Are you up or down?

[HeyWayne]

When my last girlfriend split up with me, the reason she gave was "you're just too nice"

Yep, I heard that plenty of times BL (Before LadyWayne), annoying isn't it? In my case it was a reason not to go out with me in the first place, let alone breaking up.

Just stay nice dude, don't go changing.

She's out there somewhere.

The best gems are always the best hidden.

[bluemoon]

I'm generally an up person, though, like Snadger, I can come across as a miserable old git but, if you look closely, my rants are usually about injustice and some people's just plain unthinking stupidity towards other people. I love my children, grandchildren, dogs, chooks, garden, lottie, camping trips,...... the list is almost endless and, sadly, largely takes place outdoors, which means that arthritis in both hips is threatening to rob me of just about everything and I've been on a real downer. I'm seeing a light at the end of the tunnel now though, the hips are still severely affected, but I know that we're only at the beginning of possible treatments. Perhaps it's just that I'm slowly coming to terms with the idea. I'm just about managing to do my job though, not that that's difficult as I only work 4 hrs a day, 3 days a week (been given the rather dubious 'honour' of the pass code for the lift) and our fourth grandchild is due on Sunday. I've long promised my daughter that I'll be there for the birth as S-I-L is a bit of a wuss and we're not confident he'll remain upright. I still intend to be there even if I have to crawl. Also she says she isn't having an epidural under any circumstances, so with any luck they'll give it me instead! (well I can hope) My OH has taken on the care of the lotties and the chooks, which is lucky as not everyone has someone to do that for them and if I'd had to give it all up immediately I know I'd be feeling far worse, at least this way I have something to strive to get well for. I've been surprised about the attitudes, not just of people I meet or work with, but also of the medical profession, whose first thought seems to have been about the benefits I could possibly claim now I'm 'disabled'. Firstly my priority is to get well, and secondly I don't consider myself disabled, just ill. I have no objections to people claiming these benefits, I'm glad we live in a society where they are available, but they would not have been my first consideration. Again though, I have a lovely OH who will support me financially too so for me it's not a big worry. I have to say that during this time much helpful advice has come from the vine (even if I've had many days when the thoughts of chatting about lotties has just been too depressing for me to even log in). Most of you realize that becoming suddenly immobile like this has been difficult and have made helpful suggestions. I've had PMs that brought tears to my eyes with their kindnesses. I'd like to thank you all, but especially a couple of you, who know who you are.

Glutton 4. I lost a dog 2 years ago and know what you're going through. Big Hug.

Bigmally. Big Hug for you too. Hearing of things like this puts everything else into perspective

[Brengirl]

Each time I reach for pen and paper to add something to this thread I change my mind.

[Bex]

I try and be an upbeat kinda girl but sometimes life just drags you down. I try not to let it drag me down for too long. I've had heartbreak and heartache like most people but I like to convince myself that I am a stronger person for it. I have to survive and put on a happy face for the kids - where would I be without them.

[Bex]

That last post made me sound like a bit of a misery, I'm not honest

[Brengirl]

I am sure you will survive and I am also sure you would always have an happy face if you could. Don't kick yourself for feeling sad at times. One day you will put your great loss into perpective and the sun will shine again.

[Glutton4...]

Thanks to all for the messages of support re my lovely dog - really appreciated. Remember my ending; 'Tomorrow will be better'?

Well, today my car broke down and had to be rescued by the AA. Ho hum.

Tomorrow will NOT be better - I'm far too unfit to cycle!

I do appreciate there are many folk on here that have far more to worry about than I do, so I'll p*ss off and stop moping!

[Hilary B]

I totally agree with that one Olly! I'm generally a very positive 'up' person, and if down, I don't stay there for long. I'm a believer in 'everything happens for a reason' and we should all learn from what life throws at us.

Today I've learned never to keep pets - they break your heart!

Sorry, just had the dog put to sleep - today is a HUUUUUUGE low!



Tomorrow will be better.

'Tis better to have loved and lost........
The 'next one' doesn't take away the pain of losing a pet, but it does remind you why it is worth having them......