5 years

Today marks 5 years since we entered lockdown. And our lives changed forever. In so many ways, it’s hard to believe it actually happened. It’s like a hazy nightmare or dream. One where you’re not sure if it did or didn’t happen.

I’m still angry, sad, bewildered, grateful and a thousand other emotions. I know others are too. A collective sense of grief for what was, what might have been and what we lost.

Have we’ve truly acknowledged the impacts of Covid? Do we actually know? I joked at the time that it was like we were in a social experiment. Given the current state of the world, I’m starting to wonder if it was.

I read a post today that really made me think. Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t have wanted to be making the decisions. Looking back, I’m not sure what it actually achieved. We seem to be in a worse state now than before.

I guess time will tell. History is usually written by the victors. Wonder how it will be reflected in all the chaos, scaremongering and lies…

Adulting

Urgh what a day! I have been forced to seriously adult today. So many things that need to be sorted out. And not the fun kind. The kind that usually goes in the ‘too scary for Pip’ category.

Things like:

My energy deal is running out.
My broadband contract is running out.
Part of my mortgage fixed rate is running out. My breakdown cover needs renewing.
And many more…

Oh and to top it off, my driving license photocard is running out. I mean, who knew that was a thing?!

So I spent a lot of the day feeling like I’m going round in circles trying to find good deals. All while dealing with the rising fear of making a bad choice or getting it wrong. God adulting is so hard sometimes.

I spent two hours on a video call with a mortgage advisor. Came off with some options, but still a bit confused. Seriously, I’m an intelligent person. But finances scare the pants off me. Ironic I know for someone who’s spent their career working in Financial Services.

I also came to the conclusion that the process is aimed at people starting out on their mortgage journey. Not someone like me who’s crashing towards retirement… No, I really don’t need life insurance. Yes I understand the benefits of buildings and contents insurance. Where do I see myself in 5 years?! Alive preferably!

I tried to find a more superior adult to discuss it all with. Failed at that, so headed to see my second largest outgoing, Buddy.

Anyone got a crystal ball I can borrow?! It’s all so doom and gloom out there. Who knows what ‘crisis’ we will hit next…

Dark waters

One of these horses overcame a fear tonight. He was a proper warrior. Frankie isn’t a fan of dark water. By dark water, I mean the run off from a steaming pile of manure. Tonight he crossed the river of poo juice. Buddy wasn’t phased at all, so he just walked straight over it.

This played to our advantage as Frankie was much more willing to give it a go seeing Buddy standing in the poo juice. My Equilab looked like Buddy was doing the Hokey Cokey going back and forward showing Frankie that it was safe.

Finally Frankie took the plunge and took the step to cross the river. And by river, it was a few feet across. We were all cheering him on! Credit where credit is due, he was really brave to overcome his fear.

Thankfully the rest of our ride was smooth sailing. It was a lovely way to end the week. Think we all needed a giggle tonight.

New era

I woke up to the news that we have a new government. Hardly a surprise I know. Big changes like these can bring uncertainty, fear and speculation. There will be some who are thrilled. Others who are appalled. The vast majority I’m guessing will be waiting to see what it all means.

There are people who’ve lost their jobs. Others who’ve gotten massive promotions. Some will be relieved it’s over. Others will be anxious about the size of the task ahead.

As I drove to work this morning, this prayer popped into my head. There are so many sound bites, click bait and lies out there, it’s hard to know what to believe at times.

We want things to be black and white, clear cut and simplistic. Sadly it’s rarely like that. I don’t know about 50 shades of grey. More like 50 million. Each issues has many sides to it. Every problem many potential solutions.

Whatever happens next, I hope that those elected remember that they are there to represent us. All of us.

Slayer

Today I slayed a dragon. Well not totally, but I made huge progress. You see I have a huge fear of brown envelopes. Particularly the ones from the tax man. I think it’s the way they’re written. Quite simply it puts the fear of god in me!

I’m very good with words. But not that good with numbers. Well I am. But not when it comes to taxes, finances or more technical numbers. I tend to have a toddler like response to them.

Now given I run my own business, a toddler tantrum doesn’t cut it with the tax man. Thankfully I have a wonderful friend who somehow manages to deal with my ineptitude, petulance and toddler tears. And makes me do the things that I really don’t want to.

After over an hour of listening to how important my call was and that I could find the answers on their website, I finally got to speak to a very helpful tax man who helped me understand what was going on and why I’d had a letter (that I really didn’t understand). I now need another letter before I can actually fix the issue. And when I say I, of course, I mean she.

To celebrate my courageous achievement, she bought me lunch. The downside was we ate it in a car park with a rather interesting view.

I’ve learn new stuff today. Fear not Accountants, your jobs are safe. I’ll stick to words and telling people’s stories. That’s where I’m at my best.