My boss always says that tough times are like speed bumps-- you go over them, and keep going. You don't back up and run over them again and again. Makes you think, doesn't it? It's hard not to let the stressful stuff get you down, but if you think about it like that, 1) it makes you laugh (especially if you imagine the speed bump as someone you particularly dislike, KATRINA) and 2) it makes you realize that soon enough this will be behind you and you'll be moving on.
Personally I've learned to live my life in a state of gratitude, because then I always find things to be grateful for, no matter how small. If you live your life in a state of expectation or entitlement, like so many people I know (especially women-- perhaps it's the "damsel in distress" syndrome?), nothing will ever live up to those expectations.
I have found myself feeling particularly grateful lately. Don't get me wrong, I'm stressed... I took the time to have a good cry on my lunch break about some of the overwhelming things I've been going through. But at the same time, I can't help but appreciate my life and I know that this time is just a speed bump that'll soon be in my rear-view mirror.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
What goes up...
... you guessed it: must come down.
Got bucked off the Supermodel last night. It was my own stupid fault, and I'm kicking myself right now (well, not literally because I am pretty much too sore to move. But once I feel better I will be kicking myself!) I tried to squeeze in a ride in 45 minutes, dressed in my work clothes (very slippery jeans and slick-soled boots), and figured I'd be fine without longeing her first. UH, NO.
She was doing okay but getting a bit pissy, I could tell. I should have slowed down there and just let it go. But no... I decided that it was a good day to try cantering her for the first time. She tried her best, she really did, and then she just got mad. She kicked up at my leg (something she does on occasion) and I could see the lightbulb go on in her pretty little head. I went "OH NO YOU DON'T!" but I was too late-- she took off bucking, I slid off the back of the saddle onto her butt which just freaked her out. She whipped around in a 180 and took off the other direction, which projected me off her back and onto the (hard) ground. On my face.
I flipped onto my back, all the wind knocked out of me, feeling like I was about to die. Everyone came running out of the house and the workshop, and between gasping for breath I told them all I was fine, no don't call 911 or my husband, just give me a minute. Someone caught Gia and walked her around as she was very agitated. I eventually got up, not a whole lot the worse for wear, but for an enormous cut/bruise across my forehead that I honestly can't figure out how I did. Was it from the helmet? No idea.
I longed her for a few minutes (she ran around like a crazy person, tail straight up in the air) and then put her away and went home. I felt fine (ish) when I got into the car, but driving was painful (my left hip was killing me every time I pushed on the clutch) and by the time I got out I was already stiffening up in my neck and hip.
I did get silver spots in my vision and at one point Derek and I talked about going to the ER... but after some Advil and rest I felt much better so just decided to take a super hot bath and relax. Today I feel crappy (as expected) but it could have been MUCH worse. Derek found dirt in my EAR for goodness' sake, I am covered in road rash down my left side... but thank goodness I was wearing a helmet. I admit, I almost didn't-- that's how much of a hurry I was in. :(
Bad, bad, bad. But I've learned my lesson. I only hope my Supermodel doesn't figure out that bucking and bolting is a good way to end the working!
Going to go limp off and eat my lunch now...
PS: My father-in-law has dubbed me "Crash". I hate to tell him that it was more of a "thud" than a "crash", beacause "Crash" is a much snazzier nickname than "Thud".
Got bucked off the Supermodel last night. It was my own stupid fault, and I'm kicking myself right now (well, not literally because I am pretty much too sore to move. But once I feel better I will be kicking myself!) I tried to squeeze in a ride in 45 minutes, dressed in my work clothes (very slippery jeans and slick-soled boots), and figured I'd be fine without longeing her first. UH, NO.
She was doing okay but getting a bit pissy, I could tell. I should have slowed down there and just let it go. But no... I decided that it was a good day to try cantering her for the first time. She tried her best, she really did, and then she just got mad. She kicked up at my leg (something she does on occasion) and I could see the lightbulb go on in her pretty little head. I went "OH NO YOU DON'T!" but I was too late-- she took off bucking, I slid off the back of the saddle onto her butt which just freaked her out. She whipped around in a 180 and took off the other direction, which projected me off her back and onto the (hard) ground. On my face.
I flipped onto my back, all the wind knocked out of me, feeling like I was about to die. Everyone came running out of the house and the workshop, and between gasping for breath I told them all I was fine, no don't call 911 or my husband, just give me a minute. Someone caught Gia and walked her around as she was very agitated. I eventually got up, not a whole lot the worse for wear, but for an enormous cut/bruise across my forehead that I honestly can't figure out how I did. Was it from the helmet? No idea.
I longed her for a few minutes (she ran around like a crazy person, tail straight up in the air) and then put her away and went home. I felt fine (ish) when I got into the car, but driving was painful (my left hip was killing me every time I pushed on the clutch) and by the time I got out I was already stiffening up in my neck and hip.
I did get silver spots in my vision and at one point Derek and I talked about going to the ER... but after some Advil and rest I felt much better so just decided to take a super hot bath and relax. Today I feel crappy (as expected) but it could have been MUCH worse. Derek found dirt in my EAR for goodness' sake, I am covered in road rash down my left side... but thank goodness I was wearing a helmet. I admit, I almost didn't-- that's how much of a hurry I was in. :(
Bad, bad, bad. But I've learned my lesson. I only hope my Supermodel doesn't figure out that bucking and bolting is a good way to end the working!
Going to go limp off and eat my lunch now...
PS: My father-in-law has dubbed me "Crash". I hate to tell him that it was more of a "thud" than a "crash", beacause "Crash" is a much snazzier nickname than "Thud".
Thursday, March 17, 2011
An un-recommendation, and news
In the past I've been very vocal about my support and recommendation of Ingrid Hurrell of Red Maple Photography. Well, I'm officially un-recommending her. STAY AWAY. She shot my wedding, and I've never met a more unprofessional "professional". The wedding was six weeks ago, I've ordered my prints but we are still having issues over digital files AND she has begun stalking us. She has Facebook messaged my husband, and now brutally offended one of my best friends (well, I'M offended for her, she's more sensible than I so may not have been as offended as I am), also by Facebook message.
And, frankly, Ingrid's skills as a wedding photographer are lacking, and her unprofessional attitude was a real stress on my wedding day (and since!) Many of her images are unuseable to me due to light, colour, composition or other issues, while my good friend took better pics with her entry-level SLR (the same camera I have!) Ingrid gave me a super "deal" and even then it wasn't worth it.
So don't even think about using her, you'll regret it-- unless the experience at my wedding causes her to learn about how true professionals act.
IN BETTER NEWS! Lots of good things going on. The Supermodel is kicking ass and taking names, she's advancing in leaps and bounds. She's lonely by herself and goes through phases where she won't eat, but her weight is staying good and she's perky so I'm just keeping an eye on it. She's gaining muscle as she gets worked more so she actually looks pretty good right now-- except for the piles of hair she's shedding. Hooray spring and all, but the shedding is always such a pain!
Derek is working on an iPhone app for horse people that I'm pretty excited about. I think it's going to be very useful for us regular horse folk, something that will enhance my recordkeeping and help keep things organized.
Last weekend my in-law family threw a huge party to celebrate our wedding, since so many of them couldn't make it. It was wonderful, and I am very grateful to them for putting it together, and for everyone who came to commemorate our special day. I know lots of pictures were taken, I will have to get my hands on some of them to share.
My mom came which was a very happy surprise. She has started working as a personal chef (check out her site here) and we are going to work together, with my business Pink Bakerie providing the desserts. I'm really excited about this and can't wait to be challenged!
Other than that, I've been spending much of my (limited) spare time working on my photography and graphic art. I have begun posting prints on my etsy store, who knows if it'll go over well, but I'm having a blast. I have many ideas for future prints and cards, I just need more hours in the day!
Here's an example taken from the store:
Guess that's really all the news for now...
And, frankly, Ingrid's skills as a wedding photographer are lacking, and her unprofessional attitude was a real stress on my wedding day (and since!) Many of her images are unuseable to me due to light, colour, composition or other issues, while my good friend took better pics with her entry-level SLR (the same camera I have!) Ingrid gave me a super "deal" and even then it wasn't worth it.
So don't even think about using her, you'll regret it-- unless the experience at my wedding causes her to learn about how true professionals act.
IN BETTER NEWS! Lots of good things going on. The Supermodel is kicking ass and taking names, she's advancing in leaps and bounds. She's lonely by herself and goes through phases where she won't eat, but her weight is staying good and she's perky so I'm just keeping an eye on it. She's gaining muscle as she gets worked more so she actually looks pretty good right now-- except for the piles of hair she's shedding. Hooray spring and all, but the shedding is always such a pain!
Derek is working on an iPhone app for horse people that I'm pretty excited about. I think it's going to be very useful for us regular horse folk, something that will enhance my recordkeeping and help keep things organized.
Last weekend my in-law family threw a huge party to celebrate our wedding, since so many of them couldn't make it. It was wonderful, and I am very grateful to them for putting it together, and for everyone who came to commemorate our special day. I know lots of pictures were taken, I will have to get my hands on some of them to share.
My mom came which was a very happy surprise. She has started working as a personal chef (check out her site here) and we are going to work together, with my business Pink Bakerie providing the desserts. I'm really excited about this and can't wait to be challenged!
Other than that, I've been spending much of my (limited) spare time working on my photography and graphic art. I have begun posting prints on my etsy store, who knows if it'll go over well, but I'm having a blast. I have many ideas for future prints and cards, I just need more hours in the day!
Here's an example taken from the store:
Guess that's really all the news for now...
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