his first owners did use one. He's walked everyday without fail (my exercise and I love walking in open fields with my dogs!) he's a lovely dog I love both my dogs for having different personalities! It's wonderful being a dog owner.

[Dahila]

Ponder that's awesome, and it suppose to be this way , bigger meal in the middle of the day, and supper light, very light. Of course I do nothing what I should.
Pretty thank you, oh the older lady is exactly like my beloved Keyla. The male is so proud and very good looking. I bet he know that. It is really a different world dogs introduce you. You are like me, the best time is the time with dogs. I was so much into it that some people described me as the one who talks dogs. :)) Funny but I really understand dogs, and what they want. Usually to show the dog how to properly behave on leash I need like half an hour. Pretty you know that huge cage for a young dog is a really good training device. They tend to get exited easily and the cage is a good solution. My dog had her hugeeeeeeee cage for almost 12 years. I did not bring it to new house, because it did ruin the floor. She mostly slept there, except the nights which she spend in my room. I never closed the cage, and it was her choice, to go into it. When other dogs were visiting us, she let them eat or drink from her bowls but she would not let any dog to touch her cage. Rewards does not necessary means treats, reward is when you are happy. Try it. You would be surprice how they react to our happiness. I mostly use my voice and touch to reward dogs. We both get pleasure in this situation. Treats only when I was teaching them to come when I call, to my right side , around my legs and sit beside left knee, so I could easily put the leash on. Pretty I think you will know how to train him. Dogs lovers have that 7th sense. Thank you for the beautiful pictures.

[prettygreeneyes]

I'm glad u liked the pictures. I thought it would be nice to see how they look :) labs are my favourite dogs! My brother joked that il end up old with loads of dogs to keep me company lol! We will get there with him. I like walking them in any weather. Rudi loves the rain Skye loves the snow :) thank you so much for your advice I really appreciate it. He went downhill again when my partner starting working away during the week. He's stopped working away for now but I think it was separation anxiety as well. He loves me for walks and love but loves to play with my partner. We always get compliments on how they both look and it does make me a very proud lab mum :)

Today after picking my son up from nursery I decided to customise some clothes I no longer really liked. Infact it started with the fact I'm going on a girls night out next Saturday and I'm not paying for a new dress when I have loads in the wardrobe (2 kids and only half of Xmas presents bought!) I like one of or vintage pieces so I did it myself! I'm really pleased with it! It was just a plain black dress and now it looks totally different! So pleased with myself :)

[Dahila]

You should be pleased, congratulation, Pretty you are very talented. I do sawing, crocheting, knitting, gardening, paintings, cooking some exotic things, baking breads. My last passion is home made cosmetics and salves. It is preserved so it is safe. I got so much to learn though. I do this for my own pleasure of course. Creams, lotions, deos, body butters, salves, healing balms. Whole my life I wanted to do this. I was interested and I am in herbs, but never had the access to ingredients and means to do this.
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[prettygreeneyes]

Thank you I am pleased. I should learn to sew it's just not something I ever learnt. But I love re designing clothes :) I love crochet. I had some lovely hats and baby blankets when my 2 were little. They seem so much more lovely knowing someone took the time to make them :) I also have just started courses making soaps, lip balms/creams. I prefer these as I know what's in them. I can't see the pictures on my iphone. Il have to look through the laptop later on when kids are in bed. I despise waste I'd much rather reuse than throw my money away :) my dad taught me a lot on saving money

[tailspin]

Thank you for your advice dhalia. We tried treat rewards but he got wise to them lol! He doesn't have a cage here but his first owners did use one. He's walked everyday without fail (my exercise and I love walking in open fields with my dogs!) he's a lovely dog I love both my dogs for having different personalities! It's wonderful being a dog owner.

Love your dogs, PGE!!! They are gorgeous! We have 4 rescue dogs and 4 rescue cats. <3

[Ponder]

Nice looking dogs there greeneyes. I find myself attracted to the darker one with the red tag. Dahila, I forgot just how many hobbies you have ... :) ... it's good when one can go from one to the other if not doing a few at once. :)

Today I got 3 walks in ... but have a long way to go.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x30/davekyn/fatwalk3R_zps48acdc92.gif (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/davekyn/media/fatwalk3R_zps48acdc92.gif.html) I have to say although only DAY3, I'm starting to feel a little better about getting outside - regardless of my current look ... arrrrr chuckles. I really am so glad I am over that part of my life - Today I also had my dinner at lunch and will have a light salad tonight ... hopefully.

Alls good ... have fun ding whatever you guys do.
Cya.

[mike98t]

Went to work!

[Ponder]

Good for you Mike, what kind of work do you do?

[prettygreeneyes]

Thank you both :) I love my dogs so much, the darker one is the older one called Skye. I've had her since she was 12 weeks old......she's stuck by me through thick and thin! I can't imagine my house without dogs.

Today I had so many plans but my other half has decided to come down with the dreaded man flu.....(it is really just a bad cold!) and has the day off work! So today I'm going to clean the house before I pick my son up from nursery. Then go to the charity shop to find some clothes to customise I think. Then maybe sell them on for some extra cash off eBay. All before I pick my daughter up from school and sort tea out, I've also been looking into what ingredients I need to make lip balms and creams. I want to try these out ASAP. I'm also waiting on delivery of some Xmas presents (can't stand shopping in town! Far to stressful for me!) then tomorrow I go to put a deposit down on some time for my next tattoo! And maybe purchase some of her lovely customised bags or vintage things for sale :)

Have a lovely day guys! It's cold here but the sun is shining! :)

[jessed03]

Thank you both :) I love my dogs so much, the darker one is the older one called Skye. I've had her since she was 12 weeks old......she's stuck by me through thick and thin! I can't imagine my house without dogs.

Today I had so many plans but my other half has decided to come down with the dreaded man flu.....(it is really just a bad cold!) and has the day off work! So today I'm going to clean the house before I pick my son up from nursery. Then go to the charity shop to find some clothes to customise I think. Then maybe sell them on for some extra cash off eBay. All before I pick my daughter up from school and sort tea out, I've also been looking into what ingredients I need to make lip balms and creams. I want to try these out ASAP. I'm also waiting on delivery of some Xmas presents (can't stand shopping in town! Far to stressful for me!) then tomorrow I go to put a deposit down on some time for my next tattoo! And maybe purchase some of her lovely customised bags or vintage things for sale :)

Have a lovely day guys! It's cold here but the sun is shining! :)

It sounds like you have a busy day!

As someone who has also just come down with the dreaded man flu, I have to advise you that it IS indeed real, and virtually the only known remedy is complete service from the women closest to you (Mother, wife, gf etc)... Any less, and chances of recovery diminish greatly ;)

Um so yeah, I'll try do something productive today. Cleaning the house a little now, I'll probably take a walk to get some soup from one of those cafés later.

What are you gonna inked on you, have you decided?

[prettygreeneyes]

Haha I can't see me being to sympathetic!! I've made him a lemsip and a brew and I'm going to get him some soup in a minute. That's where my sympathy ends lol!

I'm not sure I have a few ideas but might let her design one for me. I do prefer that! I have one on my inner arm that needs sorting, either reworking or covering up. It's not that I don't like the tattoo coz I do it's very personal but the guy who used to do my tattoos has left it unfinished and not to his usual standard! It's safe to say we had words over it......we are lucky to know a few tattooists so I'm going to another one who's really nice and is in the middle of a sleeve on my fella. I was going to wait until his was finished but he's had a lot of time on his now so it's my turn haha :)

[Dahila]

Ponder you are making progress, keep it up. The results will show in time.
Pretty I envy you, I think about doing some classes in cosmetic and soaps but i can not find any here. I bet we have some it is city of 350thousand people. Where to look? It is long process when you learn something by yourself, it is much easier and smarter to use someone else knowledge. Pretty please show the dogs and products:))

[prettygreeneyes]

I'm really lucky that my childrens school are running these courses for free! Ive even made a couple of new friends as well :) it's definitely helped me move forward in my moods! There aren't more than 8 on this course so we get a lot of 1-1 as well. This was the cupcake soap I made on Monday

[Anxiouskat]

I went grocery shopping, ate a proper breakfast, and packed a healthy dinner for tonight at work. More challenging than you would think, but I need to feed this mean machine otherwise anxiety goes haywire and I feel sick like I was feeling this morning.

[Anxiouskat]

I'm trying to break this darn cycle, been through it before and eating healthy, or just eating at all seems to improve things in the lo g run for me

[Dahila]

Tailspin you keep it together because you own the best friends:)) Dogs help with anxiety. Pretty the soap is fantastic. I got dutch oven today with 25 years of guarantee. I wanted it for ever, today was a sale 70% so instead of 199 I paid 50 back or so;))) I am really happy. The artisan bread is going to be perfect in it:)

[tailspin]

Loving the cupcake soap, PGE! Really enjoy people's photos!

Glad you're feeling the benefits of your walks, Dave!

Well done for hanging in there at work, Mike!

Well done for going grocery shopping, Kat!

Hope you feel better soon, jessed! Can you post a pic of your walk to get soup? I really miss London!!! Whereabouts do you live? I still have my flat. It's in Battersea/Clapham. But I rent it out to cover the mortgage so I can't stay there (that's assuming I could ever actually make myself get on a plane and get to London again anyway!!)

My depression is relentless at the moment and I'm having a hard time doing anything positive. My daily dog walks are the high point of my day (which is something). Here's a cute pic of one of my dogs (I have 4).

708

[tailspin]

Tailspin you keep it together because you own the best friends:)) Dogs help with anxiety. Pretty the soap is fantastic. I got dutch oven today with 25 years of guarantee. I wanted it for ever, today was a sale 70% so instead of 199 I paid 50 back or so;))) I am really happy. The artisan bread is going to be perfect in it:)

That's awesome, Dahlia!!!

[Ponder]

Hi Anxiouskat, it sure is a battle with today's options and limitations. I too battle in the food dept. Just going to try eating the big meal in the middle of the day and walk after that as well. Wishing you the best. Thanks tailspin, going to cook up dinner early again and then go for another walk. Sorry to hear about the rut your in - I stuck it out over the least week and appreciate the encouragement I have received in here. Please do get well soon - that is one beautiful dog you have pictured there.

[Dahila]

I did not have time before work but I love your dogs, Tailspin. I love dogs more than people,,,,, They are awesome, Thanks for the pictures

[Ponder]

Hi guys - just checking in for the sake of positive reinforcement.

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x30/davekyn/walkingmanresized_zps3881939d.gif (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/davekyn/media/walkingmanresized_zps3881939d.gif.html)My walking is becoming more routine now with the 1st week out of the way. It's definitely helping the meds become more effective. I am pleased with the effort I have been putting in and the resultant attitudes I am adopting towards the medication. Although I do prefer to keep my walks mindful, I find the small amount of tension that usually builds when beginning these programs, can make my mind race and up my guard/resistance whilst out and about - for this reason I am now reverting back to a lot of my Self Help audio books and podcasts. Doing this I discovered, just how important it is for me to understand more about my Anxiety and in doing so am a little more inspired about taking control back for myself to create and move about in a world that I can call my own.

So it would appear ATM ... in this self induced program to see me more able when the time comes to move, I seem to be lifting myself out of a rut and g4etting back on track. I am not beaming and or bouncing of the walls yet, however my motivation to learn more about my journey and begin placing reality check on myself ... is looking more positive with each passing day. I am more aware of time, but only for the sake of growing in a very simple day to day structure ... focused on Basic Needs with as simple checks and balances ... other than that ... it's purely a day at a time with a goal to slowly increase my fitness and prepare for the big move - everything well being wise seems to be falling into place, that wants me to continue walking some kind of walk when we arrive at the new destination.

Just a healthy overview is all / step at a time with many questions, yet appreciating what I don't' know and accepting that. (not trying to be Zen - just a little affirmation to myself and letting others know How I am thinking is all) ... Hope others can find tools to help lift them; if they still be down in their ruts too.

Wishing you all well.
Dave.

[Dahila]

Meditation helps, that's an absolute. It teaches us acceptance and forgiveness. The problem is not to forgive others, but to forgive ourselves. we tend to be the harshest judges of our own. I know theory but in real life I fail miserably. I got the impression that you walk with ipod and the talking books. Is that right?
I am happy you are making progress, and it does not matter how big is the step. Even baby steps count. Yes, maybe I should try harder to understand anxiety and what is causing it. We know how it works physically but there is more to it.
We do not appreciate what we have, we always want more, this is one of the reason we are anxious. I always wanted to live at least for a bit in an Ashram, but maybe I should find it in myself.......Keep waking, :))

[Ponder]

Thank You Dahila, I always sense a special warmth from you. When I start a walking program, I usually go without any distractions. I found a really good book on walking meditation and healing that spoke to my heart. Because I like meditating in the things that I do as well as learning about mindfulness, I found a little strength with the walking to the end of my street when I started. My mind seems to be clearing little more and I am starting to glance a little more with passerbys and nod some with a hopeful look. From this I find some relief in my physical condition although not noticeable on the outside (although I am less bloated) ...

Now that I am walking a little faster, I feel like I can get my mindful moments from the other things I do, like now for instance ... Talking to you feels easy and not so hard, my mind feels free like that ... The listening to my audio books whilst out walking, feels like a good opportunity as I can now understand a little more of the tuition I am receiving through it, because of the clarity my walking seem to be giving me - my heart is slowly starting to open up a little more to words of hope and wisdom. That's why I like listening to you. :) ... I don't always go with an ipod ... I seem to have outgrown my music of old ... the tuition I seek with self help is mostly meditation and understanding my emotions ...

To answer more pricey though, I generally take the ipod to relax, not to "pump myself up" those days I like to think are over - I don't take the ipod when I am feeling more peaceful and not many people are about ... when it's easier to smell the trees and hear only the nature sounds ... taking the ipod then seems such a wasted opportunity during those times ... the more healthier my mind and body become the more spiritually aware I also become, but I leave that for other thread.

Be well ... Thanks again for your companionship.

I also so thank you too, Tailspin. :) You made me feel so welcome when I first came here and although I have my slumps, I never forget it when people reach out like that ... I am honored to of met Angie who writes so beautifully and takes time to talk with me as well. There are others I am grateful to as well, and despite the differences with various dynamics that change according to personalities, lifestyle and moods - I do apologize to them now as I'm sure my mouth has seen to be in my foot on many occasions. It's been quite some years since finding a forum I have worked as hard on myself and had such opportunities to learn from peoples such as yourselves.

I must be feeling a little lightheaded talking like this ... but in a real group therapy situation, I would strive to open up the same at any rate. I'm just trying to be appreciative and apologize at the same time. If people want to sigh of that ... then let em, to the people it matters, I hope they can see how special they are.

This is where I would try to explain to my wife ... that's what the "hug" emotions are for. LOL . My wife has never really had the pleasure of such groups talks - but that's because she only comprehends the rough upbringing and not the healing aspect to making a comeback from such suffering. To be honest, I know my wife could do with reaching out to others who suffer her illness like I am trying to do. Unfortunately having a silver spoon (metaphorically speaking) upbringing can blind people to the strengths attained from what other people see as weakness. My wife is a good lady - don't get me wrong ... we give many things away for free and runs community groups online for such things ... just trying to explain something is all.

I go on too much in a thread not meant for this ... will take it up in other thread Dahila. ;)

[Dahila]

We will :D

[tailspin]

Hi Dave, Thanks for your kind words. You make so many great contributions to this forum with all your intelligent writings and ideas, and your creative poetry and beautiful photos!! It's awesome that you take the time to write such obviously well-thought out responses to people here. We all put our foot in our mouths sometimes, but not everyone tries to express such genuinely meaningful words of wisdom as well!

I'm so glad to hear that you are reaping some benefits from your walking program and that it's having a positive knock-on effect re your medication and in other areas too! I'm definitely stuck in a rut right now and I need to find some better tools to get out of it. Thanks for giving me some inspiration!!

[Dahila]

Agree with the above;))

[joolz5108]

Thank you for this thread. I would love to be part of this thread and list the positive things I've done today. It makes me feel good! Today, was a battle betweek my lethargy and my to do list. I'm feeling super overwhelmed. HOWEVER,

I worked on a group assignment and will be able to contribute to the project when we meet tomorrow.

This is a thread that I plan to return to often to find inspiration. Thanks again :)

[Ponder]

http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/DTL%20Welcome/Smiley03-1.gif (http://media.photobucket.com/user/prestonjjrtr/media/DTL%20Welcome/Smiley03-1.gif.html) ... http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Smileys/1sm007hiya.gif (http://media.photobucket.com/user/prestonjjrtr/media/Smileys/1sm007hiya.gif.html) Thanks for joining Joolz! It can be quite an effort to get things done when having so much other stuff going on. Thanks for sharing that. Hope all goes well when you meet up with the group. I'm sure they will be pleased that someone got some stuff done. :)

My positive for today, is making a loaf of bread. Still Baking now. I also clean kitchen and did some food shopping with me wife. I know it does not sound like much, but like I was getting from yourself - sometimes just getting the small things done can take such a big effort. Really glad you joined in. :)

[Ponder]

From your kitchen to my kitchen - would never of bothered had it not been for the inspiration I have picked from yourself Dahila. I'm so happy to be baking bread again. :) Thank You!

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3816/10959669415_eff4fc6acc_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/10959669415/)
Bread 001 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/10959669415/) by L_Plate_Dave (http://www.flickr.com/people/71988794@N08/), on Flickr
http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5550/10959843434_ebddc8db00_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/10959843434/)
Bread 002 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/10959843434/) by L_Plate_Dave (http://www.flickr.com/people/71988794@N08/), on Flickr
YUM YUM ... I could not resist and put "butter" on as well. We don't use that early 20th century engine oil -AKA - called margarine ... Can't wait to make toast in the morning! lightly toasted with some egg I think - Good night guys ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Dahila]

Wow. Ponder :)) My positive today is Making face wash and make up remover for my daughter. Hopefully I will be able to make body lotion for my self and start infusing oil, with calendula. I need to make Calendula Hydrosol also. I will see how much I can do. :) The thread is fantastic...
Wowwwwwwwwwwwww the bread looks sexy (first pic) grinning, Second pic is fantastic, It is whole wheat I believe. Beautiful. Stunning. Of course you do not use evil margarine, even turkey started to die when they feed them with it.
We always eat fresh bread, with the heavenly smell we have no will power to resist it:))

[Ponder]

Yes, they all joked about that 1st pick here as well. Defiantly going to have to get a better system going.

[Dahila]

I like the first pic a lot;))))))))))). I made it a batch of body butter with lavender and rose using very sophisticated botanical extracts and protein. :)) I am happy about the result

[Ponder]

Got out of Bed! http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/sleep/yawn.gif (http://www.sherv.net/emoticons.html)

[Dahila]

Progress:))))))))))))))))

[Ponder]

HI Dahlia ... I also wrote a poem http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showthread.php?22740-Poetry/page2
... I cleaned up half of my computer room
... and baked another loaf of bread :)

[Ponder]

Walked for 50minutes - no stops, just kept going.
Have also been walking for a couple of weeks now.
Stood my ground with other peoples negative energy.
continued to keep cleaning up after others and cook for them as well.
Went outside and immersed myself with my short wave radio - Time did not exist and I enjoyed it.
Laughed at myself with the family laughing at me, then with me.
looked passer bys in the eyes with as much as a nonjudgmental expression I could muster and a nod as well.

[Dahila]

I had read it and like it:)
Today;
I cooked soup, and potato; mashed potato with my fresh-frozen dill and real butter (is not like I use margarine) then baked two loafs of bread, and one is almost gone. I went to store to pick up some beakers, I got good ones. I am pretty happy about them. Then I tried to put my kitchen in order (biting on the heavenly bread in meantime) then my precious granddaughter came for sleepover and Olivia finally let me on my computer, few minutes ago. She is in bed , squicky cleen and smelling good with grandma body lotion (especially for her egzema) She is playing on her Ipad.
I did not have a lot of contact with people today,(is not like I mind it) it is my day off :))))))))))) I tend to enjoy not listening the Bs people in work tend to talk about it . I put a lot of afford today not to freak out when the car was sliding of the road, it is snowing for whole day and -7....very slippery...

[mrseyeore]

Got to take a nap, that's a rarity with 3 kids!

[Ponder]

LOL Dahila ... scary about the car and snow - that would take me some getting used to.

Hi mrseyeore - indeed-sounds like a mission :)

I'm just making an affirmation .... GO COOK AND CLEAN DAVE :) ,,, whatever works hey. will play podcast in the kitchen, wash up on the side whilst I prep. Sighhhhhh ... This computer room is starting to look like is has less in it. Actually, the house is starting to look bare - but its GOOD. Can't believe how attached I am with all my things. I felt like I was on some Hoarder TV show, with my wife throwing this and that out. Even for an unemployed family we have too much! Honestly Dahila, you really don't know how much you have until you start lightening the load. Just saying is all. I actually feel pretty rich with the things we have not sold - as in appreciate what little is left and yet so much more that could really go. Bla Bla Bla

Not a bad day.

Hope you get more rest mrseyeore and you have more quality time Dahila with your grand daughter.

Where's everyone else gone? Hope the gravity of my last rut did not swallow everyone up?? LOL Just being stupid. ;)

[Dahila]

I got about 40 cm of snow and it was hard to clean the driveway, but fun. I dearly love snow and cold weather except the driving on snow. I cooked Hunters stew with my own sauerkraut (we make it in home) and baked a pork loin to have something for the sandwich.l.. I will be back:ponder:

[emotionalkid619]

Well I am new here but today I got up and decided not to stay much on the computer, I also helped with most of the chores and I decided to do my mom's hair. I did not think much about anything that will trigger my anxiety so i'm glad.

[Angie 91]

Hi
Haven't been on for a while.
Today I wrote and wrote and wrote.. thats a good thing.
Of course, one might note that I should have been reading excavation repports or fight my pensum for the next exam.
But I'm ok. (almost)
Yesterday and the day before I have been with friends

[Dahila]

I mixed everything, I posted in the thread about walking instead here:((
http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showthread.php?21852-Mind-Set-to-Walk-in-the-Park-and-be-nice-to-myself&p=130010#post130010
Fixed :))

[Alita]

Hi all,
today, in a very long, long time, I ate breakfast. I did not have hunger pangs; but forced myself to be normal, like everyone else. It caused a lot of pressure in my head, but the pressure subsided as time went by. I did panic and take senna, but at least I did try to eat with no calorie counting. Does anxiety leave anyone with the pressure in their head like me? Let me know. Alita

[Dahila]

Alita good for you. Small steps take you a long way:)

[Ponder]

Just wanted to say hi to Kid and Alita ... Hi Guys.
Ps also Angie. :)

[emotionalkid619]

hello :)....

[Ponder]

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/hello/winking-whats-up-smiley-emoticon.gif (http://www.sherv.net/emoticons.html)

[anxious aussie]

I subscribed to this forum, got some things off my chest and was motivated enough to go for a long walk when I got home from work...baby steps

[Ponder]

That's awesome! You've reminded me, that I need to go for one as well. I started walking a couple of weeks ago, and have to say, although tired with my meds and getting up in general - the walking really helps me to wake up.
Take care ... hope to see you around aussie. :)

[Dahila]

Yeah, what's up?

[Ponder]

I got some SUNSHINE! :) ... http://www.sunshinevitamin.org/

[Dahila]

I envy you, I need to put a lot of sunblock on my face because of actinic keratosis which is connected to my love for Sun:) I had easy ride home, the road clear, and I forgot to take my clonazepam today, that's positive thing:)

[Ponder]

Sun Screen is now reported to be as much a threat - as the sun. People hide from the Sun as if it's their enemy. In their quest to live forever they hide indoors, in the the shade anywhere where the suns rays cannot reach. Media sensationalism marketing millions on more products. (No disrespect to your condition and especially your efforts to make your own creams) Australia has probably one of the worlds highest skin caner rates. Sun Exposure -> yet another relative factor highly miss understood. I understand your need with respect to susceptibility as you explain it. I wear a hat most of the time. It's not a pretty hat, but more one that is practical and protects me on all sides. I also wear sunglasses to protect my eyes, yet take them off at certain times of the day to absorb more than I otherwise would not. I like to think of it like plants, that like sun at different times of the day, not always direct sun at that - but fearing the sun whilst even in the shade, is pretty much how most folks are now raised. Sunlight deficiency is now more cause for concern than what your local sunscreen council would have you believe. It's a bit like when I go walking out in the bush; their is an element of risk involved, which requires an amount of education & awareness.

I'll look into just how one can safely receive the recommended dose in the interest of "healthy exposure". I think it would be a helpful thread. Perhaps this can be my positive for the day :)

This is a good place to start:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/sun-happiness.htm

Good read thus far.

[Dahila]

I know I love sun, but I protect my face, it is a benign cancer you realize? It can change, but hopefully will not. I cover my face but I work in garden in shorts and tshirt so I think i got a lot. :))Exactly we need the sun as plants do. The positive thing today was that I came home in one piece:) It is snowing and the road condition is not the best.

[jessy]

Had a shower , bought some Xmas cards :)

[Dahila]

Today I have day off work so it is positive. yeah positive, I feel like I have unlimited time:))

[Ponder]

Slept in my hammock
fixed my treadmill

[anxious aussie]

Today I got out of bed and came to work even though the thought of it made me want to throw up. I could have easily called in sick. May not seem like much but it feels like a win

[tailspin]

Hey guys. Thanks for sharing your positives. Have not visited this thread in a while because I'm in a mindset where I can't think of anything positive that I've done. One thing though, I have become more productive of late.

I wrote in another thread that I'm really worried about one of my dogs who has a lump on her leg that is likely cancerous and we're waiting to get the results of a biopsy she had done last week. This has ratcheted up my depression (and to a lesser extent my anxiety) no end (I should explain that my dogs are everything to me. They are my children. They are with me 24 hours a day and they are literally my world. It would not be physically possible to love them anymore than I do!!)

Anyhow, waiting for the results is really awful, but the one positive about facing this health problem with one of my dogs is that it has forced me to keep busy, in order to try and distract myself from the awful thoughts of what it will mean if she has cancer. I have actually been able to throw myself into work and get a lot done. Also, something like this helps me with my perspective. It shows me what really matters and so I am (slightly) less inclined to waste my energy getting really worked up about things that don't matter that much (which is what I generally spend a lot of my time doing).

Anyhow, that's my positive at the moment: that despite my depression being awful, I am forced into productive action in order to distract myself.

Wishing everyone well xxxxxx

[Dahila]

tailspin I know what you feel, My late lab got the cancer under her nail. We amputated the finger and after some time of adjusting she was just fine. I hope yours is going to be fine too. I started to think that maybe the food we give them is not the best. Fillers are usually GMO corn, and they put as much chemicals in it as in our food. Keep us posted, maybe you get the results and it is going to be benign, I keep my fingers crossed.

[butterflybandage]

I got to talk to my very best friend that I haven't talked to in 3 months! :D

[Ponder]

Guy's ... I am sorry I can not reciprocate today. Very very tired.

Did more yard work ...
a few other things as well ...

I reacted some today, but more so on a ... long term behavioral pattern reaction (which I noticed as it happened although I allowed it to continue more than I should of) ... I did deal with it though and now still focusing some to let go, for when the unavoidable confrontation comes to be. So that in itself is a positive thing I guess. I'm kind of not thinking about it by focusing on letting it go Now, before the time arrives - if any of that makes sense. Bla bla

Inspirational of you Johanna to share as you do, with all that is going on as it is. Thanks for you helping with the energy - so to speak. :)

Best wishes to everyone else and great to see this part of the forum picking up as well. Very grateful for that.
Forgive for now I choose to coal lapse ... but with a smile I can muster. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x30/davekyn/hammock2_zpsb9a1a7b5.jpg (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/davekyn/media/hammock2_zpsb9a1a7b5.jpg.html)

[tailspin]

tailspin I know what you feel, My late lab got the cancer under her nail. We amputated the finger and after some time of adjusting she was just fine. I hope yours is going to be fine too. I started to think that maybe the food we give them is not the best. Fillers are usually GMO corn, and they put as much chemicals in it as in our food. Keep us posted, maybe you get the results and it is going to be benign, I keep my fingers crossed.

Thank you, Dahlia! I know you are a huge dog lover also. I'm so glad your late lab was able to recover from the cancer under her nail. But I'm so sorry she is gone now. They just don't live long enough!! I've never understood why a dog's life is so short. Even cats live way longer!

I'm still waiting on the results of the biopsy. The Thanksgiving Holiday last week slowed everything down because the laboratory was closed. But I should get the results tomorrow.

I did get some good news about one of my other dogs though. I was worrying about her blood work because one of her test results was abnormal when she had some lab work done recently, suggesting a problem with her kidney function. The vet wanted to re-test her blood and I got those results back today and everything is normal, so that is a big relief.

Thank you, Dahlia!!

[tailspin]

Guy's ... I am sorry I can not reciprocate today. Very very tired.

Did more yard work ...
a few other things as well ...

I reacted some today, but more so on a ... long term behavioral pattern reaction (which I noticed as it happened although I allowed it to continue more than I should of) ... I did deal with it though and now still focusing some to let go, for when the unavoidable confrontation comes to be. So that in itself is a positive thing I guess. I'm kind of not thinking about it by focusing on letting it go Now, before the time arrives - if any of that makes sense. Bla bla

Inspirational of you Johanna to share as you do, with all that is going on as it is. Thanks for you helping with the energy - so to speak. :)

Best wishes to everyone else and great to see this part of the forum picking up as well. Very grateful for that.
Forgive for now I choose to coal lapse ... but with a smile I can muster. ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x30/davekyn/hammock2_zpsb9a1a7b5.jpg (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/davekyn/media/hammock2_zpsb9a1a7b5.jpg.html)

Hey Dave, I hope you're getting some rest and wake up feeling refreshed! Well done for recognizing a reactive pattern and now working to let it go. I know how hard that is!!!!

[tailspin]

Hi guys,

I guess my positive today is that I had an appointment with my psychiatrist this morning and I had a good old cry and told him I don't think my medication is working well enough and that I'm feeling hopeless because I've already tried a lot of meds.

I know this doesn't sound very positive!! ;) But I did come away from the session feeling a bit better. I don't know why really since it's obvious there's no magic pill out there. But still he was reassuring that there are a number of other things we can try and we discussed a lot of options and I definitely came away feeling a bit more hopeful. He also suggested I get some more therapy so I'm going to look into that again too.

[Ponder]

Thanks Tailspin ... glad to hear you are getting some help and making some ground.

Today I helped my youngest daughter move out of the house and met the father to be - it's been a big secret because my daughter is embarrassed of me. I'm sure some people here will understand how that goes.

Last night I was woken up in sleeping in my yard, by workmen working on the power lines at midnight ... banging and drilling. So made a post in here somewhere other. I managed to throw a thin mattress into my hammock to spoil myself with tonight - it's from one of those small fold up beds -similar- many of used use to sleep on in the 70's when doing sleep overs - seems like I should be comfy tonight.

I've done ok with cutting my antidepressants back to half dose over the last 4 days ... so far so good - still on my quitepine though.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm ... cleaned the kitchen up after about 3 days build up - LOL - I'm over due for a shower, so might do that tonight before heading outside to call it a night.

wishing you all well. Good Night.

[tailspin]

Thanks Tailspin ... glad to hear you are getting some help and making some ground.

Today I helped my youngest daughter move out of the house and met the father to be - it's been a big secret because my daughter is embarrassed of me. I'm sure some people here will understand how that goes.

Last night I was woken up in sleeping in my yard, by workmen working on the power lines at midnight ... banging and drilling. So made a post in here somewhere other. I managed to throw a thin mattress into my hammock to spoil myself with tonight - it's from one of those small fold up beds -similar- many of used use to sleep on in the 70's when doing sleep overs - seems like I should be comfy tonight.

I've done ok with cutting my antidepressants back to half dose over the last 4 days ... so far so good - still on my quitepine though.

Hmmmmmmmmmmm ... cleaned the kitchen up after about 3 days build up - LOL - I'm over due for a shower, so might do that tonight before heading outside to call it a night.

wishing you all well. Good Night.

Hi Dave! That would drive me nuts being woken up by workmen late at night. In fact, that did happen a few months back. I yelled a few choice words but I doubt they heard as it was off in the distance.

Well done on your positives today! How come you are cutting back on your anti-depressant? Do you mind if I ask what meds you are on. I know you take Seroquel, but what anti-depressant do you take? I"m just really curious about medication right now as I'm still trying to figure out what to try next.

Hope everyone is having a good - or at least, a bearable - day!

[Ponder]

I slept well in my Hammock last night Tail spin - About the meds, I will answer later if OK ... just not feeling well atm ... I need to go for a walk and think I will take a photo for the day. I spoke out in my walking with tree thread about religion and hope you are not upset with me. It's important I keep in good with my new friends on here. That is all for now ... I will return when feeling better to chat with you soon. Our medicine is an important topic for me. I thank you for asking ...again ... I will be back when I have walked some.

:) to all.

PS...I really appreciate you changing signature ... always inspiring in a refreshing way that gives new life. TY
wow ... I was learning poetry from one of Stephen fry's books ...awesome, only just realized the author of that quote. I wonder if he is the same person?

[tailspin]

I slept well in my Hammock last night Tail spin - About the meds, I will answer later if OK ... just not feeling well atm ... I need to go for a walk and think I will take a photo for the day. I spoke out in my walking with tree thread about religion and hope you are not upset with me. It's important I keep in good with my new friends on here. That is all for now ... I will return when feeling better to chat with you soon. Our medicine is an important topic for me. I thank you for asking ...again ... I will be back when I have walked some.

:) to all.

PS...I really appreciate you changing signature ... always inspiring in a refreshing way that gives new life. TY
wow ... I was learning poetry from one of Stephen fry's books ...awesome, only just realized the author of that quote. I wonder if he is the same person?

Hi Dave,

Hope you have a good walk and I'll look forward to your pictures!

The Stephen Fry I quoted does write poetry too. But he's most well known as an actor, a comedian and a journalist. However I just googled Stephen Fry poetry and I see he's written a book called "The Ode Less Travelled" which seems to be about helping people write poetry. Is this the book of his you mean?

I also like Stephen Fry a lot because he has Bi Polar Disorder and despite his great success financially and in his career he has made a couple of suicide attempts. I know that sounds like an odd reason to like him! But what I mean is, he is someone who really understands what mental illness is. And he has talked very publicly about his struggles with mental illness. I think the best hope we have as a society when it comes to de-stigmatizing mental illness is to have "celebrities" talking about it. Because - and often this is a very sad fact!! - people listen to celebrities and take note.

Stephen Fry is also very involved with a British charity (he is British) called MIND which is a mental health advocacy group which seeks to educate the public about mental illness and raise awareness.

Anyhow, despite his mental illness, Stephen Fry is still a very successful man who is profoundly intelligent, and also very funny. That gives me some hope!

[Ponder]

AWESOME! I knew there was a reason I like this guy - the way he writes in his book - YES that is the book I have. Thank you very much for the run down on this guy! I will look more into his stuff. for sure.

I went for a walk with my Son today. Really really enjoyed his company. He has just finished up school - dropped out of doing his last year - next year - But we dont mind at all. The pressure was sending him over the edge, and knowing too well wehre that can lead, he has our full support with what ever he wants to do! I have never seen him so eager to be more active - he wants to go on hiking trips and on my next camping trip. Seems he is much happier now, and I'm really thankful for that. So Yea --- had a really great day with my son and hoping we can make the bush walking more regular together.

Other good thing I did was learn about turning my photos into poster size prints. Just experimenting with joining small pieces of paper together - have to change the exposure, play with sharpening, adjust colors and so on - It fun stuff I like doing so happy I was able to keep myself being creative as well. It will be good to have my prints about the house, instead of just using Flikr or the internet.

AND - I had a shower - yep, not all us depressed folk shower everyday and with the latest water bill $300.00 , I aint in a rush to waste any more than we should. Owner wont fix the plumbing nor the electrics - then there is the washing to a teenage girl that changes her clothes 4 times a day .... Sigh ...

hmmmmmmmmm ................ I think that was enough----- Good to have my Son back.

Meds -------------- LOL ----- I'm buggered, not sure I can cover that.

I need to take back control - adjusting my dose, helps me do that - It keeps me on my toes, I have to be aware of my body when doing such things - being complacent in not such a good thing. It too becomes a rut - the medicine rut. I need to get more active as the side effects of obesity outweigh the meds --- I am using my pill cutter and keeping a close watch - I am struggling this summer with the heat and my weight - not good - will see what happens -

There is another psychological aspect to taking the meds - I will post on that later but I don't think its of much interest (more like a battle of wills - me verses the services and or requirement to be ill) Seriously - there is a point to that, just not in here for now. My therapist understands my need to up my energy, by reducing and sometimes I will even come of the antidepressants for a while - during this time, my body is as active as it should be! --- I am not being pushed constantly be employment services, I typically loose up to 20kg --- but yet to keep it up for a whole year, as welfare will suddenly treat me as cured and push me again --- I go backwards and act out as is that requirement to get the exemption to drop my fears - and this will go on and on and on as it has done for the last 30 YEARS! ............... add to the 30 moves in 20 years ........... Meds have their place, but I can't sustain the moving from place to place whilst all doped up --- I also fall into deep despair as the medicine seems to go past that point Vs physical condition --- I am naturally an active soul caught a shrinking prison - The time is coming for me to either make some kind of positive move - or otherwise , I't might very well be back to the hospital for me.

You know - there are the "actors" and then there are the actors, who've become the hoop they once jumped - I don't think I have many jumps left in me. Very sad, that the extreme is required before people will listen. We have had more than one person turning up to services with petrol cans ready to make a statement. I myself did such a thing at my local employment service, because they were not listening - I took a rope as well as petrol can - I pulled it out of my bag and told them exactly how I felt. That I wanted to do this at the welfare office - hang myself with a match at the ready. I was only showing them, because despite them having their hands tied and never knowing what one dept is doing from another - I did appreciate the poeple there - it's like a service for disabled people, so I knew I would not go through with anything - none the less, the police were called and all that - But again ------ it's hard for me to be me anymore. I cant learn in class, so fail all those courses - I can't take the judgment anymore - I am good in my own element, but can't take instruction when in the work place - my therapist tells me to accept that I will most likely never work again - this makes me a little sad, but for the first time I have met someone that was able to help me and make me feel its ok to be - non functional due to whatever - but then I get letters saying I have to go in and look for work - It does not make sense to me - one says one thing - put me on heavy antphycotic meds, then they want me to keep applying and failing everytime - I call it living the Lie - they even tell me to lie - They say don't tell them about you criminal record, don't tell the about goal, dont tell them about your anxiety, don't tell the about your medicine, But do tell them that you are confident, a go getter, bla bla blaaaa ----------

I can't do it anymore --- and you know something, the suicide rate is skyrocketing in this town - they cover up the stories and make things up. Hell, last year my daughter saw a 16 yol boy swinging from a tree - across from where she volunteered. Hiding this stuff and saying we cont talk about it, is wrong - ITS happening, and It's because too much expectation is put on people to survive -- always having to prove themselves for existing.

So about the meds --------------- believe me that there is an element that requires me to take them in order to be heard. When I am not on them, they treat me like I am cured....that is wrong! its plain wrong to treat people like that! People that suffer with major depression and anxiety that can get by without meds are to be encouraged for such strength. when I am no longer threatening to kill myself and or threaten others, no longer a risk and able to enjoy being human - that is no reason to start turning the thumbscrews all other again - but that's exactly what they do - it's why most of the mentally ill, have fits by the calender date, that "review date" - they feel compelled to act out - to act for the script writers that say whether they will be able to pay the rent or not ---

so again --- if you jump the hoop too many times, you will become the hoop - you will become the illness, the severity to which is required. You become the victim and adopt the mentality of which you are scorned. So jumping the hoops really does not work - just as always saying what is - is ------------- I'm so caught up, I feel guilty if I don't take the meds --- try and understand that! ------------ yet I know, although they help when I flip out --- having a break from them is quite beneficial and actually keeps the meds working then next time I start them.

Again ------------ I have gone on. But there is no easy answer to the meds for me. Its like handcuffs - being handcuffed and put in your place - if you cant work, then you must be medicated! Either your a hopeless case, or get there and get that job --- When we get to this new place we will be ridiculed for making such a move, did we ask the government first --- you know we have to do that with welfare, check before we move from one place to the next...... INSANE - us welfare cases ---

No where on the internet have I round anyone prepared to talk from the bottom of the barrel - like that religious banter I went on with - most will come in and attack - tell you have you should buck up and stop sapping of tax payers - tell you that the world would be better without you - that because of people like me, that's why the world is a bad place - no one has ever understood the viscous cycle of the welfare trap - the sorry sordid abused types have all brought it on themselves, they thought up there suffering and no one or system is to blame ---------------------

Sigh ................ I've pretty much been a fighter all my life ------- I just don't have it in me to be pushed and shoved about from place to place anymore ---- believe me, it's exactly like that when you have no professional reference to find a place to live let alone be that go getter to get that job. Mental cases, hard and tough nuts! - pure acid - can't be sustained - If only I could just be left alone. My wife it right - without a job, the world will not let you go. You can let go of them, but they will keep you in their grip - :(

Goodnight --- Thank you Tailspin and Dahila http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/sorry/sorry-apology-smiley-emoticon.gif (http://www.sherv.net/emoticons.html)

[Dahila]

I envy you ponder walk with son, my moved away and my daughter .... oh that's a story ...but another time. something positive? I got up congested but I still do not have bronchitis :)) I am taking my meds and wonder how long, am I stacked with the meds to the end of my life? Yeah take care Tailsping (I hope you got good news about your babies? ) Ponder take it easy, less emotions, take care

[tailspin]

Hi Dave and Dahlia! Really glad you had a good walk with your son, Dave! That sounds really special. Thanks for explaining more about your meds and the bigger picture surrounding them. I can see what a complicated relationship you have with them and I can understand why. It's great when psychiatric meds work, but for way too many people they are, instead, a bit of a poisoned chalice. I can see in my own experience that while the medication I take doesn't really help very much, when I've come off it, I've ended up a lot worse than before I started. To that I can only say, WTF?????

Also, I agree that suicide is a massive problem that is rarely talked about seriously, let alone in any kind of helpful way. There is so much more that needs to be done!!!

I'm really glad you're talking about all this. Thanks for sharing, Dave. I'm sending you good thoughts and really wishing for the best for you.

[tailspin]

Yeah take care Tailsping (I hope you got good news about your babies? ) Ponder take it easy, less emotions, take care

Thank you, Dahlia! I am STILL waiting to hear back about my doggie. It's ridiculous that the lab is taking this long. I have complained to the vet again today. My dog had the procedure done last Wednesday. That is a week ago! Even allowing for Thanksgiving, which delayed things a bit, the results should definitely be in by now. I can't stand this waiting. The vet promised she would have an answer for me later today.

Thank you for thinking of me!

[Ponder]

HI GUYS - feeling a lot better today!!!

Allow me to express for the both of us Dahila - regarding your most recent post in my other thread!

Roooooooooaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrr..........

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7341/11214060823_1642df59ff_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/11214060823/)
home made poster (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/11214060823/) by L_Plate_Dave (http://www.flickr.com/people/71988794@N08/), on Flickr

Is that awesome or what? I love it!!! They are nearly extinct you know - I can so relate to this poor guy.

Anywayyyysss --- I found some really great sources online - I've become a bit of a professional scavenger when it comes to sourcing such things online. These are free downloads and I have the link to - however it's rare to find files at this size with such detail. So far I have just about calibrated the various settings in my head - I have a good system now to try test prints with various online printing places. This one comes in at 30" with a PPI of 233.3 which is damn good for what it is.

I can still do some of my own photos, however I want to open the variety and provide a lot more in creative art as well -

LED lighting is my next point of call with framing as well. The LED lighting is more for showing the final product off in a Market Tent -
I have to work out the best budget sized prints - places - cheapest method for protective layering and all that -

Here it is on the wall a little further back, however I did not really capture the color temp well:
I think 30inch prints will look good with a boarder plus frame:

I wont be able to afford any more test print via outside services till after I move - That I leave in my wifes hand to decide.

None the less - I am writing down all the learning and will make a move on this after setting up in the new place in January some time.
I can source out more awesome pic and work on creating a library for these poster - make some of my own art as well.

Working on the color tone - as well - The "real viewing" tone is about half between these two photos. Only wish I could get this print done on a one piece protected poster page with boarder and frame :)
http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3764/11213951226_feac3c7bbb_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/11213951226/)
home made posters (http://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/11213951226/) by L_Plate_Dave (http://www.flickr.com/people/71988794@N08/), on Flickr

Thanks for letting me share and the encouragement -

:)

[Dahila]

Fantastic I love them. I would like to say something positive but is tough today. let see maybe there is something positive. I got the news in the morning that my best friend passed away night before. The person who was my shelter my supporter and was simply always for me. When I had a tough time going through the divorce and at the same time trying to take care of my kids and learn language, working as cleaner, delivering the papers, and you name it, I did it all. She was there......My heart is broken ..... The only positive is I could leave work early and make it to the funeral home to say goodbye. Even it was not proper, I could not stop crying. how the hell you say goood bye to someone you love...:?
Ponder we are similar in one thing, I also started to collect things for my new adventure; the home made soaps. If I am in one piece I will come back, if not you will know that I failed miserably and ashamed to show my face here...

[jerilyn]

Hi guys, I guess my positive today is that I had an appointment with my psychiatrist this morning and I had a good old cry and told him I don't think my medication is working well enough and that I'm feeling hopeless because I've already tried a lot of meds. I know this doesn't sound very positive!! ;) But I did come away from the session feeling a bit better. I don't know why really since it's obvious there's no magic pill out there. But still he was reassuring that there are a number of other things we can try and we discussed a lot of options and I definitely came away feeling a bit more hopeful. He also suggested I get some more therapy so I'm going to look into that again too.

Psychiatrists can be a huge help! I took a few online tests, & my psychiatrist was able to put together things about my life that I never would have thought had any influence on each other. With those connections, SO MUCH about my current feelings came into perspective. Then he recommended therapy that also suddenly made sense! I have a long way to go, but understanding where the stress ACTUALLY comes from helps a great deal.

[Ponder]

I am deeply sorry for you loss Dahila. This is tragic, Is there anyone else you can trust to talk to in your immediate area?

[Dahila]

I have noone who will understand my pain, noone beside her husband know how deep was our relationship. I took clonazepam and finally calmed down. I will be ok like always, beside the bruise in my heart, literally . If it was not for you and tailspin and Andy I would never ever say about the situation. Thank you guys.

[tailspin]

I have noone who will understand my pain, noone beside her husband know how deep was our relationship. I took clonazepam and finally calmed down. I will be ok like always, beside the bruise in my heart, literally . If it was not for you and tailspin and Andy I would never ever say about the situation. Thank you guys.

I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear friend, Dahlia! Grief is the hardest thing. It really is. You must still be in shock from the news. I am truly so sorry, Dahlia. I am sending caring thoughts to you and a big hug. Please let us know how you are doing. xxxxxx

[Ponder]

http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x30/davekyn/flowersrose_zps8e7deb2a.gif (http://s181.photobucket.com/user/davekyn/media/flowersrose_zps8e7deb2a.gif.html) You know the relationship you had will live on in you - I too lost a friend some time back and he too was very important to me. I find myself talking out loud as if he were watching me still - I smile and laugh with him and now that he is gone, I kind of see more of what he was trying to tell me. I never went to his funeral, but he is still a best friend to be. Remember, your friend still lives in you.
http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/h451/shymartinez1/GET%20WELL%20SOON/get_well_soon_036.gif (http://media.photobucket.com/user/shymartinez1/media/GET%20WELL%20SOON/get_well_soon_036.gif.html)
I have some good news, but for now, I grieve a little for you. I tell you tomorrow. Hugs (O) ...

[jerilyn]

So sorry from me, too Dahlia. I don't know you well yet, but I'm feeling for you now. Take Care.

[Dahila]

Thank you guys, you understand perfectly what I feel. Thank you again. I never thought I can find understanding folks here, but here you are:)
I think it is enough to edit that post. Today is Saturday night. I feel a bit better. Good enough to make another cream (sight) so there it goes. In work the one who orders everything has not idea what antibacterial soaps do to our skin. I think I am kind of obsessed with washing my hands every half an hour, it does not help me in general. Anyway, I designated the hand cream a few days ago. It is light, not greasy. I put it on my hand and type on keyboard , no problem. No residue left on the keys. Still in the beaker to breathe a bit , before it goes into small containers.
751752753

[tailspin]

Really glad you're feeling a bit better, Dahlia! Awesome that you are making your own hand cream. What did you put in it? I wash my hands all the time too. And even though I use a lot of hand cream, my hands are still very dry. What I need is a waterproof handcream! But not too greasy!

My positive today is that I went on a really nice hike with my dogs. I went to one of my favorite parks. It's beautiful and wild and there was hardly anyone there. We walked a long way and the sun was shining and it felt good!

Hope everyone is doing ok! xxxx

[Dahila]

Hm, that's a problem. Sweet almond oil, and macademia oil which is kind of dry, then shea butter, mango butter, IMP it is something to introduce dry feeling. Emulsimulse emulsifying agent, some of oats protein, stearic acid, the combination of all that plus aloe vera and lavender hydrosol (soothing for poor skin) gives me a kind of dry cream, moisturizing but no greasy. I put it on and type:) With my obsession about germs, i go through tons of creams, so the only option is to make one, and control what is in it:)
the fragrance; it a must for me is Palmarosa and Bergamot ...
Tailspin I forgot to add Jojoba oil it is kind of waterproof;)
To get really water proof you need the salve with beeswax and calendula, it does wonders to skin.

[tailspin]

Hm, that's a problem. Sweet almond oil, and macademia oil which is kind of dry, then shea butter, mango butter, IMP it is something to introduce dry feeling. Emulsimulse emulsifying agent, some of oats protein, stearic acid, the combination of all that plus aloe vera and lavender hydrosol (soothing for poor skin) gives me a kind of dry cream, moisturizing but no greasy. I put it on and type:) With my obsession about germs, i go through tons of creams, so the only option is to make one, and control what is in it:)
the fragrance; it a must for me is Palmarosa and Bergamot ...
Tailspin I forgot to add Jojoba oil it is kind of waterproof;)
To get really water proof you need the salve with beeswax and calendula, it does wonders to skin.

I LOVE the smell of bergamot! Your creams sounds delicious, Dahlia! I think I need to buy some of those light cotton gloves and put some really heavy duty cream on my hands overnight (and then put the gloves on so I don't get greasy stuff all over the sheets). Especially now in winter I'm really noticing how dry my hands are. I have a bit of a germ phobia too and I'm always washing my hands and using hand sanitizer (which is really drying).

I love that you are making your own cream, Dahlia!

[Dahila]

Tailspin I think the soap which is sebum stripping from skin is the guilty one. I really recommend the Castile soap. For my foam pump (yes i love foaming soap) I use liquid Castile soap by Dr. Bronners. It is easy to make your own solution just a skirt of soap and water. They charge you like 7 dollars for one. There is small amount of soap in it and it is moisturizing. In home i do not use that much hand cream, but in work yes. The antibacterial soap from hell, makes my skin crack. No kidding. My passion of making my cosmetics started like 6 months ago and I am making them. I spend countless hours to research them. If you are interested I can link you with two awesome pages. The ones I use. It is easy to make, you control what goes on your skin, and it is fun:) One shelf of my fridge is ful of body creams, body butters, face cream (under the make up) night face cream, arthritis salve, healing salve even natural wood polish:) Of course everything is preserved, it is a must , when you make water in oil lotion. It is fun. On Saturday I spend like 2 hours making that hand cream. Next step is soap making. I can make soap for laundry, body soap, but right now it is theory. It seems that i have the knowledge now I need to try. Will inform about success or failure, I hope for success.
I woke up and looked out. My beautiful garden was painted white through the night. It is snowing but very lightly and I go back to work today:( but the rest is good:)

[jessy]

I went to watch my 5yo son in his nativity play & put the Xmas tree up with my kids :-)

[tailspin]

Tailspin I think the soap which is sebum stripping from skin is the guilty one. I really recommend the Castile soap. For my foam pump (yes i love foaming soap) I use liquid Castile soap by Dr. Bronners. It is easy to make your own solution just a skirt of soap and water. They charge you like 7 dollars for one. There is small amount of soap in it and it is moisturizing. In home i do not use that much hand cream, but in work yes. The antibacterial soap from hell, makes my skin crack. No kidding. My passion of making my cosmetics started like 6 months ago and I am making them. I spend countless hours to research them. If you are interested I can link you with two awesome pages. The ones I use. It is easy to make, you control what goes on your skin, and it is fun:) One shelf of my fridge is ful of body creams, body butters, face cream (under the make up) night face cream, arthritis salve, healing salve even natural wood polish:) Of course everything is preserved, it is a must , when you make water in oil lotion. It is fun. On Saturday I spend like 2 hours making that hand cream. Next step is soap making. I can make soap for laundry, body soap, but right now it is theory. It seems that i have the knowledge now I need to try. Will inform about success or failure, I hope for success.
I woke up and looked out. My beautiful garden was painted white through the night. It is snowing but very lightly and I go back to work today:( but the rest is good:)

Wow, thanks so much for all the helpful info, Dahlia! I will look out for Dr Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap. I do know that brand. I always buy soaps and creams from the natural food store because I want to make sure I know exactly what is in them and, more importantly, I want to be sure that they aren't tested on animals. It is awful that many cosmetics are still tested on rabbits and beagles :-( They have stopped that in Europe now, but in America it still goes on.

I bet your garden looks beautiful in the snow! We have had some frost here the past few mornings. That is unusual for us. Where I live it never snows. It is more of a coastal climate. But right now it is very cold.

Hope you have a good day!!

[tailspin]

I went to watch my 5yo son in his nativity play & put the Xmas tree up with my kids :-)

That's great, jessy!

[Dahila]

I got raw honey from the supplier today:)) no more sugar, which is made from GMO beets:)))

[jessy]

I went to my 2nd CBT therapy session & wrapped a couple of Xmas presents :-)

[Dahila]

Tailspin make sure the creams from the stores are preserved, especially if they are made of water and oil=lotion. Creams made of butters and oils without water need just vitamin E :) I preserve my creams so I have at least a half of year, , at least is more like a year. I keep them in fridge:)

[Ponder]

Good to hear your busy with your creams Dahila.

Also good for you Jessy :)

Today - I got rid of more furniture and re-listed the sale of my second utility car.

I also cooked some meat and out it with salad for the second night in a row.

Still coming down from my antidepressants at half strength and also cutting back on my quitepine now.

I can feel something going on in my head and also sweating a lot more, but could be just the heat - I am hoping to take back a little control, but more on that in another thread once I go through the rocky bits.

I want to do a thread on how some of us older ones seem more affected or are viewed more as depressed - lol - I can't quite come up with a title on that one - but anyways, I also want to include how many of us long termers also struggle to accept being loved and also giving it when out in public or off the internet and faced with "non-digital pressure". hehe I like that coin ... I seem to be ok with the non feeling parts of Zen and inner joy through connecting with nature, but I'm at a loss when dealing with the human race - again, in the non digital format. Hmmmmmmm

Take care.

[jerilyn]

I like the idea of how depression affects older people...or weather that is just a perception because as we get older and hopefully wiser, were less dramatic, quieter. Struggle to accept being loved in the real world...that too is intriguing. I will keep watching, Ponder.

[Dahila]

In my opinion (Hi guys) talking about our problems is a half of success. I would say we have more support here on internet than from real people
Dave do not cut the meds too fast, leave time for the body to adjust. I can deal with everything but human beings, It is good I work only part time otherwise you would have to visit me in hospital. The constant blabbering of my coo workers kills me. Ponder with nature you know what to do and how to react, you are connected. The feeling of joy comes from that. I have the same and Tailspin does too, through her dogs. My garden looks so deserted, covered in white....The positive today is; we will get 5-10 cm of snow not 10-15:)

[tailspin]

The positive today is; we will get 5-10 cm of snow not 10-15:)


:) :)

....................................

[tailspin]

Good to hear your busy with your creams Dahila.

Also good for you Jessy :)

Today - I got rid of more furniture and re-listed the sale of my second utility car.

I also cooked some meat and out it with salad for the second night in a row.

Still coming down from my antidepressants at half strength and also cutting back on my quitepine now.

I can feel something going on in my head and also sweating a lot more, but could be just the heat - I am hoping to take back a little control, but more on that in another thread once I go through the rocky bits.

I want to do a thread on how some of us older ones seem more affected or are viewed more as depressed - lol - I can't quite come up with a title on that one - but anyways, I also want to include how many of us long termers also struggle to accept being loved and also giving it when out in public or off the internet and faced with "non-digital pressure". hehe I like that coin ... I seem to be ok with the non feeling parts of Zen and inner joy through connecting with nature, but I'm at a loss when dealing with the human race - again, in the non digital format. Hmmmmmmm
Take care.

Good to hear from you, Dave. I agree with Dahlia about the importance of coming off these drugs slowly......I am still weaning off Lexapro. I'm really taking my time about it. Not necessarily because I'm scared of withdrawal, it's more because I haven't yet decided which drug to go on next. I know I need to be on something.

Keep letting us know how you're doing, Dave! And I like the sound of the thread you're considering starting. I will for sure look out for that.

[tailspin]

I'm really glad you guys are here. That is my positive!!! Thank you!!!!

[tailspin]

It's unusually cold here. Had to put my little guy in his tartan coat! :-)

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m231/Joanna_078/puffiecoat.jpg (http://s105.photobucket.com/user/Joanna_078/media/puffiecoat.jpg.html)

[Terre Nova]

It's unusually cold here. Had to put my little guy in his tartan coat! :-)



So cuteee!!!

[AmberGbenga]

My day has just begun, but I've rang my doctors to get a general health check done and to get my referral up to date, I rang my phyc and made an appointment, first one in a very long time.. Nervous.. And I accepted a shift for work this Arvo.. Now planning to hit the gym, go to the shops and do some Christmas shoppig (wish me luck! D:) then before I hit work do some study on myself and healing have a shower and wash my hair.. Then hit work :)

[Dahila]

the little guy is so cute, short haired dogs tend to get cold easily.
I had a dream, about Australia, with the the animals.like kangaroo and somewhere very far away i had seen some dingos. My friend from Australia :) was there too, very slim, but it was him. :)) Is extremely cold here -12 and wind and wind, I am in warm home so it is not bad, Thank you guys for being here:))

[Ponder]

Hope your busy day went well Amber - I wish you well.

Indeed very Cute Tailspin - I was thinking how I could hug and roll around on the ground with that fine Dogy of yours. I'm a bit of a nut with such things ... as I am sure you guys are discovering about me.

The dream sounds interesting Dahila - Tame Dingos make good dogs with emphasis on respect - know this from experience - I can't wait till winter - I love walking out into the cold then back to being warm again.

Forgive my long test but some positive stuff unfolding - but also - nervous stuff too I guess:


_____________________________________________
Possibly sold my old utility - touch wood!

Received eviction notice today - BUT - it's exactly what we wanted!!! We even managed to negotiate leaving the lease early ... WOO HOO - although now I am flat out! But Pacing will be key.

I moved more furniture into the shed - took some photos in preparation for the usual Land Lord and tenant disputes - collected all of the communications with re-estate in the last 18 months - plus tenancy tribunal and all over relevant services - WAS a big job going through all this, however discovered several LIES from the property manager which now strengthens our case and weakens their "intent" (We are becoming professionals at exposing lazy property mangers that prey on the sick!)

My DSP claim has now officially been instated and at a perfect time! (same day eviction notice arrived - that's what they do to people who know how to stand up to bullies) Also received a back payment to when I first claimed and now have much less financial stress to move. It's going to be close, however MY GOD - Moving out of this cesspool of a city, is finally going to happen; HOORAY!!!! Must be the Law of Attraction hey ... hahahahahah narrrrr - you guys know that's not me, this is the reward for not taking NO for an answer and also for standing up for ourselves. The leaving is exactly what we wanted and to be able to break the lease without payment penalty is POSITIVE!!!!!

Other thing was take son out shopping for camping supplies. Leaving tomorrow for two days of relative calm - I hope my son can handle his mind - Must load up some books tonight as well as podcasts. Maybe take the camera - but not sure about my own state of mind right now. Determinately a less tolerant so please excuse that. I'll post what I need, and do my best to not step on toes.

Hmmmmmmmmm ... what else .......... might have a shower today, that would be good .... lalalala .... Music is good - playing some ambient now triggered by the music thread - Oh Yea - was great to find Tiny Tim on youtube again. He is such a blast!

My youngest daughter recently moved out - seems to be doing well - must ring to ensure she has enough food for herself and unborn - not happy about this bloke leaving her with bugger all in the fridge. But happy she seems to be making the most out of it. She would not let me drop off a food box today, so must not be too bad I guess.

Eldest daughter is Happy we can look after the tribe of dogs whilst they are away for Xmas - works out good for us too whilst we look for a rental -

Youngest Son seems happier each day now that he has no more Nazi Schooling to be done => Hooray Hooray - LOL @ school threatening the kid as if he is still there - we have already officially informed them of his leaving, yet that still have to threaten with each passing day. Bit like a fading pain in the ass - Thank *$#% all our kids our done with all that compulsory BS! Yet another POSITIVE ... YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!
__________________________________________________ _____________

Rightio --------- I can sense the Mania ------- but controlled it does move one forward rather than not. As long on I get no pain in the chest or arm, I should be right to see this all though. Takes a breath - wishing you all well with what makes you move and well.

Thanks for letting me write.
Dave.

[Ponder]

LOL @ your Quote tailspin ....Heheheee Nice one ... heheheee

[Ponder]

OH yea ... one last thing before I go :

Sending warm thoughts to both yourself Tailspin Amber Dahila & everyone ...

... and also to my new friend Jerilyn - http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/word/hello-wave-smiley-emoticon.gif (http://www.sherv.net/emoticons.html) & TY

[AmberGbenga]

Today went well.. Besides almost going serial killer on everyone at the shops.. It was good haha

[Ponder]

yea, read that post Amber, I could not agree more.

[Dahila]

Tailspin quote makes me smile every time i see it. Ponder you winning the battles, I am all with you. I had situation that my landlord (government townhouses) forced me to pay back more than 1500 $. If it was not for my daughter who paid it for me, I would end on the street. Maybe i should fight like you do. Right now we have house full of papers connected to the insurance claim. Every piece of paper must be copied and filed. I thought about same kind of system to file it. It is so much of papers that we are lost sometimes.
I am happy you got some back payments, it will help:)
Children, oh children. I love mine with all my heart. Yesterday i went to Xmas concert to my granddaughter school. Her happiness to see grandma and waving her small hands all the time to me, just made my heart full of happiness, so much it hurts:) My baby girl (her mom) is all right i hope. I was impressed with kids singing hymn, it was beautiful, it got me thinking. I reacted to it like I did in old country, when you sing it. I feel kind of confused, it feels like this is home and over there is home.
Tailspin how it is for you?

[tailspin]

Hi guys!! Great to see you again, Dave! Especially since you have some really positive news! Well done for not letting the bastards grind you down!!! It is excellent to hear that you have received a back payment (I can only imagine how hard it was to get them to send you that!!) Great to hear also that you can get out of your lease early and move out of the city. Sounds like you are heading out to nature tomorrow for a couple of days with your son? That can only be a good thing!

How is Maximus doing? Also, you mention a tribe of dogs? Do you have more? You'll have to post a pic some time.

Dahlia, I'm sorry you are having this ongoing stress concerning a payment you were forced to pay back to your landlord. Fighting insurance claims - or any kind of government or official bureaucracy - is really exhausting. I really admire Dave for his stamina.

So glad you had a fun time at your granddaughter's Xmas concert, Dahlia! That sounds wonderful!! I know what you mean when you say that you feel that where you live now is home, but also, the old country is home too! Even though I have lived in California for many years now and I have had US citizenship for a long time, I do not consider myself an American. England will always be my home and I always think of myself as English. And yet, obviously, this is where I live and I am married to an American and I love many things about living here. I have to say, I think of California as it's own country. I am English first, and a Californian second!! :-)

Hi Amber and Jerilyn and Terre Nova too! And anyone else who posts in this thread!

My positives today: I made an appointment yesterday with my OB/GYN to talk about some issues I'm having as I approach menopause. My appointment is in half an hour so I'll be leaving soon. I guess I don't know yet whether the appointment will be positive or not! But I know I need to address some issue and so I feel like it's positive that I'm going to this appointment. I kind of feel like, since my hormones are so out of whack, any psychiatric medication I take is bound to miss the mark to a large extent. Anyhow, I'll see how I get on!

Hugs to all! xxxx

[Terre Nova]

Hi guys!! Great to see you again, Dave! Especially since you have some really positive news! Well done for not letting the bastards grind you down!!! It is excellent to hear that you have received a back payment (I can only imagine how hard it was to get them to send you that!!) Great to hear also that you can get out of your lease early and move out of the city. Sounds like you are heading out to nature tomorrow for a couple of days with your son? That can only be a good thing!

How is Maximus doing? Also, you mention a tribe of dogs? Do you have more? You'll have to post a pic some time.

Dahlia, I'm sorry you are having this ongoing stress concerning a payment you were forced to pay back to your landlord. Fighting insurance claims - or any kind of government or official bureaucracy - is really exhausting. I really admire Dave for his stamina.

So glad you had a fun time at your granddaughter's Xmas concert, Dahlia! That sounds wonderful!! I know what you mean when you say that you feel that where you live now is home, but also, the old country is home too! Even though I have lived in California for many years now and I have had US citizenship for a long time, I do not consider myself an American. England will always be my home and I always think of myself as English. And yet, obviously, this is where I live and I am married to an American and I love many things about living here. I have to say, I think of California as it's own country. I am English first, and a Californian second!! :-)

Hi Amber and Jerilyn and Terre Nova too! And anyone else who posts in this thread!

My positives today: I made an appointment yesterday with my OB/GYN to talk about some issues I'm having as I approach menopause. My appointment is in half an hour so I'll be leaving soon. I guess I don't know yet whether the appointment will be positive or not! But I know I need to address some issue and so I feel like it's positive that I'm going to this appointment. I kind of feel like, since my hormones are so out of whack, any psychiatric medication I take is bound to miss the mark to a large extent. Anyhow, I'll see how I get on!

Hugs to all! xxxx

Good luck Tailspin <3

[tailspin]

Thanks, Terre Nova!! I got on ok . Though, unfortunately, after talking at length with the OB/GYN it really doesn't look as though Hormone Replacement Therapy is an option for me. Not only does it carry increased health risks (which I already knew about) but, apparently, HRT is most helpful for things like hot flashes and night sweats - which I don't really suffer from - and not helpful with mood disorders. So I guess I'll just have to keep plugging away with psychiatric meds and therapy on that front!!

I did have an interesting experience with my anxiety at the appointment today though. (And sorry in advance if this is TMI!!!) But, anyhow, one reason why I went to see the OB/GYN was because of irregular bleeding. Obviously that is very often a common symptom of approaching menopause. But anyhow, the OB/GYN said that, to be on the safe side, she'd like to do a biopsy. There and then, if I was ok with that. :eek:

Well, naturally, my anxiety kicked in!! (I should mention that I have never been pregnant or given birth (obviously!) so, unlike most women, I am a bit of a wuss when it comes to medical professionals poking around down there inflicting pain!) Anyhow, I asked her a lot of questions about what the biopsy would involve and she told me in great deal and I quickly started down the whole road of, well, actually, could I please go away and think about it because I'm kind of an anxious person and maybe it would be better for me to come back at a later date more prepared for the appointment (in other words, with an Ativan!!!) etc. Even though I know that is the worst thing to do - ie, go away and think about something you're scared of!)

At any rate, the doctor just looked at me and said, of course I understand that you might want to think about it, but, I do wonder why you think you can't handle it? At first I thought, well, matey, that's easy for you to say, you with your total lack of Anxiety Disorder, and I sort of bristled and thought, right, I'm not coming back to see this doctor again! And then I thought, oh, FFS, Joanna, just put your big girl pants on (or rather, take them off for a minute, so she can do this thing!) and get this over with.

And I'm SO glad I did!!!! The doctor was actually brilliant and I swear I had the gentlest biopsy ever!! Now, of course I'm nervous whilst waiting for the results (I must not google endometrial cancer!!!!), but I'm so glad I just went ahead and had the biopsy then and there, rather than coming away and getting myself all worked up over it.

It actually felt very empowering.

Someone said this to me in another thread here too. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our anxiety is to kind of trick ourselves by just doing the thing we're scared of spontaneously, before we have too much time to think!!

Sorry to write so much!!

[Dahila]

Very interesting post Tailspin. Gentle biopsy. I thought something like that exist till I met dr Osher. The B**** was the worst ever. Anyway, my biopsy came back clean and so will yours. I have a good feeling about it. We women are very complicated creature physically and mentally. There is a lot which can cause irregular bleeding and not to be cancer. Do not google, take care of your babies. The best therapy are they. I swear that my dog always knew when something was going on with a member of the family; very small family though. My daughter, son and I. Daddy was not involved much in their upbringing. Anyway, do the dogs act strange with you? Probably not so you are ok:)) Stop worrying my favorite British lady:))

[tailspin]

Very interesting post Tailspin. Gentle biopsy. I thought something like that exist till I met dr Osher. The B**** was the worst ever. Anyway, my biopsy came back clean and so will yours. I have a good feeling about it. We women are very complicated creature physically and mentally. There is a lot which can cause irregular bleeding and not to be cancer. Do not google, take care of your babies. The best therapy are they. I swear that my dog always knew when something was going on with a member of the family; very small family though. My daughter, son and I. Daddy was not involved much in their upbringing. Anyway, do the dogs act strange with you? Probably not so you are ok:)) Stop worrying my favorite British lady:))

Thank you, Dahlia!!!! xxxxxxx

[jessed03]

I fed a squirrel.

I know this sounds a little childish, but I haven't done it since I was about 5!!! A big past time of mine. My mum used to take me to feed them. She nicknamed our park squirrel park. When I told the teacher what I'd done over the weekend, she could never figure out what a squirrel park was. Hehe.

I just saw some monkey nuts in the shop for 50p, and got the urge to do it. I think that's the problem when you get older. Youve seen and done so much. There's rarely any of that raw excitement you see in kids. I must admit, it was satisfying and nice to reminisce! I went to a similar spot to where I went at 5. Almost 20 years ago now. Wow. If only that 5 year old knew what was waiting down the line :O... He'd have never left the park!!!

London's tolerable in the winter. Parks and walkways are empty. They become some serene. I think people must think I'm a little mad when it's wet, and cold, and I'm just sitting on a bench, contemplating life.

I must admit, I did wait until nobody was looking until I fed Mr Squirrel. Another thing that sucks about getting older, you begin caring what people think!! Ah.

Oh well, Mr Squirrel certainly didn't care. He seemed a lot more peaceful than I did too. I'm sure there's a lesson for me to learn there somewhere :D!!!!

Enjoyable weekend to you all!

[Enduronman]

I used to feed the squirrels in my back yard and they'd grab the peanut butter sandwich outta my hand and just sit there and eat it. They must communicate pretty well because I had one, named Jenny (Forrest Gump) and then a couple weeks later there were as many as 8, and battles, and chasing, and I had never seen a squirrel fall from a tree until then either. About 25' feet. Hit the ground, got up and took off. Wait, I SHOULD HAVE inserted something gorey there for fun!

Anyway Jesse, I "domesticated" alot of them and they lost their "instinctual" skills after the winter months...I live on a busy street. You can figure out the rest....(sigh)

Older?....LMAO!!! What like 24!!! HAAAHAAAHA!!!

Sorry, what did I do that was positive today?

I prepared a report to an investigator to remove the feet of as many as 6 drug using/dealing/dopers off the streets of my community aqap.

I may have saved a life er two...that's the point.

Have a great day! :D

[Ponder]

I packed some of my camping gear away
I recovered from trip
I went for a WALK
I am back on my Meds

[angharadp81]

Took my cat for a walk