Monday, March 30, 2009

Another life lesson mood....

Well I'm in another one of those "life's little lesson" moods.
Good people attract good things and happy people bring light into other peoples lives. How the heck do negative people get ANYWHERE in life? No one has any given right to be rude for the sake of being rude or nasty to anyone for any reason.
I try to see the good in people and stay very posotive for the most part. I am only human and I too have my days however ,I think these people really need the mirror turned back at them to look at themselves. How can you carry on day after day being in a bad mood. Does that not attract bad feelings where ever you go?
Anyway....end of rant....whew....feel better now that I got that out.
Ahem...so today was a fairly good day. It was a Monday...which is supposed to be an easy laid back day. We start at 7....feed, clean stalls, put every horse on the walker and outside in the paddock. Don't forget the "boot routine"!
We also had 4 horses that needed to be hand walked for 15 mins each time, three times a day. So between the 3 of us working we did alot of walking today. And it was another HOT one. Thank goodness I wore a tank top like shirt today. I have been very respectivly dressed for work since the day I started and I don't wear tank tops like many of the girls do (I dont feel it looks professional) anyway since today no one else was there and its laid back and bloody hot....I wore my tank top :) haha
We had everyone on the walker and turned out before lunch so we got to go to Ihop again for lunch....mmmm
The afternoon was nice and easy. More hand walking, pick stalls, fill waters, clean outside paddocks, pick and rake the walker, feed, sweep and done for the day. We were done just after 5 and got home at a fairly decent hour. We are SUPPOSED to work 7-4 but I think that has happened once since I've been here and I think it was closer to 4:30 hahaha. I understand though...we work with horses and horse people...things never go according to plan.
Onto another week....this could very well be my last week in Florida. The first load goes home on the 8th and the second load leaves on the 13th. I have no idea which load I'm in yet. I hope I'm in the first....then I'd leave in 9 days and get back to my new position at the farm....in the COLD weather. I'm so excited for cold weather haha. Think I'm backwards.
Anyway....writing is such a great way to clear my head before bed so I can actually get some sleep. It's neat to think about how many people might read this. All the well wishes and comments sure make my day and make being away from home easier.
Thanx ya'll....Over and out. TTFN

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Today was a GREAT day :)

It has been hot lately and it's only supposed to get hotter! Walked out the door of our nicely air conditioned house this morning to an already hot 6:30 am....yuck. I HATE being sticky from the first moment of the day to the last....it's gross. I love the sun and warm weather however that statement comes from lazying on the beach and soaking up the rays in between dunks in the pool or lake/ocean. Having to WORK and I mean actually work your butt off in mid to high 80 degree weather is NOT cool. After we were done sweating away to get the barn fed and cleaned, the riders started to appear. Lori and Amy were in the office when they came out and asked for me. I thought uh oh what did I do? That feeling lingered around a little longer as while I was standing there waiting to hear the news one of the other barn guys was going on and on about his story. Finally Amy said we are going to have a meeting....so he appologised and left haha.
Turns out Beth called the Millars to talk more about me and what I was wanting to do. I am SO glad I have been upfront all along about who I have talked to and what my intentions were otherwise that could have not gone over so well.
(Now that I think about it I still don't know what it was exactly that they talked about however I got the feeling it was all posotive about me)
Still standing there thinking I was in trouble I was nervous as to where this was going. Finally they said they really don't want to lose me and was wondering why I wanted to continue talking to Beth about a job position. I explained that as much as I enjoy it there I really want to ride and train, learn all I can as a rider to further my skills and not just be a groom like I was 6 years ago. I also mentioned that Beth's salary started alot higher and the money appeals to me because I still have a farm to run at home and bills to pay.
Well guess what......they offered me to train the young horses for Millarbrooke :) !!!! They said "PERFECT we would love it if you'd work with the young ones" I assume I'll be working with Mandy and Christian once I get home riding and working with the young horses and some of the schooled ones if they need me to ride them. Lori also said I'll be getting lessons as they want to make sure I'm going along with their program and the horses are progressing as they should. How cool is that!!!! EEEEKKKKK I am grinning ear to ear but all day I have kept quiet as I feel it's the professional thing to do....I don't want to rub it in any one elses faces as they all want to ride too.
I have no idea if I'll still get to go to shows as a groom or if I'm just going to be a "rider" for the Millars. I can't wait to talk to them further and find out exactly what I'll be doing. And even better yet, I can't wait to get home in 2 weeks and get started on my new "position"
So what do you think about that....talk about everything happens for a reason. I have been activly searching out different options as to what to do and where to go as my next move. But I am happy as heck here and if they are willing to up my pay and let me do exactly what I want AND teach me....what more could I honestly ask for.
Oh the other scary thing that happened to me....I was getting a horse ready in the middle of the isle when Ian walked by and stopped....(thats NEVER a good sign haha) He looked at me and said "I hear you've been talking to Beth Underhill about a job" (nervous feeling came over me again...I'm really not good when put in the direct line of fire lol.... I said "yes I spoke to beth before I came to Millarbrooke and then met up with her here in Florida and agreed to speak with her further about the position at the end of March." He said "ok but recently...you've been talking to her about the job..." I said "Yes I have however I just had a meeting with Lori and Amy about it" He said" AANNNNDDD what are you going to do" Talk about having no time to think about it or even consider my options (luckily I was really happy about it and knew the answer as to what I'm going to do already. I said confidently...."I'm going to stay :) " He said "Well good, appreciate that" and started to walk out of the barn. I said as he was leaving "thank you very much for the opportunity to be here Ian"
I felt good about how that went.....
Ahhhh now I'm home and get to tell my mom who won't answer her phone....or my sister....or my barn manager...so I just HAD to write it here for you to see. But Shhhh I don't want to wreck a good thing before it's started so I'm just going to stay quiet about it until I get back to the farm and everyone just sees how it goes down.
I AM SOOOOO EXCITED.....here's the the bigger and better!!

Friday, March 27, 2009

What's next...

Hi All,

My appologies....I have been lacking in my blog writing. I've had a tough week again....We have been so busy and working even longer days. My horses have been showing everyday and life is so much fun but very tiring.
Yesterday I was finally so exhausted I went to bed by 7:45 pm and I slept for 10 hours. I was still tired. This is not an easy lifestyle. I often remind myself that I am hear by choice....not that I have to be. The good outweighs the bad and I look to the tough days as character building. I've been doing an awful lot of character building lately. I'm amazed at the fact that you truely find yourself when your surrounded by people you don't know and have no choice but to look at your own actions. Why you feel the way you do, why you act the way you act. I am a strong person and every day I grow stronger even if I don't feel that way at the time.
I am so passionate about what I do....like so many of you reading this are. Us horse people are a special breed. Every day I look around at the people who live this as their everyday lives. How dedicated both the people involved, their spouses, their families have to be in order to make it this big. It's not just a passion for them it's who they are and who they strive to be.
Ian, Amy and Jonathan are wonderful riders and wonderful people who work incredibly hard for what they have. I am thankful to them for having me be apart of this hard working, dedicated team because without this team they too wouldn't be able to live life this way. So much time, effort and money go into this lifestlye it's downright insane. I wouldn't change it for any other way.
I know I'm not the first, nor the last to ask myself why am I putting myself through this day after day? For the love of the horse of course.....
Oneday I too will be great and if I fail (because lets face it, you can't please everyone) I will know that I put my heart and soul into being the best I can be and will continue to until the day I decide I'm done.
My adventure is far from over and I know these are powerful words. My body asks why, my mind asks why but my heart asks...whats next.
There's your thought for tonight. Goodnight (BIG BIG hugs)

Monday, March 23, 2009

I feel like a new woman haha....day off

These past few days have been very very busy. With 2 horses showing each day I got to see the world my other coworkers have been living. I was usually in such a rush between the two horses and different classes I'd have to get one ready and walk to the show grounds where I was met by another groom who took him while I rode the bike back to the farm to get my next one ready and to the grounds. Pure craziness but alot of fun.
We have had a few days of cooler weather and rain. Florida is so not built for it...everything floods. Everyone thinks I'm nuts because I'm not cold. I was like HA I come from a rainy town....this is nothing!
It`s getting bitter sweet knowing we are not here for much longer. We keep that in mind now when we go grocery shopping as we won`t be able to finish everything.
We have been talking about housing when we get back to the farm. I think I get a different apartment then I was in before. The one I get now has a fun loft where the bed is so you have to climb a ladder to get into bed. I think thats kind of neat :)
I had a day off today. Apparently I was tired. I stayed up late last night talking to people online and I stayed in bed until 1 pm today haha. By 4 pm I was still in my pjs. When my roomies got home I decided it was time to get dressed and go pick up a few things from town.
Thats about up to date now....how is the Island life? I sure miss it there!
Shawna

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Singing in the Rain

We woke up this morning to a monsoon of rain. Luckily it didn't last too long but it rained off and on all day. The show went well and I got to take two of my horses for the first time to the "real" show grounds so it was fun. I had a bit of frusteration today as I haven't been here all THAT long as I haven't really been told or shown how the shows work because up until now I've only had the off day of showing. Of course I know enough about it all to figure it out however with my horses changing all the time and having Assini for only 3 days I didn't know which was her show tack, where the show sheets are ect. Everyone was away at the grounds with at least two horses today so I was usually left to fend for myself. It all went ok but in the moment I was stressing about not knowing and not being told or shown. On the flip side I'm glad at the thought of them leaving it up to me which means they feel I'm capable of doing so it's just such a fine line to toy with and I don't want to be wrong.
But I made it through the day, my horses looked beautiful and did well so it's all a learning process right?
I am enjyoing where I am very much but I question if being a "show groom" is going to teach me the things I want to learn. I will of course move around to different positions to see what else I might like to try but in the meantime this works and I'm in an amazing place with world class riders and horses :)
It's been a week full of thinking for me.....thats for sure. I am hoping to hear back from Beth soon since we are now nearing the end of March and the Ocala circut ends in 4 days. I know she's busy though so I don't expect to hear back from her until she returns back home to Ontario.
As far as I know we are here until the first two weeks of April....but it changes all the time so who really knows. Time is sure flying though.....can't believe I've been off the Island and away from home for 2 months already!
I miss everyone and everything about the Island so much. I'm hoping I'll (get over it is the wrong word) but you know what I mean, soon.
Goodnight Ya'll!

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Happy St Patricks Day

Today I got to work at 6:30 am, looked at the board which is what controls the layout of the day. I was grooming my 3 horses for Ian, Amy and Jonathan today....talk about a little nerve wracking!
I was told G Force is sold but for the mean time I had 4 horses....3 of which are greys....UGH !
So we cleaned stalls and course building was at 8 am. By about 8:25 I was told Ian needed Assini by 8:45....talk about RUSH. Now I have to tell you this horse LOVES to be dirty. Every morning she's as green as can be and usually needs a bath before riding. Well staying in the spirit of St Paddy's day she went overboard this time. So I had to beg and plead another groom to help me as there was no way I could get her shiny, white and ready for Ian....Oh MAN!
Well with the help of my fellow grooms I had her as white as possible, tacked up and ready waiting when Ian arrived, thank god! I would not have wanted to be on the end of that lead rope if I wasn't, especially for the first time grooming a horse for Ian.
As soon as I had Assini taken care of Amy came into the barn and said she was ready for G Force. Ok ran around like a chicken with my head cut off and managed to get him ready and out of the barn on time. By that time Ian came back on Assini so I untacked her and put her away. Soon after that Sofie came in and wanted to lunge Aubie before she rides him. Got him tacked up, set up for lunging and off they went. Then in came G. it went like this all day....just as I sent one out, the other came back. This went on until 12 o clock and Jonathan got on Mercy. WHEW sigh of relief....all four horses are out and 3 are back and put away. Then Sophie came back and wanted to ride Monte....who used to be my horse but isn't anymore. Nicolas was busy with Dryden the stallion and Ian so I offered to help get him ready. Horse number 5.
Cleaned all my tack that had been waiting for me, organised my tack boxes as they got a bit messy in the chaos. Then I took Assini out for a bath. The colors that came out of that horse even though she appeared clean were gross....and she gets bathed every other day! I scrubbed her really good as she shows tomorrow....not that she will still be clean in the AM....
Then I was told to bath G Force as he was leaving in the afternoon. So I got him all cleaned up and clipped up. He looked so handsome. Just as I was helping him get ready to leave Ian came into the barn saying I need Auto Be Aubie....who's horse is he. I said "He's mine" and Ian said there's someone here to see him we need him right away.
I'm so glad I had groomed him after his ride in the morning and rolls in the paddock so it wasn't too hard. Got him tacked him in show gear and sent him out of the barn. It was 4 pm by this time....
I said good Bye to G, got Aubie ready and off to his trial ride, he came back and I put him away, cleaned his tack, fed the horses, swept the barn, helped Julie with her barn (which has Amy's horses in it) and by 5ish we were done.
I am excited for tomorrow. I actually have TWO horses showing now....Aubie and Assini (both greys...sigh)
So I get to make two trips to the ring. One in Ring 6 and one in the International ring.
Nikki just finished looking at our draws for tomorrow and it's going to be one crazy day. Every groom has 1 or more horses showing tomorrow and they have us in an order that is impossible to have that many horses at the ring with the grooms we have so I'm not quite sure how tomorrow will unfold....however I do know it's going to be organised chaos. Anyone wanna trade hahaha?
TTFN

Monday, March 16, 2009

Happy Birthday to ME

YAY Happy Birthday to ME today. I miss everyone!!!! Hearing my two year old neice say "Happy Birthday Auntie Shawna I miss you I love you" was by far the greatest part of my day. I miss her sooooo much.
Off to bed for now....back to work as a 24 year old tomorrow. Here's to another year.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Big Day

Today was another crazy day....I don't know why I always say that...it's always a crazy day haha. We started at 6:30 am this morning. We felt rushed to get stalls done and Amy was riding G Force at 8:30 am so I had to get everything in order for her. Right after I got him out of the barn Sofie came and asked Nicolas to get Monte ready. He was busy with another horse so I offered to get him ready since I used to groom for him I knew where everything was. Ok 2nd horse out of the barn. Then G came back and I had to get him ready for his pre purchase exam at 11 am.....he had to be nice and clean again (darn grey horses)
Patrick came to ride Mercy at 10 so I got her tacked up and out of the barn. Whew 3 horses by 10 O clock....I was on a roll. Put horses on the Electro rug, turned out, put on and took off the walker.
Mercy came back and I gave her a bath. G's vet appointment got moved to 3 pm. Got Mercy treated and wrapped, and hand walked for grass.
Sofie came back and asked if I could get Aubie ready in 30 mins. Got him organised and out of the barn.
G had to go back on the walker at 2 pm. I was told someone might come to see Aubie this afternoon and to get him clean and tidy after his ride just incase. So I got his show bridle figured out, put a different bit on and made Aubie shine.
3 o clock rolled around so I got G Force out and started with the vet. It was a 2 hours exam with every kind of test and full x rays. It was neat to see how they do it for these big money horses and I was happy to be involved. Except for the fact it was SOOO hot out and we did a million jogs for the flexions. I was red and sweaty as can be and felt embarrased about it. For anyone who doesn't know me I struggle with sweating. I am always hot and over heating and am very self concious about it. If I could have one wish it would be to have all of my sweat glands removed. Yes I know it wouldn't be healthy but this is something that affects me everyday.
So I tried not to worry about it and just kept doing what I was supposed to. He checked eyes, teeth, muscle response, blood tests, flexions, lunging, riding, x rays and on and on and on. The other grooms were done by 3:30 and waited for me to be done to feed. We were at the barn until 6 pm tonight.
Got the horses fed and headed home. We went to Coldstones after work....that amazing ice cream place mmmm.
It's my Birthday party tomorrow night so that should be fun and then I have Monday off YAY. My Birthday is on the 16th.
I was so tired today I fell asleep right after work for 3 hours, just woke up, showered and writing this then going back to bed. I have one heck of a headace at the moment so I took some Motrin. My body has been feeling the work this past week. My tendonitis is really playing up and when I muck stalls in the morning my finger tips in my right hand go numb.....my sister said it can mean your pinching a nerve under your shoulder balde. Hmmm OUCH.
Good night everyone!

Friday, March 13, 2009

Owwww my feet

Well today was one of the most phsically tiring days but also one that was very rewarding :)
We started early...had to leave the house by 5:45 am.....it's very hard to go to work when the MOON is still shining in all it's sleepy time glory. YAWN
Jonathan was riding G Force at 8 am so after stalls were done he had to be one of the first on the walker because he was also showing today. Got that done, brought him in and led him back to his stall to have a pee before getting him ready, thats another rule....they always have to go right back in their stall when they've been on the walker, outside, or being ridden so you untack in the stall.
Then I got him beautified and out of the barn and was told he should be showing around 10ish. Got all my stalls and waters done. Took out the tack for the day. Put horses boots on to go on the walker and outside, switched horses. Nikki headed off to the Bahamas today so we were one less person so the morning wasn't going as fast.
10 am rolled around fairly quickly so I cleaned G Force up after his ride so he'd be ready for the show ring. I was so excited to be going to the ring today :) I had to have him clean but wait for the go ahead to get him ready once his rider was on the way. In the mean time one of my other riders was scheduled to show up at 11 am to ride and the other rider came in and said she'd ride Aubie right after her horse. OH MAN....three horses to do all at once....I was a little bit stressed. I had G Force clean and waiting for the GO. So I groomed the other two up and waited a few minutes to put tack on since it was a little early and I didn't want them standing in the cross ties for a long time waiting. 10:45 rolled around so I tacked up both Aubie and Mercy, one in the grooming stall and one in the ties in the alleyway (which is a pain because you have to unsnap and move them everytime a horse needs by which is very often in a busy barn)
I had Mercy ready to go, my rider showed up, led her outside and off they went. Whew! One down.....I headed in to finish tacking up Aubie. Was just about to put his bridle on when I got the call for G Force to be tacked up. YIKES. I asked Nicolas and luckily he had a minute to help and get Aubie out to the ring. I ran and got G out, gave him a quick wipe down, boots went on, hoof oil, fly spray, breast plate, saddle pad, half pad, ears, bridle and I was awaiting for her saddle to arrive. Thanks to Nicolas I was able to get all 3 ready and out of the barn on time. I was a red sweaty mess by this point as today was one of the hottest days since I'd been here.
Since I knew I was heading to the show grounds I asked the other grooms if they'd be able to untack my other two horses when they got back.
The rider got on, took him over a few jumps and on that note we headed to the ring. It's a bit of a walk there so we get our many many miles in each day. Her round was fabulous and G jumped beautifully. She's looking at him to buy and she seemed pleased with him :) Good Boy.
I put on his sheet, loosened his girth and nosebands as his go so insanely tight and he has not only a regular noseband but a figure 8 over top. My tendons in my arms hurt from doing up nosebands and flashes around here, thats how tight they go.....
I gave him a carrot and headed back to the barn. As soon as I got back there was an issue with his shoe so I had to clean him up for the third time and head right back to other show grounds to the farrier to get it fixed....more walking....I wish I had a step counter today as I covered alot of ground!
Got his shoe fixed, G was happy to be out and about today while I was getting more red and more sweaty and discusting....at least the horses don`t care.
Got back to the barn just as Mercy came back from her ride, hadn`t even finished putting G away before I had to run and lead her into her stall and get her untacked. So as I had mountains of dirty tack piling up I also had horses to "put away" They need to be wiped down with a wet towel to erase any sweat marks ect. So I groomed my 3 horses so they were back to being beautiful. I had to wash G's legs and put some goop on him, then wrap him and pack his feet. Then I got Mercy out and treated and wrapped her legs and took her out for some grass. She doesn't go in turnout so has to be led for grass daily.
Finally had my horses clean, wrapped, and put away so it was time for the tack. Thankfully some of the other grooms had helped while their day wasn't as busy or they had finished their craziness in the morning.
We thought we'd be done by 4 today but we still didn't get out of the barn until 5....*sigh* Oh but the best part of my day. Ian Millar actually told me today I was doing a GREAT job!!!!! That means ALOT coming from him as we usually just get lectures, talked to sternly or downright yelled at....so I felt pleased with myself. Also Lori told me my bandages were "fabulous" that meant alot too after the first time I did them and she made a noise and said....hmmm we need to teach you how to bandage. HAHA I know how to they just do it differently. As soon as they showed me how they want it I think I do a damn fine job. So gold star number two for me today.
So downright exhausted after work we came home and then decided we were all going to head out for dinner to IHOP. MMMM I love Ihop. Trying to get back to eating better I went with a chicken salad and it was good, while the other were eating stacks of butterscotch pancakes and Nutella crepes....there's looked and smelled so good. Then we went grocery shopping as it's all in the same complex. I bought only healthy things to get back on track....I'll update you in a few days how I'm doing with that hahahaha wish me luck! TTFN

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Middle of the week

Today rolled along smoothly and we were actually done and out of the barn by 4:45 pm! Go us!
One of my horses is showing on Friday so I'm excited about getting to go to the grounds again.
My day off on Tuesday was GREAT. I layed in the sun in the backyard for hours. It was so nice to do nothing.
Next Monday is my Birthday....I SHOULD have the day off but I'm not sure if the schedule is all messed now since they gave me Tuesday off....so we'll see. This weekend is going to be a little hectic again. The Sweds got back from Bahamas but now the groom from France goes on Friday and the one from New Zealand goes on Sunday.
I can't believe I've been in Florida for a month now (minus the 4 days I was back in Perth) Time flys when your having fun.
Recent events just make me realize how everything happens for a reason and this universe sure has it's ways to make things happen. Such a small world :)
Bedtime....goodnight ya'll....
HUGS

Monday, March 9, 2009

Lovin the sunshine

Here we are at Monday again. It feels like alot has happened in the past 2 days....they've been long especially with the time change. One of my horses went to be tried, that was a fun experience to leave the barn and see different places along the way. I just love Florida and everything horsey around here. I'm told that it's only like this during the winter months though as in the summer it just gets too hot. It seems a shame as for 6 months of the year these amazing facilities just sit empty because everyone goes North where it's cooler just as we all go south to get warmer this time of year.
The weather has been hot hot hot! I got word today that I get tomorrow off.....YAY and it's supposed to be 83 degrees so I am going to lay out in the sun all day...lather myself in sunscreen and catch up on some much needed sleep...sounds like a great plan to me :)
Saturday was the $200,000 World Cup Grand Prix and this Saturday is the $75,000 class
This week is supposed to be "quiet" as no horses are over at the FEI grounds so we have all the grooms back at our barn which makes life run more smoothly. It's also Dressage week so there are Freestyles on Saturday and George Morris is teaching a clinic on Friday. I would love to be able to go watch but we don`t usually have the time to.
Then next week is the big $400,000 Finale Grand Prix....that will be a good one to watch!
Well I am getting sleepy so I will be online again tomorrow.
TTFN

Saturday, March 7, 2009

Some pictures

I don't have long to write tonight but I did take some time to post pictures on Island Horses. Here is the link http://www.islandhorsesforum.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?t=33196
Enjoy and I will write again tomorrow :)

Friday, March 6, 2009

Today's Happenings

Today was like any other day.....insanely fast and busy haha. We have been leaving the house at 6:30 lately so it's been nice to sleep in to 5:45 am....*rolls eyes*....you never would have caught me calling that "sleeping in" before I got here.
We are down to less then a month left here in Florida. The scheduled date to arrive back at Millar Brooke in Perth is April 3rd. Also only 10 more days until my Birthday :) The girls are throwing me a party....they are inviting everyone of course, as I don't know any of the other grooms and riders. Should be a fun time.
My horses were good today. I clipped G force yesterday as he was being tried out today. So I spent alot of time getting him clean and ready....he's a grey....I have two of them. I was excited to get to leave the farm. Patrick rode him over and I got to take his dirtbike....sooooo much fun! I met him at the farm we were going to. I thought the girl riding him looked very familiar and I couldn't figure out where I knew her from. As we were all talking Jonathan mentioned to me the president of CN owns the farm we were at, as we were talking about the expensive footing that cost around $150 000!!! Anyway then it hit me....back when I worked at Spruce Meadows Casey (the daughter of the man who owns CN) was showing there and was to be treated like royalty. Spruce's horses move out so hers could move in. Anyway long story short I was good friends with her groom and this was the girl again.....small world! She had a great ride on him and wants to try him again when her dad gets home on Sunday. If I get to take him back I will have to mention it to her to see if she remembers me. She looked at me like shed knew me as well but didn't have much time to talk other then to thank me for bringing the horse over. I thought it was kind of neat.
One of the other riders got a new horse today. He used to be owned by Margie Goldstein or Ingle or whatever her name is....I'm working on getting the names right I really am.
I had to switch one of my horses today with Nicolas as he has too many that are showing and cannot take 3 horses at one time so now I have a horse that will be showing YAY.
I got to pcik which one I gave him....if I was thinking better I should have swaped one of my greys haha but he already has two so I figure this way at least we are even. We have WAY too many greys in this barn!
Tomorrow there is a big Grand Prix night class so Nikki and Julie will be working late. I think we are going to try to watch.
The two swedish grooms, Nicolas and Sanda, are leaving on Sunday for the Bahamas for a night....I'm jelous! They have been here for 3 months so they have to leave the country and then come back. So Millar Brooke is flying them to the Bahamas for a night and back to work on Tuesday lol. I think it's kind of funny but it makes sence. But it also means none of us get a day off on Monday. It wasn't my week anyway so I don't mind. we only get two days off in a month....sigh....I miss having free time. We are lucky if we get 2 hours to ourselves in the evening where we can sit and not have to rush around. I have to say though I am getting better with it. As long as I'm busy it doesn't feel like such a long day...it's when there is slow times when all the other grooms have left to the grounds and I'm stuck at the farm alone that it feels long. It really doesn't happen that often but on occasion. So I'm thrilled to be joining them now with the new horse I'm grooming for :)
The weather has been cooler but it got hot out again today. I like the cool days. Hot weather is for the beach...it's not fun to work in.
Anyway I have been thinking alot of the bigger picture and my bigger dream. I can't WAIT until I get to come home and live it, but in the meantime I am gaining the knowledge and tools to be able to run a world class facility.
Wish me luck!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

So Tired

I have been so tired lately so haven't taken the time to write. Mom woke me up last night from phoning at 11:30 pm....she forgot about the time change and tried to wake the whole house up haha.
Work has been fast and furious and hasn't been the best mood in the barn as of lately. Doesn't help when your tired.
The weather has been cooler lately but I'm not complaining....I kind of like it. I actually wore my sweater all day today!
I am starting to get used to my routine but just as I do it changes again.
I have pictures from the Nations Cup and from around the barn but I haven't had time to resize and post them. Will try tomorrow. Got home from work at 6 pm tonight, fell asleep, had to wake back up at 8 and go back to the barn for night check. YAWN
I thought I'd just write a little note and try to post some pictures tomorrow.
Keep your eyes peeled! I'm off to bed now....
Goodnight.

Sunday, March 1, 2009

Sunday Sunday Sunday

Work today was good. We got to sleep in to 5:45 am YAY....left for work at 6:30. The day went really fast today. The morning was fast and furious. My horses all got ridden one after the other so by 12 my three were all done. Went through our regular chores and then I had to clip Aubie. He was such a good boy...now I'm really itchy. I'm sure glad I invested in a pair of body clippers back at home (thanks to jessica) becuase full body clips have become my new favorite thing....all the hair can go! And the amount of horses I've clipped now it getting crazy in the short time I've been doing it. I'll be pro in no time. It is a little nerve wracking clipping horses that are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars because its then when a bad haircut becomes a little more then just a bad haircut hahahaha.
I sure enjoy my 3 horses, as grooms you get very close to your horses as we are the ones who spend every waking minute grooming, clipping, wrapping, treating, turning in, out, tacking, un tacking....well you get the idea.
Tomorrow is my DAY OFF.....yay for sleeping in!!!!!! Not that we can get up to a whole lot because we only have one truck for 6 people and it'll be going to work tomorrow and 3 of us won't be....darn.
It's not even supposed to be hot and sunny tomorrow otherwise I'd have put on my bathingsuit and lay on my front lawn...as silly as that would look in a ritzy little subdivision but hey....a girl's gotta get her tan on lol.
I hope we try to do something at least.
Oh right....people back home....I put some sunshine and hot weather in the mail today but because I did that we got yours.....it was dark, windy and cold today. That shouldn't be allowed. ENJOY...hope it arrives before July!