I have many blogs now, some were temporary for Mustang Challenges etc... Some are my horse training blogs, but this new blog is for my Business. It is to keep people updated on events I attend and where I will be so people can catch me when I am near them.
http://vaequinemassage.blogspot.com/
Take a look at it, give me your opinions, and if you feel like it, follow it!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Hot Totties!
My Christmas this year was back to normal for the most part. All of us kids were here for Christmas at my parents house and we celebrated it like normal, morning coffee and presents, then a hot breakfast after putting the Prime rib in the oven to cook, while getting ready to go to my Dad's moms house for the afternoon and evening for dinner and a gift exchange with family.
I got to spend time with my 4 week old cousin, Brynn, and her older sister Taylor, who is 2. They are my second cousins, but who really counts. My Dad's brother Doug and his wife Dee were there, my Aunt Debbie was there, and so was the girls' parents my cousin Nathan and his wife Laura, as well as my Grandma, and the five of us. It was nice to catch up with everyone.
Yesterday was filled with an NCIS marathon and card games such as Nertz, Gin Rummy and Kings in the Corner. It was just a nice, relaxing day. I was also able to get my mom on my lesson gelding and go for a short ride around the farm as the wind had died down to about 20-30 instead of 57mph like it has been for days. I rode my 6 year old, Dess, and she did quite well. I always forget that she is nearly done in her training now. You get used to riding colts, and forget that you've already taught this one how to do this or that.
Hope everyone elses holidays were filled with good memories, Hot Totties, and relaxation.
I got to spend time with my 4 week old cousin, Brynn, and her older sister Taylor, who is 2. They are my second cousins, but who really counts. My Dad's brother Doug and his wife Dee were there, my Aunt Debbie was there, and so was the girls' parents my cousin Nathan and his wife Laura, as well as my Grandma, and the five of us. It was nice to catch up with everyone.
Yesterday was filled with an NCIS marathon and card games such as Nertz, Gin Rummy and Kings in the Corner. It was just a nice, relaxing day. I was also able to get my mom on my lesson gelding and go for a short ride around the farm as the wind had died down to about 20-30 instead of 57mph like it has been for days. I rode my 6 year old, Dess, and she did quite well. I always forget that she is nearly done in her training now. You get used to riding colts, and forget that you've already taught this one how to do this or that.
Hope everyone elses holidays were filled with good memories, Hot Totties, and relaxation.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Another Journey in the making
So today I bit the big one, so to speak, and finally joined ACTHA (or the American Competitive Trail Horse Competition). The only reason I hadn't before was because of how far away ANY ride was from me... always. However, now there are some between 1 hour and 7 hours from me and it is worth my while to join.
Ten minutes into my members I joined my first ride. It is in Milton-Freewater, Oregon so about 56 minutes from me. Taking my mare Aspen, and my friend Chelbie is going to be visiting at the time and she will be using my gelding Hickory. It will be a fun weekend for sure!
I am really excited to have a goal again. I am massaging Aspen every few days to continue her path of healing. She was extremely ouchy on her left side, TONS of knots throughout. Her right side was fairly normal compared to other horses, except small areas such as her girth area and her pecks. She is also sore in her abdomen and when I lightly stroked her Bicep Femoris her entire body jolted like an accordian and she had a million knots up on line. Good grief the poor babe was so tight in her butt cheek it's no wonder she's a spaz to ride! I did this certification mainly for her and my other horses, and because I enjoy helping them so much, I choose to make it my business. First and foremost it is about helping.
Ten minutes into my members I joined my first ride. It is in Milton-Freewater, Oregon so about 56 minutes from me. Taking my mare Aspen, and my friend Chelbie is going to be visiting at the time and she will be using my gelding Hickory. It will be a fun weekend for sure!
I am really excited to have a goal again. I am massaging Aspen every few days to continue her path of healing. She was extremely ouchy on her left side, TONS of knots throughout. Her right side was fairly normal compared to other horses, except small areas such as her girth area and her pecks. She is also sore in her abdomen and when I lightly stroked her Bicep Femoris her entire body jolted like an accordian and she had a million knots up on line. Good grief the poor babe was so tight in her butt cheek it's no wonder she's a spaz to ride! I did this certification mainly for her and my other horses, and because I enjoy helping them so much, I choose to make it my business. First and foremost it is about helping.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Whirlwind Week...
So as of 3:30pm yesterday I arrived back in La Grande from my week of no sleep, study hard, practice, frustrate yourself until you finally get your aha moment, trip.
Last Sunday I started with no sleep, as my last post declared. Arrived at Dulles Airport, met Chelbie at the baggage claim, to find out our shuttle was going to be running a "tight schedule" since my plane was a 1/2 hour late, plus another 1/2 hour to gather bags etc... I couldn't understand the lady on the phone at the hotel to stand at the right shuttle letter, so was standing at 2A not 2H, oops. Luckily it all worked out and we made it to the hotel. The lobby was gorgeous but small, not a big deal as I figured we wouldn't be there often. Got all checked in and up to the room which was also small, also not a big deal. Then I saw it... the thing that got me VERY paranoid. A big flat beetle, crawling aimlessly across the wall. I screeched, not because of fear of the damn thing, but because BEETLES DON'T BELONG IN HOTEL ROOMS!!!! I REPEAT, THEY DO ... NOT ... BELONG! Chelbie threw in into the hallway dying of laughter at my hysterical proclamation. I repeated at least fifty times that they again, do not belong in hotel rooms, and I wouldn't see them on my side of the country in a hotel room of that price!
After that debacle was over I was then worried about bed bugs and whatever else might pop out. Luckily that was the only incident besides an unkempt bathroom floor (maids must have got tired of not cleaning the rest of the room, to clean the bathroom floor). Up at 6am the next morning to a nice but temperamental hot shower and out the door by 8:15 into the shuttle and over the 20 mile trip (one way) to Round Hill, VA to our seminar. Shuttle driver about killed us but we made it in one piece, somehow, and got invited in to only 2 other course mates for the week. 4 for the week meant more one on one time for each of us. Plus some decent coffee in the coffee pot and comfy couches to sit on. Our course mates were amazing and luckily we all were in the lower 20's bracket and got along great. Every day lunch was provided and it was always very appetizing, and we got hands on experience from day one, so all of us were happy to be in the very cold weather down at the barn, but only when the heaters were running. Our instructor was so nice that she even let us take her truck for the week so we didn't have to worry about finding a car rental company that would rent to two under 25'ers without charging an obscene amount. Especially since my record is a little less than squeaky clean. However, I got lost trying to get us back to Leesburg, at least 3 times, if not more. A few gas station attendants later we gave up and found food. We were at least on the right road, and we knew we were, but we were too hungry to drive up and down it 50 times trying to find the right hotel. We found this awesome BBQ joint with amazing food at good prices. I will miss this place. A definite stop in next time I find myself in Leesburg. However, reminder for any who do, DO NOT PUT THE HOOCHIE COOCHIE BBQ sauce on your pulled pork sandwhich. Your mouth will water, burn, and sear in pain, and your tongue will flap out like it has no will to live inside your mouth anymore. Obvious out of towners as we were, we attracted attention of some onlookers at the joint who proceeded to walk over to our table on completion of their meal and offer any help on finding out way around and welcomed us to Leesburg. Very nice people there, but TERRIBLE drivers. Haven't you ever heard of using a BLINKER????!!?!?!?! Our hotel happened to be 100yds to the right, so we tucked ourselves in early for a decent nights sleep.
Day two started much the same way but I had to drag my sorry butt out of bed when the wake up call so rudely did it's job at 6am. Hot shower, awake but not coherent. I am a out of mind person until I have had my nice cup of joe. Found a Starbucks while lost, got lost getting to it, go figure, but once I had my coffee we hit the road and didn't get lost again! Day two was crammed full of learning and good lunch and night two was practice and homework and snoring.
Day three, same as day two except stupid Prius couldn't make up their mind, pulled into a turn lane, then back in front of me like I wasn't there. Almost hit them, cussed them out, honked, finally got them out of my way, couldn't see beyond the semi in the right lane next to me and about T-boned a damn Fire Truck pulling into the intersection. Yes, you read right. In a borrowed vehicle I nearly t-boned a FIRE TRUCK! Scared the living shit out of myself for a split second and realized I really REALLY needed my morning coffee. My exhaustion had obviously hit. However, our lights turn red if an emergency vehicle is coming from the opposite side, and this one was still green! That would have been a fun explanation. "Sorry your house burnt down, the fire truck coming to put the fire out was t-boned by an un-coffee'd driver who had lost her mind." Finally made it the ONE BLOCK (yes you read right again, all of this in a one block radius) and the Starbucks line went all the way OUT THE DAMN DOOR!!! We're talking 30+ people and only one espresso machine in working order. What is with a Wednesday being so special? Huh?!? Whatever, 30-45 minutes later, had my coffee in tow and was ready to hit the road with no more incidences.
Day four, same as day three except we got 2 1/2 inches of snow. You'd have thought the world had ended over there. Every school in the state practically closed or delayed, and they spent their entire "snow" budget to clear the roads... all I could do was roll my eyes at the bizarre world I had landed in. The two other girls didn't want to drive in the snow, granted one was from Texas, one from Mississippi (thought we were bunking together), and the other had to go down a mountain, so we all piled into the truck, I hit it into 4-wheel and we trudged down the freeway to the hotel for a sleepover. Didn't make it to bed until about 12:30am if not later.
Day five, NO WAKE UP CALL!!! The girl who worked weekday nights was not very good. My wake up call was supposed to arrive at 6am, luckily Chelbie had set her phone for 6:15 and woke me up. Super exhausted, running on empty, needing coffee and a good nights sleep. Grouched out for waking everyone up so early, but reminded them of the bad roads and the lack of studs on the tires and weight in the back. Nobody understood me as apparently I am the only one with snow experience. Go figure again. But they all snapped out of it, and I, still without coffee, tried to put on a good face until my lovely Starbucks greeted me again. No more incident, and passed both my tests (written and practical) with flying colors. Yay for being a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist (ESMT). My name can now be written Jaci Weishaar ESMT. Said our good-byes to the other two who weren't dog certification bound and headed home to rest.
Day six and final. Wake up call ONE HOUR EARLY. Was able to sleep in an extra hour supposedly as class wasn't to start until 10am this day, but nope, the hotel had other plans. Luckily I realized that it should not be so dark for 7:15 and checked my phone. 6:15. AHHHHH I wasn't very happy and they were told so later that morning. Got to school and passed all the Canine portions, one of the girls had to run her practice stuffed horse back to the house so we made plans that night to go to the Racetrack in Charles Town, WV to watch our instructors horse run. Gave the truck keys back, shuttled back to the hotel, and piled in a rental car to drive 30 miles to West Virginia. Horse took 4th, the other two lost their In Person Horse Race virginity and we called it a night after race 3 because it was too dang cold to proceed. Got back to the hotel, didn't get to bed until 12 to 12:30am, up at 3am. The weekend lady is always on the ball and made sure we had a reputable taxi company at our service and a proper wake up call. Good driver picked us up at 3:59 (a minute early ... kudo's to him) and dropped us off at Dulles to catch our flights.
Dulles is a pain in my butt airport. Things are NOT where they should be. Found my check in desk, behind the first row of check in desks, yes behind, and found the security check point below at the baggage claims ... bizarro ... and then slipped on somebodies sick joke of dumping their water out of their bottle AFTER the checkpoint. GRRRRR It's 4:45am, NO sleep, NO coffee, NO breakfast, and on my butt in the middle of Dulles airport and a nicely bruised ankle, knee and butt. How I could bruise three seemingly unrelated areas I have no idea because I seriously just wanted to curl up and go to dream land right there, had I assumed that the clear liquid might be in fact something other than water, I still believe in my head of heads that it's water and nobody will make it grosser for me. Found the "subway" to my terminal, then plopped in the chair at 5am. Noticed a few coffee wielding people. Had to fight my urge to punch them and steal their coffee. How rude are you to flaunt coffee in front of a sleep deprived coffaholic who hasn't had their morning fix?!?!?!?! Nobody got hurt, I just trudged on. Tried to sleep on the plane but never knocked out completely, unusual for me. Made my connection in Denver, right on time, and flopped into my gracious aisle seat, nobody between me and the window seat gal, and we both were knocked unconscious before we even left the ground. Woke up with about 25 minutes left of the flight, she woke up about the same time, and we were peaceful seatmates, her reading a book and me trying to configure a sudoku with my half asleep brain. Got my bag, my shuttle, and kissed my truck hello. Yes, truth be told! Got in, ready to get home, grabbed a hot McDonalds lunch/coffee, gross coffee by the way, but hot food was all I wanted in the way of nurishment. Got all the way to Weatherby on the stupid slush covered roads and then had to park it for 45 minutes due to a stupid truck jackknifing two hours previously. Then krept for another 45 minutes at 10 miles an hour, then nothing but open roads to my home sweet, cold, over a foot of snow covered, home.
That's my story, and I'm sticking too it!
Last Sunday I started with no sleep, as my last post declared. Arrived at Dulles Airport, met Chelbie at the baggage claim, to find out our shuttle was going to be running a "tight schedule" since my plane was a 1/2 hour late, plus another 1/2 hour to gather bags etc... I couldn't understand the lady on the phone at the hotel to stand at the right shuttle letter, so was standing at 2A not 2H, oops. Luckily it all worked out and we made it to the hotel. The lobby was gorgeous but small, not a big deal as I figured we wouldn't be there often. Got all checked in and up to the room which was also small, also not a big deal. Then I saw it... the thing that got me VERY paranoid. A big flat beetle, crawling aimlessly across the wall. I screeched, not because of fear of the damn thing, but because BEETLES DON'T BELONG IN HOTEL ROOMS!!!! I REPEAT, THEY DO ... NOT ... BELONG! Chelbie threw in into the hallway dying of laughter at my hysterical proclamation. I repeated at least fifty times that they again, do not belong in hotel rooms, and I wouldn't see them on my side of the country in a hotel room of that price!
After that debacle was over I was then worried about bed bugs and whatever else might pop out. Luckily that was the only incident besides an unkempt bathroom floor (maids must have got tired of not cleaning the rest of the room, to clean the bathroom floor). Up at 6am the next morning to a nice but temperamental hot shower and out the door by 8:15 into the shuttle and over the 20 mile trip (one way) to Round Hill, VA to our seminar. Shuttle driver about killed us but we made it in one piece, somehow, and got invited in to only 2 other course mates for the week. 4 for the week meant more one on one time for each of us. Plus some decent coffee in the coffee pot and comfy couches to sit on. Our course mates were amazing and luckily we all were in the lower 20's bracket and got along great. Every day lunch was provided and it was always very appetizing, and we got hands on experience from day one, so all of us were happy to be in the very cold weather down at the barn, but only when the heaters were running. Our instructor was so nice that she even let us take her truck for the week so we didn't have to worry about finding a car rental company that would rent to two under 25'ers without charging an obscene amount. Especially since my record is a little less than squeaky clean. However, I got lost trying to get us back to Leesburg, at least 3 times, if not more. A few gas station attendants later we gave up and found food. We were at least on the right road, and we knew we were, but we were too hungry to drive up and down it 50 times trying to find the right hotel. We found this awesome BBQ joint with amazing food at good prices. I will miss this place. A definite stop in next time I find myself in Leesburg. However, reminder for any who do, DO NOT PUT THE HOOCHIE COOCHIE BBQ sauce on your pulled pork sandwhich. Your mouth will water, burn, and sear in pain, and your tongue will flap out like it has no will to live inside your mouth anymore. Obvious out of towners as we were, we attracted attention of some onlookers at the joint who proceeded to walk over to our table on completion of their meal and offer any help on finding out way around and welcomed us to Leesburg. Very nice people there, but TERRIBLE drivers. Haven't you ever heard of using a BLINKER????!!?!?!?! Our hotel happened to be 100yds to the right, so we tucked ourselves in early for a decent nights sleep.
Day two started much the same way but I had to drag my sorry butt out of bed when the wake up call so rudely did it's job at 6am. Hot shower, awake but not coherent. I am a out of mind person until I have had my nice cup of joe. Found a Starbucks while lost, got lost getting to it, go figure, but once I had my coffee we hit the road and didn't get lost again! Day two was crammed full of learning and good lunch and night two was practice and homework and snoring.
Day three, same as day two except stupid Prius couldn't make up their mind, pulled into a turn lane, then back in front of me like I wasn't there. Almost hit them, cussed them out, honked, finally got them out of my way, couldn't see beyond the semi in the right lane next to me and about T-boned a damn Fire Truck pulling into the intersection. Yes, you read right. In a borrowed vehicle I nearly t-boned a FIRE TRUCK! Scared the living shit out of myself for a split second and realized I really REALLY needed my morning coffee. My exhaustion had obviously hit. However, our lights turn red if an emergency vehicle is coming from the opposite side, and this one was still green! That would have been a fun explanation. "Sorry your house burnt down, the fire truck coming to put the fire out was t-boned by an un-coffee'd driver who had lost her mind." Finally made it the ONE BLOCK (yes you read right again, all of this in a one block radius) and the Starbucks line went all the way OUT THE DAMN DOOR!!! We're talking 30+ people and only one espresso machine in working order. What is with a Wednesday being so special? Huh?!? Whatever, 30-45 minutes later, had my coffee in tow and was ready to hit the road with no more incidences.
Day four, same as day three except we got 2 1/2 inches of snow. You'd have thought the world had ended over there. Every school in the state practically closed or delayed, and they spent their entire "snow" budget to clear the roads... all I could do was roll my eyes at the bizarre world I had landed in. The two other girls didn't want to drive in the snow, granted one was from Texas, one from Mississippi (thought we were bunking together), and the other had to go down a mountain, so we all piled into the truck, I hit it into 4-wheel and we trudged down the freeway to the hotel for a sleepover. Didn't make it to bed until about 12:30am if not later.
Day five, NO WAKE UP CALL!!! The girl who worked weekday nights was not very good. My wake up call was supposed to arrive at 6am, luckily Chelbie had set her phone for 6:15 and woke me up. Super exhausted, running on empty, needing coffee and a good nights sleep. Grouched out for waking everyone up so early, but reminded them of the bad roads and the lack of studs on the tires and weight in the back. Nobody understood me as apparently I am the only one with snow experience. Go figure again. But they all snapped out of it, and I, still without coffee, tried to put on a good face until my lovely Starbucks greeted me again. No more incident, and passed both my tests (written and practical) with flying colors. Yay for being a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist (ESMT). My name can now be written Jaci Weishaar ESMT. Said our good-byes to the other two who weren't dog certification bound and headed home to rest.
Day six and final. Wake up call ONE HOUR EARLY. Was able to sleep in an extra hour supposedly as class wasn't to start until 10am this day, but nope, the hotel had other plans. Luckily I realized that it should not be so dark for 7:15 and checked my phone. 6:15. AHHHHH I wasn't very happy and they were told so later that morning. Got to school and passed all the Canine portions, one of the girls had to run her practice stuffed horse back to the house so we made plans that night to go to the Racetrack in Charles Town, WV to watch our instructors horse run. Gave the truck keys back, shuttled back to the hotel, and piled in a rental car to drive 30 miles to West Virginia. Horse took 4th, the other two lost their In Person Horse Race virginity and we called it a night after race 3 because it was too dang cold to proceed. Got back to the hotel, didn't get to bed until 12 to 12:30am, up at 3am. The weekend lady is always on the ball and made sure we had a reputable taxi company at our service and a proper wake up call. Good driver picked us up at 3:59 (a minute early ... kudo's to him) and dropped us off at Dulles to catch our flights.
Dulles is a pain in my butt airport. Things are NOT where they should be. Found my check in desk, behind the first row of check in desks, yes behind, and found the security check point below at the baggage claims ... bizarro ... and then slipped on somebodies sick joke of dumping their water out of their bottle AFTER the checkpoint. GRRRRR It's 4:45am, NO sleep, NO coffee, NO breakfast, and on my butt in the middle of Dulles airport and a nicely bruised ankle, knee and butt. How I could bruise three seemingly unrelated areas I have no idea because I seriously just wanted to curl up and go to dream land right there, had I assumed that the clear liquid might be in fact something other than water, I still believe in my head of heads that it's water and nobody will make it grosser for me. Found the "subway" to my terminal, then plopped in the chair at 5am. Noticed a few coffee wielding people. Had to fight my urge to punch them and steal their coffee. How rude are you to flaunt coffee in front of a sleep deprived coffaholic who hasn't had their morning fix?!?!?!?! Nobody got hurt, I just trudged on. Tried to sleep on the plane but never knocked out completely, unusual for me. Made my connection in Denver, right on time, and flopped into my gracious aisle seat, nobody between me and the window seat gal, and we both were knocked unconscious before we even left the ground. Woke up with about 25 minutes left of the flight, she woke up about the same time, and we were peaceful seatmates, her reading a book and me trying to configure a sudoku with my half asleep brain. Got my bag, my shuttle, and kissed my truck hello. Yes, truth be told! Got in, ready to get home, grabbed a hot McDonalds lunch/coffee, gross coffee by the way, but hot food was all I wanted in the way of nurishment. Got all the way to Weatherby on the stupid slush covered roads and then had to park it for 45 minutes due to a stupid truck jackknifing two hours previously. Then krept for another 45 minutes at 10 miles an hour, then nothing but open roads to my home sweet, cold, over a foot of snow covered, home.
That's my story, and I'm sticking too it!
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Internal Clocks...
I am sitting in the Boise Airport waiting for my flight to Denver and people watching. It's fun to watch the different personality types. You have morning people, and "not there" people. The morning people are humming (yes I do mean this) and whistling, smiling and overall cheerful. The "not there" people are scowling or have completely blank looks on their faces. Some are grumbling and wondering why the hell they chose an early flight, and yet still here. Luckily so far, most are morning people.
Considering I got to sleep around 12:30am Boise time, and was up at 3:30 Boise time, I am doing quite well. I actually had to call the front desk and CANCEL my wake-up-call because my damn internal clock wouldn't let me sleep the 30 minutes from 3:30 to 4. But at least the Fairfield Marriot had piping hot coffee for me in the lobby by 4:30am, though a little weak, it's still coffee. On the shuttle by 5am and then standing in line to check my bag by 5:15. Now I am sitting in a soft leather chair provided for those of us with items that need a plug-in, by Southwest. So far I'm pleased.
You also have those who are smoothly going about the chores associated with flying, and then those who are lugging around too much luggage, very confused on what to do and where to go and getting in the way of those of us that know the routine. You actually pity them, especially if they have more than 2 kids with them.
I fly into Denver, have a layover, then continue on the Dulles (Washington D.C.). From there a friend and I are shuttling over to Leesburg, Virginia to our cozy hotel. I am going to sleep well tonight ... I know it!
Considering I got to sleep around 12:30am Boise time, and was up at 3:30 Boise time, I am doing quite well. I actually had to call the front desk and CANCEL my wake-up-call because my damn internal clock wouldn't let me sleep the 30 minutes from 3:30 to 4. But at least the Fairfield Marriot had piping hot coffee for me in the lobby by 4:30am, though a little weak, it's still coffee. On the shuttle by 5am and then standing in line to check my bag by 5:15. Now I am sitting in a soft leather chair provided for those of us with items that need a plug-in, by Southwest. So far I'm pleased.
You also have those who are smoothly going about the chores associated with flying, and then those who are lugging around too much luggage, very confused on what to do and where to go and getting in the way of those of us that know the routine. You actually pity them, especially if they have more than 2 kids with them.
I fly into Denver, have a layover, then continue on the Dulles (Washington D.C.). From there a friend and I are shuttling over to Leesburg, Virginia to our cozy hotel. I am going to sleep well tonight ... I know it!
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Unless you've grown up here, you just won't get it...
Go anywhere in Oregon and mention the "Civil War" and you may be surprised of the reaction you receive. You may get someone pumped up, yelling for their team in your face, saying why their so good and how their going to crush the other. You may get someone who looks at you like your nuts for bringing such a thing up in front of so many people, you don't want to start riots do you!? Very few people will actually start chatting about muskets and the south.
The Civil War in Oregon is Nationally known! College football folks ... you are either Orange or Green, don't let people fool you if they say they don't care who wins, as long as it's a good game. Their lying to avoid confrontation!
Tonight was a devastating night. Our team, Orange all the way baby, played like crap. Now most peoples pride wavers when their teams don't play up to par. They are embarrassed even to associate with "their" team. Me? I get really sad when my team doesn't play to the level I have witnessed and come to expect. I get angry, and confused, and hope that whatever the issue is, can be resolved before the next Saturday. Tonight ... tonight was rough. Standford pummeled us. I mean this in every aspect of the word. We just couldn't get a break. They nearly injured our Quarterback, they injured Dockery, about took out Wheaton, and immediately afterward, gave a beating to Quizz ... TWICE, after the play was over! Now I should say that although talented, I am not completely sold on Katz yet. He has a long way to come before he can carry this team the way Canfield could.
My point ... If you want to go on and on about how I should be proud an Oregon team is doing so well nationally, you should know now that I DO NOT GIVE A FLYING CARE ON THIS PLANET! I am a BEAVER! I am PROUD! I wear my colors with pride and am NOT ashamed to proclaim my pride, even after a game like tonight's! I am OSU damn it and nobody is going to change my mind. Good for the Oregon team that is #1 nationally, they play good from what I hear, however, if you think I will sit and watch their games and root for their team just because they have an 'O' on their shirts, you have another thing coming to you. I BLEED ORANGE!
The Civil War in Oregon is Nationally known! College football folks ... you are either Orange or Green, don't let people fool you if they say they don't care who wins, as long as it's a good game. Their lying to avoid confrontation!
Tonight was a devastating night. Our team, Orange all the way baby, played like crap. Now most peoples pride wavers when their teams don't play up to par. They are embarrassed even to associate with "their" team. Me? I get really sad when my team doesn't play to the level I have witnessed and come to expect. I get angry, and confused, and hope that whatever the issue is, can be resolved before the next Saturday. Tonight ... tonight was rough. Standford pummeled us. I mean this in every aspect of the word. We just couldn't get a break. They nearly injured our Quarterback, they injured Dockery, about took out Wheaton, and immediately afterward, gave a beating to Quizz ... TWICE, after the play was over! Now I should say that although talented, I am not completely sold on Katz yet. He has a long way to come before he can carry this team the way Canfield could.
My point ... If you want to go on and on about how I should be proud an Oregon team is doing so well nationally, you should know now that I DO NOT GIVE A FLYING CARE ON THIS PLANET! I am a BEAVER! I am PROUD! I wear my colors with pride and am NOT ashamed to proclaim my pride, even after a game like tonight's! I am OSU damn it and nobody is going to change my mind. Good for the Oregon team that is #1 nationally, they play good from what I hear, however, if you think I will sit and watch their games and root for their team just because they have an 'O' on their shirts, you have another thing coming to you. I BLEED ORANGE!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Home Sweet Home?
If your looking for a well thought out post, go elsewhere. This is glimpse inside my head right now.
I just turned 23, and still live with my parents. Now, I didn't always live at home. I moved back home after college. Sometimes it bugs me, being my age and living at home, but when I truly think about it, why would I spend $375 to live in a one bedroom apartment in town, when I could just offer my parents 1/3 - 1/2 of that to live with them, and have the extra money to put away towards buying a home, instead of renting? It makes much more sense, especially until I get my school loans and business start up loans out of the way.
As for jobs? I refuse to "job search" because there is nothing! I am either under qualified (need a masters or more work experience in the area) or OVER qualified (have college experience). I was willing to work for Minimum wage and they still wouldn't hire me! So I quit. Plain and simple. I hate working for other people anyways ... and by hate I do mean LOATH, DESPISE, DREAD, working for someone else. Don't get me wrong, I love having a job and being productive, but not working an hourly wage for someone else, having them tell me when I can go on vacation or for how long. It has never been something I could do. I used to think something was wrong with me, dreading the thought of going on "group" trips (such as EF Tours or Field Trips in school). I mean I even skipped my own Senior class trip with a class I really enjoy the company of! I avoid any group sanctioned trips that I cannot control where I, myself, go. My first fear is that I will have to use the restroom and will have nowhere to use one because of the stupid group! Crazy? Insane? I know I am. My second thought is that I eat in small portions, more frequently throughout the day. If I am on a group trip, I may not be able to do that and will either eat too much at one sitting or get really hungry and then REALLY eat to much! It's a sickness I am telling you!
Anyways, the point I guess is that I have set my entire life around working for myself with no thought to ever doing any different. From the time I was in high school until now I have taken in horses for training, given lessons, built websites and managed them, sold horses for commission, bought tack at yard sales, fixed it up and sold it for more, and many many other things. The only jobs I have held outside of working for myself was at school in Corvallis, and they were temporary jobs (purposely) or for my family! When I went South this October, my biggest stomach knot came from leaving my truck at the hotel in Boise and knowing I wouldn't have my own vehicle (such as a rental) to use at my whim!
My friend texted me one word last night ... "Question." Instead of being my usual smartass self and replying with "Answer" as I normally would, I decided to ask her instead what the question was. She asked that, "if we can afford it, do you want to go on a cruise together next summer?" My first thought was HELL YEAH!! Who wouldn't? But I replied with "If I can afford it, most definitely" So then small talk on cruise ideas and what I need to ask the agents at my moms office etc... but not once did I think ... Crap, if I find a job, I may not be able to go! This is my mindset, I cannot change it!
I have the mindset that if I want to do something bad enough, I find a way to do it. Take the World Equestrian Games for example. I first heard it was going to be near Lexington when I was college visiting there in 2006. 4 years BEFORE the games were to be there. At first I KNEW I was going because I was supposedly going to college there, but I decided to stay at EOU for a while longer. Then I would think about it randomly for the next 3 years. Then I was sitting at my moms back office and pretty much just set my mind on the fact I AM GOING, and planned my financial, and other plans AROUND it. It's what I do, and Who I am.
Now that I have let you into my mind, I just want to thank my good friends for sticking with me for so many years, and putting up with my weird personality.
I just turned 23, and still live with my parents. Now, I didn't always live at home. I moved back home after college. Sometimes it bugs me, being my age and living at home, but when I truly think about it, why would I spend $375 to live in a one bedroom apartment in town, when I could just offer my parents 1/3 - 1/2 of that to live with them, and have the extra money to put away towards buying a home, instead of renting? It makes much more sense, especially until I get my school loans and business start up loans out of the way.
As for jobs? I refuse to "job search" because there is nothing! I am either under qualified (need a masters or more work experience in the area) or OVER qualified (have college experience). I was willing to work for Minimum wage and they still wouldn't hire me! So I quit. Plain and simple. I hate working for other people anyways ... and by hate I do mean LOATH, DESPISE, DREAD, working for someone else. Don't get me wrong, I love having a job and being productive, but not working an hourly wage for someone else, having them tell me when I can go on vacation or for how long. It has never been something I could do. I used to think something was wrong with me, dreading the thought of going on "group" trips (such as EF Tours or Field Trips in school). I mean I even skipped my own Senior class trip with a class I really enjoy the company of! I avoid any group sanctioned trips that I cannot control where I, myself, go. My first fear is that I will have to use the restroom and will have nowhere to use one because of the stupid group! Crazy? Insane? I know I am. My second thought is that I eat in small portions, more frequently throughout the day. If I am on a group trip, I may not be able to do that and will either eat too much at one sitting or get really hungry and then REALLY eat to much! It's a sickness I am telling you!
Anyways, the point I guess is that I have set my entire life around working for myself with no thought to ever doing any different. From the time I was in high school until now I have taken in horses for training, given lessons, built websites and managed them, sold horses for commission, bought tack at yard sales, fixed it up and sold it for more, and many many other things. The only jobs I have held outside of working for myself was at school in Corvallis, and they were temporary jobs (purposely) or for my family! When I went South this October, my biggest stomach knot came from leaving my truck at the hotel in Boise and knowing I wouldn't have my own vehicle (such as a rental) to use at my whim!
My friend texted me one word last night ... "Question." Instead of being my usual smartass self and replying with "Answer" as I normally would, I decided to ask her instead what the question was. She asked that, "if we can afford it, do you want to go on a cruise together next summer?" My first thought was HELL YEAH!! Who wouldn't? But I replied with "If I can afford it, most definitely" So then small talk on cruise ideas and what I need to ask the agents at my moms office etc... but not once did I think ... Crap, if I find a job, I may not be able to go! This is my mindset, I cannot change it!
I have the mindset that if I want to do something bad enough, I find a way to do it. Take the World Equestrian Games for example. I first heard it was going to be near Lexington when I was college visiting there in 2006. 4 years BEFORE the games were to be there. At first I KNEW I was going because I was supposedly going to college there, but I decided to stay at EOU for a while longer. Then I would think about it randomly for the next 3 years. Then I was sitting at my moms back office and pretty much just set my mind on the fact I AM GOING, and planned my financial, and other plans AROUND it. It's what I do, and Who I am.
Now that I have let you into my mind, I just want to thank my good friends for sticking with me for so many years, and putting up with my weird personality.
Friday, November 19, 2010
Winter Wonderland
So this morning I set my alarm for 7am. Although normally this is sleeping in for me, lately I have been a bit lazy and sleeping until 8am, though staying up until 2-3am in the process. So trying to get back in a schedule, even in the holiday season.
I got up and couldn't decide whether to do Pilates or go for a walk. It was calm outside, though everything was frosted over and frozen. I decided to enjoy the beautiful NE Oregon weather and go for a walk. I missed having a frozen nose living in Corvallis, but I grabbed my dog and walked out between the fields. It was refreshing, even though I had headphones stuck in my ears. I reserve the pilates tonight before I head to bed as it warms all my muscles up and I tend to relieve myself of the Charlie Horses I get at nights ever since I had surgery on my back. The nerve is still slowly repairing itself and as of about 7-10 weeks ago I started getting these massive Charlie Horses. It must have repaired itself enough to irritate my muscles down in my left leg. The pilates is supposed to help repair and rebuild the muscles that were damaged during surgery, and strengthen my lower back. The surgeon told me that if I don't lose weight after my surgery, I may need it again in my lifetime. Being overweight didn't cause the first surgery but apparently it can cause a second. So because of this threat (from June 2009) I have been trying to keep active, eat only until I am satisfied (a little full) then put it in the fridge until I am hungry again. I lost just under 50 pounds doing this from October 2008 through October 2009. This all with having surgery and being injured too.
Then things kind of fell apart. My roommate and I had a bad falling out, my grandfather got sick with terminal cancer, Dess got injured (broken coffin bone) and probably a few more things I blocked out. My grandfather passed away December 31st, 2009. This was my last straw. I quit concentrating on listening to my body about cravings (and yes I do actually crave things like salad and oven roasted chicken etc...) and listening to when I am full. Believe it or not, I eat more well rounded now than ever before by just LISTENING to what my body NEEDS. Anyways I gained quite a bit back within the last year. I would gain a little, then maintain, then gain a little, then maintain. I am DONE. I hit a weight I NEVER wanted to see again! It really scared me that I let it get out of control again when it should never have been a challenge to begin with (much to peoples shock). I wish people could realize that losing weight isn't about "dieting" or running your ass off. It's about sitting down, slowing down, and enjoying life. I exercise because I enjoy it, not because I have to. I love how I feel after I get done with a nice walk, or do some "toning" work. But the first 1/2 of the weight I lost was purely me doing things one step at a time, first learning to listen to myself and not beat myself up for wanting a slice of pizza or pasta or those things most people classify as "BAD" for you food. I learned that my body craved it on occasion and that by eating a slice of pizza isn't bad, it's listening. The next day I would crave a caesar salad just as easily. I learned that I really dislike "white" noodles and rice, and really love the flavor of multi-grain or whole wheat noodles or brown rice. I didn't force myself to eat it, I sat down, enjoyed every bite of my meals, and realized what really tasted like shit, and what actually satisfies me. Once I felt I could do that without total concentration, I incorporated walking, playing racquetball with friends, hiking etc... It was so easy, and fun. I wish more people would realize that you don't have to stop "living" a fun life to lose weight, you just have to realize that your body needs all kinds of foods. I like the Harvard Food Pyramid the best. Google it. It doesn't reserve spots for corporations to "buy" like the USDA one.
Anyways, enough of my ranting. I am back in the game, and ready to shed the rest of my weight, for me, for my career choice, and for my passions (riding, training, hiking, biking, etc...).
My goal is to go rock climbing when I shed enough weight to make it safe for my back, and my joints. I have always wanted to Rock Climb and not just spot, so I WILL DO IT!!!
I got up and couldn't decide whether to do Pilates or go for a walk. It was calm outside, though everything was frosted over and frozen. I decided to enjoy the beautiful NE Oregon weather and go for a walk. I missed having a frozen nose living in Corvallis, but I grabbed my dog and walked out between the fields. It was refreshing, even though I had headphones stuck in my ears. I reserve the pilates tonight before I head to bed as it warms all my muscles up and I tend to relieve myself of the Charlie Horses I get at nights ever since I had surgery on my back. The nerve is still slowly repairing itself and as of about 7-10 weeks ago I started getting these massive Charlie Horses. It must have repaired itself enough to irritate my muscles down in my left leg. The pilates is supposed to help repair and rebuild the muscles that were damaged during surgery, and strengthen my lower back. The surgeon told me that if I don't lose weight after my surgery, I may need it again in my lifetime. Being overweight didn't cause the first surgery but apparently it can cause a second. So because of this threat (from June 2009) I have been trying to keep active, eat only until I am satisfied (a little full) then put it in the fridge until I am hungry again. I lost just under 50 pounds doing this from October 2008 through October 2009. This all with having surgery and being injured too.
Then things kind of fell apart. My roommate and I had a bad falling out, my grandfather got sick with terminal cancer, Dess got injured (broken coffin bone) and probably a few more things I blocked out. My grandfather passed away December 31st, 2009. This was my last straw. I quit concentrating on listening to my body about cravings (and yes I do actually crave things like salad and oven roasted chicken etc...) and listening to when I am full. Believe it or not, I eat more well rounded now than ever before by just LISTENING to what my body NEEDS. Anyways I gained quite a bit back within the last year. I would gain a little, then maintain, then gain a little, then maintain. I am DONE. I hit a weight I NEVER wanted to see again! It really scared me that I let it get out of control again when it should never have been a challenge to begin with (much to peoples shock). I wish people could realize that losing weight isn't about "dieting" or running your ass off. It's about sitting down, slowing down, and enjoying life. I exercise because I enjoy it, not because I have to. I love how I feel after I get done with a nice walk, or do some "toning" work. But the first 1/2 of the weight I lost was purely me doing things one step at a time, first learning to listen to myself and not beat myself up for wanting a slice of pizza or pasta or those things most people classify as "BAD" for you food. I learned that my body craved it on occasion and that by eating a slice of pizza isn't bad, it's listening. The next day I would crave a caesar salad just as easily. I learned that I really dislike "white" noodles and rice, and really love the flavor of multi-grain or whole wheat noodles or brown rice. I didn't force myself to eat it, I sat down, enjoyed every bite of my meals, and realized what really tasted like shit, and what actually satisfies me. Once I felt I could do that without total concentration, I incorporated walking, playing racquetball with friends, hiking etc... It was so easy, and fun. I wish more people would realize that you don't have to stop "living" a fun life to lose weight, you just have to realize that your body needs all kinds of foods. I like the Harvard Food Pyramid the best. Google it. It doesn't reserve spots for corporations to "buy" like the USDA one.
Anyways, enough of my ranting. I am back in the game, and ready to shed the rest of my weight, for me, for my career choice, and for my passions (riding, training, hiking, biking, etc...).
My goal is to go rock climbing when I shed enough weight to make it safe for my back, and my joints. I have always wanted to Rock Climb and not just spot, so I WILL DO IT!!!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Multnomah Falls
Monday we sent my parents, oldest sister and my dad's mom to Mexico out of Portland, then Krista and I made our way home.
We of course stopped by Barnes and Noble (twice for me), and didn't make it out of Clackamas until 11:30am. We took the historic highway out of Troutdale and stopped at a couple of waterfalls on the way. One was only a little hike down and back but was gorgeous. The second was a bit bigger of a hike, down there, up back, but the falls were BEAUTIFUL!
We ate lunch at the Restaurant at Multnomah Falls. Our waitress was married to someone from La Grande, and had lived there for a little bit before they moved to Portland. Her mother-in-law is a 6th grade teacher at Central. Small World eh?
After lunch we went to hike up the mountain. At first I was only going to go as far as the bridge, but decided that I wasn't going to be a fat person and just see the common area, I wanted to see the top, and from the top. I never regretted that decision, even though it was one hell of a hike. I had to stop and rest about every 20 feet after switchback #2 (after the bridge). Overall there was between 15-20 switchbacks from the very bottom, ranging from small incline to steep. It was about 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 miles. So round trip was between 2 1/2 and 3 miles long.
Very worth it. It is gorgeous and if you have the guts to make the hike, do it!
Oh and we didn't make it home until 8:30pm that night ... It took me 2 hours to get up to the top, and 45 minutes to get back down. The Good news is that my new ankle high hiking shoes from REI are AMAZING! I wore NEW shoes for these hikes and my feet feel great. The rest of my body hurts insanely but my feet feel great!
Falls #1:
Falls #2:
Multnomah Falls:
We of course stopped by Barnes and Noble (twice for me), and didn't make it out of Clackamas until 11:30am. We took the historic highway out of Troutdale and stopped at a couple of waterfalls on the way. One was only a little hike down and back but was gorgeous. The second was a bit bigger of a hike, down there, up back, but the falls were BEAUTIFUL!
We ate lunch at the Restaurant at Multnomah Falls. Our waitress was married to someone from La Grande, and had lived there for a little bit before they moved to Portland. Her mother-in-law is a 6th grade teacher at Central. Small World eh?
After lunch we went to hike up the mountain. At first I was only going to go as far as the bridge, but decided that I wasn't going to be a fat person and just see the common area, I wanted to see the top, and from the top. I never regretted that decision, even though it was one hell of a hike. I had to stop and rest about every 20 feet after switchback #2 (after the bridge). Overall there was between 15-20 switchbacks from the very bottom, ranging from small incline to steep. It was about 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 miles. So round trip was between 2 1/2 and 3 miles long.
Very worth it. It is gorgeous and if you have the guts to make the hike, do it!
Oh and we didn't make it home until 8:30pm that night ... It took me 2 hours to get up to the top, and 45 minutes to get back down. The Good news is that my new ankle high hiking shoes from REI are AMAZING! I wore NEW shoes for these hikes and my feet feel great. The rest of my body hurts insanely but my feet feel great!
Falls #1:
Falls #2:
Multnomah Falls:
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Birthday Happenings
Friday morning Dad, Mom and I made our way to Corvallis. We made many stops before actually leaving La Grande so morning turned into early afternoon before actually leaving. This included me forgetting my purse in my own truck back home. Thanks Dad who ran back and got it. Friday night we had dinner at Applebee's with Austen and then Austen and I took off and watching the movie "Morning Glory." It's not a highly publicized movie but it was VERY good. I give it an 8/10 and would recommend it if you want a good laugh and a good storyline.
Saturday morning we got up and I met my parents at Starbucks and Noahs Bagels (next door) and then beer run, then walked around campus, met up with Kori and her brother and dad and went to a few tailgate parties with them. The game was very sad. We played terrible, WSU played strong and we lost 14-31. Went to Austens after the game for an after game party, the boys all watched the Oregon game, so close they should have lost, and ate burgers and drank beer. Austen surprised me with a Birthday Cake ... White NOT Chocolate ;) Thank you Austen! Then we ran over to Kori's apartment for some beer pong. The watered down version (water in the cups, take a swig of beer from your own glass/cup instead of drinking out of the play cups). Dad and I won the last round!
This morning we are headed to Portland to do some shopping and I am excited because 1) Olive Garden and 2) Barnes and Nobles !!!!
(I'll add photos soon).
Saturday morning we got up and I met my parents at Starbucks and Noahs Bagels (next door) and then beer run, then walked around campus, met up with Kori and her brother and dad and went to a few tailgate parties with them. The game was very sad. We played terrible, WSU played strong and we lost 14-31. Went to Austens after the game for an after game party, the boys all watched the Oregon game, so close they should have lost, and ate burgers and drank beer. Austen surprised me with a Birthday Cake ... White NOT Chocolate ;) Thank you Austen! Then we ran over to Kori's apartment for some beer pong. The watered down version (water in the cups, take a swig of beer from your own glass/cup instead of drinking out of the play cups). Dad and I won the last round!
This morning we are headed to Portland to do some shopping and I am excited because 1) Olive Garden and 2) Barnes and Nobles !!!!
(I'll add photos soon).
Friday, November 12, 2010
College... Worth it? or not?
I just finished taking what felt like my millionth mid-term in college and got a 72%. Normal people would be saddened by a C- grade, especially considering the hours that went into reading the textbook word for word, and the lecture notes and highlighting and studying. I will not go so far as to say I am thrilled with by a C- grade, but I am content. No tantrums, no self doubt, just content. C is a passing grade, and I am so ready to be done with throwing my money into classes that are ridiculous to say the least. Yes, learning about many different subjects can be inspiring, but in most cases, it just confuses college students on what they want to do with their lives, inspiring them to change their majors to fit their new dreams, only to later realize, they want to go another way or back to the way they were going before. It's a money scheme that is monopolized by government run institutions. I like the term "Electives" as in most degree's you are required to take minimum 12 credits of "Electives." The reason I like this is because it is ENTIRELY up to you what you choose to take. If you are smart you take classes that may not be required for the degree but compliment it in many ways, such as pursuing a minor. (Example: Business Major, Spanish Minor) Instead I have been forced to take classes learning about everything from Selling Crack in South America, learning about drug smuggling from Columbia and other things that just depress me, and don't actually help in my chosen line of work.
In the end I suffered through, paid my dues, and paid my money to be receiving a piece of paper that says I paid my dues and my money in March 2011. I don't regret getting a "degree", oh and 2 minors, but I will NEVER go through that again. Especially where I feel less than qualified for any job I am "supposedly" qualified for. Or I am "overqualified" and therefore they hire someone with no background instead.
This is my ramblings on the why behind my choice of going into the "Trade" route of life. By being certified in the Equine and Canine Massage "Trade" I am in charge of my own future. Same with the Equine Appraisal "Trade."
Enough posting about the depression that goes with college institutions. Besides almost getting run over by a bike this morning from someone who slept in too late and was late to class, so failed to notice the Pedestrian in the middle of the sidewalk., my weekend will now be full of fun. Birthday Dinner with Friends and Family tonight at my favorite restaurant in Corvallis, Ruby Tuesdays, and then tomorrow morning spending time with fellow Beaver fanatics at a tailgate party until the game. Then a few hours spent making my throat raspy from cheering the home team on, and then an After game party with some other friends. Then off to Portland from there to spend Sunday with Family getting ready to send all by Krista and I off to Mexico, where the two of us will then retreat back to La Grande for a week of privacy. Ready for the busy, yet fun expected weekend.
In the end I suffered through, paid my dues, and paid my money to be receiving a piece of paper that says I paid my dues and my money in March 2011. I don't regret getting a "degree", oh and 2 minors, but I will NEVER go through that again. Especially where I feel less than qualified for any job I am "supposedly" qualified for. Or I am "overqualified" and therefore they hire someone with no background instead.
This is my ramblings on the why behind my choice of going into the "Trade" route of life. By being certified in the Equine and Canine Massage "Trade" I am in charge of my own future. Same with the Equine Appraisal "Trade."
Enough posting about the depression that goes with college institutions. Besides almost getting run over by a bike this morning from someone who slept in too late and was late to class, so failed to notice the Pedestrian in the middle of the sidewalk., my weekend will now be full of fun. Birthday Dinner with Friends and Family tonight at my favorite restaurant in Corvallis, Ruby Tuesdays, and then tomorrow morning spending time with fellow Beaver fanatics at a tailgate party until the game. Then a few hours spent making my throat raspy from cheering the home team on, and then an After game party with some other friends. Then off to Portland from there to spend Sunday with Family getting ready to send all by Krista and I off to Mexico, where the two of us will then retreat back to La Grande for a week of privacy. Ready for the busy, yet fun expected weekend.
Monday, November 8, 2010
And So It Begins...
So, I decided to avert a portion of my loan to a different source with a lower interest rate, so take that Dad! That being said, it still needs paid off.
I realized I had more money saved than I thought I did after Uncle Sam cashed my student loan check. This made my weekend a bit brighter.
I gave 4 lessons this weekend. One of these was a new student. I LOVE this girl. She is reserved yet very sweet and VERY focused on learning. She did everything I asked of her with her intent of doing it right. As an instructor this is your dream student. She also only had to be told something once and would remember it. One of my long time students was opposite this particular weekend. I never quite know who I will get when she comes. Sometimes she is focused and ready to learn, other times she is really hyper and hard to get focused, and other times is really tired and a little crabby. This time she happened to be in fairytale land for the first 45 minutes of her lesson (and I do mean some other planet) and then I finally snapped her out of her "out of mind experience" only to be greeted with a crabby 8 year old child for the remaining 15 minutes. Go figure!
Oh well, overall my lessons went very well and I feel like my students walked away with some very achievable goals to work on if the weather cooperates for the next 2 weeks for them.
Friday my Dad, Mom and I are leaving for Corvallis. We are watching the OSU/WSU football game, which happens to be on my birthday, and then maybe going out for dinner with them and a group of my friends that night. Then I get to drive home while they fly out to Mexico Monday.
Then my busyness begins. I then have 2 weeks to work and do homework and continue memorizing and learning the dog and horse muscle groups, and then off to Thanksgiving. Then the weekend after Thanksgiving my Mom, Dad and Oldest Sister and I have Club Seat tickets to the Civil War in Corvallis (Dec. 4th). Then Finals week, then off to Virginia for my Massage Course. Then Christmas, New Years, and then FINALLY things will settle back down.
Phew my Fall/Early Winter are going to be busy! But I wouldn't have it any other way.
I realized I had more money saved than I thought I did after Uncle Sam cashed my student loan check. This made my weekend a bit brighter.
I gave 4 lessons this weekend. One of these was a new student. I LOVE this girl. She is reserved yet very sweet and VERY focused on learning. She did everything I asked of her with her intent of doing it right. As an instructor this is your dream student. She also only had to be told something once and would remember it. One of my long time students was opposite this particular weekend. I never quite know who I will get when she comes. Sometimes she is focused and ready to learn, other times she is really hyper and hard to get focused, and other times is really tired and a little crabby. This time she happened to be in fairytale land for the first 45 minutes of her lesson (and I do mean some other planet) and then I finally snapped her out of her "out of mind experience" only to be greeted with a crabby 8 year old child for the remaining 15 minutes. Go figure!
Oh well, overall my lessons went very well and I feel like my students walked away with some very achievable goals to work on if the weather cooperates for the next 2 weeks for them.
Friday my Dad, Mom and I are leaving for Corvallis. We are watching the OSU/WSU football game, which happens to be on my birthday, and then maybe going out for dinner with them and a group of my friends that night. Then I get to drive home while they fly out to Mexico Monday.
Then my busyness begins. I then have 2 weeks to work and do homework and continue memorizing and learning the dog and horse muscle groups, and then off to Thanksgiving. Then the weekend after Thanksgiving my Mom, Dad and Oldest Sister and I have Club Seat tickets to the Civil War in Corvallis (Dec. 4th). Then Finals week, then off to Virginia for my Massage Course. Then Christmas, New Years, and then FINALLY things will settle back down.
Phew my Fall/Early Winter are going to be busy! But I wouldn't have it any other way.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Welcome to Adulthood :(
So I have 3 separate loans. 1 from the government for school, 1 from my mom, and one from my dad. Lets just say I am very broke right now!
Well Luckily I paid my school loan down to 13,600 (was 15,000 principle and 1,000 interest) so was able to pay a good chunk of that off. Lets just say like most American's I owe a lot of money but luckily not all of the interest rates are too bad (most are 0%).
This sucks. I refuse to buy any books, dvd's, entertainment etc... until I have them nearly or all paid off. I have netflix and can just rent them through there, and the library works great.
So much for the next half decade of my life. :( ESMT school please don't fail me now! (Which is going to put me another 3,000 in debt or so).
Well Luckily I paid my school loan down to 13,600 (was 15,000 principle and 1,000 interest) so was able to pay a good chunk of that off. Lets just say like most American's I owe a lot of money but luckily not all of the interest rates are too bad (most are 0%).
This sucks. I refuse to buy any books, dvd's, entertainment etc... until I have them nearly or all paid off. I have netflix and can just rent them through there, and the library works great.
So much for the next half decade of my life. :( ESMT school please don't fail me now! (Which is going to put me another 3,000 in debt or so).
Monday, November 1, 2010
Good Feelings!
I received my materials on Saturday for both the Equine portion and the Canine portion of my Massage goals. The Equine portion came with a very in depth DVD of our head instructor/the founder of Equissage, and a binded book. The Canine portion came with a folder of knowledge to learn and a DVD that was very easy to follow.
So far I think my horses appreciate me more than my dog, though my dog is very easy to please. I must say I am a nut when it comes to massaging my dog. I feel like a total fumble finger and can't feel what I think I need to. Luckily, this is why I am doing it Hands-On in December. As for the horses, I think my lesson gelding appreciates me a little more than just a food thrower. I felt confident that I could work from his Atlas to his Scapula without problem and his reactions to the massage were very rewarding. He was very honest where he felt discomfort and after treating those area's he would lick and chew (a good sign) and stretch his neck out and close his eyes half way.
This job is going to be so rewarding in more than just a monetary way. My excitement has NOT dulled in the last week. I have started studying and memorizing the muscles, and by the end of November my goals are to know both the horse and dog muscles (that are directly involved in the massage, so luckily not every little one) and their functions. I also want to have memorized the different ailments that come with different disciplines/breeds.
The weather has been dreary and wet which is not usual for fall. We usually get lots of wind and cold but not usually quite this much rain. Bummer, but good times for some nice Jazz and a nice warm fire.
I finally have more time to read. I love Dan Brown books (Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons etc...) and have his newer book Lost Symbol, but haven't had to time to really read it. Hopefully I can get that read this month. Hopefully!
So far I think my horses appreciate me more than my dog, though my dog is very easy to please. I must say I am a nut when it comes to massaging my dog. I feel like a total fumble finger and can't feel what I think I need to. Luckily, this is why I am doing it Hands-On in December. As for the horses, I think my lesson gelding appreciates me a little more than just a food thrower. I felt confident that I could work from his Atlas to his Scapula without problem and his reactions to the massage were very rewarding. He was very honest where he felt discomfort and after treating those area's he would lick and chew (a good sign) and stretch his neck out and close his eyes half way.
This job is going to be so rewarding in more than just a monetary way. My excitement has NOT dulled in the last week. I have started studying and memorizing the muscles, and by the end of November my goals are to know both the horse and dog muscles (that are directly involved in the massage, so luckily not every little one) and their functions. I also want to have memorized the different ailments that come with different disciplines/breeds.
The weather has been dreary and wet which is not usual for fall. We usually get lots of wind and cold but not usually quite this much rain. Bummer, but good times for some nice Jazz and a nice warm fire.
I finally have more time to read. I love Dan Brown books (Da Vinci Code, Angels and Demons etc...) and have his newer book Lost Symbol, but haven't had to time to really read it. Hopefully I can get that read this month. Hopefully!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
On to a Better Life!
On Tuesday I received the phone call that was to let me know that I was accepted and to book my flights and hotel. I will be receiving my course materials today to start studying now so that when I get there it's easy to step right into the intensive course. I already have a client who wants me to call them when I get back to work on their dog. My vet was also excited about the Canine portion!
I will be flying to Virginia on December 12th, and back to Boise on December 18th. I have 2 friends that are very serious about joining me on this quest and doing it side by side. I am happy because I think they'd both be good at it and splitting a hotel room 3 ways is going to save me a HUGE chunk of money!
I am working on my 2 OSU courses this term and feeling pretty good about them. I am in the schedule now and it's easy to live by. Every weekend I give lessons both Saturday and Sunday mornings (to accommodate their work, school and spiritual lives), but it's ok by me as it's not like I work Monday through Friday and then have to get up and work weekends too.
I will be going to Corvallis for OSU's Dad's Weekend and the football game over my birthday weekend and then to The Dalles for Thanksgiving. Then Back to OSU for the Civil War game on December 4th. Then 2 weeks later of to Virginia. Busy Busy end of the year for me, but that's the way I like my life. Busy!
I will be flying to Virginia on December 12th, and back to Boise on December 18th. I have 2 friends that are very serious about joining me on this quest and doing it side by side. I am happy because I think they'd both be good at it and splitting a hotel room 3 ways is going to save me a HUGE chunk of money!
I am working on my 2 OSU courses this term and feeling pretty good about them. I am in the schedule now and it's easy to live by. Every weekend I give lessons both Saturday and Sunday mornings (to accommodate their work, school and spiritual lives), but it's ok by me as it's not like I work Monday through Friday and then have to get up and work weekends too.
I will be going to Corvallis for OSU's Dad's Weekend and the football game over my birthday weekend and then to The Dalles for Thanksgiving. Then Back to OSU for the Civil War game on December 4th. Then 2 weeks later of to Virginia. Busy Busy end of the year for me, but that's the way I like my life. Busy!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Equine Massage Therapy
I have filled out my application and am getting ready to fax it in with my deposit to attend the Equissage campus of Equine Sports Massage Therapy.
I have been wanting to do this for 3-4 years now but because of school, never thought it was possible. I called it my Pipe Dream. However, that dream is finally becoming a reality. My entire life I have gone against the grain of societal norms. I didn't participate in sports in middle or high school, I instead competed whole halfheartedly with my equine companions in my own sport. I didn't leave or sell my horses when I went to college and I never understood those that did. I went to college because "it is the way it's done" and I don't regret it but I still don't feel like I have fulfilled any major accomplishments towards my future.
So many people come up and ask me what I want to do now that I am done (or nearly done) with school. I always just give a very blank stare, get a little panicky and have absolutely NO response! Mainly I just mumble something about "whatever I can find" but that is what I HAVE to do, not what I WANT to do. Horses are my passion, my knowledge, my strength and much to many peoples dismay, my life. They always have been, and I am NOT ashamed to say that I hope and want them to always be.
So, I am continuing with my Riding Instructors Certificate, and becoming certified in Equine Sports Massage Therapy, and maybe someday Equine Appraisal. I am determined to live a life I can be proud of and say I did it my way!
I have been wanting to do this for 3-4 years now but because of school, never thought it was possible. I called it my Pipe Dream. However, that dream is finally becoming a reality. My entire life I have gone against the grain of societal norms. I didn't participate in sports in middle or high school, I instead competed whole halfheartedly with my equine companions in my own sport. I didn't leave or sell my horses when I went to college and I never understood those that did. I went to college because "it is the way it's done" and I don't regret it but I still don't feel like I have fulfilled any major accomplishments towards my future.
So many people come up and ask me what I want to do now that I am done (or nearly done) with school. I always just give a very blank stare, get a little panicky and have absolutely NO response! Mainly I just mumble something about "whatever I can find" but that is what I HAVE to do, not what I WANT to do. Horses are my passion, my knowledge, my strength and much to many peoples dismay, my life. They always have been, and I am NOT ashamed to say that I hope and want them to always be.
So, I am continuing with my Riding Instructors Certificate, and becoming certified in Equine Sports Massage Therapy, and maybe someday Equine Appraisal. I am determined to live a life I can be proud of and say I did it my way!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Fall has come...
It is officially fall here and although we have had a couple of beautiful weeks and gorgeous colors we have to have the few days of rain associated with fall. This weekend is a rainy one but a great time to start a fire, smoke some lamb and prime rib, invite some friends over and enjoy some good drinks, meals and conversations.
Got to exchange some recipe ideas and some food, and my first pumpkin pies were a success. Even though I was panicking around noon because my "easy out" idea for crust totally failed as I was too stupid to realize I had grabbed graham crust not regular crust. OOPS. So then I had to find a recipe and make my own crust really fast so I could get them in the oven. I was worried it wouldn't turn out but it was crispy and yummy! Thankfully.
Overall a very nice evening at home.
Got to exchange some recipe ideas and some food, and my first pumpkin pies were a success. Even though I was panicking around noon because my "easy out" idea for crust totally failed as I was too stupid to realize I had grabbed graham crust not regular crust. OOPS. So then I had to find a recipe and make my own crust really fast so I could get them in the oven. I was worried it wouldn't turn out but it was crispy and yummy! Thankfully.
Overall a very nice evening at home.
So much for that goal ...
Well my last goal was to post more than I do on facebook... Obviously that went swimmingly!
After a very busy summer here in the Grande Ronde Valley I am settling into fall. I love all the colors and didn't realize how much I missed my falls here! I am excited for the cold weather, even though after a good month or so I will be really annoyed with the snow once it comes. The smells of fall have been making me so happy. Corvallis was always rainy but green, and although most find that green appearance attractive in a place to live, I like to see the world change around me, I just didn't realize how much apparently.
Lessons have been going well. Have about 6 full time students and a couple off and on students. Worked on the farm most of the summer/fall and finished up 15 credits this summer. I have 8 right now, and 4 Winter term (2 classes now, 1 this winter) and then I will officially hold my certificate in hand. I plan on getting a certification in Equine Sports Massage Therapy this winter and pursuing my dreams two fold from here on out.
As most know I love to travel and I made it to 6 states in 2 weeks in September. Started in Oregon, drove to Idaho to fly to Louisiana to stay in Mississippi. Phew. Then after a week in Mississippi (and went back to Louisiana for a visit) we drove straight up the middle of Mississippi into Tennessee. Spent one night and one day in Nashville, then drove on up to Kentucky for a few days. Attended 2 full days of the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY area, thoroughly enjoyed my visits with friends and a once in a lifetime chance, and then flew from Louisville, KY to Boise, ID then drove home that same night. Whirlwind trip but lots of fun was had and memories made.
Have 5 horses right now of my own. Aspen of course, Hickory, Dess, Auzzie and Fallon. Working on getting Fallon all trained up for a 4-H member to lease and use to show. She has a ways to go obviously but she'll make a good little horse for somebody to use. Dess is in the final stages of her training to be another lesson horse for me, Aspen in on retirement status and Auzzie is my new go to horse, to a point as he does have medical issues to keep in the back of my mind.
I got a dog in June. A 5 year old male Australian Shepard/Border Collie mix. He is beautiful and very mannerly, most of the time. He loves to herd the cat and won't let poor Sonic out of his sight unless we are at the horse pens, which then its the horses he likes to stare at and herd. Oie vey! He is cuddly a cute but has Halitosis, causing VERY bad mouth odor. He has a dental appointment at the vet next week to hopefully fix some of it.
Next year my plan is to visit many eastern states with my mom, including but not limited to, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, Washington DC, Philadelphia, etc... Yay for travel! I will be visiting Virginia when I do the massage school. I also plan to make a trip to visit my friend Leah in North Dakota, and will hit states such as South Dakota, Montana etc... while I am there.
I still hold by my goal to visit all 50 states by the time I am 30 years old! I am 22 (nearly 23) and have been to 13/50 states. Slowly but surely I am getting there!
After a very busy summer here in the Grande Ronde Valley I am settling into fall. I love all the colors and didn't realize how much I missed my falls here! I am excited for the cold weather, even though after a good month or so I will be really annoyed with the snow once it comes. The smells of fall have been making me so happy. Corvallis was always rainy but green, and although most find that green appearance attractive in a place to live, I like to see the world change around me, I just didn't realize how much apparently.
Lessons have been going well. Have about 6 full time students and a couple off and on students. Worked on the farm most of the summer/fall and finished up 15 credits this summer. I have 8 right now, and 4 Winter term (2 classes now, 1 this winter) and then I will officially hold my certificate in hand. I plan on getting a certification in Equine Sports Massage Therapy this winter and pursuing my dreams two fold from here on out.
As most know I love to travel and I made it to 6 states in 2 weeks in September. Started in Oregon, drove to Idaho to fly to Louisiana to stay in Mississippi. Phew. Then after a week in Mississippi (and went back to Louisiana for a visit) we drove straight up the middle of Mississippi into Tennessee. Spent one night and one day in Nashville, then drove on up to Kentucky for a few days. Attended 2 full days of the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, KY area, thoroughly enjoyed my visits with friends and a once in a lifetime chance, and then flew from Louisville, KY to Boise, ID then drove home that same night. Whirlwind trip but lots of fun was had and memories made.
Have 5 horses right now of my own. Aspen of course, Hickory, Dess, Auzzie and Fallon. Working on getting Fallon all trained up for a 4-H member to lease and use to show. She has a ways to go obviously but she'll make a good little horse for somebody to use. Dess is in the final stages of her training to be another lesson horse for me, Aspen in on retirement status and Auzzie is my new go to horse, to a point as he does have medical issues to keep in the back of my mind.
I got a dog in June. A 5 year old male Australian Shepard/Border Collie mix. He is beautiful and very mannerly, most of the time. He loves to herd the cat and won't let poor Sonic out of his sight unless we are at the horse pens, which then its the horses he likes to stare at and herd. Oie vey! He is cuddly a cute but has Halitosis, causing VERY bad mouth odor. He has a dental appointment at the vet next week to hopefully fix some of it.
Next year my plan is to visit many eastern states with my mom, including but not limited to, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Delaware, Washington DC, Philadelphia, etc... Yay for travel! I will be visiting Virginia when I do the massage school. I also plan to make a trip to visit my friend Leah in North Dakota, and will hit states such as South Dakota, Montana etc... while I am there.
I still hold by my goal to visit all 50 states by the time I am 30 years old! I am 22 (nearly 23) and have been to 13/50 states. Slowly but surely I am getting there!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
On to Bigger and Better Things:
So, I am going to start updating my blog, more than facebook. It's a good goal really, one I hope to attain. Facebook seems to run my life you could say, and although I always like to think of myself as "not one of those kids in todays society" I really am. I watch to many movies, surf the internet way too long during the day, and get outside less than I would like to.
Anyways, since last post I have: Moved into my own place, changed my major, adopted a masters program, and figured out what I want to do with at least a portion of my life... A lot? I think not!
Essentially a really stupid, drama filled problem made my decision to move to my own apartment in December. I moved my stuff just in time to spend 3 weeks at home for Winter break. During those 3 weeks, I got the priveledge of spending time with my grandpa who as of December 31,2009 is no longer with us. I missed the last half of the first week of term to attend his "celebration of life" and got to meet people in the family I had never met before. Sad way to meet them, but hopefully we will keep in touch.
After that entire experiene, I decided that I was not happy with how my life was going thus far. I liked my focus but not my major. You see, I enjoyed business classes (most) and enjoyed my Ag classes (again, most) but hated when they combined the two. Now, I know that everything in life has SOMETHING to do with business, but I HATED where they took it. Here is my stand: I am FOR raising animals for consumption, I am FOR the practice of spraying chemical substances on crops to prevent pests and disease, just as I am FOR those who choose not to. However, I am not for large corporations taking over the industry and killing local farmers in the process. I am not for inhumane treatment of animals just to hit a "bottom line". Now, this does not mean I condone people treating a steer as a backyard pet either, there is a happy middle. So what this means is I have changed my major from Agribusiness to Agrisciences. I am 1) getting to graduate sooner, and 2) getting to focus on my true passion: teaching. I have entered the program of Agriculture Education. Yes, I said it... I am going to be a high school ag teacher. Final decision!
I will be graduating Winter Term 2011 (March 2011) and walking in June 2011. That is if I decide not to study abroad like I hope to do. If I study abroad I will still graduate on time, just not sure whether it would be considered Winter or Spring as their semester ends in the middle of the two. From there I will be attending OSU for one final year (3 terms) to get a Masters Certificate in Agriculture Education. And from there, you guessed it, teaching!!!
I will be certified to teach High School Ag, and Community College Ag classes. I think it would be a priveledge to do Both and fun.
As for my horses. I still plan on giving lessons, but part time and more so in the summers than winters. I have 5 horses, Aspen (1992 B.S. Paint Mare), Hickory (1992, QH Gelding), Dess (2004 QH Mare), Auzzie (2007 QH/Paint Gelding) and Fallon (2007 Mustang Filly) ... As of right now, Aspen will NEVER be sold. She is a permanent member of my family. Hickory is used as a lesson horse so really isn't "my" horse, I don't really ride him much, he is my students mount. Dess is Sale Pending and hopefully will be making a trip to a Wonderful home in Southern Mississippi. Fallon is my next training project after which I may keep or sell her, depends on how I get along with her. Auzzie, Aspens baby, is in training right now and doing amazing. He is not for sale, though he is a little lazier than I like my rides to be so I may lease him out when he's finished training in a year or so, just depends on if he comes out of the lackadazialness after he's in better shape. I plan on never owning more than 4 at a time. I always plan on having at least 1 training project as It is something I really enjoy. I love training a horse and watching the new owners enjoy the horse and give them a new life to live.
My weight: I have lost 45lbs since Fall 2008 and am still leading an active lifestyle conduscent to losing weight. (when I am not down with a cold as I am now). So I will keep posting pictures of me on my weight loss journey.
For now!
Anyways, since last post I have: Moved into my own place, changed my major, adopted a masters program, and figured out what I want to do with at least a portion of my life... A lot? I think not!
Essentially a really stupid, drama filled problem made my decision to move to my own apartment in December. I moved my stuff just in time to spend 3 weeks at home for Winter break. During those 3 weeks, I got the priveledge of spending time with my grandpa who as of December 31,2009 is no longer with us. I missed the last half of the first week of term to attend his "celebration of life" and got to meet people in the family I had never met before. Sad way to meet them, but hopefully we will keep in touch.
After that entire experiene, I decided that I was not happy with how my life was going thus far. I liked my focus but not my major. You see, I enjoyed business classes (most) and enjoyed my Ag classes (again, most) but hated when they combined the two. Now, I know that everything in life has SOMETHING to do with business, but I HATED where they took it. Here is my stand: I am FOR raising animals for consumption, I am FOR the practice of spraying chemical substances on crops to prevent pests and disease, just as I am FOR those who choose not to. However, I am not for large corporations taking over the industry and killing local farmers in the process. I am not for inhumane treatment of animals just to hit a "bottom line". Now, this does not mean I condone people treating a steer as a backyard pet either, there is a happy middle. So what this means is I have changed my major from Agribusiness to Agrisciences. I am 1) getting to graduate sooner, and 2) getting to focus on my true passion: teaching. I have entered the program of Agriculture Education. Yes, I said it... I am going to be a high school ag teacher. Final decision!
I will be graduating Winter Term 2011 (March 2011) and walking in June 2011. That is if I decide not to study abroad like I hope to do. If I study abroad I will still graduate on time, just not sure whether it would be considered Winter or Spring as their semester ends in the middle of the two. From there I will be attending OSU for one final year (3 terms) to get a Masters Certificate in Agriculture Education. And from there, you guessed it, teaching!!!
I will be certified to teach High School Ag, and Community College Ag classes. I think it would be a priveledge to do Both and fun.
As for my horses. I still plan on giving lessons, but part time and more so in the summers than winters. I have 5 horses, Aspen (1992 B.S. Paint Mare), Hickory (1992, QH Gelding), Dess (2004 QH Mare), Auzzie (2007 QH/Paint Gelding) and Fallon (2007 Mustang Filly) ... As of right now, Aspen will NEVER be sold. She is a permanent member of my family. Hickory is used as a lesson horse so really isn't "my" horse, I don't really ride him much, he is my students mount. Dess is Sale Pending and hopefully will be making a trip to a Wonderful home in Southern Mississippi. Fallon is my next training project after which I may keep or sell her, depends on how I get along with her. Auzzie, Aspens baby, is in training right now and doing amazing. He is not for sale, though he is a little lazier than I like my rides to be so I may lease him out when he's finished training in a year or so, just depends on if he comes out of the lackadazialness after he's in better shape. I plan on never owning more than 4 at a time. I always plan on having at least 1 training project as It is something I really enjoy. I love training a horse and watching the new owners enjoy the horse and give them a new life to live.
My weight: I have lost 45lbs since Fall 2008 and am still leading an active lifestyle conduscent to losing weight. (when I am not down with a cold as I am now). So I will keep posting pictures of me on my weight loss journey.
For now!
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