Sunday:
1. After trying to reach Michael all weekend, he finally called back and suggested to call him around 9:30pm, which worked, so we finally connected. Michael's first great niece or nephew is due to be born on Monday Nov. 2nd.
Michael was also helpful in figuring out how to protect my side door at West Hartford for the winter.

2. Wendy came over to give me some help. I managed to get a shower before she came, and I pushed myself to get clean sheets on the bed while she was here.

3. Third day substituting healthier frozen yogurt for ice cream. I did have one small ice cream today, but substituted the yogurt for what would have been second serving. Still eating oysters (good with lemon juice), almonds, and pumpkin seeds as nutritionist recommended.

This post has been edited by PeacePilgrim: Nov 2 2009, 12:07 PM

Monday:
1. Got 5 letters mailed tonight: 3 bill payments plus notarized estate paper plus CD redemption letter. Took a week to get them all together to mail, so big success to put them in the slot tonight.

2. Pam helped me with computer work tonight.

3. Another night without ice cream.

Congratulations everyone, we've done well!!! (((hugs)))

Now if I can just remember what I was going to write when I opened this reply box, I'd be happy!

I'll just ramble on for a bit until it comes back to me!

I started tidying, organising & cleaning the front part of the shop at work. If I do a little everyday, & gradually work my way towards the back, then the place will soon look nice enough for potential new management to make an offer on the business.

Nope... still can't remember!!!

Tuesday:
1. Made it to Dad's house to check on heat and also on property line.

2. Made it to Wormwood to pick up package (Avery sheet protectors) and work on new house number sign for street.

3. I finally got my digestive system a bit back on track later in the day, so by suppertime I could at least enjoy eating.

1. Figured out that by putting off things and not doing anything is hurting myself more than I realized. At the time it feels like I am benefitting or rewarding myself, but than I regret it much later. Basically I am not going to give in to my procrastination or excuses and when I am thinking of them, its time start doing the opposite.
2. I asked for a certificate for the volunteer work I've done over the year and got some applications for the schools and library. I didn't think I could ask for it but I did....very happy about that....very.
3. Took care of getting water, doing the banking and went to visit the inlaws even though I didn't want to, it wasn't about me, it was about my husband and my daughter, ended up having a nice time.

nice to see everyone again....
Ocean

Wednesday:
1. Called to get my late father's phone number transferred to the new house, a step in the direction of moving in.

2. Finally quieted down enough to enjoy Top Chef reunion on tv.

3. Christina was able to get groceries and mail for me today.

Thursday:
1. Got oil and lube done on Taurus; while I waited, picked up 2 more blue "tubs" at grocery store.
Always enjoy the brothers who own the garage where I take my car; knowledgeable and super-friendly.

2. Feel closer to moving; landline phone transfer almost complete. It's disconnected at Dad's house, now just waiting for reconnect at new house.

3. Weather was better today than predicted: mostly cloudy, but NO rain/sleet/snow showers.

1. kiddo said the word 'light' for the first time, he's been excited about the fact that everything has a name and loves pointing at things and finding out the names
2. take out again for dinner, a break for me again *yeahy* (it is getting expensive tho, lol)
3. my VS order came 6 days early in the mail!!!!

Glad to see, adorabelle and PeacePilgrim, you guys had some good things to happen today. :)
1. I got up on time AND didn't weep on the way to school (go me!)
2. My nursing lecture ran short (go instructor!)
3. The turkey/jalapeno sub I ate was just freakin' delicious (go Subway!)

Hi Mulligrubs! I too love Subway--my favorite is Chicken Teriyaki with sweet onion sauce!

Friday:
1. I actually got to West Hartford today, with assistant Christine driving, and got everything done on my "to do" list.

2. In spite of the fact that we finished the trip by hitting an unmarked pothole in the dark in a grocery store parking lot--and losing all brake fluid--I would say the trip finished successfully. In spite of the experience of driving without brakes for the first time, we did manage to pull over to a safe spot on the side of the road BEFORE we got on the highway, thank goodness. And a tow truck got to us in record time to tow us the hour back to Ashford/Mansfield (thank you, Triple A). And while waiting for the tow truck, I discovered that the local police department has one of the cleanest nicest rest rooms around (emergency "pit stop" while waiting for tow); also got a short walk in the bargain.

3. We were able to finish the trip by loading my 4 boxes of art work into Christina's green van from my wagon, so they are now safely stowed at new house in Mansfield.

4. I couldn't reach Michael tonight, but did reach Marla, to tell of my exciting adventure.

Saturday:
1. I was at the new house today, putting a new paper house number sign by the road, when the nicest thing happened. An older man was walking his 2 golden retrievers and went out of his way to say "Hi" and welcome to the neighborhood.

2. Well, I got 2 phone jacks to work at the new house. Still problems with a low buzz/hum and static on the line, but at least there's a dial tone.

3. I did a brief "pick-me-up" phone coaching w/Ramona today, and managed to connect briefly with Michael tonight.

1. Had my niece over the weekend, she called me up and asked if she could come over, things not too good at her house. We had a nice time bowling, going for a walk and getting icecream.
2. I have been emotionally stable lately which I feel very good about. I have been practicing the half smiling, breathing and exercising which helps the most.
3. Daughter and I have been spending very good quality time together.
Ocean

Sunday:
1. I actually think I moved today!
I spent 2 hours packing up my cat and most important food items--only forgot my grapes :-(
Wendy helped me transport stuff the 8 minutes down the road to new house and so far I have no sense that I am leaving; only that I am picking up more stuff tomorrow.
Maggie cat seems happier here than last time I brought her. She is actively exploring, although first she took a cat nap by crawling under the covers of my bed.

2. Wendy told me how to get free movies/TV programs on Channel 979, I think it is.

3. Got my brake-less car successfully transported to the garage for repair tomorrow.

add to Sunday (it wouldn't let me edit above):
4. Phil Mickelson won this weekend's golf tournament!

[quote name='PeacePilgrim' date='Sep 28 2009, 03:42 PM' post='568991']
Positivity Thread: 3 Things That Went "right" Today! (Chapter #2)



Looking for a buddy or two who is willing to go toe to toe with me, accepting the challenge of coming up with 3 positives a day, no matter how small.

1. finally dyed the grey out of my hair after staring at the dye kit for a month

2. Went to work today and made it through the service without crying and my choir sang pretty well

3. Finished typing the program for my Vet's assembly that is tuesday..

(while I'm writing this I'm thinking of all the things I didn't do or did bad)...

RockinRouleau, welcome! The endless negative mind chatter comes at me, too. That's why it's important to me to stop and sift out some of the positive that may have gotten lost in the day. Hope to see you back here, and again, welcome!

Monday:
1. Nice courteous prompt telephone repairman Tim resolved phone issues at new house. First checked outside house, heard the buzz I was talking about. Then checked in basement and discovered that former residents had had Charter telephone and left a switch to that effect turned on. Switched it off, and that resolved problem.
Tim also helped install a phone jack in the "mural room", which was children's bedroom and I want as office.

2. I beat it back to Ashford apartment to meet up with Pam, who did computer work for me and also helped me pack up a few more things for new house.

3. Caught up with Mad Men finale which I had missed last night.

4. Weather remaining great for this time of year--sunshine and on warm side.

5. Oh, and I was leaving new house for apartment around 4:30pm, that same man with 2 golden retrievers waved at me in my car.

This post has been edited by PeacePilgrim: Nov 10 2009, 12:10 AM

...Been having bad thoughts lately. I know I shouldn't, but depression is taking another nose dive again, so it's time for another round of "think positive"!

1. Already have the music and new choreography for my next ensemble performance down.
2. Even though I woke up early, I was able to watch a beautiful sunrise and even eat breakfast for once.
3. Managed to stay in-conversation (a.k.a pull off being sociable) for the better part of rehearsal even though I felt like crap.
4. an added bonus - got so much done yesterday that the only thing I have left today is a little bit of editing.

Tuesday:
1. Man called back about my key to UPS store, and was much more professional/knowledgeable than the guy in the store on Friday--even though it still hasn't resolved my key issue!

2. Christina was able to help me pick up my repaired Taurus wagon from the garage; both cars are now in the garage at new house for first time.

3. Enjoyable Dancing with the Stars episode tonight, with comic "Dance Center", Susan Boyle singing, and lots of great dancing.

Wednesday:
1. Got Maggie to the vet even though assistant didn't show up on time.

2. Maggie seems to be adapting to new house really well; much more independent now; enjoys stairs, cat trees. Gave her catnip.

well, i can't think of 3 today..

1. laughed my *** off with a friend.
2. he called.

Thought of a couple more from Wednesday, I was really struggling last night with brain fog!
Wednesday additional:

3. My credit card company was really helpful in erasing charges for online company that had ripped me off with false advertising and failure to honor 100% money-back guarantee. Thanks, Celeste!

4. Maggie slept on TOP of bed covers for first time, therefore she's feeling more confident here at new house!
Also, vet didn't find a single flea on Maggie and she's lost a little weight, a good thing, down from 12+ lbs to 11.6.

5. There's a cooking show I really appreciate called "Cook Yourself Thin". Wednesday's first episode was called "Fast Food Favorites Without the Fat!" (Healthy recipes for favorite fast foods, including burgers, fries and pizza, are provided.).
I like their emphasis on ADDING delicious healthy food items, and modifying existing recipes to lower calories by half or more--rather than focusing on deprivation. The one thing you need to achieve this diet is the willingness to cook rather than order take-out, and I am hoping this will indeed inspire me in that direction. I have already made some movement.

PS Just for my own memory jogger, I am also going to note the 2nd episode I saw Wednesday; they were both inspiring.
Second episode was
"Cook Yourself Thin : "Keep the Crunch, Lose the Fat!"
Creating low-calorie versions of a gymnast s favorite foods: chicken tenders; pasta; and peanut-butter bars."

Food adjustment is my latest attempt in attacking depression, and I am having some success. If I could lose some weight in the bargain, that would just be a bonus. This is a very creative upbeat show.

6. Having been very hurt by being ignored by a tv interview program that has featured me before, I am now renewing my daydream of taking classes at the local tv studio and eventually producing my own public access tv show, where I would have control over quality and content. I am also daydreaming again about having support groups meet at my new house once I get it set up.

Thursday:
1. Successfurlly got all my notes in order before meeting w/nutritionist.

2. First in-person meeting w/nutritionist Shoshonna went well. I was even 15 minutes early, and spent time watching chickadees and nuthatches, and eating yogurt in the car. She recommended Trptophan for me, either the "unconverted" 5-HTP5 or "pure" tryptophan, and gave me specific guidelines for trying it out. Also I am to do a 7-day food diary for her, and I told her of my successes on my own, and what I have been doing with online nutritionist. She tried some psychological Kinesiology.

3. Michael actually called tonight, while I was stopping back at the apartment. He knows about psychological Kinesiology, and mentioned a test in which you hold a mushroom in your hand and do the strength test with it to determine if mushrooms are good for you (also can hold other food items, of course).

Whoa....what went right today????

1. The books I ordered arrived today--just when I needed something new to read!

2. The hubby and I had a nice meal at a resturant.

3. My washing machine did not over flow like it did a few days ago (always a good thing when you've got a ton of laundry to do....)!

Friday:
1. Maggie has a new favorite place at the top of tall cat tree at new house.

2. I FINALLY recovered from the crushing "crazy" feeling I had from noontime through mid-afternoon today.

3. Although Norton protection disappeared on my computer, I did get it resolved.

4. Got "free movie" on my cable tonight--Johnny Cash bio-pic "Walk the Line".

Had HOPED to add here that I had taken a shower tonight, but turns out that I am still struggling, resisting, avoiding--so since I can't seem to force myself in, I created a new post on this topic in Depression Central. Hoping maybe some people will have some creative answers!

Saturday:
1. I got my shower late last night. I decided NOT to turn the noisy exhaust fan on, and instead opened both windows wide, even with the forty degree temperatures. The noise gets on my nerves, and also signals my isolation even more (sound barrier keeping me out of touch with the world). Once the shower was over, I turned the fan on and closed the door on it. Was an improvement.

2. Got stuff done with Wendy here at new house today.

3. Thank goodness for my cat. Very little else is giving me comfort through this long night.

Sunday:
It was another *bad* day, but here some things that went right--
1. I did get a telephone answering machine set up at the new house, and I got a load of laundry done.
2. I also figured out why I wasn't getting enough heat in 2 rooms: the heating apparatus was partly closed.
3. What I thought was mice in the walls turned into a simple case of a flying insect trapped in a plastic drape (what a noise that made; my cat made a good detective and figured it out).
4. I got some early morning emails written, including an important one to one of my online class members.
5. I caught the 2nd half of the movie Coming Home on HBO; it's one of my all-time favorite movies.

Also, per yesterday Saturday, I realize that under the category "Got stuff done with Wendy here at new house today.", I should have highlighted the fact that I had her mail an all-important piece of mail: the 2nd installment of state tax, deadline for which was today Sunday the 15th. We also got Maggie's cat paraphernalia collected and "catalogued" and safely stored in closet. Figured out an adequate "perch" for Maggie in kitchen (a foot stool), put away jugs of water into laundry room, changed batteries in basement smoke detectors, set up water bowl for Maggie on 2nd floor. It's important to me to acknowledge to myself the things that ARE getting done.

Monday:
1. A better day, in that I had a paid assistant to give me support (Christina). She did shopping for me, including getting me folic acid to supplement my diet. Also helped me at Ashford, as I prepare to close out of apartment. I sorted files, while she changed smoke detector battery and scrubbed down bathroom. Packed up some more food items and IRS files to move to new house.

2. Not so exhausted this time driving back to new house around 11:30pm.

Monday - 11-16-09

1. Had a good first therapy session.
2. Got a massage
3. Actually took a shower, got dressed, and got out of my apartment.

Tuesday:
1. Good phone conversation for one hour w/new nutritionist. Have another phone appt. next week on Wed.

2. In spite of fear and exhaustion, made it to Dad's property to do check on property line and take photos.

3. Got a lot of spam emails erased to postpone having to upgrade my email program.

4. Happy with Dancing with the Stars results tonight.

Wednesday:
1. Amanda on the phone at People's Bank was really nice. She easily put my CD money into my savings account without a lot of fuss, and said she would send me a receipt for same. Trisha earlier had insisted on having it in writing, and I never got around to it!

2. Successful coaching call with Ramona.

3. Sending assistant Christina on errands other than groceries worked out okay. She got me new printer ink at Staples,
new kitty grass for Maggie, door stops & sponges & Healthy Choice dinners from Walmart, and screws to repair my chair.

4. Fiddler on the Roof movie is playing in the background right now on TCM free movie Channel One selection. Love the music and the story.

Thursday:
1. Was able to unexpectedly pick up book about Wormwood Hill at local historical society; good to have that off my mind; they were saving autographed copy for me.

2. Michael phoned tonight; hurrah! Had been a week; sometimes so hard to reach him.

3. I found a dustpan/brush at local hardware store with no stickers on either. This was about the 6th place I had tried.

4. Sat in red highback wingback easy chair/recliner while considering it for purchase.

5. Did bring back extra digital box so I can enable kitchen tv to receive alternate channels.

6. Thought I couldn't do it, but did make it to Ashford apartment to pick up some things. They have covered ACs for winter, and put out the large containers with chemical mix for sidewalks. Makes me more glad that I am moving out.

Friday:
1. Found it easy to call Verizon prepaid service to buy extra minutes for Michael's cell phone; he's now set for the year.

2. Enjoyed talking to the customer service department at "Best Home Furnishings." They picked up the phone right away, with no complicated phone menus, and I was quickly referred to a very helpful and friendly customer service department. Their very positive response to me encouraged me to complete the purchase of one of their chairs later in the day.

3. The furniture store offered me $100 off for buying the easy chair model on the floor, and ultimately I accepted the offer. Went down there with Asst. Christina in her big green van, and brought it back with us. It is now in the dining room area, and guess who thinks it's great? Maggie, who has quickly adopted it as her own.
PS While at the Thomas Furniture Store, I also spotted a 4-panel folding screen with rice paper for about $70. I will have to go back another day to purchase, because it would be perfect for my new house.

4. Christina was able to wash almost all the paint off the side of my Dad's car--the white paint resulting from my hitting the garage door frame yesterday. (Why do they build garage door entrances so narrow?)

5. Christina helped me set up my secondary digital box for cable tv, so that I now have tv in my kitchen/dining area.
I watched Hairspray while getting supper--and cooking my first baked potato in ages.

This post has been edited by PeacePilgrim: Nov 20 2009, 08:25 PM

1. Went to a social gathering and played a game.

2. Did family obligations.

3. Worked out for 30 minutes again.

Saturday:
1. Wendy helped me with a number of things at Ashford apartment, including repairing a chair and packing up files to take to new house.

2. Enjoyed film The Tale of Despereaux on tv while having BBQ chicken dinner.

3. Earlier in day, mid-afternoon, brief chat with Michael while sitting in new easy chair. He was sunbathing on his roof!