The Lighter Side: That (silly) Book Website - Thank You! And.. about my new 'Badge' here.. ;-)

[markbenjamin57]

Dear All

Just a very quick note to thank those of You Lot who have kindly ordered my book - 'Write Me Funny...' - via the newly launched website and Paypal facility. Hoorah, it works! One of you (who shall be nameless) has even ordered a book from the USA - Wow, what a privilege! I'll be busy sending books out on Monday - well, it keeps me off the streets

Also, for those of you might have noticed (or be concerned about) my new 'Administrator' badge here: all I can say is Don't Worry, I have not transmogrified in into the (sometimes negative) stereotype of an 'Admin' person, or anything more sinister. In fact, as far as my financial administration skills go, the analogy of an 'Arsonist in a Petrol Station' comes to mind..

No, my 'Admin' role simply enables me to dip-in to and study some of the PMRGCAuk / HU forum's data analytics around PMRGCA membership and communication trends in a fast expanding Health Community in the UK and Internationally - and hopefully to contribute more to the General Cause in terms of Spreading the Word (promotion and influencing) to the World Outside of PMR and GCA to anyone who can assist in it. Some Medics come to mind here...

So, folks, try to stay Positive on the PMR / GCA Journey. Yes, it's tough sometimes, but thanks to this fantastic Community we couldn't be in safer hands as far as support and shared wisdom are concerned.

Oh, yes... and try to keep smiling too - it can help a lot in the coping process

That's it. Suffering from MAN FLU (of course, highly dangerous and distressing), the wine's open, BIG WINTER MAN'S DINNER in the wardrobe (Traditional Sausages and Mash with the obligatory Onion Gravy) and looking forward to Spring, at long last

'Uncle' MB

Sent from: Benjamin Mansions, Weston super, er, well, you know where...

p.s Hang on a minute.. 'Dinner in the Wardrobe..'? I blame PMR and the Brain Frog...

[Soraya_PMR]

Hmmm, was wondering about the wardrobe. Have you got your activities with the chandelier muddled?

Ribbit ribbit.

[markbenjamin57 in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Probably, Soraya!

[Soraya_PMR in reply to markbenjamin57]

No denial there 😁🤣😉

[markbenjamin57 in reply to Soraya_PMR]

As 'Manuel' (in BBC's Fawlty Towers) would say: 'Aye Kkkknoww Nurtheenk Meestaire Faawwlty'

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Better in the wardrobe than the dog...

[markbenjamin57 in reply to PMRpro]

Or Teddy... he's putting on too much weight recently..

[Soraya_PMR in reply to markbenjamin57]

Teddy! Cut your carbs!

[markbenjamin57 in reply to Soraya_PMR]

I'll leave him a note. But probably the last thing on his mind as he's out 'doing the clubs' tonight - I wish I could!

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to markbenjamin57]

Safer not to...at your age. If you can’t tell the difference between a wardrobe and a cooker are you sure you’re allowed out (or in) on your own?😲

[markbenjamin57 in reply to DorsetLady]

'My age?' Humphhh. But to be fair, the Nice Ladies at the Drop-in Day Centre did advise me to stop playing with sharp instruments and ballistic missiles, and to do a 'nice Macramé wall-hanging' instead.

I've told them I'll think on it.. :-D.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to markbenjamin57]

Mmmm...shall look forward to next book...101 things to do with macrame .....the mind boggles 🤦🏻‍♀️

[markbenjamin57 in reply to DorsetLady]

The boggles boggle DL! Ohh, Man Flu - 1: MB - 0 tonight. Spluttering and sneezing like a good-un, wiped-out and ready for Deep Kip. Back on the case tomorrow

[Pi1234 in reply to markbenjamin57]

Pmr pro beat me too it. The bear I would love to see? But as far as the wardrobe is concerned that is a worry. Usually you would be a lion or a witch? Something to digest with your dinner, when you find it of course. Ha ha...

[markbenjamin57 in reply to Pi1234]

Thanks Pi, I'll see what I can do...

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Pi1234]

Think Teddy got there first...

[Hidden]

God, I wish I understood British humour!!!! I'll bet these comments are hysterical, I just don't understand the! : (

Mark, You're GLOBAL!!!! Thumbs up!

[markbenjamin57 in reply to Hidden]

Ha, Melissa!

I know: the English language culture, SOH and expression of Irony are often unfathomable to other cultures (including English-speaking non Brits - if you see what I mean?). That said, our Humour is often used in an innocent way

I'm 'up' for being 'GLOBAL' - sounds exciting!

[Soraya_PMR in reply to Hidden]

British humour is rarely hysterical.

A chuckle and a smirk usually does us

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Understated to the extreme! Unfortunately not everyone gets it!

I realised whilst I was staying with my daughter for 3 months what an extremely British sense of humour her 17 year old son has (although NZ's is very similar of course). It doesn't always come across on the phone or facetime, but in person.....wow!

We had some great times together he and I, I think I miss that most - so like his granddad in many ways! So different in others!

[Soraya_PMR in reply to DorsetLady]

There are some studies that indicate that the British SOH (the ironic, sarcastic, self deprecating and as you say, understated part) are genetic. So yes, grandad may well have bequeathed your grandson something that money just can’t buy.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Soraya_PMR]

Yes...good and bad! But best not go there 🤦🏻‍♀️

[Hidden]

Ummmmmm.... okay.

Wait.... what?

[SheffieldJane]

Well done Mark, so you are an Administrator now. Goodness. It sounds like a great challenge and rewarding work. All mixed in with comic monologues and a fund raising book. You are an exemplar indeed. You certainly have turned adversity into a very positive and creative thing towards a cause that desperately needs it. Do we call you Mr Uncle Mark Benjamin now? ⭐️🌟💫✨

[markbenjamin57]

Thanks Jane - bless you :-).

Well, I was probably only given the role to distract me from inflicting too much Mirth on You Lot here! ;-/. But seriously, it's a great privilege and I look forward to being involved with PMRGCAuk at a more strategic level in terms of 'raising profile' - whether through Humour, the book or any other skills I can bring.

Of course, all of this happened more-or-less by chance. It started 2 years ago with some silly ramblings on the forum for my own entertainment but which, to my amazement, went down well with a few of the more Bonkers amongst you as well :-D. Then came the book, now a special 'badge'. Wow!

But don't fall into the trap of thinking that with an Admin status I'm suddenly going to become 'Headmaster-ish' here. Well.. only for Fun perhaps ;-). The Titles 'MB' or maybe B*M (Bonkers Uncle Mark) will do ;-).

Jane, I agree about turning adversity (e.g. a serious illness like PMR / GCA) into something positive - if that's the message I can spread, 'Jobs a Good Un!'

MB x

[Jackoh]

I'm sure you'll fulfill this new role really well.

[markbenjamin57 in reply to Jackoh]

Thanks Jackie, I'll do my best