Anything improved your life in 2016?

Having finally, regretfully, accepted that there will be no more foreign travel for us, I have diverted our holiday money savings to replacing very old and faulty appliances. New enormous TV is a delight, it is total bliss to have a cooker that needs virtually no cleaning and on which all 4 of the rings work, a lawnmower, that does not cut out every few yards, a freezer that requires no defrosting and finally this week a brand new ironing board which is stable, folds in a jiffy, fits in the cupboard (the old one was too big) and not too high for me. As it only cost £12.99 from Aldi, I can't believe that I have put up with the old one (a wedding present 50 years ago) and dutifully made a new cover for it every year because it was a non-standard size and covers to fit could not be bought.

I have `private messaged` everyone who asked for details of the homeopathic treatment in case anyone wondered why it isn't shown here. Wanted to give everyone who asked a little insight into my condition so they could compare with their own.

I gave up my job in June, I was becoming far too stressed despite going part-time. I am now doing a bit of admin work from home, it's no more than one hour a day and I'm much worse off financially but I couldn't cope with office life any longer. I can't tell you how much happier I am, I actually feel like a different person and have time to help out more with child care in school holidays and in emergencies. I am finally enjoying the house and garden and have made marmalade, jam and chutney. I've joined the WI and have been on a few outings. I have time to meet up with friends for lunch and am going away for a week with a friend as DH is still working and doesn't have any holiday left. I could go on and on, about how wonderful life has become but those of you who don't work know this.

Katek - what news!!! I am so very pleased for you both.

grannypiper - how well I know that moment when you realise that a lifetime of menstruating more of the time than not; having to use two super tampax (yes - really!) plus two large pads some days; having to change the bed sheets in the middle of the night; and that pain - childbirth was nothing in comparison! - has ended. I always say it was the best day's sleep I ever had! That was 26 years ago - and that was when my life really started. What a bloody design fault it all is!

Luckygirl If you mean me, thank you so much (katek and my name are always getting muddled!) Yes, after 50 hospital visits in 10 months, a horrible biopsy, MRI scan, pelvic scan, bone scan, 37 consecutive days of radio therapy and several hormone injections, that prostate cancer has given up trying!

The event that changed my life for the better in 2016 was the birth of my first grandchild!!! The love I have for him is beyond my wildest expectations! He is my joy, my sunshine, my best reason for getting up in the morning (I have a very difficult, stressful life because of the severe illness of one of my adult children). Here's to being a Grandma!!!!!

I have finally had treatment on my teeth after several months, 1st of all front tooth broke off then Denture broke in two. Needed to find an NHS Dentist, after a couple of months registered & seen - needed to have 6 teeth extracted. Opted for Hospital extraction rather than at Dentist (I'm terrified of Dentists).

Prior to 1st Consultation a Blood Test showed low Platelets in blood so Hospital referred me back to GP who contacted Haematology who were not concerned, referral back to Hospital who agreed to do extractions. 2 teeth at front top taken out 3 days ago - today is 1st day with little pain but I can wear my upper Denture & look in the mirror again & best of all smile . It has boosted my confidence & I feel happier, rest of extractions at end of month.

Other big change is my garden, no longer a wilderness/jungle, starting to look like a proper garden, so after 18 months I am feeling happier in my new home - looking like a really positive end to 2016

The S.O. buying a little house in Bamburgh, where we spend several weeks at a time. I spent tonight watching cormorants diving into the sea.

In many ways this has been and continues to be a perfectly dreadful year for us, but on the plus side a) my DH survived his heart attack and subsequent bypass op and b) now that so many things have gone so badly wrong the only way must be UP. Bring it on!

I had a hysterectomy early in the year and feel much better for it. I have a lovely newly decorated lounge and have made some progress in clearing other rooms.
Reading other posts, I'm so glad I'm retired and can't begin to imagine having to still work now (I'm 64).
I'm looking forward to downsizing and enjoying a small easy to manage house when my 2 DS eventually leave home, hopefully in a year or two.

Turmeric capsules, might be coincidence but since taking them for my psoriatic arthritis have been able to junk my wrist splints and do normal stuff again - woo-hoo!!

I'm on my third week of taking turmeric (but as a drink) so I'm hoping it works for me!

Just love my fresh looking downstairs which cost next to nothing and my 'room to move'. Feel very pleased at the lack of cost.

First did the decluttering, clothes hangers now have room to slide on wardrobe rails. Only kept clothes that fit properly and I love. Sold the rest on eBay.much less clothes but wear everything.
Same for dh clothes. Also shoes. Sold his also on eBay.
Same for excellent condition curtains and bed linen that were in the loft.

Last year I had bought new bedroom curtains and bedding but was never truly happy with it, too dark, so sold it all on eBay and got enough to buy replacements from Dulelm.

At the back all grass was replaced (kept the Apple trees and climbing roses) by flagging and now have a lovely courtyard effect with a beautiful green canopy. Gave away the lawnmower.

Front shrub bed now sorted with membrane and bark chippings, great job. That cost about £50 and was done in one day by dh. Just spray any little weed that dares to appear amongst the ground cover conifers, cotoneasters and hostas.

Didn't want to replace perfectly good but dated dark chunky wood furniture so painted some of it. Gave the dining table and chairs ivory legs and chair backs. Painted the large chest coffee table in soft green and ivory. Also a tall drawer cabinet to match. Big big difference for 2 tins of paint and a tin of wax.

Changed the 4 silky table lampshades for linen type shades, £5 each in Dunelm.

Did some decoupage on a couple of items to help break up the look that over the years had become too boringly neutral. Cost was 6 napkins and a £5 pot of decoupage glue.

We got rid of loads of 'stuff' and cut our workload.

But best of all, We visited our dgs who lives abroad. And have two more dgc on the way to join the 4 we already have.

The builders did their stuff and have gone. A lot of finishing outstanding for us but the day the builders left was a day for celebration!

Had a kitchen extension and down stairs loo and shower built made life much easier.

I joined a gym and work out and go to classes every week. I feel stronger but more importantly I am strangely chuffed about wearing Lycra in public, which I would never have had the nerve to do before now without feeling self conscious. So far a good year for confidence boosts.

Another lovely thread.
I have enjoyed reading all the things that have made life better for people - especially the many health and home improvements that are encouraging to read about. My brother becoming my mum's full time carer has made a huge, beneficial difference to my life, but one I'm not entirely happy with for his sake.

Mixed year, mixed feelings. Losing my dad but fortunately before the Dementia had got so bad he didn't know me or lost any dignity. He would have hated that.

DS left home eventually, now it is nice and peaceful, I can have quite times and my stress levels are returning to some sort of normality but I do miss having a chat with him.

I got my PIP through and was awarded my car, which has been fantastic.

Health worse than the turn of the year but will now work on myself a bit more to help improve or at least not get any worse.

I've just bought a cordless 2 in 1 vacuum cleaner, not tried it out yet as I blew all the fuses this morning putting a lamp on. I had a quick lesson then on the fuse box, which I hadn't got up close and personal with until then!

I joined the Gym last year and have made some wonderful new friends, who I met through our ballroom/latin dance classes.
we have many dance events and get togethers.
I also do Yoga/Pilates and started a spin class.
After having counselling for depression to help deal with personal issues for 2 years, It has improved my life immensely.

Had a gastric pacemaker fitted, can actually now eat occasionally!!

So pleased to hear things have improved for you grannylyn after we discussed the condition you share with my DD.
Although her health hasn't improved really DD is coping.
The event that's improved my life is the announcement of her engagement to a supportive partner who adores her and the GC's.

is good to hear DD is coping; I am fairly well one week out of 3, which is an improvement! Am seeing one and only specialist ( aka God ! ) on 24th, but reality is nothing more to be done; so just try to get on with it !

Given the geography you may well be sharing that specialist with DD. She has a lot of faith in her consultant too.

Far as I know there's only one in Scotland, Mr A !

[overthehill] I would be really interested in your homeopathic pills as I too have excess mucus which really affects my singing (in a choir) as it clogs up my vocal chords. I would be grateful if you could tell me the name of them. ?