Qwerty

Staying in the Middle

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:39:00 +0000

I'm a horse person, and as such I have the tendency to compare life to the art of riding. One who is not acquainted to this art would be surprised to learn that there are some useful things to take away with you after every ride.

Those who have kept up with my life and/or blog know that I bought J.B., my first horse ever, in March. After a period of freaking out and doing my best not to call myself insane, it has become one of the best things I've ever done for myself. To say the least, it's so nice to be able to go out and ride and iron a few things out in my mind. To say the most, I can say I have a new best friend.

I managed to find an excellent barn where I could keep him. My trainer specializes in dressage, an english-style type of riding that emphasizes the proper, balanced movement of the horse. At first glance this seems pretty straightforward and easy, but when a rider is added to the horse's equation it's a long road of learning for the horse to move as he naturally would with this new weight atop his back.

Both J.B. and I are new to dressage. This makes progress difficult for both of us. Add to that the fact that he is a flighty thoroughbred and the concentration factor is much less. But wow, have we made some progress. And with just one basic principle.

My trainer is constantly reminding me to keep J.B. moving in the middle with straight line through poll, shoulders and haunches. A crucial element is to keep the energy of his motion centered through my shoulders all the way down to my calves. I've gotten a sense of feeling now that allows me to detect missteps outside of that square. On his part, he has developed a sensitivity to my slight corrections with seat and leg that keep him right in the middle.

That is what we have worked on over the last several months. And a good indication of how difficult this new discipline can be for horse and rider.

An important aspect of our progress has been my learning to keep myself in balance even if he is out of balance. If he goes right, I have to correct him on the left rather than follow him to the right, or vice versa. A constant re-shifting of his energy through my own sense of balance - I have had to learn what feels right in my body and get him there through persistence and consistency. This lesson has been difficult both in mind and body, but with time we have been able to correct ourselves more quickly and easily.

After a good ride, when I have kept myself centered and gotten the results with J.B., I walk away wanting to apply it to my own life. Wouldn't it be nice to combat all of those tugging forces in life with your own inner sense of balance? To be sure of what your balance is and what you need to maintain it is the gift of hard work and diligence in seeking to know yourself. With that will come the confidence to go for it or ask for it. Indeed it would make life easier, and filled with so much more happiness.

These are the thoughts I enjoy post-ride when I am washing off my calmer and happier horse. Revelations of this kind have not only enriched my relationship with my horse, but have slowly improved my own life as I have learned to apply them.

Thank goodness for the horses in my lives. What would I know about life if it weren't for them?

Big Change = Good?

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:09:00 +0000

Last January I began my newest and biggest adventure yet in life. I decided to dive head-first into a career change, which involved re-programming my brain into math and science-type thinking.

I spent some time in Houston after earning my undergraduate degree in International Studies working for a consulting company specializing in regulatory matters relating to the petroleum industry. The job was enjoyable, and I learned a great deal about myself and the unknown "real world." I found that I could flourish in this big scary place, and that I was capable of working hard and getting good results. At the end of the day, some pretty great life lessons.

It was also an opportunity to explore what was out there. We did do some environmental permitting and often worked with environmental scientists to gather the required information for such permits. After spending some time with these guys/gals, I learned that that sort of work would be an excellent fit for me. And so, I made the biggest (and scariest) decision of my life.

Now here I am in grad school, pursuing a masters in Geochemistry. Geology chemistry. Looking back at my only half a year so far, I've learned so much and made so much progress. It has been far from easy, though. My first semester involved calculus, chemistry, and geologic field methods. It was a huge hump to overcome. But I kicked ass and, well, built a bit of character along the way. To say the least. Anything really worth having often doesn't come easily. Through the blood, sweat and tears has emerged a sense of accomplishment.

With the next semester fast approaching (tomorrow!), I'm reflecting on my previous semesters. Mostly to give myself a bit of confidence. This next one is going to be a doozy - 14 hours of heavyweight classes and three lab sections to teach. Time management skills will come into play here. Heh! I know I can do it, though, and will emerge on the other side having learned a lot.

And so is this big change a good thing? Overwhelmingly yes. Despite the stress and worry, it's those little moments of quiet when I realize what I have accomplished that tell me it's worth it. Most importantly, though, is the realization that I really am doing something that is fulfilling and in alignment with my values. That I am acting instead of just dreaming.

So wish me luck this semester!

Checking Back In

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 21:07:00 +0000

Whoa. It has been quite a few months that I have abandoned this thing. And I can't make any promises that it won't happen again.

School happened. I started classes and all this stuff went by the wayside. But this time, writing may be my saving grace.

And so, I hope this will be a first post of many regulars.

Dream Reality?

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 03:08:00 +0000

So I just did the craziest thing I've ever done in my life.

First, storytime.

The last Sunday of spring break, I decided to ditch studying and go play with the horses at Connie's barn, where I used to teach. I normally ride just a few lesson horses and call it a day. After getting off ol' Jack, Connie told me about a couple of jumpers for sale. I remembered having the opportunity to ride one of them the last time I was out there and regretted not taking advantage. So I piped up and we got to saddling up Escaret, a nice-looking thoroughbred, with the owner standing by.

I appreciated the ride, and had a great time taking him over a few jumps. He was quite the jumper, using his neck dramatically to power over the osbtacles.

After hopping off Escaret I got an invite from the owner to come over to his barn to watch him school a few lesson horses and his schoolmaster, Jabula Jahomba (say it aloud, and with vigor!).

Horse and rider were going round the course, and my jaw dropped at the athleticism and charisma of this horse. He snapped his knees up over each obstacle and cantered elastically on to the next to repeat with fluidity.

The trainer on site offered me a ride on the horse. Yes! Yessss!!! I took him over a few jumps and a gymnastic line of jumps and was quite wowed.

I left after watching a few other horses worked, and called up Connie to thank her for allowing me to come out and ride. I also told about my ride with Jabula and how impressed I was with him. She seemed surprised, as he is a bit on the high-strung side, but was glad that I had a fun ride. Out of curiosity, I asked what his selling price was. (With zero intention, mind you.) She quoted a very accessible price, and in my excitement I blurted "Oh, I think I can do that!"

My (strong and persuasive) rational side screaming in protest all the while.

It has all been a steady series of events since then. And everything has been going surprisingly swimmingly. I rode him once more to be sure, had a vet check arranged, got my finances and horse board in order, and I am now officially a new horse owner. As of March 30, 2008. Indeed I will mark that day on the calendar as the most memorable holiday of all my years. Seventeen years in waiting!

And now, the dust is settling, and I'm to put my game plan into play. The day to day maintenance required for horses I have been familiar with through books and actual horse owners is something I am now able to do. My class schedule allows for early morning rides and visits on alternating days. Early, so that I will have my days for school. And everything, so far, is working well.

Though my mind at times is calling me the craziest person alive, I always come to the realization that this is probably one of the best things I've ever done for myself. The feeling I get from just being around horses is such a deep sense of satisfaction, and to have my own horse to care for and work with as a team is already becoming one of the most gratifying experiences I've ever had. I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have this opportunity and the guts to carry it out. I am looking forward to the coming years with JB.

This post definitely wouldn't be complete without pictures. Tell me what you think!

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 01:33:00 +0000

Funny Stuff

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 20:47:00 +0000

I made several attempts over the weekend to post, but my writing ability has temporarily broken down. While under repair, here's something for a few laughs that I got in my email today.

This is the Washington Post's Mensa Invitational which once again asked readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition. Here are the winners:

1. Cashtration (n.): The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an Indefinite period of time.

2. Ignoranus : A person who's both stupid and an asshole.

3. Intaxication : Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

4. Reintarnation : Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

5. Bozone ( n.): The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The Bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

6. Foreploy : Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid.

7. Giraffiti : Vandalism spray-painted very, very high

8. Sarchasm : The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

9. Inoculatte : To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

11. Osteopornosis : A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)

12. Karmageddon : It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.

13. Decafalon (n.): The gruelling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you

14. Glibido : All talk and no action.

15. Dopeler effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

16. Arachnoleptic fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

17. Beelzebug (n.) : Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning and cannot be cast out.

18. Caterpallor ( n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

Enjoy!

Slow down!

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 03:52:00 +0000

So far, the last few weeks have been crazy. School, and more school. I forgot how busy I was back when I was an undergraduate student. It never seems to stop, either. Going from classes, to study time, to exercise, to time spent with friends. Penciling in some relaxation time is the only way to get it. Ten minutes to close your eyes here, fifteen to sit outside and have a cup of tea. But then as soon as things get crazier than they already had been, those few minutes are used for more productive activities.

Those few minutes, however, are often the most important of the day. If I even spend a couple of minutes to sit and give myself a momentary perspective check, I'm so much more level-headed and productive. How often I forget this, I can't believe. And every time I go for too fast for too long, it's apparent in everything. My relationships are strained, I teeter on the edge of overworking myself, and life just gets muddy-looking.

Thankfully I've learned to recognize it and do something about it. It's so important to put things into perspective and to remember why I am here. But every time tests come up or a string of assignments are due, it's an extra challenge to get myself to slow down and remember to enjoy the ride. If only I do, things will go so much more smoothly.

Creativity

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:16:00 +0000

I've spent all of thirty minutes packing for my big move (yeah, I'm a slackerrrr). Going through my book shelf, I found an old project from school. Paging through the various entries that were required, I was quite surprised by the way I wrote back then. It wasn't really something that anyone would really want to read. Sort of pretentious, and even stiff in my attempts to maintain the image I was so wrapped up in back then.

Nowadays, at least in comparison, I am much more relaxed about everything I do and have felt comfortable releasing that old image. And with that comes a natural and vibrant creativity. Thats with work, writing, riding horses and even in interpersonal relationships. Creativity meaning creating positive things (what I want), and having the flexibility and presence of mind to deal with unusual situations to create even more positive things.

Creativity, I have found, is something that does not come when there is an image to maintain. For many years I believed that if I just built up a strong enough image, defense, whatever you want to call it, that I would be invincible and I would never be hurt ever again. All those years I spent fortifying this image and confining who I was to its boundaries. And all those years I continued to be hurt, and worse, because I was hurting myself.

Only recently have I been actively tearing down the walls of my image. It took some difficult lessons and a year and a half alone here in the city of Houston. And now, I'm left with a very real knowledge of who I am, and who I want to be. I'm proud to say that this knowledge is my own, and unaffected by the thoughts and opinions of others. I am me....Roberta, and no one else.

Knowing myself, I am feeling more creative than ever. Traditionally, and in the sense of creating the ultimate masterpiece: the masterpiece of my life.

New Culinary Adventures

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 04:00:00 +0000

Mexican food has been my favorite since I was very young. What can I say? I'm from Texas. There's no shortage of delicious Tex-Mex anywhere you go - who can resist chili con queso, guacamole and cheese enchiladas??

But when I moved to Houston, I discovered Mediterranean food. Wow. I had always loved Greek salads and gyros, but I hadn't even scratched the surface. Gradually my friends at work clued me in to the great Mediterranean places close to work. Demassi's, a buffet-style place with a huge selection of foods - fresh vegetable and herb dishes, rice dishes, pita bread that literally melts in your mouth, and the best hummus in town hands down. Then there's also Hungry's Cafe, which is modern fusion Mediterranean, Murphy's Deli, with a good selection of sandwiches and salads and finally Shish-kabob, with its more traditional Mediterranean fare.

So I was inspired to seek out a Greek cook book. I found a safe experimentation platform - a collection of modern recipes.

About 5 miles from work, there is a specialty Greek grocery store. After my new acquisition, I went wild. Traditional cheeses, olives, pita bread, Greek yogurt, tahini, various fresh produce, and of course I couldn't leave without some sesame candy.

Since then I've been cooking up a storm, and my eyes have really been opened to alternative ways of preparing food. Using a mortar and pestle (which can be improvised with a cutting board), using a sieve, and boiling among other things. I've also been open to cooking foods in ways I ordinarily would not prefer - frying (though not deep-frying), and more importantly, stewing. I've tried a stewed vegetable dish that is to-die for.

There are also some unusual flavor combinations that I have found very appealing. The most remarkable was a warm potato-red onion-caper-parsley-lemon juice-olive oil combination. I never would have thought to combine those ingredients, but it was the most delicious salad I have ever eaten. I've also learned that lemon juice, olive oil and salt is like the season-all for Greek food. And can make the most simple dishes spectacular. Just try Halloumi cheese fried in olive oil served with fresh-squeezed lemon juice. Or boiled spinach drizzled with the same.

My favorite part of this whole adventure is perfecting the making of hummus. The recipe is very simple, but you've got to tweak the ingredients to make for that wow-effect. Still working on that one, but with some reading I'm making some progress. Hummus is something worth taking seriously!!

All in all, this has got me going with all sorts of new ideas for cooking. And having the opportunity to say "OMG this is so delicious!" every night has been a very gratifying experience for the taste buds.

Anyone want to come over for dinner?

Forlorn Winter Day

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 02:25:00 +0000

Forlorn winter days are such a pleasant experience under the right circumstances. Though today wasn't particularly cold, old man winter still made his presence known.

Most Fridays at work are extremely busy because of our flex schedule - the staff rotates having Fridays off. Today there thankfully were not any emergency calls nor pressing items to get out the door. And so today I was left to work on some of my ongoing projects at a relaxed pace. I had the opportunity to occasionally look out the window and take in the winter weather.

All day it rained on and off (Houston's version of snow??), with layers fog and clouds hanging in the sky throughout. My mood mirrored the subdued weather - I felt my energy lower and with it my level of tension. I was left feeling somewhat forlorn, but it was oddly comforting. Maybe it was the steady stream of hot tea, or the fact that everyone's mood matched my own. But it was nice.

When I left work I drove downtown to the YMCA closest to my apartment to go for a swim. Driving past downtown was a sight - fog sinking between the sky scrapers, and black birds circling around the tops. Images of Gotham City spun in my head.

If the temperature isn't going to correspond with the time of year, then by golly it will look like winter!

I swam, then headed home, and snuggled up in bed with the cats and a good book. Happy for one forlorn day, and with it the opportunity to slow down.

This One's for Bee

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 02:43:00 +0000

So I got tagged. Tagged to talk about 7 random things, and 8 embarrassing things. hahaha! We'll see how this goes.

Randomness:

1. Let it be known that I just made the most perfect batch of wild rice ever made. It is much more difficult than it seems. This achievement comes after weeks of soggy rice, crunchy rice, and way-too-puffy rice. Blechh.

2. My cat Oliver - he loves to be spanked. And the harder the better. Ohhh yeah!

3. Are these supposed to be about me? Or my cats? And can I cheat by taking up a whole number with this?

4. Gossip magazines are my deepest, darkest guilty pleasure. I just loooove going to the salon, because I can catch up on Brangelina and best and worst dressed!

5. I have this thing for matched pajama sets. And lots of colors - purple, blue, pink, grey, green, red. My pajama wardrobe outdoes my real deal by far - nothing coordinates better!

6. I love love love vintage clothes but I have zero patience when it comes to hunting them down. So I have essentially none.

7. Cars and people's obsession with them annoy me. It gets you from point A to point B...

And embarrassing things:

These are going to be harder...

1. Back in college I worked at Sonic for one week as a carhop. They told me that if I could skate they would pay me an extra $1 an hour. So I strapped 'em on, confident that my handful of childhood experiences at the skating rink provided all the skill I needed. Things were going well, so long as I went slowly and put on the breaks well before my destination. My head was getting bigger, and I took out an order for two Route 44 drinks to go out to the station on the very end. I was skating along without a thought, when the pavement suddenly went down sharply at the last station. My head flung back as I made a desperate attempt to cling to the end pole. Whoaaa whooaa whoaaaaaaa! My whole body convulsed trying to balance myself and that cursed tray when, sploosh! The slushes went everywhere (and the pound of sticky sugar), including all over the customer's car. Lovely. After bringing them another round (in my socks), they gave me an extra dollar "for the entertainment."

2. This isn't embarrasing for me, but for my brother. Who never reads my blog. So muaahaa! When we were in high school, he wanted so badly to be a "real" man and have facial hair. He had an adorable little cluster of black hairs in the center of his chin, and would spend an hour each morning shaving it. (In unison now) Awwwww!!! :->

3. When I was in San Francisco this summer, I was walking with a friend along Fisherman's Wharf checking out the scenery. I was busy taking pictures and oohing and ahhing when this bush jumped out at me out of nowhere! I screamed bloody murder (which...I never do...ever), only to find it was a street "performer." hmph.

I'm really reaching here. These embarrassing stories are hard to remember...

4. Ah here's one! So back in middle school (when all the kids are so understanding of each other) I was in a history class taking a test. I felt some...uncomfortable pressure...and accidentally ripped one, thereby disturbing the intense test-taking concentration of all of my classmates. I heard a few snickers and tried desperately to act casual, thinking that maybe I pulled it off (and forgetting that people can actually HEAR where it comes from and witness my red face and stiff posture). As with all those classic preteen horror stories, the boy of my dreams was sitting right behind me. He took it upon himself to inform me of my own accidental bodily functions. "Hey Roberta, did you have some gas or something?? Haha!" I had such good taste in boys back then.

5. I've got nothing else.

Well, here you go, a little window to embarrassment. And randomness.

Judgement

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 03:34:00 +0000

On the way home from work today, I was listening to the radio as usual. Most of the time it gets washed into the periphery, but today was different. There was a story on the republican presidential candidates, and a religious leader was speaking about his take on what he considered the front-runners.

His take on the viability of Mitt Romney caught my ear the most. Not his opinion necessarily, but one little phrase. "Leaders teach their congregations that Mormons belong to a cult."

That one took me by surprise. Mostly because I felt surprisingly naive for not having fully realized this before. I have no opinion of Mormons, or Christians, or Muslims, etc (nor do I express here opinion of political candidates). My issue is that intolerance is something taught and accepted on an institutional level. It's just understood that "we" are right and "they" are wrong. Do we consider them to be less than human because they do not believe as we do, share the same values and morals or live a different lifestyle?

The question to ask ourselves: have we ever lived their circumstances and understood what the world looked like through their eyes? True understanding requires moving out of our comfort zone and exhibiting patience and empathy. Very few wish to make the effort. It is much easier to categorize, judge and move on with the belief that we are superior.

For a country that supposedly prides itself on diversity and tolerance, we sure do show our true face when it comes to positions of importance. We dare not let our own values be (falsely) threatened by electing an "outsider."

Vacation Time

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 02:16:00 +0000

Ahhhhhh I am so looking forward to this week. I have one day of work tomorrow, then I am off to Canyon Lake to spend a week in the boonies. Bare minimum work stress, lots, and I mean lots of dogs, and lots of visits to the lake.

This will also allow me to do those things that have been put on the back burner lately - books I want to read, running, horseback riding, blogging, and general relaxation.

Yeah, I've got some high relaxation ambitions. I'll be turbo-relaxing. Though I'll probably slash 90% of the above. But then, that's what vacation is all about. No schedules, obligations, nothing. Looking forward to it.

I'll miss the cats, though. I've begun packing for the week, and they know that when the suitcase comes out I leave very soon after. Oliver just uncharacteristically jumped up and curled up into my lap with a forlorn meow. Poor guy... Little does he realize I've found the perfect cat-sitters! My neighbors (who love animals) have kindly offered to watch over them for the week. I will have peace of mind.

Vacation ho! Something like that.

Running and Such

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 00:44:00 +0000

Back in high school I ran cross country and track. I wasn't exactly enthusiastic about it at the time. I hate to admit it, but I really only did it because my brother convinced me. I improved as I ran more, but certainly didn't reach a point that I would call my best.

My brother graduated the next year, so I dropped it, feeling a bit intimidated.

At that time, I lacked what is known as "mental toughness," which is something that athletic coaches just love to see in their athletes. They demand it, in fact.

I remember my running back then, and how it always felt like I was always either way ahead of myself and unbalanced or way behind myself and just "tracking."

The most unpleasant and least efficient (obviously) was when I would get into that tracking state of running. I remember how it was - it was as though I was almost running in place, and fear of stepping forward (for some reason or another). It could be likened to that feeling of when your foot is asleep and are scared it will be excruciating if you move it. But then when you do, you realized you were worried for nothing.

This afternoon I had a wonderful run at Memorial Park on the mountain biking trails. I realized some way down the trail that I never track anymore on my runs (which I now enjoy quite a bit). I always have a sense of forwardness, while still keeping my balance. This also has kept me from re-injuring myself, for when I even get close to that tracking state I can feel my leg becoming strained.

All it took was taking steps forward, with the intention of moving forward. I'm not necessarily expending more energy nor am I even putting myself through any mental anguish. It was just a matter of taking that first forward step. And from that first step moving on, no one can accuse me of lacking mental toughness.

Sometimes, though, it is so hard to take that step. Like moving your the foot that has fallen asleep that first time. Your mind is screaming "no! no!" But somewhere inside you, you know that you can do it. Once you begin your forward momentum, the rewards are continuously renewing themselves.

I remember once seeing one of the best cross country runners in high school being quoted as saying committing to running has taught her a lot of what she knows about life. I didn't understand it at the time, but now that I am committed to running I know exactly what she means.

Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 00:40:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 03:16:00 +0000

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:27:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:06:00 +0000

This one had me rolling on the floor!

Fear

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:34:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 00:37:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 02:51:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 01:36:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 00:40:00 +0000

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...

Whatcha gonna do?

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 01:13:00 +0000

As I was driving to Canyon Lake the other night, I was pulled over by a cop near Podunkville, Texas. One of my front lights was out, and I had been hyper-aware of it for a few days already. I was on a state highway: notorious for cops driving slowly on the shoulder skimming for traffic-related infractions.

I'm sure you all know that "oh s*^%" feeling when a cop turns around suddenly from the other side of the road. Like a snake spinning around at scent of prey, and you the mouse, wide-eyed, knowing you're a goner. I knew he was going for me. Damn.

He turned his lights on, and there was nowhere safe to pull over - no shoulder, nothing. So I turned my blinker on and kept going, but much more slowly. This was a mistake. The cop sounded the siren and turned his spotlight on me, conveying to me his irritation. So I made a bigger mistake - I suddenly changed lanes and pulled into a parking lot on the other side of the road.

The cop quickly got out of his car and switched his flashlight on me and is looking in my car. Looking no doubt for the 10 kilos of cocaine and cache of machine guns in the backseat (shhhh...).

I apologized that I took longer than normal to pull over (5-10 seconds is an eternity in cop-time), and that I was just looking for a safe spot. He was peeved, and told me that he thought something was going on in the car (note to self - Raoul Duke is a terrible role model). He also said he didn't appreciate my "stunt" to get into the parking lot.

He seemed to loosen up a bit when he saw that I was actually a polite person. But then, two more "infractions": my insurance card was expired by a week, and my address wasn't current.

I thought that maybe the cop would go easy on me, because it was pretty apparent that I was your basic law-abiding citizen. Except when I don't notify DPS of my change of address. He was, for some reason, very upset about that. The cop didn't cite me for the headlight (my big break, I suppose) but he sure as hell was pissed that I didn't change my effing address.

The town of Martindale, Texas, is also apparently very upset when the DPS is not notified of a change of address. In fact, they are so threatened by my "failure" to notify that they are inclined to charge me $157.

I also got a ticket for my expired insurance card, but that's easily fixable.

I would hate to be a cop, because I would just hate to issue citations. Especially to people who aren't interested in giving you attitude so you can justify it. How do you...deliver a ticket to such a person?

This guy returned from his car and was extremely cheery and polite. He asked me to "sign here" as though he were closing out a sale at JC Penny's. And then the parting...thank you? Do you say thank you? Have a good night? This dude just gave me two tickets that value over $400 combined. What do I even say? Hey man, thanks for the fine! I hope it helps pay for that brand new courthouse! *ding*

What an awkward situation.

So now...I've got to cough up $157. We all know how exasperating it is to spend that kind of money on those kinds of things. Don't worry, though, lesson learned. For crying out loud, don't forget to notify the frikin' DPS when you move!

I need to come up with a new name for my blog

noreply@blogger.com (Berta) — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 00:33:00 +0000

QWERTY was just a place-holder. And not...the best. Suggestions?