Amanda Shortman - she/her
@aspiraldance.bsky.social
Queer (Pan Ace) 🏳️🌈
Disabled* ♿️ & Neurodiverse ♾️
Christian Pagan ✝️
Writer & Blogger 👩💻
www.aspiraldance.com
*ME/CFS, Fibro, hEDS, Migraine, Dysautonomia, Endo, Asthma, Anxiety, OCD... the list goes on.
Disabled* ♿️ & Neurodiverse ♾️
Christian Pagan ✝️
Writer & Blogger 👩💻
www.aspiraldance.com
*ME/CFS, Fibro, hEDS, Migraine, Dysautonomia, Endo, Asthma, Anxiety, OCD... the list goes on.
In brighter news, look what we bought from Aldi 😃
(Ignore the mess - we're behind on laundry & just got back from shopping!)
Video description: a reindeer dressed in a Santa suit is dancing on a kitchen table as music plays. He has quite the hip wiggle going on.
(Ignore the mess - we're behind on laundry & just got back from shopping!)
Video description: a reindeer dressed in a Santa suit is dancing on a kitchen table as music plays. He has quite the hip wiggle going on.
November 26, 2025 at 11:59 AM
In brighter news, look what we bought from Aldi 😃
(Ignore the mess - we're behind on laundry & just got back from shopping!)
Video description: a reindeer dressed in a Santa suit is dancing on a kitchen table as music plays. He has quite the hip wiggle going on.
(Ignore the mess - we're behind on laundry & just got back from shopping!)
Video description: a reindeer dressed in a Santa suit is dancing on a kitchen table as music plays. He has quite the hip wiggle going on.
We're now almost certain my cyst is infected, because it has a pimple looking lump on the side, and the base is now red.
Probably explains why I've had daily migraines and an upset stomach since the end of last week.
Already have appt with GP on Friday, so will keep up the doxycycline until then.
Probably explains why I've had daily migraines and an upset stomach since the end of last week.
Already have appt with GP on Friday, so will keep up the doxycycline until then.
November 26, 2025 at 11:57 AM
We're now almost certain my cyst is infected, because it has a pimple looking lump on the side, and the base is now red.
Probably explains why I've had daily migraines and an upset stomach since the end of last week.
Already have appt with GP on Friday, so will keep up the doxycycline until then.
Probably explains why I've had daily migraines and an upset stomach since the end of last week.
Already have appt with GP on Friday, so will keep up the doxycycline until then.
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
One week to go until our Big Give Christmas Challenge is back!
The #ChristmasChallenge is almost here, and from 2–9 December, your donation to over 1,500 incredible charities can be doubled.
We’re kicking things off with a special message from #PrueLeith, #GaryLineker and #ImeldaStaunton.
Explore the charities now: https://bit.ly/CC25-Social
We’re kicking things off with a special message from #PrueLeith, #GaryLineker and #ImeldaStaunton.
Explore the charities now: https://bit.ly/CC25-Social
November 25, 2025 at 3:07 PM
One week to go until our Big Give Christmas Challenge is back!
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
ME Research UK:
Details from last week's Westminster Hall debate on ME in quotes covering research funding, support for those with severe ME and the government's response - tinyurl.com/mw5nek48
#MECFS #PwME #CFS
Details from last week's Westminster Hall debate on ME in quotes covering research funding, support for those with severe ME and the government's response - tinyurl.com/mw5nek48
#MECFS #PwME #CFS
November 25, 2025 at 3:13 PM
ME Research UK:
Details from last week's Westminster Hall debate on ME in quotes covering research funding, support for those with severe ME and the government's response - tinyurl.com/mw5nek48
#MECFS #PwME #CFS
Details from last week's Westminster Hall debate on ME in quotes covering research funding, support for those with severe ME and the government's response - tinyurl.com/mw5nek48
#MECFS #PwME #CFS
My Nan gave me this collection on tape the year my Grandad died.
I was 13, and so it became an integral part of Christmas for me very quickly.
I still listen to it, now via a playlist on my phone. So I thought I'd share, in case you'd fancy some older songs too ☺️
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
I was 13, and so it became an integral part of Christmas for me very quickly.
I still listen to it, now via a playlist on my phone. So I thought I'd share, in case you'd fancy some older songs too ☺️
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
An Old Fashioned Christmas
Listen to An Old Fashioned Christmas on YouTube Music - a dedicated music app with official songs, music videos, remixes, covers, and more.
music.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:38 AM
My Nan gave me this collection on tape the year my Grandad died.
I was 13, and so it became an integral part of Christmas for me very quickly.
I still listen to it, now via a playlist on my phone. So I thought I'd share, in case you'd fancy some older songs too ☺️
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
I was 13, and so it became an integral part of Christmas for me very quickly.
I still listen to it, now via a playlist on my phone. So I thought I'd share, in case you'd fancy some older songs too ☺️
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Okay friends, I need ideas!
Thea asked what I want for Christmas, and I really want cute clothing & accessories that reflect my identity.
I'd particularly like to support disabled & spoonie run small businesses here in the UK, so feel free to tag your favourites (self recs are more than welcome).
Thea asked what I want for Christmas, and I really want cute clothing & accessories that reflect my identity.
I'd particularly like to support disabled & spoonie run small businesses here in the UK, so feel free to tag your favourites (self recs are more than welcome).
November 24, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Okay friends, I need ideas!
Thea asked what I want for Christmas, and I really want cute clothing & accessories that reflect my identity.
I'd particularly like to support disabled & spoonie run small businesses here in the UK, so feel free to tag your favourites (self recs are more than welcome).
Thea asked what I want for Christmas, and I really want cute clothing & accessories that reflect my identity.
I'd particularly like to support disabled & spoonie run small businesses here in the UK, so feel free to tag your favourites (self recs are more than welcome).
Argh! I couldn't understand how I had run out of my migraine abortive (nasal spray - I react to something in the tablets).
Anyway, put in a request, pharmacy says they can't get that brand. This has happened a few tines before, so I asked GP for the alternate brand.
Anyway, put in a request, pharmacy says they can't get that brand. This has happened a few tines before, so I asked GP for the alternate brand.
November 24, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Argh! I couldn't understand how I had run out of my migraine abortive (nasal spray - I react to something in the tablets).
Anyway, put in a request, pharmacy says they can't get that brand. This has happened a few tines before, so I asked GP for the alternate brand.
Anyway, put in a request, pharmacy says they can't get that brand. This has happened a few tines before, so I asked GP for the alternate brand.
Um... we think one of the cysts on may head my be infected. Again 😰
Between Oct & Dec 2024, one cyst got infected & burst 5 times 😭 I was then put on daily antibiotics and referred to dermatology.
Between Oct & Dec 2024, one cyst got infected & burst 5 times 😭 I was then put on daily antibiotics and referred to dermatology.
November 23, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Um... we think one of the cysts on may head my be infected. Again 😰
Between Oct & Dec 2024, one cyst got infected & burst 5 times 😭 I was then put on daily antibiotics and referred to dermatology.
Between Oct & Dec 2024, one cyst got infected & burst 5 times 😭 I was then put on daily antibiotics and referred to dermatology.
Watching White Christmas whilst making an angel for the Christmas tree. It doesn't get much better than this 🥰
(This scene always gets me 🥹)
(This scene always gets me 🥹)
November 23, 2025 at 3:04 PM
Watching White Christmas whilst making an angel for the Christmas tree. It doesn't get much better than this 🥰
(This scene always gets me 🥹)
(This scene always gets me 🥹)
Is there anything that you had as a child at Christmas that you wish you still had, or could find a replica of for the nostalgia?
For me it's the advent calendars. I know there are so many options these days, but the ones I had as a kid just feel extra special, you know? 1/3
For me it's the advent calendars. I know there are so many options these days, but the ones I had as a kid just feel extra special, you know? 1/3
November 21, 2025 at 8:54 PM
Is there anything that you had as a child at Christmas that you wish you still had, or could find a replica of for the nostalgia?
For me it's the advent calendars. I know there are so many options these days, but the ones I had as a kid just feel extra special, you know? 1/3
For me it's the advent calendars. I know there are so many options these days, but the ones I had as a kid just feel extra special, you know? 1/3
Me: why am I so exhausted?
Also me:
- *has ME/CFS (amongst other things)*
- spent the week worrying about how sick my kid was
- went to the shop multiple times to buy food he might eat
- had my OCD triggered by gross mucus stuff 🤮
- forgot several meds
- may also be sick on top of my usual sick 🤦
Also me:
- *has ME/CFS (amongst other things)*
- spent the week worrying about how sick my kid was
- went to the shop multiple times to buy food he might eat
- had my OCD triggered by gross mucus stuff 🤮
- forgot several meds
- may also be sick on top of my usual sick 🤦
November 21, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Me: why am I so exhausted?
Also me:
- *has ME/CFS (amongst other things)*
- spent the week worrying about how sick my kid was
- went to the shop multiple times to buy food he might eat
- had my OCD triggered by gross mucus stuff 🤮
- forgot several meds
- may also be sick on top of my usual sick 🤦
Also me:
- *has ME/CFS (amongst other things)*
- spent the week worrying about how sick my kid was
- went to the shop multiple times to buy food he might eat
- had my OCD triggered by gross mucus stuff 🤮
- forgot several meds
- may also be sick on top of my usual sick 🤦
One of the best Christmas gifts I ever got, was a heated sheet.
@theajane.bsky.social bought it for me in 2020, after a year of being stuck in bed probably around 80% of the time during my relapse.
Laying in bed, with heat underneath me, is soooo soothing when I'm cold, fatigued, and in pain.
@theajane.bsky.social bought it for me in 2020, after a year of being stuck in bed probably around 80% of the time during my relapse.
Laying in bed, with heat underneath me, is soooo soothing when I'm cold, fatigued, and in pain.
November 20, 2025 at 11:51 PM
One of the best Christmas gifts I ever got, was a heated sheet.
@theajane.bsky.social bought it for me in 2020, after a year of being stuck in bed probably around 80% of the time during my relapse.
Laying in bed, with heat underneath me, is soooo soothing when I'm cold, fatigued, and in pain.
@theajane.bsky.social bought it for me in 2020, after a year of being stuck in bed probably around 80% of the time during my relapse.
Laying in bed, with heat underneath me, is soooo soothing when I'm cold, fatigued, and in pain.
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
Sapphic Mega eBook Sale Alert! Dive into your favorite genres with more than 500 hundred titles at rock bottom prices!
Go now: iheartsapphfic.com/2025/11/20/2...
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Go now: iheartsapphfic.com/2025/11/20/2...
#sapphic #lesfic #wlw #lesbian
November 20, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Sapphic Mega eBook Sale Alert! Dive into your favorite genres with more than 500 hundred titles at rock bottom prices!
Go now: iheartsapphfic.com/2025/11/20/2...
#sapphic #lesfic #wlw #lesbian
Go now: iheartsapphfic.com/2025/11/20/2...
#sapphic #lesfic #wlw #lesbian
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
UK:
Transcript for 1-hour Myalgic Encephalomyelitis debate in Westminster Hall (UK Parliament) on Wednesday 19 November 2025 led by @tessamunt.bsky.social
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
Transcript for 1-hour Myalgic Encephalomyelitis debate in Westminster Hall (UK Parliament) on Wednesday 19 November 2025 led by @tessamunt.bsky.social
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
November 20, 2025 at 8:38 PM
UK:
Transcript for 1-hour Myalgic Encephalomyelitis debate in Westminster Hall (UK Parliament) on Wednesday 19 November 2025 led by @tessamunt.bsky.social
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
Transcript for 1-hour Myalgic Encephalomyelitis debate in Westminster Hall (UK Parliament) on Wednesday 19 November 2025 led by @tessamunt.bsky.social
hansard.parliament.uk/commons/2025...
#MyalgicEncephalomyelitis #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #MEcfs #CFS #PwME
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
Today, as the #CovidInquiry releases its module 2 report, we are thinking especially of everyone who will have to relive the trauma of that time, who will have to hear of the government failings that led to their loved ones' deaths.
We will never forget our beloved dead. ❤️
We will never forget our beloved dead. ❤️
November 20, 2025 at 10:20 AM
Today, as the #CovidInquiry releases its module 2 report, we are thinking especially of everyone who will have to relive the trauma of that time, who will have to hear of the government failings that led to their loved ones' deaths.
We will never forget our beloved dead. ❤️
We will never forget our beloved dead. ❤️
Me: as someone with OCD, this sounds terrifying!
Thea: I could so lick a toilet seat, maybe I've missed my calling
www.instagram.com/reel/DQmxSV6...
Thea: I could so lick a toilet seat, maybe I've missed my calling
www.instagram.com/reel/DQmxSV6...
Charlotte Joy on Instagram: "I miss those crazy bastards every day"
19K likes, 478 comments - charlottejoymusic on November 3, 2025: "I miss those crazy bastards every day".
www.instagram.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:33 PM
Me: as someone with OCD, this sounds terrifying!
Thea: I could so lick a toilet seat, maybe I've missed my calling
www.instagram.com/reel/DQmxSV6...
Thea: I could so lick a toilet seat, maybe I've missed my calling
www.instagram.com/reel/DQmxSV6...
Another health related post, sorry. I needed to get this out of my head. This year has been so hard - 10 years since the virus that triggered my ME/CFS, 20 years since my Endo diagnosis, 30 years since I started secondary school (I first got sick in my teens).
www.aspiraldance.com/the-challeng...
www.aspiraldance.com/the-challeng...
The Challenge of being a Medically Complex Patient - A Spiral Dance
I wasn’t sure how to title this post. The “medically complex patient” part was easy. When you have a chronic illness that affects multiple systems, you’re naturally complex in a medical system that li...
www.aspiraldance.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:02 PM
Another health related post, sorry. I needed to get this out of my head. This year has been so hard - 10 years since the virus that triggered my ME/CFS, 20 years since my Endo diagnosis, 30 years since I started secondary school (I first got sick in my teens).
www.aspiraldance.com/the-challeng...
www.aspiraldance.com/the-challeng...
Today we remember all those who have died due to anti-trans violence. Please spend time today learning about them, and the damage caused by the anti-trans rhetoric that is so rife.
To my trans friends & family - my heart hurts for you, and I promise to fight for your rights with everything I have.
To my trans friends & family - my heart hurts for you, and I promise to fight for your rights with everything I have.
November 20, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Today we remember all those who have died due to anti-trans violence. Please spend time today learning about them, and the damage caused by the anti-trans rhetoric that is so rife.
To my trans friends & family - my heart hurts for you, and I promise to fight for your rights with everything I have.
To my trans friends & family - my heart hurts for you, and I promise to fight for your rights with everything I have.
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
This is a good thought for trans day of remembrance I also want to include all the trans men, the non binary folx as well.
Trans women are gorgeous and amazing
I want to see each and every one of you here again this time next year
🩵🩵🩵🩵🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
I want to see each and every one of you here again this time next year
🩵🩵🩵🩵🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️🏳️⚧️
November 20, 2025 at 4:13 PM
This is a good thought for trans day of remembrance I also want to include all the trans men, the non binary folx as well.
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
Worth remembering as this unfolds that it was disabled people and people from ethnic minority backgrounds who disproportionately died. Tens of thousands needlessly lost their lives, many who died alone or with just an iPad. Thousands more were left with life changing Long Covid. A true scandal.
BREAKING: The UK’s response to Covid was “too little, too late”, a damning official report on the handling of the pandemic has concluded, saying the introduction of a lockdown even a week earlier than happened could have saved more than 20,000 lives.
November 20, 2025 at 4:17 PM
Worth remembering as this unfolds that it was disabled people and people from ethnic minority backgrounds who disproportionately died. Tens of thousands needlessly lost their lives, many who died alone or with just an iPad. Thousands more were left with life changing Long Covid. A true scandal.
We haven't had a TV licence since 2013. Suddenly we have to declare every year. *Why* do they change the wording part way through? I'm not sure whether to click "yes" or "no" to the "can you confirm" ones - "yes I confirm" but "no we never watch". Is this purposefully made to catch people out?
November 20, 2025 at 11:38 AM
We haven't had a TV licence since 2013. Suddenly we have to declare every year. *Why* do they change the wording part way through? I'm not sure whether to click "yes" or "no" to the "can you confirm" ones - "yes I confirm" but "no we never watch". Is this purposefully made to catch people out?
Need to start creating & scheduling posts for the church's FB page today. It only gets my love at Christmas and Easter these days, because I am too sick for regular posting. And, of course, Christmas in particular is very busy with a ton of events.
So, obviously, Christmas carols are playing 😊
So, obviously, Christmas carols are playing 😊
November 20, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Need to start creating & scheduling posts for the church's FB page today. It only gets my love at Christmas and Easter these days, because I am too sick for regular posting. And, of course, Christmas in particular is very busy with a ton of events.
So, obviously, Christmas carols are playing 😊
So, obviously, Christmas carols are playing 😊
Anyone else watching the Westminster Hall debate on ME/CFS?
I tuned in late, skipped back on the video, and am only 15 minutes in and I am a mess 😭
Hearing MPS discuss it is hitting me so hard. Both from gratitude that some are fighting for us, & the reminder of how badly we've all been let down.
I tuned in late, skipped back on the video, and am only 15 minutes in and I am a mess 😭
Hearing MPS discuss it is hitting me so hard. Both from gratitude that some are fighting for us, & the reminder of how badly we've all been let down.
November 19, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Anyone else watching the Westminster Hall debate on ME/CFS?
I tuned in late, skipped back on the video, and am only 15 minutes in and I am a mess 😭
Hearing MPS discuss it is hitting me so hard. Both from gratitude that some are fighting for us, & the reminder of how badly we've all been let down.
I tuned in late, skipped back on the video, and am only 15 minutes in and I am a mess 😭
Hearing MPS discuss it is hitting me so hard. Both from gratitude that some are fighting for us, & the reminder of how badly we've all been let down.
O update: temp 37.8, so just under fever territory. But I'm expecting it to rise again as it has done every day since Saturday.
Still coughing. Still lacking energy and appetite. But he did ask for a ham sandwich today 😄 He ate two slices of ham and left the bread as it was too much in the end 😔
Still coughing. Still lacking energy and appetite. But he did ask for a ham sandwich today 😄 He ate two slices of ham and left the bread as it was too much in the end 😔
November 19, 2025 at 10:08 AM
O update: temp 37.8, so just under fever territory. But I'm expecting it to rise again as it has done every day since Saturday.
Still coughing. Still lacking energy and appetite. But he did ask for a ham sandwich today 😄 He ate two slices of ham and left the bread as it was too much in the end 😔
Still coughing. Still lacking energy and appetite. But he did ask for a ham sandwich today 😄 He ate two slices of ham and left the bread as it was too much in the end 😔
I just saw this in someone's video and immediately thought of @chaoticauthor.online ☺️ I love how we all just associate sticky toffee pudding with Matt now!
www.gnawchocolate.co.uk/products/sti...
www.gnawchocolate.co.uk/products/sti...
Sticky Toffee Pudding Milk Chocolate Bar - Luxury 80g
This Sticky Toffee Pudding chocolate bar is a chocolately mix of delightful crunchy caramel and date pieces ✓Ethical ✓No Palm Oil ✓Free Shipping
www.gnawchocolate.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 10:13 PM
I just saw this in someone's video and immediately thought of @chaoticauthor.online ☺️ I love how we all just associate sticky toffee pudding with Matt now!
www.gnawchocolate.co.uk/products/sti...
www.gnawchocolate.co.uk/products/sti...