Back in the saddle, to be out of the saddle, to be back in the saddle

Two major life changes going on:

• This week, I gave my resignation at the company I have worked at for 10 years.


• Surgery to fuse my left heel bone to my ankle bone will happen in 12 days.

The first one, wow. Over the past few months, the idea of leaving here... actually gained momentum. I really thought that I would retire here. And while the corporate culture has been changing, and not for the better, I wasn't unhappy here. I work for a great large company, and enjoy a lot of flexibility in my job which I have earned over the years. It took a long time decide to make the move. It came down to opportunity.

And my new job, wow! Over the past several weeks, getting a feel for the company, the people, the vision, the work... made me really excited to go to work again! I know I can make an impact there quickly, and this position could grow into my dream job. There were just so many "signs" like this was the right choice, so I'm taking the plunge. Eyes wide open, and full of anticipation.

Then there's the whole sub-talar fusion surgery resulting from shattering my heel 6 years ago. I have put it off for a couple of years, but decided finally I was tired of having the pain in the joint affect my life so much.. no longer being able to walk in the pasture, or on any uneven ground. And now standing for long periods of time on level ground was taking it's toll. So.. I have months of recovery to look forward to.. but a new job as well. And once the foot is completely healed next year, it will be totally worth it.

After months and months of rain, the faucet turned off and I have been riding, riding, riding... just in time to have surgery and be unable to ride for at least 3 months. Probably more, but I'm shooting for 3. Once I can hobble on a cane, I can ride again. But I will have new job responsibilities to occupy me, and be able to recuperate at home while working. The saddle will still be there when I'm able to climb back into it.

Feeling funky

Isn't it amazing how catching a little virus/cold can color your entire world? Even though I was getting overwhelmed with work and a messy house, my state of mind was good and positive. Add a tickly sinus cavity, a slight headache, sore throat and burny eyes to that... and I am in a funk! All of a sudden my "glass half full" attitude becomes "glass half empty and dropping fast".

Now everything has a negative cast. Never mind it has rained about 4" the last two days, ending in some flurries this morning. It's gray, damp, cold, and miserable... just like the rest of me.

The sunshine and a good night's sleep will make everything better. To tomorrow! (Gosh I hope the sun WILL acutally come out.. tomorrow. Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow... they'll be sun..." -- well, this IS KY in the late winter, I better not bet that last dollar!)

What am I thankful for today?

• My friend let me borrow her truck to get to an appt today.. that I really needed to go to.
• That the work day is not passing any slower... and it's going sloooow.
• The weekend is very, very near.
• I don't have to drive home today, since my truck is still in the shop. I can zone out, which is nice when you don't feel good.
• The seafood chowder was excellent in the cafeteria today.
• That I only have to work 3 days next week.

Accomplishments?

• Made it to my appt this morning.
• Completed a couple of things at work, and have been here all day.
• Cleaned out a few drawers in my office. And scrubbed the coffeepot.
• Fed the cats this morning, and checked on the horses... and that might just be all I get done today.. I want to go to bed!

Back in the saddle again

After the coldest, wettest, snowiest, blowiest winter in decades in our area, we got a bit of a break last week - weather in the 60s! After not being on a horse since the first week of December, I got to break out the gear and go for a ride. And even though Sunday we got drenched and cold, we were still riding... in February. Heaven!

It's kind of like getting back in the saddle again to do some regular writing. I've gone from physically writing or typing things, to just going through it in my head.. but when the stress and anxieties pile up, nothing works better than simply writing/typing 1)what you are thankful for and 2)what you have accomplished that day.

So many things going on. It's hard to not be overwhelmed at times. And when I get overwhelmed with everything I "should" be doing, I just... don't do any of it.

So, today I am thankful for:

• Spring is closer. Susie is shedding. The days are longer. The end of winter is near.
• Some good news at work yesterday that good things are in my future.
• The kitchen sink is fixed and not leaking anymore.
• An excellent night's sleep last night.
• Nice N Easy Natural Medium Golden Brown
• That I scheduled a couple of days off next week.
• Jeff has been feeding the horses in the morning.
• The oustide of the house is looking super good.

Yesterday, I accomplished:

• 9.5 hours of work, including putting together a PowerPoint presentation which is like stabbing a needle under my fingernail for me.
• Fixed dinner.
• Cleaned the stove.
• Gave Sammie her medicine. (This bears mentioning because she is AWFUL about having ANYTHING put in her mouth.)
• Colored my hair(see gratitude list above).
• An entire day of healthy eating!

So much that needs to be done.. but this is a start.