pack.unpack.repack.

I have spent most of my life flying under the radar, most people don't know this, but deep down I am pretty shy. So

this whole process of starting out on my own, has been eye opening, to say the least. I have been very lucky to have the support that I do, and people that have helped me spread the word, so far, so good!!!

Where to start, I have been to Jersey and the VA CCI* grooming (congrats to Laura Vello on her 3rd place finish at VA!!) , It was a blast! I feel as though all I have done is dump the clothes in the wash and put them directly back in the suitcase. (people might be starting to think I only own 5 shirts... ) The spring season is winding down, and I have 2 more trips planned, before a small much need vacation to cali! (heres to hoping the snow melts...) and then the planning for the fall...

Class is in full swing, depending on how you look at it I am either 1/3 or 1/2 way done! I will be glad to finish up with school this fall. While it has taken me seemingly forever, (trust me I agree!!!) school has not been my main focus for a while (silly horses), and taking a year and a half off just added to the seemingly never happening graduation, but no fear it is in my sights, and I am crossing the t's and dotting the i's on my last classes, with the hopes of continuing on after Dec... The back up plan is a Masters in Econ. (and it never hurts to get a head start!) plus. hands down I can cook better than you. (not to brag or anything). so maybe that degree has a few perks too!

The ponies have been settling in, and we have been figuring each other out. alot. Mara has been very helpful with North, he is becoming quite the little DQ, and will be doing some local shows this summer, and some HT's this fall. Lena and I are learning. It has been a while since I have had a horse that was started by someone else, so I ask things she says WHAT YOU SAY?!??!?! but those moments are getting smaller and fewer and further between. She is aimed at Surefire and then possibly MD I. and dare I say the training three day at Waredaca this fall. (there I said it). The ponies and I are looking forward to more lessons! I'm thinking circles, they are thinking jumping. (so we shall have to see who wins that one. )

The days are getting busier, longer, and increasingly more humid, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

someone pinch me...

The past few weeks have been crazy. If you asked me 3 weeks ago, where I would be now, It would be moved in, unpacked and settled, with a few more purchases.. to name a few. Life has a way of not being exactly how you plan it, but sometimes thats almost sweeter. Instead I have been looking at too many places to live, most of which were rejected upon walking through the door... sometimes just opening it... getting moved to the awesome apt I did finally find! trying horses, buying a horse (more on that later), driving to raleigh, driving back, taking finals, enrolling in and testing into summer classes(apparently they don't like my culinary school credits...), truck shopping, spending lots of time with great friends, and running into a million and one different people...

At the end of the day while I wish the list was finished, it isn't, but it will be. I have been very lucky, North is in a week of boot camp with Mara, (I felt like a parent sending her kid to school... so nervous!) I have never put a horse in training before, but I felt that with the move and everything that this would be the perfect time to send him. I wanted to make sure I was heading down the right path with him, as he is not my type of horse so to speak. I adore him to pieces but sometimes feel like we are on the opposite pages when it comes to work. He tries his heart out for me, but sometimes I don't think I am asking the right questions! Mara has been amazing, I ask a million questions, and attempt to watch her ride everyday, she is such an amazing rider (I feel inspired just watching her), and totally willing to answer all of my million questions. I am very excited to have him back in a few days and I can't wait to have her continued help in the future!

and Lady in Red aka Lena arrived sometime in the middle of the night wed. She is awesome!!! I think it was love at first sight for me.. something about the red with the white face. She has been settling in and I am busy trying to pencil in some shows this spring... and a HUGE thank you to everyone that helped me find her, and get her here!!!

I have my last final tomorrow, one truck to look at, horses to ride, a barn to finish organizing, and the rest of my stuff to move down from annapolis....

then the list looks just about finished. <3.