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!

Always learning

Took a moment to read this on my way for day 2. I’m at the Society of Endocrinology Conference so felt right to learn a little bit more about the subject matter. Though I seem to have an air of a medical professional as I’ve been asked several times today if I’m a professor. It must be the glasses….

I’m here representing Addison’s disease and Adrenal Insufficiency. A subject I’m learning a lot about. It’s been fascinating chatting to people about their medical experiences. I’ve had conversations today about low testosterone, Cushings and thyroid issues to name but a few.

The human body is amazing. But when it goes wrong, boy can it go wrong.

Greyfriar’s Bobby

Ever since I watched the film Greyfriar’s Bobby (and sobbed my heart out at the end), I’ve wanted to see this statue. Tonight I did. And he was worth the wait. I touched his nose, asked for good luck and made a wish.

I am loving Edinburgh and I’ve not really seen much of it. I think I am going to have to come back.

Edinburgh

Well I made it safely over the Border! After the hiccups of my flight, it was a bit dicey whether I would. So hello Scotland!

The one thing I said I wanted to see here was the castle lit up. Mission accomplished. It was worth it too. It’s stunning.

I’ve also had my first Irn Bru. 👏🏻 And it does taste different in Scotland. Grateful I wore my duvet coat, it’s a bit fresh!

I’ve seen a lot of kilted men. Guessing that’s to do with the rugby. Missed the match, but guessed the result. There were a few rather jolly people getting on the tram at Murrayfield.

Now snuggled up in the biggest bed I’ve ever slept in! It’s huge! I shall sleep like a Queen tonight. Well I am near a castle.

Intrepid traveller

It was touch and go whether I’d get here this morning. Went online to check-in to find my booking had been cancelled. 😱

I had called Loganair on Friday to cancel my return flight as they wanted to move it by 24hrs. Thanks for that! Unfortunately they cancelled both flights instead.

Good job I checked. That could have been rather awkward at check-in.

So I’m ready to board. And coming back by train. Just call me the Intrepid Traveller!

Planes, trains and automobiles

Two years ago I flew to Boston to meet up with this beauty. What a two years it’s been!!

Tomorrow I will be getting on a plane for the first time since that trip as I head to Edinburgh.

Back in 2019, I stopped off to see my Mum in hospital on my way to the airport as she was recovering from sepsis. Oh irony as my Dad is now recovering from sepsis too.

I love this photo of us. It always makes me smile.

Autumn hue

The weather chose well today. After yesterday’s indecisiveness, it was sunshine today. My goodness the wind was bitter though. Winter is on its way.

After the chaos of the past few weeks, this was the calm I definitely needed today.

Rear view

Well I haven’t seen this view for a long time!

It’s been a really weird weather day. Showers and sunshine were the order of the day. Wasn’t sure if I’d have time to ride without getting soaked. So I decided to long-rein / double lunge Buddy instead.

We haven’t done this for a while, so I wasn’t sure how it would go. Pleased to report we had a lot of fun and no tangles.

Skill set

Today I was very grateful for my Nana. When I was a child, she taught me how to bake and line a tin with pastry. I got to reconnect with that skill as I spent most of the day helping to make mince pies for one of my clients. They’re off to a food show this weekend so it was all hands on deck!

My back is aching, my feet are aching and my face is aching from laughing so much. Listening to Disney songs while baking is definitely the way forward.

It’s amazing the skills you pick up along the way.

Silent partners

So this is what the kittens get up to while I’m busy working?! They really are silent partners in my business.

It made me laugh as I finished my morning meetings. First a coaching session with a new client, followed by a Masterclass on sales copywriting that I’d been invited to deliver to a membership group.

I love helping people. And sharing my knowledge. I’ve picked quite a lot over the years.

Halloween

Given Buddy’s had a bit of time off while I was away, I thought it best to lunge him today. I was expecting a bit of a horror show but he was rather sedate.

I’ve been forgiven it seems as he gave me lots of nuzzles and a bit of grooming. He makes my heart burst, he really does.

Looking forward to hacking out tomorrow.