40 Things for 40

New year (almost) and so it's time for a new blog to chart my goals for 2013. This year, I have decided to start with a list of 13 things to achieve- 31 was a bit too much of a challenge! I may add an extra one or two 'easy' goals, such as the 'photo a day' or 'better me' ones from last year I have learnt a lot from this years efforts, which will affect my goals for the forthcoming year. Learning to pace myself more is a good one, and ones where I require effort from Simon just won't happen (sorry Simon, but you know it's true!). So, my last couple of posts on my 2012 blog will be a round up of my 31 things, then it will be onto this new page for 2013. Thank you for your support and I look forward to sharing my year with you once again. Happy New Year!

New year (almost) and so it's time for a new blog to chart my goals for 2013. This year, I have decided to start with a list of 13 things to achieve- 31 was a bit too much of a challenge! I may add an extra one or two 'easy' goals, such as the 'photo a day' or 'better me' ones from last year I have learnt a lot from this years efforts, which will affect my goals for the forthcoming year. Learning to pace myself more is a good one, and ones where I require effort from Simon just won't happen (sorry Simon, but you know it's true!).

So, it's the end of 2012 and time to see how many of my 31 things I managed to complete: 1. Pass CBT so I can ride my awesome bike Did not start this one as with driving going well it did not seem like I needed to gain my CBT. One for the future though. 2. Have driving lessons & pass test Although I failed my test in August, I have my second attempt booked, so fingers crossed! 3. Start riding Amber  Started this one. However, have moved to a new yard with hacking on the doorstep and a school, so hopefully this will be one for next year. 4. Have a go at horse agility with Amber Again, due to lack of facilities, rubbish weather I did not progress on this one as much as I would have liked. 5. Start working Blossom and back in early Summer Didn't back, but managed to do quite a lot of groundwork in  preparation. 6. Take both to one horse show Lack of transport and Amber's lading issues put paid to this one. 7. Start agility and/ or training c...

Last Friday, I had my Adult Numeracy test. It was a little odd doing it in a room with just me, not even someone to keep an eye on me, I guess I was excepecting "exam conditions". It was in Reading, so I got the train up. As I was not entirley sure where the Bulding was, I got a cab there. Turns out it was only a few minutes away so I arrived early. Went in and was prepared to wait, but the next thing I know, my details were being taken and I was being ushered into the room. The test was computer based, but I was given a pen and paper to scribble on. It was time! Anyway, once I had finished, I had the oprion of waiting or I could go and would get me results sent to me. I decided to wait for a while as I was in no rush. I'd just gotten a glass of water, when I was told that my results were in. I was very pleased to hear that I had passed, with 75%! Although I did not get a full breakdown of which question I had gotten right or wrong, I did get given the percentages cor...

Seeing as it's been a while, I thought it was high time to do another rocks and sucks. Rocks My mum is coming to visit for the weekend tomorrow (and, noooo, I didn't forget until she called me this morning. Honest!) My ponies and my pooch are awesome! I love my Simon (my soppy moment for the week) Right now, I'm feeling happy, chilled and knowing how lucky I am. I actually had a 'crafty' moment on Tuesday. *gets on knees and prays to craft mojo gods that said craft mojo will be back in time for making Christmas cards this year* Sucks Poor itchy Blossom pony. Still trying to find the best way of making her more comfortable. Simon took two days off work and spent yesterday driving to Plymouth and back and today in the office! The weather. If you're going to rain, rain. Don't just fill the sky with horrible grey clouds! The weather part two- because it means my horses rugs are off and on like a hookers underwear. Have a good weekend y'all!...

Time for another update. I have decided that some of my 31 things will not be accomplished next year. Most of them are ones involving Simon. So, after this update, I will remove the ones that will not be achieved this year and will put them on my 2013 list. 1. Pass CBT so I can ride my awesome bike Having seen that Groupon had an offer for half price CBT test, it's one that I will be keeping an eye out for again. At the very least it's another string to my bow so to speak. This is going to most likely be one for next year now though. 2. Have driving lessons & pass test Yep, well, I failed. Decided to pull into the left hand lane of a roundabout, when I was sitting in the right hand lane at the junction. Whoops. Have next one booked up, but will not be saying anything until I've passed! 3. Start riding Amber I swear this horse is physic. Whenever I think about hopping on board, she goes lame! Have had the vet out but couldn't find anything wro...

I've recently been having a play about with Serif PhotoPlus X4, and ended up with this (plus did similar with a couple of other photos too). Was quite easy to do- other than following the edges!

I had the vet up earlier to do teeth and jabs. Last time I had Simon with me, so was easy to move them round to the stable/ tie up area, but this time was on my own. So I took Amber round first, chucked her in the stable and then got Matti and Blossom together (didn't want to leave one tied up unattended). Apart from Blossom walking over my foot (ouch), that went well. Gave them a quick groom and while doing Matti, I noticed Blossom having a good old itch up the brick wall. Started on Blossom, all going well, until she decided she wanted to itch up the wall again. Only I was in between her and the wall. Apparently this makes having a scratch up the wall even more enjoyable. If you're a pony. If you're a human it's bloody painful! She did redeem herself by being very well behaved while having her teeth done properly for the first time. One cap (baby tooth) came off, but the other was a little too attached so vet left it. On the other hand the two Ginger People (as...

Blossom having an itch!

PICT0049-001 , a photo by Smart-Cookies on Flickr. Enjoying a mad five minutes!

I can't believe that Amber has been in my life for six years now, and it's been one heck of a roller coaster ride! But I've enjoyed almost every minute. Here are just a very small selection of photos to show our time together.

IMG_3582-001 , a photo by Smart-Cookies on Flickr. This is what Blossom thinks about having her muzzle put back on!

Editing one of my favourite photos

Not keen on the idea of having her muzzle put back on!

Blossom enjoying a good scratch!

2 years with Blossom Make a video - it's fun, easy and free! www.onetruemedia.com

PICT0054-002 , a photo by Smart-Cookies on Flickr. Joining in with Blossom

Amber and 'boyfriend' Solo (belongs to farmer's daughter).

Eeeep, just realised it's been *cough* 3 months *cough* since I last blogged! So without further ado, I better update y'all on how my 31 things are progressing. Some are going well, some I've decided to drop and others are going nowhere fast, so it's a bit of a mixed bag for this update. 1. Pass CBT so I can ride my awesome bike This is still an idea I have, it depends on what Simon dedides to do car-wise, i.e if he keeps the current car, I can still do my CBT as it will be cheaper to run about on the bike (when I don't have stuff or the dog to worry about), 2. Have driving lessons & pass test I failed my first attempt at the theory test (cursed Hazard Perception), but nailed my second. Practical test is booked for the end of this month. I hope I pass, of course, but am doing my usual of predicting the worst- that way I won't be disappointed when I fail! 3. Start riding Amber Hmmm, yes well, lack of time and helpers has meant that I have not been able to ge...

This was part of the walk down to the Bay from our campsite.

Not the best of pictures, but here is Tim Stockdale after winning the Six Bar on Fresh Direct K2 at Royal Windsor Horse Show. More pics and a write up to follow.

It's May already??? I am worried at how fast this year is speeding by. So a round up of how all my 31 things are going so far. 1. Pass CBT so I can ride my awesome bike I have decided to leave this one on the back burner for now, but will review again in June. 2. Have driving lessons & pass test I have had 6/7 lessons now and am progressing well. I have my theory test booked for the 10th May, then, providing I pass, I can book my practical. 3. Start riding Amber I decided to have a couple of riding lessons to help improve my considerably rusty riding skills. The first one was good, but didn't feel that pretty. My second one was better- I was on a different horse, who was less bouncy so I didn't feel quite so much like a sack of potatoes. So feeling pretty good, I booked up a saddler, and a trainer for this week, then Amber went lame, so all is on hold at the moment. She's only slightly lame, and is still happy to gallop/ buck round the field, so I don't th...

Last one of April- where has this year gone? Rocks Progressing well with lots of the 31 things Booked my driving thoery test Enjoying my courses I have become slightly addicted to Photo Shows- but have won some lovely rossettes already! Sucks Horses and horse related 31 things are getting me down at the moment. Issues with my maths course The weather

After finishing my Maths checkers on the Learn Direct website, I discovered that I was entitled to do a course! So on 20th April, I received all the information to start a Maths level 2 qualification (equivalent to GCSE grade A* to C). However, I have found that my progress it not being saved, so I will be phoning them shortly to find out why, especially if this is used to keep track of my progress. The time commitment for this one is not too bad as I have to do around 5 hours a week and therefore will have completed the course by November. So that's another of my 31things now progressing along.

I only had an hour lesson today, so we focused on 'turns in the road' as they are meant to be pretty easy. Well, they are compared to reversing round a bend, so I was quite happy with that. Before my lesson I was feeling quite nervous- I don't know why I get more and more nervous before each lesson, surely I should be getting less nervous? Anyway, I had to drive to Basingstoke today and did pretty good on the way there, made a couple of errors (like stopping at the roundabout when I can go), but as my instructor said "that's what I'm here for". On the way back, I have no idea what happened, but I pretty much nailed the drive home! I tackled the roundabouts with more confidence, accelerated away quicker and was just in general more positive. To the point I was speeding at one point (whoops)! So I was pretty pleased with myself today. Now if I can drive like that all the time... Also booked my theory test for 10th May- eeek!

After my riding lesson yesterday, I decided to grab the bull by the horns and hop on Amber. Despite the achiness, we loaded the car with tack and a packed lunch, then headed up to the field. Gave Amber a small feed, then groomed and tacked up. After inelgantly being hoisted on board, I realised that I ached more than I realised. I'm not sure if it was this, or Amber being in a mood, but riding did not go so well. She was very reluctant to move, even with Simon leading her, so all we managed was a walk up and down the field, then I got off feeling rather frustrated and disapointed. So after this weekend, I am seriously wondering why I bother. I am fed up of having a horse I can't do anything with, fed up of my lack of ablilities- which also means I can't bring Blossom on as much as I would like, and fed up of anything to do with horses to be honest. I had the opptunity to buy a great horse, who just needed a bit of work to get going again and had to say no due to finance...

So I finally decided to book up a riding lesson, just to see if I could still ride and if so, how bad am I? I had a half hour private 'assessment' lesson at Wellington Riding yes their lessons are rather expensive, but then so are the other riding schools around here! My lesson was booked for Saturday at 1pm. I arrived early as had to sign a couple of forms etc, then headed over to the stables to meet my instructor Roland and mount Murphy, a lovely buckskin. I mounted up and spend a while trying to get my stirrups level (I guess no one has learnt to swap the stirrup leathers over so the left one doesn't get stretched!), set off at a walk to get used to Murphy before proceding onto trot. Yeah, erm, what on earth has happened to my balance and position over the years? I felt like a sack of potatoes bouncing around! Roland then decided it would be good to take away my stirrups! I bounced a little more, but actually felt my position was better! After several minutes of tourt...

Okay, so I know this is not a recent photo, but seeing as it has been a year since we lost Sceptre, I wanted to put up this photo in her memory. Run Free Sceptre, you may have been a cowbag, but you were our cowbag and we'd never have changed you.

Being a bit of a Fleetwood Mac fan, I wasn't sure about this at first, but I have to say it's grown on me. Lissie has a voice which is similar (to me anyway) to Stevie Nicks and so this cover does work. This is a live version rather than the album version, but its just as good.

Rocks It's Friday the 13th Spending time (although all too brief) with friends on Good Friday Seeing family last weekend Starting my Business & Administration Level 2 course on Monday Have a Sage course to start too Sucks Not been feeling well this week Not ridden for ages Had a job interview, but got cancelled The only problem with going home is getting homesick afterwards

Blue having fun with his tennis ball- he's started to bring it back to us now (mostly)

Set up savings accounts Not only have I set up one savings account, but two, and an ISA! One of the savings accounts is going to be for Christmas, once for the horses and Blue, while the ISA is going to be for me to actually save some money. Now I admit that their is not much in them at the moment, but I just tell myself that from little acorns, mighty oaks grow. Or something. Makes me feel better anyway! Take part in Race for Life I will be signing up for this over the next week or two. Finish my website The website id still fairly basic at the moment, but I am hoping to spend some more time on it over the next month and getting filled out and polished. Do more with my photography I am starting to do more with photos, trying to take more interesting/arty shots, and using editing to make some of them look even better. Have more days out This one has been going fairly well. We have been to our favourite pubs a few times, went to a model railway exhibition an...

1. Pass CBT so I can ride my awesome bike I have decided to leave this one on the back burner for now, but will review again in June 2. Have driving lessons & pass test I have now had 3 lessons, which have gone well, I just need to get my theory booked up and then my instructor has said he would like me to book my test after Easter- being as there is about an 8 week waiting list, this should give me time to be ready for the test. 3. Start riding Amber Some progress has been made- I have ridden several times, but this might get held up again as I am not convinced the saddle is quite right for her, so need to wait until I can afford to get a saddler out (and possibly a new saddle). 4. Have a go at horse agility with Amber Not done too much on this one as I have been riding when I have had the chance too instead. However as the evenings are lighter and with Simon's job change, I will now have more time to spend with the horses and do things like this. 5. Start working Blossom...

I saw this on Facebook yesterday, and just had to share. Perhaps the Kur (dressage to music) should be done like this at the Olympics?

Rocks Had a great birthday My family and friends My horses and hound I will be seeing my friends next weekend I am going home for the Easter weekend I have been riding My driving lessons have been going well- I didn't stall this week or anything!!! Although I may have kangeroo hopped slightly at a roundabout Sucks I am now 31 My hayfever is being really bad this year May need to get Amber a new saddle (was hoping Sceptres one would fit her, but alothough it looks like it does, I'm not sure its comfortable for her) Really need a lottery win, or minor, more realistic miracle in order for something to happen

So a slightly off the wall cover- Hayseed Dixie (a Bluegrass band) covering Green Day??? Hayseed Dixie do quite a lot of rock covers, and most of it is pretty good. Slight claim to fame is that Simon and his friend did the lighting for one of Hayseed's shows when they were on tour, the resulting free (signed) CD was played many times at work over the following weeks! Mind you, this was back in 2005! Sorry it's not an original video, but at least you can hear the song!

I'm not normally into this kind of music, but then again, my musical taste is nothing if not eclective! have to say that The Black Eyed Peas 'I Gotta Feeling' is a song that I love! It's got such a bouncy uplifting feel, and on a day like today, has to be turned up LOUD.

Managed to get on board once again, and this time decided to go for 6 circuits around the field. Aside from reversing and spinning (me thinks she wants to be a western pony), she was good and I didn't get panicy at all. I do think that it is to do with the saddle, so will not be riding until we can get that sorted out. Hopefully the saddle might just need some adjustments and it will be fine.

 

I am currently working upstairs in the study (yes, its actually almost tidy) and a short while ago, Blue started barking. I had a look down to the door but couldn't see anything, so assumed a pizza menu or something would come through the door. Just gone downstairs to make a cuppa, and there was a wad of paper and car keys on the door mat! Simon will be getting a company car for his new job, and as there is not one ready, the company are hiring one for him. Which was meant to arrive on Monday morning. The genius who dropped the car off didn't even bother to ring the doorbell, is it really that difficult? Only problem is, they've parked in our neighbours space, so I'm hoping Simon gets back before he does, or I may just have to hand the keys to our neighbour and ask him to move it!

Rocks It's my birthday on Monday Getting on well with my driving lessons Simon starts his new position on Monday- no more worrying about shifts and no more working on weekends! Spring is in the air I've 'ridden' Amber Amber won a rosette, sash and name plate in an on-line photo show! Been doing quite a lot of work for Simon this week- much better than sitting around waiting for the phone to ring! Sucks It's my birthday on Monday I fear my riding mojo has been lost forever- there is an answer to this, but it's hard work trying to convince Simon! Been bad at keeping my blog up to date recently- especially the photo a day part

Had another ride on Amber today. As we had more time, I gave her a small feed first, then groomed etc. Although you should wait an hour after feeding to ride, I figured that it would be fine after half hour as we would only be walking round the field. Got tacked up, with Amber's new bridle. It's a Micklem one, which looks different to a usual bridle, but is supposed to be more cofortable for the horse. Simon (not me, Simon) picked it up in Robinsons as it was half price. It's a good bridle as it can also be used as a headcollar, lunge caverson and 3 types of bitless bridle. Took a litle time to get the bridle on (she is not happy being bitted, so I normally use a bitless bridle, but wanted to see if this new one would be better for her). But once it was on and adjusted she settled in it. Hopped on and did 3 circuits round the field. She still likes to have Simon walking next to her, so need to try and get her confident to walk about without him. I also want to get h...

Had my second lesson on the 20th. This time, I had to get straight into the drivers seat! We went through the plan for the lesson, which was to tackle junctions and roundabouts, then did the cockpit checks (which take ages because I have to adjust the seat, height of the seat, head rest, seat belt and steering wheel column before getting onto the mirrors). Made a couple of errors, including getting caught out by a sharp bend to go up a steep hill. Had to change gear, then did about 2mph to get up the hill. Whoops! Stalled twice too, but recovered well from those. I was driving for pretty much 2 hours, if not a bit more, so my poor little brain was absolutely fried when I got back home! My instructor is quite impressed though and said that my confidence and ability had improved between the two lessons- and I haven't even been practising! I need to send off my licence to get the address changed on it, then once that is back I will book up for my theory. Simon downloaded...

After, I don't know how many weeks, I finally got the chance to go into town today to get my hair cut. Of course, today was also an adventure- first of all the bus from the estate no longer goes to Basingstoke, I had to get off in Hook, then get the bus to Basingstoke. The hairdressers I usually go to are the kind where you do not need to make an appointment, just turn up and wait to be seen. By luck, I was the only person there, so didn't have to wait. Afterwards, I tried to pay on my card, and it was declined...twice. So had to go to the bank and find out if there were any problems on the account. Fortunatly not, and I got some cash over the counter to go back and pay. I then decided to have a cup of tea and sausage roll. Once I had eaten the best sausage roll I have ever had, I had a little look round the shops and was most impressed that I did not buy anything at all. Went back to wait for the bus, got on and off we went, only we seemed to go a very long way round and e...

On Thursday, we finally had some time that I could hop on Amber. She was a little miffed that the saddle appeared rather than her food, but let us tack her up ok. Did attempt to put on some bandages to match her saddlecloth, but after getting them on inside out twice, we decided to give up on that (need a cheat way to make sure I roll them out the right way so the velcro ends up on the outside. Hopped on and got settled, then started walking about. All was going well until we got up to the cow shed and the stupid, annoying screaching hawk recording went off. Now to be fair, Amber's 'spook' was a half spin and some steps in reverse, but my confidence took a bit of a wobble. Got Simon to lead us about for a few minutes, then got off. Feeling rather annoyed with myself, so need to get back on as soon as I can. I am also going to have a couple of riding lessons at a riding school to get my confidence back, and the rust scrapped off my riding ability, then will need to find ...

So I had my first driving lesson in about 12 years on Monday. I didn't really have much of a chance to get nervous in the morning as the work phone would not stop ringing with people wanting things 'urgently', the connection to the server acting funny so I couldn't log in, disaperaing price lists and Simon was in a meeting in Yovil! At least the lesson went well- my driving instructor was actually impressed with how much I had remembered. I made a couple of errors, but nothing too major, so am not worried about them. In two hours we covered quite alot- including hill starts and I even did some reversing. The biggest challenge was driving home from Basingstoke to Hook! I was quite nervous about having to drive with other cars, but survived. I did need to be reminded to breathe a few times though! I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to my one next week.

I know I have been slacking with keeping my blog up to date, so there will be several posts over the next couple of days as I get all caught up!

Blossom in a 20 year old in-hand bridle (used for both Gypsy and Sceptre in the past). We have progressed from being led with the rope attached to a headcollar, to being attached to the bit itself, with no problems.

Blue making himself cosy on the sofa. Spoilt much???

Rocks Blossom  is progressing really well with her training Stallion viewing went very well, so fingers crossed we can put Amber in foal this year Hoping to hop on Amber over the weekend Feeling amazingly positive about pretty much everything right now Simon only has 1.5 shifts to go, then he is working 'normal' hours again Sucks Blossom needs to go on a bit of a diet! The cute puppies will be going to their new homes over the weekend...and none of them with me! Need a bit of a kick up the butt to start sorting out the house

We can sharez

Seriously, it's March already? Where has this month gone? Anyway, time to run through my 31 things and give updates on them all. 1. Pass CBT so I can ride my awesome bike Still not done anything with this one. I am now wondering whether this one is worth doing currently. 2. Have driving lessons & pass test So, I finally got a driving lesson booked for 12th March! It will be a 2 hour session and it will be interesting to see how I get on back behind the wheel again. I just have to try and find my provisional licence! 3. Start riding Amber I am still unable to use out 'riding paddock' but if the weather continues to be this dry, I might just start riding in our field to start, then round the farm. In fact, I'm hoping to hop on board this Sunday. 4. Have a go at horse agility with Amber Over the next couple of days I will be rescuing my jump poles and blocks and starting to have a wee go with her over the weekend. 5. Start working Blossom and back in early Summer...

Or at least that is how it felt today. I took Blue for a nice walk, then after sorting out some washing, I wandered up to see the horses. Only problem was I had on my jodphur boots, which I have not worn for a while, and halfway to the yard, the boots were already rubbing. Ouch. Once at the yard, I made up Amber's feed and sorted out brushes and headcollar. Caught Blossom, then gave Amber her feed and took her rug off. Today I did something a bit different with Blossom and bitted her! She took it all in her stride and was quite happy just chomping on the bit getting used to the taste and sensation. Unfortunatly the bit is a little small, so I will need to get her a bigger one as soon as I can. I then took her for a little walk, and left the bridle on for about 10 minutes. This is something else that I can do with her each day, then after a week or so, I can start to get her used to being led from the bit. Training session over, I gave her a groom- until Amber decided that ...

Amber checking if the camera is edible or not!