Stable platform

No words needed. Just a very tired and overly emotional girl and her favourite little boy.

Given I woke up feeling rather drained, I actually had a rather productive day. Lots of errands run.

Finished it off with a trip to WHW for an evening with 5* Eventer (and Norfolk girl), Alice Casburn. Considering she’s just 22 year old, she’s incredibly grounded. Amazing what she’s achieved already. It was fascinating listening to her. I went to a talk with her last year. That was really interesting. She’s done a lot more since then.

She quipped that eventer Richard Jones had told her that eventing was just a glorified gymkhana. That made me laugh. Must remember that when we get back to eventing.

Seat stealer

Honestly, I literally got up to get a drink and Hugo stole my seat. Little monkey! Not sure if he was actually asleep. Or was just pretending. He looked so cute and comfortable.

I felt like joining him. We got back late from London last night. Well technically this morning. I was feeling a tad sleepy myself.

For once, I had the forethought to plan a quiet day. So I got to watch the coverage from yesterday afternoon’s World Cup jumping. Blimey that was a jump-off and a half.

Tired

I’m more tired than the Mayor of Tiredsville right now. It was a really struggle getting up this morning when the alarm went off. Can’t say I was at my best today peopling. Hopefully I didn’t make any mistakes.

I told one of the other receptionists the hours I’d done this week. Her reaction? How are you still standing?!

I sometimes ask myself the same question.

The kittens have definitely missed me. They’ve both stayed close. Lots of cuddles on the sofa were the order of the day. Not sure what they’ve got to be tired about though. Maybe they’ve been partying too while I’ve been away.

Team Swan

Back home after a mammoth few days at Celtic Manor delivering the Annual (and infamous) Hoseasons Owners Conference.

It was full on, that’s for sure. What a blast though! From the moment we arrived, it was go, go, GO. The months of planning came into reality. It’s an incredible feeling being able to look back at all the things we’ve talked about and see them come to life in front of your eyes. We definitely hit the brief on this one.

So proud to work alongside these powerhouses to make up ‘Team Swan’. And believe me there was a lot of paddling going on at time. A few tears, a lot of laughs and more memories in the bank.

So far the feedback has been great. All of the external speakers were very well received. A lot of mancrushing on Jason Fox and that was just the staff! What a lovely guy he is.

Rounded off the evening being the glamorous assistant handing over awards. Apparently my dress was very sparkly under the lights. It was definitely in keeping with our modern 70s evening theme – inspired by our final act of the night Bjorn Again!

The dance floor was packed, branded glow sticks in hand. What a way to end a packed day.

I am one very proud Events Manager tonight. I’m also one very tired and achy bunny.

Accident prone

I can always tell when I’m tired. I get even more accident prone. Even by my standards, I’ve excelled myself.

Today I’ve sprayed myself in the face with olive oil, tripped over the dogs on numerous occasions, nearly face planted after getting caught in a bramble, hit myself in the face with a cupboard door, hit my head on the stairs and parted company with Buddy. To name but a few.

I will be admitting defeat and heading to bed. The way my day’s going, I’ll probably fall out!

It must run in the family as my Dad was discharged from hospital today after taking a tumble on Saturday. Thankfully nothing broken. Of course it meant that Mum needed to be admitted too. She’s staying a bit longer so they can assess her further. It’s been a lot and many phone calls have been made. Again.

Proud

I woke up this morning feeling like the walls were closing in. It can happen when I feel tired, overwhelmed or I’m processing things. So I sat with it, reflected back on the past few years and talked it through with a good sounding board.

I’m nearly at the end of my second year of running a limited company. I’m so proud of my business. I’ve come a long way in the last financial year. It’s hard work being the boss. It’s uncertain a lot of the time. There are lots of benefits too.

It doesn’t feel very British to say that I’m proud of myself. But I really am! I’ve had many moments where I’ve doubted if I could make the money I needed to pay my mortgage, my bills and for Buddy. The money has arrived when I needed it. And for that I’m very grateful.

Is my business where I want it? Not yet. But it’s a lot better than it was. I know I’m bloody good at what I do. My clients are very happy with what I do too. And I get paid to do things I enjoy doing. I’m very lucky indeed.

Respite

I am fully aware that there are times when I overcommit myself. The last few weeks (OK months) have been full on. I got back from Poplar Park yesterday and knew the tank was getting empty.

So I did something I rarely do. I cancelled plans and cleared my diary for today. I felt I needed a free day to rest and restore.

I also needed a day without travelling. I’ve clocked up a few hundred miles this week.

It massively helped that it was much cooler today. Each year, I seem to forget how much the heat takes out of me. I’ve ordered some more electrolytes. They might help too.

It’s been cloudy. The clouds look like they’ve got rain in them but sadly, none fell on me.

I’ve got another busy week with two days at the Norfolk. Really hoping the temperatures stay cooler. Right now, I don’t even care if I get wet!

Zonked

I have to admit, I was a tad tired when I woke up this morning. And a tad achy. All signs of a very good camp.

Other signs are a huge pile of laundry. I did four loads of washing today. And still have more to go. The good news is that I got all of the washing dry out on the line.

The kittens were very pleased to see me and wanted cuddles while I was working. Back to the laptop today for me. Buddy got a well deserved day off. Poor planning on my part not to keep today clear. The irony isn’t lost on me as a professional planner.

Buddy got cuddles too. And I got coffee. Lots of coffee.

Tired

Definitely feeling my late night today. Got back from London at 1:30am this morning. So didn’t get the best sleep as I was wired from a brilliant day (and a midnight McDonalds).

Woke up feeling rather jet-lagged if I’m honest. We’re heading towards the end of the year and I’m feeling it. It’s been another really busy one. The last few years have been really challenging for me. And full on in so many ways.

It seems that so many people I speak to are feeling the same. Tired, exhausted and drained are three words I hear a lot.

But I truly love my life. And am grateful for the experiences I’ve had along the way, the people I’ve met and the memories made.