Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Slowly sorting out my dads estate.


As such I've started the ball rolling on writing my will, luckily my sister works in a solicitors and I get a huge discount.

Im sorry your having to go thru all this :(

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Yeah it's hard going. My dad passed away just over two years ago and we have still not got everything fully sorted. Property in Turkey he owned with my mum and aunt and uncle. Long drawn out process involving solicitors and Turkish courts. Documents and ID sent back and forward and still no further forward. Can't sell it till all sorted and get me and my brothers names added to the deeds.

But the solicitor offered us free will service, which I took them up on.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

This may be obvious to some but given the fact I have a lot of other things going in the background (not fishing for sympathy, just giving context) I was getting tired of my computer running slow, starting up slowly etc.

I did the usual stuff of cleaning the hard drive, limiting start-up stuff etc but it was still doing my head in.

Admittedly it's an 8 year old machine but still reasonably powerful enough to expect it to run faster than it does (i5-4590 CPU 3.30GHz, 12gb RAM, 1tb HD)

Given that I use an iPad for 90% of my job, another for general home use as well as the iPhone for other bits I wasn't inclined to get a new PC or spend that much money upgrading. So for the best part of a year I've either avoided using it, grinned and bore it or just kept it in the back of my mind but when it got to the point where it was affecting my son being able to do his homework I decided enough was enough.

What was the obvious answer? An SSD. Bought a reconditioned 240gb one from ebay, swapped it over from the 1tb HDD (thanks to jaymoss for his suggestion of https://www.amazon.co.uk/Docking-Tcc...rs%2C71&sr=1-9 to connect it to my boy's Xbox btw)

Now my machine is running perfectly. It'll never be a top-end gaming machine but it's enough for my boy's YouTubing and other general use.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Nice one :-)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

A new album coming from The Cure very happy about that

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

When I get a job and funds allow I'll get my nephew to build be I high spec gaming PC

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Just booked my COVID & flu jabs for the 14th of this month, and having a steroid injection in my left knee on the 17th.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Got my 16 1/2 stone total loss award this week only 2 weeks after getting the 16 stone and only 3lb off the 17 stone award. Now tantalisingly only 1/2 over the 200lb mark

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Not sure if it counts as "happy" but I had mine today. :scratch:

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

You are absolutely slaying this. Imagine when you drop that final 3lb and you can shout it out to the world that you lost SEVENTEEN STONE! Incredible achievement. I love these updates :tu:

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Cheers bud . I am buzzing with how it is going to be honest

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

So you should be, it's a real achievement :tu: :tu: :tu:

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

On the 4th of October, my sister and me went to meet my dads cousin in Great Yarmouth, who was unable to come to the funeral.


We got the 5pm on Friday and had a few drinks. (we 5 double rum and cokes each)


On the Saturday we did a few thing and met het and went to a Wetherspoons at 1pm, we left at 7pm chatting about loads of things, we found out that my nan was 1/2 Jewish, this explains her saying about only eating fish on Fridays. I again drank a lot.


I bought a double Rum and coke & a large wine for my sister, it cost £9





Today, Sunday we met again and looked at some old photos and drove home tired.

Im glad ya had a good time and all :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

On Saturday there was a "Lucky Dip" stall doing returns from places like Amazon, my sister bought 2, she got some drawer knobs, I got 5 DVD Rental films (LOVEFILM)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Just bought flights for four adults and a five year old to/from Paris for April next year - my son-in-law will be running in the Paris Marathon, so we thought we would all go and support him (and have a week in Paris... ;) ).

Just need to agree which four-bedroom AirBnB to choose...

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Lovefilm ceased trading 7 years ago. :erm:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoveFilm

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

What a terrible prize, more of an unlucky dip :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Long story cut short, following a massive cockup following Diabetic eye tests I have spent nearly a month trying to come to terms with going blind. The Glucoma diagnosis was dismissed last week and the diagnosis of Ischemic optic neuropathy taking place has been ruled out by the Senior Consultant Ophthalmologist who I saw yesterday.

There is nothing wrong with my eyes that can't be fixed by a simple operation !!!!!!!! .... and breath.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Wow that must be a huge relief. Not good though having to go through that.

I've got a pre op assessment tomorrow for a cataract op. Due to 35 years on and still feeling the effects of steroid abuse (due to steroids weren't as controlled back then and was told to take crazy amounts by Drs over a long period of time). But can't wait to get them done as struggling a lot now.

Other side effects I live with is apart from adrenal issues, my skin is paper thin, akin to a 90 year old. Crazy really.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

wow what a relief that must be. Got to be worth a gin or 2 to celebrate

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

The operation I will eventually have, my choice with the delay, is due to the steroids I had to take to knock out, and control, my immune system. Without them I wouldn't have survived so I have been reconciled to having my cataracts removed at some point. Could have done without the steroid induced Diabetes and the heart murmur but they are both well controlled so I rarely even think about them these days.

Hope your op goes well, I was assured yesterday that the apprehension we may have before the op is completely unwarranted.

Jo hugs in advance. :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

That's brilliant, really pleased for you

All the best tomorrow, bare in mind cataract operations aren't always straight forward, listen to what your surgeon says about the location of your lense in relation to your macula and ask what the chances are of losing some sight should the operation not be successful or straightforward, again, all the best, sure it'll be fine

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Thanks for that, that's just want I needed to hear. I can't say I've not been nervous. When it comes to eyeballs it has been freaking me out a a bit lately. Obviously it's not something I can ignore or put off. But will be glad to get it over and done with. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thanks Daddy for the advice too. As it stands I can't read this text (even though it's at 150% magnification) sitting 2ft away from the monitor with my right eye. So any improvement is better than what it is now. As you say, I've just got to go through it and trust them.

I was told to go through the hospital I'd have to wait a year or so, but a private place are doing NHS and they've got me in as an emergency (within a month) due to my eyesight kind of went overnight.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I bought the new Pixel Pro Plus on contract back in August and was annoyed my £65 Topcashback hadn't tracked so had to put in a claim. Well it finally tracked a few days ago and became payable today so I'm happy.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Booked a nice 4 bed 3 bath apartment in the 8th arrondissement… :D

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I once made the mistake of flying to Paris. Next time I'll make sure I'd get the Eurostar.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Easier to fly from Leeds - were only 15 minutes from the airport.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Well you can't argue with that. You're a seasoned traveler. So you obviously won't make the same mistakes I made.

Long story short.... We had a nightmare of a journey. We had a hassle to get the airport, then a hassle to get from the Paris airport to central Paris (which is around 25 miles). Then a long trek (was told it was short) with our luggage. Our hotel was Gare Du Nord Terminus, which just so happens to be right outside the Eurostar's station. Whatever could go wrong it did....

Still, Paris was great, loved it. Hope you have a great time.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Jo and peanut good luck with the cataract ops when you eventually get them. :hugs:

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I bet that was a huge relief, I would hate to lose my sight.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

The pre-op appointment was straight forward. 3 lots of eye drops, BP check, talked about risks (which are minimal) and what to expect. 3 types of scans to go through which didn't take long. The surgeon was very reassuring and was told the op will take about 10-15 mins. I'm booked for the op on the 9th Nov, then follow up 3 weeks afterwards. So far so good. Actually can't wait to get it done.

Thank you Tinky. :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Oh well done peanut, roll on the 9th. :hyper::hyper::cleader:

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Just seen the northern lights ! Pretty amazing.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Really pleased that you are now sounding a lot more positive. <<hugs>>

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Just been given (emailed) two free tickets to see Maisie Adam at the Leeds Playhouse this evening - someone couldn’t go, and I was offered the tickets.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Very nice. I don't know much about her stand up, but she's always good on QI.

My crappy happy thought today is I broke my record solving the Rubik cube in just under a minute. Whoo..

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Any a few months ago I was saying how I have jeans down to 34" waist in my wardrobe and I never expect to get back into them. Today I got into 36" waist and they fit fine. Well I guess 34" might well happen after all

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

What weight will you be happy with Jay? If you have skin removal you will be even lighter.


Mixed thoughts today, dentist appointment as 'affordable private patient' , £290 later on top of original consultation fee of £49.50 for two fillings in front teeth, but you can't see the join, so pleased with result.:)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I am currently 14st 3lb weigh in later . My target was set at 14 stone but think I will drop it to 13stone. I do not think there will be much if anything left to lose there besides the skin

Glad you are happy with your sorted teeth

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Least they're sorted 340 quid, :Yikes:

:clap: :clap:

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

4.5lb lost this week smashed through the 17 stone total loss mark now lost 17 stone 3lb and weigh 13 st 12.5 lb

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

All my winter crops are in at the allotment - onions, garlic and shallots. All my pumpkins and squashes are safely stashed. Come President Trump and armageddon, I am prepared :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Just been to see Evan Dando (Lemonheads) at the Brudenell Social Club, Hyde Park, Leeds (a small 400 capacity venue) - he is an excellent musician, singer, & songwriter, but obviously has perhaps become slightly "addled" by the amount of drugs he has enjoyed over the last 35 years.

Great acoustic gig, but also unintentionally very amusing (best song of the night, amongst a lot of good songs, was a cover of Elvis Costello’s "Man Out Of Time").

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I saw them many moons ago, the date and exact location is somewhat lost in time maybe due to a shandy too many contributing to addling of my own. I seem to remember a good night though. Didn't realise he was still performing.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I got my council tax come through so instead of having to pay £130 a month up to March 2025, I now only pay £15, which is a relief as I'm paying out more than the Universal Credit give me.

Hopefully they will sort out their error when they removed the Carers Allowance from CA my money despite the CA telling the UC on the 28th August that I'm no longer getting CA, and nearly £200 less is no fun.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Absolutely fell in love with Emily Armstrong as the new lead for Linkin Park. Chester would approve

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Finally getting to play Red Dead Redemption on PC without an clunky emulator. Happy days

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Neurology appointment yesterday surprisingly helpful. Because of my pacemaker leads I can't have an MRI which is what I really need to image the areas concerned but he has booked a CT scan in case there is something that is visible to that and is consulting with a specialist centre at Guy's to see if it is possible my NF (neurofibromytosis) could be linked with my symptoms (urological). There are also specialist in the neuro/uro interface that it may be possible to contact.


(The uro people think my problems could be neurological because of the rapidity of onset. Hence seeing the neurologist)



So much better than we can't progress because we can't do the MRI.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Going out to weigh in in 34 inch jeans. First time out in this size in over 16 years. Aiming for 32 inch waist my end of year and then that is my weight loss journey over and maintenance begins . 30 years since I been a 32 inch waist

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Lost another 3.5lb this week total not 17 stone 10lb lost average of 3.5 lb loss per week for over 70 weeks

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

That’s amazing - well done.

Congrats Jay!!!!!

Keep up the good work mate :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

PB walk out today. Did 11 miles out really early this morning and just home from a craft 5 miler. over 40K steps

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

My half marathon days ended about 8 years ago plus I weigh about 4 stone more now than I did then but the last time I tried a distance walk was 2 years ago before I crapped out at 6 miles - 11 miles is AMAZING. I’m constantly impressed at your journey! Keep it up, you’ve totally got this!

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Cheers bud appreciate your support

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Not on a par with Jaymoss’s amazing weight-loss feat, but I’ve managed to lose a stone since 1st October (16 10 to 15 10).

A bit of background - I’ve had knee problems for the last year (basically because from March 2023 to January 2024 I had carry my 30Kg Dalmatian out for his constitutionals three times a day), and when I got it MRI’ed last month, it showed the medial meniscus on my left knee was squashed and has complex tears, and basically it’s now bone on bone there (had a steroid injection a couple of weeks ago, now undergoing physiotherapy).

I read up on it, and it said whilst it can’t be repaired, the pain can be alleviated by using physio to strengthen the muscles around it (fortunately, the ligaments are are in reasonably good condition), and the less weight on it, the better.

So, since we came back from holiday, we’ve been avoiding eating stuff like biscuits, cakes, chocolate, etc., no booze in October, and smaller portions in meals.

Wow you lost a whole stone??

That IS good Hugh and not easy to do.........

Congrats!!

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Awesome stuff :-) not the injury of course the weight loss

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Well done both of you :tu: :tu: I think I'm going to take inspiration from you both and shift a bit off my belly, I'm 6 foot 4 and 16 stone so I think a stone should do it, noticed I porked up on holiday so let's see what happens

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I've travelled to Brighton to see family. It was a lovely journey on the train. Very therapeutic I find travelling on the train, very soothing. My family live on the seafront. It's such a nice location. People's behaviour here is totally different to many other parts of the country especially my hometown Crawley.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

We'll have a CF fitness/weight loss thread going :D

---------- Post added at 14:54 ---------- Previous post was at 14:52 ----------

The company I work for has several hundred people in the building and I've met a few from Brighton. All lovely people and there's certainly some kind of 'alternative' vibe about them. I get what you mean about the behaviour.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

That actually might be a good idea. We all have things that work for us so it might be worth sharing the knowledge haha

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Good idea that, and I'll try and do the opposite, lol.

Well it's now 3 days after my cataract op. This is for Jo or anyone else too. I won't say much about the op as I'm in the less I know the better camp. But if anyone want to know step by step or have any questions then please let me know.

The results.... Well after op, weird as hell. Double vision and everything was wrong. Trying to look at the TV it was 45 degrees out from the other eye. Confusion and stressful at time. After a good 6 hours it starts to settle. I was wearing an see through eye guard so things were blurry due to that but things started to come together slowly.

Day 2, all you want to do is rub your eye but you can't and it's so annoying. Gritty and sore. But after I took the guard off, the result is dramatic. It was quite hard to process it all at the start. I could see again but it's like going from 10% to 100%. A huge transformation in colours, sharpness, and vividness, no blooming around lights etc now. But it's a shock to system of how different it is. I had my right eye done as I couldn't see a thing before the op. My left eye I thought was good, it's what I relied on for so long.

But now after the op it is showing just how bad my left eye which I thought was good, it is really terrible now in comparison. So hopefully that'll give you the idea of just how bad my right eye was at the time. But also how different it is now after the op. I know will have to get my left done at some point but it's something I will now look forward to.

I've got to put 2 types of drops in 3 times a day for 3 weeks, and one of them is like stabbing a needle in your eye, but a small price to pay. I will have to wear reading glasses still. But the results is jaw dropping.

I hope it helps anyone who might have to go through it or thinking about it.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Very, very happy for you. What ever discomfort you are going through will be over soon and being able to see is what matters.

Jo xx

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I was driving home from grocery shopping at around 10:58, listening to Greatest Hits radio, when the announcer said that there would be two minutes silence at 11:00am.

I pulled over, switched the engine off, listened to the Exhortation and the Last Post, held a two minute silence, then Ken Bruce read the Kohima Epitaph (very well, imho), and it was followed by "Brothers In Arms" by Dire straits.

Have to admit, I had some dust in my eyes when that played…

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

My [new] conservatory roof is now officially mine, last payment was yesterday, confirmed today.

Congrats Paul!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope it gives ya many years of happiness :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Just got my 18 stone total loss award and now at my Target weight

Can not believe how unreal it all feels though

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Congratulations. :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Congratulations - well done.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Been playing around with Apple’s AI-based me-moji app Playground and it’s pretty damn good. Broadly speaking it takes all the features of the named people in your picture albums and creates very detailed me-mojis. Mrs Russ says this is the most accurate but I disagree - I rarely smile…

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Mad kudos to you for that and you’re right, it’s unreal, that’s an insane amount of weight to lose. Massive respect :tu:

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Had a doctors app today first time in 12 months. He was surprised by my loss and as he examined me he said looking at my saggy skin " my goodness you have lost a lot or weight, we will have to sort you some plastic surgery to make you even more handsome" Happy days I did not even have to ask. Need to make another app to discuss my mental health and I know there will be a long wait for it on the NHS but it looks like it might happen which is awesome

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I know only too well how body transformation can be great for your mental health so that sounds great, keep the momentum going. Impressive that they’ll arrange for removal of the excess skin. I can imagine that would be an enormous boost for you too. You have a hell of a lot to be proud of, certainly an inspiration :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

wish I could rep ya Russ but I really appreciate your support

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Yes definitely inspiration. I want to half my weight. I seek refuge in your success stories.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

That's so impressive, you've got to be in with a shout of The Greatest Loser award :erm: they must have nominated you at least, anyway even if they haven't it's still a massive achievement, we'll done :tu:

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

will see :-)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Done a bit of household accounts admin for SWMBO.

Dropped her O2 monthly (sim only) bill from £14.03 to £6.99 through Uswitch (with data doubled to 20Gb), and checked her NI contributions for her State Pension (after setting up her GOV.UK account - nice and simple as long as you have the NI Number, passport, & driving licence info).

She was 2.5 years short of contributions for a full State Pension (she retired from work six months before her 60th birthday, and her State Pension will begin June 2027), so the site lets you know what the shortfall you need to contribute is to get the full State Pension, and we calculated the the return over expenditure (what we needed to pay against how long she would have to collect State Pension for it to be cost-neutral) was two years, so we paid it - if she lives to the U.K. female average life-expectancy of 83, she will have gained nearly £13k in State Pension payments over the amount we paid.

I would recommend everyone to check their State Pension forecast, to enable them (if they wish/can afford to) to remedy any shortfalls in NI contributions - it can be worth it.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

would she not have quallified for pension credit to uplift her entitlement

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Thanks for the suggestion, but we’re fortunate enough not to be eligible for Pension Credit.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

It grinds my gears that people who actually contributed ,worked hard and saved hard ,as opposed to sponged all their lives and spent every penny they recieved become "fortunate " enough to get means tested and rulled out [of every thing going] exept the bill :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Feeling better after a bad chest infection these last 2 weeks.:)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Chest infections are nasty Den, glad you are on the road to recovery. :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Thanks Tinky as with my dilated cardiomyopathy l have to watch that l don't get complications.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Since my wife gave up work to look after our granddaughter she has got "Adult Childcare" credits every year (in fact I will be filling in the forms for another year soon).

For anyone who hasnt heard of them ;

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Off to Luninate at 7 tonight with Mrs Russ

https://luminate.live/margam-country-park

I hope ya have fun!!

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I've travelled to my mum's in London. The train was therapeutic as always, calming my nerves. It is fascinating how individuals cross paths in the city. A lot of the time you're oblivious to it all.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Playstation only billed me £17.20 instead of £74.99 for a PS+ Extra subscription, I hope they won't notice so for now it's a big win.

I hope they did that on purpose for some reason,maybe a discount since your a long time user :)

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

I travelled to and fro to Brighton on the train. I got to see family. Nothing beats a loving smile. :D The weather was good, a little chill in the wind but nothing a decent jumper can't combat.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Train is definitely the way to go as the Brighton eco-loons run a hate the motorist policy and parking you'll need a second mortgage for. Glad you had a good time visiting us on the coast. :tu:

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Yes my cousin gets weekly fines for parking even though he lives in Brighton.

During the summer me and my aunt came to Worthing. She wanted to do a little shopping in town. We sat outside the cow shed opposite the pier, I've had better pina colada tbh and then went to the original chipwick for dinner, fish was nice, haddock with the skin on.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

My Dad finding his car keys he mislaid 2 weeks ago, a new bunch of car keys would have cost him several hundred pounds.

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

Surely he has 2 sets?

Re: The Happy Thought Thread Part 4
 

My Mum had a spare set thankfully.

I am glad he found them!!!!!!