Wow. Blimey.
My blog has been short-listed for an MS Society Award,
Three things go through my mind when I got the magical email:
- Wow. Blimey.
- Gah. Double gah. What. On. Earth. To. Wear. To. The. Ceremony?
- What will The Teenager wear? Now he is very, very tall and has worked out a lot?
I must clarify, I’m not precious: most days, I hang out in baggy builders’ trousers, with seventeen pockets full of screws and a pad and pen in my hand. Just in case. I wear a bobble hat (dust always falls from the ceilings). In short, I am the furthest from glam than you could possibly imagine.
A day off for me is baggy jeans and a baggy top. And flat boots. Air-dried hair, slumped shoulders.
I literally (and, as an aspiring novelist, I don’t use this word lightly), cannot imagine me in a dress. Or a skirt. Or a skort. Or culottes. Which leaves trousers. Capri, full-length, baggy, tight.
Perhaps I should do a Jenny Beavan?
Anyway, that to one side, this is a great opportunity to turn it back to you guys.
Almost four years ago, out of sheer despair, I started my little blog with the encouragement of M. J. Hyland, a wonderful novelist; I had contacted her after reading an article she wrote for The Observer about her MS.
We emailed for a while and she suggested I blogged. The rest, as they say, is history. Almost four years later, my little blog has over 4,000 hits a month and is read in over 100 countries.
For a teeny-tiny MS blog, I’m chuffed. I write the blog I wanted to read – life is more than MS; it’s all about friends, family, work, studying, falling over, picking yourself up and … MS.
So, tonight, me and The Teenager are celebrating. He’s had a Domino’s pizza (treat night, once a week, to make up for having a ‘ripped and toned’ gym routine the other six nights).
As for me. I’m just taking it in.
One last thing – without your support, your comments, your ideas and encouragement, I know that I would not be here today. I would still be having that first Pity Party for One I mentioned way back in 2012. And where would I be then?
How times have changed.
Thank you for travelling this road with me.
Congrats and well deserved. Helped me through my first year with humour and not being alone with MS.
I think you should go as a Bond girl and try to get the teen in a tux.
Thank you so much!! Really kind of you to say.
As for Bond girl … um. Teen in a tux would be cool though?!
X
I’ve said this before: I love your writing. Recently I finished your book and nodded and chuckled in agreement all the way through! Blessings! xxoo
You’re an absolute sweetheart, thank you!
X
Great – I’m so pleased for you – you deserve it – just the type of blog I would like to write.
Hope you win now!
Siân
Thank you lovely!
Got everything crossed 🙂
x
Huge Congratulations on the nomination – really well deserved. If you find somewhere that sells beautiful trouser suits (there should be a nicer term) let me know 🙂 .
I will!
May just have to engage a ‘Personal Shopper’ who sighs at my large frame 🙁
x
Congratulations what wonderful news.
you have no idea how many people you help with the blog.You are an inspiration.your honesty is a true healer enabling many to realise that it is ok to share feelings.
the personal shopper will be coming in handy again but no matter as long as you keep smiling and are accompanied by the teenager you both are winners.
Nanette
That means such a lot to me, thank you!
And yes, I really hope my blog has become a place to let off steam about life with MS – I know I have done that, many a time 🙂
x
Your road is our guiding road, thank you xxx
Thank you!!
XX
We all support each other. There is nothing as reassuring as someone who knows what you’re going through. Plus you alwsys make me smile. Enjoy your nomination.
Thanks Allison!
You’re so right – we support each other. I love that.
x
Well done. I can’t imagine why you wouldn’t win.
Whatever happens, enjoy the honor of the nomination.
We are all with you.
Thank you so much!
Will be a fantastic event 🙂
x
Congratulations and thoroughly deserved. Whenever I see an email from you in my in box I am cheered up and know that it will be something insightful and funny. MS is a real pain so it is nice to lighten the mood with some humour now and again, from someone who knows the reality of living with it every day.
Thank you! That’s lovely of you to say 🙂
X
Congratulations on your nomination. Your blog makes me feel I’m not alone. It also makes me ? I’m not a skirt/dress girl either. Good pair of black trousers with a top always works for me. Good luck. Xx
Thanks Kirsty!
I spent most of last night looking at dresses on line – think I’d look like a sausage in most of them 🙁
Unless a miracle happens, it’ll be trousers!!
x
Well deserved!
I am 3 months into my diagnosis but have had symptoms for a lot longer. Your blog title totally resonated – my balance is dreadful! I am only slowly telling people & it helps to read your blog & know I am not alone. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much! Such a lovely thing to say:-)
x