Halloween

This weekend was wonderful. It was exactly the weekend I needed.

Friday was my earned day off. I made up for all those late nights during the week by sleeping in very very late. I rolled right out of bed feeling like a million bucks. Then breakfast, dressed, and out the door to spend the whole day at the barn.

There is nothing like a day of manual labor and riding. You might disagree with me, but try working my sit-in-front-of-a-computer-for-9+-hours-a-day job and you'll appreciate it much more.

I rode 2.5 horses. The .5 being my last ride - interrupted because I had unwittingly chosen a 2-lesson horse.

The first was Tucker, as usual. And it was the usual: ride out the bucking and adolescence until we can get about five minutes of actual work in. We made some progress today, considering I can only ride him about 1x a week. At the very end, we polished the ride off with some nice cantering.

I snuck in some fun, though. Along one of the long sides I stole some sneaky glances around the place to make sure no one was watching. Seeing no one was around, I spurred him into a big gallop. That little pony sure can kick his heels up when you let him. I swear I could hear him say "wheeeee!!!!" as he spun into little rocking-horse bucks in the corners of the arena. Or maybe it was just me...

Next was Zee. I've wanted to work with him for something like a month now, but he was always being used for lessons. He was all mine now. Muahaa! We had an awesome ride, and I learned something new from him. Always always a nice thing.

That evening, I went to a costume party. I missed the "dress-up" memo. I sure did get the "have fun" message, though. So much so that Saturday was a forgotten day. I saw some kids I hadn't seen in several months, and met a whole mess of cool people. And I drank stuff that out of an orange can that was sort of fizzy, malty and yeasty. Delicious!

Sunday was the real fun - games on horseback for halloween! Most everyone had a good time bobbing for apples, playing musical horses (you can bet the horses loved that one), water relaying, and racing with an egg and spoon.

The horses even got a little excited. Those that normally were quite sluggish during lessons suddenly developed a secretariat, eagle-like focus in their eyes and galloped fiercely down the arena. Except Jack, he's always wondering where the carrots are.

Some got a little too excited. Four riders got a nice sand-dusting. Two were dumped off Zee when his over-zealous galloping turned into bucking. The others were over-zealous riders giving into the excitement and not quite remembering how to stop. There was nothing more than bruised egos and lessons learned. Some fall-quotas were met, too - in particular one girl who fell twice in one event. She should be cleared by the fall-gods for a long time.

I even got to play. I rode in the adult bobbing for apples race and ride-a-buck, where you ride bareback with a dollar under your leg. I lost the ride-a-buck, being out of shape, but I cleaned up at the bobbing for apples race.

I rode a palomino quarter horse who's a regular lesson-guy. He's used to taking it slow and loving it. By the time I got on him, he had been through a couple of races and was pretty pumped. Looked like a little barrel pony prancing around. The ringmaster said "go!" and with a little tap of my legs he was off! Before I even had time to think he was on the other side of the arena and I already had to pull him up. Whoaaa there! Then hop off this trembling horse, grab the apple, and hop back on. He went even faster down the other side, and then it was stomp on the super-breaks so he didn't run through the fence. We were on the other side of the arena even before the other riders had gotten back on their horses from chomping their apples.

I'm so sure I scared the crap out of the riding instructors with that stunt, but oh man was it fun!

At the end of it all we had to clean up. I'll say again, nothing like a hard day's manual labor. Both horses and riders earned their sleep that night.

And today, Monday. Well, it wasn't too bad. Nice to have good memories to fuel your week.

Riding Fun

My birthday weekend, I got quite a treat - a lesson with a former Olympian. Here are a few pics:

This horse is the love of my life. Eat your heart out, boys.

Happy as a horse-ridin' clam.

Whoaaa. Some serious brakes for a serious train.

Nice relaxedness. Or, as relaxed as I can be out of shape and sitting an energetic trot.

Listening.

Fall is Here!

Our first cool front blew in today, and fall has finally officially arrived to Houston, TX. For the next couple of days, at least. Then summer will return, inevitably.

We've been teased by a few "cooler" days here and there. Cooler meaning below 90 degrees (and even 90 degrees is cool around these parts). Fall in Houston generally means less-humid days. So at least there is some reward for enduring the oppressive heat of summer.

In the morning my boss called me in to her office to see the front line. Always fun to see a dramatic indication of change like that - the line went diagonally across the whole sky. Behind it were several more lines, and finally crescendoed into a thick roll of clouds underneath the cover. I went outside to go get a better look, with the weather still warm and sticky. Soon after, the temperature dropped 10 degrees or so in a matter of minutes.

Heck yeah! It's about flipping time!

After I got off work, I was ridiculously excited about going for a run. Finally I wouldn't gasp for air! It was so great, I went for an extra ten minutes. Everyone else running on the trail seemed pretty stoked about the weather, too. The regulars all had an extra spring in their step, and many had smiles on their faces. Everyone loves a break from the perma-heat and humidity.

I just looked at the ten day forecast, and it looks like cooler weather all week. Yeah!

For You Cat Lovers

This one had me rolling on the floor!

Fear

Last night the theft of my bicycles finally hit me full force.

Terrible thoughts came to me, and I became fearful of being alone. When I went to bed my eyes refused to close. I left the stairwell light on, but I couldn't decide if it would be better or worse if an intruder were to enter. If it was on, he could see me, but if it was off, then the cover of night would be on his side. My mind raced with different scenarios, and refused sleep.

I clutched the nearest blunt object to my chest - a large crystal point my mom had given me. As I lay in my bed in the faint wash of the stairwell light, I stared at the ceiling and let my mind wander.

In the stillness and amid my fear, I suddenly understood so many things. Why people do the things they do in defense of their homes and land, why there are wars, and why fear is such a powerful driving force behind so many of the horrendous things that happen every day. Laying there in my bed, I imagined what I would do if an intruder were to come.

I felt like a warrior defending my castle.

This night I suddenly had a connection to so many people that I previously had not understood.

I felt, for the first time in my life, that there are so many things worth fighting for. Safety, family, friends, and freedom from people that try to take those things from you. Most importantly, freedom from the fear that those kind of people stir in you.

Thieves

When I left at 6 am this morning, both the gate that leads to my apartment and the backyard gate were open. I closed them both, and was kind of creeped out, but didn't think much of it after that.

Later in the day I receive an email from my landlord:

"Roberta, the neighbor says that your bikes are gone. Did you take them, or should we assume the worst...."

Assume the worst, dear landlord.

Both of my bikes. Gone. Not $50 walmart jobs. Real bikes. The mountain bike - my baby, Specialized Stumpjumper. The other - vintage Team Miyata. Top of the line in its day, and one helluva ride.

....

And to think that I worked hard for those bikes, and those goons just walked right into the garage and stole them in a matter of seconds.

....

Not to mention triggering the thoughts running wild in my head right now.

....

I called the police over two hours ago with an officer yet to arrive. How protected and safe I feel.

My mom says she's just glad I'm ok. Sure I'm physically ok, but what an invasion of space that is. Complete strangers just walked right into the yard, through the back gate, and through the garage door. All while I was sleeping and vulnerable.

Makes me afraid to even take out the garbage at night.

Since I have lived here, four crimes committed within 100 yards of me - three vehicle break-ins (all the neighbors' cars), and now this. All within a year. Time to get out of this place.

And I will, believe me I will.

Bad Day Tough

I'm finally growing up and developing a thicker skin. Used to be I was shaken by anything that whispered of disappointment, anger, etc.

I'll be honest about today - it was just a terrible day. There's no deluding myself. I received an unpleasant surprise in my email, and learned that I will endure the week unsupported. Without due notice. What's worse, but there are loose ends that only I can deal with, and I'm not even quite sure how to deal with them.

In a nutshell, I spent a good part of my day madly making phone calls to figure out what the heck was going on in regards to all these loose ends. Once I finally (sort of) figured it out, I made more phone calls to get it resolved.

As seems to be my luck, I called the wrong person and said the wrong thing. Or, rather, I called the right person and caught him in the wrong mood. He was upset that I was the bearer of unpleasant news, and proceeded to kill the messenger.

I put up with it for a few minutes, feeling like a fly caught in a web. When I finally realized the guy wasn't going to cool down, I got off the phone as quickly and politely as possible.

Thing is, I couldn't fight back. Since I wasn't too familiar with the project, it was a smile and nod exercise. A painful one. One where your smile really wants to be a scowl, and your nod the finger.

When I got off the phone, I admit I was....upset. Ok, I cried a little, too. I felt like Little Bear, crying after his widdle feelings got hurt.

An epiphany shot my head up, and I realized - hey! This guy has a problem. He totally went off on a power trip and took advantage of the situation.

HA!

And you know what? For the first time, I chalked it up to a bad mood and went about my day.

My day went by, I got some work cranked out (though the process could be likened to a meat grinder), then it was a two hour commmute back home in the pouring rain and lightning. But whatever. Sometimes it's a strangely nice feeling to have a bad day. Maybe it just makes life feel more real.

Or maybe it's just because I took my power back from that (expletive) and didn't let him (worsen) the rest of my day.

Regardless, it's an equally nice feeling that it's over.

Big City

Living in Houston has the capacity to practically give me a coronary at the tender age of 25. Thankfully, it has given me some insight on what big city life is really like. Most importantly on why I never want to live in a big city ever again.

The 20 mile commute home from work today triggered yet another bout of frustration with city life.

Houston traffic is always a nightmare, but today it was extra-hellish. I actually drive against traffic, because I work outside of town and live closer to downtown (to meet the really cool people I haven't actually met yet). Usually there are about three snags that I have to get through, with relatively smooth sailing in between. Today, traffic was backed up at mile one all the way down to mile 19. Someone was looking out for me for that mile number 20...wheee...

The way it happens here...stop....and go....and stop....etc...you get the idea. During one stop, and then a go, I apparently wasn't accelerating quickly enough for the guy behind me. He honked. I ignored. Whatever. Just kept accelerating, but he was right on my tail. I mean right on my bumper. I didn't get out of the way, because I couldn't. There were cars all around me. No way I was going to accommodate this dip and risk anything to get out of the way.

This guy starts trying to swerve and change lanes, or just tell me in plain road rage language that he was pissed. Finally he found a hole. You wouldn't believe, what this guy did. He squeezes in front of a car in the right lane, stomps the gas, changes lanes again. Then, he swerves in front of me rather violently and stomps his brakes.

So I calmly change lanes, and keep driving forward, still trying to ignore the situation. I get closer to him in a different lane, and the jerk swerves into my lane and nearly runs me off the road!

At this point, I slowed down and got away. It took the remaining 18 miles for my heart to stop racing. Even mile 20 didn't make things right.

You know how they say climbing one stair lengthens your life by four seconds? Well, driving in Houston one day shortens your life by four hours. Add to that the pollution, humidity, and the pavement to reflect all that right back in your face and well, you've got quite a wholesome environment. In Houston years, I'm old enough to retire!

Ugh. One more reason to get the hell out of dodge. At least I know I don't have to live here my whole life. Next stop: mid-size city bliss. Can't wait!

Today Good

Today was a moderately good day.

I had a healthy degree of detachment today from my job. Why is it that it's so much easier to work when you don't care quite as much??? As my uncle likes to say - worry doesn't do you any good, but concern will allow you to do what you need to do. Concern to get the job done, but not worrying about doing it perfectly actually made my work come out more perfect. Go figure. Definitely made for a day that was neither really good nor really bad, just...moderately good. And good stuff.

After my...moderately good day at work, I came home and was mad excited. My tendonitis is going awayyyyy (laaaaaa), and I can ruuuuuunnnn (laaaaaaaa). So I get home, tell the cats hello (my kids?) and rush out the door to get out there on the running trail.

To back up, last night I bought an iPod shuffle. I have waited four months to buy that sucker. Four months. Now that's what I call consumer restraint. Yesterday I was looking on the Apple website and discovered that they now have a red one. So I went to the Apple store right after work, dropped the cash and walked out one happy American consumer.

Oh, and the iPod touch and iPhone - wow. Apple outdid itself. So...tempting. Someone once accused me of being an in-the-closet tech junkie...

As you can guess, I used my new gadget during my run. And it couldn't be more perfect for exercising. It's small, very light and clips on to anything. No need for a case, armband, nothing. Wonderful.

Today I remembered how awesome awesome it is to run with music. Like a soundtrack to your epic workout.

My music told a story something like this:

You're in a movie...running in step with some high-energy music, running for some big goal. Let's say winning the Boston marathon. Of course, you'll start out the underdog, but you'll keep going. Steady, like the tortoise. Unconsciously bobbing their heads to the music, the audience is mentally running with you and rooting for you. Then, there's a big windstorm...or something. And all the top athletes have worn themselves out, and your steadiness has allowed you to finish....in first place!!!! AAAAAA!!!! Of course, everyone knew you could do it, and was there to meet you at the finish line, cheering you on. The ribbon breaks dramatically across your chest as the camera speed slows and zooms on you, focusing on the tears of joy streaming down your exhausted face.

Then...you make all the major headlines, you are thrown millions of dollars in sporting goods contracts, you adopt some cause for underdogs who cant run good and want to win the Boston Marathon, and you retire at the age of 30 in Hawaii. And live happily ever after. Or...isn't that how it happens in the movies???

All this...while gasping in the Humid Houston air after only 10 minutes of running. Ah, the power of music.

After my run, and back to my apartment, I cooked an extremely delicious dinner. Pasta-topped mushrooms. Orange and yellow pepper with blue cheese melted on top of a portabello mushroom. Wow and wow. I've gone off dairy for the time being to test it out, but I just can't give up my blue cheese. It's just...too wonderful. And with this mix of veg and mushrooms, it was at its best.

Of course, dessert is always in order after a dinner like that. I decided to make chocolate mousse. I pulled out the box, anticipating a delicious treat. When....blast! I need a blender. I always forget when I buy it that a blender is needed to make it. The directions read something like this: 1. pour mixture with one cup of (soy) milk into large mixing bowl. 2. blend with blender at lowest speed for 30 seconds. Ok, this I can do. Just mix it up. But 3 always throws me for a loop - blend at highest speed for 3-5 minutes.

Well, I thought, I've got a whisk and my bare hands. If it need something other than that, than by golly its just not worth eating. Five minutes, one very sore arm and one very big mess later, I put a nicely textured mousse in the fridge. Folks, don't ever let lack of hardware deter you.

So now here I am: tired, and happy. hmmmm. I suppose with some music and cat time this evening, today could be a really good day. That, and some chilled chocolate mousse...