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!

Santa’s too generous

So it seems Santa has been super generous this year. Felt decidedly dodgy last night so got an early night. Woke up with a sore throat, snotty nose and 5 mouth ulcers. Can’t say I’m impressed with that at all.

Called in sick as didn’t want to spread it. Felt so bad not being able to go in.

Spent the day gargling salt, drinking iced water and trying to eat without crying. My god mouth ulcers hurt!! I’ve got them on my tongue too. Like that’s needed at all?!

I know it happens when I get rundown. It’s been full on recently, so guess it was bound to catch up with meat some point. Early night for me. More vitamins. And a few chill days.

Merry Christmas

I thought I’d try and get a festive picture of the kittens on their first Christmas. This was as close as I could get. Just a kitten in a bowl near a Christmas tree. 😂

Neither were keen on the tinsel. Or posing. One for next year I guess.

I hope you’ve all had a lovely day. I have. Mucked out first thing. Ate too many cheese straws and biscuits. Worn my new Christmas PJs most of the day. Had my non-traditional Christmas lunch. Watched Strongman and Strictly (definitely a tradition). Caught up with my parents, nieces and great-nephew. And now waiting for the finger food to cook.

I got a meal delivery for tomorrow’s dinner when I get back from work too (makes a change from me delivering them). And more chocolates from one of my neighbours to say thank you for getting the horns stopped.

It might now have been the Christmas we planned. But it’s been a good one nonetheless.

Twas the night before Christmas

Well that’s my 4am alarms done. Thank god. I have a new found respect for anyone who works shifts!

I was expecting it to be carnage, but it was rather quiet. I ended up prepping shelves for Boxing Day sale items and Easter Eggs! I know.

Finished the day with our now traditional Christmas Eve hack. It’s rarely gone to plan. But today was a new one. Flipping hailstones! Buddy is not a fan. Neither am I as they really hurt.

Now flopped on the sofa watching Elf. That seems rather fitting really. 🎄😍

4am

This morning saw a time I haven’t seen for a while with a4am alarm call. I was on the till by 5am, coffee fuelled and a smile on my face!

It wasn’t as hideous as I thought. Freaked the kittens out though as they were a tad bleary eyed when I got up.

The day flew by and my shift ended before I knew it. It was busy, but not manic like I expected.

One down, two to go. Let’s see if I’m still standing by Thursday…!

Christmas Cheer

I got Christmas presents from two of my meal drops tonight. They wanted to say thank you for giving up my time to deliver them each week. So touched that they would take the time to do that.

I really enjoy doing it. And it seems my efforts are appreciated too. Even got a thank you from one of the dogs I cuddle each week. Apparently I’ve cheered him up too.

Piggy

So today I had a lesson with Badminton winner, Piggy March (nee French). I have to say she’s a very lovely person. So kind and caring. She started the lesson by saying that she was on our side.

She liked Buddy too. Said he was a good sort and very good looking. That just about made my year!

Buddy was on top form too. He flew all of the jumps and considering it was another new venue, he took it all in. One silly moment, but that was my fault. Overall I’m very happy with us today.

Very impressed with Wakefield Farm Stud&Livery too. Lovely indoor arena. Though Buddy was a tad confused by the horse statue outside.

Sunrise

Up early this morning for a lovely hack before work. It was the perfect way to start my day.

I didn’t finish work till 10pm last night so missed the Strictky final live. Made it through without finding out the result too. That rarely happens! So that was a lovely way to spend my afternoon. What a show!! I was in floods by the end of it.

Pink eye and poinsettia

My left eye has been a bit scratchy over the last few days. Today I woke up with a pink eyeball. It doesn’t hurt. But I can feel my eyeball if that makes sense.

Luckily I was working so popped to the pharmacy to get some drops during my first break. In the process I managed to lose my locker key. Managed to get the master key so I could get home. My big concern as my phone, wallet and car keys were in my locker. Had to skip lunch as it took my second break to sort it out.

Got home to find this beautiful poinsettia from my Pilates teacher. They always make me feel Christmassy.

As it my eye wasn’t pink enough, I somehow managed to flick sand in both eyes while lunging Buddy. Honestly, it’s a wonder I’m allowed out unsupervised… Good job I have eye drops.