New Year Resolutions I can stick to , shared with thanks and good wishes to all PMR/GCA members for 2019.

[Blearyeyed]

We are all set to thinking about our goals for the year on this day across the World.

Some of you may have already even begun your resolutions and set their first footsteps into the New Year.

So , as I , like many others , have been considering my options for 2019 , I thought I would share my conclusions and resolutions with the members and Far Away Friends I have on the PMR/ GCA forum and others coping with chronic pain with thanks for all your support and friendship .

A simple Mantra which I hope will help me cope with the journey ahead , and I hope may be of use to others like me who are still trying to find their feet.

So here it is in 2019 ,

I promise

Never to set myself unachievable goals or unrealistic deadlines .

I will see

Every day as a blessing , even if I am living with a curse.

I will

Wait before I react and consider how I act because I know being painfree is more important than my principles.

I will

Yearn to be healthy, but admit I am unwell. I cannot expect others to accept the limits of my illness if I won't be honest about my limits to myself.

I will

Enjoy the things that I can do , not grieve for the things I can't.

I will

Aim to improve every day but accept that some days I will not improve.

I will

Remember that just because I have symptoms that affect what I can do , it doesn't mean I have no choice in what I choose to do.

If I can manage to remember my Mantra for 2019 , especially when it comes to remembering that I am in charge of my choices about my health care not my Doctors and progress will come from teamwork not from tyranny , and truth not tales to mask it , I hope that I will be able to achieve a calmer , easier journey along the rocky road to recovery from all the symptoms of PMR / GCA and my other health issues.

The right way to get better is different for all of us , and the path to a PMR/ GCA pain free life certainly has no definitive map.

But even if we are all travelling in unchartered territory it is a relief to know that there are some who are further along the road than we are , and a few who have even managed to reach the ultimate destination that we can call upon to help along the way. .

2018 taught me that I am not alone , so 2019 has to be better !

With my new friends in my emergency backpack and the good feeling we can all get by lending each other a hand along the way life is going to be good next year, even if I don't feel good every day.

May the New Year bring great things and hope for us all and thank you all for making PMR / GCA and Chronic Pain easier to live with.

All my love Bee xx

UPDATE : As PMR Canada asked for a photo of our Grand Asylum Firework Display and my OH mucked up the photos of the Sparkler fuelled satsuma wafting in front of Big Ben on the TV , I have resolved to have no shame and not care a fig about the way I look and post this dotty photo of me bringing in the New Year instead.

Complete with knitted Christmas cracker crown , resplendent in my Elton Xmas tree glasses I raised my broken body off the sofa to , " Bring in the New Year" for all of you !

( The curse of being the only dark haired strange one in the house , and probably the strangest dark haired one on this forum )

Well we need to keep up the Old Traditions , and we all need all the luck we can get to succeed on this PMR/GCA trip in 2019 don't we?

Bet you wish it had been delivered in a more attractive package though!

Please note , the two burnt out matches to replace the lump of coal in one hand , and non gluten free bread in the other, clearly proving that diet was not top of my 2019 bucket list!😂😂

Happy New Year to you all! 🎊🎉🎊🎩💂

[scats]

Lovely post Bee.

You fail to mention two features of yours that usually shine through any answers you give here, youre amazing sense of humour and that big caring heart of yours. I hope to see these right to the fore during 2019.

I hope the new year brings you improved health and the strength to fight all your battles.

As for me I resolved not to make resolutions years ago, just go with what comes it makes life easier.

How are you anyway fighting that latest infection into submission I hope.

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

Infection is being forced into submission , but not in time for any New Year jollity.

Will be having yet another year seeing in the New Year with Jools Holland and doing our own version of the Grand London Firework Display by putting two sparklers in a satsuma and wafting it around in front of Big Ben on the TV, then finishing off with a grand flourish of party poppers.

Yep, the winter nights just fly by here!

My sense of humour is probably one of the things I should have resolved to reign in , but as the first item on my list involved keeping clear of unachievable goals I am not allowed to try that so I am afraid I will be torturing you all for another year ( sorry folks!!) .

I had attempted to set things out to read , 'New Year ' , but the blooming site shifted all the words to one side , and as I keep telling everyone else ,' not to sweat the small stuff,' I just thought , 'Sod It!' , so realistically I am already doing a pretty good job of keeping to the New Regime. Although it is only the 31st in Blighty so I better pace myself!

Lots of love , hugs and good wishes . Your mate Venom xx

PS , I am blushing at the warmth of your compliments you little Minx . Xx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Stick in there my friend you'll get through this, we're all here to help you.

Your new year sounds more exciting than mine, I mean a whole satsuma and party poppers. I can guarantee this will be one night I will be asleep at midnight!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

My Aunt and Uncle have taken a tray of goodies up to bed by 7 pm for years , until recently we would ring them at Midnight to bring in the New Year , pictured them looking like one of those couples on the phone in a 50's comedy , all rollers and face mask and a pipe !

( Auntie in rollers , Uncle the pipe , even though the opposite thought is now making me snigger)

We know they don't manage to get past 10 pm on a good day now , so let them sleep instead.

I suggest preparing your satsuma , pretending it's midnight if you want to drop off setting off your fireworks by 9.30 and having a well deserved sleep. Quite tempted by that myself! xx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Good idea meet you in the land of nod, satsuma at the ready!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

I'll bring the indoor sparklers and the mocktails !

If you read Mrs Nails replies below , this years party theme may mean we need to dress up like babies too , so get your rompers on .

I'm alright , I am already in a snowman onesie and probably have the mental age of a two year old. xx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

That sounds SOOO much more cumfy than all this superhero clobber.

Come to think of it what we need is a germ busting superhero, or some sort of protection shield........

Off to get changed and wrangle a satsuma!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

I am concerned have you been wearing your superhero Cape throughout December sitting waiting by the PMR emergency phone?

No wonder you are tired, definitely time for a onesie moment instead .

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

No the cape is far too flimsy, I've put that away until the weather changes. I'm a fair weather firefly.

Onesie sounds a much better idea, under a quilt, next to a log fire. Feeling dozy already.

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

Fairweather Firefly , love it, think that should be your full Superhero name .

Will dream of you floating about in your onesie cradling a satsuma when I nod off .

Happy New Year sweetie , Venom xx

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

Just added a terrible photo to the post of me , ' Bringing in the New Year ' for us all!

The things that I will do for my chums on this site.

I know , you are thinking , ' Bee Dear , You really , REALLY should not have bothered!'

Quite possibly the worst sober picture I have of me that wasn't taken fircthe observation of Doctors only!!!😏

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

I did at least expect antlers.

Not as scary as I expected, you look like you might yet survive to see the new year.

Have a happy one xx

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

Antler photo is available by special request!!

xxx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Don't think I'm strong enough for that really. Have you had any sleep or are you saving it for the daylight hours. Just managed 5 hrs, should set me up for a while

[Yellowbluebell in reply to scats]

My superhero is easier I just eat it!!!

[scats in reply to Yellowbluebell]

.... but you would melt next to the fire!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to scats]

Only the ears as they are chocolate but to be honest I ate them last week

[scats in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I knew it!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to scats]

Had a horrendous run up to Christmas so decided ears had to go and was at eldest daughters and she doesn't do choc or calorie laden anything so the ears and tail just had to go!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

What is wrong with your daughter and her chocolate intolerant zone , maybe it's because you called her Shepherds Pie , oh no hold on isn't that Banana Bread , happy new year , literally it is 8 seconds to Midnight!!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

She has a tendency to put weight easily and her and hubby are always trying to lose a few pounds! Youngest is still only 7 stone which winds the oldest up no end! Besides if oldest is dieting I dont have to watch the fridge as she passes through (usually for a toilet stop on her long 5 mile journey home!!!) Have a great new year and hopefully things will start to get better for you so. Cuddles xxx

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

What is she Scroogey McScrooge though, she could have bought in a huge bag of chocolate ears and tails for you to munch and you could have had spares to take home with you to save her diet .

I am about to attempt to post up a photo of me , Bringing in the New Year , one of the curses of being the dark haired strange one in the house , terrible picture , it might just put you off having me for a visit !

But 2019 , I will add give up trying to look good and decide to have no shame to the list.

Hugs xx

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I have just put the photo on the post of me going out on a limb to , Bring in the New Year , for us all!

Possibly the worst sober photo of me that wasn't taken for Doctors only appreciation. Didn't even have the energy to take off my nightgown and put on something more festive instead.

Are you sure you want me visiting your village , I have a feeling the Village Council will be putting up posters to keep me out as we speak!😎😍😍

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Well done. Picture looks great and to be honest the only odd bit are the sunglasses so you should fit in very easily. They find me entertaining so you'll have no problem looking like the village idiot. You can have the title willingly!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

No it will need to be a joint title , then in our worst Welsh accents we can say , ' I'm not the only idiot in the village you know'

My friend bought me the sunglasses so that I could still look festive while having to protect my eyes , she was pretty sure that the combo of festive jumper , bobble hat and dark glasses at my last eye appointment made me look like a rock star suffering from too much eggnog in A and E after Christmas revellery!

Apparently the glasses make it seem intentional and whimsical rather than an attempt at a warning poster against excessive Xmas drinking.

I was scaring small children though , slumped in a chair like an Elf with a Hangover .

The glitter and tree design will clearly just make me look insane instead of psychopathic!

I actually have another pair that I bought years ago in green , so we can both look like fetching festive twins walking the streets of your village next year ,

scaring the neighbours is after all one of our many superpowers , and probably the only amusement to keep us going this long ! xx

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

There you go , that last reply to you was the last message I sent in 2018 , now this is the first of 2019!!

Have a blooming good year you chocolatey animal !

Love and fizzy hugs Venom aka Bee xx

[scats in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Sorry had to sleep don't take it personally

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

I dropped off and how could anybody be offended by someone getting a well earned rest , especially at this hour of the night.

Will hopefully drop off for more than a few minutes now too, these awful pain induced insomniac nights really do take a toll don't they.

Sure I was slightly more sane when I got the odd full night of sleep.

Night night xxx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Good night

Sleep tight.....

[Yellowbluebell in reply to scats]

I have given up trying to sleep at a proper time and just collapse in a heap when tiredness takes over

[scats in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I didn't answer you last night because I fell asleep. Woke at 2am, dozed again 9.30 to 10.15 and sat here now bleary eyed. It''s not 'normal' is it.

It's nice here, think I might drag myself outside for a while, might clear my head.

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

If you can manage it , I say go for it , just a nice stroll not a sprint though .

And did you just say you were sitting on Bleary-eyed?

I was wondering what that lump was under the blanket , didn't think I'd got a new cat!

Enjoy your walk , or sit in the fresh air , you never know seeing 2019 in the cold light of a new day might perk you up a bit , and help your body clock get in synch to give a good night's rest .

Hugs xx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Sorry, forgot where I was, misappropriation of the term bleary eyed. Will be more careful in future. Deffo not under your blanket got my own thanks and if I was there it would be more like a pet elephant than a cat.

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

Giggle !

You call yourself Bleary-eyed anytime , it's a name that works for us all at times.

At least you know I would happily share my blanket with you on the sofa ( and the OH and kids don't get that luxury!) , but now I had better investigate what that lump under my blanket actually is!!

xxx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Just managed to wobble to the end of the garden and back, some walk. It was made worthwhile by finding a daffodil in bloom!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

No way!!

A daffodil!!!

Goes to show it has been warm over the last week, a blessing for all us achy individuals.

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Wierd too because in one sheltered corner there's a geranium that hasn't given up yet. So which is it spring or summer?

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

It's Spuming!

Just watched the World's Strongest Man , and tried to look up a fact on their website , now they keep pinging me an application form to take part.

Apparently , It's my year , apply now !!

Although I appreciate the level of belief they have in my abilities to keep my resolutions and improve my health this year , I do still think there might be a fatal flaw in their logic

And not just the PMR/ GCA

1. I have very spindly arms

2. And, possibly most important , I am not a Man.

Now , if they hold a World's Feeblest Female competition , I might give it go.

I am going to find a couple of feathers and start weight lifting training right now .

( No, seriously, just as I finished that sentence the application form popped up on my screen again ! Maybe I am the World's Strongest Man )

Hugs Bee xx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Obviously your reputation preceds you VENOM did you think you could hide it from everyone. You may pull the wool over our eyes but others see through your decoy photo! After all if it is your year.... who knows?

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Bet you would beat me in an underarm grape crushing contest!

I can't get the sealed top off a squeezy sauce bottle!

How the hell are you supposed too!!

To think I used to eat two Mars bars a day in my youth! (when I could get out of the office & hit the machine)

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Is that the diet for required to win the World's Strongest Man?

I did used to eat three Shredded Wheat a day in my youth , but now my mouth is so dry I would probably choke on the dust that poofs out when you open the packet .

( I have just managed to cut my finger open on a mint crisp wrapper and am now sporting an injury)

Maybe I am not cut out for the WSM?

No , hold on , I must be , the flipping application form logo has literally just pinged on my tablet again.

They are really eager to recruit me to expand their audience demographic, adding sufferers of PMR , insomniacs and maniacs to the rating population.

Or did one of you tell them about my sporting prowess in the Spronkers stakes and now burly Lithuanians and Icelandic Mountains are running for the hills in fear?

I am coming for you Thor , if I can just find a winch to get off the sofa and an Uber!!

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

The Spronkers Stakes!!... Isn't that an " over the sticks" horse race! Do you mean the Spronkers Field Events! ..ie... Putting the Spronk..Throwing the Spronk...The Triple Spronk... High Spronk..! .. God I've lost it! .. I have.!.This Spronking has become habitual.! ..Not another bad habit to give up!!!!!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to scats]

I actually fell asleep about 4 and for sone reason didn't regain proper consciousness till after 12. Not sure what happened but could just be total exhaustion. Still feel knackered though.

[scats in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Breaking News Bee is going to enter Worlds Strongest Man comp,

She's got the entry form!

Now she will be tired!

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

Have a look at my last reply to YB below , I am recruiting PMR / GCA volunteers with unusual abilities to assist me in my training.

Perhaps I could carry you , a donkey and Big Ben to the bottom of your garden to visit your daffodil , this New Year stuff is clearly making me feel invincible.

( Although , I have just got a paper cut opening up a mint crisp , really I have , so I might need a few more minutes training first ..... And a plaster!) 💪💃🏆

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

have you been mixing drugs and alcohol again?

[Blearyeyed in reply to scats]

I have just realised that Christmas Pudding may not have been the best dessert while on my antibiotics . Xx

[scats in reply to Blearyeyed]

Oops!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I just read your last reply , that some reason is cider drink binges in bed .

What would those policemen say now , tut, tut. 😘

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

I dont care what they think anymore. Drinking cider in bed on NYE is perfectly acceptable if you really havnt the energy to get dressed let alone go out.xx

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

You were wondering what WSM was , I kept getting confused last night thinking

NYE was some sort of text speak for New York Empire State ,

I am now picturing you and the OH in a big brass bed on top of the Empire State Building , drinking cider out of the bottles , bellowing at passing helicopters and throwing the empties at party goers below.

And I am still thinking that is perfectly acceptable behaviour when you are too tired to get up and dressed.

I think the brandy in the Christmas Pudding is playing havoc with my medication!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

I think it might be more than the brandy!! You are just totally nutty whether on drugs or not!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Oh yes , there were nuts in the pudding too , well thought out Choccy Mouse 😂😂

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Totally and utterly mad

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Starting the new year as I finished the old one and got my cider in bed

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Raise one for me matey,

Although with the brandy induced hysteria I am in after a slice of Christmas Pud I might be merry until next New Year ( hope it doesn't get in the way of my strong man training!) xx

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Please take pictures of the training so I have something to laugh at when I am miserable

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

If I am pushing you and Mr YB around in a big brass bed we will have to get Scats to take the photo for us.

And I have a feeling we will all be laughing , it's the Village Council that will have the long faces.

Especially when my shoulders give out and I have to leave the bed in the middle of the road and climb in for a rest. 💤😪😴😴

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

The council have asked for ideas for some money they have been given to be used in the vilage. Maybe i should just suggest a brass bed to be parked in the field

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Yes , tell them they are contributing to the sporting achievements of the differently able or it's a donation towards a scheme for greater gender equality in Sport .

They will be cock a hoop and think it will be worth the money and promote their image.

Plus the local hobo will have somewhere to sleep until I knick the bed to put in my squat in your potting shed.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

We dont have hobo's in chichester according to our council!! Besides the bed might come in handy if I get tired whilst playing tennis on the fields!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Fifteen ... Snore 😴

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Just a quick question on new year resolutions. Mine is to lose weight so does bubble and squeak count as slimming as it's all veg?

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Yes , fact !

Mine doesn't have more than a drizzle of oil added in the mix before mashing and I use a non stick pan or even make it in bumpy patties and bake until crispy in the oven.

The breakfast of champions anyway , I will also be eating it tomorrow with smoky bacon, yum!!

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

That's ok then. Had a large plate tonight and have more for tomorrow. Will live on bubble and squeak. Sorted!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Sounds good to me , I am about to hone my superhero skills by watching , ' Antman and the Wasp' , as my daughter got the DVD for Xmas and the OH has been thrusting the box at my face for the last five minutes saying , ' Watch this! Let's watch this !'

I did say they could put it on without me but apparently my presence is required before the cellophane can be taken off the box. They must need my Strongman skills obviously. xx

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

They sometimes have to make you join in whatever they want to do just to make you feel loved!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Yes but what attractive heaps we all make I am sure!

When I fell to sleep last night I didn't realise I still had my party crown on .

When I opened my bleary eyes there it was lying in a little heap next to my face.

In the old days that would have been because of too much exurberance and partying the night before , now it's because of Pred head and pain induced fatigue.

Wish I could go back to the good old days when the feeling of a five day hangover in the morning and a hair do like an electrocuted orchestra conductor was caused by too much high living , at least I would have enjoyed what I seem to be paying for.

Now rather than racing shopping trolleys in the supermarket car park , we need to use them for a lift back to the car because a trip around the shops is too much for PMR Fatigue to cope with.

But , I can smell beef cooking in the kitchen and have managed to mix a batch of Yorkshire Pudding Batter , a creamy rice pudding is slow cooking in the corner of the kitchen , the last of last years batch of homemade Christmas Pudding is playing a bubbly tune on the hob, and the family are happy to chop up all the veg , so I can't say that 2019 has started off that badly can I .

Plus , I have smoothed out my hat and put it on again , and have good friends to chat to who don't mind me doing it from the comfort of my bed in my old ( but very comfy) nightgown so I think optimism and positivity for the New Year is raising big time in The Asylum.

How did your night end ? Go on make me jealous and tell me your heap was caused by a champagne fuelled shopping trolley race accident , now that is a New Year photo I would want to see! xxx

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

OH said he wouldn't push me around the car park in a shopping trolley irrelevant of whether the policemen knew me or not. He inferred that most of the policemen I knew had actually retired, probably due to stress from finding me under the influence sitting in a supermarket trolley just one too many times!! This is all conjecture and has to be proven in court.

Our evening involved drinking cider in bed!! The high life we live!! Hope others had s more exciting nightYBxx

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Wow , that sounds so decadent . No wonder you woke up in a heap.

Are you still in bed ? Are you still drinking cider?

Apparently , I should be applying to the World's Strongest Man Competition this year , as they keep pinging me an application form telling me 2019 is my year.

Therefore , as part of my training , I could push you and the OH and at least three crates of strong cider around the carpark in your big bed , as I clearly must have the physical prowess of The Mountain from , 'Game of Thrones ' ( he has just won , but I think I could have him !) or at least The WSM have enough belief in me despite the PMR .

And when someone puts so much faith in the fact that I can manage despite being the world's weakest splash of milk I don't think I should let them down.

Hugs Venom the Invincible xx

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Wondered what the mention of WSM meant. Thought I was hallucinating. After the dramas with the hoapital before Christmas every new symptom has me paranoid!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

World's Strongest Man ..... Weird , Stroppy Maniac ??

But you may have a point , maybe I have started to suffer from yet another unusual symptom and the Competition people are trying to tell me something .

I have turned into a Man

And incredibly Strong Man ... Neigh.... The World's Strongest Man .... Overnight!

Now that's a side effect they haven't included on the Pred box.

I now need the loo from all the giggling , perhaps I should try going standing up?!

( Clearly in my little pea brain that is the definitive way to prove I have changed sex)

.

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

This could get really messy!! Most men can't hit the target with a penis so god only knows what you think you are going to use!! OH suggests a funnel. Not sure whether he is being helpful or not. I have my doubts that with your wobbles this is going to end well.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Taking my transformation one small step at a time , standing to pee may have to wait until next week , or when I get an increased in medication.

Perhaps I could begin with farting just before I leave the room , or leaving empty packets in the refrigerator, that a man thing isn't it?

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

Totally, but OH says I leave a trail of packets from my midnight feasting!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Oh yes , that's definitely a woman with PMR thing.

I sleep eat though , even before PMR .

Many is the time that the children came downstairs to find me asleep on the sofa with my hand caught in a Pringles box , or found me with a cupcake wrapper stuck to my cheek in bed.

Only discovered I was sleep eating at first ( and it was me eating all the kids sweets in the night , I had been blaming the OH) when I had a dream one night that I was eating Fruit Pastilles from one of those big Christmas tubes but because they kept coming out in the wrong flavours and it irritated me it woke me up.

I found myself sitting in a chair with my daughters Xmas stocking and a handful of sweets.

I have even made myself toast!

Yep , you were right totally nutty xx

[Yellowbluebell in reply to Blearyeyed]

That's worse than me. I blame OH on food disappearing but it may be me. Oh well never mind he's usually responsible for something.

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

You think your sleep eating is bad!.. Had an incredible dream the other night I was eating my way through a 10 pound marshmallow!! ..When I woke up the pillow was gone!.. Boom....boom

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Blimey PDog ,

Seems that Christmas has caused a transformation in you too , for I may have become the World's Strongest Man , but you seem to have turned into Basil Brush!

Ha...ha...ha !!

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

It's the reinvention that keeps us going Bleary! Always had a bushy tail though!!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Bet your bright eyed too !

From a Bleary-eyed fan , hugs Bee xx

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Shaded always!... In case the steroid eyes get me into any bother! .. Specially with my brillo barnet! Hey! Gitt out of it!

[Hidden]

What a great post! We must not over expect of ourselves to perform & manage like the PrePMR/GCA Us but as someone said earlier in the year, “Learn to Swim in Our Own Lane!” And, l think that is very true, we are not in competition with anyone or even these conditions.

I’m sitting here in bed, wishing l’d stuck to one of my own rules, “Don’t Let People Kiss & Hug Me” as on Boxing Day a Member of my Daughter in Laws Family Hugged & Kissed me & then pronounces he’d had a Cold & Cough leading up to Christmas & was still suffering! I’m so cross 😡🤧

Happy New Year 🥳

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Oh No!

That was one of my resolutions a couple of years ago , keep the 'unclean' from your door!

In fact , my family and close friends are so used to it they even pretend to walk around with a bell shouting , 'Unclean, Unclean' , like Medieval Lepers if I am coming towards them when even a hint of a bug is coming in.

Unknown Germ Carriers are strictly vetted by my devoted children , so no teenage lergy gets through the front door , and children are closely scrutinized for Conk Crustaceans and Snot Bubbles before being allowed in my presence .

My friends Grandchild loves to get up to mischief with me and usually arrives at speed .

Last Summer , she was literally grabbed mid air on route , swung around and kept running in the opposite direction like a headless chicken . Hilarious when she stopped abruptly looking at the place she started from.

My daughter had thankfully noticed a gooey trail emitting from the child's nostrils and wanted to screen it for infection or just general child scum.

But keeping those flares at bay from catching something is key to surviving isn't it .

Hope you don't get too sickly and you could always try the satusuma trick I mentioned to Scats if you want to do something "exciting" at the ,' Bongs' !

Happy New Year and get a nice sleep , it's just another day really after all. Love bee xx

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks Bee, when l was on the Methotrexate l felt l could be much, much firmer with people but it comes out a bit ‘Precious Princess’ 👸🏻 now l’m only on Pred but shouldn’t as our immune systems are still compromised!

I’m laying on the bed as moving around makes me cough, l’ll get up for dinner shortly before my Son & Daughter in Law go to my other Son’s for NYE ~ l hope they realise it’s a Baby Friendly Party! 🥂 🍼🍾🥂

All The Best for 2019 🥂

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Baby Friendly Party ?

Does that mean you are encouraged to be friendly to babies rather than beating them with party streamers and leaving them in a corner to collect later.

Or , will you get more respect and hugs if you turn up in a nappy?

Now picturing a room of adults dressed in multi coloured Diapers and party hats , smoking cigars and drinking gin out of a baby bottle like the character in that film , ' Who framed Roger Rabbit's.

See we don't need to get off the bed to enjoy the fun , but if I keep imagining stuff that makes me snigger I am going to spend half of NYE going back and forth to the loo!

It doesn't make you a Princess to keep away from germs , it keeps you alive , until you are fully well keep the diseased beggars at bay , the Deranged Doctors Orders!

Big New Year kiss ( guaranteed germ free!) Bee xx

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Ah Bee, what a thought! 🥳 It kind of sounds like something Cynthia Payne might have organised! 🤪

No, this one includes bringing your own off spring, from 6months (The Hosts) to 6years old!

We shall have a wee drink & sit by the fire & watch TV 🥂

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Oh Shoot !

Scats and I have already sorted out our onesies and I have a supply of Mocktails in feeding cups for all .

Do you think we could keep them on and still party in our baby PJs in our separate beds with sparkler fuelled satsumas ? I wouldn't want to disappoint all the PMR crowd I have just invited on WhatsApp!

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Very Probably 🎇🥂🍼🤪

[MhairiP]

What a lovely post! I don't make new year's resolutions, but I do like the idea of a mantra. Wishing you all the best for 2019. xx

[Blearyeyed in reply to MhairiP]

Thanks , hope you find a path that suits you and a Mantra that makes life a little easier for you in 2019 . Hugs and Salutations , Bee xx

[Bronni]

Lovely read, Bee. Wishing you and yours the best of health in 2019.

PS. Thanks for the shove re Xmas tree. My daughters reaction was shock, but a big hit with my 5 yr old granddaughter, who plugged it in every morning, because I forgot 😁.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Bronni]

So glad it was a hit, and even more glad I could help you prove that you can still do stuff to shock your children despite PMR!

Probably , worth the effort for that alone wasn't it! 😂😂

Here's to more confusing banter and managing to keep our kids guessing in 2019 , big hugs Bee xx

[Marijo1951]

Thank you for the mantra which sums up what I feel going into 2019. In a way I've had my mind made up for me regarding my new year resolution. I noticed this morning that a new branch of Slimming World has just opened only 5 minutes walk away from home. I've wanted to join a group for ages but there wasn't one that was really convenient. The meetings are at 8.30 am on Saturdays, which is also ideal for me, as I'm most alive and alert in the morning. So this time next year I hope to be able to say that I'm achieved my aim of being 10 stone instead of 13 stone.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Marijo1951]

So good when things that you want to do finally become more convenient to do.

Hope you achieve your goals , but most importantly get enjoyment doing the best you can in reaching the goals you set.

Remember , though that you do have PMR , and that your progress might be slower or there may be some foods you need to keep in your diet to help your symptoms that aren't always allowed on a diet plan . Tell the group leader when you start so they understand what you might need.

Whenever I think about losing a bit of weight I start reducing the calories and changing some foods for a few weeks slowly before kicking off the diet to get used to the change and boost my vitamins and minerals with a supplement to hold off any affects on my immune system and energy.

Did that even before being ill , seemed to help make the whole diet process easier .

Good luck and hope you make some new friends at your club in the New Year.

Hugs Bee xx

[Marijo1951 in reply to Blearyeyed]

I did get in touch with Slimming World to explain about my conditions - that I avoid white carbs as well as sugar because of the steroids and also that I can only do the gentlest exercise. They assured me that they've had many members on steroids and that their instructors would be understanding and able to cope. Well, I can only join and see how it goes. Thanks for the encouragement.

[Blearyeyed in reply to Marijo1951]

Great your on the ball with it , sounds like you are bound for success , let us know how you do , it would be great to encourage you through the year , and find out if the weight loss helps your pain levels . Take care . bee xx

[Marijo1951 in reply to Blearyeyed]

Apart from everything else I've a longstanding touch of osteoarthritis in my knees. I think lightening the load on them should ease the pain a bit. Thank you again for the encouraging words.

[Yellowbluebell]

Bee this will be the year you get sorted out and get yourself down to sunny sussex to visit me. So take it easy on yourself but not the tyrants. All my love. YB

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Down with tyrants , not with pants !

Happy New Year Choccy Mouse , enjoying the Madness. xx

[Yellowbluebell]

Oh and my resolution out of interest is to stop providing the village with entertainment and lose some weight. I have doubts about both of them.YB

[Blearyeyed in reply to Yellowbluebell]

I am giving you until 00.01 tonight , when you and Mr. YB go out in the front garden to sing Auld Lang Syne ( accompanied by Count Bela Lugosi from next door on his organ) trip over a hosepipe and pull all the Christmas lights of your house as you try not to fall.

At least ( as long as you don't damage a lung or something ) that's what I hope , as otherwise your first resolution would be disappointing to all of us.

What would the Village Council do without you to write stern letters too.

I would have to move to your village just to keep them on their toes!😎😀😁😂

And don't worry about the second resolution either , it will be 12 the Night soon and you will have the right to throw that heavy footed Elf out of your pocket and beat him to death with piece of left over Holly.

That is the tradition isn't it?

Happy Newness of Yearlington . Venom xxx

[Joaclp]

A lot to think about, very nuanced, something to emulate. All the best for 2019!

[Blearyeyed in reply to Joaclp]

Happy New Year to you xx.

I think if I can keep to at least half of them life will get easier , in fact , perhaps they might end up being my resolutions for life , they would help the ' normals' be a little less stressed and red faced too.

Big Hugs Bee x

[PMRCanada]

Oh Bee.....what lovely written sentiments capturing your mantra for the coming year. I can only hope to be able to adhere to such wisdom. Wishing you strength and resilience in 2019, and beyond.

Please take a pic of the sparklers and post.

Leslie

[Blearyeyed in reply to PMRCanada]

I will try my best in my Bleary-eyed way , and then add a footnote to my resolutions list to learn how to use my tech properly so I can work out how to put a photo on my posts.

But then I might cause some real mayhem.

Have a wonderful new start with all its endless possibilities , kiss and and New Year jigs to all over the big water . Bee xx

[Blearyeyed in reply to PMRCanada]

Didn't get a good satsuma photo , but have put one up of me , ' Bringing in the New Year' it's a doozie!!

Probably should have put a more attractive photo up first time on the site , this is likely to have you all running to the hills but what the heck it's 2019 and I don't care anymore😍

[PMRCanada]

Luv, luv, luv the pic sista! Thanks for obliging me. And the bread......hilarious!!!! We love you just the way you are, please don’t change one thing about you!

PS, I’m going to see Elton John with my son in Oct here in Canada. Need to get me a pair of shades like yours.

Happy New Year hon. Thanks for generating the giggles.

[Blearyeyed in reply to PMRCanada]

If you send me a message on private chat message board with your address I would love to send you a pair as a post Christmas gift .

I may even find some rainbow coloured toe socks like the ones I have for you to sport with your platform shoes!

Love a bit of Elton , saw him a couple of times in the 80's , a great night out , you will love it and concerts are a really good way to connect with your children on a whole new level of love . Memories will be made by you in 2019.

Wish I could rock that crocodile with you there too. xx

PS , just added the reason why my friend bought me them in a reply further up to Yellow Bluebell , you might find it amusing.

Aren't you about to ring in the New Year there , or have I got my times wrong?

I'm just sitting under a blanket watching ( instead of dancing along with) old Glastonbury footage on BBC , often the way we keep the neighbours up after the Bongs , but this year it's playing quietly and the neighbours are being saved from the sound of feet stamping and raucous singing until the early hours as The Asylum' has no party on this year.

I am gently nodding from side to side as I write though and still sporting those lovely glasses so it's all good !

Party on dude. Bee xx

[Daisychain12]

Oh my gosh you are GORGEOUS!!! Why did you not tell us how lovely you are!! You look such fun. Your mantra is being printed out and stuck in every room of my house. Thank you so so much. Wonderful mantra. Wonderful you. Xxx

[Blearyeyed in reply to Daisychain12]

You could get away with the , " essence of fabulousness" , when you had no photo but now you have seen me I am wondering wether you were wearing your New Year beer goggles with that compliment!

In all seriousness , you are very kind and I have to say from your photos ( yours are actually very lovely!) that you are gorgeous.

So we are both starting 2019 with a brand new Mantra and can be happy in the knowledge that we are a pair of babes!

Hope it helps you along the way over the coming months , I was thinking about us all , not just me when I wrote it. A little bit of calm reality about the PMR journey will help us all recover not matter which path to health works best for us.

Good luck with the Therapy in the next few weeks and remember we are all here to support you along the way.

Happy New Year DC , you little corker!

Love Bee xx

[Jeannie29]

Blearyeyed, what a fantastic post, I shall print off your mantra and try to stick to it as if it were my own.

Thanks, and you look great.

I wish you well xx

[Blearyeyed in reply to Jeannie29]

Hope it helps and you have a great New Year , PMR/GCA won't beat us in 2019 , hugs Bee xx

[Hidden]

Brilliant Photo Bee! Love It 😍

Happy NY 🥂🥳💜

[Blearyeyed in reply to Hidden]

Thank you , you are very kind , may try another one soon , preferably slightly perkier and in real clothes.

Have a lovely day , Bee xx

[Hidden in reply to Blearyeyed]

Thanks x

[pollymarierose]

Your New Years mantra is beautiful! I will strive for all of that everyday. As, for you....you're a lovely person inside and out! Thank you for so much inspiration!

[Blearyeyed in reply to pollymarierose]

Thank you that's really kind , I like to post things that might give people a mental lift and help me do that too.

The mental and domestic issues that pop up with PMR/ GCA are often the hardest ones to find balance with , so if my mantra for 2019 can also help other people get through that makes me feel better too.

Feel free to thumb through and read any of my past posts , even if they just give you a giggle ( some of the other members replies are very funny and often have good helpful tips) it all helps in making us strong enough to fight the good fight against PMR.

Really big hugs , Bee xx

[pollymarierose in reply to Blearyeyed]

Big hugs back, Bee! 🌷