Jumping again

I had my evaluation at a new barn on Monday. After talking the schedule over with my manager I called today and secured my place in the class. First lesson started today, and boy was it amazing. I remembered that I HATED giving up jumping and every time I watched a class I got a little pang of jealousy in my stomach, but I forgot that feeling of getting it right.

The first three times around were a little rough and I forgot to count about half the times but I got the strides right all but once. About the fourth time around (it was set up with two small X's on a line, then coming around the arena and taking a square corner to a small vertical. X's were probably 12" and 4 strides, and vertical probably 18", and after about 3 rounds I figured her out and it was like being a rock star. I would say definitely far from perfection but I felt something coming back. It was confidence. And it felt GOOD.

I clicked really well with Stella, the mare I rode. It was a little shaky at times but I am certain after another ride or two I'll be in much better tune with her. She jumps really up and round so I snatched her face twice on accident and got thrown forward a couple times as well, but both of the last times around were great and really smooth.

Texas hunter/jumpers, here I come.

Politics

Politics fascinate me. To a point where I am often in awe when reading about politicians and the devout Republicans and Democrats.

I have only dreamed about having such strong and unwavering conviction on topics such as economic policy, and how an ENTIRE COUNTRY should be run. Sometimes I WISH life could be as black and white as so many democrats and republicans make it seem. Or should I say Red and Blue?

I've considered this theory and I think it reflects the GENERAL overtones of both the republican and democratic parties in this sense:

Republicans believe in a smaller government, fewer taxes, and Democrats look towards a "strong" government and better use of taxes.

So here goes...*

You can tell a republican versus a democrat by the way they drive.

*Please note; the following is not meant to be taken seriously. Really. Like, at all. Except that Texas really DO drive like that. And Ohio is, well, probably fairly accurate in driving as well. However the relations to political party is TOTALLY a joke.

Texas

Buddy down here it's each man for himself, and you better get the HELL out of my way. Or stop when I decide to pull out in front of you, because I WILL. You think I'm going to wait for my light to turn green? FUCK no. My truck is bigger than yours so I have the right of way. So what if I'm driving a Chevy Aveo? My truck is at home. And it's bigger. Take my word for it, because I'm FAR too important and busy talking on my cell phone to explain this to you. Or use my turn signal. Or yield when I'm merging into traffic. I have places to go, and let's face it, I'm more important than you. So get out of my way. More road signs? Shoot, half the people down here can't read, we don't need no new-fangled road signs! Down here we got us some turn-a-rounds or just pop a U-ie if you miss your turn. Stop signs? No ma'am! Stop signs are for CHICKENS, and we're not chickens, we're TEXANS.

Ohio

Well hello there! Sir, can I get over there? I know you're already in the lane but I need to get off on that exit coming up and if you'd be so kind as to let me in. Oh dear, what's the speed limit again? 16? 25? Okay, thanks SO MUCH for letting me over! The 1,304 people stuck behind me really appreciate it, too. See, the problem is we don't have enough road signs!! We should make sure we include more signs and reduce the speed limits to 60 to help everyone get to their destination safer, and permanently late. You know, while we're looking at banning cell phones while driving we should also consider requiring drivers to get out and push their vehicles through school zones to prevent any further accidents. OH! Miss? Was it your turn to go or mine? I never could figure out these four-way stops. How do you know whose turn it is? Shouldn't someone be in the intersection to direct traffic?

Houstonians are TERRIBLE drivers!!! And they KNOW it! Everyone admits to it but no one does anything about it.

Kind of like corruption in politics, I guess.

Growing up and such

In twelve days I will begin the journey into adulthood.

Sort of.

I'm setting out for an (approx.) 20 hour drive to work as a camp counselor. I'm getting rid of nearly everything and essentially "starting over." My bed, desk, over half of my clothing, any candles, picture frames, my printer, all of it. Gone. Adios.

I'll spend two months working with horses and children. One of which I have a lot of experience doing, and the other I do not.

I've never been to Texas before (unless you count the four hours spent in the Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport, then I've been there once), but it's something I am incredibly excited about. I've always wanted to go to Texas, but I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the heat and the horses and the beautiful pictures I drool over, but I feel like there is something there for me.

Last night I was spending some time with friends, listening to all their stories of how they envision Texas. This "Texas" most people envision involves extensive cowboy boots, spurs, fake animals heads, cowboy hats, and stuffed animals stapled haphazardly on the walls, and anywhere they will fit.

I never pictured it that way. I just get a mental image of large, old gnarly trees along a river bank. I also feel like the people are going to be more cordial. But that is about it.

I'm more excited to reinvent myself. I did it went to Evansville for my first year of college. I became more outgoing and personable and created a social aspect of my life I had never really had before.

Whatever happens, it will be good, and a much needed change.

I have grown to really appreciate the city I live in and the people here, but it's the weather I am most looking forward to escaping. I need more sunshine in my life than I get in the Midwest. And warmth.

I will absolutely miss Mae, and my friends, and family. I feel incredibly guilty leaving when my dad is so sick, but I'm not leaving forever, and if necessary I can try and find a job in the area come August. I can always come back, but this job opportunity is not going to come around again.

Selfish, I know, but I never claimed to be perfect.