h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

2010.

The year that was

It really started in 2009 when I 50.

Well. I didn't really turn 50. What a daft expression. I mean it's not like turning a corner, is it? At least there is a choice in turning a corner. To turn or not turn.

A birthday just is. Like the rising in the morning just is. Or weather just is. So becoming 50 just was. But it was a good excuse for a , although many friends and family couldn't make the party.

Next was my legs. No. They didn't turn, and I can't blame it on their namesake, 2legs.

They decided they didn't want to work.

Well, they didn't actually decide. After all they aren't sentient limbs, independent of me, as such. They can't think on their own, or I'd never get in a pub. Be too busy rambling. (Actually I appear to be doing that now!!! ) But they weren't doing what I wanted them to do, how I wanted it done or when I wanted it done. . And when they did do what I wanted, they did it begrudgingly and not always as well as I'd like it.

After 4 years the sort of reached a . A very . A disease that teenagers get. Shows I was , obviously, as I get it when I'm . So "It may, or may not be, as the aren't sure but, perchance, there is a possibility, pending further tests, and don't take this as gospel, that I (the believe it is, although I must stress, despite being a specialist, and asking the expertise of other specialists, we aren't 100% certain, but have come to the conclusion, but with further tests still to be conducted, if you agree, that you have, and I must stress this is not, by any means categoric, that you have, or it is perceived you have, although you have it late in life and is something contracted when a teenager but... Now where was I? Oh yes. The diagnosis... (picks up notes) It is thought... (re-read above. ) that you have Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

I started having tests nearly 5 years ago! Oh well .

So life progresses. Well, it would, wouldn't it. Or I'd be . On to the next big event. My occupation is to be redundant in February, 2011. G-r-e-a-t... So lots of meetings. lots of hot air. And it goes on. And on. And on.

Then a breakthrough. The Olympics get announced! Wrong breakthrough. A flat for the disabled became available 100 yards up the road. Mum and I where invited to put in an offer, and secured it, but it virtually needed gutting, from carpet to walls to ceiling. So, after 6 weeks and £16,000 later for a , a new kitchen and bathroom (all installed whilst living there, with the move being heroically performed by 10 friends) the place is finished. Now to move Mum in! Was that a scenario. Eventually, after much , she was in. Just boxes. Loads of boxes. Everywhere.

Now all is with the , sort of.

Then I decided. Well, I didn't decide. The driver of the I was on, attempted to avoid a car, projecting me , via a wall and a post, to a position on the floor. After , and a check I continued to work, to find I had a badly sprained wrist.

So the year was drawing to a close. What else could happen? Just a slip on , before they'd even fallen! Another , with at least one broken bone in my foot and a damaged tendon behind my knee! That must be it, surely? But no. A trip on a dodgy floorboard is accident number three and so 2010 ends!

Happy New Year!!!

Then . The announcement. h2g2 is to be !!!

Auntie Beeb has decided to commit genocide and expunge a Community. Almost eight years of entries, threads, photos, Meets, but most of all, Friends , . Gone. Erased. Finished. Terminated!

But soft! What is on the edge of this dark goodnight? A ! Can it be? The of h2g2 past enter, , stage left. And so begins a cunning plan! And threads. Lots of threads. More threads than you can shake a knotted thread at. Some , but some really , some and some really , but it gives me that h2g2 will survive. .

And today? Well. I have 12 more days of employment. I'm not in a good place at present. But I had a lovely evening last night with an ex-employee who was my Saturday manager, and two work colleagues.

And today I had a that, after 23 years, I qualify for full retirement benefits, so I am, to all intents and purposes, an unpaid member of staff, with full benefits, including discount, use of Company premises etc. .

So every cloud has a . My redundancy clears all I owe, and still leaves me a to rest on for a while.

So I'll dust off those entries that have been , polish my camera, head off to Copenhagen to photograph elephants, and hopefully visit a couple of Meets, maybe Germany and Hull. Then who knows!!!

Life is good. No matter what happens life IS good. Not every minute. Or hour, day or week. But no matter what , or comes my way, there IS a rainbow. Somewhere. And a . Even if the black isn't far behind.

Happy New Year, everyone. And remember the words of Bobby Ferrin - 'Don't Worry. Be Happy' and maintain the facade of a P.M.A.



MMF

Awww - and hope things pick up for you!

And how about "Three Little Birds"? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIjkW6iyXNo

Lol.

Reggae, although went off Bob Marley, but the link.

Hope you are and , after your year from

MMF

You're a gifted storyteller, MMF. You wear your heart on your sleeve and have no fear whatsoever when you describe how you feel.

Why not write the MMF story, or even a novel with you as the central character? You could do it. One thing, though. Leave all the smileys in.

That's great news about the full retirement benefits, MMF. Must be a huge relief.

That's some good news at the end of your MMF!


lil xx

Yes good news indeed. We've been a bit short of that this past week

So glad you are managing to find some good things among the rough stuff. The financial security must be a big relief.

I have been going through a major life changing upheaval too. I think I am coming out the other side now, much like you. Do I have your new postal addie? i think not. Drop me an email when you get a minute.

More elephants Goodness, you are a glutton for punishment

Enjoy every day as best you can, this is not a rehearsal you know and don't let the Black Dog in from the cold whatever you do.



Websailor

How is it you can make me howl with laughter and weep with sorrow all at once, you genius-with-words-and-a-big-heart? I am so pleased the financial package is as it should be and that you have a chance for a bit of a breather after all the struggles. That black dog come anywhere near you, tell him I'm up to three cats now and they'll have his eyes out