2018 - how’s it going so far?

After a funny 2017 when we moved into our new bungalow with all the stress that comes with a move at our age,we are now in a good space.
We have booked a holiday for September to celebrate my birthday and to have a break prior to next x--- (not saying the dreaded word).
Have seen the 3D pics of my new GD due in May from my DIL and am enjoying buying bits and bobs for her layette.
Keeping up with my weight loss club as I have now lost 1st.5lbs and dropped 2 sizes since late October.It will certainly help with my diabetes problem in the long run.
Have decided to help at the local Cat Rescue Centre one afternoon a week and dog walk at the Dog Rescue for 2 hrs on a Sunday.
So things looking good at present on the whole I would say 8 out of 10.
Things looking good

Happy Birthday, GabriellaG! Well wishes to all feeling under the weather.

Marks so far? 7 of 10 but it's early days - days, btw, going by so quickly! Cannot quite wrap my head around it being the 11th of January already.

For each of those who have lost someone already this year my sincere condolences - each story made me sadder.

Well done Pearl for the poem!

My year? About 8 / 10 I suppose. Everything's fine - DGS and his Mum arrived from America on Monday and we saw them for the first time last night. (NOW we can finally take the Christmas tree down!). The only damper on the proceedings is this dreary weather - although the sky at the moment is blue with fluffy pink clouds.

Both DGC are practically out of nappies.

Had a pedicure this morning.

Bit mixed for me. I won a £100 credit on a clothing site but I have a cold which has made me feel very down and seems to be getting worse. I don't have the energy to do anything. Hopefully it won't last too long and I haven't had any actual disaster to deal with as many people here seem to so I can't really complain. My health was starting to improve through Autumn so I hope that my low energy is temporary.
Also it is very quiet here since my difficult neighbour left and that alone will make it a better year than last (unless she returns which is still possible).

even though I broke my wrist just after xmas and it has made life very difficult, in 2018 I have realised I have the most wonderful friends.

Last year wasn't good with 2 sudden deaths and DD suffering ongoing health problems. My dreaded lurgy started mid-december and only now improving significantly.

Put on Pollyanna hat for 2018 with reasons to be optimistic.
Significant birthdays - 80, 3x70, 40, 21 and 18.
Summer wedding.
Wondering about taking DGCs to Disney Paris immediately after the wedding.
Quietly hoping that a new baby will be announced fairly soon.
Fingers crossed .

So sorry for all of you with ongoing problems. I am happy to say that life is treating us here fine, all the family are well (as far as I know), husbands prostate cancer is still being held at bay, otherwise we are in good health, and apart from the dreary weather, this year is going well so far!

Had poorly DGCs over the weekend. Started coughing Sunday, chest pain Tuesday so went to doctors in case it was a chest infection. No it's pleurisy. Lucky caught early.
On good note, youngest DGD is potty training and doing well, roof over our heads, heating and food in the cupboards.

It's good-^ish^, I'm recovering from the lurgy, my cat is responding for treatment to his bad gums and I should come into a legacy shortly.
My car has its MOT next week, I've a mammogram at the end of the month so it's fingers crossed for both. I'm (hopefully) still in remission from cancer.
Despite all, it still feels good to be alive.

After reading all the posts I changed my mind as I have an awful lot to be thankful for.

Can only get better is all I will say. Fingers crossed.

Still do not see GC. Husbands dementia getting worse. Anxiety through the roof. Ulcers on legs have reappeared. No strength to do anything. No one to help. Same as the last four years. So I got through those leaking legs and all. Bitterly bitterly upset we don't get to see GC. Thought I'd brought my children up better than that. So all things considered a 9 out of 10.

Happy birthday GabriellaG. Big hugs to everyone who needs one

I won a lucky dip on the lottery on 3rd, then again on the 6th and 10th January, just waiting for the big one now......

Depression getting worse, no respite. P.D really getting me down, can’t see any evidence of more effective treatment in the offing. Sciatica very painful, trying to do exercises which help a bit. l am having another caudal epidural injection this pm which eases the pain. Can only walk short distances.DH wonderful does all the shopping & cooking. 3 out of 10

Well...firstly, I hope that all of you ladies whose start to the year has been less than wonderful, can gird your loins and carry on onward and upwards towards the light, with a smile. That's what we women are good at, in fact, reading your stories, I'd say you're outstanding.
It's my 73rd birthday today (at 16.50 to be precise) and I have received some REAL cards, not just the e-card variety which are nice but....
Each of my children live more than 100 miles away so no visits are planned to 'celebrate' and one daughter is in my bad books so I don't actually want to see her anyway.
My health is great, no financial worries and dinner plus theatre on Saturday with 5 friends. Life is good.

After last year I am too fearful to comment

After a disastrous 2017, and despite numerous medical appointments scheduled for January, my hubs health is now improving so I think 10 out of 10.

We have a plague of mice under the floorboards - 14 caught humanely so far.
One funeral a second cousin but she was 96 so good innings.
Now looking after Grandchildren for three weeks a massive privilege.
I've got a sore throat
5 out of 10 I think

Not feeling very low in the first week of Jan. Yesterday I received the news that my friends husband who has been ill for some time died but at only 63. Also major row at the charity where I volunteer and some pretty nasty accusations related to loss of power of some of the men but directed at me. Sleepless nights and the fall out continues. Fat and lumpy, back pain but otherwise family all well and happy and that's what counts. Marks out of ten 5.

Not brilliant so far. Spent New Years Eve and Day alone as friends usually spend it with gone to family -with 1 year old Granddaughter . DD on call all day New Year so did not see local family. Since then been ill with bad IBS and worrying about future. Can only rent as left with problems when lost DH 9 years ago. and contract up in May. Probably able to renew but not ideal as a lonely apartment . Need to be near other people as no neighbourliness here at all. 3 out of 10 .Hope it improves as the year progresses.

Not too good so far. DH has had the dreaded lurgy since Christmas and is improving, but very slowly. Now I have it. A dear friend's mother has died, She was 96 and had Alzheimers, but her loss is still a sadness for our friend and for us, who have known her for 50 years. My cousin has been told that his cancer is terminal and the best he can hope for is a few more months.

On the other hand we have heard that DGD passed her ballet exam with distinction and has been selected for a weekend course with a professional ballet company, the builder has finally arrived (he was due at the beginning of December) and the car( over 10 years old) passed its MOT without any work being needed

Come to think of it, it’s not been so bad after all. No one has died or is sick, OH has work and we can pay our way. The move isn’t NOW. Everyone is happy, GD turns 7 tomorrow. What was I complaining about? So far so good!

So far so good. I've been in Oz so enjoying very hot weather and building up Vit D reserves ready for return home in a month. Staying with family so enjoying time with the gc's . Returning to my new abode 400 miles from the old one so exciting times ahead making a new life for myself and hopefully looking forward rather than back. Lots of plans .. so, yes. not a bad start to 2018 and fingers x'd it will continue.

Roofs started leaking above my head, where I sleep, waters dripping down - right on my head!
The downstairs loo smells like the drains are blocked, and no work until the 15th of Jan!

The cars gone in for its MOT, hoping the garage will be kind to me
And say ‘It’s passed - with no work to be done’
But it’s not the way my luck runs!

My DD left her job just before had Christmas started
She hated it there so she swiftly departed
Now can’t find a new one to go to each day
And is sleeping her days away!
(Not moaning about her really - she’s an amazing girl!)

I’m a self employed teacher, wishing I was more
But the imposter syndrome is keeping me floored,
Know that I can do better than teaching all day
But my ‘I’m not good enough’ feelings just won’t go away.

I’m stressed at the thought of self assessment day
31st January - please go away
I hate dealing with taxes and official stuff too
Makes me stressed just like nobody knew...

Healths actually crap - and I’m stuck in the rut
To the gym or not to shift this fat gut?
With the slim and lithe gym nuts who laugh (at the new members efforts) all the while
Did we laugh at you at Christmas when you was sneaking in the biscuit aisle?

Just had a letter from the hospital cancelling my date
That’s probably another 6 months that I’ll wait
They’ll leave you mid-treatment in pain and distressed
While your consultant goes skiing - he’s in need of a rest!

It’s Blue Monday next week - the worst day of the year,
Where we hide under the duvet - feeling no cheer
The start of another bad year then I guess
I’m depressed, distressed and a total sad mess.

But after all that I’ll give it a 10,
I’ll never get those days back again,
I’ve got to work hard and I know I’ll get by
But why I hear you cry, why?

Cos life is too short to let things make you sad
We’ve got to make the best of what we all have,
The good times, the bad ones they come for me and for you
But we put on our big girl pants and we battle right through.

Sadly tho, some people don’t get it
Life will only be as good as you let it
So fling back your sling backs - no more ‘have to fake it,’
Here’s to 2018 - let’s finally make it!

Erm... got carried away tea anyone?