Wednesday, January 9, 2019

2018 in a Nutshell, 2019 Plans

Meme of the year

A lot of shit happened this year. I have trouble finding the good to be honest. You all know Penn's falling apart story from April onward.

But there were things I didn't share that all happened concurrently: Husband lost his job (luckily he found a new one quickly). I was in a car accident (not at fault, I got T boned by someone not paying attention when they turned left). Work took a major downturn and the stress there doubled. My truck had thousands of dollars in repairs done in December.

More recently, we found a large tumor on  Felix's paw and it had to be removed on 12/26. Luckily, it popped cleanly out and the vet was able to save the toe next to it. The biopsy said it was a benign round cell tumor, which the vet said was like saying its a car in a parking lot... no real specifics as to what kind of car. She's hopeful it won't come back, but in cases like this they often remove a centimeter of tissue around it to be sure. The problem is, a tiny cat paw doesn't have that much tissue. It may or may not come back, if it does, they'll remove the toe. If it comes back after that, they remove the leg. Please 2019, we don't need this to happen.


I finished the year by going to the ER on Christmas. I tried to hold out for med express, but I was panting at Christmas dinner and opted to go to the ER at around 9pm Tuesday because I couldn't breathe. I have pneumonia and my asthma is acting up. I ended up having an EKG and blood clot tests because my blood pressure was astronomical and I should have been admitted on that alone. The docs let it be my choice, I could be admitted to have a couple days of breathing treatments and IV antibiotics and steroids and they could also watch my blood pressure, or they'd write me RXs for more inhalers and pill antibiotics and steroids, and I could come back to have my lungs and blood pressure checked. I opted to go home at 4am.

After having my IV in for 6 hours, my arm had a dull ache and I couldn't sleep anymore. 
12/28. They uh, did a good job... The 5"+ bruise is finally gone as of today.

I am feeling better and I rested appropriately. Work bent all of their working remotely rules and I was home for the rest of 2018 and didn't go back to the office until 1/3. Husband was also home at the end of the year, so he kept an eye on me... and Felix (who is doing well!).

Highlight of 2018: dressage cow horse. Such a shame that his collateral ligament damage will prevent him from chasing cows again (the quick side to side action to move them).

Let me list some good things: I lost 25 pounds from May to September, and have managed to keep it off. Husband and I built a garden. I re-found my love for biking. I did get to chase cows with Penn and I've ridden a few different horses this year. And I'm afraid to say it lest I jinx it, but all of my direct family members are still with us, animal and human. I am grateful for that.

Ok 2019. We've started and you've already graced one of my girl cats with a UTI with a ton of blood. Please, please don't decide you need someone to hold your beer so you can make everything even worse.

Goals for 2019 are simple:
  • Get Penn settled in his new home.
  • Find a new horse.
  • Stay on top of my own health (treat asthma appropriately, de-stress to lower my blood pressure, continue to lose weight or at a minimum don't gain back what I've lost).
  • Bike from Pittsburgh to DC.
January and February are suddenly very full- the next 5 weekends suddenly have a ton of plans! More to come!

12 comments:

  1. I know I've already said it, but I'm so so sorry about 2018. Here's hoping 2019 has only good things in store for you!

    Also Pittsburg to DC sounds CRAAAAZYYYY eeeek!

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    1. 2018 was a dumpster fire. Good riddance. I hope 2019 is better because if it's worse... well the only thing worse are people or animals dying.

      I am so pumped to make that trip. It will be an exercise in mental fortitude, that's for sure. The 10 miles Husband and I rode in the fall were tough in that the entire way is slightly uphill... and the first 120 miles of that trek will be the same slightly uphill feeling followed by true uphill as we climb to a peak in the Appalachian Mountains!

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  2. Ooohhh I'm super excited for your big bike trek!

    Busy weekends will make time fly by - hopefully you've got lots of horse plans crammed into them. =)

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    1. Me too, so excited! There was some talk of Austen meeting us on the C&O canal with a horse. You totally should too!

      All the weekends are packed with horse things! It's exciting and scary.

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  3. Ugh I'm so sorry all that terrible stuff happened to you :( I hope 2019 is kind.

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    1. It was just a rough year. I'm hoping 2019 is kind too.

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  4. I am so behind all of these goals! Especially the last two ;)

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  5. I am so sorry 2018 was such a difficult year for you. You handled it with grace. I sure hope 2019 turns a corner for you.

    When you say 'Find a New Horse', curious if you are planning to buy or lease, and what your timeframe is. I enjoy following your blog - you are a talented rider!

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    1. I'd really prefer to have my own horse, but I'm open to a lease as well. I've been doing mostly shopping for my own though.

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    2. Will you blog about that process? I would be so interested to read what you are looking for and what your experiences end up being.

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  6. 2018 was a bear! Here's to hoping 2019 brings you lots of joy and happiness!

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