Grief

I’ve been a dribble mess today. Lots of tears. They started when I woke up and Nero wasn’t there asking for breakfast. It felt very strange indeed.

I cancelled my appointments and had a long snuggle with the kittens. Then went for a long walk to clear my head. Got caught in the rain.

We all grieve in different ways, for different things. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Today I was kind and rather than trying to push through, I tried to stay in the present.

There are some who may think ‘it’s just a cat’. But he was so much more than that. Nero was my confident, my company and my shadow. He has been a constant throughout the past challenging 2 years as well. He barely left my side when I was on box rest with my ankle. He was the one I talked to during lockdown.

He will be sorely missed.

It seems that Hugo has taken on Nero’s mantle as chief snuggler. He’s on my lap now.

I’m grateful that I have the kittens. And that I was able to be with Nero at the end.

Nero

The house feels odd without him. I keep thinking he’ll come trotting through the doorway. I’m all cried out. There can’t possibly be any tears left. And then they come again.

I’m grateful I gave him a great life. And he gave me so much love.

Nero

Nero (03/07/07 – 28/06/2021). Today I said goodbye to Nero. He’s been my shadow for 13 years. He’s been by my side through so many ups and downs in that time.

I’m heartbroken. But watching him struggle was equally heartbreaking.

I made the right decision for him. It was easy and tough all at the same time.

I’m sat here in floods having snuggles with the kittens. Another end of an era.

RIP my handsome boy. I gave you the best life I could.

Chatty (Wo)man

Well that was a VERY long day! But an utterly brilliant one. A full day of commentating and XC control at the RC ODE at Poplar Park. First horse went off at 10:20am. The last came back at 6:20pm!

Thankfully I was able to pronounce most of the horse and rider’s names this time. Even got a few thumbs up from riders so must have gotten pretty near. Manage to keep everyone updated with progress throughout their day.

Got a lot of comments on how professional it sounded too. So if anyone knows of anymore opportunities…

As the saying goes ‘I counted them out and I counted them all back’. And there were no falls!!

Well done everyone! Same again next year…?

Puppy cuddles

After a busy day in the garden, I headed to deepest darkest Suffolk. I’m at the Riding Club ODE at Poplar Park tomorrow, so took advantage it and caught up with Simon and Harry tonight.

Tried to get a selfie with their new puppy. He’s a tad squirmy. Now snuggled up in bed with their other puppy. Puppy cuddles are good.

Variety

Day 268: variety. I was watching some training today that talked about the 6 human needs. Variety was one. It got me thinking. I definitely need variety in my life. I get bored when things are the same. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a comfort in routine. Covid and lockdown have shown me how I need a bit of both.

So I have created a routine that works for me. I get up. I ground myself with a coffee (not literally) and contemplate the day. Then I crack on.

I need variety in my work, my life and most importantly with Buddy. I’m very grateful I’m getting that.

PR Pip

Today has been such a fun day. I got to people this morning when I went to a face to face networking meeting. I did a session on how to introduce yourself with confidence. It seemed to have gone down well.

This evening I’ve been interviewed twice for different purposes. One about my coaching go journey and the other about taming your inner voice. I love getting the chance to speak to people. I’m definitely a people person.

All great opportunities for me to do a bit of PR for me and my businesses.

This was the sight that greeted me when I’d finished the second interview. It seems Hugo is still loving the conservatory roof. 🤦🏻‍♀️He’s a funny little boy.

Sushi friends

Well I haven’t seen these two lovely ladies since February 2020. That time we had sushi at mine as I was still in plaster. This time we got to go out. It was just brilliant to see them both. We’ve all had our challenges in that time. We’ve had our highs too. But it was like no time had passed.

Very grateful for good friends and good sushi!!

Longest Day

Today is the Summer Solstice. Not that you’d know it, it’s blinking freezing here today. Back to jumpers and even got out the blanket again. Very odd weather. Last week I was in shorts! And complaining it was too hot.

What would we Brits do without the weather to talk about…?!