Monday before work I was very productive. Washed saddle pads, did Tai Chi, and made a big pot of spaghetti. Work went quickly because I was in decontam and there were 30 cases! At least Georgina wasn't there, so I didn't have to think of ways to avoid her toxicity. An empty basket fell on my thumb and hurt like hell. It hurt that night, too, and my hand was weak. Not good right before an event. Tuesday, I filled out an incident report just in case there was nerve damage or something. This is Wednesday morning, and it is almost back to normal thank goodness. I overstaffed today, so it will be 6 days off in a row for me! Yea!

I really needed the extra day to get ready. I ironed my jacket and shirt, washed my gloves, and got everything in order so I don't have to think about it on Sat. morning. Received my ride times-11:o6 for dressage, 1:24 for xc, and 2:24 for jumping. I will only have to get up about 45 minutes earlier than I usually do-great!

Used today to catch up on other chores like getting an oil change and the pictures from Mesa Verde developed.

My show nerves are starting. Last night, I woke up and had a hard time getting back to sleep. I tried to use the time for mental rehersal, but that made it worse. From now till Saturday, my main focus is to let go of the nerves and concentrate on having a good time. Wish me luck with that!

There are 11 entries in my division, and I really want to be in the ribbons; but having a fun and safe day is much more important.

back to normal

OK, the rant is over. Back to my day, which was good. Tai Chi in the morning after chores. At the barn, the first thing I did was let Pixie run in the arena. She had a great gallop. Man, she can do a beautiful extended trot when she's running loose. Talked to Priscilla while our horses grazed. I had told myself that today my main goal was to go easy on Pixie, refrain from micromanagement. I came close. I only rode for half and hour; in the indoor out of the sun. Pixie was a little disobedient. I started to micromanage, then caught myself and gave her more latitude to find the right thing. Then I also practiced letting go of mistakes and going on. We did a decent test. Pixie got her leads, and she gave me four good square halts. I am pleased. She gets a well deserved two days off.

this is fun

When I created this blog, I didn't think I would have much to say. But I do, as that last post should make clear. This is a great place to rant. And rant I will, when the need arises. Thank-you.

western pleasure riders

Are all western pleasure riders dumb as rocks? Do they start out that way, or does going round and round at a mind numbing pace hour after hour turn their brains to jelly? How hard is it to figure out that all the horses in the arena don't have to go in the same direction? Why doesn't passing left to left come naturally? Did they learn to drive in Europe? NO, it's not courteous to stop, blocking my way, and ask "do you want to reverse?" when I am coming at you at a trot and say "rail"!! Then you supposedly make it better by saying you are just trying to be courteous!! You are trying to be an ass hole and you succeeded!! Like I told you, if you reverse every time I do, you are going to be changing direction a lot. More than you have ever had the initiative to do on your own in 20 years of riding. Because you are brain dead!

Sunday

Some Sundays are for relaxation, others for chores. This morning I have already been on the roof with Howie to help change the pump in the swamp cooler, swept the deck, and washed throw rugs. Next-clean the kitchen and bath. After all that, I get to play, which means going to the barn, of course.
Nightmare last night. This was so weird that I want to record it. I dreamt that I was with a bunch of people from a shipwreck. We were in a house, and I realized that the others were practicing cannibalism. There was a corpse that they were cutting the face off of. I had an orange cat with me, and a friend named Emmy. When I found out what was going on, I went to the front door to leave, but it was nailed shut from the outside. I was hungry, and they offered me some of the "meat", but I knew what it was and didn't eat it. I took Emmy by the hand, and we escaped somehow. They came after us, but I yelled for help. Then I was carrying Emmy because she was too weak to continue. Some where along the line, my boss came along in his car and took us home. He gave us cheerios to eat. I knew I had to go back for my cat. The police came and took me back to get him. Then I woke up. My real cat was rubbing me, wanting scratches. Wow! I have weird dreams, but that one was worse than most!

A Good Lesson

Saturday morning: I finished the helmet bag that I started last nite. Had a lesson at 10am, so left early to get ready. Barb really put pressure on me to see if I was mentally ready, and it turns out that I need more focus. I thought I was relaxed, but I tensed up doing dressage and didn't get my game on again until jumping some xc fences. Pixie really told me about it, too! So that was a good lesson in preparation. Mental rehearsal time!
The rest of the day was easy. I visited at Bibber, had lunch w/Barb, and chilled out at home. Received the amethyst charm that I ordered from Susan, and realized how many caring, positive people I now have in my life. I am grateful for these souls who help, guide, and share my journey.
Small sewing project-made a lavender sachet from my own lavender flowers for my pillow and another with lavender bath salts for my helmet.

New Blog

Life is good. I am grateful for the wonderful people, animals, and things in my life, and for the activities I get to enjoy. In this space, I will chronicle activities and feelings of my everyday life.

This is the last week leading up to the event at Pendragon Stud, so I am concentrating of getting ready for that. I have wanted to compete there for three years, and finally get the chance. The first year, I just wasn't ready. The second year, I had to be out of town to attend my mother's 90th birthday celebration. This year, I'm going! My major feeling at this point is confidence. Pixie had injuries all winter and was out of commission for a long time. At first I thought I would not be able to ride this year. Persistance and lots of vet visits took care of her, and now she is better than ever! Then, a great thing happened-Barb agreed to give me lessons again. It's true that you don't know what you've got till it's gone; I did not find anyone that came close to Barb for lessons while she was away at a distant barn. In just a couple of weeks, she has helped me get ready and feel confident for this event. I also spent many hours at the sewing machine making myself a tailored riding jacket. I don't know if it will be too hot to wear it; but I will look sharp if I do. So here I am, almost ready to go! I am beginning to get excited in anticipation. I will be using that excitement to my advantage on course.

Meantime, life goes on and I have chores to do.