Friday, 11 January 2013

What a Week!

We may have only just welcomed 2013's arrival with open arms or a tentative hand shake, but our first eleven days together haven't exactly seen our relationship off to a good start.

On Tuesday we lost a treasured family pet, my sister and brother-in-law's German Shepherd, Holly. Technically, she wasn't my pet, but she might as well have been. Holly was always ecstatic to see me, and I loved that beautiful creature as if she were my own. My sister had to make the difficult decision to end her suffering, but deep down she's knows it was the right thing to do.

 In December Holly was diagnosed with cancer, but at the time she was so healthy and happy you would never have known. We didn't. During the last three or four weeks, the cancer took hold shockingly fast, and it was heart breaking to see how quickly she deteriorated. Freeing her from her pain and suffering was the right thing to do, but we're all heart broken without her. She was a beautiful animal, with such a loving, affectionate nature, and a mischievous side thrown in for good measure.  I don't think any other dog will ever have the same impact on our lives as Holly did.

So, I've been staying with my sister on the south coast to help her through the loss, while her husband is away on a detachment overseas. The house is so empty and quiet without Holly here to bark at postmen, or to claim the free seat on the sofa beside me. My sister and I have mostly been lounging around in comfy clothes and watching a ton of movies to distract her from the loss; although I have been getting dressed so have an outfit to share with you today!


Oh, look, my skin blends in with the door, and my jumper with the walls!

In my world, comfortable clothes aren't often just about pyjamas. I find dresses and leggings a comfortable combination. I've worn this outfit a couple of times together this winter, as I quite like the fox jumper over this brown bird print dress, and think purple and various shades of brown compliment each other well. The only accessory I bought with me was the giraffe necklace, as I completely forget to pack any, and I know it doesn't go.

Apologies for my make up less face and the state of my hair. I've felt too ill to care. I should hopefully get it dyed this weekend, and see about trimming my fringe myself if I can. I'm seriously considering getting my hair cut shorter again in to a long bob, but I haven't come to a decision yet.



The jumper is fairly thin and super soft, and has a beautiful fox on the front with a crown on top of his noble brow. Neutrals don't do much for my skin tone, but I adore this sweater. The dress is sleeveless, with a fitted waist, and a cute bird print all over the fabric.

Outfit Details

Jumper: Dorothy Perkins
Dress, worn as a skirt: Dorothy Perkins
Leggings: Evans
Necklace: Accessorize

Whilst staying with my Sister, I managed to get an appointment with her doctor's surgery. I went in to get some antibiotics for my infected big toes (they've been bad since mid- September and won't heal); I came out knowing I have to have toe surgery to treat them! 2013 is the year that just keeps on giving! I was however impressed with how efficient the Doctor and Nurse I saw were. My GPs do little more than say 'here, have some tablets, bye!' These ladies swiftly looked at my toes, got a second opinion, checked the pulse in my feet, and checked my blood sugars to rule out diabetes, which I'm happy to say was quickly ruled out. I was scared there for a second.

I've been able to make an appointment with this practise to see about my disc injuries, and I'm curious to see if they'll offer any help or solutions, because in sixteen months I've yet to see a medical professional in my county who has tried to help me or even prescribe drugs strong enough to take my pain away. (So far nothing has even touched the surface). Keep your fingers crossed for me!

So, 2013, sorry to be frank, but it's not me, it's you. I think we should see other people. I'm concentrating on my career right now... oh, and if you see 2011 on your travels, ask him if he would return for another year in your place. Merci beaucoup... et au revoir.
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12 comments

  1. Sorry to hear about your sisters dog big hugs hun xx

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    1. Thanks lovely. We're fine now, but it's very strange without her xx

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  2. Fab post :) Sorry to hear about your sister's dog :( Let's hope 2013 gets better for you!
    Charlotte xox
    www.somethingspecialtosay.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thanks Charlotte. She was a pet in a million. And thank you, I'll toast to that! xx

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  3. I'm sorry to hear about Holly - its always hard to lose a pet. Also I am sorry to hear you need surgery, but happy that you might had a long term solution for your problem. Rather than more and more drugs that aren't going to help you in the long run. Before I was diagnosed with endometriosis I went to what felt like 50 doctors that all wanted to fob me off with antibiotics for a one thing or another. Perhaps these doctors will help you move forward with your treatment. All the best xoxo

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    1. Thanks lovely. You're right, it's never easy. It's very strange without her.

      Well, I'm sure it's just a minor procedure, and if it helps my toes heal I'll be happy. I'm dubious that the doctors here will be any different to mine at home, but it's worth a shot with my disc injuries. I've yet to find drugs which ease the pain, and I've been on lots of different combinations over the last 16 months. A solution would be welcomed, though, so we'll see!

      I can completely sympathize with doctors being completely useless and how frustrating that must have been. You must have been in agony, too. My sister has a similar condition, though she's not been properly diagnosed yet due to our useless GPs, but she has all the symptoms of endometriosis. Her new doctors have helped her so much more in treating the issues than the ones at home ever did. It makes me wonder how some medical proffessionals are even qualified. Fingers crossed these doctors can do something that helps. Thanks Trees xx

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  4. i am so sorry. losing a pet is devastating, they are a part of the family and you do mourn them, Holly looked so sweet(i remember her from your pre-xmas post) - it seems though consoling your sister and having an opportunity to try a different surgery is going to give you what you need regarding your own healing x

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    1. Thank you, Maria. I completely agree; pets are such a part of a family that it's heart breaking when they pass away. It's very quiet and empty without her. Holly may have looked sweet, and she was- she was the most friendly, affectionate dog you could ever meet, but she was also a hyperactive cheeky little menace, too. Wouldn't have changed her for the world, though. My sister and I have had a good week watching lots of movies, and getting away from home for a while has been good for me mentally. I'm a little dubious to whether these doctors will help at all, but at this point I've got nothing to lose xx

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  5. So sorry to hear about your loss Louise, I know it's so awful to lose a pet, like losing a family member and I hope you're getting through it okay :( Again, sorry to hear about the surgery you'll need, but I suppose it's better that than suffering, foot pain is a horrible thing to deal with and the last thing you need! Hopefully things might look up when it comes to them looking into your disc injuries however, fingers and toes crossed for you. This outfit is gorgeous as always, seriously love your jumper! I had an intention of dressing in a less slovenly way around the house but since moving back to uni and contracting Norovirus I have been mainly lounging in either sweats or pyjamas - oops! Also, about your hair - I looove it the length it is I must admit! I think it really suits you xxx

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    1. Thanks Hannah. That's exactly right. She was a member of our family and it's so quiet and empty without her. We're absolutely fine, but it's very strange, I have to say. I'm sure the foot surgery is probably a really minor procedure, so nothing to worry about really. It's just my big toes that are painful, but it would be nice to wear the shoes I bought this A/W! I'm not convinced the doctors here will be any different, but I'm keeping an open mind. Can't be worse! Aw thank you; I love the jumper, too. Sorry to hear you've been so ill. Some times PJs are necessary when you feel like crap! Really? I think it looks such a mess. I've always had super long hair, (it once reached my thighs when I sat down!) it's only been the last couple that I've started having it cut shorter. It just takes a lot of maintenance when it's long, which I can't keep up with right now. It may get chopped off soon... we'll see... xx

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  6. So sorry to hear about Holly - lots of love to you all x

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    1. Thanks Lauren. We're slowly getting through it xx

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