Welcome to blog! I started it in 2020 to chart my recovery from breaking my ankle (hence the name). I guess no-one saw a global pandemic coming. It's turned into a place where I can talk about the things happening in my life, my horse and my cats. Enjoy!
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!
I needed to go and get my lorry out of lockdown. I didn’t think it was that far to walk. It only takes me 10 mins to drive there, so off I set. I’ve been so careful with my walking and always worn supportive footwear. As it was a short walk I didn’t think it through. So I am now the proud owner of 3 huge blisters (one for every KM I walked). Still at least I got my lorry back so I shall be undertaking a deep clean tomorrow ready for our first outing.
Wore one of my birthday presents today. Just love the quote. 😊
This time last year, I was in Ireland with these lovely ladies. It seems rather poignant given the circumstances with find ourselves in now. I’ve been very fortunate to have travelled extensively over the years. I love going to new places, experiencing different cultures and seeing what the world has to offer.
So this is the face of a 50 year old! I have been totally overwhelmed by the messages, cards, presents and food I’ve been given today. I feel totally spoilt, very loved and rather special. Thank you to everyone who’s made today so memorable for me. I love you all. It’s been a day to remember. And when we are allowed, I will be celebrating more. I’ve decided to have a birthday year! Well it’s a big birthday so why not?! I had a week of celebrations for my 40th, so a year seems fitting for my 50th! Who’s in?!
Caught up with a former work colleague today for a social distance walk. Just a short one at 4.3km along Buckenham Marshes. It’s fast becoming my favourite walking place. It reminded me of our lunchtime walks at VM where we used to put the world to rights and she would complain I walked to fast… Good times.
So I’ve got 2 sleeps left in my 40s (and the fact I still refer to them as sleeps makes me young – right?!).
I’ve been reflecting today. I decided to have a rest day after my mammoth walk of yesterday. I’ve tried to keep busy during lockdown, but today I rested, restored and reflected.
I’ve achieved so much in my 40s. Sure I’m not going into my 5th decade where I thought I’d be. When I set out my plan for my 40s, I didn’t factor in being made redundant twice, my marriage ending, starting over with a mortgage, undergoing 3 surgeries for broke bones…. I could go on.
But I’ve dealt with everything that life has thrown at me. I’ve grown as a person. I’ve learnt a lot about myself. I’ve made friends. I’ve lost friends. I’ve had so many life changing moments. I’ve had incredible experiences. I’ve lived my life the best I can. And I’m very proud of myself.
Sure there are things I could have done differently. But as I enter my 50s, there are definitely more pros than cons.
Thank you to everyone who’s been on this journey with me. Here’s to the next decade!
I’m having a rest day today as I may have overdone it yesterday with my mammoth walk. My ankle is a little stiff today. Got a little burn too. Honestly I’m nearly 50 and I never learn! Just been for a wander round my little garden. There are so many pretty flowers. I really love it. Here’s a little selection…
Today saw another mammoth walk. Covered 15.9km round Strumpshaw, Cantley and Buckenham. Finally found the footpath that runs from Cantley back along the waterway to Buckenham Marshes. Absolutely stunning scenery. Took a picnic with me and stopped to eat it on route. Much to the amusement of the cows who were playing Mr Wolf with me. Good job too as I was out over 4 hours. My ankle is feeling it now, but I really am loving hiking right now.
After my odd day where I couldn’t focus, I had the most glorious hack this afternoon. It was one of those hacks where none of us wanted to go back. We’re still operating a rota at the yard, so we did get back before our slot was over. But it was so relaxing.
Woke up to this beauty! I’ve got lots more to come by the looks of it.
I’m having a bit of an odd day so far. I feel like I should be focusing on stuff, but I keep wandering off. I have the attention span of a gnat today. The days are starting to blur now.
I have done a few hours of weeding and more clearing in the garden.
I’m trying to put some structure into my life. It’s tough going today. Not giving myself a hard time over it though. It’s just how it is today.
