Month: October 2004

“Velveeta” arrived at the stable today. She’s a lovely chestnut warmblood mare that I’m trying out. She’s from the same barn as Simon, the chestnut gelding I tried over a month ago. I hope she works out because I like buying a lot more than I like shopping. But I do want the right horse for me.

I’m supposed to be showing this weekend but since we had all that rain earlier in the week, the show got cancelled. That’s okay with me because the horse I was to ride has been lame and I haven’t ridden her in over a month. So instead I’m going to make my showing debut at an ‘AA’ show, the National Previews. I’m a little intimidated by that but I’m going to be competing against riders of my own caliber, i.e. green and novice riders.

I feel like I need to watch “National Velvet” for some reason. Maybe it’s because I’ve had a headache on and off since Thursday and I just need some brain candy.

Now this is the kind of weather I like! Unfortunately, rain has such a disruptive effect on southern California. I can’t even ride for crying out loud because the arena is under water. And there are more car accidents because people slip and slide around on the greasy pavement. This weather is conducive to hot chocolate and cozy turtlenecks. I wish I were on my sofa with my kitties, reading a silly novel. Instead I’m on campus about ready to go teach for four hours. I’ll be ready for some mind candy this afternoon!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Here’s a tool to help you assess your risk: http://bcra.nci.nih.gov/brc/start.htm

I’ve been reminded that it’s been a while since I’ve posted. She does have a good point since it’s been about three weeks since my last post.

What have I been up to? Recovering from teaching during summer session, riding horses as much as possible, going to Spokane to celebrate my grandmother’s 90th birthday, then starting fall quarter as a student and teaching assistant. Only nine weeks left in the quarter, and yes I’m counting.

I will mention that I looked at a horse for possible purchase last Saturday. But that’s all I’m saying right now. We’re in negotiation so I don’t want to booger anything up.

Had a great time in Spokane. Boy was my grandmother surprised when my sister, who lives in Wisconsin, and I showed up on her doorstep. Surprise! Oh by the way, we’re staying with you! Then another 20 relatives showed up for her party on Saturday, which was at a nearby restaurant. It was great catching up with everyone, some whom I’ve not seen in a couple decades, since the last funeral that we all attended. One relative I swear I had never met until then. Also got to meet the cousin’s three kids. It was a great weekend and I decided that I really like my family after all.

I probably won’t post a lot because I’m spending a lot of time gritting my teeth about grad school. Remember your last year of college and how you couldn’t wait to finish? Well, that’s where I’m at now. Only 9 weeks of this quarter, 10 weeks of winter quarter, and 10 weeks of spring quarter. That’s only 29 weeks! It’ll go fast. I’m surprised we’re this far into October already.

I’ll be in a horse show the weekend of Oct 22-24. I’ll definitely post about that as this will be my first horseshow over fences and my first horseshow in 13 years. I’m showing in the Rusty Stirrup Division. I also get to show in the Green Rider Division since I’ve never shown English or over fences. I hope I don’t get lost in the jump course!