Author: langlep

So 2020 was going to be my year. The year I got my life sorted after being served redundancy notice from my job in November 2019. The year I ticked off more things from my horsey bucket list. The year I got my mental health back under control and reduced stress in my life. I had a plan. And it was a good one. Then the plan changed dramatically on 2 January. I came off my horse at speed and broke my ankle. Badly. Like all good equestrians, I got back on and rode back to the yard, sorted Buddy out and then drove myself to A&E. That’s where this journey really began... I was sent home from A&E and told to crack on, only to receive a phone call later to say they’d missed a fracture (and a rather serious one at that). Whoops! So fracture clinic on 3 January, surgery on 5 January and home to recover. I started this blog as a way to chart my recover back to the saddle. As I cleared clinics and competitions out of my diary and wondered what the next few months would bring, it's been a safe space for me to say how I'm feeling. The new plan was to get a new job, to keep Buddy is kept ticking over and recover from my injury. Another good plan! I didn't expect a global pandemic, lockdown and all that happened in 2020. This blog has changed over time but it's continued to be my safe space to share the things going on in my life, with Buddy and the cats. Enjoy!

Still got it

It’s been a while since I got the slow cooker out, but very glad I did. Yummy pasta sauce the result!

It has so much flavour cooked this way. Even with my dodgy palate, I can taste the difference.

Nigella needn’t worry, I’ve a long way to go before I can be considered a domestic goddess.

Back to it

A huge well done to everyone who made it through their first work day of 2022! Saw this earlier and it made me smile.

I hope the first day was a good one. Mine really was. Ticked lots off my list. And even managed to work out why my car is so cold, draughty and loud. Seems one of my rear windows was slightly ajar. Goodness knows when or how that happened. I honestly can’t remember ever opening it.

Bank holiday hack

Last day of my Christmas break today, so seemed like a bank holiday hack was in order.

This is the first time I’ve made a conscious choice to have a break. When I was employed, I would cover for those with children. The last two years have been kind of enforced. So this year I decided to take a break. And I’m definitely feeling the benefit.

I’m feeling relaxed, refreshed and raring to go.

Gnome alone

This little chap has been living in my Christmas tree. Today he got evicted. The tree is back in the garage. The decorations are back in the cupboard. And my living room looks huge.

It looks very bare without the tree. The kittens are a bit weirded out as their hiding place has been taken away. Very grateful that they weren’t that interested in it. A couple of bauble got bashed, but nothing major.

So that’s another Christmas done. I don’t want to jinx it, but I’ve started this year better than I have the last two (2020 badly broken ankle / 2021 recovering from covid). Everything crossed it remains that way…

Jump into 2022

I’ve taken jumping into the new year literally of course. It’s been a couple of weeks since we last jumped (and we know how well that went!).

Decided to pop a few jumps as it was quiet at the yard. Think my smile says it all. I love jumping, but it doesn’t always make it to my face. I have a look of concentration most of the time. It’s either face like thunder or mouth open.

One for me to work on this year. 🤪 Maybe if I look like I’m actually loving it as much as I am it might make a difference. I’m game!

Year end

Let’s face it, 2021 was an interesting year. We were so optimistic about how much better it would be than 2020. And in some ways it was. But boy did the challenges keep coming.

One thing I enjoy about the year end is looking back at the things I’ve achieved. This year I was struggling to see what those were. So I took some time to look closer. There was a lot that didn’t happen. But there was a lot that did.

In time honoured tradition, I made a list…

So, in 2021 I:

  • recovered from Covid
  • made the best of Covidland
  • saw my business grow
  • picked up new clients
  • met some incredible people
  • lost touch with some others
  • saw friendships deepen
  • saw friendships wain
  • laughed till I cried
  • cried till I laughed
  • watched people grow
  • learnt new skills
  • kept blogging even if no-one read it
  • kept putting one foot in front of the other
  • took Buddy to 4 training camps
  • won rosettes
  • got more bruises
  • had lots of lessons
  • visited new places
  • made more memories
  • supported my parents
  • lost Nero
  • watched the kittens grow
  • met my eventing heroine Lucinda Green
  • had her teach me and interview me
  • put myself out there
  • took time to develop myself
  • felt the love and support of others

But above all, I’ve taken time for me. I’ve learnt a hell of a lot about myself this year. I’m ending it in a better place than I started it.

If you’re reading this, I’d like to thank you for being part of this year and my journey.

Here’s to 2022 and whatever it holds for us all. Fingers and toes crossed it’s a good one.

My brother

This is a sad time of the year for me as I remember my brother who died in 2004. We weren’t close but it still makes me sad every year that he’s not here.

So tonight I’ll shed a tear for him, light a candle to remember him and raise a glass to his memory. Here he is bringing in the new year at the Millennium Dome. I love this photo of him doing what he loved most.

Wherever you are, I hope the decks are hot, the drinks are cold and the party is banging. RIP Chris.

Making plans

I’ve booked my first clinic for 2022 today. And it’s with European Champion Nicola Wilson. Well if you’re going to learn, why not from a champion?!

I met her at The Rolex in 2015. She was so generous with her time. And a really down to earth person.

I’ve been feeling a bit down about my horsey journey recently. I don’t feel like I’ve achieved much this year. We’ve been a bit thwarted. I totally get it. There’s been a lot going on. It’s been hard to fit everything in. My focus has had to be on my business and my parents.

I adore Buddy. That hasn’t changed. And never will. But I’ve definitely lower the intensity in his training in the past couple of years. I’ve realised that I’ve been hesitant to set goals in case next year is more of the covid sh1tshow we’ve had so far.

Booking the clinic made me want to set goals again. So that’s what I’ve done. Horsey goals are set for 2022. Bring…. It…. On….!