Time to Mix Things up a Bit

This Saturday is my birthday. For the record, I'll be a mere 44 years old. They say these are supposed to be the best years, so far so good. To spice things up a bit, when my husband asked what I wanted to do for my birthday I said I wanted to attend the "know and go clinic" at Riverfare Farm in Webster. The clinic runs through all of the classes in a stock horse show according to the S.H.O.T. rulebook. I've dabbled with team penning before and even entered the trail and pleasure classes in one of Riverfare's shows a few month back. But on Saturday, Kitt and I get to play with the cows and try out the other classes involved in Stock Horse Shows including working cow and reining. In the Spring, Patrick attended the clinic and it gave him things to work on at home. Now he can spin Tucker around like he's been riding for years. He does lead changes like I've never been able to and both he and Tucker enjoy their time in our arena at home. They've "mixed things up". Of course, Cowboy Mounted Shooting is still our passion, but without having other activities to keep both you and your horse entertained things can get a bit "dry". I would know, that's how Kitt and I are feeling. Dry...even bored at times. I don't see the twinkle in Kitt's eye when we're riding around in our arena. Sure, when we go to competitions she's "all that", but otherwise she's bored and so am I. The other night when I was riding I picked up a rope and started playing with it while in the saddle and swinging it above my head to see how Kitt felt about it. She was fine, un-threatened. I, however, felt clumsy and thought I might get tangled and topple off the top of my horse in total embarrassment. Obviously I need to work on my rope handling techniques. So I'm looking forward to the clinic this weekend. Mixing things up will not only teach Kitt and I something new, it will give us some things to work on which in turn will make us a better team.

Vacation

It's that time again. Time for the annual Page Family summer vacation. This year we are heading up to Canada for two weeks. The cabins we stay at I've been going to since I was about 6 yrs. old, minus a 10 year absence, which is a whole other story in itself. Last year was the first time I took my family, first time I had been back in 10 years and it was a very emotional journey for me. The same families have been going for the same time we have, so I grew up with many of the people there. Because while growing up we moved so much (once every 2-3 years) I consider these people the ones I grew up with. The only constant in my life. So the 10 year absence was painful, but I've put that anger behind me and have managed to move on.
Aside from the excitement I feel about having two weeks to spend with my family and friends, I also feel a lot of anxiety about going away for an entire 2 weeks. I'm what people would refer to as a "work-a-holic". I work when I'm at work, I work when I'm at home (like now). I enjoy work. Being away from a computer, TV and telephone will be difficult but just what I probably need. I'll also miss my horses, dogs, cats, guinea pig and rabbits, but again, probably what I need. Having nothing to do but spend quality time with my kids and husband is just what we all need!
So as for the computer, TV and telephone, I'm sure all messages will still be waiting for me when I come back. As for the horses, dogs, cats, etc, I have one of my employees, who is great with animals and very responsible, taking care of things for me. As for spending quality time with my kids and husband, I'm sure as soon as I start doing that this anxiety I feel will leave my body. I will relax, something everyone needs to do occasionally.