So Sad, But So Pretty

Anyhow

Here goes another totally random post - which seems to be the flavor this year.

Perhaps that will change when life slows down a bit - ha! when does it slow down?

Now living in my new home - life is good here. It's quiet and I have no neighbors behind me.

Whilst throwing out/donating some not needed items, the Princess picked something she wanted to keep.



If you aren't sure what that is, yes, it's a toilet seat cover. Gross, Princess, gross. In the spirit of litter box usage, I allowed it.

Work is good - I have developed a policy of always being the same person every time someone calls/emails. No mood swings, no getting sucked into drama, make like a duck in the rain. I wish others thought of this too. The bright side is my attitude is noticed and appreciated.

National Versatility Ranch Horse Association - can't say enough good things about Jay and Gina Henson - clinicians and judges. If you get the chance, go. They are a hoot, a wealth of good information and it's about time someone with skills, class and good horsemanship grows big. Not that there haven't been others, but not enough IMO.

The "Princess" is still alive and doing well! Still doesn't know she's having any problems and still lets me give her a pill. EVERY. SINGLE. MORNING. It's not the greatest way to wake up but she's always right in my face and it seems to be the easiest time. She's gotten more needy. I spent the night away a couple of weeks ago and came home to 4 piles of puke and pee outside her litterbox. I am going out of town for six days next week. My wonderful parents are going to stay here with her so she doesn't get lonely.

Getting a lot more responsibility at work! This is a great thing! I still love my job! This is even better!

I really really really hate it when people ride there bicycles on the road. I wonder if they just *think* they are as fast as cars?




Another Robin Hood movie - this time with Russel Crowe. Okay. Was it really that long ago they did the one with Kevin Costner?

I have given up cable television. Not for forever but I can't find the time to watch it so I don't want to pay the pig. I do have Netflix. It's $10 a month. HIGHLY recommended. If you have a DVD player and the US postal service, you can have Netflix.

It is amazing how many people have a problem with ME not having cable. I was even given a tv, a tv converter box and an antenna. I didn't hook it up until last night when someone came over and learned I hadn't done that. They made it a priority to get it done - in the spirit of helping me. Very nice of them to do so.

But I think someone should do a cultural study on the importance and effects of television. Don't get me wrong, I like it too. It's just amazing how important it is.

Speaking of television. The film "In a Whisper" is a colt starting challenge with Josh Lyons, Pat Parelli and Craig Cameron. If anyone thought the LP clip on the internet made them look bad...watch Pat in action! I can't believe it isn't out on the internet!!! (no I'm not the one selling them...but I find it interesting they aren't OUT)

I made banana bread yesterday and forgot to add the stick of butter the recipe called for. It turned out almost the same. Really, not much difference.

IF WE DON'T GET SOME HOT WEATHER THIS SUMMER, I QUIT!!!

I don't know what I quit, but I've always wanted to use that ultimatum. Seriously, it's snowing in NE MT and 45 here. It's MAY.

BHS in Miles City next weekend. I hope the weather warms up because I'm sleeping in a horse trailer. We have heat, but still. Many great friends to see! I've been getting lots of texts.

Bison Bar - here we come!



After I moved into my new place I flooded my laundry room, my neighbor's laundry room and my kitchen all in the same week. Did I mention that before? Here nor there, I have skills. I always learn things the hard way. The upside is I learn. The upper-side is I learn it well, backwards and forwards.

I met a guy that really likes me. He thinks it's cool I ride horses and wants to open a summer camp for kids someday. He can also afford to do so.

What sucks is he's an emotionally stunted, overally religious, pompous ass who's learned everything he knows from books. Two dates, done. Couldn't stand him for much longer than that.

My favorite rooms in my home are my bedroom, my kitchen and my spare bathroom. The living room is a work in progress. I have a medium sized tv on a small tv stand. Don't have cable and don't watch tv so have a hard time justifying the expense of a new large flat screen on a swank tv stand. Eventually I will have to do something.

I'm planning to compete in the NVRHA this fall. Not compete well. I can't rope for crap. Actually, I'm sincerely afraid of losing a finger or getting all tangled up in a mess of rope, big bodies and hooves. But that's okay, I have time to practice. I can suck it up at the roping. I'm in MN and we are not ropers. Our forefathers were farmers, not ranchers.

Over casual conversation I tried to explain to a non-horse person that horses can literally eat themselves to death. They said, "I don't believe you." I tried to explain this wasn't my opinion...

Makes me want to say all non-horse people should stay that way. Problem is we'd eventually have no more horse people. Scary world and so I try.

I have been offered a spot at a barn that needs an instructor. I'd like to make this work. Unfortunately, I'd be competeing with two other barns I have ties to. Because we're all in a 15 mile radius. What a bummer. I don't want the politics. I do like to teach. I want to do it one day a week. In and out. The other two need instructor-trainers...more full-ish time. I can't do that. If I ride other people's horses I will have no time for my own interests. I've spent enough time on that train.

This one needs an instructor who can sometimes do clinics. My full time job that completes my mortgage payments, pays my benefits and matches my 401K doesn't allow for that much time away. So the teaching job is the best.

Not a bad conundrum, but opinions on the political issues and whatnot are much appreciated.

Actually, anyone can post their opinion. :)

Every time my cat poops in her litter box, she comes out and cries at me. It's been going on since last year. She acts happy. I don't really get it. Is she proud? Does she want me to clean it? Am I wondering too much about the musings of a cat?

Hard to say, I have a cat.

I just finished a two day negotiating class my job sent my boss and I to. Learned a ton. I negotiated 25% off shoes at a department store last weekend. Who knew you could do that???

My years spent at the sale barn + this class...I think I've got a skill. Kind of cool.

Biggest things learned: 1) Always ask 2) Look for the both-win 3) You can negotiate even when you can't walk away.

Did I mention my garage is like an elaborate tackroom? I've got stuff everywhere. I have sentimental things I can't toss and others I can't live without in random ranch situations.

I went on the walk for animals for the humane society for the first time this year. I have a friend who works there. This is a big walk, one of the biggest, if not the biggest, in the country. It was super fun, I was like a kid in a candy store with all the dog breeds. There were tons of breeders there showing their dogs. Wrong or right, they've recognized the advertising.

I have an uncontrollable reaction when inside the humane society with the animals. I cry. It's weird because I can cognitively process the situation and I know how lucky all of the animals are. For better or worse. I'm also not a crier. However I cry when I get into the big rooms with the animals. Maybe something about the loneliness. I don't know. Either way, how embarrassing! We were in the non-public area. I think I hid it well enough and no one knew. But I felt bad for my friend, who never wants me to cry.

I am not a supporter of ALL humane societies. Little known fact they are not all acting in unison. I support one. The Golden Valley, MN one. (that's a city) Because I have a friend inside, in the thick of it. And because I have a long positive history.

Great Danes are the latest and greatest so it seems. I don't get it on a personal level. Why have a dog that costs a ridiculous amount to feed only to die at the age of 6ish? What a heartache.

Still trying to date. Can someone please send me a non-weenie that is also non-abusive. Would love a man like that. I think it's fairly traditional. Call me old-fashioned.

I hope everyone is doing well! If you made it to the end of this long post, thank you!

Take care, love the ones you're with and make happy memories!

I Met My First Con Artist - That I Know Of!

I've been meaning post on this because it's been the latest and greatest lesson in life. Fortunately, I lost nothing.

I will preface this by saying I have met my share of dishonest people. Just like I'm sure everyone else has - and I always thought a Con was someone that lied to get what they want. Well this is true but not necessarily completely true.

So, a few years ago I was shopping horses for a client. I went out to look at a horse a trainer had for sale. It was a nice horse he broke out. I liked the handle and she felt really solid. She didn't work for my client but this trainer and I got to talking about other things...as all horse people do.

He complimented my riding and asked if I had time to sit a few for him on cows. He was just over an hour away from me so I said maybe, we'll have to see. Because really, if the price is right, over an hour is not that big a deal. I also have a thing for working cattle so the opportunity to ride with someone who's more experienced than me in that is a plus.

Well, that never really came about. Between shows and other obligations, we never connected on a weekend.

Then, he moved to another barn. He told me had to leave the barn he was at because he dated someone important there and it ended badly. Which makes sense to me, I could see that happening.

The barn he moved to was over two hours from me so riding some horses for him became out of the question. We kept in contact and chatted over the phone.

He had a stallion in training he wanted me to show in hunter classes because he said he wouldn't be caught dead in breeches. Makes sense to me, that would be a cowboy thing - and I agree with it. He said he'd get the horse good and I'd just have to take a weekend before the show to leg up. Problem was he wanted me to show amateur and I can't. Well, I could try. But I won't. For all the moral reasons and the consequences, I won't.

That didn't sit right with me, his question - however the industry is full of people that cheat on the ammie/open issue and some people are too far into the game to see or care how wrong it is. I'm not making excuses for him - but I really wanted to ride with him on cows - he is very experienced in ranch verstatility as well. Here in MN - they can be hard to come by.

By the way this guy is either from Oklahoma or Tennesse.

Oh, he also wanted to date me. But he was undatable due to having kids in Texas he never sees. Not only that - way too "cowboy" for my comfort. I love cowboys with all my heart but there are some that are just fun to drink beer with and nothing more. He would be one.

After a while he moved out of state to another barn. He was too stressed at his last barn due to having too many horses and not enough help. The barn he moved too had someone there to do chores. He wanted me to come out and tag team a clinic - I work with the riders and he does the horses. Makes sense to me, my fortay is teaching.

All this time he was getting bank rolled by a woman that came into some money. This woman kept all her money in cash - all six figures of it. Don't throw stones at her. This is a free country and people can do what they want to with their money even if it's stupid. She also gave him her husband's leased truck to use. Once again, free country.

I did get out to see him at his new barn. I was beginning to think he was running away from child support or something because he moved so much. All this time I heard many good things about him. I also witnessed many good horses with him. And I got to ride a couple that really were horses he had trained or fixed. One horse coming to mind was a 16.3 hand hunter with a bad bucking problem so said the owner. I rode that horse and I honestly would've never guessed that horse thought to buck.

Time goes on. He wanted me to come out weekly to teach and he promised me a ton of lessons with boarders - if I would ride some and help him. This could have been lucrative for me if the focus was on work. He still wanted to date me. I still said no.

We had plans to ride over the summer and never did. He never called.

When I was in Okie last September he called out of the blue and said was going to be passing through on his way to a show in Texas. I offered him to stop in because he had a 24 hour drive and I had some open stalls. I figured my friends that own the property I was sitting wouldn't care if we used a couple to rest some horses. I told him to call me when he knew his ETA and then I would call/text my friends and see if they wouldn't mind.

Well he never called. I texted and he never responded once.

Just a few weeks ago I found out he drained his client of all her money, never did much with the shows, she claims he never rode the horses and he blew up the truck in Texas and can't come back.

Whoa.

Now he's the resident trainer at another place there - but probably not for long. The owner had to go steal her horses back and she is promptly trying to sue him somehow.

A lot of this is he said/she said and definitely this woman was not smart with her money (I mean, seriously, if you want to make a million in the horse industry, start with two).

Well, I just about fell out of my chair when I heard all of the stuff. I don't think I'm that dumb! I like to think of myself as someone who can generally spot a liar.

Point to everything is that, to him, he wasn't lying. A true Con believes their own story and so therefore can't be detected by others. I find this fascinating. I never knew that!

I'm so thankful I never did much with him - how awful to be associated with someone dishonest like that. I actually have a pretty good name for being honest and many people call me for my opinion.

Whew.

How interesting and f'd up!

Parelli Training Video

So, the video out there of Linda Parelli training a horse has really caused a stir!

I never would have even seen the video if it wasn't for the Parelli fans on facebook and then of course their blog. They advertised that video themselves. They should have just gone along their business because now it's really out!!!

Personally, I do not get the impression Linda is a horse abuser. Definitely, she seems very compassionate towards horses.

I think her problem here was that she was overhorsed, out of tools and scared.

Horse training is not about one method. All horse training methods do not work on all horses. A good trainer uses a variety of methods - appropriate to the horse and situation.

BTW - I have seen a lot of professed horse lovers/horse rescuers do some pretty awful things to horses when they were scared (it's pretty normal to over-react when scared).

This is a also a classic example of WHY this method doesn't work very well and why it shouldn't be out there on the market. That's just my opinion.

Also, the horse could not have been ruined by that training session (remember, EVERY session is a training session). Definitely had his mind changed but not in a way that was unchangeable. It's not like she was tying up his foot and throwing plastic bags at him or laying him on the ground and covering him with a tarp!!!

It takes a little bit more try than that to ruin a horse ("ruin" meaning unfixable forever").

It's Been A While...Get Ready

I never really intended to take a break from blogging but I also never intended for it to be something I had to do all time.

So I guess I win because blogging is both.

This is going to be the most random catch up and blog post ever...

Work - has been great, I love my job and I have a great boss. Everyday I thank the Powers That Be for this.

Horse - my horse is fat and happy being a horse - most definitely fallen to the bottom of the priority list, not that he was ever really at the top. He is in good hands, a good place and of course still gets everything he needs.

Cat - Still alive and well! The vet must have really worst-case-scenario'd her because she is showing no signs of dying anytime soon (because of the prednisone). Knock on wood.

Boyfriend - lack thereof. It would be nice to meet someone mature-ish, with no crazy exes, no weird social issues, no weird relationship issues that can't be explained and not a felon. If anyone knows of anyone, you know where I am!

Lessons - got an offer to teach again at a barn I used to teach at. Bummer is I can't offer training so I might not get the lessons because of it. Time will tell.

Family - sister is contemplating children, brother bought a super-duper uber foreclosure and is gutting it (it even had a "grow room"). He is even moving the kitchen...everybody always said I'm the ambitious one but I'm pretty sure it's him. Oh and he's getting married this year...maybe that has something to do with it.

Friends - three-year-olds in a recital...so cute I could cry. Planning more kids, having kids, it's all about the kids.

Vikings - super let down, it felt like a break-up. I was much happier when I didn't watch football.

Twins - We get Joe Mauer again (and we'd better).

Dating - can't date someone that likes the Yankees...I think I'm being too picky.

Horse Video - I hate the horse video, horse people and all of the crap that goes into it. But, I'm still excited...kind of.

As long as the horse industry remains divided, unprofessional, vain and corrupt - nothing good for it will ever happen. I'm just saying.

Oh - If you got this far, I'm buying a new home. Oops, I'm buying a new home!!! Everyone wants me to be all jumpy and excited and I am more tired of the process than anything else. Let it be over already.

Health - great - need to kick the smokes AGAIN. WTF. But I do go to the gym all the time and really super love it.

Fun Horse Plans - New horse, no. Showing in the cutting this year, no. Catch riding in the reiners...no. Working all the time and buying a home...yes. Ooops, YES!!!

Vacation - does Duluth count? I think it does. The Glensheen mansion is really worth it. Go.

New Restaurants - The Duplex in Mpls, Senor Wongs in St Paul, Coopers in St Louis Park.

New Favorite Thing to Drink - Prosecco before dinner, but then I eat more so it's not that great.

Newest Annoying Thing in Life - People that get emotional over their jobs to the point that I think they need meds. Bipolar disorder in people I interface with at work.

New Found Skill - No matter what someone says or does, I am able to stay respectful and smile. Because jeez, it's just work and not the cumulation of my life, or me, or my soul.

TV - hmmm??? Actually someone is giving me one. I'm pretty sure it's not HD or flat screen or LCD or any of those things. Seeing as how I never turn it on, it'll work.

NETFLIX - the best invention ever - The Weeds, Big Love, The Tudors, The Office - it will take me over a year to watch one season of each.

Something else that's annoying - Just because we went on a date once, does not mean that we need to talk every single day. Nor am I required to return phone calls every single day, because you call and text every single day. Just putting it out there.

COCT - Continuance of Creative Thinking - Occurs at work often, usually when a super creative person screws up an entire days worth of work over a shade of blue. This is where I practice my manners and smiling. I am GOOD at this I tell you...no one knows I think it's stupid.

COCT - Another time this happens is when one of the managers feels the need to spend 45 minutes talking about his love life. I am no Ann Landers. Yet I get asked. Annoying and no one's fooling me.

Favorite argument lately - Morgan Freeman narrates a film. He must be included in the credits and on the wrap. It can't "just go through anyway" when Morgan's name is accidentally spelled Megan. I'm sure this older black gentlemen would be pissed if he was all of the sudden turned into a young white woman. I'm just guessing.

Wow I can't believe I like Lady GaGa. She is so far outside the box she can't even see it.

I don't care what Tiger did and I don't feel bad for him either.

Here's to NOT repeating our sordid childhoods. I know your mom still gets alimony even though she's been in a committed live-in relationship for over 10 years - and I know she doesn't get married because she wants the alimony. Most women nowadays weren't brought up in an environment that told us marriage was the only option. And it takes two to tango. Just putting it out there.

How about Tisdale wines? $3.00 a bottle is my friend.

WTF is up with a restaurant that serves 3 oz wine pours? So, when you order a "glass" of wine, you get 6 oz and it's double the cost what the menu says. Survey says THAT'S SNEAKY.

I do not know anyone that can "have anyone." That does not exist. The person who claims this really can't get anyone, I'm sure. Doesn't really get anyone, for that matter.

My cell phone has been having problems lately. I really feel like letting it die and going cell-phone-less for a while. I think I might do it just to see what will happen. Got to make sure I get all those phone numbers out of it though.

Perseverence is important, giving up is the road to misery. Giving up every now and then is okay, but no longer than a day.

Tic-tacs are not only little breath mint candies BUT ALSO shots of orange vodka and red bull. A new experience. This could cause a person to take 6 hours to eat breakfast.

Bread making is out this year.

Home waxing kits suck.

If you wash your iPod, you can submerse it in uncooked white rice for about a week and it will work again. This goes for cell phones too. I think that is so cool, it's about the only thing I like about cell phones.

I now carry a whistle on my key chain...I think it's the best self-defense thing I could own.

Did you know Italians were persecuted pretty badly in this country? They were lynched and everything. I had no idea.

I hate ASPCA commercials - if I donate money, that will not save any animals from starvation or abuse. It will still happen.

My friend got the best dog addition to her family. She had a really big decision to make as she has two other dogs, one of which is geriatric and the other is a chihuahua. She also has a very active 3 year old boy and two cats. So a new dog had to be the perfect dog, to be trusted with small kids, small dogs, not add too much mess in the house, eat the cats or beat up the old dog. She got a year old pit bull mix and he's perfect. I want one just like him. (Okay, okay, not perfect...he had to learn about shoes and how they are not things to chew on.) But this dog loves everyone with every bit of his being. All the time.

***
Okay that's it...does anyone feel like I just threw-up onto my blog? I could probably keep going.

I hope everyone I haven't talked to is doing great and getting better!

Happy New Year!!!

What’s Up With the Cowboy Hat?

Living in the city as I do, I get asked this question a lot. I think more people think things in their heads and never say them. It’s a good thing we can choose what we say.

Anyway, I never wear a hat unless I absolutely have to. I really hate wearing hats, I don’t like the way they feel on my head. AND my ears stick out and my hair flattens and never recovers.

I have three cowboy hats, the good one, the one that lives in my car and the crappy-I-don’t-care-what-happens-to-it one. The latter is reserved for camping and outside all day horse stuff (I’m Norwegian-Irish and we burn pretty good). The good one is reserved for shows and rodeos where someone says “Western attire required.”

So, the one that lives in my car is actually the most important. I like it the best because it never goes on my head anymore, but it also serves a great purpose.

For whatever the reason, people let me merge more often and semis always give me the right of way. I found this out after not taking this hat out of my car for a few weeks. I noticed the change and never went back.

It is so cool but so weird given I live in the city. When I’m on the interstate, that’s one thing (all the cowboys I know drive truck now and then), but it works driving around town too! There must be a lot more people wishing themselves out of the city than I thought.

It does NOT work with Lexus’s or Denali’s – but really, what DOES work with them anyway?

So that’s what’s up with the hat. I’m on my way to eccentricity.

Merry Christmas

Pie.

Wine.

Sleep.

I hope you had a good one too!